Be it known to all lords, knights, and freefolk of Sunndi: the final enterprise to cleanse Pelsand of the Abyss was set forth under the banner of the Gilded Hand. Nine companies of sworn adventurers did march into the fallen city of Newkeep, their charge being the utter destruction of the demonic host.

Within those cursed walls the fiends had gathered in number, a grievous peril had they been left to plot in secret. Yet our valiant brethren held fast, and before them was brought forth a most dreadful wyrm, rotten of flesh, whose wings did darken the firmament, whose breath was but corruption, and whose tail struck from the very clouds. This beast, though bound in torment, was moved by love of its brood. Our heroes, discovering its eggs held captive, set them free; and thus, with its last breath, the dragon unmade the mighty circle of sorcery that enshrouded the city.

Descending into the pit at the city’s heart, the fellowship beheld a work most vile: thousands of fiends dissolving themselves into blood-cocoons, the better to fashion a new vessel for Yeenoghu, the Beast of Butchery. About six profane altars the Six-Handed Commander labored to bring forth his master’s flesh.

But by valor and cunning the heroes did break the altars, overthrow the Commander, and scatter the rite to ruin.

So it was that the last of mortal kind were led from Newkeep’s gates. And thereafter a great blast of chaos shook the city to its very stones. Yet when the fury was spent, no demon remained. Thus Newkeep lies still, scarred beyond measure, its walls bearing silent witness to sorrows untold. For a season, at least, we let the city rest.

-Rscr od 487cy