EVENT #12: INVOCATION - IC EVENT LOG (PART 2)

[abraxasmods]

Event #12 - Invocation ( 2 )

Go to the:
OOC plotting post | Event coordination post

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As Week 3 approaches around March 6th, faction officials will begin to reach out to characters for information they've uncovered that hasn't been reported. Although Thorne, the Free Cities, and Solvunn have traditionally been at odds, the three nations have come together under these unique circumstances,, and will continue to cooperate until the Lost have been recovered. With Nocwich open as a base of operations, the Spared will have a neutral location to meet in person without border restrictions.

How events proceed will depend in part on your actions. If you're one of the Spared, you can join a team or stay back to prepare and coordinate. If you're one of the Lost, you can escape or remain behind to help others break free.

NOTES

1. For a rough TIMELINE, the Lost's breaking free and the Spared's coordination efforts will take place 2-3 days into Week 3. Leading into Week 4, the Spared will send out their teams to retrieve the Escape and Holdout Groups. Though there's some narrative wiggle room for who returns and when, characters should only participate in one team or group to keep things organized.
   
   
2. A Coordination Post will be used for communications between mods and players both. You can request dice rolls, start investigations, submit or review notable incidents, and begin in-person network-style threads with each other to quickly play out IC interactions. Review the post for forms and other details to fully participate in this event.


3. The Network will function properly again for the Lost who have escaped. The ones who remain captured will continue to experience disruptions similar to Part 1.

Please don't hesitate to ask us questions or clarification, even if you feel it might be a minor detail. This event contains a lot of information to go over, so we're happy to guide you through anything that requires further explanation. We'd much prefer you ask to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion!

Week 3

By now, several discoveries have been made. You've explored nearly every angle you can. It's time to take what you've learned and do something about the situation, whether you're trapped inside the dark cave or trying to bring your friends home.

Escape | The Lost

CW: Disturbing imagery (text and visual), death, dark and horror-based themes.

The past two weeks have been a harrowing experience, but you're still alive. Though the situation's worsened in some aspects, you've gained advantages in others. You might've formed unexpected allies from the other side, discovered hidden clues, or retrieved weapons and tools.

Moreover, the Acolytes don't seem quite so sure of themselves anymore, do they? Ever since the ritual, they've been watching nervously, as though they aren't confident in what's coming next. Some of you even managed to reveal one of their faces, exposing a weakness.

As you listen to the rattle of chains and scraping of metal on stone, you fear something much worse awaits you. Is it time to strike? Do you work on your own or rally the others? That's up to you, but one thing's evident: you can't sit around much longer.

Players can narrate the commotion and escape how they like, using the details described below. The Acolytes will retaliate and try to stop escape attempts. Killing and attacking them is possible with no need to request a roll, but enough will survive to subdue anyone left behind.

Characters don't need to willingly sacrifice themselves to remain captured. They can also be too injured to leave or fail to make it in time.

The First Domino (Breaking Out)

When the final shrine was unlocked late in Week 2, fleshy pillars rooted themselves into the cavern floor. As your third week in the cave crawls along, the trunk-like pillars begin to move.

A low groan shakes the ceiling above. Rocks fall along with bits and pieces of the bulbous organic prisons attached to the high walls. Chunks of melted flesh from decomposing bodies within the plantlike traps splatter below. Were it not obvious before, it is now: the pillars are legs belonging to a creature. A very large creature.

◎ Unleashed

The creature is not interested in fighting. Instead, it begins to leave. As it does, it takes portions of the ceiling with it, tearing holes above and below. People scurry beneath its feet and are crushed like ants. It does not discriminate between the Acolytes and the natives who are captured.

But it does avoid you and the other Summoned. Either it can't see anyone except you, or it recognizes you and associates you with those who freed it. Regardless, you are spared its destructive path. It lumbers off, dragging thorny vines that whip behind it. Crumpled pieces of the shrines and mangled bodies stick to its massive feet. You can't see where the creature is going, but later you might realize it has vanished into the ocean.

The brief chaos has left you with several openings:

• Seawater spills from unseen crevices above, flowing down the walls. Several Acolytes are dead, reducing their numbers.


• The already weakened cracked wall crumbles further, granting you an easier path to the webbing behind it.


• Equally weakened is the sealed opening where a smaller but deadly creature was previously trapped. A couple of determined hands could free it for a distraction. Beware - it's hungry.


• If the boulder hasn't already been pushed out of the way, the rumbling ground and smashed walls might help you finish the job.

Do you grab a weapon and attack the Acolytes while they're disoriented? Do you help save the injured natives? Are you focused on what lies behind the boulder and cracked wall? Do you free the trapped beast? Decide quickly - this could be your only chance.

◎ Opening the Door

Although the ceiling's been torn open, no open sky is revealed. Climbing up is difficult. You'll have to look elsewhere to escape. Once the boulder is removed and the cracked wall is torn down, you'll notice orange sparks that run between the strange bulb behind the boulder and the dense webbing across the cave.

Are you brave enough to reach into the pulsing bulb? If you do, you'll find thick vines connected to its beating heart. Each time a vine is forcibly pulled away and disconnected, the webbing begins to loosen, forming a small opening - but letting go will close the webbing right up again.

The more vines are disconnected, the larger the opening. It'll take 2-3 of you to make an opening large enough for people to go through... and from how quickly it closes, anyone who volunteers understands that they won't be escaping with the rest.

◎ Escape Routes

Do you trust what lies beyond the webbing? Looking through reveals only the dark abyss. You have no idea what's out there, but it can't be worse than what's in here. Can it?

If you don't trust the webbing and have the strength, you can swim down through an opening in the floor, left behind by the giant earlier. It's filled with cold ocean water. If you make it, you'll see a standard portal hidden in the depths.

Choose your path. Each one will spit you out somewhere a little different, but you'll have the chance to look for and meet up with others who took the other route.

If you're one of the Lost keeping the webbing open, you could try to dive for the underwater portal, but you won't make it. The portal will shatter quickly once the vines are released.

◎ Josselyn Creed | Interact

Josselyn Creed is difficult to spot in the commotion but not impossible. A few of her most faithful protect her. She wears a unique robe compared to the others. Her hood is lowered, revealing her brown hair tied in a bun that may be recognizable to some. Her mask is in place.

While she'll escape in the end, she isn't immune to harm. You can try to stop her and, in the process, perhaps contribute to what happens to her as she flees or afterwards.

◎ The Mysterious Acolyte | Interact

Along with the natives who might need your assistance escaping, there's also the strange pair whom a few interacted with. The Mysterious Acolyte and the Unknown Stranger will appear lost and uncertain in the pandemonium.

Some of you promised to help them escape, but saving them comes with a cost: at least one of you must exchange your place in the Escape Group for both of them. She will not leave without her brother, the Unknown Stranger. Her refusal will cost one of the Summoned their place.

Players can decide how the scenario plays out. At least one character must their place in the Escape Group so that the Unknown Stranger makes it through first. Only then will the Mysterious Acolyte follow.

Characters holding open the webbing and vines are not eligible. A sacrifice can only count for one outcome.

Into the Cold (Escape Group)

The first thing you notice is the biting cold. The sky is beginning to lighten. For once, you can breathe in the fresh air. But where are you, really?

◎ Gathering Your Bearings

Though spring is on its way, the mountains are a tundra. Temperatures are cold, though not as terrible as they'd have been in the dead of winter. Maybe you've stolen some warm clothes off the dead before the escape? Or, if you've been kind to the Abraxan natives who shared the ordeal with you, they'll offer supplies and equipment in return. It isn't much, but it could make all the difference if you're in dire straits.

• If you swam through the WATER PORTAL, it'll spit you up in an open cave. Wet and cold as you are, at least you've found shelter. Keen eyes might spot an unusual trail of glitter. Follow it to a tiny hidden hot spring. Soaking in the shimmering water are a few mischievous but harmless creatures. One was accidentally set loose at the Peace Summit many months ago, showering multiple attendants in a shimmery sheen. Large beast-like prints are nearby, though, so best not to stay long. Still, it's a nice reprieve while you can get it...as long as you don't mind being coated in glitter.


• If you went through the DENSE WEBBING, it'll spit you up on a frozen lake. Cracks will begin to form as more and more land on the surface. You'll need to find solid ground quickly. Take care - a large shadow lurks beneath the thinning ice. If there's too much commotion or excessive movement, it'll realize there's prey above and begin to thrash, disturbing the delicate ice further.

◎ Temporary Relief

Though some healing abilities and magic have returned, the wounds caused by the ritual don't seem to recover properly. They aren't getting worse, but it's troubling. Your mind could remain confused or disturbed. Even those who were successfully cured will discover the lesions heal much slower than other injuries.

As the days wear on, you might feel a strong pull from the Singularity that leads you into the Horizon. This is especially so if you remain under the ritual's influence. If you give in to the urge and find a safe moment to enter, you can go in without as much difficulty as before.

You won't land where you intend, but you might find one of the Spared within. Somehow, the Singularity has brought you together. Something compels you to reach out and make contact. When you do, you'll feel a gentle warmth. You might not know what's happening, but it feels right.

When you depart from the Horizon, effects from the ritual have lessened by a noticeable degree. They'll stay that way for the next day or so, giving you the strength to keep going.

◎ Preparing for the Night

What you do next is entirely up to you. You can organize with your fellow escapees, go off on your own, or try to bring the two groups together. Boars, rabbits, and foxes can be hunted. The surrounding snow can be boiled for safe drinking water.

Even more fortunate, your powers will return - to a degree. Stronger abilities might take longer to return fully, but elemental spells, modest healing, and enhanced senses or traits can be accessed. And you might find that messages on the Network are no longer distorted.

Not all is safe and well: though the first few days are quiet, the mountains aren't without the usual predators. Wolves howl, and large gryphons soar the sky. They're wary of people and are unlikely to attack, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. In the wild, you never know. As you enter Week 4, more formidable threats could arise.

Sacrifice (Holdout Group)

Maybe you're one of the unlucky souls, or maybe you chose to sacrifice your place for others. However it came about, both escape paths close, and the Acolytes inside the cavern overwhelm you and the rest once more. Those left behind are a mixture of native Abraxans and the Summoned. The ground is sticky with blood and viscera.

Forcibly, violently, you're led or dragged deeper and deeper down the stone paths to the altar room where the rituals took place. The Acolytes push as many of you in there as they can and seal the door - and if a few limbs are caught in the way, that's just too bad. Someone with you, perhaps one of the natives, ends up with a crushed finger or hand as the doors slam shut.

Not everyone is pushed inside in the end. In the Acolytes' rush to contain the Summoned, a few Abraxan natives are left outside the doors with the remaining Acolytes. When you hear their cries through the sealed barrier, you have to ask yourself if you're truly the lucky ones.

◎ The Altar Room

The altar is built of bone. The husks of now-empty bodies are piled into a macabre amalgamation. It's not meant to house anyone for long. Supplies are limited. Water trickles into a small pond used for the Acolytes' rituals. There are bowls of hardened bread. Sealed crates contain more mushrooms. They're edible, but some might carry psychedelic side effects. If you've succumbed to the ritual, though, you might not consider that a downside.

While not as open or large as the cavern you came from, you can explore the altar room for any potential answers to where you are and how to escape. The entrance is sealed tight. Outside, you can hear the Acolytes - and that might be important for later.

Since the door is magically sealed, nothing can come in or out...except the Bone Serpent, whose legs continue to slink down from above to snatch unsuspecting victims. Blood drips from above, possibly from one of its missing legs.

Now and then, something bangs on the door. Is it the creatures you unleashed before? The beasts that were never contained? You can try to follow the Bone Serpent to see where it leads or maybe even glimpse the creature beyond its thorny limbs, but that's a high risk. The consequences could be dire.

◎ Slow Flood

The destruction seems to have broken what prevented you from using the Network. You can now communicate with the Spared and the Escape Group uninterruped.

Unfortunately, the chaos has also dislodged the structure of the entire cavern. Husks of limbs crumble to the floor. The ground grows moist. Bit by bit, water begins to collect in small puddles. More drips through cracks in the walls and ceilings. The rocky floors offer higher ground, but that'll only last for so long.

As slow as it is, there's no denying the dread that washes over you: the cavern is flooding, and it's seeping through into the altar room. Some of the captured natives look uneasy. Others are too injured to help themselves. You can try to plug the leaks. Though the idea might strike you as morbid, the bodies of the dead can be used to keep some of the water at bay.

◎ Temporary Relief

Wounds caused by the ritual don't seem to recover properly. Your mind could remain confused or disturbed. Even those who were successfully cured will discover the lesions heal much slower than other injuries.

As the days wear on, you might feel a strong pull from the Singularity that leads you into the Horizon. This is especially so if you remain under the ritual's influence. If you give in to the urge and manage to find a safe moment to enter, you can go inside without as much difficulty as before.

You won't land where you intend, but you might find one of the Spared within nonetheless if you wander through. Somehow, the Singularity has brought you together. Something compels you to reach out and make contact. When you do, you'll feel a gentle warmth. You might not know what's happening, exactly, but it feels right.

When you depart from the Horizon, effects from the ritual have lessened by a noticeable degree. They'll stay that way for the next day or so, giving you the strength to keep going.

Coordination | The Spared

You might have compromised a few morals to get what you want - if you had any in the first place - but regardless of how you got here, you and the other Summoned have gathered enough information to proceed. Of course, there are still a few details to iron out. How will you approach the island without compromising the Lost? What spells and resources are required? What needs to be done so that survivors have a safe place to rest and recover once they're home? And what about the ritual inflicted upon them?

Players are encouraged to organize teams, rescue efforts, and tactics with each other. The details outlined below are to provide a starting point and some guidance but are by no means the only options available.

Nocwich

Thanks to a request by one of the Summoned in the Free Cities, Nocwich's doors are opened as a neutral meeting ground for the Spared from all three major nations. Some officials will also be arriving to monitor the situation.

◎ Ritual Details (Sten) | Interact

Sten, one of the Nocwich ambassadors for the Lunae, received a request to help find a cure for the ritual. To do so, he wants to first learn as much about the ritual as he can. Anyone with information can come forward either in person or with a note - anonymous or not. While he'd prefer to put a name to the face, Nocwich won't interfere with the Summoned's desire to protect themselves and their secrets.

Sten will be available in Oleuni Square, in one of the many tents. Pale-haired and scarred, he's warm and friendly to everyone. Due to Luna's connection to Solvunn, he has some knowledge of High Magic, although the traditions of the werewolves are different. While he can't hold long meetings, he'll make time to see everyone who has something important to tell him about the ritual - and if you need a little extra reassurance, he'll offer that, too.

◎ Oleuni Square

Normally a thriving marketplace, Oleuni Square has been repurposed. In the northeastern corner, a collection of tents have been set up. Most are utilitarian but others are covered with homemade blankets to help cover imperfections. The Lunae have come to lend their aid. Volunteers help set up tables and supplies. Others guard the area and the portals. A communal cooking area is available to provide hot meals.

You can make use of the tents for talking strategy, organizing supplies, and other meetings. Nearby inns are available for sleeping free of charge, although one of the inns is closed so that it can be converted into a temporary infirmary. Faction officials and employees are available, as well. You can consult them on tactical advice, resources, and the lay of the land.

Early in Week 3, a few representatives from Ikorr arrive with a supply of their sacred sap. With the sap and the metal ore from the Lunae, you can fashion supplies and potions from raw materials.

The mood around the makeshift camp is somber but hopeful. As one of the Summoned, you'll have control of the situation and can work with a variety of officials and locals to arrange what you need.

Reevaluating Plans

Shortly into Week 3, you'll receive word that some of the Lost have escaped. As details come in bits and pieces, you realize the situation's taken a dramatic turn. More than that, messages from the Lost are no longer disrupted as before. You can read the words clearly again.

Who makes contact first and how the news spreads depends on you. Regardless of how it comes about, your focus can't be solely on breaching the discovered island. Now you also have another group to retrieve - and you don't know where they are, though they at least have some helpful information: the Singularity, the snowy mountains, and a view of the ocean.

Take advantage of the Network's return to reevaluate your plans. You'll need to determine the situation in the island cave as well as the mountains, split into teams, and bring everyone home.

Assigning Roles

Under the circumstances, officials will recommend the Summoned divide into at least two groups: one to search the mountains and one to retrieve the Lost remaining on the island. If you're not the type to rush to the front lines, you can also stay back and help out at home. There's plenty to do here between finding a cure, delegating tasks, and preparing for survivors to return.

◎ Search Team

Reports from the Escape Group tell of snow-capped mountains, Acolytes in pursuit, and other creatures that lurk. Many are injured, though fortunately, abilities have started to return. The area isn't guarded, but the terrain is difficult and temperatures are harsh. Officials will suggest using portals to arrive at the nearest safe point on the mountains before traveling on foot to find the Lost. Others can choose to hunt down the Acolytes who are chasing their friends. Anyone with strong tracking skills would be key, but the team could also use medical assistance in case anyone needs treatment on the spot.

◎ Retrieval Team

Word has it that some of the Acolytes remain on the island along with the trapped captives. The area is tightly guarded and possibly infested with some unknown creatures or those not in their right minds. Officials will suggest negotiating to prevent unwanted casualties but will caution that having a team for infiltration and force is necessary, too. Some distraction could also be helpful, and it would be wise to have some medical assistance in case anyone needs treatment on the spot.

◎ Home Team

Having hands on deck at base is equally vital. Officials will recommend a cure for the ritual be found while the teams are out searching, and standard healing supplies will need preparation, too. Outbound teams could use someone to help bring together lines of communication, updating officials and the Summoned alike about what's going on. And of course, with the Horizon as a place of respite, anyone who can go in to help the Lost seeking healing would be of value.

Week 4

The days have been taxing, but you're beginning to feel a change in the air. Now that resources and information have been pooled, things are moving quickly. Soon, you'll be reunited.

Once you find one another, you'll still need to return home safely - but at least you'll have each other now.

Although players have been divided up until now between Lost and Spared, Week 4 will bring the Spared in contact with the Lost's environments. We'll provide relevant information or redirect each group accordingly so that you don't need to review the entire post for the correct details. If there's anything you're uncertain about from the other group, please ask!

Survival | The Lost

CW: Disturbing imagery (text and imagery), mild gore, body horror, dark and horror-based themes

By now, you've undoubtedly heard from the Spared back home. You're relieved to know rescue is coming, but you probably don't want to sit and wait. With threats to contend with and a dangerous environment, you can take steps to be sure the Spared have help from the other side.

Escape Group

Surviving the elements is only half of it. As the days turn to nights, you realize you're not alone. More than wolves and bears prowl. Something sinister comes...as well as the Acolytes who want their captives back at all cost.

◎ Pursuing Acolytes | Interact

Loyal to the cause, some Acolytes chase the fleeing Lost into the mountains. You might be lulled into safety the first few days, but by Week 4, you sense their presence. The evergreen trees wither, winter shrubs rot, and unexplained husks of wildlife are found. The winds carry a stench in the air that you now identify with the fungal cavern you were held in.

They hunt in pairs or small groups. Their powers seem weaker for reasons unknown, but they remain formidable opponents. You can run, protect others, or go on the offensive.

◎ Hydnellia & Esmond | Interact

If they successfully escape in Week 3, the Mysterious Acolyte and the Unknown Stranger will travel with their rescuers. They'll introduce themselves as Hydnellia & Esmond. Though nervous, Hydnellia is more trusting of anyone who helped them. She's skilled in healing and foraging, while Esmond carries a draught for warmth that could prove useful. Depending on where you stand, you could find their addition helpful or contentious.

◎ Revenant | Interact

Something else stalks the night, scaring even the Acolytes. A hoarfrost revenant has lived on these peaks for centuries. With the sudden arrival of the Lost and Acolytes, he prowls the snow, searching for who's disturbed his sleep.

He cannot be killed. You can only run or chase him away, but he'll soon return. Take care not to stay in one place too long. A rattling chain and blue-flamed lantern announces his coming. His touch brings instant death, made clear by the frozen carcasses of animals left in his path. Best not to fight him.

◎ Rescue

Landmarks such as lakes, cliffs, the Singularity, and more can be used to direct the Search Team to your location.

You might want to warn the Spared about the dangers they'll face when they reach the mountains. Unable to portal to you directly, they'll reach you on foot. You'll need to brave the dangers together one last time to reach the waiting portals below. The trek isn't far, but making that final stretch might feel like an eternity. In the distance, the ground trembles, and the snow begins to form an avalanche.

Players can arrange how the Search Team and the Escape Group meet and decide what threats they'll encounter as they return to the portal.

Details on the avalanche and what characters will face when traveling to the portal will be provided under the Search & Rescue - Search Team section.

Holdout Group

As you huddle in the altar room, you can only hope your sacrifice, intentional or not, was worth it. At least you've been able to communicate with the outside world. The Acolytes are beginning to show signs of unease and budding dissent. At some point, you have to ask, why haven't the unhappy ones left or fled themselves?

Maybe you aren't the only ones trapped anymore. Maybe you're all trapped together now.

◎ The Altar | Interact

Now that you can approach the altar and examine it closely, you see the terrible remnants of twisted figures sunken into the ground beneath it, as though they've fused with the altar itself.

If prodding at the shrines worked, perhaps doing the same with the altar will reveal some answers. A strange energy emanates from its open maw when those afflicted by the ritual come near.

◎ A Promise | Interact

In the final hour, some Acolytes desperately try to resume the rituals on the few remaining Abraxan natives left outside the altar room - many in poor condition. You hear it, though you can only glimpse it through a gap in the sealed doors. Their bodies quickly succumb and sprout more fungal growths while long, spine-like tendrils protrude from their orifices.

You can plead with them to stop, or you can join them in hopes that you will find your divine emancipation. The Acolytes will release anyone who wants to join the ritual from the altar room...but what you step into could carry horrific consequences.

◎ Dissenting Acolytes | Interact

More arguments beyond the sealed doors erupt as water fills the cave and altar room. They accuse each other of being faithless or too blindly loyal. Some say Hydnellia betrayed them. Others say the High Priestess did, perhaps referring to Josselyn.

Toward the middle of Week 4, it grows quiet outside. The arguments stop. One Acolyte approaches the door. She promises to free you and the others and help you find a way out of the cavern together, including overwhelming Josselyn's faithful.

This could be what turns the tide, but things might also go very wrong. You and the others trapped with you must decide if you'll accept the olive branch. Of course, agreeing to trust them doesn't mean you have to follow through. The Acolytes sound desperate and might be a bit too trusting themselves.

◎ Rescue

Unlike the Escape Group, the Spared know where the Holdout Group is. Getting to them will take effort, but you can help by providing information from the inside. After all, the Acolytes won't know when you're using the network. You can even coordinate with each other in secret despite being in the same room.

You might want to warn the Spared about the dangers they face when they reach the cavern areas. The Bone Serpent could pose a problem, along with any crumbling walls and obstacles. A creature might still be trapped in one of the tunnels if no one freed it. As the team approaches, severe quakes shake the entire place. Water flows in faster. It appears ready to collapse at any moment.

You'll need to get off the island to reach the portal on the Thornean peninsula. That'll pose a problem when the boats break from the collapsing island, but an unexpected friend might arrive.

Details on the quake and what characters face when getting off the island will be provided under the Search & Rescue - Retrieval Team section.

Search & Rescue | The Spared

CW: Disturbing imagery (text and visual), dark themes.

After an exhausting month, it finally seems as though things are coming together. By now, you've made decided on your plans, gathered your resources, and chosen the role that suits you best. Not everyone may agree with what you're doing, or maybe there's someone you don't agree with. Nevertheless, your friends are waiting, and you'll push forward with or without support.

Search Team

As part of the Search Team, your goal is to portal from Nocwich to the mountains and locate members of the Escape Group.

You'll need to determine the best place to portal in - close enough to the Lost that the trek is reasonable but safe enough that the portals won't be at risk. Considering the terrain and the condition of many of the Lost, it's likely the distance will be about one day's travel on foot.

◎ Resources & Support

Thorne will send their military for support since their soldiers are used to winter conditions, unlike the Free Cities. The Free Cities will provide portal stones so that mages won't be required to maintain an open portal. The Lunae will offer guides to help navigate the wilderness.

Solvunn's aid is limited to healing supplies, as their efforts are focused on the island due to the heavy use of High Magic there.

You are not limited to only what the factions offer upfront. If there's more you think they can do, you can make a request.

◎ The Acolytes (Escape) | Interact

Though rescuing the Lost is the top priority, you might feel justice or vengeance is long overdue. Some Acolytes are pursuing the captives while others might try to pass as one of the survivors. Those most faithful to the cause will attack you, but not all of them are that steadfast. Some prefer to flee. Others still may surrender, under the right circumstances.

Officials have requested that the Acolytes be brought in alive if possible, but no one will be counting the bodies if you decide to take out a few on your own.

Players can write out attacking, capturing, or killing the Acolytes without using the interaction. However, if you want to take a more specific action in terms of identifying any Acolytes pretending to pass as one of the captured Abraxan natives, negotiating a surrender, or interrogating them on the spot, you can submit an interaction.

◎ Getting to Safety

During the search, you'll encounter the same dangers the Escape Group has faced over the past week. Common predators include wolves, gryphons, and wild boars. Most significantly, a revenant must be avoided or else death is certain. Detailed under the Survival - Escape Group section, the revenant can be interacted with by the Spared once on the mountains.

Keep your friends safe after you meet up with them. You'll have to guide them back to the portals and make sure they can keep up with their injuries. Though you hope the journey is smooth, you know better.

And sure enough, a rumble draws your attention. When you look up, you see it coming down: an avalanche pouring down one of the mountain slopes. Get out of the way quickly or risk being swept up in the landslide. If you're lucky enough to dodge the avalanche, you can help anyone caught in its path.

Retrieval Team

As part of the Retrieval Team, your goal is to infiltrate the island and safely retrieve the members of the Holdout Group. A portal from Nocwich can only take you as far as the peninsula on Thorne's coast, near the island. The rest is on you.

Your team's likely already decided the best method to breach the island and you may have done your best to account for every last detail, but that doesn't mean everything will go as planned. The flooding hasn't stopped. Frequent, violent quakes are now shaking the island, and the structure beneath is rapidly crumbling. Time is of the essence.

◎ Resources & Support

Thorne mages and Solvunn Elders will accompany your team to focus on dispelling the enchantments, while the Free Cities will send some of its soldiers. They'll also provide boats powered with New Magic. Though normally quite noisy, Thorne has stepped in to enchant them to be much more discreet.

You are not limited to only what the factions offer upfront. If there's more you think they can do, you can make a request.

◎ Dispelling Protections | Interact

The illusions that once held the island together are corrupted from the escape. Navigating the constantly shifting landscape is dizzying and confusing. You might experience strange visions brought on by your imagination - terrifying images from home you know shouldn't be there.

Fight through it to find a warded tunnel. You'll need to find a way to break the wards to enter. Should you feel the urge to rush in heedlessly, you might want to observe the pile of dead bats and birds all around you. Their bodies are mangled and crushed. You can only imagine what might happen to you.

◎ The Collapse

Whether you make contact with the Acolytes or the Holdout Group first depends on your approach. You can apprehend what Acolytes you can, negotiate their surrender, or kill them. Whichever tactics you use, once the Holdout Group is released from the altar room, you'll end up in the same situation: the way out is blocked from falling debris. Seawater rapidly fills the cavern.

Your best bet is to follow the water flow into the open ocean. As you do, the cavern begins to collapse in on itself in a swirling whirlpool as the magic which kept the water at bay falters. You'll have to struggle to swim against the current, and a few Acolytes are sucked into the vortex. The boats splinter and break apart, leaving you and many wounded stranded in the ocean.

◎ An Old Friend

Deep waters aren't safe. When a deep rumbling sounds and a massive shadow looms below, you might wonder if this is the end. Instead, the shadow takes on a warm moon-like glow. A familiar figure to some of you from Thorne surfaces. The giant sea turtle waits calmly for you to climb on its shell. You can save any captured Acolytes, or you can let the sea swallow them.

How did the turtle find you? If you have strong psychic abilities or an affinity for communicating with animals, you might sense a connection to a much smaller turtle: Admiral Chuck from The Arcanis. Perhaps a friend is looking out for you from afar after you were kind enough to spend time with him.

The moonlit turtle will carry everyone to shore, where the portal to Nocwich awaits. Then it vanishes into the depths once more.

Home Team

As part of the Home Team, your goal is to support the others and prepare for the return of many survivors.

Two important tasks are healing in the Horizon to aid any of the Lost who are struggling, and finding a cure for the effects of the ritual. You can also assign tasks, transform the inn into an infirmary, and make sure supplies are available.

◎ Ritual Cure | Interact

The answer to a cure is likely found in the contents of Josselyn's house, the mushroom rings, and the odd black substance painted around the abduction sites. Solvunn's Elders and the Lunae, including Sten, will be there to help and provide any information they can.

If you're not the experimental type, you can still help in one of two ways: you can go to Ikorr to retrieve a bloom from their sacred flower located in the Nightbloom or you can go to Luna to collect moon-blessed water from the Lunar Pond. You'll be accompanied through a direct portal by the vampires to Ikorr or the werewolves to Luna.

Researchers and mages from the major nations will also work on the task using the information they've learned - but they'd be grateful for any assistance.

◎ Horizon Healing

As discovered in Week 3, you can continue to use the Horizon to offer to heal those who need it. In moments of calm, anyone connected to the Singularity will feel a familiar pull. The urge to enter the Horizon itches at the back of your mind as the hours go by, even if you're not usually inclined to do so.

If you give in, you could find one of the Lost there. You sense they need your help, or you feel compelled to reach out and touch. A warmth flows between you. Though you may not realize what you've done until afterwards, you'll know it's something unique and powerful.

Forging a stronger link to the Horizon can subtly strengthen the gifts and magic you receive from the Singularity - and a deep healing connection with another Summoned is a part of that.

Return

For the next week or so, Nocwich is the place of refuge. Concerned that the ritual and other unknown effects may have a widespread impact, everyone must remain in Nocwich. This includes the abducted Abraxan natives, the soldiers, mages, and Elders who arrived to help.

Captured Acolytes will be held in the prisons in Nocwich. Their fate is yet to be determined.

Should the Mysterious Acolyte and her brother make it to safety, they'll also be held in Nocwich for now. Nocwich will recognize that they were rescued by some of you, however, and will make sure they're placed in a comfortable - but still guarded - home.

Recovery & Cures

The Square's largest inn serves as a temporary infirmary. The Lost will be brought here to recover and receive the cure for the ritual. Any of the Spared who were injured during the rescue will also be treated.

Healing & Care

Although a few healers and doctors from the factions are in Nocwich, most have stayed home to prepare for when the Summoned and their citizens return. Instead, healers from Luna and Ikorr will look after you with a combination of salves, healing magic, and potions. Ikorr's powerful sap is used in healing concoctions, reserved for the most severe injuries. Overdoing it can cause unwanted side effects, so healers are careful.

If you're lucky, you can get a room to yourself. If not, you might have a roommate. The infirmary is hectic, though you'll receive the best care possible. Visitors are allowed. Nurses caution against overtaxing yourself, but you can finally reunite with everyone you've been separated from over the past four weeks.

Receiving the Cure

After such a harrowing ordeal, you'll be relieved to learn that the cure is effective and painless. It consists of a spoonful of a thick mixture. The aftertaste is bitter and a little sour but not terrible. After a day or two, the psychological effects will fade completely. Physical afflictions will begin to heal again.

If any growths remain, they must be removed. Thankfully, potent sleeping draughts means you won't feel a thing - a blessing that those who sought a cure in the caverns didn't have.

Returning Home

After a week, officials determine that the ritual effects are cured and request that you return home. Their doctors and healers will look after you once you're back. Eventually, they'd like to know the details, but you won't need to talk about it just yet.

◎ Thorne

Your return to Thorne is greeted with a show of fanfare. For many, the castle staff has grown familiar with your presence. They're heartened to see you return. A few may have get-well gifts if they've come to know you.

If you still require significant healing, you'll be taken care of in the Castle's infirmary. Otherwise, you'll be assigned a healer who'll check in on you in your room.

◎ Free Cities

Your return to Cadens is greeted with a buzz in the air. With a city so populated, reactions vary from relief to curiosity to a much less welcome invasion of privacy from local writers. City guards will do their best to make sure you return home or arrive at the hospital with minimal fuss.

If you were injured, doctors will insist you remain overnight at the hospital. If you were severely wounded and remain so, they won't clear you for release until you're fully recovered. Of course, no one can stop you from leaving, but you may want to listen to the doctors.

◎ Solvunn

Your return to Solvunn is greeted with a somber air. Many in the settlement are in the midst of prayer, having devoted themselves to seeking your safe return. Your friends and neighbors are relieved to see you, but they're troubled by the perversion of their traditions, the close involvement of one of their Council members, and the terrible suffering you endured.

Healers and Elders will see you in your home as needed. Offerings will be made to shrines on your behalf, and you won't run out of home-cooked meals for a while. Many will lend a sympathetic ear if you want someone to talk to.

Comments

[itookashot]

Oh you know, just threatening to kill Thorne officials and making them seem bad in a very public way. I was held by the Luna guards for a time.

[ Jesper doesn't sound like he regrets it because he doesn't. It didn't turn out the way he hoped, but he would flip off Thorne every day of the week if he could. The fact that Mat and the others are still going back to their gilded cage makes him sick to his stomach, but there is now officially nothing he can do.

He sighs and kisses Sylvain's hand, placing it against his cheek so he can lean into it and close his eyes. And simply be glad that he made it, that all of them made it. Sylvain at least is going home with him and he can keep an eye on him and the others in Cadens. ]

I wasn't held hostage for weeks, love, what matters is how you are.

[princessvegas]

[ The viper seems to pick up on that failure to definitively answer more than Julie herself does. It spits and hisses again, but Julie places a hand on its neck, her first real acknowledgement that it's even present. She's spent months working out her control of the snake, her ability to contain her rage and fear so that it doesn't just continually show up and strike everyone who bumps into her on the street. ]

You wouldn't. [ She looks at him with a dark sense of resignation, her jaw set firmly. ] I mean, that says it all, don't it? You can't say it. That if you hafta make a choice between me and someone else, you can't say you'd choose me. And like, I'm not sayin' I'd expect that from someone I didn't tell. But you took it on your fuckin' self to puzzle it out. And you knew, you fuckin' knew from the second you first suspected, what kinda dangerous this shit is. And you still kept diggin'. Did you just want leverage on me or somethin'?

[ Because that's what it is. Leverage. The second Rhy or Jack or any of his other little boyfriends gets caught out for something serious, she's the magic get-out-of-jail-free card. And there is no leverage she can ever get on anyone else that will be equivalent.

There are others who know about her, to varying extents. Most of them are people in her daily orbit, people she is physically close to. The others found out accidentally, but have been protective all the same. And they haven't been lying to her for as long as they've known her. She doesn't worry about Stephen or Wanda -- they are both so powerful in their own ways that she knows they won't break. Rhy cannot sell her out without selling out himself, and he does not know the full truth of her connection, not identical to his own. Everyone else is in Cadens, with her.

Kyle does not fit any of those boxes so neatly.

It begins to rain. Julie stays dry, but her cheeks don't. ]

And now it's not hidden anymore. Hope your god's happy.

[notoftheblood]

Hope was what kept Jack going a lot of days. Hope for a better world, a better tomorrow, and hope that Chuck would be stopped. It was that hope and those worries that made standing before his actual father less of a worry and more of a hope. He understood more now than he could have last time they saw each other.

Well, last time Jack saw him.

The scowl does make him almost take a step back. But no, he stands his ground. Keeping his face as neutral as he can.

"I had to lie to them..." It still hurt to say, but he had to explain a little. "I've already had to live through Dean not trusting me for being your son. I don't want to do that again, so, I told them I am Castiel's son." He spoke the last part a little lower. "I would like to get to know you here, but please don't tell them you are my father." He spoke in his earnest way. A touch of sadness at all the lies he has had to weave to keep himself safe.

It wasn't fair to Lucifer, but when was the world, this or any other ever fair to Lucifer?

[philancer]

You have a talking dragon. I think I should be asking if you're alright.

[ But he gratefully lets her help him struggle up into a sitting position, even if he has to lean on her. Whatever strength he'd had left had been fairly sapped from the swim free of the pit and the biting cold that had waited for them on the other side. And that wasn't even including the ritual effects and the fever still burning through him, making his skin hot to the touch. ]

We found a way out, Himeka. Some of us. Not everyone... [ He stops and closes his eyes, because he still regrets that they had to leave Steve behind. It didn't seem right. ]

[philancer]

[ He'd expected it to be another room, but a closet worked just as well. Even if it was a little cramped. He'd apologize after but right now he's stuck pressed up against the other man as the sound of heals click on tile out in the hall, slowing in confusion. He lifts a finger to his lips, his eyes wide.

Not that it would be the worst thing ever to get caught, but that wasn't the point.

Finally, the footsteps pick up their pace again, continuing down the hall until the sound fades. Only then does Sylvain heave a quiet sigh of relief and shoot the other man an impish grin. ]

Think it's safe?

[notoftheblood]

[ Jack showed no sign of the weight Istredd allowed to lean on him bothering him at all. The half angel was strong enough, and he didn't use his abilities, natural or power wise, all that often. Aside from cloaking himself from other angels. A very different type of cloaking than the one he was doing now to hide his hair and face lest any family in town recognize him.

He was happy as he could be to get to help someone. He did look up towards Istredd as they moved slowly towards wherever Istredd was leading them. His smile grew some as he listened.]

He is a very good man, do you know if he got out okay? I haven't been able to find him yet. [ He mirrored back, though he didn't plan on being caught breaking his promise, he just needed to know that his chosen father was okay.]

They are my uncles, I am Castiel's son. [ He added a moment later. Only half a lie, as Lucifer was his father, not Castiel. But it was a lie for his own safety. He couldn't know if anyone knew the lie was just that. Well, besides Michael. ]

[philancer]

[ He shifts when she leans to reach for the tea, attempting to ease himself up into something more resembling a sitting position. Although it pulls on his bruised ribs, making him wince, but he manages to get a little more upright, at least. Enough that he'll be able to drink when she offers him the thermos. He holds it carefully, bandages making his fingers stiff and harder to grip things. But he manages that, too. Although he doesn't object to her helping when it shakes a little halfway. ]

Is Nocwich near where we were? [ Because he still has no idea where that was, actually. The Pit or the mountainside. ] Did they get everyone back? Even the ones still caught underground? [ He's still worried about Steve and the others. ]

[philancer]

Well. I mean. They're not great? I thought that was common knowledge by now, or is that just because we're from the Free Cities? Although I can see how they might take offense to threats of murder. If you're gonna kill them, I'd suggest skipping the threats stage entirely.

[ That is definitely not the advice he should be giving, but he assumes Jesper had good reason. Because that makes it okay, right?

He smiles fondly at the brush of lips against his hand, even if he can only feel the faint heat and pressure of it, rather than the actual sensation. Still, he brushes his thumb against his cheek when Jesper leans into the touch, soaking up the warmth of it. The novelty of being able to again.

Although he waves away Jesper's dismissal, fixing him with a knowing look. ] Yeah, I've got a whole team of healers worrying about that so I don't have to. And Hilda. Who's terrifying, by the way. I may need rescued again at this point.

[ He doesn't actually sound that worried at all, despite the playful words. But he does give Jesper's cheek a light pinch before chiding him gently. ]

You might not have been down there with us, but you were left behind to worry and drive yourself nuts, which I think would be just as bad, especially when someone is more used to being able to do something. [ While he can't say that he would choose being in the Pit, imagining his friends missing and not knowing where they were, knowing there was nothing he could do about it for weeks on end - it sounded almost as horrifying to him. ] I'm allowed to worry about you back. You look tired.

[cointosser]

Not nearly enough, it seems.

[And perhaps Jaskier should not be giving shit to a man who's gone through what he can only imagine Geralt has, but it's been so long, and he so desperately wishing them to come home safe, that -- that it is too easy, too desirable, to slip back into something he knows, that's comfortable.

There is more than just discomfort, faced with Geralt's pain, and his belief he failed his daughter. Somehow. Even if she came home alive.

He can guess that is not good enough for Geralt. That she should not have been there at all.

Jaskier offers his hand in case Geralt will take it to aid getting out of bed, sweeping Mog out of the way before he provides a tripping hazard. But he doesn't expect it to be taken.

Jaskier clears his throat.] I know you won't listen to me. I know well the nature of man, or... man-adjacent. Even if you think you failed her, Geralt, you kept her safe. You did what you could. And you both came home. I don't know what you went through, but I know you would do anything in your power to keep her safe. That, I don't have to guess. I've seen it myself.

[He pushes his too-long bangs out of his face, leading a slow, lumbering path to the bath he has already prepared, and paid to keep hot. Magic, shockingly, has its most domestic of uses. And he has the influence to spring an injured man from his room long enough to clean him.] That's all I'll say on it. I know you hate talking of such things. And I can't change your mind. But... if anything is weighing you down, I hope you know you can talk to me. Whenever you feel you want to.

[catholica]

( matt doesn't know if he'd believe anyone else but her when she says that. and it's those words that keep him upright and going.

he stumbles and hobbles but he keeps going until they do get out of there. )

[funbreaker]

[ It's been quite a long journey. To say nothing of the weeks of investigating the captives' whereabouts, more recently there's been the journey here by boat; the visions that assaulted them once they made landfall; the island itself seeming to reject them by threatening to collapse around them and sink into the sea.

With their two-part plan in place and the fact that they'd been able to see Nero and the other captive (Steve, he thinks Himeka said his name was?) in the flesh, alive if not entirely well, it does feel like they're in the final stretch.

... Well, currently they're in a waterlogged tunnel system and cavern, but the point stands.

They've had to fight their way through after sneaking below ground, with both monsters and zealous acolytes doing everything in their power to try and stop them. It wasn't enough, and finally someone has managed to open up the door that was sealing the remaining captives away.

The water is up well past his knees by this point, but Thancred wades through to check on the trapped Summoned as they begin streaming out of their holding cell. He can't help it, he's looking for Urianger first and foremost. When the man himself staggers through the recently opened door, Thancred's heart seems to leap in his chest as he presses forward, the water swishing and churning around him.

Now isn't the time for happy reunions, no, but it is still so good to see him and to find some clarity in his gaze. To hear him speaking of providing aid to others, even now. ]

You are a sight for sore eyes, friend. [ It says a lot that he doesn't make some manner of joking comment about how awful Urianger looks. Now simply isn't the time. Thancred grips at Urianger's hand on his shoulder, squeezing mayhap too hard, before he takes in the rest of the mess around them. Plenty of other injured and dazed Summoned and natives are stumbling out. ]

We need to help everyone to the surface posthaste. I don't know how much longer this cavern is bound to hold.

[ As much as he wants to get his fellow Scion to safety first and foremost, Thancred knows that Urianger won't accept such an outcome. He wants to tend to everyone else first, even if he looks like he's been tapped out of every last ounce of energy or aether by now. There is that thought that creeps in, that they should have been here so much sooner, but he has to crush it down.

Urianger is alive. It will have to be enough. ]

[thedevilwhorose]

The crack of laughter that comes from him is... inhuman. Twisted bitterness that twines with his voice.

"Look, I-I get it, Dean will carve you in half with that blade of his if he finds out!" He's known the kid would have to lie. Needed him to lie, as much as he despised it. Because Dean hopped up on the dwindling sanity of the Mark and whatever laws dictate Abraxas, that blade might be able to kill Jack just as much as it might be able to kill Lucifer.

"But why Castiel?!"

That's where the pain lies. Castiel, who was the whole problem to begin with. Who swiped the container while Jack was still incubating and Lucifer remained bound to Crowley and Dagon again failed him.

He drops his arms and gestures wildly, the spike of anger coursing through him, but it's like overdosing on caffeine. Eventually it stops working. Eventually it doesn't absorb anymore.

"Anyone else. You couldn't have picked anyone else. Samandriel! They would've accepted that! Sure, he's dead, but there's... plenty of workarounds for that. Heck, there's multiple worlds. You had options and you had to go with Castiel?!"

He's entirely lost Jack's mention about wanting to get to know him.

[princessvegas]

[ Well, that sounds far worse than Jack made it seem. It's hard to tell whether Mat is making it dramatic or if Jack was making it sound less chaotic than it was, but based on her experience, her money is on the latter.

Julie shakes her head a little. ] No, I already know what's up with my people. They're both out. Stick with 'em, they know what they're doin' in the wilderness, 'specially mountains. Geralt and Ciri.

[ She's worried about them, yes, but much less than she would have been before. If there are any two people in the world she trusts to survive this particular circumstance, it's them. Even sick, even injured.

While Mat eats, Julie has remained sitting close enough that they touch, shoulder to shoulder, arm to arm. She's a touch-y person in general, but right now, she feels compelled to be as near as she can. ]

[notoftheblood]

That laughter was unsettling to say the least. Jack was tempted to pull his hood up once more, but didn't. No, he forced himself to stand there and listen while Lucifer let his feelings be known.

"Exactly, and I dont want to do that again." He admitted before going on." I chose him in the womb." Keeping his tone earnest, and trying to keep eye contact despite the small rise of fear within him.

He never liked people getting upset with him, but that was a part of life he was having to get used too. "He made me feel safe before I was born, and he was there for me after his return. I did not choose him to slight you." To be honest, Lucifer hadn't even been a thought he had when he chose his lie. "I didn't know any other angels, besides. Who would Dean and Sam trust more than Castiel?"

He should have repeated that he wanted to know him but, he decided better to explain himself first.

[magicalarchaeologist]

He did, we all did, thanks to the people who came in to get us. Strangely we made it out on a giant turtle, one that had been beached in Thorne not that long ago and we helped get out.

[ Istredd doesn't know if that means turtles can understand humans enough to be loyal to them, although Jack's reference to the intelligence of Admiral Chuck seems to say that is the case. They saved the turtle, it saved them. It isn't a coincidence, but he's grateful. He doesn't point out that technically their rescuers almost died with them, because that is besides the point. They still tried to save them, it could have been much worse.

Istredd does not know about Dean. He knows someone fell overboard but not any details as he was in and out of consciousness at the time. He looks genuinely surprised at that detail. Lucifer's nephew? Does he know? He thinks Lucifer said there were two angels in Free Cities. He probably knows about Jack, then. Lucifer dislikes that whole group so it's likely he didn't care enough to mention it. ]

I'm glad to give you good news about your father. I think he's healing in the Nocwich inn, same as the rest of us, if you want to go see him.

[ He continues to lean on Jack as they go, more confident now that an angel could handle his weight. ]

Can I ask about the hood? Are you cold or trying to hide?

[techmaturgy]

For someone used to waking up in a hospital bed tended to by concerned friends (here, at least), it's no less uncomfortable to be on the other side of it. They've all been administered a cure, but there's no real solution for injuries sustained in an avalanche but to treat them and wait.

Which he does, anxiously, until Kell stirs for the first time. Viktor immediately sets aside his notebook and moves to stop him from doing too much, too soon.

"Kell--" Viktor's bedside manner is not necessarily the greatest, as he's more used to being a patient than the attending nurse, but he'll do his best. "Don't try to speak. You're safe now."

[notoftheblood]

Thank you for telling me. I was very worried about him and the others. [ It was only a mild understatement. His worry for everyone is what led him here, after all. And it was a relief to know that everyone made it out. Jack puffed up a little at the news. Much like a child receiving praise.]

That is odd though, I wonder why it was a giant turtle. [ Jack kinda wished he could have seen that. A shame really.

He would find out about Dean in time, but not be as worried as one might expect, he'd be sad but not worried. His second chosen father always found a way to escape death. Dean was harder to kill than any of the angels. ]

I will go visit him soon then. Thank you, sir. [ He wasn't sure if he should use Istradd's name yet, so he defaulted to manners. Looking up at the question, he looked a little sheepish.]

My father had me promise to stay home and out of danger. I tried to listen, but there are a lot of people who need help, and if I can help I should be here... So I am hiding from my family so they don't know I broke my promise.... at least until I go see him. I don't like breaking promises, or lies.

[ Which, he was doing both. But, that was okay. That was just the Lucifer in him. He seemed just fine as Istradd leaned more weight on him easily helping him slowly along. ]

[magicalarchaeologist]

"They were attacking people in the chaos who were fighting back." Ciri and Geralt of course being two of those people. Ciri went back for Caitlyn, he saw the woman's blue hair as they went out, but it's fine. "I'm glad they got out." That is all he truly cares about in the end. Istredd thought from day one that he was going to die in here, and he didn't take the opportunity to leave while he had one. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way.

"The rituals? That can't be good." Istredd wonders if that means they'll try the rituals again while they have the last of their time, before the rest of the rescue comes. The acolytes must know it's only a matter of time now that some of them are out. They could also kill the last of their prisoners, it would be a logical thing to do, and then run while they can.

He moves his hand and in truth he was lucky, it didn't hit any of the serious places that could cause a fatal gut injury. It's closer to his ribs and that makes moving hurt, but he won't bleed out. Infection is much more dangerous. "This would be a great time for my healing magic to come back." He says with a dry sense of humor, since they both know that's not going to happen.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd is also someone who prefers private grieving so he doesn't push. Being a telempath can make things complicated if he isn't careful, and he wouldn't want to take any of that away from her. He is not someone who does the means well kind of act. He nods instead to her, to indicate he understands and will not ask more. It really isn't his problem in terms of anything he can help. He is useless at the moment.

"I honestly can't believe we're out. I'm pretty sure we all thought there was no hope after we helped the other escape."

Maybe some people were trying to be hopeful or stubborn or they were natural survivors, but there had to be an awareness among all of them that they were in a more precarious situation than before. He actually thought the only thing that made sense was to kill all the hostages and leave while they could.

"My name is Istredd. How do the others look? Several of them were worse than me." He can glance around but he doesn't know if anyone is in near-fatal situation. Istredd has blood on his shirt from his own wound, which has absolutely opened again thanks to swimming, but he is close to healers.

[ushiri]

[ Another grimace, like it struck out anyway. ]

You're not leverage, Julie. You're special. You're important to us all, even the ones who don't know. And it won't be from me that anyone else finds out.

[ Kahlil can't make her trust him, though. This is a losing battle. He hesitates. ]

Find a way to take it from my memory. I won't fight you.

[ If she won't trust him to protect her secret, then this is all he can offer. He knows there's Summoned who can rifle through minds, and there's probably Abraxan magic that can do the same. If she can't cast the spell herself, she likely knows someone else somewhat capable.

And he'll just have to trust that she won't scatter his mind. ]

[magicalarchaeologist]

I think it's possible the turtle has enough awareness to be returning the favor some of us did for it a few months ago. We saved its life. We were drowning before it got there.

[ Istredd is sure that no animals have that much sentient knowledge in his sphere, but why wouldn't it be different here? So many other things are. Perhaps animals are as aware as the rest of them, just like gods exist. Riding the turtle was strange but also the kind of experience none of them are going to forget.

The whole group of them was very near dead at that point. It is possible that the healthy retrieval group could have gotten them to safety, but there is no knowing for sure. Istredd had given up several times, so he's still a little shocked he is breathing at the moment. ]

You can call me Istredd, only my students call me sir, and I usually ask them not to too.

[ His teachers at the Brotherhood loved titles and polite honorifics so of course he wants the opposite as one. He listens to Jack's explanation, a little surprised to find him so honest and forthright. He seems to have no deceptive qualities, but that reminds him of Castiel. Who probably can and does lie, but is very up front too, in their experience together. ]

I see, I understand his concern, but you should be quite safe here. All the factions are working together for once so we don't have to worry about their conflict right now.

[ Istredd doubts the war is over entirely, but a ceasefire is appreciated. He assumes that is why Castiel would be concerned for Jack, on top of not wanting him to go hunting for the others. But the square is safe. ]

Your uncles are both here, by the way, I don't know about your relationship to them, but just so you know.

[ He assumes negative like all the Winchester family, so it seems safe to warn him, for everyone's sake. Lucifer is being very difficult at the moment, he wouldn't want him to say vicious things because of his mood. ]

[beautifullies]

[ Claire lets out a soft breath and shakes her head. ]

No, no she's Jamie's But Frank agreed to raise her. [ Claire pauses; she hasn't even told Jamie this, because it would enrage him, and for what? ] If I never spoke of what happened again, not Jamie, the war, nothing. Bree was never to know.

[ Her breath hitches a little. ]

Frank made me burn everything I returned with, my clothes. But he did let me keep this.

[ She holds out the hand with the simple silver ring, melted down from a spare key to Lallybroch - always home, a part of her and on her hand. She never ever took it off except for surgeries. And then, she wore it on a chain around her neck. ]

He was a wonderful father to Bree, I have to give him that, at least.

[ushiri]

[ So many red-headed (pink-headed?) Summoned. It must be a sign of something. Witchcraft, the priests would say. He's beginning to suspect it has more to do with stubbornness...

Well, no slipping away unnoticed now. Hilda grabs his wrist and he hesitates for a half second. ]

Go, I'll distract it! [ he says, slipping from her grip and standing his ground, eyes wide as he swears the ground shakes beneath the beasts massive paws.

Kahlil gives a hard whistle and tosses some goodberries right in its path. ]

[earthborn]

"We won't get another chance, and we don't have time to argue," Shepard glances back, to gauge the crowd. Between the natives and the Summoned, there are still more than a dozen people still pushing forward, and she can see the robes and hoods slowly pulling themselves together beyond them, vague shadows coming together out of the ringing chaos.

Why is it, in moments of crisis, someone always wants to stop and talk it out? To have it come from Garrus, of all people, is the surprise she doesn't need.

"Listen to me; you've never lost faith in me before, dammit, don't you dare start now!," Daring to take one hand off her work, she reached out to touch him, to anchor the point. The aperture narrowed slightly, and she grimaced. This wasn't the time, "I love you. I will see you on the other side. Now, get the hell out of here!"

All there was then, was the hang on as long as she could, and finish the job. Garrus had never let her down before, never even come this close to doing so, but she hadn't gotten to where she was by not believing in her partner. It would have to be enough.

[princessvegas]

[ You're special.

Her whole life was chasing that drug. Being special, being important. There's no other reason to have bright pink hair, to wear head to toe sequins, to viciously cling to those with power. She'd wanted it so bad, for so long, and when she finally was the special one, everyone else fucking died.

But now, now that she is special and important, she almost wishes she weren't. Almost -- she doesn't want to be separated from the Singularity. She feels like it's a part of her actual being now. Now, it keeps pushing at her, prodding. Not content to be ignored, even in a moment where she doesn't have attention to spare.

Kyle tells her to find a way to alter his memory and she wants to laugh again. She knows people who can do it, it's true. She had one of them in her head just a few weeks ago. She doesn't think she could ask them without being in immediate danger, though. And she doesn't think it's right to meddle in people's brains anyway; it's been done to her and she resents it.

There's a long silence. She honestly doesn't know what to do or what to say. She wants to say it's fine, to play it cool. Pretend she isn't scared out of her gourd. She wants to believe him, but it feels impossible. ]

Just go. Please. [ She sounds small and tired. How could she have felt so content just an hour ago? ]