By Soren Feldrake, Senior Scribe – 19th of Deepmarch
Delvers Secure New Water Source Amid Fierce Battles
In a daring mission to secure a vital water resource for Vordenth, a brave band of Delvers was dispatched to follow the drainage of the city’s wastewater. Their arduous three‐day journey led them to a cavern hidden deep within the tunnels—a natural junction where an underground water source merged with Vordenth’s drainage. Early scouts reported the area to be promising, though it was not without danger.
Upon arrival, the Delvers encountered a kobold tribe, whose inhabitants had long claimed the cavern as their own. These kobolds, ever vigilant and armed with a variety of traps and ambush tactics, immediately launched an attack on the newcomers. Initial attempts at a peaceful approach were quickly abandoned as the kobolds proved unwilling to negotiate under the tense circumstances.
After a grueling struggle through treacherous tunnels filled with traps and foxholes, the Delvers eventually confronted a pair of formidable foes: a magic-casting kobold and its master—a small black dragon. Although the dragon was diminutive in size, its threat was no less real. The victorious Delvers returned with several parts of the creature—a grim reminder that even the smallest dragon can be extremely dangerous.
I had the chance to speak with one of the returning heroes, Ly’rin Hearthheart, a bard by trade, who had taken part in securing the area. When I asked him, “How do you feel the mission went?” he replied:
“The mission was more dangerous than I originally thought it was going to be. I wanted to lead with peace so no unnecessary blood was shed. But with the amount of traps, foxholes, and ambushes I quickly realized negotiating was not on the table.”
I then inquired, “Was there a reason that your party brought back the parts of the dragon?” Ly’rin explained:
“Removing the dragon from the water source was my biggest priority. Having something dead lingering in the source of the water could have tainted it and made it unsafe for us. With it being as precious as it is, I also don’t like senselessly killing things. So to take something bad in life and using it and making it into something that can bring some good even in death just feels right.”
Finally, I asked, “How does it feel being one of the heroes that secured a major resource of water for Vordenth?” Ly’rin’s response was humble:
“I’m just doing what needs to be done so we can survive. If that labels me as a hero then so be it. I don’t seek glory or fame for the things I do—I’m just doing my part to make sure we all make it to see another day, that’s all.”
In a surprising twist, I also sought out the voices of our kobold residents. One such resident, a thoughtful kobold named Krixik, shared his perspective:
“We have our ways, our traditions. It pains us to see our lineage treated with such callousness, even in times like these. We do not revel in the death of our kin but our city is simply trying to survive like everyone else.”
Despite the mixed sentiments, the mission is widely regarded as a success. The newly secured water source, provides a promising sign that Vordenth may yet find hope in these dark times.
Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism that under the new leadership of Commander Dain “Ironjaw” Rusk, future missions may be conducted with greater precision and less bloodshed. While Commander Rusk’s reputation is as hard-edged as ever, many believe his tactical acumen could ultimately save more lives and secure Vordenth’s future.
For now, the people of Vordenth can take a small step toward survival, buoyed by the knowledge that even in the darkness, there is always a glimmer of light—and hope.
