Fossilized Remains

Archaeologists have unearthed more and more fossilized remains in the valley, and the count is now up to 26 distinct sapient species, none of them native to …. Those fossils that have been sufficiently preserved to determine a cause of death all point towards physical trauma inflicted by blades, spears, or arrows. Not a single specimen appears to have been felled by the equivalent of modern projectile or energy weapons.

The ruins of a small structure of some sort have been found near the entrance of the valley. It appears to originate from the same time period as the fossils. Perhaps it will shed some light on things.

The excavation of the ancient structure found near the valley's entrance is proceeding according to plan. Many artifacts have been discovered, most of which seem to be variations of hunting weapons and trophies. A partially translated sign, which appears to denote the name of the structure, reads:

"VALLEY OF MAK'VAEHL - HUNTING LODGE PRIMUS"

Continued excavations near the hunting lodge have provided more details. … - and the Valley of Mak'vaehl, specifically - served as a hunting reserve for the ruling warrior class of an interstellar polity known as the Retarax Domain.

The Retarax, a predatory avian species, periodically collected random individuals from the many subjugated alien civilizations under their rule. These aliens were then hunted down and killed in the wilderness of Mak'vaehl, according to the rituals that governed Retarax society. This tradition lasted several centuries, until the Domain eventually succumbed to an undefined outside threat.

Archaeologists excavating the hunting lodge have stumbled upon several references to a legendary Retarax warrior known only as "The Huntress." She was apparently their most efficient killer, renowned throughout the Domain for having personally butchered thousands of aliens at Mak'vaehl.

It is unclear whether this is based on fact or fiction, but according to Retarax legend the Huntress was killed somewhere inside the valley when she was outwitted by the alien prey she was pursuing. She was supposedly wielding the fabled "Blade of the Huntress" at the time.

After painstakingly combing through the Valley of Mak'vaehl for any trace of the legendary Huntress, archaeologists were finally able to pinpoint her last resting place. Her fossilized skeleton was found locked in battle with the remains of a large horned arthropoid, with her claws still clasping the hilt of a perfectly preserved sword.

This must be the Blade of the Huntress. The weapon is composed of an unknown material and is sharp enough to cut straight through our strongest armor.