Episode Six: The Bird and the Worm
Darius takes in the swarm of new information and experiences shared by his compatriots. He definitely stifles a smile when Rebort mentions becoming nearly indistinguishable from "the other sentients". Once the telling of the past few week's tale is complete, his demeanor shifts to a serious one.
"You've all overcome impossible odds thus far. That much is definitely true. But by my reckoning and gatherings, you have quite a few avenues ahead of you. The bulk of the PCA army is broken. The Navy's battle groups shattered the backbone of the enemy. They aren't gone, but already they are a shadow of their former self. That being said, they still potentially have control over several if not all Spectral Faults. It will take them some time, but our enemy is not yet banished from our homelands, and could regroup some of its former numbers. Several towns, LeMuereville especially have been compromised. It's believed the Marquis Laucian LeMeure has become a sympathizer to the PCA".
At the mention of Laucian, both Oro and Gazra fold their arms, concerned with what's being said.
"I've been informed that the military has lost contact with a vital research facility at Reef Lake as well. I have reason to believe that a Spectral Fault may be in LeMuereville and at the Reef Lake facility. I will also be rather blunt with Reef Lake. If that facility is compromised, you'll need a task force larger than the one you've previously ran with. LeMuereville would be a more clandestine approach. I believe Master Oro here would be your chief guide in that endeavor".
Oro nods his head. "Yes. Laucian is an old friend of ours. He was there when we fell into Gheevorah's trap, and Gimble sacrificed his life to save us. I would indeed like to speak to our old friend and see how the years have fared him, much less investigate the allegations of Laucian being a turncoat".
Darius listens and turns back to the group. "There is also the matter of simply hunting down rogue cells and platoons of PCA that may be still living on our island nation. If they're snuffed out, the spectral faults can be dealt with as they're discovered and closed. Al Mawt Port City on the south western tip of our nation is fully controlled by them. It would be the foremost place to get into and gather details, but even still that would be potentially throwing a rock at a hornet's nest. Not impossible in the slightest, but difficult at every turn".
Darius takes a moment to wave his hand over his other with an open palm, producing a glass of water from thin air and taking a drink.
"Lastly, from what you've described, there is a vampire den somewhere north of the city. I highly doubt they'll be a problem for long, but things such as this should be dealt with in time. Now then-"
"If I can interrupt for a brief moment" interjects Lyle. "Our heroes here have a massive undertaking in front of them yes, but they aren't without help from friends and the Crown. We have crack teams of commandos that can perform reconnoiter missions to gather intelligence on any of the four tasks listed. They'll get in close, they'll get out, and they'll provide full reports within a few week's time. That is, should our champions request this. The last thing we want is our saviors to go into a mission blind".
"I'm going to LeMuereville. Don't send your men. I'll need more specialized individuals if any at all come along" states Oro coldly. "Laucian was a patriot. He loved his country. The allegations against him dont add up, and I intent to find out the source of this foul smelling plot". There is a certain tone to Oro's voice, that has an edge to it.
To all: roll for sense motive
"I agree" says Gazra. "However.. You and I both know some of the things they were working on down at Reef Lake. I hate to do this to you buddy, but I'm going down there whether alone or with the commandos or what. Some of that tech is downright scary".
Oro nods in approval of his friend.
"It would seem that the bulk of the party will be scattered to the winds then. I imagine everyone else will pick and choose which of the four objectives to chase after".
"I will heading to the vampire's den says Sigurd. "I have a feeling that is where I will find Irja, and bring her to justice".
At the notion of heading to the den, Krem nods at Sigurd and smacks his fist in an open palm.
"So then says Darius. "What do the four of you think should be the primary objective?".
DM's Notes: Here we go, four open ended campaigns to choose from.
1. Investigate LeMuerville for evidence the Marquis has sided with the enemy and evidence of a spectral fault with Oro
2. Hunt down the vampire den and bring Irja to justice with Krem and Sigurd
3. Infiltrate the Reef Lake Research Facility with Gazra and secure the site and its weapons of war from the enemy.
4. Go alone (or request remaining friends to accompany) across the country to Al-Mawt Port City, a locale teeming with PCA and PCA sympathizers among the melting pot of cultures making up the populous, in an effort to sniff out high ranking enemy generals and informants to better pinpoint the locations of the remaining enemy forces.
The choice is yours, but I'd like the core 4 to stay together. I've crafted up the skeletons and fleshed out a bit of each of these four story arcs, so I'd like to not have to tell two tales at a time. And don't forget, you're military officers who just saved a nation. You will at your request be given trained soldiers to send off like with the commando squads to recon situations. Just keep in mind, some missions are more clandestine than others. The bigger the group, the bigger the chance to be found out too soon if at all.
We're playing 4D chess here now my friends.