[SNAKEWATER; MARCH 14, 102 BTF]

With the lights turned low, shadows and moonlight reign supreme within the Lost Sheep Cantina. The townsfolk gathered are few, but when they speak, it is in voices so low that even the night sounds from outside threaten to drown them. An octagonal talisman hangs from around their necks, silently bristling with power enough to melt the insides of their wearers.

The King of Lightning’s apparatuses, the Alpha Coil and the Hourglass of Withering Gold, sit upon tables. They are unguarded, save for their “Anti-interference Matrices”.  The Alpha Coil hums with invisible energies that energize King Celso’s soldiers while the Hourglass radiates a sensation that “gently” pushes those nearby toward greater industry. From the effects of the latter, the townsfolk make the unconscious decision to go back to their jobs for overtime shifts.

*****

Walking down the street from the Cantina, a family of three are halted by a group of armed and armored Alpha-robotics of King Celso’s forces. At the squad leader’s whim, they are divested of their valuables and their reggies -- the King of Lightning’s price for ensuring Snakewater’s safety. Any thoughts of resistance are quelled at the points of guns and blades. 

When the family leaves, the Metabionic leader pockets the reagents. The time for upkeep and maintenance is coming, the harvest must be reaped. However, the King of Lightning will not begrudge his soldiers a bit of foraging.

*****

At the fringes of Snakewater, where frontier civilization meets treeline, there is a smoldering ruin, a hundred meters across. Structures, equipment, bodies, all reduced to piles of smoking ash.

“…Artifacts were guarded beyond expectation and allowed for unimpeded testing of new augments. Resistance silo terminated. End Report.”

The metal glows white hot in the darkness. Steam emits from a new slender frame, pronounced by the chilled night air. And amidst the crackle of feasting flames there is the hum and emanations of weapons made of pure energy.

“Another step towards your ideal world Celso. If they will not come with us, let’s show them the way.”

*****

And up in the sky above Snakewater, the Automatic Sun glisters with warmth and waiting wrath. 

What it sees, the King of Lightning can see. 

What he wants destroyed will melt beneath the Sun’s fury.

-- Thunderstruck: Following up on the King of Lightning’s plans, Snakewater’s Delvers attempted to decipher a crystal matrix that was believed to hold additional information. (Campus +2, Forge +2)

-- Meanwhile, the Professor and his assistants, Pie and Tamber, continued their work on repairing and recalibrating the dimension shifting “Encabulator” apparatus. The Delvers were shifted to a planar pocket to collect energy from spiritual entities and return with their prize. (Forge +5, Campus +5)

-- Upon their return, the Delvers found the matrix’s contents were deciphered, pointing to a relic being sought by the King of Lightning. Though they raced to get there, it was an elaborate ruse: the Delvers were confronted by one of King Celso’s officers, Tubby Turbine. Moreover, they were offered a chance to serve the King of Lightning.

-- To his and his liege’s chagrin, all the Delvers refused. Tubby used the very cube-like relic they sought to shunt them and trap them in a strange prison realm infested with shadows. For a time, it seemed that there was no exit and no reprieve from the realm’s nightscape as well as the waves of shadowy attackers..

-- After an entire night of defending themselves, the prison realm was breached by a strange light similar to daylight. The Delvers found themselves pulled from the trap by Pie and what seemed a few hours was actually several weeks within the realm.

-- While they were imprisoned, the King of Lightning’s forces moved upon Snakewater, then Dead Tree, and New Oasis. The defenders of these towns could not manage the sudden invasion of the King’s Alpha-robotic soldiers. Pie had several Archfaction representatives with them, who reported their own troubles with the Night King’s forces and were gathering strength for their insurgent actions.

-- Pie and the representatives doled out octagon-shaped talismans to the newly returned Delvers. These talismans were forgeries of the ones handed out by King Celso’s troops -- the real ones were designed to inflict punishments and even death to those that defied the Night King. The Delvers quickly dispersed to make their own plans when an Alpha-robotic patrol approached them and interrogated those they could corner.

-- With King Celso’s “Subjugation Apparatuses” active, Snakewater’s Delvers needed to act carefully. For example, the Automatic Sun watched over the town and blasted interlopers with Thermal Lances while the Alpha Coil turbocharged the Kingspawn and lent them kinetic barriers against ranged attacks.

-- In addition to semi-regular patrols, Tubby Turbine and SAN attempted to cement the Night King’s conquest of Snakewater. A public execution was performed to cow any insurgency while an Alpha-robotic Inquisitor attempted to find conspirators. They even hired Delvers and conscripted “collared” Peace Makers to strike out at the King of Fiends’ spies at the fringes of town. (Farm +5, Forge +5)

-- These efforts would not be sufficient. Insurgent Delvers freed prisoners and scavenged for more fake talisman materials. Furthermore, the patrols would successfully be evaded rather than confronted at the moment -- the threat of the Automatic Sun and other machines was too great. (Forge +7, Mercado +7)

-- Continuing to feign collusion with King Celso, Snakewater’s Delvers worked with his officers toward eliminating the direst threat to him and humanity: the King of Fiends. As the conclusion of what SAN claimed was “weeks of provocation”, Ravan Ajasha himself incarnated into the area in order to wipe Snakewater off the map. 

-- Snakewater’s Delvers and King Celso’s officers battled with the King of Fiends and his abominations. He transfigured individuals into monsters and damaged the King’s apparatuses but the trap was already sprung. Weakened and distracted by the attacks of Delver and officer, Ravan’s defenses were burned away by a full blast of the Automatic Sun. Before the King of Fiends could recover, the King of Lightning’s officers made him disappear  using a certain cube-like relic. No longer was Ravan Ajasha a threat to any one in this reality and no longer could he transfigure others according to his vile whims.  (+15 to all; -60 to Spire instead of -20 to all from the Dimensional Paracausal Anchor’s damage)

OTHER DELVES:

-- Freedom, Redux: For the second time that day, Snakewater’s Delvers would try to remove the Enforcer Collar from Associate Chamomile. However, the result would be the same -- the Peace Maker was slain instantly and the collar re-created itself upon his body. It is believed that the Collar is Fate-bound to those it is inflicted upon, ensuring that teleportation, reincarnation, and similar esoteric means would be insufficient to escape its grasp. (Campus +1, Forge +1)

-- The Game of Games: In the throes of the Encabulator’s activation, Lord Underwelt and several Eldritch Entities played several games of chance and skill with the folk of Snakewater. (jD83jSd +S3tp, -u7T, xf43f?)

-- Supplies!: By evading and distracting Alpha-robotic patrols, Snakewater’s Delvers were able to bring supplies to the Lost Sheep Cantina. These would be integral to the insurgency’s efforts against the town’s oppressors. (Farm +3, Forge +3)

-- Face Off: One of the townsfolk was assisted in the return of a strange loss: their face. Through the retrieval of a jewelry box, a Delver was able to return a person’s face to them. (Farm +2)

-- Hide and Seek: A strange feeling continues to pervade the meeting of local Delvers and Operatives. Those who were able to determine its source discover that something was scrying their thoughts and seeking something out (Campus +2)

-- Caravan Ruin: Illustrados Delvers and their allies investigated the ruins of an unmarked convoy believed to be of Illustrados origin. After driving Parafauna from the area, they recovered mysterious documents that confirmed that these were from the islands and that the tech they carried was stolen. (Farm +5, Forge +5)

-- In for a Penny: The Templars tracked down yet another sibling to Lars Auclair, uncovering more information of the mystery that his brother presented. (Mercado +5, Farm +5)

-- Reinforce the Barrier: To prevent the King of Lightning from taking the magical artifacts and relics of the Templars, the Avataral Hand has erected a barrier over their holdings. The Blades of the Empress were tasked with ensuing the barrier’s integrity against the incursion efforts of Sindra and his undead forces. (Tomb +5, Farms +5)

-- The Automatic Sun: Although built for surveillance and subjugation, this Subjugation Apparatus of King Celso also urges crops to bloom and blossom despite the cold weather. (Farm +10)

-- The Hourglass of Withering Gold: This Subjugation Apparatus is in the form of a glowing hourglass. Situated in the Cantina, it generates waves of “inspiration” and “industriousness” unto the minds of townsfolk and Delvers. (Forge +5, Mercado +5)

-- Malefic Alignment: Due certain actions, the eldritch radiance of a distant, Abyssal entity has befallen this region of Mid-Atla. Under the malefic pseudo-light of “Gibbeleth the Enchained Emperor”, the physical laws of the locale quiver. It is as though a baleful eye has glanced passingly upon this reality and in that dire, fleeting moment, the insignificance of humanity is made manifest. (-195 to Spire after the following calculations [-65 to all Expansions [reduced from -100], redirected to the Spire and reduced by half])

-- Traveler’s warning: They who Traverse (aka the Traveler), an entity that worked with Snakewater in the past, warned its allies that “Minor World Wounds” have opened near Snakewater. Owing to the quickness of Snakewater’s, Delvers, these wounds were closed before they could erupt into further damage to terrestrial reality. [Malefic Alignment damage reduced from 100 to 85]

-- Sever the World: Instead of a warning from the Traveler, it would be a Snakewater Deputy that would warn the town of more “World Wounds” late in Saturday’s evening. In addition to closing Minor World Wounds, Delvers would have to deal with not just a Major World Wound but the interference of a swordsman named Percivan the Feared. Why Percivan fought to ensure the fraying of reality is up to question, but he was somehow driven off and the World Wounds were closed before further damage could occur. [Malefic Alignment damage reduced from 85 to 65]

-- Delvers. With the Malefic Alignment fraying reality, local Delvers and Operatives dedicated much of their efforts toward reinforcing the Stormbringer Spire. Those who did not, worked on the sanctity of the Graveyards from the ravenous dead and the efficiency of the Forge district..(NPC shifters =  Forge +3, Spire +40, Tomb +5)

-- Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: Even under the yoke of King Celso’ tyranny, Snakewater endeavors to continue its progress. The King of Lightning sees no need to damage the town’s industry, though he does push no small amount of resources toward the maintenance and arming of his forces. Needless to say, a significant share of Snakewater’s efforts are secretly funneled toward the Delvers’ insurgence against their tyrannical oppressors. (Campus +25, Farms +50, Forge +61, Mercado +22, Spire +55, Tomb +25)

* These values match the Player Characters’ contributions, representing the NPCs work in building their homes and how the PCs inspire them to greater heights.

-- First Strike: With the speed of his namesake, the King of Lightning has struck Snakewater, then Dead Tree, and New Oasis.  It is believed that his forces marched from the Valtima-Capitol ruins, through Edge Haven, before attacking their targets. The defenders of these towns could not manage the sudden invasion of the King’s Alpha-robotic soldiers as well as the new technologies he had brought to bear. These towns are now under his control, their resources exploited to continue his campaigns against the Free Tribes and the other Archfactions. Only Bridgeboro, east of Snakewater, has been able to thwart his advance thus far.

The Free Tribes coordinate to gather the personnel necessary to begin a counter offensive. However, their non-centralized nature and their massive losses from the Ember War work against them.

-- Supplies! By evading and distracting Alpha-robotic patrols, Snakewater’s Delvers were able to bring supplies from the Scavvers to the Lost Sheep Cantina. These would be integral to the insurgency’s efforts against the town’s oppressors. 

-- Face Off: One of the townsfolk was assisted in the return of a strange loss: their face. Through the retrieval of a jewelry box, a Delver was able to return a person’s face to them. 

-- Hide and Seek: A strange feeling continues to pervade the meeting of local Delvers and Operatives. Those who were able to determine its source discover that something was scrying their thoughts and seeking something out

-- Malefic Alignment: Due certain actions, the eldritch radiance of a distant, Abyssal entity has befallen this region of Mid-Atla. Under the malefic pseudo-light of “Gibbeleth the Enchained Emperor”, the physical laws of the locale quiver. It is as though a baleful eye has glanced passingly upon this reality and in that dire, fleeting moment, the insignificance of humanity is made manifest.

-- Traveler’s warning: They who Traverse (aka the Traveler), an entity that worked with Snakewater in the past, warned its allies that “Minor World Wounds” have opened near the town. Owing to the quickness of Snakewater’s Delvers, these wounds were closed before they could erupt into further damage to terrestrial reality.

-- Sever the World: Delvers dealt with not just a Major World Wound and many Minor World Wounds but the interference of a swordsman named Percivan the Feared. Why Percivan fought to ensure the fraying of reality is up to question, but he was somehow driven off and the World Wounds were closed before further damage could occur.

-- First Strike: With the speed of his namesake, the King of Lightning has struck Snakewater, then Dead Tree, and New Oasis.  It is believed that his forces marched from the Valtima-Capitol ruins, through Edge Haven, before attacking their targets. The defenders of these towns could not manage the sudden invasion of the King’s Alpha-robotic soldiers as well as the new technologies he had brought to bear. These towns are now under his control, their resources exploited to continue his campaigns against the Free Tribes and the other Archfactions. Only Bridgeboro, east of Snakewater, has been able to thwart his advance thus far.

-- Thermal Lances: In the beginning days of King Celso’s advance, Magistrados troopers were gathered and marched for a counter attack. Javelineers artillery supported them from the coast. Though the initial fights were favorable for the Illustrados, the King of Lightning himself fielded technologies that burned squads alive and set ships aflame. In the face of a technological superior enemy for the first time, the Magistrados regrouped to Bridgeboro to help in its defense and reconsider their strategies.

-- Caravan Ruin: Illustrados Delvers and their allies investigated the ruins of an unmarked convoy confirmed to be of Illustrados origin. The tech it carried was stolen, presumably as part of the convoy’s destruction.

-- Extradition: The criminal Manuel Cervantes and the Technocrat Carlos “Calloy” Fuentes-Frost have been shipped to Ciudad Juanita in the Illustrados Union. They are reported to have arrived safely. The former is accused of many crimes, not the least of which is the attempted murder of the latter by proxy. 

-- Malefic Alignment: Due certain actions, the eldritch radiance of a distant, Abyssal entity has befallen this region of Mid-Atla. Under the malefic pseudo-light of “Gibbeleth the Enchained Emperor”, the physical laws of the locale quiver. It is as though a baleful eye has glanced passingly upon this reality and in that dire, fleeting moment, the insignificance of humanity is made manifest.

-- A New Age: Though the deliberation took a long time, the Illustrados Senate has finally moved on the matter of the Technocratic League. With advice from individuals within the Union and outside of the islands, the basic structure of the league remains but with Senatorial oversight in the form of a Magistrados officer. In addition, several loopholes have been removed and the banning of Forge Fauna use has been reinforced. The new organization is to be called La Liga de Faroleros or the Lamplighter League, representing the lowered control of the Technocracy in its function and the objective of the Illustrados to bring light to the world (originally posted 01/2025)

-- Juracan Reports: Magistrados is working with local defense forces in the islands of Xaymaca and Caobana to prepare for a recent spate of Juracan sightings. While Juracan attacks are not surprising, the reports are troubling enough for the Magistrados to also pull from Charioteer mercenaries and Technocracy private forces. This attack does mean a reduction in the aid the Illustrados can offer to the continent.

-- First Strike: With the speed of his namesake, the King of Lightning has struck Snakewater, then Dead Tree, and New Oasis.  It is believed that his forces marched from the Valtima-Capitol ruins, through Edge Haven, before attacking their targets. The defenders of these towns could not manage the sudden invasion of the King’s Alpha-robotic soldiers as well as the new technologies he had brought to bear. These towns are now under his control, their resources exploited to continue his campaigns against the Free Tribes and the other Archfactions. Only Bridgeboro, east of Snakewater, has been able to thwart his advance thus far.

With most Templar forces at the Beringian Blockade, the local Awakened are expected to hold their own with little support.

-- Reinforce the Barrier: To prevent the King of Lightning from taking the magical artifacts and relics of the Templars, the Avataral Hand has erected a barrier over their holdings, thanks to the expertise of the Priory of Nullification. Thus far, it has yet to be breached by the King of Lightning or by Sindra, follower of Yama the Merciful. 

-- In for a Penny: Templars tracked down yet another sibling to Lars Auclair, uncovering more information of the mystery that his brother presented. He was transferred to a more secure facility rented from the Golden Fortunes Cartel in Port Atlantica. 

-- Malefic Alignment: Due certain actions, the eldritch radiance of a distant, Abyssal entity has befallen this region of Mid-Atla. Under the malefic pseudo-light of “Gibbeleth the Enchained Emperor”, the physical laws of the locale quiver. It is as though a baleful eye has glanced passingly upon this reality and in that dire, fleeting moment, the insignificance of humanity is made manifest. 

-- Traveler’s warning: They who Traverse (aka the Traveler), an entity that worked with Snakewater in the past, warned its allies that “Minor World Wounds” have opened near Snakewater. Owing to the quickness of Snakewater’s, Delvers, these wounds were closed before they could erupt into further damage to terrestrial reality.

-- Sever the World: Delvers dealt with not just a Major World Wound and many Minor World Wounds but the interference of a swordsman named Percivan the Feared. Why Percivan fought to ensure the fraying of reality is up to question, but he was somehow driven off and the World Wounds were closed before further damage could occur

[PROFESSOR’S LAB, SNAKEWATER; FEBRUARY 9, 102 BTF]

“Professor? Are you in here?” Tamber stepped into the dimly lit lab with a wariness brought about by the scorch marks on the walls and the crackling ozone smell that sometimes comes with intense Magnetic Mana. 

Following the fevered but incomprehensible sounds of their conversation, she found the old Necrotic man and her fellow lab assistant. They were arguing over a hand-sized crystalline device: the Crystal Matrix retrieved by Snakewater a few weeks ago. 

The glass table beneath it glowed as the main light source in the room, illuminating their features and giving them daemonic aspects. 

“No, no, no!” Pi raised his hands up, gloved palms out in protest.

“Yes, yes, yes, you little shit!”

“Professor? Pi?” Tamber approached the two, her steps askew with apprehension.

“Tamber!” The Professor’s smile was wicked in the half-light. He offered her the forearm-length metallic rod in his hand. “Come over here and help me calibrate this device!”

“Don’t do it!” Pi warned her, his eyes briefly glancing at the Pi-shaped scorch mark on a near wall.

“Um. No. That’s unpaid intern work. I’ll get Jackknife to do it when he’s done with the ethertronic circuit box you gave him to fix”

“That boy sure loves boxes” The Professor chuckled. “I wonder if he found the Umbral Widow I put inside it yet? It’s been there for a couple of weeks so it must be really hungry!”

“Weeks? Why’d you -- what does it eat in ther-- nevermind, I have news from the Peace Makers”

“Oh yeah? The Peepees finally got more monkey work for ol’ Professy to do? Well, I ain’t doing it!”

“I’ll do it!” Pi chimed in.

“Shut up! You’re not doing jack shit! We’re on a strike until we get access to the Encabulator again”

“They’re giving you limited access to the Encabulator-” Tamber sighed. 

“Hot diggity! The Professy’s still got it!” The old man went to high five Pi, but the lab assistant merely shook his head. 

“Actually, it was the Bearers of Wicked Fate who petitioned Snakewater, spoke to the Sheriff, and convinced him to grant us access. In return, they need you to --”

“Mmmmhm, what a bunch of good kids they are! Helping a poor, lonely scientist in need!” He rummaged through his lab coat. “Hmmm… where were those again?”

“They’re all adults, Professor” Pi chimed in again. “They drink, drive Howlers, and kill people”

He took no notice of them while scrounging, having moved his search from his pockets to his rusty toolbox. “Here’s their reward then” 

The Professor dropped a handful of Khaydarin quartzes into Tamber’s gloved palm.

“The goodest of boys and girls deserve the bestest of candies from their favorite Professy! Come on, Pi! Let’s prep the anti-fumblers! Chop chop!”

Bereft of will and drained of words, Tamber watched them leave for the second laboratory and shut the door behind them. For a full minute, she stared down at the dimly glowing quartzes, each charged with lethal doses of Magnetic Mana. 

“But these aren’t…” Then she snapped to attention and swiftly egressed through the door she entered. “Oh spirits, I better check on the Intern!”

Last January saw Snakewater inflict a savage blow unto the Night Kings’ forces, destroying the logic core of an outpost and scouring the countryside of Ravanic abominations. Signs now point to a deadly counterattack from the King of Lightning.

The King of Lightning is the strongest of his Night League brethren. A transplant from the Illustrados Union, he is a maker of mechanical monstrosities and a savant at Necro-tech. Until recently, he was disgused as a simple engineer named “Exanimus Portent” but he also calls himself the Machinist or simply, King Celso. The latter name is especially embarrassing to the similarly named but utterly unaffiliated corporation named Celso Innovational Enterprises.

The King of Lightning’s most recent exploits include the violent theft of relics from the Hellhounds’ Altar of Air and the killing of King Aetheldred.

King Ravan-Ajasha is also called the Raksasha or the King of Fiends. He is a father of monstrosities and horrors, known for creating abominations and sending them out to fulfill his own designs or test a new prototype.

His recent exploits include infesting unwilling subjects with ravenous parasites and waylaying caravans using terrible monstrosities.

King Aetheldred was called the the Herbalist, the Eternal Blossom and the King of Flowers. Brilliant yet also fickle, she was known as a researcher and alchemist dedicated to the expansion of her scientific knowhow without care for the consequences. A powerful Dryad, she was even able to imbue Eidolonic Spores unto individuals against their will.

In November 101 BTF, Aetheldred was believed to have been slain by King Celso with the help of Snakewater.

By Marcus C.

[LOCATION UNKNOWN; February 1, 102 BTF]

In the depths of some unknown facility, a long, cold, metal corridor stretches almost imperceptibly far into the reaches of the structure. It is only illuminated by slowly pulsing blue lights that dot along the edges of the protracted hall into the distance. A singular one room along its length shows a distinct illumination that stands out in the liminal space.

The room contains a grand array of machinery, seemingly both mythical and scientific. A display in a corner of the great web of machine displays, “NON-CRITICAL SYSTEMS - POWER DIVERTED: COMPLETE”. Two silhouettes can be made out against the illuminated interfaces and machine housings.

A man, mostly covered in metal, speaks out in a somewhat ringing voice, “It’s a shame Celso, it truly is, but I’ve learned enough times that we can’t trust people like them.”

He positions himself on a large metal platform, wires and machinery hanging menacingly above it.

“Maybe part of me wanted to think that maybe a few of them could be convinced to fix this rotten world. I gave them an opportunity and they gladly took it. They must have forgotten that their little jammer was only localized. They showed me -US- what they will do the instant we turn our backs with their own eyes.”

The second figure, framed more widely in metal and traces of plant matter, positions themselves in front of a panel off to the side of the platform.

“And do you believe them to be as threatening as they are, SAN?”

SAN stares up at the tangle of machinery that hovers above him and the platform that he sat on the edge of.

“They were not in a position to do more than mild damage to this frame, but you’ve seen yourself their capacity for growth. I will not underestimate them.”

He brings his gaze down from the ceiling to meet the gaze of the other figure, steely-eyed and resolute.

“I am ready for the N.E.X.T. frame.”

Upon hearing the words, the figure at the panel begins adjusting various interfaces displayed on its surface.

“There won’t be much left of the old you after, and while you’ve always been stalwart in our mission, I will ask you as a precaution, are you sure?”

SAN positions himself to lie flat on the platform surface, facing the enormous overhang of machinery above him.

“The old me was insignificant; barely able to move and worse yet, I thought like all of them.”

His eyes stay fixed to the space above him

“While corrupt men and endless horrors rip this world apart, they let themselves be hamstrung by their bureaucracy, morals, and their traditions. They say they wish to make the world better, but when anyone with the power or will to do so takes charge they shun them, they fear them. Meanwhile, the world continues to rot.”

SAN turns his head to face the figure at the panel

“You have been my shield Celso, you have given me the ability to live and the power to change what’s wrong with this world. And for that I will continue to be your sword. If the world as it is cannot be, or refuses to be fixed, then I shall be the man to set the world on fire so that something better can be built from the ashes.”

He turns his head back to the ceiling, closing eyes set behind a visor of steel and glass.

“If I need to, I will be the scar that this world needs.”

After making a few more adjustments on the panel, the second figure pulls a lever nearby causing the overhanging machinery to stir to life and begin descending toward the surface of the platform.

“Then we shall make it so together, if need be.”

Large cables illuminate around the room as they deliver power to the massive apparatus at its center.

———————————————————————————

Somewhere in a Peace Maker Barracks, Altair is wrapping up reports of the previous gathering when lights and various equipment strobe momentarily before blacking out.

“AH HELL you couldn’t have god damn wait till my report was god damn done, could you?!”

After a few moments the lights sputter and turn back on throughout the building

“Gotta talk to the damn mechanic now, freaking hell.”

-- Men, Machines, and Monsters: With the King of Lightning and the King of Fiends in mind, the Peace Makers and Snakewater’s forces consider their next options. However, even as they weigh the costs of dealing with these sorcerous threats, the two Night Kings do not tarry -- via herald or proxy, each offers their assistance against the other and threatens retribution if refused.

-- Ultimately, it is decided that neither King is deserving of loyalty or of service. A plan is forged under the protection of a signal jammer at the Cantina. Snakewater would play at being an ally for one King while dealing with the other. To that end, King Celso’s forward camps are sabotaged while his Kingspawn are distracted. (Mercado +5, Forge +5)

-- Erstwhile, King Ravan’s abominations are slain or scattered before they could give more information to their sorcerous maker about the other King’s forces. (Farm +5, Mercado +5)

-- The Delvers and Operatives worked together with King Celso’s forces, particularly SAN, to continue their destruction of King Ravan’s minions. The bulk of the Ravanic monstrosities are drawn into an open field to be slaughtered. And in a savage blow to the King of Lightning, the machine logic core of his outpost was sabotaged by Delvers during the brutal melee. 

Unfortunately, Snakewater’s designs were discovered by SAN. His discovery is for naught, however -- he is unable to fully trap Snakewater’s Delvers and Operatives in an inferno and his forces were deflected before they could inflict massive damage to the town’s infrastructure.  (+15 to Forge, Spire, Tombs; -30 to Mercado, Campus, Farm)

OTHER DELVES:

-- Manuel, Unmasked: The mastermind behind the Forge Beasts and their destabilization of Illustrados commerce in the area is revealed to be “Manuel Cervantes”. Despite his attempts, he is captured by ECL;PS and allies before he can escape Mid-Atla. (Mercado +5, Forge +5)

-- The Chronal Sun: Adria of the Flame performs a rite of her Church befitting the dark of winter: it deigns to bring reflection and thoughtfulness to those who partake, whether they are Redeemers or not. (Tombs +2)

-- Dispel the Shadows: The Steelwings and their allies hunt down the shadowy spies of Percivan. Though the entities attempt to escape their fate, their pursuers are too quick. (Farms +5, Spire +5)

-- Hide and Seek: A strange feeling pervades the meeting of local Delvers and Operatives. Those who were able to determine its source determine that something was scrying their thoughts -- fortunately, some of these were inquisitions were deflected and the destruction of Percivan’s shadows appeared to have stopped the happenstance from recurring for the moment. (Campus +2)

-- Youngbloods: Several Fomori novices were reported to have entered town, believed to have been carrying items of interest. It is believed that they left without speaking to anyone. (Mercado +1)

-- The Hand of Designation: The Blades of the Empress hunt down an undead menace and discover a gruesome item: a “Hand of Designation”. This item is believed to be from Sindra, a renegade Templar and known follower of Yama. They have given it to the Avataral Hand for keeping while they perform their own studies on it. (Tombs +3, Farms +3)

-- Hold your horses: Before he is able to escape the area, a Carmine criminal was apprehended by the Blades of the Empress. Laurencius “Lars” Auclair has been detained in Bridgeboro with the Peace Makers until it is seen fit to extradite him to Templar lands. (Mercado +3, Farms +3)

-- Delvers. Thanks to local Delvers and Operatives, work continued apace on the repair and calibration of the Stormbringer Spire from the recent Magna-storm. Sweat and blood was also spent ensuring safety in the Farms and the Forge districts. Meanwhile, proper reverences and prayers were given to those that had passed and those that need rest.(NPC shifters =  Farms +3, Forge +4, Spire +23, Tomb +18)

-- Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: Though SAN and King Celso’s forces ran amok through Snakewater, the damage they inflicted was no match to the industry and spirit of the townsfolk.  (Campus +10, Farms +19, Forge +34, Mercado +19, Spire +36, Tomb +38)

* These values match the Player Characters’ contributions, representing the NPCs work in building their homes and how the PCs inspire them to greater heights.

NEW VALUES: (updated 2/19/24)  

• FARMS (FRINGE FARMLANDS) Tier 2: 224/300 (up  from Tier 2: 216/300)  

• TOMBS (GRAVEYARD): Tier 2: 9/300 (UNLOCKED from Tier 1:  233/300)  

• FORGE (LA GRAN FRAGUA) Tier 2: 176/300 (Up from Tier 1: 108/300) 

• CAMPUS (LIBRARY LANE) Tier 3: 185/300 (Down from Tier 3: 211/300) 

• MERCADO (MARKET EXCHANGE) Tier 3: 219/300 (Up from Tier 3: 211/300)   

• SPIRE (STORMBRINGER SPIRE) Tier 2: 181/300 (Up from Tier 2: 105/300)

-- Dispel the Shadows: The Steelwings and their allies hunt down the shadowy spies of Percivan. Though the entities attempt to escape their fate, their pursuers are too quick. (Farms +5, Spire +5)

-- Hide and Seek: A strange feeling pervades the meeting of local Delvers and Operatives. Those who were able to determine its source determine that something was scrying their thoughts -- fortunately, some of these were inquisitions were deflected and the destruction of Percivan’s shadows appeared to have stopped the happenstance from recurring for the moment. 

-- Youngbloods: Several Fomori novices were reported to have entered town, believed to have been carrying items of interest. It is believed that they left without speaking to anyone. 

-- Prophet at Large: A renegade Templar and known collaborator with the Night Kings has been confirmed to have escaped imprisonment after several years in Peace Maker custody. Despite the recently dispelled obfuscation magic that obscured how long ago he had escaped, it is believed that he did so during the Dryad attack in November 101 BTF. The Obfuscation aspected Orb associated with him was also reported missing from the Peace Maker vaults.

-- Manuel, Unmasked: The mastermind behind the Forge Beasts and their destabilization of Illustrados commerce in the area is revealed to be “Manuel Cervantes”. Despite his attempts, Manuel is captured by ECL;PS and their allies before he can escape Mid-Atla. 

-- The Chronal Sun: Adria of the Flame performs a rite of her Church befitting the dark of winter: it deigns to bring reflection and thoughtfulness to those who partake, whether they are Redeemers or not.

-- A New Age: Though the deliberation took a long time, the Illustrados Senate has finally moved on the matter of the Technocratic League. With advice from individuals within the Union and outside of the islands, the basic structure of the league remains but with Senatorial oversight in the form of a Magistrados officer. In addition, several loopholes have been removed and the banning of Forge Fauna use has been reinforced. The new organization is to be called La Liga de Faroleros or the Lamplighter League, representing the lowered control of the Technocracy in its function and the objective of the Illustrados to bring light to the world. 

-- The Hand of Designation: The Blades of the Empress hunt down an undead menace and discover a gruesome item: a “Hand of Designation”. This item is believed to be from Sindra, a renegade Templar and known follower of Yama. They have given it to the Avataral Hand for keeping while they perform their own studies on it. 

-- Hold your horses: Before he is able to escape the area, a Carmine criminal was apprehended by the Blades of the Empress. Laurencius “Lars” Auclair has been detained in Bridgeboro with the Peace Makers until it is seen fit to extradite him to Templar lands. 

-- The Wall: Far to the west, the Wall Watchers have engaged enemies at the Beringian Blockade. The first elements of a Glow Devil attack have hit the region. This has the unfortunate result of drawing troops away from most other pursuits and other objectives, leaving only the absolute minimum on far off garrisons and holdings. 

-- Prophet at Large: A renegade Templar and known collaborator with the Night Kings has been confirmed to have escaped imprisonment after several years in Peace Maker custody. Despite the recently dispelled obfuscation magic that obscured how long ago he had escaped, it is believed that he did so during the Dryad attack in November 101 BTF. The Obfuscation aspected Orb associated with him was also reported missing from the Peace Maker vaults.

[EDGEHAVEN’S RUINS, WEST OF SNAKEWATER; JANUARY 3, 102 BTF]

The winter sun burned brightly and coldly over the corpse of Edgehaven, a town long dead by a battle long past. It did little to warm the column of Metabionics that marched amidst the ruin, their shadows made short in the hour. Their numbers were a few dozen but they strode in synchronous step with each other and flanked the trundling passage of a few spider-wagons. 

These vehicles were laden with machinery rather than weaponry. Though spider-wagons required specialized “pilots”, their limbs allowed them a greater flexibility in terrain than their wheeled counterparts. This allowed the column to diverge from commonly trafficked roads to traverse the lesser known passages among town ruins, rough hills, and deep forests.

The din of their footfalls and clanking cargo scattered parafauna upon their approach. The clangor of the travelers’ march also deafened them to the Puma-hawk pride that was stalking them for the past few days. 

Instinct had demanded that these parafauna abandon their hunt. The scents of metal and oil, as well as the nigh imperceptible hum from within each of their prey was sign enough that these humans would make for poor feasting. Their bestial minds perceived the column as inedible and dangerous -- they would be better off seeking easier, softer fare. 

Yet, the Song quelled such thoughts even as it added length to their stride and saw through their sensory organs. The Song took note of the columns’ numbers, the armaments, and the spider-wagons’ stock. 

Follow quietly. Stay hidden. Flee if engaged.

And the Puma-hawks, with more eyes and limbs than the unblessed members of their species, did as the Song commanded.

The month of November saw the heightening of a Night King and the destruction of another. Though the following winter has been quiet thus far, this tenuous peace will not last. The King of Lightning’s strength continues to grow, as does the wrath of the King of Fiends. The battles to come will rage across the region and see the Delvers of Snakewater as participants, casualties, or both.

The King of Lightning is the strongest of his Night League brethren. A transplant from the Illustrados Union, he is a maker of mechanical monstrosities and a savant at Necro-tech. Until recently, he was disgused as a simple engineer named “Exanimus Portent” but he also calls himself the Machinist or simply, King Celso. The latter name is especially embarrassing to the similarly named but utterly unaffiliated corporation named Celso Innovational Enterprises.

The King of Lightning most recent exploits include the violent theft of relics from the Hellhounds’ Altar of Air and the killing of King Aetheldred.

King Ravan-Ajasha is also called the Raksasha or the King of Fiends. He is a father of monstrosities and horrors, known for creating abominations and commanding them to fulfill his machinations.

His recent exploits include infesting unwilling subjects with ravenous parasites and waylaying caravans using inhuman monstrosities.

King Aetheldred was called the the Herbalist, the Eternal Blossom and the King of Flowers. Brilliant yet also fickle, she was known as a researcher and alchemist dedicated to the expansion of her scientific knowhow without care for the consequences. A powerful Dryad, she was even able to imbue Eidolonic Spores unto individuals against their will.

In November 101 BTF, Aetheldred was believed to have been slain by King Celso with the help of Snakewater.