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

[subhuman]

Dante does raise a brow at that. Whatever 'Antari' is must be tough, by Kell's description. Something to do with magics involving ice or fire, from what it sounds like. He'll have to ask more details about that later. But as long as Kell is confident in his skills, Dante's not gonna stand in his way unless he absolutely has to.

He is a little doubtful given Kell's condition, but he thinks the young man deserves a shot. Revenge is a hell of a drug and justice isn't often served when it should be.

It's a quiet moment, but Dante eventually nods and gives Kell once pat on his shoulder.

"Alright. I'll watch your back. Just tag-team me in if you need back-up."

[theidlemaiden]

[ The wince on his face ripples concern through her and her other hand reaches out to steady him as she steadies the thermos for him to drink from. ]

Not really. [ She recalls the map Viktor had put together and the terrain she had been surrounded by. ] It was closer to Thorne and the Singularity. I can draw you a little map when we're done if you want but do you really want to be thinking about that now that you're here?

[ She knows that everyone deals with their trauma in different ways, but she's determined to keep as much of his mind present as she can. With her. Where he's safe.

A reassuring smile flickers to her face as she takes the thermos lid back to pour a little more in. She senses the worry in his voice and she reaches out a hand to brush the concern away from his brow.]

Everyone's accounted for. We can go visit others later once you've got your strength up if you want.

[gynvael]

[ His forehead rests against hers for a moment, belying his determination, his insistence, to leave. The temptation to ignore the world outside a little longer clings. Always the danger of the Horizon, is it not? ]

I will. [ To both. ] I'll send the others to you.

[ They could use her help, now that he knows. Especially the ones he left behind—he did what he had to, but. It still worries him. If fortune favours, they'll be able to enter. He isn't certain. Worth the attempt.

Besides, he knows better than to ask her to try and rest. The tent tells him she means to be here until they're home.

Eventually, he releases her. The wolf lingers at the front of the tent to watch him leave—but once he's gone, it returns to her side. ]

[satanicpanics]

[ He lets out a bark of laughter, a welcome sound in all the doom and gloom. It even helps push some of his own anxiety back just a bit more. ]

Well, you know, probably not bad to go in with a plan B.

[ And he’s not beyond making that his plan B if he has to. He’s determined not to run this time, and to make it back alive—or whatever semblance of alive he happens to be right now. It just might be the most motivated he’s ever been, which is saying a lot.

But…he’s still Eddie, and his eyebrows furrow and it’s clear he hasn’t thought about his pack at all. That’s fine, he can think on the fly. ]

Well, obviously don’t want it too heavy. Water? And, uh some sort of first aid shit in case I have a mishap that leaves me with nine fingers?

[ He gives her a searching look, like he’s waiting for her to confirm or deny or tell him he’s an idiot for forgetting something super obvious, which he’s sure he probably has. ]

And, uh…yeah, I don’t know what else.

week 4

[ordinar]

As they trek through the snow, Wilhelm cradles in his hand a flame. Every morning, he siphons off some of the dying campfire before they douse it with snow, and he saves it for when they stop again at nightfall.

He's never maintained his magic for so long. There are times that his concentration wobbles, and the flame sputters or starts to slip from his grip, but his stubbornness wins out in the end. When they pause for a quick bite, a bit of rest, he finds fallen branches to set the flame on so that he doesn't have to babysit it so closely.

Now is one such time. Except, as he pulls a branch toward him, he notices something strange: although most of its needles are still green, a dark stain of rot eats through it. The stench of it strikes him cold.

"Hey, Mat..." He waves the branch a bit to flag his attention. "This is totally weird, right?"

[godshattering]

[ The leosylph takes to Gideon moving the ribbon around immediately, pouncing after it with a paw swatted in earnest here and there as it chases its new toy back and forth. Gideon's encouragement gets a wide grin from Claude since why not make it a glorious battle of some kind, where nothing's at stake, except for one strange little furry creature looking utterly happy if the tail wiggles are anything to go by.

It's good, to have something so simply delightful like this, like watching the monastery cats roll around in the grass when he was back at the academy or the animals around Cadens catching naps in sunny spots. It makes it a little easier to go back to something far more grievous in between. ]

I'm glad you did, too. I'm only sorry we couldn't get everyone out at the same time.

[ Something that bothered and still continues to bother him; at the same time, Claude also doesn't want to detract from that there were those brave enough to make sure everyone else could get out. Something he'd tried but ended up getting dragged out in the end, and who knows what those who stayed behind faced.

Still - he's not one to linger on something no one wants to dwell on, so it's just as easy to grin again to sweep it all away. For now. ]

It's like you're reading my mind! I had the same thought since I think one of these - or maybe a bunch of them, if we're all going to get in on the smuggling - would be nice to have around Mag's. We could just put on our loosest clothes and no one would ever know. Might not be a bad way to also get ourselves out of here, actually.

[gynvael]

[ By the end of the week, he's no longer so tightly wound. He's carefully rearranged his thoughts, returned his focus to doing more than surviving the next hour. He's managed some sleep. Company is less unwelcome.

Not that Himeka's ever was.

He lightens when he sees her peek through the door. It's good to see her face. Himeka is an uncomplicated presence, someone who almost never brings trouble his way. ]

Better than a rat, I hope.

[ Should he mention the lizards he ate throughout those weeks? Does she consider them her distant cousins? ]

[itookashot]

Luckily for Wilhelm, Jesper is all about the tokens of affection. He stays close since Wilhelm grabs him and holds his hand. He sees him hesitate and waits, letting him decide what he wants to do here. Jesper has been through some shit in his life, although nothing like this, not really. But he knows the struggle of wanting to hold back in case it's all too much.

It's why he smiles back at him and reaches out to cup his cheek, caressing it gently. Along that small beard he's starting to grow.

"I can trim it for you, if you want. You're going to run into things if it's in your eyes all the time." Jesper brushes his fingers through his hair in a soft stroke, simply letting him soak in all the affection and comfort that he can get. He takes Wilhelm's hand and kisses the knuckles tenderly.

"You can tell me anything you want, you know that right? I'm always here for you."

[cryptsleeper]

Most of the restoration members are based out of Libertas, where there's a larger network of artists to draw upon.

[The truth is Alucard hasn't given much thought to the responsibilities. Just that it would need to be done.]

In addition to looking after the building? Making sure that there's people using it. Organizing concerts, speakers, making sure the space functions and has a working staff. Oversight and implementation, if you're seeking brevity.

[oversight]

A good amount of the slouch is removed as Hilda bursts into the room like a ray of sunshine and Blake's forced to sit up and take notice. He's still clinging to his blanket, but relief smooths his furrowed brow at the idea of this particular visitor. He hasn't seen Hilda since the night he was taken.

"Noooo," he says, his childish tone accompanied by a hand reaching for her. The fresh breeze she brings blows away his dark clouds and it's a weird feeling, but her presence makes him glad to be alive; injuries aside, Hilda's faithful companionship during the last couple weeks has been a lot of what's kept him going.

"I want every bit of it," Blake adds with a thin, genuine smile. On one side of his face, along the jawline, one of those growths remains, ready to be removed now that he's recovered enough. The self-conscious side of him forces a flicker of uncertainty and he's making sure to present his good side as best as he can. "Can't believe you. All this goin' on and you're makin' me gift baskets. Over-achiever," he teases.

[gynvael]

[ He scoffs. Yeah. Aren't they all.

Claude is making an effort, but the wound is deep and any movement fucking hurts. It's fine. He already held it open a few days ago for Ciri to slice all the thorns out of it. Nothing will top that unpleasantness for the next while. And if not for the brief healing he'd received from Julie earlier, he might've said fuck it and cauterized the wound.

Better that he needn't do so. ]

No. [ No. It's not that. ] We just learned to take care of ourselves.

[ The closest he ever got to a healer available was Nenneke. Maybe Vesemir, who knew how to roughly patch up a cracked skull with an elixir and bed rest. He's knocked on the doors of healers before when desperate—from the village peller to a druid—but whether they'll take a Witcher in and for how much coin is fickle at best.

The only one he can rely on is himself. Was. He supposes things are different these days. ]

[itookashot]

No, they're fucking monsters. Keeping our people trapped in that castle. The fact they have to go back makes me want to scream.

[ Jesper's getting pissed off again which is never a good idea since he doesn't want to go get in trouble again. He takes in a deep breath and lets it out, see, he does know anger management, just not all the time. Unfortunately Thorne was willing to change to keep him quiet, but it didn't work out. He focuses on Sylvain and this moment, not anything else. ]

Hilda is terrifying. And very hot.

[ Jesper has a thing for hot women who are terrifying, it's one of his types. But he is also trying to make Sylvain smile and that is a goal worth striving for. He instead frowns because it doesn't entirely sit well with him, the idea of comparing his stress in any way to what they went through. It was a different kind of trauma, but he's not there bandaged up from nearly dying.

Although Jesper knows in his gut that he would have preferred to be in there to not be. He's a protector by instinct. Taking care of the others would have fed him through the pain. Being unable to do anything was the worst possible thing for him. Sylvain is entirely right. He frowns and rolls his eyes at him, kissing his hand again. ]

It's not fair to point out true things when I can't distract you with sex.

[ Jesper is terrible at acknowledging his own emotions with things. He's so good at emotions in other ways, and so bad at it here and now, which Sylvain understands, being very much the same way. ]

I went a little crazy. [ He admits. ] I did a lot of violence.

[a_better_man]

"It's not that unusual for trees to get sick and rot, or fungus to rot'em, but...s'not like any I've ever seen."

Mat's doing...better. Whatever was being done for them in the Horizon, it's helping. So are the rabbit pelts he has wrapped around is feet inside his cracked and filthy boots. Thank the light, as he'd be much less useful were he constantly feeling sick and in pain.

He frowns down at the branch, brow furrowed.

"The smell...normal tree rot just smells like decaying plants. Not exactly a flower garden, but hardly like this. Probably best not to burn it."

[oversight]

Blake only perceives a light amount of judgement in Viktor's assessment and it's easily forgiven for its proximity to the truth; e's been told to take it easy, but not expressly forbidden from leaving. Living in this hazy gray area that suits him just fine for these purposes.

"Ah, y'know," he says, unhelpfully. It's certainly not the best shape he's been in, although he is finally beginning to no longer smell the blood and the grime, and being clean again is something approaching pathetically blissful. But beyond the generally straightforward demeanor he presents there lurks plenty of things unsaid, things Blake isn't sure he can relive even to share.

Falling in line, he intends to go at Viktor's pace in whatever direction he's heading. It helps to have someone else close — fewer shadows lurking on his periphery — but Blake tells himself his interest is much more suited towards answers at the moment than the comfort of company.

"What've you found out?" He had tried to get some answers, but any time he'd ask, one of the nurses would encourage him to worry about it later. Stagnation now could mean consequences down the line; later doesn't sit right with Blake.

[takeatrip]

[Of course they couldn't be lucky enough for the Acolyte to have any sense, but then again, it's not shock that they're all desperate to maintain the control they'd had so far. Whatever motivated them to do everything they've done so far must be something they're deeply devoted to, considering the lengths they've gone to, so of course they'll only continue to double down.

Blake and the Acolyte hit the ground, which saves Jayden from needing to find the coordination required to get up. It's also going to--hopefully--give him and Blake the advantage, at least if they can coordinate, which is always easier said than done in a fight. It's also much easier when the environment itself isn't working against them.

But that isn't the case here, and the only upside is that the environment is also working against their opponent. The large rock that comes hurtling their way, probably accidentally kicked up by the gigantic escaping monster, doesn't discriminate and Jayden throws himself flat to the ground to avoid it. The Acolyte similarly tries to dodge and is clipped in the shoulder, temporarily stunning him, which provides Jayden a perfect opportunity to elbow him in the throat. He normally would've gone for the face, but has no intention of breaking any bones on that stupid mask.]

[princessvegas]

[ When Julie gets word that they've brought those they found on the mountain to Nocwich, she doesn't immediately run out to the portal they've been provided for access back and forth.

She wants to. Oh God in heaven does she want to. But she's aware that her presence will only add to the chaos. They need healers before anything else, and she's not a healer. So she remains where she is in the Horizon for the night, only leaves come morning. She packs a bag, pays Mag to look in on the animals for however long they're gone, then makes for Nocwich.

Jaskier, to his credit, has kept his word to reserve her one of the nicest rooms in the nicest inn that hasn't be turned into some kind of ad-hoc medical center. She doesn't go there. Instead, she goes straight to the main base, where they're keeping all the injured.

Her quick rap on the door is habit more than anything, and even as she knocks, she opens the door, peeking in anxiously. ] Baby?

[takeatrip]

[Jayden also breathes a relieved sigh as they escape detection, at least for now.]

I hope so. I don't know if I could survive another lecture.

[He waits another moment, then carefully turns the doorknob and slowly opens the door just a crack. The hallway does seem to be clear and so Jayden pushes the door the rest of the way open, stepping out into the hall before fixing Sylvain with an amused, conspiratorial look.]

I'm guessing by your escape attempt that you're findin' this place as boring as I am?

[nadine_he_loves]

[Nadine has technically seen Geralt already. In the flurry of activity as the lost and their rescuers returned, she'd been right there. She'd gotten a glimpse of or a quick wordless moment with most of them as they were ushered - or carried, as the case may be - to the temporary hospital.

But she hasn't had a chance yet to actually see him. There's been more work for the medical team now then at the start of this, and plenty of patients to tend to. Some much worse off. So she's made time, still in her black medical garb, to drop by his room.]

Hey...

[She looks tired and worn, but otherwise alright. She's holding a potted plant in her hands as she slips in the door, ready to back right out if Geralt doesn't seem in the mood for any company.]

[satanicpanics]

Yeah, well, if we’re lucky, it won’t turn into the newest trend around here.

[ He’s not sure he can handle going through that again, and he wasn’t even among those who were kidnapped, but he’s going to spring a few grey hairs from the amount of worrying he did over Steve alone. He’s sure of it, but for now, it’s nice to have this to focus on. Something to quiet his mind a bit while still keeping his hands busy. ]

Oh, yeah. I feel like I’ve been hearing about the Russians and how they’re gonna attack any day now since I was like…five years old. Still hasn’t happened.

[ It may be the one thing that didn’t have him totally terrified back home. He shrugs, but he does a little mental math as he picks up the knife and begins cutting the potatoes. ]

Twenty-three years, huh? So…that makes you from…69? 70? Man, you’re probably the closest I’ve met to my time yet. I’m from 86.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain blinks at the outburst, because he hadn't realized Jesper felt that strongly about it. Although it made sense that he did, when he stopped to think about it. Which is why he gives Jesper's hand a faint squeeze in understanding. ] When I recover from having half a mountain dropped on me, maybe we can start thinking of a way around that? [ There had to be something someone could do, right?

He chokes on a laugh at Jesper's comment, grinning fondly. ] Why am I not surprised that's your opinion? Although yes, yes she is. Not that she'd appreciate that sentiment. Well, half of that sentiment. [ Sylvain, unfortunately, also has this same type. Sometimes it managed to work in his favor, though. But Jesper's purpose certainly worked.

It's because Sylvain's a protector himself that he can feel confident laying that in the other man's lap. Being the one left behind... No matter the reason, it's never a good feeling. So he just lets his lips quirk when Jesper can't even argue with him, chuckling softly as he brushes his fingertips against the man's lips instead. ]

It's not fair to tempt me with sex when it still hurts to move. But considering you do that just by existing, we'll call it even.

[ They really are too much alike in some ways. Which is why he just squeezes Jesper's hand in response to that confession. ] Somehow, I sincerely doubt you were the only one. I'm not about to judge you for that, Jesper. You did what you had to, to find us, to get us out of there. There's little I wouldn't have done to accomplish the same, in your shoes.

[ He lets his gaze drift up to the ceiling then, huffing out a quiet breath. ] And after what I had to see in that place, I'm pretty sure everyone involved with that place deserved whatever you delivered.

[ofthesword]

[Later on, he'll admire the kid. For his goddamn tenacity, if anything. Nero doesn't want to fight him. He doesn't use his strength for bullying people around. But this is real. This cave could fall in if that monster walks too far off, or turns around and decides to amble back.

He hasn't spent weeks trying to keep himself alive an' everyone else just to fail at the last minute. When escape is... getting close.

Nero's hands land on Steve's shoulders. Not to push him, but to squeeze.]

I'm not the self-sacrificin' type, Steve. I'm getting out of here, too. No way in hell I'm gonna die here. But I can't go until I know everyone alive is out. I'm one of the few who might have enough in me to still really help.

I trust you out there. To bring people back, to help the people who escape to get the fuck away from here. You just gotta trust me, too. If we get both sides covered, more people can be saved.

[chainedqueen]

"At least we are not forgotten," which she should have gathered, but when there's a feeling of vulnerability and fear, it leaves anyone doubting whether there is any hope at all. "Have you found out anything about the creatures that took us?"

So many questions and currently, she doesn't know fully what's a memory and what's the fever dream. Not that she had too much to offer. "I do not know what it was. They said it will help us reach our full ascension and community with the Old Gods."

[philancer]

Yeah. [ He lets his head drop back to rest against the headboard again. Annoyed that just sitting up seemed to take too much energy right now. He hated being sick. Injured. Whatever. ] I'd like that.

[ A moment later, he reaches up to catch her hand again, pressing it against his cheek this time, since he can actually feel her there. ] Goddess, it's good to be out of that place, though. Have I mentioned I missed you?

[subhuman]

[ He's out here in the freezing cold on the hope that Nero is one of the few who have made it out. He hasn't heard much from his nephew but it seems that most of his attempts have unwittingly landed on someone else. Still, he's got faith and reason to know that the kid's pushed through no matter what.

This guys seems to know what he's doing. Dante's own method of tracking is a little less conventional, so he's more than willing to let someone else take the lead on that. He waits, hands on his hips as he watches Altaïr take in the terrain, sparing a glance to the jagged landscape around them.

He's dressed not quite as warmly as he probably should, but it doesn't seem to bother him. ]

Yeah?

[ Calls out up the tree that Altaïr climbed like a monkey. ]

Well that's the way we're going, then. I've got a feeling that they're going in circles more than we are.

[philancer]

Hospitals are the worst, they never get better. [ He gives an overdramatic sigh as he steps back out into the corridor after Jayden, glancing up and down just to make sure there's no one around to tattle on them anyway.

But then he turns with a grin, spreading his hands in a shrug. ] Also, I'm just really bad at staying in one place for too long in general. That probably doesn't help. They haven't let you escape either, I take it?