Faldour has been slowly depleting its treasury to try to buoy the economy during the lean summers caused by the storms. Rumors among the common people that the kingdom is doomed financially unless something is done—that the only reason there's trade at all is because of long-standing trade agreements with neighboring kingdoms. As time passes, these rumors appear to have more basis in fact. There seems to be a downturn in the local economy, and certain uncommon commodities are getting more expensive. Other luxuries are practically non-existent.
The king had been countermanding these rumors through displays of extravagance, but these have even tapered off. The only display of conspicuous consumption these days by the royal house has been the increase of its menagerie. Faldour's menagerie has long been the pride of its royal family and even the citizenry. Strange mythical creatures from far off lands are hosted in magical environments for the amusement of royal guests and, on special occasions and by royal invitation, the citizens. For the king, collecting and keeping these creatures has become something of an obsession, which only fuels the rumors, as it is seen as the desperate act of a wealthy man in danger of losing his lifestyle.
Therefore, it is generally agreed that the pass must be reopened, but such discussions are still hushed, and the topic is never discussed during the dark hours of the night, for fear of drawing down the curse. Skeptics and fortune hunters abound, all decreeing that they shall be the one to bring this evil to an end, yet when pressed, none of these actually seem to want to start their adventure anytime soon. Until now...
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