[color=#636775][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rGjOKIS.jpg[/img]

[sub][b]Present:[/b] 
Ashon’amar’loiyang [@Ti], Taleja Drakenknecht, Cal’tuuro’jaros [@Suicharte], Casii’fyret’alan [@Pirouette], 
Dorothea Hohnstein [@Jasbraq],  “Ismet’ych’lahiin’dichora” [@Force and Fury], Kaspar Elstrøm von Wentoft [@Wolfieh], 
Edyta Łaska, Manfred Hohenfelter, Qasem Laghmani [@Tackytaff], Ymiico’luun’yoru [@Salsa Verde], Jocasta Re,
Father Jacques Dubosque, Brother Baudile Dubosque, Constable Laura, The whole damn town[/sub][/center]

[hr]

[center][b][h2]Dawn of Assani 19th - 1:00 HS[/h2][/b]
[sub][color=#302c2c]2 Days Remain[/color][/sub][/center]
[hr][hr][center][h2][url=https://youtu.be/UIbR_5HZxkM]♫[/url][/h2][/center][hr][hr]

The evening prior, a small hunting team composed of Sister Edyta Laska, Dorothea Hohenstein, Casii’fyret’alan, Manfred Hohenfelter, Ismet’ych’lahiin’dichora, Ymiico’luun’yoru and led by Viktor Strauss had hunted down and retrieved the corpse of what was later identified as a Wildblood “taken by the beast”. The corpse was kept in an unused barn South of town, with many villagers attempting to take a peek, if they weren’t gathering around the Inn for the latest gossip. The night remained quiet, and it made way to a morning that was bound to be agitated, to say the least.

Most of the town had gathered at the old Trade Guild under the directive of Fr. Dubosque.

[color=#BD4631]“Ist das Biest wirklich tot? (Is the beast truly dead?)”[/color] asked an anxious baker named Sofia who had pushed through the crowd to be at the front of the town meeting.

[color=#CEE15A]“Unmöglich. Nach all diesen Generationen?! Von einigen Kindern?! (Impossible. After all these generations?! By some children?!)”[/color] yelled out an outraged Günter, the retired seamster.

[color=#309E78]“Warum sind sie noch hier? (Why are they still here?)”[/color] asked Bertha, the old seamster’s daughter, her vehemence palpable, [color=#309E78]“Das Biest wurde nur durch die Anwesenheit von Außenstehenden wütend. Unser PROTECTOR ist jetzt aufgrund eines von ihnen verursachten Problems verschwunden! (The beast only got enraged by the presence of outsiders. Our PROTECTOR is now gone because of a problem they created!)”[/color] many cheered in agreement, many also seemed to be reluctant to say anything. 

[color=#30669E]“Sie haben Anna gerettet! Haben Sie etwas Anstand. (They saved Anna! Have some decency.)”[/color] retorted, ironically, another Anna, this one the wife of another farmer, [color=#30669E]“Unser Beschützer war schon lange nicht mehr da und sie halfen uns mit dem Monster, das ihn ersetzte. (Our protector was long gone and they helped us with the monster that replaced it.)”[/color] she nodded toward Dubosque, and the students she could see that participated in the meeting, [color=#30669E]“Thank you for helping mein friend.”[/color]

[color=#309E78]“Bußgeld. Sie halfen! (Fine. They helped!)”[/color] growled Bertha as she tossed her arms in the air, [color=#E1F36E]“Was jetzt? Sie sind fertig. Wir können das Problem jetzt lösen, da der Wald sicherer ist! (What now? They’re done. We can deal with the problem now that the forest is safer!)”[/color] again, the mob seemed to be quite split, though there was a clear majority for xenophobia.

[color=#E1F36E]“Bertha,”[/color] began the good Father, sitting on a chair in the centre of a long table that would accommodate a council. There were a few older villagers among him, and a few students were allowed to join as well, [color=#E1F36E]“Ich verstehe deine Ängste. Als wir uns das letzte Mal nach außen öffneten, waren wir verletzt. Andere wurden verletzt. (I understand your fears. The last time we opened ourselves to the outside, we were hurt. Others were hurt.)”[/color] his hands interlocked with one another, the man was not going to succumb to emotion and fan the flames of fear, [color=#E1F36E]“Vergessen wir nicht, dass sie sich selbst in große Gefahr begeben- (Let’s not forget that they put themselves in great peril for-)”[/color] then he was cut off, for the third or fourth time this morning, by emotionally driven villagers.

It continued on and on. For all the good the students could have brought, the aversion many of the villagers had for any outside interference was more than obvious at this point. Maybe they were right, there hadn’t been attacks until they appeared, and the beast held an important role in their culture. But it was without a doubt that a threat was slain, and many also saw that. 

[color=#6EF2F3]“Und was ist mit den Schmugglern? Und die anderen Monster? (And what of the smugglers? And the other monsters?)”[/color] a familiar voice with a broken Kerreman piped up from the back. The entire gathering of people turned to notice Father Dubosque’s own brother, Baudile, indulging in a smoke and with smug confidence on his face, [color=#6EF2F3]“Es gibt noch viel zu tun, oder? Soweit ich weiß, sind diese besser als alle Halbheiten bisher! (There’s still a lot to do, no? From what I can see, these ones are better than any half-measures so far!)”[/color]

Father Dubosque shot a glare that could only convey disappointment and even resentment for his own brother. And, like clockwork, the people erupted into a rabble. The mention of more beasts and the outside threat of smugglers had them bicker on borderline nonsense. Even the more reasonable townsfolk appeared hostile at these notions, dismissing them as ‘beside the point’ and ‘divisive lies to pull Mandelein further down’.

[color=2E8B57]"It appears to me,"[/color] interjected Manfred, his voice frosty, [color=2E8B57]"That you are doing a fine job of that yourselves."[/color] He removed the pipe from the corner of his mouth and exhaled, filling his immediate vicinity with a whitish haze. [color=2E8B57]"Your fear is almost comical were it not so damaging. No wonder the town is withering. No wonder there is none of the trade that used to flow through here.[/color] He punctuated his gestures with his pipe. [color=2e8b57]“You come to rely on some ‘beast’ to see to your interests instead of your fellow man.”[/color] He shook his head, letting his feet down from where they were crossed over another chair. They landed with an audible ‘clap’ on the wooden floor. [color=2E8B57]“There is no more water in your fountain. There are scant few shoppes in your square. The hospitality of Mandelein used to be renowned and its name spoken with respect, at least in the lands that I come from, not so far from here.”[/color] He scowled deeply. [color=2e8b57]“Yet you stay this ruinous course you have chosen, despite its clearly evident damage.”[/color] There was an extended pause. [color=2e8b57]“You are fools,”[/color] he declared. [color=2e8b57]“The lot of you. Outsiders come to help and you focus on them being outsiders, instead of being there to help."[/color] He gestured with the pipe, taking in the angry and disorganized mob. [color=2E8B57]"So you tell lie upon lie, and to what end? How can one expect the desired result if those who are enacting it don’t know what it is?"[/color] He let out a snort. [color=2E8B57]"Though that is a familiar story here, I see."[/color]

[color=#309E63]“You don’t know what you’re talking about, boy!”[/color] shouted Morritz, the carpenter.

[color=#E7EE80]“We [i]never[/i] desired anything.”[/color] scoffed Melanie, constable Leonhardt’s wife. [color=#E7EE80]"Yasoi, [i]outsiders[/i], destroyed our trade. Smugglers, [i]outsiders[/i], plagued us for generations. We were FINE."[/color]

Dubosque shot a concerned look toward Manfred and then toward Sister Laska, but kept his piece for now. 

The sister, as well, said nothing, her warm blue gaze sliding from one man to the other. Not so for Manfred. [color=2E8B57]"Oh, hogwash!"[/color] he retorted, waving a hand dismissively in the villagers’ direction. [color=2E8B57]"You really are in love with your little narrative."[/color] He shook his head tightly and rose, gesturing with his pipe. [color=2E8B57]"If you were plagued by outsiders, you also benefited from them."[/color] He snorted. [color=2E8B57]"How much trade flowed through here? Were your tariffs not the lowest in our entire nation at one point? What need would there be of smugglers when merchants paid mere [i]frosch[/i] for the privilege of doing business here?”[/color] He began pacing. [color=2e8b57]“And, before they closed themselves off, did you not once call these yasoi friends and neighbours?[/color] He scowled. [color=2E8B57]"Before you, too, closed yourselves off?"[/color] He was doing his best to maintain an even tone, to defeat their emotional and backward arguments with reason, but their sheer…[i]pigheadedness[/i] was beginning to get to him.

Manfred was not wrong. His reasoning was rational and grounded. And yet he was met with pushback. A lot of it. Most came from indignant villagers that couldn’t accept being told off by an outsider youth, one dressed so proper and smoking a pipe right before them. They had been living through hard times and this pampered kid was telling them they were fools for surviving the way they had to for fifty years? The uproar was overwhelming, counterarguments drowned into a sea of emotional outbursts. It wasn’t just Manfred that was antagonised but the villagers bickered among themselves too.

[color=#E1F36E]“Enough!”[/color] the priest’s voice boomed with the help of the gift, and the crowd ceased their yapping to pay mind to their leader figure, [color=#E1F36E]“We’ve enough burdens without imposing more onto our fellow men and women. These young envoys have come to help, and help they did.”[/color] he took a deep breath as his hand descended onto his aching leg. Moments like these were when it flared the most, that and when it rained. [color=#E1F36E]“They have our thanks. And when their near-finished mission is over, we will find our peace again.”[/color] the people were clearly not entirely pacified by these brief reassurances, and none of them were going to extend the same thank you, but whatever drove them to incessantly voice their frustrations had been quelled, if only slightly. The priest turned his attention to Manfred, [color=#E1F36E]“We are to understand that the final loose ends have been found and a plan is in motion, yes?”[/color] he asked with a faint smile forming under his thick moustache, [color=#E1F36E]“If anything, you have the Church’s support.”[/color]

Manfred had tried, but these people were obstinate, and they were hiding something: something that had nearly killed Dory and possibly himself. And what had they received for it but hostility, and since the very start, as well? It was a wall of lies, in truth, and the priest was in on it only, he was far better at placating than the townsfolk were. [color=2E8B57][i]Ungrateful Schweinhunde[/i][/color] he thought to himself, not quite succeeding in suppressing a scowl. He nodded, taking a moment to light his pipe again with some quick arcane magic. He took a gentle pull - people who did not know how to smoke often pulled hard and broke out in fits of coughing - and savoured the rich aromas and flavours of the imported tobacco. [color=2E8B57]"That is comforting to hear, Father."[/color] He addressed the others with a pressed-lip smile. [color=2E8B57][i]Fuck you. Fuck you all. I’ll save you from yourselves.[/i] “I cannot speak for my homeland in Meckelin-Thadau, but I know that the academy, as well, offers its assistance. It is clear that many here cannot bring themselves to trust the word of mere biros such as ourselves, so I promise that you shall have more.”[/color]

More? That single word resonated through the old trade guild. What was once a room full of fiery emotions was now growing agitated by the implication they quickly caught onto. The school already knew of this place, that much was for certain, but special interest that warranted more than biros? Many looked to Dubosque for reassurance, and all he could provide was a question, [color=#E1F36E]“Herr Hohenfelter,”[/color] he began, eyebrows furrowed and voice rasped from the previous strain he put into it in his previous words,  [color=#E1F36E]“what are you saying?”[/color] he wasn’t the only one showing growing concern, Baudile was as well from way back.

Sister Laska’s eyes shot Manfred’s way too. [color=2E8B57]"Merely that help is on his way,"[/color] he concluded. It was not so very long a distance for her eyes to travel to Fr. Dubosque’s. They met. 

[hr]

Jacques Dubosque’s early walks were part of the town morning ritual, and a reassuring sight for the townsfolk. If the good father made his rounds, it meant things were going to go as usual. Only the worst of the Mandelein storms could keep the ageing chief in his abode, and even then he made it a point to visit his people.

[color=#E1F36E]“I prayed at every opportunity yesterday,”[/color] he confessed as he continued his walk with the aid of his hazel cane, [color=#E1F36E]“as my thoughts were with your friends, and you as well. It pleases me greatly to see both Oraff and Eshiran answer and bring both you and that young woman safely back among us.”[/color] he waved at the botanist who had been opening up her humble shop. In fact, he saluted every single villager that shot him a glance, [color=#E1F36E]“You have my thanks, sincerely. They are grateful too, in truth,”[/color] he said as they passed by more villagers that eyed the two, some more jovial than others, but few held a smile when they peered at the priest’s one up, [color=#E1F36E]“even if they wouldn’t ever say it. I’m sure, as a Rezaindian, thankless jobs aren’t foreign to you, Sister Laska.”[/color]

[color=6ecff6]“Not at all, ksiądz.”[/color] Edyta Laska shook her head and managed a rueful smile, [color=f26522]“But few so thankless as this,”[/color] she admitted. Her hands were knit before her as she walked. She pursed her lips as if something were bothering her. Then: [color=6ecff6]“Tell me, father, with Dami’s candor, is it truly at an end? For I do not feel that it is.”[/color] 

The good father didn’t answer right away, as they passed by a couple of masons eager to shake the priest’s hand. Pleasantries were shared, and Laska’s question was left to linger. Eventually, they were back on pace. [color=#E1F36E]“If it were just that one beast, sister, we would have long since recovered.”[/color] His attention was always at whatever was forward, with only a passing glance to his walking partner when she spoke. [color=#E1F36E]“There is an outside menace, as you’ve probably discovered, that has recently returned after decades. They made good work of profiting off our isolation and predicament.”[/color] a sonic bubble formed around them before he continued, [color=#E1F36E]“And they’ve made sure to keep us trapped in this isolation, knowing how vulnerable Mandelein had become since the fall of our Yasoi neighbours.”[/color]

The rezaindian was straight to the point.[color=f26522]“These vile creatures are their doing, then?”[/color] Her fingers came apart and her fists clenched and unclenched a handful of times. [color=f26522]“Tell me where they are and how many, and I shall once again employ my talents in the name of Eshiran.”[/color] Her eyes burned with righteous fire. [color=6ecff6]“I swear it.”[/color]

[color=#E1F36E]“I cannot tell you the exact location. Their operation thrives on mobility.”[/color] he said plainly, [color=#E1F36E]“But I’m aware that my brother has spoken to one of yours. He has been seeking them out too.”[/color] They were approaching one of the exits of town, and so they continued through the outskirts as small droplets befell the two, [color=#E1F36E]“An astute investigator such as yourself would have seen the castle by now, and what its bowels may be hiding. The beasts are the fruit of an outsider, but not these ones.”[/color] He clenched his jaw; something hot was bubbling inside the older man, [color=#E1F36E]“They merely took advantage, and turned a tale of protection and community into a scourge. I will pray for you as you deliver Eshiran’s will onto these foul renegades.”[/color]

[color=f26522]“But not [i]these[/i] ones?”[/color] the nun prodded.

[color=#E1F36E]“Indeed.”[/color] he looked over at Laska and gave her a curt nod, [color=#E1F36E]“The story of the beast of Mandelein began many centuries ago, a time not too distant from the great heathen war. A lot of it has been, how would you say …”[/color] he gestured circles with his hands as he mused, [color=#E1F36E]“lost to time, I suppose? The story has been thinned down to be enjoyed by children before bed. Many elders don’t remember it either.”[/color] He liked to talk and, in truth, it was enjoyable for the man to have a fresh mind to exchange with, and so he made it last. [color=#E1F36E]“The first beast of Mandelein, and the first known Graf of the region, are one and the same. Cursed by an outsider wielding unspeakable power. However, rather than indulge in one’s impulses as would a beast, the Graf’s love for his land and people took precedence. And so began the story of the Beast of Mandelein. And a culture of fear of the outside … Until trade and profit superseded irrational fear, anyway.”[/color] he chuckled.

One could tell, simply by looking at her, that the wheels of Sister Laska’s mind were racing. [color=6ecff6]“I…see,”[/color] she replied, after an extended pause. [color=6ecff6]“I thank you for your candor.”[/color] Her brow was furrowed, face pensive. [color=6ecff6]“It would seem that the Graf was… a man who held Ipté close in his heart. There are no others I have seen who can forestall the beast.”[/color] She glanced about her surroundings uneasily. [color=f26522]“So then, do I have your word that there is nothing that remains of this vile affliction among the townspeople?”[/color]

[color=#E1F36E]“If I were to say no, Soeur, would you kill them right here, on the spot?”[/color] he kept on walking, his voice unperturbed just like his imperfect gait.

[color=6ecff6]“I am an instrument of Eshiran’s will, and that of the most blessed Optimates.”[/color] If there was any uncertainty in her voice, she did well to hide it. [color=f26522]“I would do my duty, ksiądz,”[/color] she replied immediately, [color=f26522]“regardless of my personal feelings.”[/color]

[hr]

[color=#E1F36E]“What help, Hohenfelter?”[/color] Dubosque raised his voice, demanding an answer.

Manfred’s eyes narrowed and there was something almost… smug about him. [color=2E8B57]"Aaah, there we are, your [i]true[/i] colours,"[/color] he remarked. [color=2E8B57]"No more false smiles and dodged queries, and insincere placating words. How [i]wonderful[/i] they look on you. Of course…"[/color] he pulled out his pocketwatch and twirled it between his fingers. [color=2E8B57]"A bit of truth would look even better."[/color]

Dubosque was singleminded, however: more agitated than they had ever witnessed him. [color=#E1F36E]“What. Help.”[/color] he grated, all-but [i]glaring[/i] at Manfred.

[color=2E8B57]"The help that [i]I[/i] have deemed you need,"[/color] the Graf answered. [color=2E8B57]"Since people are [i]dying[/i] under your watch, but it is a ‘help’ [i]very[/i] much more than capable of erasing this little problem of yours."[/color] He narrowed his eyes and flipped the watch open, glancing down at it. [color=2E8B57]"Of course, this doesn’t [i]have[/i] to be unpleasant,"[/color] he continued, snapping the cover shut. All at once, then, he rose. [color=2E8B57]"All that you need to do is to [i]stop[/i] protecting [i]criminals[/i]”[/color] he roared, [color=2e8b57]”And start telling the Gods-damned [i]truth!![/i]"[/color] He stopped, let out a breath, and straightened his collar, smiling with only his lips. [color=2E8B57]"You have… five minutes."[/color]

Dubosque was pale, something about this sinister ultimatum had scared him more than the disappearance of Stigenroth or the arrival of outsiders. It wasn’t the look on Manfred’s satisfied face that got to him, but visible panic growing among his flock. Then the first insults came out, and before long, constables had to keep a few overeager men from trying to smack the grin off of the Hohenfelter’s face. Again, the priest shot a look at Laska, the one he believed to have at least had an understanding with. He felt betrayed. She shook her head tightly, expression, helpless, and glanced at Manfred with something less than anger but more than annoyance.

[color=E06CD7]“Your words evoke help, but your voice and body say threats!”[/color] a loud, feminine voice from outside the crowded building challenged Manfred directly and did a good job in catching the attention of the mob. It was Laura, mostly recovered, although she still used a pair of crutches. [color=E06CD7]“Why would we trust you? You come here, we have MORE problems! You come here, my BEST FRIEND gets attacked!”[/color] her blue eyes glared right into Manfred’s. She was no longer the little victim from before, or the subtle little watcher in the barracks. [color=E06CD7]“What best way to solve a problem than to create one first? Hmmm? Very strange that they can kill the beast in a day. What is this new HELP, [i]Graf[/i] Hohenfelter?”[/color] that title, it startled more than a few, but it kept them quiet too as they watched Manfred expectantly, Dubosque included.

If Manfred was cowed, he did an admirable job of repressing the outward signs. [color=2E8B57]"I hear accusations,"[/color] he replied, [color=2E8B57]"when I asked for truths."[/color] He was sweeping the room with his senses, actively searching for threats. [color=2E8B57]"The truth as I see it is that there is more than one beast, a fact which nobody volunteered."[/color] He ticked it off on his fingers. [color=2E8B57]"There is no Graf here, which also was not shared."[/color] Finger two. [color=2E8B57]"You hire brigands to waylay travelers en route here and complain that the town is dying!"[/color] Finger three. [color=2E8B57]"Your livestock was disappearing before we arrived, despite whatever lies you’ll tell to the contrary and, what’s more: my associates have witnessed those killing them come from -"[/color]

A woman was there in the room. She had not been there a second earlier. She was small and young and pretty, with long blonde hair. She sat in a wheelchair, hands folded upon her lap, and her arrival cut Manfred’s rant off where it stood. She glanced around the room, immediately trying to take the temperature of it. 

Everything was silent, all eyes on the newcomer who had formed out of nothing. None of the villagers had ever seen such magic before. It was a terrifying sight, even to Laura. Dubosque wasn’t intimidated, but he understood the implication of bringing temporal magic onto the table. For now, he could only watch and listen with little done to appease the fear in his people’s hearts.

She looked about uneasily. [color=ffdead]“I’ll confess to having no idea of what I’ve just walked into, but I see plenty of worried faces.”[/color] She offered an uncertain smile. [color=ffdead]“I’m here because Manfred called for me, though, because he is certain that there is a danger this town beyond what he - or you - can handle. ”[/color] She had already begun sweeping the town and its nearby environs for signs of danger. [color=ffdead]“I’m tethered, as you may have guessed - a Zeno of the academy. I’m looking for dangers in the town now. If you know anything, that might make things a lot easier.”[/color]

As expected, nobody in the crowd spoke up but the attitude had also been culled. That wasn’t to say they were content. No, quite a few, mostly those outside that had been listening, were gone. [color=#E1F36E]“We appreciate the help Zeno-”[/color] it didn’t feel right, she was far too young to be a Zeno, and yet how else could she display such power? Jocasta could feel it without even using an ounce of the gift: They were afraid of her, including the priest that awkwardly awaited a brief introduction out of politeness. What were once howls from the masses were now venomous whispers and secretive glares shot at the students, but with a particular focus on Manfred and the blonde arrival. That was until … [color=7DE727]“A Zeno? At that age? This a ploy, I tell ya’. A ploy.”[/color] a not-so-discreet handyman ‘whispered’ to his associates in Kerreman, but anybody with experience in Kinetic magic could eavesdrop. [color=7DE727]“I agree with Laura, there’s no way some dumb blonde kid with a little magic is from the School. It’s one of those Tethered mercs.”[/color] more and more people were evoking this conspiratorial narrative, and in turn conspired while some others began to overreact and unleash their fears and frustrations on loved ones. Jocasta could feel it all - the agitation her presence had brought and the potential unrest that was to come.

In truth, Jocasta knew a little bit of Kerreman - though it was only a little bit. It appeared to be enough to piece together the hostility that was clearly being directed her way, however. She shot Manfred a [i]look,[/i] for just a flicker of time. Then, keeping up an increasingly strained smile for the people of the town, she conducted another sweep. More than one demanded her name as proof that she was truly a Zeno of Ersand’Enise, and that was the final straw. [color=ffdead]“Ich gebe meinen Namen nicht an Leute weiter, die mich beleidigen.” (I do not give my name to people who insult me.)[/color] she replied in awkward and heavily-accented but correct Kerreman. She cast out her senses once again.

The masses had mostly dispersed. Jocasta wouldn’t be in need of any long range sweep to detect the first inkling of a threat. Sudden, large energy signatures with much higher heat levels than normal humans suddenly appeared in town, and briefly following their emergence came screams. They came from the Western farms.

Then the barracks.

And again in the cluster of homes Northeast of the guild.

In just a matter of seconds, there were calls for help in almost every direction and the sound of homes being destroyed reverberating through town.

She acted almost immediately. She seized one of the beasts by the mind and those closest to it would see it collapse before their very eyes, enough tranquilizing agent in its bloodstream to knock out a skuggvar. Then, a second. 

Realistically, Jocasta would have been about to continue in this vein indefinitely, dealing with every crisis at a speed that no mage could match. But then came the disturbance: one a couple of kilometres out of town, taunting anything that could smell the temporal stench it was leaving behind. Like it knew it would be found, and banked on it. By the amount of energy it had produced, it could not be ignored.

[color=ffdead]“What the hell have you idiots gotten into!?”[/color] the tethered muttered beneath her breath. Then, louder: [color=ffdead]“There is something upriver. Something… monstrous.”[/color] She shook her head and glanced between Manfred and the rezaindian whose name she could not quite recall. [color=ffdead]“I… if I don’t go deal with it, this town…”[/color] She trailed off, already gathering energy. [color=ffdead]“What in the five [i]hells!?[/i]”[/color] she cursed. [color=ffdead]“Fight them!”[/color] she ordered in frustration. Then, Jocasta was gone.

Jacques Dubosque wasted no time. When the screams begged for help, he seized his cane and “dashed” out with the help of the gift, shoving anyone in his way. [color=#E1F36E]“If you wish to help, now is the time!”[/color] he shouted in Avincian before heading to the Barracks, where he sensed a large concentration of these overheating entities.

[center][b]All hands on deck! Arm yourselves! Ring the church bells! The enemy is in your homes! We are under attack!

[h2][url=https://youtu.be/Ma-WJUidpRU]♫[/url][/h2][/b][/center][/color]

[hider=Action Opportunities]
This will be very brief.
-There was a Town Meeting you likely attended.
-Jocasta made an appearance.
-The town is under attack and different areas have been struck. You can choose to help.
This battle will happen on discord, and you will likely be split up. Different NPC’s can be met in the encounters.

Deadline: [b]Monday, May 22nd[/b][/hider]