The 177AR Sinking of Benwick: Interviews

The Flooding of Benwick - Creation of Lake Benwick

When: 19-Eleint 177AR

Where: Weatherstone and outside Benwick

Who: Archdruid Delith, Archdruid Clarissa, the Priest of Silvanus, and an unknown archdruid (Skytalker?) as well as the Heartwood Grove, Bendir, Brogendenstein, Skull Crag Rangers and Cordor.

Summary: The three Archdruids and the Priest of Silvanus used the Weatherstone to flood Benwick. While it was flooded they performed a druidic ritual with aid of more druids in order to bind it closed with regrow the land atop it, creating Lake Benwick.

Details: I received an illusion from Exordius shortly after Griffy and I left Cordor, to come to the Weatherstone. We warded and teleported in to find the three archdruids and the Priest of Silvanus surrounding the weatherstone performing some sort of ritual. The ground shook and the wind flew around us as we walked into a most terrible storm. Rain fell, lightning smashed into the ground around us, blindingly so.

After many minutes of this the ritual completed and the four ritualists pushed a massive wave of water towards Benwick. Benwick was flooded entirely.

We asked questions of them, and they said they'd need help to seal them in, the other half of the job. They'd need guardians against the devils that would try to stop them.

We sent out calls for aid, and additional Hawkin arrived, as well as the Kuldarn and warriors from Cordor. We met at the crossroads near to the flooded Benwick.

Archdruid Delist, Archdruid Clarissia, the unknown Archdruid (who now resides near Lake Benwick) and the Priest of Silvanus intended to do a long ritual to use nature to finish sealing Benwick, hopefully for a very long time. Joining them in the ritual was Juniper Oakley, Saorlaith, Storm Nightwind and Veisha Calan.

The ritual took the better part of an hour and a half, and all the while the defenders fought of scores of devils, including nearly a dozen of the juggernaughts. We were able to prevent anyone from breaking through, and the ritual was completed successfully.

The blockage to the valley was removed and Archdruid Delith escorted all of the treants back home to surround the lake. There was a new lake quickly named Lake Benwick, along with a wide forested valley that was still regrowing and some caves.

       Day 28, Month 9 (Eleint), 177 AR
       Minto Fuzzypaw        

Dryad and treant migration to bendir. 9/9/177

Summary: Dryads and treants are moving into bendir for a while.

Persons involved: Myself, Griffy, Juniper, Sephtis, Arlo?

Incident report: While patrolling the outskirts of the village i notieced quite a few new trees over near the entrance to the forest and that many of those trees were also moving around and digging holes into which they then planted themselves. When i arrived on scene there were several dryads and treants present and in the process of making themselves at home. And there was an elven caretaker whome i assume was from the grove.

The caretaker explained that due to unspecified circumstances occuring in benwick it was necessary to begin evacuating the local population of dryads and treants living near there and for the moment and until a permanent home can be found for them that they were settling them in bendir.

The caretaker said that she would have tried to contact the mayor to ask permission first but he was unreachable and the evacuation had to be done now. She said that this would only be for a few tendays at most and that as soon as a new home can be found for them that they wil depart bendir.

Given the mention of bewick im going to hazard a guess its related to thr vision Veisha had.

       Day 9, Month 9 (Eleint), 177 AR
       Exordius J'vrass        

Earthquakes around Arelith Forest/Darrowdeep (updated)

When:23 Flamerule AR177

Who: Mia, Domila and other Hawkin, Icehold and Brogendenstein forces, Veisha and others (including Lord Eldaflare and Flamma and Cordorians who arrived later)

Where: Darrowdeep, Arelith Forest, the Heartwood Grove

Was alerted by Darrowdeep messenger that earthquakes were felt around Darrowdeep that was causing the local wildlife to scatter and frenzy.

Further investigation led the forces to Arelith Forest, then the Heartwood Grove. I responded with Olivia and others to the Grove, finding dead wildlife as we moved.

On arrival Bendir's forces were in communication with Clarissa of the Grove. Were informed that the Heartwood believed the quakes were caused by druidic magic like their own, but did not believe they were malicious in nature. Clarissa asked that all nature walkers seek out the cause, but expected those responsible to seek them out in the coming days. Whoever is causing the quakes should apparently not be deemed a threat.

Clarissa asked we not bother the wildlife and leave them be. They are simply reacting in confusion.

We are assured it will be handled by naturewalkers but expect to be alerted if any concerns arise.

Following this, I was informed that Tashtego had been seen some days ago and was intending to perform a ritual that granted him control of the weatherstone. Whether related or not it seems a matter worth investigating as well.

Additionally:

Spoke with Domila following the incident. They had joined Veisha to explore the forest and found the Ur?bear distressed. There an old balding man emerged from a tree and spoke in a tongue that Domila did not understand. Veisha said it was a warning. He then left by the same manner he came by. Following this, Veisha placed her hand upon the altar of the Ur-bear and had a vision of the future, the lady of the Grove, the mentioned man, and a circle of ritual.

The vision was confused and difficult to comprehend. She saw visions of black creatures coming from pits surrounded by ruins of stone and granite. This was presumed to be benwick but cannot say with certainty. A firsthand account from Veisha would prove useful.

After the vision they returned to the Grove and found that kobolds had gathered there. Domila says she thought she recognised some from previous encounters outside Darrowdeep. They are believed to be part of the raiding groups the surface has been dealing with. We must therefore assume that our enemies below are aware somewhat of the situation. A greenseer, believed to be Zoah, chased them off before any questioning could be had.

As Clarissa deems the quakes not malicious, I believe them a warning from allies of a coming conflict.

We should aim to spread work of these occurrences so we are all aware of developments to the same degree and act accordingly.

       Day 25, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 177 AR
       Oak Vintergard        

A vision unfolding

Hail sentinals of nature,

I received word earlier today from citizens of Bendirdale that Delith, Founder of the Heartwood Grove, was escorting a large group of Treants and Dryads from Arelith Forest to the outskirts of Bendirdale, where the Treants have rooted themselves into the ground near the Bridge. I was informed from Exo, a citizen of Bendir, that Veisha Calan would have more insight on why.

Speaking with Veisha, she informed me that not too long ago, she had a vision. This is her account of what transpired: "So, I had a vision of the future. A druidic ritual taking place around a pit, in a place of mortar and stone. The ritualists included Clarissa- and a few others who are familiar, but- names unknown to me. Unseemly, unsightly creatures were trying to escape= but this druidic rite were pushing such creatures back down into the pit. But- the distinctive facts are a place of stone and mortar, that what was under going was druidic in nature, and well. I spoke with Clarissa to make sure it was the future, not the past. 'Definitely' the future, as a brief glimpse as it was."

Speaking with Veisha and Juniper of Bendirdale, we would like to inform all nature walkers to please prepare to defend Arelith Forest, The Grove, and Bendirdale against whatever forces were seen in her vision.

Thank you,

Storm Nightwind

Warden of the Skull Crag Rangers & Elder Druid of the Heartwood Grove

       Day 10, Month 9 (Eleint), 177 AR
       Storm Nightwind        

Interview: Cadeyern Galadar

This interview was taken within the master library estate owned by Lorekeeper Vaeryll Aistra. Cadeyern Galadar volunteered to tell his experience regarding the 177AR sinking of the keep of Benwick.

During this time, several factions existed within the Heartwood Grove. One of these factions was a circle called the Greenseers. Cadeyern is a member of this circle and is a knight of the Summer Court of Fey.

-------------------------------

Key:

V: Vaeryll Aistra

C: Cadeyern Galadar

--------------------------------

V: "How have you been Cadeyern?"

C: "I have been well enough. I have been at peace, since Benwick was toppled."

V: "I can imagine. Did the Greenseer faction or the grove know about the plans to bring down Benwick before this event took place?"

C: "Yes, We did. I was approached in the Lye Ansrivarr by the druid who resides at Lake Benwick now.. Although I do not know his real name, he told us that he was known as the Mountain-Shaper.. At another point, he was also referred to as 'Old Slabface'."

"The very earth moved as he moved, like ripples as a fish swims through water."

V: "When did he approach you?"

C: "Some weeks ago. Two, mayhaps? Mayhaps as much as three, but barely so."

C: "He emerged from the stone itself, and bade me to declare myself as he had recognized me as a courtier of Summer*."

V: "Did he ask you to keep this meeting secret? None of Myon had heard or known about the event. I wondered if it was on purpose?"

C: "Aye, he did. He bade me to keep this secret and tell only those tht could hear the voice of the earth, and steward the land. I did tell Karathas as I know him to be a ranger of sorts, and a good steward. I asked, too, that Karathas keep this secret, and he gave me such a promise."

V: "That explains a lot. You said he walked from the stone itself? Is He the leader of the Sky Druids?"

C: "Aye. He came and left by that way. The Stone rippling as if it were water."

V: "Wow, powerful. Do you know if he was something more? I wasn't aware those of nature could mold stone.. Or rather nature itself like that."

C: "No, I do not think so? But I did have a feeling that he was something more than a man."

V: "Perhaps of the Summer Court? Maybe that's how he recognized your affiliation?"

C: "Mayhaps.. Mayhaps, a spirit appearing to me in the guise of a Man."

V: "I assume this is the same man who watches over Lake Bendir now?"

C: "Aye, the same."

V: "What happened after he introduced himself?"

C: "He bade me gather allies similar to myself. Those who cherished the land and could feel its need. Then after I gave my oath of silence, he left. Through the stone, just as he arrived."

V: "Who all gathered for this?"

C: "The Greenseer circle, and other druids knew. Miss Veisha Calan.Bendirians showed and also called for dwarves."

V: "The Bendirians knew about this before it was to happen?"

C: "Miss Veisha Calan told them. She knew before I ever met the Mountain-Shaper. I am uncertain if she ever met the mountain shaper, but her visions and the quakes caused from his coming and going foresaw the event."

[Record note: Veisha Calan experienced visions of the future before it happening. This was shared with myself a few trine cycles before the event and with Bendir Officials. However, these visions were very vague, only heralding an outpouring of fiends from the keep. We were unsure of when or where this would happen.]

V: "I see. Did anything happen to prepare before the event took place after meeting the Mountain-Shaper?"

C: "I tried to send for Karathas before it started. So that he could spread word to the elves, but I could not reach him. Any who were near the Crags and looked up could see it: Dark clouds gathering by the Weatherstone. The gathering gloom had the makings of a most deadly storm. So any who could see its peaks, Bendir included, would have known of it. That was the beginning of the Ritual. We gathered there to witness."

V: "There was a woman named Seren. A ranger of half-elven orientation. She claimed she was the only one there who was not sky druid at first, and that she was the first to come across the ritual."

C: "Well, I am not a Sky Druid, and I do not know any."

V: "Interesting. So then the first ritual was not carried out by the Sky Druids specifically. Could you tell me who was there to perform it?"

C: "Performing the ritual first were the Heartwood founder Delith Holin, Clarissa, the Mountain-Shaper, and the elven Priest of the temple of the Oakfather- the one in front of Myon. The four of them represented the numbering of seasons and the directions on the compass. The winds named thereafter summoned forth a great calamity. A great sliding of stones and water and earth and wind rushed down the mountain towards Benwick. I must add that these were masters of their craft. They struck with precision. Only Benwick was harmed in all the upheaval."

V: "Yes, other witnesses stated a storm was summoned that seemed almost alive with fury and it struck the side of the Skull Crag mountain. Did they raise a stone wall around Benwick before they struck the mountain?"

C: "They did."

V: "Fascinating. To protect the forest from flooding. That's smart. What happened after the first ritual was complete?"

C: "After this was done, we were bidden to go to the site of Benwick, to protect the second stage of this rite. We gathered outside, where the path to Benwick lay, and prepared ourselves.

Other Druids whom showed up at this point were bidden to aid in the effort of the second ritual. Any others who gathered from the site of the mountain came to fight any resistance the druids invited. And... There was resistance. Fiendish hordes that had managed to magick themselves out of Benwick assaulted us.

Some of them were as large as a building. I heard others call them 'Juggernauts'. There were many of those near the end of the second rite."

V: "Yes, Juggernauts are fiendish flesh constructs that are somehow alive and not undead. They're profine creations forged in the nine hells as war machines for the blood war."

C: "We fought and bled and sang as we slew. As the ritual neared completion, the line broke somewhere on another front. I could barely see, naturally, being in the thick of it myself. But then Nastas Moonsight, Lady Lysrithien Starym, and the noble family of Rivorndir from Cordor arrived to help us. Their coming was a great boon indeed.

Once the lands had been purified by the druids, the fiends ceased to come? And then the waters receded, and what was left was all verdant and fertile where once it had been bleak and barren.

Such magic, I have never seen. Not even in Faerie, where there would be little cause for such."

V: "So I've heard. The People have used similar high magic rituals in order to cleanse land and raise great oaks like the one that serves as our tower and library in the inner city. I wish I could've been there to see it.

I have been to the ruins and dove beneath the lake. The hell gate remains open, was an enchantment placed on it to prevent the fiends from coming out?"

C: "T'was all very sudden? We were convening in the Heartwood, and then Storm mentioned he felt a disturbance in the Crags."

Hm, I am unsure? However, it has denied them what they had: A defensible position in that benighted keep."

V: "That's very true. From what I can tell, the corruption of the forest is no more. And that is a win in my book."

C: "Whether they can breath underwater or no, it would be difficult to mount an invasion from a tiny, waterlogged tunnel.

What we brought is time. Time for the Wise to determine how best to close that wretched sore for good."

V: "Is that why the Mountain Shaper's vigil continues at the Lake site? To prevent another outpouring or seige?"

C: "Who can know? But I think so. Part of being a good steward is to ward over what is one's responsibility."

V: "True. Considering you did take an oath of silence, I assume this oath ended once Benwick was sunk?"

C: "Aye, I would not be speaking to you now if that were the place. The purpose of the promise was to keep word of this plan from reaching the fiends. Now, that is no longer necessary."

V: "Then you are comfortable with me publishing and sharing this story?"

C: "Yes, of course you may."

V: "Did you have any other experiences with any of those involved? Anything else about this story to add?"

C: "I will say that the aftermath was quite peaceful. Everyone, no matter who they are, walked the new-worn paths and was in awe of nature."

*+ The Fey Court of Summer.

       Day 28, Month 2 (Alturiak), 178 AR
       Vaeryll Aistra        

Interview: Nameless Ranger/S

This interviewee specifically asked to be anonymous. This person wished to be mentioned and described only as a 'Nameless Ranger'. In an effort to respect their wishes, I will record them as simply 'S'. This interview was done within my home in the elven quarter.

This Nameless Ranger reached out to me claiming that they saw everything from the beginning, and were first to arrive at the site of the ritual.

----------------

Key:

S - Nameless Ranger

V - Vaeryll Aistra

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V: "So, How did you first become aware of what was happening?"

S: "I said I saw the whole thing, and I'm confident of that. I am also confident that I'm the only person who saw it all, aside from the Sky Druids who conducted the ritual. I stumbled upon them approaching the weatherstone whilst I patrolled the mountains."

V: "Interesting, I have other interviewee's suggesting they also came across the weatherstone. Could you share with me what you saw?"

S: "I didn't see anyone there besides the druids when I arrived, but I suppose there could have been others hiding. More did arrive much later. It was in the middle of the night. As I arrived, I saw four figures approaching the weatherstone. I didn't know they were druids at first. I was expecting meddlers - We've been seeing a lot of ne'er do wells trying to interfere with the stone lately. So, I stayed out of sight and watched."

"There was also... an air of secrecy about them, of gravity. At the time, I wasn't sure I would've been welcome if they'd seen me. I watched from the shadows. They stood around the stone equal distance apart and began chanting. It was only after the storm began to kick up that I realized who some of them were, though I didn't feel much reassured. The wind they were stirring was furious and the stormclouds building above looked almost... alive. And angry."

V: "Was there anyone there you later recognized? Or do you mean you just recognized they were Sky Druids?"

S: "I recognized Delith. And another from the Heartwood whose name I don't know." [Clarissa, one of three founders of the Heartwood]

V: "From my other accounts, that would be Clarissa. She is one of the three founders of the Heartwood Grove. They now serve as the stewards of it, and has been since the original Heartwood Grove's birth."

S: "Ah, I believe I heard someone call her that after the battle."

V: "The stormclouds gathered and seemed alive. What happened next?"

S: "I was quite sure this storm in all its fury was going to tear out their control and smite us all. And when the lightning began tearing down to strike the ground around the stone, it very nearly did. More than once it hit mere feet from where I hid. And the druids too."

V: "That sounds about right. High rituals like this are extremely dangerous. It takes multiple castors for support, high precision, and discipline. Being around the ritual itself... I am surprised you didn't get hurt."

S: "As am I, truth be told. I was determined to remain at first, to make sure it wasn't anything untoward... and before too long, I couldn't have left even if I wanted to. The wind became so wild I had to cling to the tree beside me to avoid being swept off the mountain."

V: "What happened after the lightning struck the side of the mountain?"

S: "It continued past sunrise, the fury of the storm only rising. It was after the sun crested the horizon - barely breaching the dark clouds - that others arrived. They tried to speak with the druids, but either the druids could not or would not hear them. The howling of the wind, lashing of rain. It was near-deafening to my ears, at least."

V: "That sounds about right. Sky Druids are... a circle that does. They do not ask. Their experiences with the Guldorand, now Westcliff, loggers made them jaded to trying to reason with city-people. Rightly so too. Those who first settled what we know as Westcliff today committed terrible transgressions against the Sky Druids and the balance."

S: "Mhm, I saw the exhibit in the Cordor Museum."

V: "Ah, yes. I helped Amotha write and do her research. She did an excellent job. But we've gone off topic. What happened then?"

S: "The others arriving were forced to the ground by the fury of the lightning, which continued to strike, almost hitting them as well. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was deliberate."

[She said this dryly, intending it to be sarcasm.]

"Then there was an almighty crash as the force of the storm struck one of the mountain peaks, smashing it from its base and with it a torrent of water that rushed down towards Arelith forest. I thought for sure they'd drowned the whole of Myon, Bendir, maybe beyond."

S: "With that done, the storm began to die down and finally the druids spoke to those gathered. Naturally some were rather... upset at the thought that they may have just murdered many people and animals besides. The druids said that they had struck to finally destroy the fiends of Benwick, but their work wasn't yet done. The destruction they'd wrought needed to be sealed to keep the fiends at bay. Though... I understand from your message that it hasn't quite worked?"

V: "Yes, but also no. The hellgate is still there beneath the water and is indeed still active. It is submerged, but I'm not sure how that would keep devils from coming through. Yet, there doesn't appear to be any devils left at the site. So it must be working somehow."

S: "Something tells me water isn't going to stop them for long."

V: "I'm thinking it is more than likely that they purified the land to some degree that somehow wards the devils away, or perhaps the position is just no longer defensible enough to logically continue using. Regardless, I do not see this lasting as a long-term solution. My personal theory is that this is why the head of the sky druids appears to reside at the lake now, to oversee and monitor the gate."

S: "Mrm. The idea, as I understand, was to have nature reclaim the land in such a way it prevented the fiends from getting a foothold. Ah yes, I saw him. He was very keen to shoo me away. I suppose a small role in the battle wasn't enough to become friends."

V: "Were you at the site when the second ritual happened?"

S: "I was. Though I can't say I saw much of the ritual itself as I was trying my best not to be eviscerated by devils."

V: "Right, I heard there were many trying to defend against the devils attacks. Did anything else happen of note that you witnessed?"

S: "Hm... Devils pouring out of seemingly nowhere and everywhere, of course. I'm afraid I'm not well-versed enough in fiend lore to identify any of them. Some of them were as large as houses. Perhaps even this house. More druids and other naturewalkers were assisting with the ritual as the devils tried to stop them. There was a lot of light, though I can't say how much of that was the ritual and how much was the battle. At the end, I recall an outpouring of greenery. The plants seemed to suddenly bloom."

V: "That's not unexpected. From what I can tell, the rite they were performing is one the People often utilize for our own forests. It revitalizes the forest and purifies it."

S: "I'm afraid my knowledge of such things is very limited. My experience of flora and fauna is more the practical kind."

V: "It's okay, thank you for your time. Is there anything else you think to share for historical record?"

S: "Hmm... I don't think so. But if anything occurs to me, would you like me to contact you?"

V: "Yes definitely. I'll be compiling all of my interviews for historical record and report. If anything else happens related, please let me know."

[The interview ended with the interviewee asking that their name not be utilized as they did not wish to be framed as any sort of historical entity.]

       Day 25, Month 2 (Alturiak), 178 AR
       Vaeryll Aistra        

Interview: Boreal Casoian

The following is an interview that was taken in Cordor on the day after the sinking of Benwick. The interviewee was a newly arrived Cordorian guard who had seen part of the event take place.

------------------------

Key:

V: Vaeryll Aistra (Interviewer)

B: Boreal Casoian (Interviewee)

---------------------------------

V: "How did you first hear about the event as it happened? And how did you become involved?"

B: "I was onboard the Tempest. I was caring for the captain at the time when someone had received a message about druids doing druidic stuff at the Weatherstone."

V: "What sort of things were happening at the Weatherstone?"

B: "They caused the storm. And then an avalanche and flooding of the valley. The druids at the Weatherstone said it was the first part of their plan to bury Benwick."

V: "Did you go to Benwick itself, or the Weatherstone after the boat?"

B: "We went to the Weatherstone first, then to Benwick after."

-------------------------------------

The interview had to stop for a moment, so that Borial could help Griffy Cloudesteppe escort a necromancer, Alina Grey, out of Cordor. After the criminal was removed, the interview resumed.

------------------------------------

B: "The Druids explained they did so to bury Benwick beneath the earth. This ensured that no other surrounding settlements were harmed. They then said they needed to commence a ritual to let nature take over the area. That was when we moved to the Forest." (Forest of Arelith)

V: "I see, that is a familiar form of high magic to the People. Can you describe what they did? How they lined up?"

B: "So, we all went down there to the entrance of Benwick. It was already blocked off by a large rock wall. There, they began to initiate a ritual. It seems the ritual let the earth take over the land. Devils began to pour in from the south and western parts of the forest. By this time, other druids from the Heartwood had shown up to help. One was a halfling with planar blood. I think her name was Juniper."

V: "What did you do once this ritual started?"

B: "Well, all I did was help protect the lot as Juniper and the rest of the druids helped with the ritual."

V: "Did she and the other druids of the Heartwood seem to know what was happening, or were they thrown into it from your viewpoint?"

B: "Juniper offered her aid. She didn?t seem to have a hand in the overall plan or knew that it would be happening. The druids apparently kept it to themselves."

V: "What was your experience whilst defending the ritualists?"

B: "Well all sorts of devils started filing in. There were pit fiends and other powerful fiends. Also large creepy devils showed up. People called them Juggernauts. Basically, every devil you could imagine showed up."

V: "Ah, Juggernauts are a sort of live flesh golem created by devils to be used as war-machines in the blood wars. Extremely difficult to defeat."

B: "Yes, that sounds about right. They were hard to kill."

V: "Who else did you recognize in attendance?"

B: "Khara'gos, Griffy, Juniper..I 'think' Veil, Catherine, and Ava were there as well."

V: "I think that's all my questions for now. Thank you for the help!"

B: "Glad I could help!"

       Day 6, Month 12 (Nightal), 177 AR
       Vaeryll Aistra