Gazra complies with Shiaran's request. "Sure thing, what's up?".

R.E.B.O.R.T. takes a moment to weigh the various aspects of each option. "With the information given, I surmise that the Reef Lake option would yield the most benefit, should we be successful. Since our primary objective is to seal the faults, this would move us closer to completing that goal. My self-interest in the research facility aside, securing the location would provide a welcome advantage to future missions by distributing the technology to our allies."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

"Rebort's assessment seems reasonable. LeMuereville, while might be host to a fault, calls for more espionage and recon, which isn't exactly my strong suit. Perhaps an intel-gathering mission there would be the best first step."

Beloc furrows his brow a bit and looks over at Darius. "I do like the idea of killing two birds with one stone at Reef Lake, however, there isn't much detail in what we might be facing there. If they've completed any of the research regarding advanced tech, they very well may use it against us. Any idea how big of a force we can expect there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

Shiaran has a bit of a hungry glint in her eyes as she speaks to Gazra.   She smiles as Rebort and Beloc join her, confirming her choice as the most logical.  "What kind of toys are we likely to go up against there?  What kind of time table are we talking about before they bring online things we can't handle?  What do you know about the defenses of this place?"

"Only what I heard from a few trusted sources, and this was over ten years ago before we all froze. Some of the stuff like the walking tanks we've seen, but that cat is obviously already out of that bag. Some of it was guns and stuff, and body armors. The biggest rumor I heard though is about some sort of experimentation on living stuff".

Lyle raises a hand as if to almost shush Gazra. "I assure you, Reef Lake is a tech only "R and D" facility. Guns and such, sure. New ways to defend the kingdom? Sure. But there's no way King Ghendrake would sign off on experiments like those false rumors that sometimes spread around".

Gazra frowns. "Just like there's no way a vampire lord could rise to power and manipulate a nation? Or like how there's no way a death cult could somehow convince the pashas and sultan of Calim to attack our nation for land and resources? Or maybe-"

"Gazra.. You've made your point. Patience while everyone collects their thoughts" Oro says calmly.

Gazra sighs. "Fine. But I'm still going. And I'm taking a squad of troops with me. That place has tighter security than the city's walls. If the PCA got in there and took over, they brought some seriously big guns with them".

"Sounds to me like most of our initial thoughts check out. Having that sort of tech, even the rumored stuff, used against us would be bad all around."

Beloc looks inquisitively over at Oro and Sigurd. "Are there any reasons we should consider LeMuereville or the vampire den instead?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Thu 04 Feb 2021.

"This is how I see things.  First, I'm going to talk to the religious leaders in town and have them send as many clerics as they can spare with Sigurd and Krem to rescue Irja.  There is no fault there, so as much as I feel heartbroken that I cannot help, I must see the larger picture here.  I have spoken with Sigurd and he has said that he understands."  Sypher nods at the young barbarian in thanks again for his understanding.

"Al-Mawt is the largest target, but also the one that can wait the longest in terms of threat.  It's big, but in a way, a sleeping giant.  We need to let it lie, compile our resources by completing these other tasks first, and perhaps weaken it further by closing two more rifts.  Then we hit it hard with everything, and that might mean stealth and infiltration, but as many assets as we can spare when the time is right."

He glances at Oro then back at the large group.  "I know that research facility is tempting.  It is for me as well, but it's well fortified and tricky.  We cannot go in swords blazing.  I propose Gazra go in with a heavy scout team and scope out as much as he can."  Sypher turns to Gazra.  "Wait for us, please."

"We hit LeMuereville first.  It's a decidedly small target compared to the other two, has a fault we can close and potentially make the lab easier, and it will free up Oro to join us against the research facility.  On top of that, if Oro's friend, Laucian, is in trouble, the longer we wait, the more likely he will succumb to what harries him.  That will also give time for Gazra and his team to scout the lab properly so we go in there with needed intel."

"Lyle and Darius will be here to provide communication and quick transport if we need it."

He takes a deep breath and looks at each of his friends and comrades.  "Analysis of this plan?"

"I assume the conversation you had with Oro provided you with information that implied Laucian's situation is more time-sensitive than the others. With that in mind, I'd say your analysis is fair. Reef Lake isn't going anywhere, and whatever they're researching will likely take more time than is needed to investigate LeMuereville."

Beloc looks over at Shiaran and the back to Sypher. "I have no objection with your proposal. I do, however, have questions about the communication and quick travel. With our teams going in at least three different directions, what's the plan with how we all stay in touch?"

He ends his last question looking more towards Lyle and Darius.

R.E.B.O.R.T. interjects on behalf of the party. "With regard to communucations, I believe I may have that solved, at least from our end. The ring gates I created allow the passage of approximately 100 pounds of matter daily. Organic or inorganic. As demonstrated in a previous test, EM-01 can be used to pass messages back and forth from us to anyone stationed here, up to approximately 900 miles away."

"This solution does not account for communication with Gazra or Sigurd."

"Lyle and I can get you close without the need to go the whole way on foot or wheels, yes. And we can also assist with whatever lapses there may be with communication. I believe each of your comrades have strong and compelling points for their pursuits as well. With that, I propose to you this. I'll accompany either Oro or Gazra for their mission. My magics will aide me well enough with mobility when needed, and I can send a direct update of the situation to the four of you at once. I do agree that both Reef Lake and LeMuereville seem to be pressing situations, and I wont dare guide your hands on the matter. You've all shown sound judgement far beyond expectations and even taught me a thing or two along the way"

"Don't worry about us, friends. If Sypher can convince some of the local holy men to come along, we should be fine".

Shiaran sets her lips in a pout.  "But I wanted new toys!"  Her pout quickly turns into a lopsided grin and she punches Sypher in the arm none-to-gently.  "That's a pretty good plan, Sy.  I think Darius should go with Gazra unless Oro thinks otherwise.  While Sypher is out schmoozing with the priesthood, I have one more item I'd like Rebort's help with.  We should be able to knock out 4 of them before we are ready to leave.  So when do we leave for LeMuereville?"

"Tomorrow morning.  If we are dealing with the undead, I do not want to get a start at sundown when they are stronger.  Gazra, take what soldiers you need along with Darius to Reef Lake.  Scout what you can, but try not to let on that we are soon to invade the facility.  Oro, brief Shiaran, Beloc, and Rebort on LeMuereville.  I will ask King Ghendrake to entrench spies in Al Mawt in preparation for our final push there.  I'll also ask for a meeting of the leaders of the various churches here this evening to send Sigurd aid.  Gear up, folks.  Make your preparations.  Those of you not going to LeMuereville, head out when you deem appropriate.  Gazra and Sigurd have the lead of their respective missions."

Sypher clasps hands with those who are heading in separate directions, nods to Oro and heads to speak to the king.

"I believe it prudent to prepare Sigurd and his team with as many anti-vampire supplies as possible. Lyle, do you think they can rely on the clerics stationed here to follow my notes on creating Daylight pellets? Any cleric capable of casting third-tier spells should be all that is necessary, and I recommend at least one per soldier. I will leave DW-01 here to assist in the creation, so they need not have the skill themselves."

R.E.B.O.R.T. walks over to his research table and shows Lyle the notes for the Daylight pellets.

"I will stay here and assist Shiaran with her item needs should the clerics have any questions."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Thu 04 Feb 2021.

Lyle marvels over the day light pellets. "Absolutely, I know just the fellows. They should be able to whip up at least a half a dozen in a day or so"

R.E.B.O.R.T. nods. "Very well. It should only take a day or two to ensure everyone has at least one."

The warforged walks over to Shiaran's work station and begins to look over her initial experiments. "An interesting mix of illusion and abjuration. A subtle presence of necromancy as well." He thinks for a moment, then looks over at Shiaran. "Would this have anything to do with masking our presence to undead?"

Sypher sets out on his personal mission while the others all begin their preparations and planning for their respective ordeals. Lyle stays behind to assist Shiaran and Rebort with their work.

"Just tell me what you need, and I'll make it happen".

Darius also remains in the lab, though he isn't speaking much and seems to be fixating on translating a musty old tome.

Shiaran opens up a spellbook and thumbs to the right page.  "This is the spell Greater Invisibility.  My Whitefire and Disrupt Undead spells affect only undead.  Given that we are fighting a host of undead, I wanted something that would give us an edge against them."  She grimaces at Rebort for a moment.  "They are not necromancy.  I would never cast that icky nonsense.  They are positive energy spells.  I want to make 4 circlets that would give us Invisibility to Undead.  The limitation should make it easier and cheaper to make but would provide a great boon against their cannon fodder forces.  Rebort could forge them to the specifications of each of the four of us including Beloc and Sypher and prepare them to receive the enchantment.  I could then invest them with the spell.  I'm not sure exactly how it will turn out.  I don't think it will be something we could use for very long before it needed to recharge for a while, but it would be great to have in mass enemy circumstances.  It  would mask our presence entirely.  Sound, smell, sight, taste...  Only touch would affect them.  Lyle, is that doable?"

During this time, Shiaran will also work on casings for the bullets enchanted with the Bolt of Rust spell so they won't affect the pistols when loaded or fired.  If need be, she will work on spells that will enchant the guns and specially marked magazines against the effect.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

R.E.B.O.R.T. studies the page for a moment. "Yes, I see that now. The difference between positive and negative energy is subtle."

"The limitations inherent to the spells will certainly help reduce the time and cost to make the circlets. Building in a recharge mechanism is standard practice for rapid production as well. One to three uses per day is common."

The day's work goes by quickly, with much research and development being achieved. Darius is a massive help to the both of you, mostly offering technical advice or playing gopher for materials and tools; many times before either of you can even ask for what you need.

As the sun sets low, Darius yawns. "I'm going to grab a bite. Shiaran, want anything brought down?".

"Brisket," she replies absently without looking back.  As Darius turns to go, she speaks up again.  "Ooh, and some mashed potatoes with everything on it."  Her fingers move deftly through a spell and Darius is able to make his way over to the stairs.  "If they have it, some steamed broccoli and chopped onions in a cheese sauce."

As he ascends the stairs, he hears a last parting request.  "And the biggest tankard of iced tea you can find.  No sugar."

Shiaran holds up a circlet for inspection.  "That should do it."  She turns to Rebort.  "We need to test it."

R.E.B.O.R.T. shuffles out from behind his workbench and leans out slowly, "Some lightly salted pistachios would be... "

Seeing Darius already up the stairs and out of earshot, he slides back over to his station and turns his attention back to their work.

R.E.B.O.R.T. looks over as Shiaran declares the project finished. His docent glows a faint white, pulses for a few moments, then quiets back down. "Testing might be more difficult than expected. I detect no undead nearby. Perhaps the guard here detained a few of various intelligence levels."

She sighs, more from weariness than anything.  "I am confident in my work, but I hate going out untested.  There is nothing for it, though.  It will have to be tested in the field.  We'll need to do so safely though, before we get into the thick of things."

Finished with her work for the day, Shiaran begins to meticulously clean up her work station.  "I am glad to have a base of operations and a lab, finally.  The monks wouldn't let me have more than a shack out back on the premises of the monastery to experiment and limited what I could do.  No explosions.  I had to sneak out into the wild for that.  Here, I can really put some of my more potent hypotheses to the test."  She runs her hands through her lustrous hair.  "Well, once things settle down long enough for such things."

"If we are to test in the field, then perhaps it is best to use caution when testing them. Assume they do not work as expected until proven."

As Shiaran begins to clean up her workstation, R.E.B.O.R.T. continues working. Without the need to sleep, he is able to press on. "I was fortunate to be stationed with Darius early on. He often encouraged that sort of curious academic nature. What sort of hypotheses do you seek to test?"

"Earth, Light, Gravity, the nature of matter itself.  What if you cut a brick of gold in half?  It's still gold.  How many times can you cut it in half before its not gold anymore?"  Shiaran looks up.  "We fly among the birds, but what about the stars?  Can we fly to them?  What is above the sky, Rebort?"  With a laugh, she looks back at the warforged.  "You know, little questions.  God made such an amazing design.  I want to explore it."