Accounts of Undead within Dunwarren

Undead abominations, ranging from the ancient remains of svirfneblin to reanimated aberrations, have been encountered in every explored and settled region of Dunwarren.

Most common are the Svirfneblin, who emerge from the immeasurable depths of the ruins to overrun and destroy all life as we know it. The vast majority of these Undead Svirfneblin are shambling, festering husks whose only advantage comes from thier horde nature. A rare few seem to possess arcane talents, specifically the manipulation of negative energy in the form of rays, bursts or lingering debilitations not unlike a Curse. Others are well-preserved or reconstructed bodies so saturated with vile negative energy that their ferocity and strength is a force to be reckoned with.

Other reanimated corpses and forms of corporeal undead sometimes accompany groups of Undead Svirfneblin, usually when making an incursion into settled territory. These are often outfitted with explosive vests that detonate during contact with an enemy or a projectile. They are capable of spreading significant death and destruction if permitted to enter populated areas, or to approach the ranks of a defending party. Alternatively, Undead aberrant Eyeballs, physically sturdier than their living counterparts but somewhat lacking in magical abilities, are the lethal guardians of certain sections of the ruins.

Portals with an exit point within unsettled territory tend to lead to masses of Undead. It is necessary to seal these portals to prevent the armies of the vile creatures from easily moving into our residential districts. Using these portals as a means of launching an attack against the Undead is suicidal. Those who have survived such attempts have done so by fleeing and sealing the portal and all activating machines; there is reportedly no end to the waves of Undead hidden, somewhere, in the bowels of this once-abandoned city, controled by an as-yet unconfirmed source.

The best defense in an inevitable Undead encounter is a stock of Retreat potions, tonics, and Invisibility. When taking the offensive, mental and physical wards against their foul nature are a must, in addition to the blessings of any holy warrior opposed to Undead - particularly, the servants of Lathandar and Kelemvor. A commonly overlooked means of destroying the Undead is the infusion of positive energy. While giving up an opportunity to repair the body and spirit of yourself or an ally, the use of Purple Crystals or healing rods as a weapon against Undead has dealt the final, difficult killing blow against many an Undead menace in my history as an adventurer and Spellguard Agent.

Despite the seemingly horrific prospect of living in a city built atop untold numbers of abominations, survival is not impossible. Our founders and the defenders charged by them have pushed back this threat for over a century and a half. With vigilance, Sanctuary will not fall to the Undead, and this will remain a safe-haven for escaped slaves and lost adventurers for years to come.