Dwarven Report on the Arcane Eclipse

15 Snowveil, 2:Mysts

To the Honorable Council of Elders, Valogihr,

I, Naupeunt, elected scout, humbly submit this progress report on the aftermath of the event now known as the Arcane Eclipse. By Pekeana's stony beard, what I've witnessed in these past months defies all reason and tradition.

The world above has changed, honored elders. The very fabric of reality seems to have been rewoven by unseen hands. I've observed feats that, were I not bound by oath to report truthfully, I'd dismiss as the ravings of a mad dwarf or the tall tales of a drunken elf. I've seen humans, those flighty and short-lived creatures, call forth fire from their bare hands. Elves whisper to the wind, and it obeys their commands. Even the ratori, those cunning traders, now imbue their words with power that can sway minds. It's as if the Essence Weave itself has become tangible to these surface dwellers.

Amidst this chaos of sorcery, we dwarves stand unchanged. Our connection to stone remains as it always has – steadfast and unyielding. But I find myself wondering, esteemed elders, are we being left behind? While others reshape the world with a thought, we still rely on the strength of our arms and the skill of our craft.

I've heard whispers of dwarves in other mountains experimenting, trying to harness this raw magic as the surface dwellers do. Their efforts have been met with mixed results at best, and outright disaster at worst. Perhaps our poor ability to wield it directly is Baiqul's way of protecting us from our own ambition. Still, the strategic implications of this new reality cannot be ignored.

I humbly suggest we increase our efforts to study this phenomenon. While we may not be able to wield magic as the others do, understanding it could prove crucial in the ages to come. Our survival may depend on adapting to this new world, even if we do so in our own dwarven way.

I await your guidance on how to proceed. Should we continue to observe from afar, or is it time to engage more directly with this changed world? May the foundations of Valogihr stand strong forever.

Your ever-loyal servant,

Naupeunt