Research Division — Surface Observation Report
Containment Network — Iron Veins
SURFACE ACTIVITY
The extreme magic users continue to move south from the northern mountains. Their numbers remain uncertain.
Where they remain for extended periods, the land becomes dead. Vegetation withers. Animal populations disappear. Water sources become unreliable. In several locations, the effect has persisted long after the users have departed.
We have confirmed that the destruction is not caused by ordinary spellcraft.
The energy behaves differently. It remains in the land.
PROTECTION MEASURES
Our current protective measures appear effective against brief exposure.
- Reinforced subterranean chambers reduce magical intrusion.
- Crystal arrays can detect significant fluctuations before they reach the city.
- The outer containment pylons appear to redirect or disperse concentrated magical energy.
Theory: Greater protection may be achieved by grounding the energy into the mountain itself.
Warning: Do not allow direct exposure to concentrated magical fields. Previous testing resulted in structural failures and loss of personnel.
NORTHERN MOVEMENT
All observed groups have originated from the north. They are not traveling like an army. They appear to be searching.
For what, we do not know.
Their movements have become increasingly deliberate since the latest disturbance beneath the Frostspires.
If they continue south, they will eventually discover us.
NETWORK STATUS
Kingdom of Thein/History, Lore, and Clues/Clues/Aeloria Conduit: Operational
Kingdom of Thein/History, Lore, and Clues/Clues/Brennach Passage: Restricted
Kingdom of Thein/History, Lore, and Clues/Clues/Frostspire Deepway: Sealed
The Deepway remains our greatest concern.
The latest measurements indicate that whatever is occurring beneath the mountains is increasing. We have begun reinforcing the lower chambers.
If the surface users reach the Deepway, Iron Veins must be sealed completely.
The city was built to withstand the world above. We did not build it to withstand what may be coming from below.
— Chief Engineer Arven Korr