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

[godshattering]

If nothing else, me not knowing what cameras are just means it would've been another chance for me to ask you more about something from home that we don't have in Fodlan. I never say no to that kind of opportunity.

[ It's said teasingly enough, but - it's not all that much of a joke since the opportunities afforded here to hear about all kinds of things isn't something he'll pass up if whoever it is he's asking seems amenable to it. Case in point: the mention of outer space has him sitting up slightly when that connects to something else he's heard about. ]

It probably goes without saying we don't have those either, but I know there's a couple Summoned who actually have been in space and lived on, ah, ships out there. They described it to me but even then, I can't really imagine it very well even with the Horizon helping out.

[ What he can picture though, even if his mental image of it is slightly off from what he doesn't know is the reality, is pizza. If this is something they can recreate here as Jayden's noted, he'd like to try it immediately. ]

That sounds amazing. If someone puts cheese on just about anything I'm willing to eat it. And fortunately, I can say the cheeses here I've tried pass the high bar for cheese.

[ It's not that high. If it's cheese, he'll eat it. But that's not answering Jayden's question entirely since he can do better than just cheese. ]

I've always enjoyed roast pheasant myself, or - no, I know. There was a pie served at the academy I attended that was tomatoes, cheese, and game meat all wrapped up in baked pastry. I haven't found anything like it here yet, but that I can offer you in the Horizon since my friend recreated the dining hall and that's one of the dishes.

[takeatrip]

I've never been to outer space myself, but I've seen lots of pictures. Gimme a little time to practice with the Horizon and maybe I can put somethin' together.

[He is more than happy to nerd out about this sort of thing if Claude is, and not just when it comes to outer space. Being here has been a huge--and mostly bad--culture shock, but the potential to learn and share things from other worlds in the Horizon feels much more exciting and appealing. An opportunity to learn about someone else's world is something he never would've even considered possible before arriving here.

Jayden also hadn't really considered the idea of making food in the Horizon, but that's definitely convenient and Claude's description of the pie has his attention.]

I'm gonna' have to try that. I've never had pheasant or uh, game meat in general, but that pie sounds kinda' like a cross between a pizza and a shepherd's pie. And uh... A calzone?

[Something like that. Anyway it sounds fantastic, and he's beginning to feel the motivation to peel himself off the floor and go looking for something to eat, even if it won't be anywhere near as good as anything they're talking about.]

You said a friend made the dining hall?

[He's curious about who that might be.]

[godshattering]

I'll hold you to that.

[ That's probably not a threat; the grin suggests it's not meant to be as ominous as it sounds as he draws one leg up in slow motion in hopes of dodging any aches to rest an elbow on it mostly to offset some other pains that've popped up from sitting here. The (relative) solitude holding out enough to give them a few moments to chat without hospital staff looming over them with good intentions is helpful. ]

If the meat pie I know is anything like your pizza, I think we'll both be pleased. Wild game's popular back in Fodlan since hunting's both necessary for food though, it happens plenty for sport also in the name of finding food at the end of it. Fish dishes are also common where there's water to catch them. I didn't grow up somewhere coastal like where I moved later in life so most of it's an acquired taste for me.

And I did. [ Switching topics there from waxing poetic about Fodlan's food chains, and right back to the friend in question. ] Sylvain - he was in the pit with us, tall guy with very red hair so you might recognize him by that if not by name - was the one who created it on his first trip into the Horizon. It was strange to walk in and see the monastery in one piece again like nothing ever happened to it.

[ There's a second where Claude contemplates that wistful nostalgia to himself and then realizes that doesn't exactly explain much to Jayden, and so - ]

We both attended the same academy that was on the monastery grounds until war interrupted... well, everything. It being a monastery makes it somewhat of a helpful landmark even if there's a few castle-like structures around.

[takeatrip]

[He grins a little as well, unbothered by the not-threat and mentally adding it to his short list of things he needs to show people in the Horizon. Space for Claude, dinosaurs and a platypus for Hilda.

But speaking of Hilda, something suddenly clicks together; he remembers Hilda mentioning Fodlan during on of the time he'd spoken with her over the network while in the pit. He'd been so dazed and out of it at the time that the word had only registered as familiar, but he'd been unable to actually place it, and it only all comes together for him now. Claude and Hilda, and Sylvain as well, must all be from the same world.

And speaking of their world, the extra explanation gives Jayden more context; he knew there was a war going on, but only vaguely. This is still vague, but perhaps narrows down how recently the war began, at least a little. He's hesitant to ask, despite his curiosity, especially after everything they've all just been through.

So instead, he offers lightly--]

I met Sylvain earlier. I mighta' made a weird impression.

[Funny weird though, not bad weird. Hopefully, anyway.]

What was the academy for? Were you learnin' something specific?

[godshattering]

If it helps, it's pretty difficult to ruffle Sylvain up too easily. Either way, whatever happened? He's witnessed stranger, I'm sure.

[ In terms of weirdness, anyway, and in regards to anything being too out there considering Claude's put him through plenty by virtue of being thrown together. That's even before Abraxas and whatever Fodlan tossed their ways, and probably lots more he doesn't know about. ]

The academy we went to, which Hilda and Petra also went to if you've met them around with everything going on since they've been helping out, was meant for the nobility and some commoners to send their children off to learn weapons, magic... basically anything you might need for war. The name of the academy was the Officers' Academy which was fitting.

There were plenty of issues amongst the students, but one thing I'll always value is that it meant we all had to work together. We were all able to meet people from backgrounds besides our own that we would've never met otherwise. The closest thing to the internet for us, I suppose.

[ Since there's only so close he can veer along the lines of serious for so long without back into joking, and now's no exception. Even if that also toes the line one of the worst parts of the war aside from the obvious: that their opponents had been one time schoolmates. ]

Anyway, the same goes for the dining hall food since it came from all over Fodlan. If not for the Academy, I would've missed out on ever finding out about the meat pie.

[takeatrip]

[It's a little reassuring; Jayden is used to making terrible impressions so it's not like the idea bothers him all too much, but he does prefer to avoid it if possible. Besides, all he did was seriously consider climbing out a window to avoid being seen by nurses, and all things considered that's not that weird. Right?

The whole idea of the Academy seems like something entirely foreign at first, until he realizes it actually isn't. There are several similar things that still exist in Jayden's world, just usually not all combined, but the idea of a boarding school for future military officers--which is what it sounds like to him--is not all that strange in theory.]

Can't say I have any sorta' comparable experiences, except for school. Or the FBI Academy, I guess, though that's a lot shorter term.

[Also everyone there had to be twenty-three or older, and from how Claude described it, Jayden's not sure how young those at the Officer's Academy might've been. He wants to ask, but considering war is a sensitive topic, he's not totally sure he should; instead he asks an adjacent question that might give a similar answer.]

How long have you all known each other?

[godshattering]

[ Shorter term and the mention of an academy are both noted, even if the context in what sounds like possibly a name is lost on him for now. It makes sense that other worlds wouldn't have anything resembling the Officers' Academy even if it'd seemed strange to him when first talking about it with others. What it's done, really, is make him more curious about the differences - possible things to take back to Fodlan in concept even if the actual execution would have to differ. ]

I was 17 when my grandfather sent me to the academy. Hilda's House is also one of the ones leading the Alliance so we'd crossed paths before then. I met Sylvain and Petra there for the first time since they were from other nations, and I'm... 25 now. I think.

[ Slight pause, then for explanation about having to take a second to recall his age as it isn't (quite) forgetfulness but more like a math equation - ]

I wasn't at home yet, but I've had one birthday here according to the calendar and it's coming up again so I supposed I'd better start counting in Abraxas time. But back on topic, I haven't actually known Sylvain and Petra for that long as the years of war were - in the way.

[ Close enough to the truth. Hilda's who he's known the longest by far and without any question about it. Even with time in Abraxas factored in, that doesn't begin to close the gap in years. ]

The academy you mentioned, is it close to the one I know? And was it one you attended?

[takeatrip]

[Seventeen is at least not as young as Jayden might've initially been concerned about, so at least there's that, and he makes mental notes of what he says about meeting Hilda and the others. Having to do math to figure out how old he is now doesn't seem all that strange to Jayden--he forgets how old he is sometimes without any excuse--but he's also thought about the issue of time here making birthdays fall on completely different dates than they otherwise would've.

The note about war getting in the way of knowing Sylvain and Petra is interesting, as there are several reasons and ways that might be, but he doesn't have enough context to guess which. He just files it away mentally for now.]

I'm gonna have to do the same thing about Abraxas time.

[His sense of time in general is completely messed up from the pit, but once things settle down a little maybe he can get a better sense of how long it's been and then try to do the math for his own birthday. It probably isn't more than a few months away.

As for the FBI academy--]

It's uh, sorta' like it, but only twenty weeks. You live on the grounds and get all the trainin' you need to be an FBI agent, which is basically governmental law enforcement.

[Although a very simplified explanation, the actual details are not only unnecessary but probably wouldn't make any sense, so hopefully this is universal enough to get the idea across.]

And yeah, I attended when I was twenty-three. I'm uh, twenty-eight now. Feels like it's been a lot longer.

[Probably because a lot has happened in that time, but it's still strange to think it's only been five years.]

[godshattering]

[ Abraxas time comes for them all, it seems; there's Summoned here who have been here far longer than he has himself even as it hits Claude now and then that he's been here for nearly a year. Which seems impossible, but so does just about everything about being here when it comes down to it - what's one more oddity to add to the list?

He leans forward to listen as Jayden explains his own academy experience. Something which sounds different overall aside from that shared aspect of it being part of their pasts sometime ago. ]

Interesting, so yours was still for something involving your government as ours was. Even if ours was more in what I'd call the administration of it, beyond the weapons part, anyway. I was more on the law creating side and there were guards and patrols who worked with the enforcing part of it, though some of the people who attended our academy could have done both. All thanks to the Church's guidance, I suppose.

[ There's a bit of wryness which seeps into his tone there to suggest that's a severe oversimplification of several things all wrapped up into Fodlan's history. But - that's a more complicated topic than meant for chatting in a hallway, and so Claude offers a smile. ]

Feeling like all of that was a lot longer ago is something we have in common, I think. It's been a bit more than five years for me with those five years also feeling a bit like an eternity in between, but sometimes it feels like it was just last week. [ Now he's grinning, because - ] Then again, I also think that about arriving here, so maybe it's just my sense of time that's questionable.

[takeatrip]

[The mention of administrative work and crafting laws is interesting; it seems the Officers' Academy focus is much broader than he'd initially thought. It's something he's interested to know more details about, especially at the mention of a Church, but not only is it not hallway talk, Jayden is also much too tired to actually put in the concentration needed to sort through complex topics. So he files it away mentally for a later time, managing a small grin at Claude's joke.]

Maybe. Guess I'll have to let you know when I've been here awhile, though it could turn out we're just both terrible at tellin' time.

[He's joking, but the humor fades just a little as it comes to mind that the last month had felt endless, even though he knows it's entirely normal to feel that way after something like what they'd gone through.

So he takes a deep breath, finds a bit of morbid humor once more, and adds dryly--]

It's not lookin' good so far though. I think it's been six weeks or so, but it feels like two days and half a year at all once.

[godshattering]

Hey, if we are then that just means we have company in each other when we never know what day, month, or year it is, right?

[ The grin's still there since he means that even if there's no such thing as a club where no one knows how to keep track of time. Probably not, anyway. Claude doesn't think they're alone in that either since it seems like every Summoned he's spoken with feels the same when it comes to both learning a new calendar from home and really thinking about how long they've been here.

But. Whatever amusement he'd been putting on for the other man's sake to keep things light does fade a little because he hears the seriousness in that statement even if it's also phrased somewhat as a joke. Yeah, he can relate to that, too - and he hates it for both of them. ]

I can imagine. Dealing with suddenly being here is more than enough before... well.

[ He won't finish that sentence because they both know what the 'well' encompasses. There's another couple seconds where he studies Jayden, just thinking and selecting his next words carefully. ]

For what it's worth, something rather frightening happened after I arrived and it wasn't quite to this scale or... even close, honestly. I found that Summoned both in Cadens and elsewhere who were impacted in it with me still reached out, and I don't doubt it'll be the same now for all of us who were abducted. But really, that's a long way of saying I understand and I'll be by to check in on you when they finally let us out of here, Horizon plans or otherwise.

[takeatrip]

[As the atmosphere becomes heavier, Jayden struggles to resist the urge to look away and study the wall, the floor, anything to avoid both his own emotions and potentially any of Claude's. But that same empathy he's trying to avoid is what makes him decide not to, instead giving Claude his full attention while he talks, even if Jayden might not manage eye contact the whole time.

It's not good to hear that Claude went through something serious shortly after his own arrival, especially not to have done so and now also have to deal with this, not to mention whatever might've occurred between. But it's reassuring in at least some sense that Claude seems to understand, at least as much as possible with different situations, and the sentiment he offers about checking in is kind.

But it's also something Jayden has very little confidence in--not for any reason specific to Claude, just in general--and isn't sure he wants anyway. He doesn't know how to respond to it, what he would say, what to do going forward; it all seems so overwhelming.]

I'm sorry you went through somethin' early on too. It's not exactly the warmest welcome to a whole new world.

[The condolences are genuine and sympathetic, despite his weak attempt at a joke directly after. He considers leaving it there, or deflecting the topic further, but again it's empathy that prevents him from doing so.]

I'm definitely not gonna' object if you want to stop by at some point, but don't feel like you have to. You've got your own problems to deal with, and I'm sure your friends are going to be keepin' you busy anyway.

[At the very least, he can only imagine how much fussing Hilda might do.]

[godshattering]

No, it's not. Based on what's happened that I've learned from others, though, it seems there's a risk of that happening.

[ That's the barest theory to ever exist; there's too much about when Summoned arrive that's up in the air for Claude to really think he has a grasp on it. It fits for Sylvain and Petra's arrival, somewhat for Hilda's, and most definitely for Marianne's as she's down up in the wake of this. It's enough to where he feels comfortable calling a pattern from other events before his own arrival.

Another second goes by where he appraises Jayden, wondering if he's recognizing something which aligns with his usual deflections. If so, fair - but he'd rather offer it one more time. ]

Oh, that I don't doubt. I have a feeling I'm about to get some lectures for being out of bed, but that won't keep me from stopping by all the same. It'd take a lot more than that, probably.

[ Threat possibly not intended, but that remains to be seen. And still: Claude's good enough at reading situations to know when the time to drop a conversation's arrived, and they've reached it here. There's later to dwell on the harder things about recent events, but that doesn't mean they need to push themselves down that slippery slope now.

Instead, Claude's going to push himself up from the floor with minimal wincing and then hold a bandaged hand out to Jayden to help him up if he'd like to take it. ]

On that note, all that talk of food earlier made me hungry and I've heard a bakery's supposed to be dropping off some goods for all of us soon. If we make it there before everyone else, we might be so lucky to get first choice or pretty close to it.

I think we're good to end this here!

[takeatrip]

[He isn't totally sure if it's reassuring or not that terrible things might happen on such a predictable schedule, but he's leaning toward terrible. Exhausting, for sure, a feeling that's rapidly settling in for him once again, though it's much more mental than physical.

So when Claude stands and suggests raiding the bakery delivery, he's happy to agree. He even accepts the offer of help up, though he tries to use it more to steady himself than anything else, not wanting to aggravate any of Claude's injuries.

Once on his feet, he takes a brief moment to wait for a wave of dizziness to pass, but then he gives a careful but decisive nod.]

Yeah. Let's do it.

[Operation bakery raid sounds like a great distraction.]