Loose Threads: impending reemergence of aggressive underground nation mobilized based on anti-outsider rhetoric, identity/fate/descendants of "indigo devil"
Participants: Damin Saltric
Locations: Dragon's Tail
Srasthadra
Full Report
UPDATE TO 'SEEKING THE SNAKES' REPORT: Prophet Mihsu was keen on assassinating Prophet Zholkala and offered arrangements and the help of Ssuku to this end, *once prompted*. Zholkala was killed in an ambush and his soul was reportedly severed by the ancient dagger Ssuku initially struck with, Rista Nosse. Its hilt currently resides with Naomi, writer of this report. Naomi is also responsible for prompting and following through with the murder, under delusions of righteousness.
The party set out to resume contact with the City of Srasthadra after nearly half a year of delay on Naomi's part. They first went in the wrong direction (discovering tunnels marked on attached map), then found no other entrances beyond that which was reported by Ruun (see Inventio Animae Petra). They snuck in and past some guards to the southeast using Lazz'ru's Invisibility Sphere spell. Beyond they found lavish buildings with some Zyss in celebration, and contacted the solitary host ("Issy") through Message, being invited to speak inside (after accommodations for privacy and, likely, a guard detail were made) after the depths of their ignorance was made clear.
They exchanged some knowledge, speaking frankly about First Landing and previous contact with the empire, learning in turn that Mihsu had used the assassination to seize control of their leaders and enact an aggressive expansion campaign against the outsiders that had somehow murdered a powerful Prophet. I was emotionally compromised for the rest of the day but generally recall: telling Issy about Mihsu's role in the murder, Atiu appearing and demanding Aapoph guards murder her son's killer in turn, subduing most of the guards (save two killed and one escaped) only to find Atiu gone, learning Zholkala's allies had switched to Mihsu's side, the Prophets don't convene consistently or publicly, there's no quick or likely way to change opinions (but it has to happen somehow, 'trust is the key' said the woman whose name we don't know) they were likely all twisting the truth to their ends, the only reason there was peace was very slow and balanced politics and imagine who disrupted them.
I am not in a state to give specific recommendations. They would not be trustworthy anyhow. Stay as forthright as possible in dealings with them. Trust them only with trivial matters. Understand they broadly desire their empire to return from decline. Seek more knowledge from an array of perspectives, not just Issy (who is supposedly available through the attached route and directions). Prefer addendums or alternatives to this report from my allies. I will not be accepting death or incarceration until I am less of a monster than a person. That is all.