[NORTHEAST OF SNAKEWATER; SEPTEMBER 29, 101 BTF]

“Oof. We’re almost there.” Associate Gaki wrinkled his nose. Before him, the forested path bloomed into a blighted clearing along the riverbank. Unlike the leafed and flowered branches issuing from Gaki’s shoulder and left arm, the flora in that area were as leafless as in winter. 

Snakewater’s Sheriff and the two Peace Makers smelled the accuracy of Gaki’s statement well before they arrived. The three men were a mile and some change up north from the Dawson farm, where the town’s fringes sputtered up against the wooded wilds and the Serpent River. Trees encroached upon the farm’s fields and dappled the ground amid an afternoon sun. 

Sheriff Hannibal snorted and spit on the ground when they stopped to survey the area. The scent was acrid and nauseating, like the bottom of a used chem vial “It certainly don’t smell like daisies” 

“Scavvers were ‘picking’ through a recently discovered cache outside of town limits when they found vents to a subterranean chamber” Associate Chamomile gestured to the shallow pit in the center of the clearing while reiterating the salient points of the report to the Peace Makers’ employer.

“An explosion injured most of the group and sealed the vents, making them logistically unusable. They also covered the area in biological material-- ”

“Goop” Gaki nodded. 

“Indeed, Freefolk Delvers cleansed this clearing of blight, but the land has yet to fully recover. Furthermore, they contracted a disease from said ‘goop’”

The other Peace Maker didn’t quip this time, but barely suppressed a twitch.

Chamomile ignored his colleague’s response to the Night King’s name. “Aetheldred’s Mercy -- the artificial plague that renders the mind vulnerable to influence and was created by the King of Flowers”

Normally, Eidolonic spores could only be imbued upon the willing, but Night Kings had a habit of breaking the rules. Of Gaki’s fateful encounter with Aetheldred, the Peace Makers were well aware.

Hannibal had no such compunctions. “You alright, Gaki?”

“Yeah - it’s itching a lot, but I’ve got it under control” He leveled a hardened gaze at the Sheriff. His brow was damp with sweat but not merely from the afternoon’s unseasonal warmth. “I’m not going to be an issue when dealing with her”

“If you say so” The Sheriff’s eyebrow remained raised far too long to suggest that he believed the Dryad but rather than pursue an inquiry, he started circling the edges of the clearing. The Peace Makers followed in his shadow.

After walking in some silence, he spoke. “I do appreciate ya’ll taking the time to bring me here and show me. I needed to see things for myself”

“Part of the job, Sheriff — the Peace Makers are contracted to the Council” Chamomile paused for a long while afterward. “I am curious though: why did you ask to join this patrol?”

The Sheriff eyed the blighted flora as he walked. Dead grass and purpled leaves crunched beneath boots. “Mostly, I wanted to visit the Dawsons but also, I needed a good ol’ think”

“Lost Sheep Cantina’s back in Snakewater” Gaki took up the rear of the trio. “By the time you get back, I’m sure you can get some good ol’ thinks for happy hour”

Hannibal ignored the jest. He spoke slowly, carefully spending his words “I got a letter from Exanimus, an Illustrados tinker. Says that he’s got proof that Aetheldred’s nearby and below. Also, he’s asking me to organize a posse against her before she can fully build her strength. He claims that he’s got a plan”

“What’s his racket?” Gaki grunted, suspicion unmasked in his tone. 

“Vengeance” Hannibal’s fingers traced a stain on a dead tree. “On one of her minions, not on her specifically -- some ex-officer that he tussled with on the islands”  

Chamomile frowned. “I’m not keen to meddle with islander politics, but if he’s right about Aetheldred…”

“The Reaper engine and her defeat was two years ago” The Sheriff and the Peace Makers had circled the clearing twice, spiraling centrally toward the source of the initial explosion. “That’s a long time”

They stopped at the edge of the pit, peering unto the pile of rubble at the bottom. Somewhere beneath all of that, in the Shallows of the Warrens, was the King of Flowers.

“I’m no general and my warring days are well behind me. I needed to see this -- to see what she could do. Remind myself of what could happen to the Dawsons, to the town, if we let her have her way.”

“I needed to remember that they won’t stop until they’re stopped before I recommend the Council to a course of action. The cause will need town funds, of course - bounties don’t come from nothing, y’know”

“Some of us didn’t forget” Gaki spoke through clenched teeth. “Some of us can’t”

“Then you’ll understand the hard decisions that have to be made, whether that’s jumping into action… or sitting this one out”

As the year wanes, the nights grow darker and colder, but the same cannot be allowed for the Night Kings. The Peace Makers have received news that King Aetheldred not only means to recover from her losses a few years ago but is doing so within proximity to Snakewater. For some, this means an opportunity to strike before she can attack first and, for Exanimus, this is a means of revenge against an old enemy that has joined the Night King's ranks.

In the past few months, minions of Aetheldred, were seen while they passed near Snakewater. Though some of these groups were defeated and driven away, their presence implies Aetheldred’s recovery from her defeat at the hands of Snakewater’s protectors.

[From the Hunting Log of Talin, Captain of the Estrella de Zafira, Port Atlantica, October 10, 101 BTF]

Well, it took the better part of a month, but the Rai-Oni has finally reached its new home in Port Atlantica, overlooking the ocean to the east. I helped escort the sedated creature here from Snakewater, alongside a small contingent of Peace Makers, but, between the medicine used to keep the creature asleep for the trip, and the fact that it had cleared out the local predators before we captured it, the trip was largely uneventful. Despite the Rai-Oni’s territorialism and the season’s chilly weather, the forest still felt just a bit too quiet for comfort as we traveled. At times, I swear I saw a stag or two keeping careful pace with us just beyond the treeline. When I inquired this to the Peace Makers, they reminded me of just how peculiar Snakewater’s region was, and how normal abnormality was around here. Call it a hunter’s instinct, but I’m not sure how much I agree with ‘em.  

Back to the present, though, I was concerned that the good people of the port wouldn’t be up to the simultaneous tasks of both creating a holding container large and strong enough to hold it and finishing it by the time we escorted the Rai-Oni here. However, with generous help from the scholars of Library Lane and the Snakewater Council, Port Atlantica had the funds and motivation to see the job done.

Several researchers in Library Lane, much to my delight, were ecstatic at the opportunity to observe and understand this creature at close proximity. Its natural ability to devour electrical charge and convert it to biological energy is unusual for a native non-summoned, non-Geist creature, and could highlight a new ecological path being undertaken by this region’s megafauna. Could our world be fighting back against alien horrors by carving out species that can hold their own against them? 

I will leave the experts to their work, but I eagerly look forward to returning and comparing notes with the scholars soon.

With this task complete, I plan on returning to the Estrella de Zafira by the weekend and, after helping haul any remaining artillery and hunting equipment back on deck from Snakewater, beginning the most arduous task of them all; paperwork. Mewlindra has likely tackled the lion’s share of it by now, but we allocated a large portion of our coffers towards the speedy smithing of a number of items for the hunt, and we’ll need to see where our funds are at currently. Barring any further megafauna encroachments, I think we’ll be back on track in the new year, and a richer crew for it.

-- Hunting Monsters: Aided by Captain Talin of the Devilhook Fleet, the Delvers of Snakewater were able to ascertain an impending threat to the region: a monstrosity of lightning and fury called a “Rai Oni”.

-- Battery Battery: One of the Rai Oni’s first moves was to strike out at the town’s power grid. Fortunately, it was not able to eat its fill before it was driven away (-12 to all Expansions instead of -30).

-- Raining Hell: To prepare for the confrontation with the Rai Oni, Delvers culled the local nests of Fulminous Swarms via explosive munitions. (Farm +5, Spire +5)

-- I’m with the Band: Following Devilhook protocol, the Captain’s band was prepared and brought up to speed. Their music would lend well to the upcoming battle. (Mercado +3)

-- Weapon Conditioning: Among other preparations, physical and martial conditioning would not be forsaken. More than a few Delvers became familiar with the Devilhook Fleet’s titanic weaponry, making the local farmlands a little safer. (Farms +3)

-- Homework: Throughout day and night, various Delvers were able to discover more and more about the Rai Oni. This would allow them to discern its weaknesses. (Campus +3)

-- Spark of Blue: The Delvers of Snakewater confronted the Rai Oni before it could continue its campaign of devastation. They tranquilized it, bombed it, and then brawled with it. Energy Geists swarmed the Rai Oni and defended it from attack. In the end, the Delvers were able to defeat it and chose to capture it instead of kill it. (+10 to all)

Other Delves:

-- Headhunted: Manuel Cervantes, aide to the Technocratic League, was attacked by Forge Beasts. Fortunately, several Delvers and Illustrados Operatives were there to prevent his demise. (Mercado +5, Forge +5)

-- Informant: An old friend of Snakewater’s Illustrados returned to town, ailing from a deadly toxin. Not only were they cured of their affliction, but their location was not revealed when others came asking for them. 

-- Fashion Gala: In other matters, Snakewater continued the flow of its life even in the face of electric death. Ramona of the Illustrados Technocracy held a fashion show, commemorating the struggles and triumphs of humanity against the Long Fall. This year’s theme was “Out of This World” (Mercado +7, Forge +7, +5 to all others)

-- The Bane Storm: The Steelwings’ investigations on Percivan the Feared continued, revealing more insight on the supposed hero and founder of the Grailguard: Soren Crosse and his magical swords. (Campus +3)

-- Info Broker: The Steelwings managed to get ahold of someone in the know regarding Percivan’s attack on the Sideshoe Scavvers -- specifically, the mysterious item that the swordsman stole. Manuel Cervantes (and his absent superior, Drigo) was paid well for his help, naturally.

-- Goop: A Scavver expedition gone wrong resulted in an explosion of blighted material in an area. Cleaning it up was the natural course, but revealed the presence of something happening underground that involves the dreaded “Aetheldred’s Mercy” disease. (Farms +3, Forge +3)

-- Fenhogg: Followers of the Desolation went into the wilds and slew a territorial Wildling at a Thunder’s command, specifically the Thunder of Beasts and Bloodshed: Fenhogg. After feeding upon the Wildling’s entrails, they communicated with a different kind of entity that was far from divine: the King of Lightning. (Farms +3, Tombs +3)

-- In Memoriam: A member of the Riverbird Caravan, Sparrow, asked Delvers for assistance in putting a troubled spirit to rest. For some Delvers, it was their own demons that they found reprieve from. (Tombs +3)

-- The Weightless Shadow: Mercurial Silent Stone has created his own safe derivation of a heretical Templar magic. Engaging in it allowed its participants to withstand the rigors of their coming confrontation. (Campus +3)

-- The Occlusiarch: Finally cornering their enemy after much investigation, the Blades of the Empress entered a pocket dimension and confronted Jyoti. Though the Infernal summoned a Punisher of Gods, he was no match and was destroyed along with his ritual. (Farms +5, Tombs +5)

-- Delvers: Snakewater found itself in grave need of Delvers and helpers, yet there were no shortage of them. In particular, further calibrations and repairs were made of the Stormbringer spire in preparation of the incoming Magna Storm. Similarly, altruistic and well paid Delvers assisted in the protection of the Forge against the Rai Oni’s hunger and against the depredation of angry Geists. (NPC shifters = Forge +6, Spire +41, Tomb +8)

-- Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: Despite the looming threat of an electrical horror, Snakewater’s folk did their best to carry on. Captain Talin’s crew did much to alleviate the menace as this was old hat to the Juracan killers.  (Campus +22, Farms +29, Forge +39, Mercado +22, Spire +51, Tomb +29)

* 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 10/16/24)  

FRINGE FARMLANDS (FARMS) Tier 2: 181/300 (up  from Tier 2: 116/300)

GRAVEYARD (TOMBS): Tier 1: 172/300 (Up from Tier 1:  119/300) 

LA GRAN FRAGUA (FORGE) Tier 2: 30/300 (Up from Tier 1: 264/300)  — Tier 2 Unlocked!

LIBRARY LANE (CAMPUS) Tier 3: 181/300 (Overflow from Tier 3: 139/300)   

MARKET EXCHANGE (MERCADO) Tier 3: 183/300 (Up from Tier 3: 149/300)   

STORMBRINGER SPIRE (SPIRE) Tier 2: 175/300 (Up from Tier 2: 83/300)

-- The Bane Storm: The Steelwings’ investigations on Percivan the Feared continued, revealing more insight on the supposed hero and founder of the Grailguard: Soren Crosse and his magical swords.

-- Info Broker: The Steelwings managed to get ahold of someone in the know regarding Percivan’s attack on the Sideshoe Scavvers -- specifically, the mysterious item that the swordsman stole. Manuel Cervantes (and his absent superior, Drigo) was paid well for his help, naturally.

-- Goop: A Scavver expedition gone wrong resulted in an explosion of blighted material in an area. Cleaning it up was the natural course, but revealed the presence of something happening underground that involves the dreaded “Aetheldred’s Mercy” disease.

-- Fennhogg: Followers of the Desolation went into the wilds and slew a territorial Wildling at a Thunder’s command. After feeding upon the Wildling’s entrails, they communicated with a different kind of entity that was far from divine.

-- In Memoriam: A member of the Riverbird Caravan, Sparrow, asked Delvers for assistance in putting the troubled spirit of Lan Jernon to rest. For some Delvers, it was their own demons that they found reprieve from.

-- Strange Signals: Illustrados Vox-towers and the Hellhounds’ Altar of Air are rumored to be receiving odd and eerie transmissions on rare occasions. Standard procedure prevents most of the strange and occasionally dangerous noise from coming into the comm towers. However, the reports that have tumbled forth from the haunted operator mention distant communique -- this can be as simple as reflected pre-fall transmissions, secret frequencies, or as strange as distant or even extraplanar missives. In all cases, the noises have yet to be truly deciphered as languages or codes.

-- Headhunted: Manuel Cervantes, aide to the Technocratic League, was attacked by Forge Beasts. Fortunately, several Delvers and Illustrados Operatives were there to prevent his demise. 

-- Informant: An old friend of Snakewater’s Illustrados returned to town, ailing from a deadly toxin. Not only were they cured of their affliction, but their location was not revealed when others came asking for them. 

-- Fashion Gala: In other matters, Snakewater continued the flow of its life even in the face of electric death. Ramona of the Illustrados Technocracy held a fashion show, commemorating the struggles and triumphs of humanity against the Long Fall. This year’s theme was “Out of This World” 

-- A Pamphlet: A pamphlet was circulating information regarding the creation of Forge Beasts and the collusion of two corporations, CIE and Stygian Systems in their use.

-- Strange Signals: Illustrados Vox-towers and the Hellhounds’ Altar of Air are rumored to be receiving odd and eerie transmissions on rare occasions. Standard procedure prevents most of the strange and occasionally dangerous noise from coming into the comm towers. However, the reports that have tumbled forth from the haunted operator mention distant communique -- this can be as simple as reflected pre-fall transmissions, secret frequencies, or as strange as distant or even extraplanar missives. In all cases, the noises have yet to be truly deciphered as languages or codes.

-- The Weightless Shadow: Mercurial Silent Stone has created his own derivation of a heretical Templar magic. Engaging in it allowed its participants to withstand the rigors of their coming confrontation. 

-- The Occlusiarch: Finally cornering their enemy after much investigation, the Blades of the Empress entered a pocket dimension and confronted Jyoti. Though the Infernal summoned a Punisher of Gods, he was no match and was destroyed along with his ritual.

-- The Wall: Far to the west, the Wall Watchers report movement from the Beringian Blockade. In response, the Sea Serpents have been ferrying Talonites to ward off a potential Glow Devil attack, the first in a few decades. 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.  (originally posted 07/1/24): 

[From the Hunting Log of Talin, Captain of the Estrella de Zafira, July 23rd, 101 BTF]

Well, plans have been put into motion as best as I could muster. I informed Snakewater this weekend of the approaching beast that seems to have taken a sudden interest in the region so that they can begin their preparations, and I sent Mewlindra back to the ship to get the crew ready for a hunt. Despite the potential turf war this creature’s presence might mean, and the cautions I gave them, the town isn’t cowering at this news. The delvers of this region are made of some strong stuff.

Which is good. They’ll need it. Our crew has carried out quite a few hunts over the years, but this quarry boasts some strange qualities. It seems to become agitated and even energized from passing magnastorms. The swarms of electricity-aspected insects left in the wake of this thing seem to have a mutually beneficial relationship with this creature, feeding off the beast’s released energy and becoming empowered themselves. I will need to keep surveying this creature. And come up with a name. 

[August 28th, 101 BTF]

After getting back onto the trail of this creature, I’ve settled into my surveying routine once again. To recap what I’ve seen so far, when I started tracking it about two months ago, it appeared to have a fairly predictable pattern, moving in wide circles throughout the wilderness. I can’t say with certainty how long it’s been in the area, but, if I had to make a guess, it seems like a newcomer. It leaves deep claw marks on the biggest trees it can find, shreds and leaves the corpses of any native megafauna that gets in its way, and occasionally levels and scorches areas of the forest in what I assume are unmissable displays of strength to other predators. Seeing its energy levels after the midsummer magnastorm, I surmise that last winter’s storm of epic proportions must have given it a growth spurt and boosted its strength, giving it the confidence to take some large territory for itself. This region is as good as any, but I suspect it chose Snakewater for a reason. There’s a lot of technology in that town, and this creature doesn’t seem to be picky about recharging itself from natural occurrences like magnastorms or manmade sources. 

When it made a sudden turn toward this area last month, I feared the worst, but it seems to have settled back into the same habits as before. It’s closer to the population than I’d like, but perhaps it’s wary of the strength of the town, seeing as they took out a threat that this creature feared enough to stay away from. If this continues, I may have to shift our preparations from a hunt to helping the town coexist, uneasy as it may be. If it doesn’t bother the townspeople, having this creature around could prevent other threats from coming close, paradoxically making the area safer. We’ll see.

[September 10th, 101 BTF]

The beast made another unexpected turn yesterday, and took off at great speed towards one of the major roads crossing the wilderness. By the time I caught up to it, a day later, I only found the aftermath of its destructive encounter with a Scavver caravan. The contents, living and otherwise, of the crew were shattered and strewn about, like a tree trunk exploding from a lightning strike. After clearing out a thick swarm of Fulminous bugs gathered around the area, I see what its target was: the central carriage. Massive claws had split open the encasing, and it was completely drained of power. What’s worse, the beast has made another turn—this time towards Snakewater proper. This must have been the last charge that it needed before it felt ready to challenge the town. Whether we repel it or kill it, we’ll have to give a show of force it can’t ignore.

I know what to name this beast that fights like a demon and devastates its surroundings; Rai-Oni. Sound the hunting horn, I hope Snakewater is ready for a hunt.

Summer days and summer nights are growing cooler. Yet, in the midst of the latter are sightings of more "fulminous swarms", lightning-based parafauna in the region. In addition, some seers proclaim that the flashes of dry lightning and the echoes of thunder are portents of an impending threat. And if Magnetic Mana Storms are currently out of season, what could this gathering storm be?

Like their heavy hulled ships, the Charioteers of the Devilhook Fleet (aka the Devilfish) are gnarled and scarred. They take to grim work with a butcher’s ease but they have also learned hard lessons in working together and recognizing when to cut their losses. Given their preferred prey, casualties are a common occurrence among the Devilhooks but the tales of their valor and the cut of their reputation ensures a steady stream of recruits.

On land, the Devilfish prefer heavier armor, loud firearms, and jagged spears. They maintain their reputation for hardiness and bravery, willing to Delve dangerous ruins and irradiated wastelands for loot. Their markets are thus well-stocked with valuable goods and useful salvage, but most of all: the organs and reagents borne of monsters. If one wishes to find their stalls, an individual merely needs to follow the smell of roasting meats and blood puddings.

[SEVERAL MILES SOUTH OF SNAKEWATER; JULY 20, 101 BTF]

The motley suit and facepaint spoke the lie of Giggles’ happiness, sitting alone as he was on a tree stump. The forest around him and the river beside him were limned in moonlight, though neither could currently be heard over a cantankerous tirade.

“I already miss him” said the meat puppet.

Even Giggles’ loudest sigh went unlistened. An hour had passed since the music and the light had halted, farther up the river. Almost none of the others had returned from Snakewater - neither the Noberons or Bowberons or even Auberon Sr. 

To Giggles’ great regret, Sarastro survived, shrieking “FATHER!!!” upon arrival. But Giggles was bereft of company otherwise. Meanwhile, the green and black figure continued to announce plans and oaths with aplomb: “I WILL AVENGE FATHER AND EVEN MY BROTHER SHALL TASTE! MY! FUUUUURY!”. 

And as Sarastro droned on, Giggles disassociated. It was in this very same forest clearing years ago as he recalled it. The meat puppet watched Auberon turn the humans of a caravan inside out and he made his eponymous sound -- the whole affair was absolutely hilarious. He especially liked the part where the folded humans couldn’t understand what was happening until the laughter began burbling from within them and more “happy friends” incarnated through the flesh vessels.

Flesh. Solidity. Sanity. What simple concepts this Reality had.

Giggles finally broke out of his own internal tempest of thoughts and screaming. His current vessel was a screamer and quite distracting -- something to take care of sooner rather than later. There was no shortage of humans that were willing to pay the price of power or listen to eldritch whispers.

But first - cooperation, just like the fleshlings liked to do.

“I’ll help! I looove helping!’ 

Yet when he spoke, it was only the sounds of river water and dark forest, with the latter being especially loud. Gone was the outside screaming and overdramatic scheming. When Giggles looked about, there was no sign of Sarastro except for a severed arm, flopping fish-like and squeaking in the mud.

Looking up allowed Giggles to see his fate - it loomed, feather-winged, and open mouthed. The moon behind it could not be seen, but then again Giggles would not see much after a few seconds. 

As dire as his situation was, he did count himself fortunate for two particularly small mercies: 

1) He found a solution to the internal screaming

2) The Basilisk did not chew.

--Enough Clowning Around: In the wilderness around Snakewater and in its darkest alleys, tittering laughter and rumbling chuckles can be heard. For some folk, they report seeing flashes of bright colors and movement in the corner of their vision. Rumor has it that the town’s protectors, the Peace Maker Cartel, have increased their patrols and put out a moratorium on hiring certain types of motley-clad performers.

-- A Poisoned Land: A few hours after midnight on Saturday morning, Auberon and his strange “Jesterlings” pulled parts of Snakewater into an eldritch domain, inimical to human existence. Some individuals proved more resilient than others but most found themselves severely weakened while facing the King of Fools and his minions. This allowed the Jesterlings to continuously poison the land beneath with tenebrous energies. (-30 to all, potential maximum of -200)

-- Snakes and Jesters: The battle was pitched but the Jesterlings were pressed back. Though Auberon displayed an inordinate amount of strength in this eldritch domain, he appeared to be beating a hasty retreat upon the appearance of Siobhan Terragon, a priestess of the Divine Basilisk. The reasons for her arrival and for Auberon’s exit would not be known until later

-- Fool me once: Intrepid researchers among the Operatives and Delvers in Snakewater discovered several leads regarding this latest threat: some of Snakewater’s previous solutions against eldritch menaces of potential use. Furthermore, evidence pointed to an animosity between the Wildling entity known as the Divine Basilisk and otherworldly, xenotheurgic threats The strangest implication of this news was that Auberon, King of Fools, was no mere vampiric Sorcerer as the other Night Kings were. Indeed, Auberon was himself an Eldritch entity from beyond the stars! (Spire +3, Campus +3)

-- Verdant Communion: Preparations were made for the next attack upon Snakewater. Among them, Siobhan led rituals to commune with the essence of the land and of the Divine Basilisk. Both the verdancy of the region and the knowledge of these forgotten traditions were strengthened by the process. (Campus +3, Farm +3)

-- Calibration and Encabulation: The Professor’s assistants received helped from local Delvers and Operatives in order to recalibrate the Encabulator and Soul Catcher to assist them against Auberon’s eldritch domain. With the necessary adjustments, individuals were able to lock their spirits in place and withstand the rigors of Auberon’s magics.

-- The King of Fools: With preparations made and defenses readied, Auberon found Snakewater wary against his deceptions and his forces that Saturday evening. The eldritch domain that proved so vorpal to them was blunted and the Divine Basilisk lent them strength through rune and spirit. (Poisoned land partially counteracted;  +25 to all)

-- Kingslayers: Though Snakewater’s defenders first found themselves surrounded on all sides by the Jesterlings and by Auberon’s clones, they snatched victory from the jaws of death. The final blow against Auberon's true form (or at least the truest form that could be found) was paired with the deadliest of barbs: a bad joke. Rather than fall screaming to his doom or swearing vengeance, the King of Fools chose to walk away. With the King’s ego wounded and essence banished, Snakewater returned to normal. (+10 to all)

Other Delves: 

-- The Queen of Agony: As they once did against the Pursuer of the Damned, Malice called upon the Thunders to bequeath their allies with an agonizing song. Eldritch technology and faith would shield the rite’s participants from the worst part of Auberon’s domain. The rite remains in the Altar of Air’s domicile but its usefulness would inspire scholars looking for similar lore. (Tombs +3, Campus +3)

-- Dust to Dust: Alerted by the tracing bullet they shot him with, the Steelwing Sentinels and their allies intercepted the renegade Duster known as Lan Jernon and Pale Oak. Though the Duster employed elemental magics of mud and wind, his sorcery would not avail him against the superior technology and firepower of the Freefolk and their allies. Lan Jernon was slain and in his final death throes, he was used as a puppet by the arrogantly paternal Yama the Merciful. (Tombs +5, Farms +5)

-- The Hallowed Asylum: Invoking the God-Empress for her favor, the Blades of the Empress and those with them enacted a protective rite that warded against Abyssal powers. While the rite’s true methodology remains in the hands of the Temple, its counteraction vs. the eldritch would serve future scholars looking for similar knowledge. (Tombs +3, Campus +3)

-- Contractually Bound: Celso Innovational Enterprises had their own assistance to lend Snakewater, but it would come with a price: a few meetings with the VIPs of various Power Groups and Archfactions. Several business minded individuals agreed to CIE’s offer, which afforded Snakewater a potent technological item for use against Auberon’s Abyssal domain. (Mercado +3)

-- Royal Excision: Members of ECL;PS utilized medical skill, technological expertise, and interfactional assistance to excise several Blood Curses from amongst their number. The origin of the Blood Curses was Ravan-Ajasha, the King of Fiends, who did not let them have their way without a little bit of a struggle and a “gentlemanly” discussion. (Campus +5, Forge +5)

-- Best Served Cold: Earlier in the day, the Bearers of Wicked Fate were subject to a retributive attack. They would find their own vengeance against said assassins, waylaying them and burying them into the dirt. Despite the vendetta, the locals would be safer with the elimination of these criminal elements and their Night King associations (Farm +5, Spire +5)

-- Bug Zappers: Captain Talin of the Devilhook Fleet led several Delvers on a mission to investigate and eliminate several Storm Geists and lightning-based parafauna. Said creatures seemed to be drawn to the area, though the exact reason had yet to be determined. (Spire +5)

-- Delvers: Snakewater’s festival was under the protection of several Delvers in the region. Several malfunctioning autowagons were repaired and some needed calibrations were performed on the Spire. Also, the local graveyards and memorials were tended to ensuring that grievers and caretakers were granted some measure of relief even during the festivities.  (NPC shifters = Forge +9, Spire +15, Tomb +9)

-- Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: The Annual 30th Snakewater Festival was another great success this year. For especial mention were the fighting and shooting tourneys, as well as the drink contest and the relay race. The Town Council thanks everyone and all for their help with ensuring the region’s continued prosperity. (Campus +27, Farms +23, Forge +27, Mercado +13, Spire +41, Tomb +30)

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

Campus

139

Dives (NOPE)

#VALUE!

Farms

116

Forge

264

Mercado

149

Spire

383

Tomb

119

NEW VALUES: (updated 08/18/24)  

FRINGE FARMLANDS (FARMS) Tier 116/300 (up  from Tier 2: 65/300)  

GRAVEYARD (TOMBS): Tier 1: 119/300 (Up from Tier 1:  54/300)  

LA GRAN FRAGUA (FORGE) Tier 1: 264/300 (Up from Tier 1: 205/300) 

LIBRARY LANE (CAMPUS) Tier 3: 139/300 (Overflow from Tier 3: 80/300)   

MARKET EXCHANGE (MERCADO) Tier 3: 149/300 (Up from Tier 3: 118/300)   

STORMBRINGER SPIRE (SPIRE) Tier 2: 83/300 (Up from Tier 1: 296/300)

ription text goes here

-- The Queen of Agony: As they once did against the Pursuer of the Damned, Malice called upon the Thunders to bequeath their allies with an agonizing song. Eldritch technology and faith would shield the rite’s participants from the worst part of Auberon’s domain. The rite remains in the Altar of Air’s domicile but its usefulness would inspire scholars looking for similar lore. 

-- Dust to Dust: Alerted by the tracing bullet they shot him with, the Steelwing Sentinels and their allies intercepted the renegade Duster known as Lan Jernon and Pale Oak. Though the Duster employed elemental magics of mud and wind, his sorcery would not avail him against the superior technology and firepower of the Freefolk and their allies. Lan Jernon was slain and in his final death throes, he was used as a puppet by the arrogantly paternal Yama the Merciful. 

-- Best Served Cold: Earlier in the day, the Bearers of Wicked Fate were subject to a retributive attack. They would find their own vengeance against said assassins, waylaying them and burying them into the dirt. Despite the vendetta, the locals would be safer with the elimination of these criminal elements and their Night King associations 

-- Contractually Bound: Celso Innovational Enterprises had their own assistance to lend Snakewater, but it would come with a price: a few meetings with the VIPs of various Power Groups and Archfactions. Several business minded individuals agreed to CIE’s offer, which afforded Snakewater a potent technological item for use against Auberon’s Abyssal domain.

-- Royal Excision: Members of ECL;PS utilized medical skill, technological expertise, and interfactional assistance to excise several Blood Curses from amongst their number. The origin of the Blood Curses was Ravan-Ajasha, the King of Fiends, who did not let them have their way without a little bit of a struggle and a “gentlemanly” discussion. (Campus +5, Forge +5)

-- The Hallowed Asylum: Invoking the God-Empress for her favor, the Blades of the Empress and those with them enacted a protective rite that warded against Abyssal powers. While the rite’s true methodology remains in the hands of the Temple, its counteraction vs. the eldritch would serve future scholars looking for similar knowledge. 

-- The Wall: Far to the west, the Wall Watchers report movement from the Beringian Blockade. In response, the Sea Serpents have been ferrying Talonites to ward off a potential Glow Devil attack, the first in a few decades. 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.

[Professor’s Lab, Snakewater; June 2, 101 BTF]

Frieda Quackenbush, assistant 6.28 for the Professor, chewed the end of a pencil as she watched her mentor run his fingers through his hair, standing already frazzled strands even more on end. The laboratory, a mess of papers, tools, and spare parts on a good day, looked like a tornado had gathered in it, centered on the remnants of the Great Machine that had been cobbled back together and the Professor, frustratedly trying to get it working again. Various modules, power cores, field notes, and lengths of wire lay scattered about the two of them, making moving about the area precarious.

The Professor scowled, raising his hand as if to slap it against the monitor in front of him then, thinking better of it, lowered it again. "Those idjuts managed to cobble this thing together in a cave… with rocks, and we can't even get a single terminal working in the lab. What are we missing?" He asked, though Frieda couldn't tell if he was asking her or the parts in front of him.

"Have we implored the Hellhounds to allow us marginal use of their Whirling Orb, at least until we can find a power source that operates this terminal without frying it?” Frieda asked, pushing up her glasses with the palm of her hand. “Reports say the Orb seemed to be powering the entire series of terminals just fine with the Order's setup."

"Them Peacemakers and Hellhounds don’t like me too much. Last I heard, it was already halfway to the Hellhounds’ Altar of Air." The professor responded.

"Well," Frieda tapped the pencil on her cheek thoughtfully, "It sounds like they probably had at least one terminal powered before they got their hands on the Hellhounds' artifact, so they were able to use something before the Orb to power it."

"That's what’s puzzling, Pi," the Professor crossed his arms, staring with squinted eyes at the powered-off monitor as if willpower alone would turn it on. "Those cuckoos in the Order said they found this Machine, but if they needed the Orb too…then whatever original power source down there don’t work no more or they woulda have looked elsewhere. So what temporary power source did they have? And how did it let them print so many and such complex body mods?"

"It’s Frieda, sir. Perhaps they stole some Apex tech from the Isles?" Frieda supplied, ever full of hypotheses.

"Mmmhmmmmmm…” The Professor shook his head. “It's possible, but the Peace Makers’ve been asking around for that and they haven’t heard anything. The Order’s got some high friends in high places,. Maybe, if we could suss out their origin, we can figure out the tech needed to turn this thing on." 

He chewed his lip and grabbed a few parts from the pile at his feet, connecting them with a small cord of electrical wire he procured from his labcoat pocket. "Until then, we keep modifying what we have here. Pi, what attempt number will this be?"

"Frieda, sir, and thirty-seventh." The patient Assistant raised her notepad, scratching in a new reference line at the bottom of a crowded table.

"Hm. Not even triple digits yet? We got time." The Professor carried on, caressing the monitor in a manner that seemed almost alien to Frieda. "Time enough to reveal the secrets in this little gizmo."

-- The Great Machine: Many months ago, the King of Lightning’s minions stole relics from the tech-priests of the Hellhounds. One of said relics was discovered to be somewhere in the Warrens, a subterranean city ruin from the old world. The Order of the Great Machine was using it to power a mysterious contraption and perhaps the strange augmentations they were peddling.

-- Rage against the Device: Raids and counter raids marked the escalating strife between the Night King’s minions and those they would conquer. At several points, lab materials and batteries were stolen from the Professor then retrieved from the Chaugnar Chimera that stole them. (Forge +5, Mercado +5, Spire +10)

-- System Override: It would be a pitched battle where Snakewaters’ protectors vanquished the Order and their Skinner allies. They would be brought to victory not just through strength of arms but also technical expertise by overriding the systems of the so-called Great Machine. For now, King Celso’s minions have been broken and scattered along with his machinations. (all +10 except Forge +15, Campus +15, Spire +15)

Other Delves: 

-- Picking Flowers: Minions of Aetheldred, the Night King of Flowers, were intercepted while they passed near Snakewater. Though they were defeated and driven away, they presence implies Aetheldred’s recovery from her defeat at the hands of Snakewater’s protectors.

-- Stranger Danger: Eerie strangers in motley and song were confronted and dealt with in several places around Snakewater. In one such case, the Basilisk of Snakewater’s myths drove the clownish figures away. (Campus +8, Spire +3)

-- Different Strains: Assisted by Zelda the Cryptozoologist, several Delvers helped their Clown eggs hatch into little Clownling helpers. Despite initially being suspected of being under the control of a Night King, they have shown themselves to be benign and even beneficial to those that have taken the time to care for them. (Campus +3)

-- The Blackguard’s Trail: The Freebooters and their Delver allies attempted to make contact with a small Scavver Caravan to get clues regarding a mysterious Blackguard. They discovered corpses and ruin instead -- the Blackguard had got there first and took his prize from the Scavvers before killing most of them. The Delvers healed those they could and were able to rescue the Caravan’s lost dependents. However, the Scavvers’ belongings were missing after the rescue. The Scavvers themselves had to rely on the Freebooters for food and lodging for many weeks afterward, as opposed to starving to death from being robbed. (Mercado +2, Farm +2)

-- Recalibration: To prepare for their confrontation with Lan Jernon, the rogue Duster, Brun of the Fomori Caravan continued her experiments and calibration of their anti-magic devices. Meant to stopper Lan Jernon’s elemental spellcraft, said devices showcase the Scavvers’ ability to scavenge together wondrous machinery from ruin and scraps. (Farm +5, Forge +5)

-- Increasing Attacks: Though they have not struck in a while. more of the Technocratic League report being attacked by Forgebeasts, though they have still survived. These Metabionic menaces are mechanically augmented and lobotomized parafauna that maintain enough cunning to be autonomous yet follow orders. Thus far, it appears that most of these Illustrados VIPs have been subject to Forgebeast ambush. (Mercado +2)

-- The Orb: To pursue a lead, the Peace Makers brought in “Prophet”, an outlaw Arcanist, to be interrogated by Delvers. Though the content of their dialogue spanned many eldritch and dubious topics, it is believed that it is related to a magical orb retrieved by the Peace Makers during the next day. (Campus +2)

-- The Ritual: The Blades of the Empress were tasked by their Templar superiors in exorcizing a haunting presence from a dwelling. Through rite and ritual, they managed to determine the type of entity they were dealing with and banish it. (Tomb +5)

-- On the Trail: The Templars’ investigations into an Infernal Malificer have yielded information regarding a common criminal among the Carmine Conclave. With Peace Maker mandate, they apprehended the criminal to interrogate him about his Infernal contacts. Surprisingly, said Infernal contact appeared to taunt the Templars briefly during the arrest. (Mercado +5, Forge +5)

-- Delvers: Members of the Blades of the Empress, ECL;PS, the Bearers of Wicked Fate, and the Steelwing Sentinels assisted the townsfolk in various activities, such as re-calibrating the Stormbringer Spires, guarding incoming shipments to La Gran Fragua, and guarding the graveyards from carrion animals. (Forge +20, Spire +29, Tomb +10)

-- Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: Townsfolk in Snakewater and the surrounding areas have continued not only their post winter recoveries but also the preparation for the upcoming annual Snakewater Festival. (Campus +20, Farms +28, Forge +50, Mercado +27, Spire +57, 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.

NEW VALUES: (updated 07/6/24)  

• FRINGE FARMLANDS (FARMS) Tier 65/300 (up  from Tier 2: 9/300)  

• GRAVEYARD (TOMBS): Tier 1: 54/300 (Up from Tier 1:  4/300)  

• LA GRAN FRAGUA (FORGE) Tier 1: 205/300 (Up from Tier 1: 105/300) 

• LIBRARY LANE (CAMPUS) Tier 3: 80/300 (Overflow from Tier 3: 40/300)   

• MARKET EXCHANGE (MERCADO) Tier 3: 118/300 (Up from Tier 3: 60/300)   

• STORMBRINGER SPIRE (SPIRE) Tier 1: 296/300 (Up from Tier 1: 182/300)

-- The Blackguard’s Trail: The Freebooters and their Delver allies attempted to make contact with a small Scavver Caravan to get clues regarding a mysterious Blackguard. They discovered corpses and ruin instead -- the Blackguard had got there first and took his prize from the Scavvers before killing most of them. The Delvers rescued and healed those they could although the Scavvers’ belongings were missing after the rescue. The Scavvers themselves had to rely on the Freebooters for food and lodging for many weeks afterward, as opposed to starving to death from being robbed.

-- Recalibration: To prepare for their confrontation with Lan Jernon, the rogue Duster, Brun of the Fomori Caravan continued her experiments and calibration of their anti-magic devices. Meant to stopper Lan Jernon’s elemental spellcraft, said devices showcase the Scavvers’ ability to scavenge together wondrous machinery from ruin and scraps.

-- Two out of Three: With Snakewater’s victory over the Order of the Great Machine and their Skinner allies, a second relic was recovered and returned to the Hellhound’s Altar of Air. The Whirling Orb has made its way to the Altaric Acolytes in exchange for their appreciation and no small amount of Components sent to Snakewater. Said Reggies compensated the Peace Makers, who rewarded those who were instrumental in the Whirling Orb’s retrieval.

-- Increasing Attacks: Though they have not struck in a while. more of the Technocratic League report being attacked by Forgebeasts, though they have still survived. These Metabionic menaces are mechanically augmented and lobotomized parafauna that maintain enough cunning to be autonomous yet follow orders. Thus far, it appears that most of these Illustrados VIPs have been subject to Forgebeast ambush.

-- The Orb: To pursue a lead, the Peace Makers brought in “Prophet”, an outlaw Arcanist, to be interrogated by Delvers. Though the content of their dialogue spanned many eldritch and dubious topics, it is believed that it is related to a magical orb retrieved by the Peace Makers during the next day.

-- The Ritual: The Blades of the Empress were tasked by their Templar superiors in exorcizing a haunting presence from a dwelling. Through rite and ritual, they managed to determine the type of entity they were dealing with and banish it. 

-- On the Trail: The Templars’ investigations into an Infernal Malificer have yielded information regarding a common criminal among the Carmine Conclave. With Peace Maker mandate, they apprehended the criminal to interrogate him about his Infernal contacts. Surprisingly, said Infernal contact appeared to taunt the Templars briefly during the arrest.

(A letter written and sent out from Hanlon Harrows while in Peace Maker custody)

To our fine representative of the Right and Honorable Order, First Cog Tubby Turbine,

May the cool glow of the Great Machine bathe you in its logical light, illuminating off the perfection of your metal flesh, and so on and so forth.

It is I, Hanlon Harrows, of Hanlon Resources, your helpful and necessary benefactor and supply chain contributor of great repute and renown. I know we haven’t spoken in some time.

Hopefully the Order is, well, going orderly right now. I recognize that you haven’t received a shipment from us for about two months now. I imagine all the ruckus in the Warrens the past few months may have been a bit disruptive down there so we have been waiting for things to cool off. Rest assured we are still active and capable up here and are still plenty capable of conducting business.

And, speaking of business, I do recall you mentioning in our previous parley that the Order is looking to grow. As it just so happens, I have a few individuals here who look to have “sparked” an interest in joining your little outfit. I know I’ve been able to gain you some helpful essentials many times in the past, so I trust that you trust me to get you the goods, whether they be mechanical parts or new Cogs for your Machine.

If this little zappy idea tickles your fancy, then send on over a few of your finest representatives to the Lost Sheep Cantina on midnight, May 18th. I’m sure it’ll be worth your while.

Regarding our next shipment, if things are all well and good, send your representative over to Hanlon Resources Headquarters. We’ve been so very busy lately that we may still not have your order on fire, but if you just give our workers there a reminder, we’ll get you all set up. I’m currently setting up a supply line with a new retailer in New Oasis and unfortunately can’t meet in person for a little while. Also, please bring the reggies up front this time. I know your group is good for them, but we’re trying to liquidate some funds for a… Hanlon-sized transaction soon.

Many thanks and may the Great Machine… be ever so great and machine-y!

Hanlon Harrows,

Owner and Proprietor of Hanlon Resources

Warmth has crept its way into Snakewater's bones, with the cold skittering away in response. The traffic of springtime traders and travelers brings forth sightings of less savory and more nocturnal voyagers. The rumors claim that some search while others gather toward some unknown purpose. Without a doubt, their presence heralds a long coming strife.

And beneath the blooming of flowers and the chaos of life renewed, that which has been stolen has been found yet again.

The Peace Makers, the Hellhounds, the Altar of Air have colluded to track down the latter’s stolen relics. One of said relics was the Skinner’s Shivering Altar, which was taken from the hands of the Skinners in January of this year after a tumultuous battle in the Warrens. This darksome place may yet be the location for another of Altaric relic -- thought it is instead within the grasp of a shadowy, tech-obsessed Order.

Word has come up from Gardenholt in the far south and New Oasis to the west that the Dawnflower Cartel is on the move once more. Believed to be the public hand of the Night King Aetheldred, this Cartel’s recent appearance has inspired more than their share of concern from the Archfactions at large. Why they are calling in their debts and collecting resources remains a troubling mystery.

In the wilderness around Snakewater and in its darkest alleys, tittering laughter and rumbling chuckles can be heard. For some folk, they report seeing flashes of bright colors and movement in the corner of their vision. For others, particularly those close to the Sphere of Detection, a vague and ominous feeling looms and threatens to wax.

[MAIN COUNCIL BUILDING, MARCH 4, 101 BTF]

The Sheriff sat comfortably with his leather boots up on the table he and the Peace Makers were sat around, his wide, curved hat placed over his face to shut out the dim light from outside. Rain pattered soothingly on the roof of the Council Building, in sharp contrast to the logistical yammering of the authority figures that was keeping him awake.

"Did Siobhan give a report of the Basilisk's condition this morning?” Associate Aspen looked up from her clipboard and around the table at the collected group, “Has the corrupted rootmass he ate been giving him any... indigestion?”

“Seems fine so far,” Associate Wyatt drolled, “In fact, the priestess seemed confident that he's even stronger after the encounter. However, she also said that he'll need some quiet time to adjust for awhile, so we shouldn't expect to see him for a bit.”

Aspen pursed her lips but nodded, moving on. “Do we have any follow-up on the Skinners and their 'not-quite-Apex Tech' implants?” she asked, eyes darting down her list.

“We haven't been able to locate another group of these possible Warrens Packhunters since January,” Associate Chamomile said, “And the Guide is gone, so we've only been able to put out calls to local Delvers who pass through the Warrens. So far, nothing.”

Aspen tore the front paper off her clipboard with a frustrated flick of her wrist. “I heard we found a strange, thin obelisk found out in the wilderness that's exuding psychic energy, and something about how it seems to be interacting with the... clown eggs that several of Snakewater's delvers own. Were we able to deduce a source? Figure out any further details?”

“No origin located as of yet,” Associate Gaki spoke up, leaning back almost as comfortably as the Sheriff was, “And the Crypto-zoologist is doing her own research to try and find a connection, but these doesn't seem like a run-of-the-mill Geist activity, nor related to either the Seismic device we captured or the corruption from last week.”

Aspen dropped her clipboard to the table with a clatter, and scoffed. “Nothing, nothing, and nothing. There's more unknowns building around town than we have answers, and it feels like we're in the center of a pressure cooker.”

The Sheriff sighed beneath his hat, crossed arms raising and falling on his chest with the exhale. “Then next time we have a bunch of nothin' to talk about, can we keep it to a missive instead?”

The logistical-minded Peace Maker fixed the lackadaisical sheriff with a glare, which went unnoticed past the man's wide brim.

“*Speaking* of the Seismic device, I overheard that the Hellhound Malice was seen with you at the Cantina, talking you up over a few drinks. Was that also a whole lot of “nothin'?” She snapped.

The sheriff sat up a bit, his hat sliding onto his chest, and he returned her glare with one of his own.

“Not to mention that that Ratking lackey we arrested over by the graveyard got sprung out by Copperjaw already,” Aspen continued, “The fine he had was pretty high, and those Ratkings aren't exactly flush with reggies. Did you two work your *own* deal out?”

The Sheriff took his heels off the tabletop and placed his hat firmly back on his head, the star-shaped badge on the front glinting in the watery afternoon light.

“As a matter of fact, we did,” He said, dryly, “He paid the fine, as is the law, and, after a stern chat with a leading authority figure, they're not going to be makin' such stupid decisions here again. As for Malice, we had a productive talk about the Altar of Air and what that device’s return would mean to them, and we supported the Cantina while we did so.”

He leaned back again in his chair. “I keep as tight a ship as you do. We're all workin' toward the same goal.”

Gaki saw the retort building on the frustrated Aspen's face and stood as definitively as he could, scooting his chair back with a screech of wood on wood.

“We've gone through all the major points, and we're all working on these leads as best we can. Why don't we head over and support the Cantina a bit ourselves for the rest of the afternoon?” He offered warmly.

The other Associates mumbled their own agreements to this and stood up, stretching backs stiff with sitting. Aspen hesitated, looking as if she wanted to say otherwise. After a moment, she gathered her clipboard and stood, a tired smile directed at her friend.

The Sheriff placed his hat back over his face as the others shuffled out, grateful to return to his nap.

Infected Invasion: After multiple reports of a fungal corruption afflicting local wildlife, a horde of parafauna attack Snakewater. They are deftly repelled by Delvers and Archfaction Operatives. After the dust had settled, their corrupted nature becomes readily apparent and an investigation followed suit. (Farm +5, Spire +5)

Mushrooms in the Woods: As part of their knowledge seeking efforts, Delvers and Operatives scrounged the locale for more samples of the fungus-like affliction. In particular, they braved the dangerous and unpatrolled areas beyond the Farms. However, as time progressed, some of them became afflicted by its virulent spores. (Farm, Spire, Campus +3)

Rustle Trouble: Humans and wildlife were not the only ones endangered by this menace. Upon request, Delvers and Operatives assisted an allied Wildling (i.e. nature spirit) from the newly arrived invasion, though they had to spend great amounts of energy to assist its helpers . (Farm +5)

Machines and Math: In time, it would be revealed that this fungus-like pox was Abyssal in nature and a byproduct of last year’s Pursuer -- their forceful entrance into this reality had also resulted in this corruption that infected the local wildlife. With this revelation, they employed machinery and mathematics to find its virulent source: the root-mass (Campus +5)

The Root-mass: In lieu of using the Templar-made Anchor, Snakewater and its protectors sought the help of the Divine Basilisk and their Priest, Siobhan. This trust was vindicated once when the Basilisk proved to be potent against otherworldly entities and corruption. It was vindicated once more when an attack was launched against said root-mass before the corruption could grow beyond containment.

Where once the Basilisk was an enemy, something to be saved, then something to be protected -- this time it proved to be a capable ally. With the help of Delvers and Operatives, it purified the land of this Abyssal Corruption when it consumed the weakened Root-mass and dissolved the foe within its craw. With its heart destroyed -- its hold on others was destroyed with it. (All +12, except for Farms +25)

A Donation: Several thoughtful Operatives donated what they could to the Divine Basilisk and its Priest. The land responded in turn with verdancy and prosperity. (Farm +5)

Other Delves:

-- Strange Pillar: An eerie energy was found in the nearby wilderness, displaying essences similar to gum and rubber to those that can read it. Investigating it led to a strange pillar that had arisen from the ground that radiated mind-destroying forces. To add to the strangeness, those with certain “eggs” displayed a remarkable resistance to its damage. The pillar was disposed of, with only a slight amount of difficulty (Tomb +2, Spire +2)

-- Altaric Negotiation: At the Altar of Air’s behest, several Hellhounds parlayed with Sheriff Hannibal regarding the return of an Altaric relic to the Acolytes. This was the relic stolen by the King of Lightning from the Altar of Air many months ago and found in the hands of the Skinners. While the Sheriff could not order its return, he could speak to the Snakewater council on the Altar’s behalf. (Mercado +1, Forge +1)

-- Grave Robber: Several Freefolk and the Ratkings’ Copperjaw Shaw met with the Sheriff to recover a wayward Scavver who had fallen afoul of Snakewater’s laws. The fine was paid for Cherry’s freedom and it would also go toward recompense of the area he had trespassed and defiled (Mercado +1, Forge +1)

-- Vanished Conspiritor: An suspicious individual believed to be working with both the King of Lightning and the King of Flowers has disappeared. They were either routed from town or slain -- either way, they would not do business in Snakewater anymore (Mercado +1, Forge +1)

-- Experimental Device: Brun of the Fomori Caravan was assisted by local Freefolk and other Delvers in testing an experimental device against Winter Geists. This magna-tech apparatus was made to nullify certain elemental magics, especially those of a specific renegade Duster (Farm +3, Forge +3, Spire +3)

-- Pale Oak/Lan Jernon: The Steelwings and Rev rushed out to confront a renegade Duster attempting to take back his illicit cargo. Through words and bullets, they drove him back but not without being confronted by an individual with magics that seemed comparable to a Night King in strength. (Spire +2, Farms +2)

-- Night Raid: Several Illustrados Operatives assisted a Magistrados in infiltrating a minor facility to retrieve dubious and incriminating records. Their findings led to an insight regarding the death of an Inspector, a Senatorial representative, and many passengers of a Charioteer vessel. (Mercado +2, Forge +2)

-- Trade and Exchange: Two members of La Liga Tecnocratica met in the Cantina for an exchange of goods: the Iglesia’s Adria of the Flame and the Mist Market’s Manuel Cervantes. While Adria was queried regarding her expertise in Metabionic Engineering, Manuel lingered for a moment before making a quiet escape.

-- Shipping Records: Templar Operatives puzzled their way through sheafs of shipping records, attempting to find illicit and/or Infernal workings within to aid in their investigation. By determining the inconsistencies and the fraud within, they managed to untangle and assist local shipping in the region, not just the Carmine’s own records. (Mercado +2, Forge +2)

-- Abandoned Hideout: Following clues discovered by their previous researches, the Templars uncovered an abandoned and unoccupied hideout with suspected Infernal usage. Within, they found ripped papers, debris, and most troublingly, a series of inert magical runes. But even these scant clues could be used to aid in future investigations of their quarry. (Campus +3)

-- Purifying the Forge: The Steelwing Sentinels and Dauntless assisted local efforts in purifying the Stormbringer Spire of the pseudo-fungal corruption. In particular, they burned out with chemicals and spells where it infested the foundations and fringes of the district. (Spire +34)

-- Purifying the Tombs: The Soulcatcher was no stranger to this pseudo-fungus, but Ezra and Nightbreaker’s vigilance ensured that the apparatus remained uncorrupted. (Tomb +10)

Snakewater’s Townsfolk*: Townsfolk and Peace Makers alike responded to support the efforts of their protectors and allies. Purification and containment efforts were enacted across the fringes of the town and the corrupted were cured of their malady, whenever it was possible. Clean up took a week at most and Snakewater was only the stronger for everyone’s efforts ( Campus +23, Farms +48, Forge +23, Mercado +22, Spire +59, Tomb +49)

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

Current Town Expansion levels here

NEW VALUES: (updated 04/7/24)

FRINGE FARMLANDS (FARMS) Tier 2 9/300 (up from Tier 1: 213/300)

GRAVEYARD (TOMBS): Tier 1: 4/300 (Up from Tier 0: 256/300)

LA GRAN FRAGUA (FORGE) Tier 1: 105/300 (Up from Tier 1: 59/300)

LIBRARY LANE (CAMPUS) Tier 3: 40/300 (Overflow from Tier 3: 294/300)

MARKET EXCHANGE (MERCADO) Tier 3: 60/300 (Up from Tier 3: 20/300)

STORMBRINGER SPIRE (SPIRE) Tier 1: 182/300 (Up from Tier 1: 64/300)

-- Altaric Negotiation: At the Altar of Air’s behest, several Hellhounds parlayed with Sheriff Hannibal regarding the return of an Altaric relic to the Acolytes. This was the relic stolen by the King of Lightning from the Altar of Air many months ago and found in the hands of the Skinners. While the Sheriff could not order its return, he could speak to the Snakewater council on the Altar’s behalf.

-- Grave Robber: Several Freefolk and the Ratkings’ Copperjaw Shaw met with the Sheriff to recover a wayward Scavver who had fallen afoul of Snakewater’s laws. The fine was paid for Cherry’s freedom and it would also go toward recompense of the area he had trespassed and defiled

-- Vanished Conspiritor: An suspicious individual believed to be working with both the King of Lightning and the King of Flowers has disappeared. They were either routed from town or slain -- either way, they would not do business in Snakewater anymore

-- Experimental Device: Brun of the Fomori Caravan was assisted by local Freefolk and other Delvers in testing an experimental device against Winter Geists. This magna-tech apparatus was made to nullify certain elemental magics, especially those of a specific renegade Duster

-- Pale Oak/Lan Jernon: The Steelwings and Rev rushed out to confront a renegade Duster attempting to take back his illicit cargo. Through words and bullets, they drove him back but not without being confronted by an individual with magics that seemed comparable to a Night King in strength.

-- Night Raid: Several Illustrados Operatives assisted a Magistrados in infiltrating a minor facility to retrieve dubious and incriminating records. Their findings led to an insight regarding the death of an Inspector, a Senatorial representative, and many passengers of a Charioteer vessel.

-- Trade and Exchange: Two members of La Liga Tecnocratica met in the Cantina for an exchange of goods: the Iglesia’s Adria of the Flame and the Mist Market’s Manuel Cervantes. While Adria was queried regarding her expertise in Metabionic Engineering, Manuel lingered for a moment before making a quiet escape.

— The Interview: As requested, the Peace Makers have secured a location for an interview with one of their more troublesome prisoners for the purpose of greater knowledge against the Night Kings.

-- Shipping Records: Templar Operatives puzzled their way through sheafs of shipping records, attempting to find illicit and/or Infernal workings within to aid in their investigation. By determining the inconsistencies and the fraud within, they managed to untangle and assist local shipping in the region, not just the Carmine’s own records.

-- Abandoned Hideout: Following clues discovered by their previous researches, the Templars uncovered an abandoned and unoccupied hideout with suspected Infernal usage. Within, they found ripped papers, debris, and most troublingly, a series of inert magical runes. But even these scant clues could be used to aid in future investigations of their quarry.

TIER 2 FARMS: I AM THE LAND

Verdant Harvest: When Guilds with an Estate perform a Greater Harvest and reach 10+ Interim Actions, additional CMP is learned. The Leader of this Venture gains 1 more Basic CMP and all participating Guilders receive 1 more Minor CMP.

Tranquility Now: Whenever you would get the Vital Lore ATN, you can choose to get the Tranquil Lore ATN instead.

Tranquil Lore (2 ATN): When you imbue others with Healing or Resolve, you may increase that effect by +1.

• Drawback 1: Tranquil Mindset: You cannot inflict more than 1 damage through attacks or spells.

• Drawback 2: Earthen Link: If the local land suffers any maladies or corruption, you may find yourself subject to this as well between Events

TIER 1 TOMBS:

Grave Gifts: When a Player Character (PC) that is currently dead is granted a Greater Revive during Events, they also receive one Grave Gift (see Grave Gift options).

Memory Loss: They also have the option to lose up to 3 Skills and refund the spent XP (but not the spent CMP). The PC’s remaining Skills must still fulfill the requirements after this memory loss.

Additional benefit: If you have at least one Grave Scar from a BTF Event but no Grave Gift, you retroactively receive one Grave Gift if you were not yet Gifted with one.

LIBRARY LANE OVERFLOW:

A pilgrimage of students and scholars enter the town.

During Market Hour, Basic and Complex Skills may be Self-Trained without expending Components, at the cost of an additional Attunement (labeled Symposium).

This influx of knowledge may invite illicit and hazardous magics or lore-eating entities to the area.

With the coming of warmer days, the cold and the snow give way to the latent land beneath. But amongst the verdancy and the earth, something rots. From deeper in the woods, there creeps an unnatural malignance. Its witnesses tell of anomalous fungi, a festering affliction, and corrupted wildlife -- at least, so say those that survive to carry the tale back to Snakewater.

In the World Beyond the Fall, Humanity has grown resilient to injuries and afflictions. What would have downed a Pre-fall human could be cured from an Afterfall person, with no meaningful explanations from the old sciences and biologies. How can one explain a subspecies with gossamer wings, after all?

However, this arms race has heightened on the other side of things: Humanity must contend with strange afflictions and illnesses from the parasites, viruses, and other malfeasances of this new era. Whether the cause be parasitic paraflora, colors from outer space, malignant sorcery, or bio-engineered chemicals -- the doctors and healers of this age must contend with a lot to ensure their patients’ health.

[SNAKEWATER SECRETARY’S OFFICE; FEBRUARY 12, 101 BTF]

Outside his window, the snow was giving way to green and brown while melt dripped from eaves and gutters. It was still too cold, of course -- but the crackling flame of the wood stove ensured that Cresence Crane’s office was warm enough to match his ire when his visitors arrived.

The Secretary of Snakewater pursed his lips as Paige and the Sheriff entered his office with a report. “Thatcher couldn’t make it again? That man is worthless!”

Paige simply shrugged in response - her superior was a busy man these days. She also knew better than to further provoke the Secretary.

“Now, now,” Sheriff Hannibal placations were practiced from years of his position, though at that moment he was merely leaning against an office wall. “You know the Archivist’s got his duties, as we all do in the town council”

“The least he could do is show up” Crane snatched the reports out of Paige’s hands, shaking the spiked bracelets around her wrists. Shortly thereafter, he began to look through them.

The minutes dragged on, with the dripping outside and the wood stove’s flickering marking the passing seconds. The warmth was making Paige and Hannibal sweat.

To break the silence, Paige offered cautiously. “As you can see, the hired Delvers were able to rout the Chaugnar warriors and retrieve the device”

“A hard fight but no losses” Hannibal nodded, his wide brimmed hat bobbing along. “Them Delvers are a tough bunch, especially with all the talk of how them Skinners were”

“Are they Packhunters?”

Paige shook her head. “The Archivist is undecided -- they haven’t appeared in any records of the Vundarkin, but Packs can be forged at any time and by anyone. There are far more Vundarkin Packs out there than we have on record. But we do know that they’re nomadic and from a different region from the Warrens.

Personally, I would classify them as such, even though they don’t have a Whisper that they revere…. Not that all Packhunters perform such reverences, mind you. Regardless, I have made the suggestion to the Archivist and he has yet to object”

Crane watched her closely as she voiced her opinion, but did not interrupt. “And what about this talk of Apex Tech?”

“Yeah, I’m curious about that myself” Hannibal raised an eyebrow. “Don’t often hear talk of Packhunters with that kind of tech — I mean it happens, just not that often”

“Apex Tech would not be fully accurate” the scholar waggled her palm in mid air to emphasize her uncertainty. “The metabionic implantations inside the Skinner leaders were of a sophistication at the level of Illustrados, Grailguard, or even Altaric refinement. But they do not match any of the readily known specifications, at least according to our sources”

“You mean, it’s gotta be from one of them groups?”

“Not necessarily, I said the sophistication matched their known technological patterns and chassis, but not necessarily their exact make. I’m referring to the fact that said technology requires the industrial knowhow and machinery that, as we are currently aware, only the groups above are known to possess”

Crane skimmed to the end of the document while Paige explained her conclusions to Hannibal. He frowned at what he read. “And the retrieved seismic device is from the Hellhounds?”

“Specifically the Altar of Air but it has been heavily modified from its original purpose: the high power transmissions it generates were altered so that they could cause seismic activity”

“A dangerous weapon…is it even wise to return it? Perhaps it is them that sent the Chaugnar against Snakewater”

“Haven’t had Hellhound raids for decades now, Crane. It's different times now, especially since we got folks like Shepherd and some of the other Delvers. Besides, keeping one of their holy relics is a good way to start a fight with the Altar of Air”

The Secretary’s eyes narrowed. “Or end one”

Delving the Warrens: The town council reported strange seismic activity coming from beneath, so they hired a man who calls himself “the Guide”, as well as the local Delvers and Operatives to brave the upper and middle Warrens for its source.

What they discovered was that a nomadic warband calling themselves the Chaugnar had entered the region beneath Snakewater. They were slaying as many of the locals or Delvers as they encountered, skinning those they defeated in battle and earning the nickname of “Skinners” from their surface dwelling foes.

Morphic Tunnels: Snakewater’s Delvers and Operatives encountered one of the Warrens’ most eerie properties -- its shifting, morphic nature. Within a subterranean chamber, they deciphered a floor puzzle wherein they spelled out the necessary words to gain passage through the room.

Rescue the Ranger: Delvers and Operatives rescued the Guide from the hands of the Chaugnar before they could skin him alive.

Decapitating the Chaugnar: In a climactic confrontation, Snakewater’s Delvers and Operatives reached the source of the seismic activity: a strange device that radiated earthshaking transmissions. The leaders of the Chaugnar defended this to the death, displaying an odd resistance to injury that belied even their Metabionic implants.. Ultimately, Snakewater’s folk prevailed: the Chaugnar were defeated and the device was deactivated.

Flame of Faith: The Templars launched an assault against their Infernal foes, destroying the Amaterasu engine that they had stolen and repurposed from the Grailguard. Through this victory, they were able to prevent the use of a deadly and contagious ritual. (Mercado +5, Farms +5)

Clown Rodeo: Cryptozoologist Zelda further investigated the instances of the Clown Eggs that the Delvers had decided to foster. This particular investigation involved yet another Clown habitat: the rodeo. (Campus +2, Forge +2)

The Curses’ Wages: The ECL:PS guild followed up their tracking by seeking out Margot, a scientist that had his own run in with the King of Fiends. His own tragedy illustrated the dangers of such an association but at least he was put to rest before he could hurt anyone else. (Campus +2, Farm +2)

NPC Shifts: Antonino assisted in the repair and maintenance of the Stormbringer Spire, readying it for the next round of Magna Storms coming in the mid-year (Spire +9)

Snakewater’s Townsfolk: The sudden deluge of winter weather had not stifled Snakewater’s spirit. They dug out their snowed-in neighbors and brought hot food to the needy. Even in the depths of the season, Snakewater continued to be a beacon of warmth and hope (Bonus matches PC contributions - Campus +25//Farms +32//Mercado +54// Spire +29//Forge +20// Tomb +15)

Current Town Expansion levels here

NEW VALUES: (updated 02/11/24)

FRINGE FARMLANDS (FARMS) Tier 1: 213/300 (up from Tier 1: 149/300)

GRAVEYARD (TOMBS): Tier 0: 256/300 (Up from Tier 0: 226/300)

LA GRAN FRAGUA (FORGE) Tier 1: 59/300 (Up from Tier 1: 19/300)

LIBRARY LANE (CAMPUS) Tier 3: 294/300 (Up from Tier 3: 266/300)

MARKET EXCHANGE (MERCADO) Tier 3: 20/300 (Overflow from Tier 3: 266/300)

STORMBRINGER SPIRE (SPIRE) Tier 1: 64/300 (Up from Tier 1: 6/300)

-- The Traitor’s Trail: The Steelwings’ tracking of Lan Jernon revealed that the former Duster had dealings with Illustrados.

-- Clown Rodeo: Cryptozoologist Zelda further investigated the instances of the Clown Eggs that the Delvers had decided to foster. This particular investigation involved yet another Clown habitat: the rodeo.

-- The Relic: One of the devices stolen from the Altar of Air has been retrieved, but altered. Furthermore, the Peace Makers were able to coax more information from Hanlon (of Hanlon Resources).

-- The Replacement: Sargento Bonnie of the Magistrados has arrived from nearby Bridgeboro to continue the investigation that his late predecessor, Enero, had started. Unlike the inspector, the Sergeant is prepared for any kind of assassination attempt.

-- The Curses’ Wages: The ECL:PS guild followed up their tracking by seeking out Margot, a scientist that had his own run in with the King of Fiends. His own tragedy illustrated the dangers of such an association but at least he was put to rest before he could hurt anyone else.

-- Flame of Faith: The Templars launched an assault against their Infernal foes, destroying the Amaterasu engine that they had stolen and repurposed from the Grailguard. Through this victory, they were able to prevent the use of a deadly and contagious ritual.

-- Carmine Cipher: Several Carmine personages passed through Snakewater. Some carried more of the strange fiction that had appeared recently.

Amid the wreckage of yesteryear's magna storms, Snakewater has weathered its winter with grace. Of significant note is a newly discovered entrance to the Warrens beneath Snakewater and Libertina. These ruins are believed to be a pre-fall city and this new ingress into the so-called “Upper Warrens” has attracted many a treasure seeker and relic hunter to the town. And in the World Beyond the Fall, there are lessons to learn in the desolation of the past.

Recent expeditions into the Upper and Middle Warrens have placed Delvers in contact with a previously unknown faction: the Chaugnar. These individuals appear to be Chimera or Chimera-esque warriors, survivalists, and hunters. New arrivals to the region from some chthonic depth, they are known for their bloodthirsty, unprovoked attacks on delvers, adventurers, and supply trains.

Because of their grotesque rite of skinning their foes, they have been called Skinners or Skinrippers, especially by those unfortunate enough to behold their handiwork — not unlike the Flensers of the surface wilderness. Few Chaugnar survive being captured, but those that do have little but vile revulsion for the weaklings and softbones of the “surface world”.