The adventurers turned their attention toward Vathirond, a city perched at the edge of the Mournland—what was once the nation of Cyre. Ever since the Day of Mourning, strange and terrifying things had emerged from the mist to attack the town: undead, rogue constructs, living spells. Occasionally, the skies even rained blood… or fish. Vathirond lived in the shadow of catastrophe, clinging to the edge of normalcy.
Meanwhile, Audrey Rose amused herself with her magical hat. She reached inside—and to everyone’s surprise, 160 gold coins flew out. Then, for reasons known only to her, she pulled eight children from the hat as well. Eventually, the children found their way home. Afterward, Audrey Rose settled in with the Necrotic Manuscript, quietly reading. The others watched closely, wary for any changes in her demeanor. So far… nothing alarming.
In less than two days, the group arrived in the sprawling city of Sharn. After a much-needed night of rest, they headed to the University to update Uncle John on everything that had happened. He listened intently and recommended they speak with Erix Stritland to prepare for future incursions into the Mournland. The goal was to obtain anything that might help the group navigate its twisted landscape safely.
Audrey Rose showed her uncle the mysterious hat. He issued a stern warning about fae artifacts, advising her to lock it away and forget the combination. London, meanwhile, negotiated five minutes of petting in exchange for half a cinnamon roll.
Audrey Rose and Zita spent time researching the Mournland in the university’s vast library. What they found was disturbing: ten years ago, the nation of Cyre—roughly the size of Belgium—was obliterated in a single, inexplicable event. Ever since, the land had been shrouded in a constant, unnatural mist. The vast majority of Cyre’s population vanished that day. No group has claimed responsibility, and to this day, no one knows what really happened.
The land is now haunted by living spells, undead creatures, and the infamous Lord of Blades, a renegade warforged general. Healing magic is unreliable there, and danger lurks in every ruined city. They located a detailed map, and Audrey Rose sketched a copy for the group. They traced the lightning rail line running through towns like Meterol and Eston, and noted its passage near Vathirond.
They reviewed what they knew of warforged: though similar to constructs, they aren’t immune to mind-affecting effects or ability drain. They don’t eat, drink, or sleep, and they may be vulnerable to rusting effects. Zita, however, remained deeply uneasy about the undead. She voiced serious doubts about joining the expedition. Audrey Rose, too, questioned whether their agency was equipped to handle such a perilous mission. Unfortunately, Charlie had no new information to offer.
During downtime, Sabrina spent freely—on good wine, fine food, and the care of war orphans.
Ten days later, during breakfast, Audrey Rose heard her uncle’s voice inside her mind. Come see me at once, he urged. An expedition is afoot.
She hurried to his office, where both Uncle John and Erix awaited her. Together, they outlined a bold proposal: a funded expedition into the Mournland. Both men would be joining the journey—John bringing his expertise in bombs, and Erix as a powerful wizard. They planned to requisition a lightning rail and assemble a repair crew. The team would ride the rail as far as Vathirond, then transfer to a private expedition rail designed to run directly into the Mournland.
The rail would serve as their base of operations as they followed the tracks deeper into the unknown, searching for clues about Professor Zendor. Erix believed she may have followed the rail either to avoid becoming lost, or because the Horn of Quintus lay along its route. If they didn’t find her along the rail… she might be gone for good.
The adventurers were to serve as security for the mission. Uncle John offered to brew potions to protect Zita from the undead. Sabrina, ever practical, asked about payment. The group would be granted first claim on any spoils discovered during the expedition, and the university would supply them with a superior bag of holding. The horn itself, if recovered, would belong to the University.
Most of the party agreed to 10,000 gold as their payment. Zita requested protective magic—either against the undead or to remain invisible to them.
The team was ordered to depart immediately. Bosley secured goblins to staff the expedition train. Audrey Rose made arrangements to ensure that high tea would be honored aboard the rail.
The following morning, the group gathered at the station. With the sun rising behind them and the threat of the Mournland ahead, they boarded the train—and set off toward destiny.
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