By Soren Feldrake, Senior Scribe of the Hollow Compact – 6th of Deepmarch
In an expedition marked by both heroic triumph and regrettable loss, the Delvers Guild has successfully neutralized the threat lurking within the ruins of the Devoured Outpost. The mission, undertaken at the behest of the Deepwardens, sought to assess the fortress for potential habitation and secure a promising new water source—a crucial step in Vordenth’s continued survival.
The team, composed of brave and capable explorers, encountered dangerous remnants of the outpost’s former inhabitants—twisted beings of stone and shadow, the results of a forbidden experiment meant to bind dwarves to the rock itself. Reports indicate that the Delvers faced these horrors with unwavering resolve, ultimately destroying the unstable elemental shard that had corrupted the outpost.
However, in sealing away this threat, the expedition also inadvertently triggered a collapse, rendering the outpost inaccessible and cutting off what many had hoped would be a crucial expansion point for Vordenth’s growing population. Additionally, the cavern’s promising water supply—which, if secured, could have alleviated the city’s increasing strain—has been buried beneath tons of rock, its fate uncertain.
“The Delvers acted in the best interests of the city,” stated Overseer Marik Durnhold, a ranking member of the Deepwardens. “The threat they encountered was beyond what any of us had anticipated. They made a decision in the heat of battle—one that ensured the safety of Vordenth. And for that, they deserve our gratitude.”
Despite the Deepwardens’ official stance of praise for the Delvers’ bravery, some among the council have expressed measured disappointment at the loss of what could have been a major breakthrough for the city’s future. “Opportunities for expansion are rare,” one unnamed source within the council remarked. “We must now redouble our efforts to secure new resources elsewhere.”
Public sentiment remains mixed. Many citizens have celebrated the Delvers as heroes, applauding their efforts in eliminating a lurking danger before it could reach Vordenth’s borders. Others, particularly those who advocate for the city’s expansion into the deeper tunnels, have voiced concerns about what this means for the future. With water scarcity growing more dire, and space becoming increasingly limited, the Deepwardens are left with hard decisions on where to send future expeditions.
For now, Vordenth remains safe, but this victory serves as a somber reminder—progress in the depths is never without risk, and each choice made shapes the city’s uncertain future.
The Vordenth Voice will continue to provide updates on expeditions, resource allocations, and the ongoing efforts to secure Vordenth’s place in the depths. May the Dawnshard shine upon us all.
