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

OPEN; altar room

[assembles]

[ After tending to Istredd in the immediate aftermath of all of them getting shoved into this room, Steve is quick to take a look around. Not that there's a lot of room to move around when their cage has become that much smaller. It doesn't help that the grand majority of them have terrible associations with this place.

Still, Sylvain got out. Claude too, and Geralt, and the rest of the Summoned who'd helped with the boulder. Inej and Kaz and Wilhelm. It's a price he's willing to pay.

They've got some water, they've got some food options. It's not much, but with any luck they won't be trapped in here long. As he looks around, he's also carrying a strange, pulsing mace that has some sort of tissue hanging from it. He will pass that off to Nero soon enough, happy to put it into the hands of someone who will use it to great effect on their second jailbreak attempt, whenever that comes.

If the Bone Serpent lowers its ugly head from the ceiling again or drips blood down onto them, Steve will be quick to leap in and drag whoever's too close to it out of the way. When the room starts to slowly flood, Steve manages to stay calm as he considers their options for plugging the leaks, and it isn't long before he's eyeing the half-consumed corpses of those who didn't survive the ritual. ]

If we stack those bodies where the worst of the leaks are, it might at least slow down the flow of water.

[ As the days pass and people feel more and more driven to enter the Horizon, Steve will offer to keep watch so they can do so. He's feeling that pull as well, but he's going to hold off for now. He'd rather be the one keeping a careful eye out. ]

dead bodies, oh joy!

[frontlinetitties]

[She doesn't like to look upon them. Bones are different. Bones are par for the course, she's seen more human bones in her life than she has had hot meals (no exaggeration). Every part of the body is used and repurposed in the Ninth-- the fat for candles, skin for leather, hair for bristles. Basically, she's never exactly been squeamish. It still strains at her heart though, knowing that there are people here who were unable to be saved.

Her eyes are aching and raw when she turns them toward him at the suggestion, but she nods anyway. If they don't do something they'll all be corpses. There's little to be done for the dead, now.]

Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. Show me where you want 'em.

[assembles]

[ This isn't a suggestion Steve makes lightly, but it also isn't the first time that he's had to make use of the corpses down here. They'd used one as bait for that monster they'd trapped too. Speaking of which, he wonders if it's still contained or if it's been released among all the upheaval with that much larger monster leaving.

Not that there's any way to find out right now. He needs to focus on the here and now. He can see how exhausted Gideon is — she looks as tired as he feels. She doesn't protest, but this is all getting to her, and it's not like he can blame her.

They both made their choice to be here, taking the risk of being the ones to let the others get free while knowing what it might cost. That doesn't make their current situation any easier. Steve steps toward her and claps her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. ]

I know. I'd rather we didn't have to, but... [ They still have their own lives to save. There's not much they can do for these poor souls anymore.

With that, he nods toward the small gap in the walls where most of the water seems to be trickling through. ] Let's start over here.

[frontlinetitties]

[She's got better at knowing what to do around people during her time in Abraxas. Is more accustomed - now - to the small, physical acts of support that people exchange so easily. It's still there, the itchy embarrassment of knowing someone has seen something vulnerable in her, even briefly. But she doesn't knock his hand away or make a dumb joke as he clasps her shoulder. There's relief in it, and she finds – not for the first time – that she’s grateful to have him here.

Gideon slants him a lopsided smile in the place of a thankyou.]

On it.

[She says instead, and lets out a breath. It isn't what she'd want for them, the people who've struggled here alongside them, those who've fought for survival and lost. But as she moves to lift one of the stiff, inert bodies, she'll tell herself that at least the dead may yet aid the living. Give everyone else trapped in here a slim chance to survive.]

[assembles]

[ It's good to see that Gideon can still manage a smile in these circumstances. Not that it comes easy, he knows, but she's got a hardiness to her, that's for sure. He draws his hand back before she walks off to pick up one of the corpses, taking that moment when her back is turned to steel himself before he takes to task as well.

It won't be long before the stench in here becomes unbearable as these water-logged bodies rot, but Steve knows better than to draw attention to that. He wouldn't be surprised if some people end up retching from it before the day (night? who knows) is out. Just another bodily fluid to add to the rest of the blood, pus, sweat (and probably tears, in some cases).

He heaves the dead weight of one of the bodies up into his arms, then carries the corpse over to the area he'd indicated and sets it down. He glances over his shoulder at Gideon as she approaches, then steps out of the way to give her room. ]

Just... place it on top.

[ It's a job no one should have to do, but that doesn't change the reality that they're in. ]

[frontlinetitties]

[This is hardly her first rodeo of the grotesque. Even prior to coming here, there'd been murder and death and exposure to the horribly mutilated bodies of people she'd just begun to grow fond of. She's had to face up to her own near-helplessness before, her inability to prevent awful dreadful things from befalling people around her. Somehow it doesn't take the edge of, though. Perhaps she's worn down, pushed to the very edge of herself by weeks of deprivation and sickness and injury. Whatever the case, she can't quite ignore her free-bleeding sadness as she carries a corpse - slung over her shoulder, pitifully cold against her bare skin - to the spot Steve has pointed out. Lowers it with as much gentleness as she can on top of the one Steve has already placed there.]

So like, in terms of all around shitty situations that you've ever had the misfortune to get stuck in, how would you rate this? Let's say one is cake-walk, and ten is psychological trauma from which I shall never recover?

[Is it gauche to initiate a conversation like this right now? Is it crass beyond all reason? Maybe. But she's groping around blindly for some way to relieve the mental pressure, and making light of trauma is an in-built defence.]

[assembles]

[ Steve watches as Gideon sets the body down. He can't say for sure that she's had to do something like this before, and he really hopes she hasn't. Either way, he can't kick the urge to supervise. So many of the people here are so young and while they can take care of themselves, he can also take a moment to feel protective toward them. For all the good that it's done.

Claude and Sylvain got out, he reminds himself. That's something.

When Gideon turns toward him with that overly specific question, he raises an eyebrow and takes a moment to consider if he wants to entertain it. Not that he's really bothered, because they need to acknowledge how terrible this is somehow, but he wonders at where it might lead. Still, neither of them need to share more than they're comfortable with.

They'll need to collect more bodies to really plug that leak, but he takes a moment to think over her question first. He's fought in wars where bodies had be used as a resource, but being held prisoner like this is actually a first for him. He's had to spring others from captivity multiple times. A ten would definitely be the Snap, which means... ]

Hmm. Gonna go with a solid five. [ He eyes Gideon, wondering how she'll take that. ] What about you?

[frontlinetitties]

[Gideon's eyes slide right to his face, her own a picture of mild and undisguised surprise. To say she has to make a reassessment of him would be too strong a phrase; sure he's all big, buff and heroic-looking with an annoyingly comic-book smile, but he's more than demonstrated his leadership capabilities. Somehow, though, it's an answer she isn't quite expecting, and she whistles low through her teeth.]

Huh.

[She says, and hey at least it's working. A sliver of her attention draws away from the horror of using dead bodies to plug up a leak.]

Higher than that. Like, maybe a seven? You must have seen some messed-up shit.

[The way she says it, it carries an edge of respect.]

[assembles]

[ Steve can't say it's the sort of thing that's worthy of respect, but seeing how they're comparing scars, it is what it is. It's not like he can deny what Gideon says, either, glancing off to one side for a moment as he considers how to even answer that.

Should he go there? She's not outright asking, but there is an implied question there. ]

Yeah. [ Not just seeing it, but living through the aftermath. ] But this isn't a ten for you either. [ Ultimately, he decides that it's better not to dump everything to do with Thanos on her, at least not right now. ] I guess all I can say to that is... I'm sorry.

[ He moves toward another one of the bloated corpses, taking a moment to hold his breath, not that he can really do much to protect himself from the overwhelming smells at this point. ]

[frontlinetitties]

[Another quick glance slides his way, although the sentiment behind the look is more muddied this time. He isn't one of the many adults in her life who should have known better, should have been better, who should have made some effort to intervene in the ugly shipwreck that was her and Harrow’s childhoods. It still feels good somehow, and clean to have someone say it.

Her eyes slide away from him and toward another of the corpses, and all of this sucks so fucking much. Neither of them should be here, right now, doing this. These people shouldn't have been reduced to empty shells of themselves, made tools instead of individuals. But here they are, and needs must, so she takes a breath to steady herself and moves away to gather another body into her arms.]

I'm sorry, too. For you and all the other stuff you've seen but also like, everyone else in here. I mean, what the fuck, who does this to people? Except plenty of fuckers do or we'd both be rating this a ten.

[She says it as she heaves the new body into their growing pile, using the flow of words to distract from the way her skin crawls right now, from the pungent scent of death both around her and on her.]

Do you ever look at people in the street in Cadens or wherever and just think hey, I wonder what that’s like? You know...people just going about their lives, selling fruit or making clothes and getting married and having kids. I mean, I know a bunch of them have ended up in here with us. This shit can touch anyone…touches everyone, probably. But do you ever just see people like that in their everyday settings and think, fuck that looks nice?

[assembles]

[ It's true that this isn't just them. A lot of people were taken, Summoned and native a lot, and put through this hell for what still seems like very little point to Steve. What was it all for? That's what he'd like to get an answer for, but he somehow doubts there's a good one, or one that he'd ever accept.

If these cultists wanted to experiment with connecting to the old gods, they could have done that without abducting a bunch of people and involving them against their will. Especially when the process was enough to take some people's lives.

With a grunt, he adds the next body to the pile. Four high now, he's pretty sure that it's enough to plug the hole, along with guessing that they couldn't add another without the entire thing collapsing.

Gideon's question is pointed, a little too close for comfort in a lot of ways, and Steve takes another moment before he turns toward her, wiping his hands off on each other and then his (hopelessly soiled) pants. ]

Yeah. It's, umm... well, it's been a long time since I had the luxury to imagine a life like that, I guess. Back home there was always another fight. [ And he'd always taken it on as his duty, to the point that he's not sure what he'd do without it. The possibility that his future self gets that sort of happy ending is still whirling around in his head, and it unsettles him more than anything else. Like something about it isn't right.

There's a pause before he reaches out to clap Gideon on the shoulder. ] But hey, you're young. And I don't know how things are for you back home, but... don't give up on it. If it's something you think you might want.

[frontlinetitties]

[She feels tired, suddenly. More exhausted than she's ever been, keenly aware of the way her body feels, the open wounds, the gnawing fucking hunger. Whilst she waits to see if Steve will give her an answer, she stares at the pile of bodies they've made, tries to reiterate to herself that they're doing the decent thing. They're helping the others - and themselves - to stay alive. It just doesn't feel like the decent thing.

She drags her gaze away when he starts talking, and whereas once the idea of there always being another fight would have sparked excitement and jealousy in her, right now she can only feel sad. She wants to say something helpful and profound, offer sympathy in the wake of what he's said. It calls for sympathy, right? But fuck if she can find the words, right now and she doubts she has a profound bone in her body.

She's still trying to come up with a good response when he claps her on the shoulder, and in the end all she can offer him is a wry smile.]

Nah, that's not me. Never gonna happen. But fuck it, right now I'd settle for seeing everyone get the hell out of here.

[assembles]

It'll happen. I promise. There are good people making their way to us.

[ With people like Natasha and Sam and Jayce on the job, it's hard to imagine them failing at this point. Steve won't even let himself consider an alternative, and that's always how he's operated. He knows that hasn't always worked out in his favor, remembering thr trip to the Garden to confront Thanos and what had come of it, but...

This is doable. This is winnable. And they're going to do it. The acolytes may have some assistance from the old gods, but that's not the same as six Infinity Stones.

He draws his hand away as he nods to Gideon. ]

Thanks for your help. Now try to conserve some of your energy, all right?

[ There's only so much they can do in this cramped room, anyway. ]

[ofthesword]

[Now that they're way more buddy-buddy, it's impossible not to miss Boy Scount's walking around with a fucking... whatever that is. He's almost surprised his arm doesn't turn and light up around it like a beacon; the thing screams demon arm even if it's not actually a demonic artifact.

Looks like their aesthetic, though.]

You gotta tell me where to get one of those. [He glances at the yawning mouth of the altar.] It better not be from in there, though. I'm not stickin' my arm in that.

[assembles]

[ When Nero speaks up, it takes Steve a moment to realize he's talking to him. It's the buzzing in his head, the bone-deep exhaustion, the knowledge that they're in a cage that's slowly flooding with water.

Only some of the comes across in his initially tired glance before he covers it up with his usual demeanor, shaking his head in reply. ]

No, but it was from one of the shrines. I took it after I opened it, but... to be honest, it's not really my style.

[ He's not about to just leave it somewhere for one of the acolytes to take and potentially use against them, though. ]

[ofthesword]

[Oh, for sure, he's not looking good. No one around here is. The closest Nero's ever felt to how he's goin' about now is right when his arm was ripped off. When he was in a fucking coma.

At least he was unconscious for that. And when he'd woken up, his body's natural healing had already kicked in. He might've lost an arm, but he hadn't died. Just... well. Doctors kind of explained it like hibernated. He didn't get it. What mattered was he'd survived.

And he had to survive this. Had to. Like the rest of them. But after so long, a guy had to be realistic.

Still, there's a light that is lit up in Nero's eyes now. The chance for a weapon -- any weapon -- that isn't a sharpened goddamn stick.] Nasty. But cooler than what I got. [He pulls the mist-filled crystal from his pocket. He's not about to trade, but --] I can take it off your hands. You know, if it's too heavy.

[If he's going out, it's gonna be a blaze. Not a fizzle.]

[assembles]

[ When Steve gets a glimpse of the small sphere filled with mist or fog, he tilts his head. It looks like a crystal ball or some other magical artifact that isn't supposed to be real, but then again, Stephen Strange would have something to say to him about that. ]

Any idea what it does?

[ The mace is a bit more straightforward in its purpose, though Steve has no idea if there might be more to it. When Nero makes that offer, Steve glances down at the pulsing head of the mace. ]

This thing kind of feels like it might be cursed, but I couldn't say for sure. Nothing's happened the entire time I've had it, but I also haven't used it on anything. So... just keep that in mind.

[ If Nero's willing to roll with the potential consequences, Steve will hand it over. ]

[ofthesword]

My only guess's it's something to do with the magic they're using to hide the exits. That mist shit. I could... you know, see through it. For a bit. After the whole jelly dinner.

[He does not continue with any other detail about the ritual. The less he thinks about it, the more likely he might actually keep his head.

Nero shrugs with one shoulder.] Nothin' new. [Sometimes you pick up crystallized skulls that suck out your soul the longer you hold them. You know, just church things.

The hunter holds out his hand, flicks his fingers in a gimme gesture, then wraps his fingers around it tightly. Oh, yeah. That's heavy. But it feels good after only having fuckin' sticks around.

He swings it, crashing it into the wall with a brutal vibration that shakes his entire arm. But something bright in his eyes lights up. Once he rips it free of the rock it's embedded in, the rod falls against his shoulder.] It'll do what it needs to do, if it comes down to that.

[assembles]

Yeah, I remember that.

[ Steve doesn't really want to dwell on the ritual either, so he doesn't push too hard there, but he does wonder if what's in that orb might be able to cloak them. Something to keep in mind, at least.

He relinquishes the mace with no further protest, his back straightening in brief surprise when Nero proceeds to slam it into the nearest wall. He watches as a few of the other Summoned send glares their way for the sudden disturbance, but he just shrugs back at them. ]

I wonder if you could take down one of these walls if things really get desperate in here. [ That's probably exactly what Nero means, but Steve makes the point just in case. Either way, he's confident that he's handed it off to the right person. He glances from the mace up to Nero's (exhausted) face and nods. ] Thanks for taking it off my hands.

[ofthesword]

[Nero, for his part, does nothing to acknowledge any attention he's getting. If anything, they're gonna be thanking him for how ace he'll be at rat hunting now. He can chuck this thing at least... well, twenty feet? Thirty? He may not be demon-strong, but he's still Nero.

He looks up. The crack he made goes up a pretty impressive length -- if he was human. For him, it's like throwing a rock and watching it sink immediately. A real big disappointment.

But Steve's got the right idea.] They're gonna. Just give it time. [And he'll do just that, if he needs to. He's still strong enough to save who matters, when it matters.

He turns back to Steve, giving him a thumb's up with his other hand.] Don't worry about it. I should be thanking you. I'm not exactly declawed, but it feels good to have a weapon in my hands again. Even if it's... [He pokes at the organ hanging from it.] Sort of disgusting.

[assembles]

[ The fact that Nero has decided that things getting desperate is a foregone conclusion isn't great, but Steve also can't exactly argue the point. They've plugged up the worst of the leaks in the room already, but how long will that last?

Still, the point stands. Nero might be able to actually break their way out of here if push comes to shove. Better not to risk it until they have to, though, as they've already seen what happens when the tunnel system takes too much damage. Steve isn't sure they even know how many people got crushed under the falling debris.

He sighs to himself, looking off for a moment. Focus on the good, not the bad. Nero being armed with something like this goes in the good column, as far as he's concerned. ]

... To say the least. [ He huffs out a breath, also eyeing the strange weapon with some uncertainty. ] It might be worth trying to find out more about it, once we're out of here. [ Since it's certainly not normal and he has no idea why it was tethered to one of those shrines. ]

think we can wrap up here!

[ofthesword]

I got a witch on my side. I'm sure she'd love poking at it. [Actually, he's pretty sure Wanda's gonna think he's nuts for carrying this thing out of here, but, you know. That's on him.

Himeka will probably think it's sort of funny, in a really gross way.

On second thought, maybe he'll just keep it to himself. And bury it. Like, real far away. This shit has cursed written all over it.

Nero gives Steve a hearty clap on the shoulder. As far as he is, he's forgotten the shitty speeches. The guy's all right. Especially if he's willing to give up blunt weapons to the first asshole that asks.] I'll take real good care of it. Promise, Boy Scout. And then we'll see what it looks like on the other side.

[Probably still like a goat's intestines, but he's sort of hoping it's more illusions.]