Druids and other folk of the Shifting Cavern,

Ariel Mapplewood and I are investigating the curse of Dunwarren. We are beginning to believe that it may in fact be real. Here is what is known thus far.

The Deep Gnomes who once called Dunwarren, now called Sanctuary by us, home were split into a number of different factions much like us. Two of the factions were the Naturalists and the Mechanists.

It seems that the Naturalists placed some type of curse upon the city as the Mechanists, who built the Machine and the Animatrons, did so in a way that they felt was evil and unnatural. From what little understanding I have of the Machine the animatrons are created by using negative energy to bind the spirits of elementals. Other parts of the machine may work in a similar fashion.

There does appear to be a link with negative energy and the city. This can be evidenced by the large amount of undead deep within the bowels, primarily undead Deep Gnomes.

I've spoken with a Deep Gnome, though not affiliated with either of the above factions, who confirmed much of what I've already written. It also appears that the Appetite, so long as the machine remains active and draws heavily upon negative energy, is immortal in the most literal sense.

We are unsure what exactly the Appetite is and there are many theories. Some believe it to be an undead Beholder Lich, while others believe it to be something else entirely. It may even be a byproduct created by the Machine itself. Virtually every theory put forward has the Appetite feeding and sustaining itself through the negative energy which powers the Machine.

I tell you all of this because we fear that if the city is truly cursed our recent troubles may simply be more than accidents of fate. We are beginning to put together a survival plan in case things go horribly wrong.

Our primary focus at the moment is toward the dock located on the Central Shore of the Dark Lake. We wish to secure this area, as it is easily defendable, and the access to the dock can be used to dock a ship.

The way forward at the moment is uncertain, but we believe it best to have something established outside the city. Even if our plan falls through it is a good strategic location to hold. We wish for the Circle to be heavily involved in this project.

We require your guidance in this as we have little idea on how to proceed with this project and without your help it may never be realized.

Signed, Kedrick Reynolds

The letter is collected and passed along to the rest of the Circle, and a brief reply is sent

Kedrick Reynolds,

I remember that when last we met, you were very quick to dismiss myself and my brothers and sisters as little more than barbarians. I will make sure my brothers and sisters remember it as well.

Nevertheless, I will bring your words to them, and we will discuss how we might aid. Fortunately for you, collaboration is not an unknown prospect to us. We are, and have always been interested in preserving the lives of as many people as possible - if not their vulgar ways of life.

Further, I will be willing to meet with you in person to discuss your plans and what we may do to help, personally.

Reynart Sanas

The letter is addressed to Reynart Sanas only.

Mister Sanas,

When last we spoke Traensyr was just behind us. I had risked my life to collect your corpse, and my friends - Helm rest their soul - were unfortunate enough to not be among the bodies we brought back.

I'll readily admit that I had misconceptions of your people. To be frank, we do not have a lot in common, save perhaps the wish to do good for as many people in this city as possible. I did not contact you to dwell upon the deeds done in the past, as Councilor Kainth and I have spoken at length and have managed to place much of what happened behind us. I contacted you so that we may find a way to collaborate in the present and in the future.

I simply shared many of the common beliefs that most in the city still share in regard to your people.

I will keep a lookout for you around the city. We can discuss things further, and hopefully the past can be placed behind us where it belongs.

Signed, Kedrick Reynolds

I shall find you talk as well.

Hunter