Enigma

The last expedition left Estraude scrambling for answers and now, months later, many questions remain unanswered due to the lack of information or the suppression of information. Under the watchful eyes of the Inquisitors, arcane specialists continue to work on neutralising the strange ether that rises from the deep, but every solution they test buckles under the unpredictability of the everchanging ether. The Chamber of Aediles, Estraude’s governing body, has grown increasingly impatient with these distractions and has been pushing for the research’s end, citing more important matters to focus on. The Consul and the Church College continue to champion the investigation, hoping to find an answer that might help solve other problems that bubble across Alva.

On the 7th of Stars 8295, the old lecture hall in the church college is abuzz with life. The learned scholars of the college mingle with the brave and the curious. Many were here for the first expedition, eager to get into the next chapter of this story. A new location has been uncovered to the west of the Viyanaru caves. Once mistaken for a freestanding hill, a recent earthquake has cracked the earthen exterior to reveal the carved slabs beneath. Preliminary reports suggest it may be a temple or a tomb constructed by the same civilisation that built in the Viyanaru caves, with the added benefit that the strange ether, although present, remains stable. Researchers hope that this new location, named Site B or ‘The Ziggurat’, might hold the final pieces to unravel the mystery that hangs over Estraude.

On the 10th of Stars, an airship departs from the college, loaded with the expedition team, archaeological equipment and supplies. The journey is smooth sailing,  filled with theory crafting and knowledge sharing between colleagues. As the airship nears, they see that the scouting team has cleared a landing site, providing the explorers with their first view of Site B. From above, disappointingly, it appears as a mound reclaimed by the rainforest, enveloped in layers of earth, roots, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, the clearing is soon filled with crates and tents. Plans and rules are re-explained, having learnt lessons from the previous venture, they cannot risk the team disappearing into another realm again.

By late afternoon, everything is finally in place to begin the mission. A crevice, tangled with fallen rocks and knotted roots, offers entry into the hidden Ziggurat. Under torchlight, the team must again delve into the remnants of the past and piece together the clues left behind.