¶ Yuler's Capture
¶ Zell's Direction
After having Council with Gregor, the pilgrims are brought to Zell the Cartographer for some additional information.
Zell was instructed by Gregor to give them access to hidden lore, but he stops himself noting that none had yet seared their Concord into their flesh.
He tells that there is means for each traveler to become connected with the world, that there are many different sources of power, and that The Seventeen all consumed such power.
He remarks that something is amiss with the cycle, and that things are happening too early. He surmises something dark is occuring in the world.
Before he dismisses the pilgrims, he asks where they would like to go, offering them passage through the Grand Elevator that may carry them away from Stalwart Fortress. The group begins to debate the direction they ought to travel.
✋Where will you travel next, pilgrim?
Options included would see the group:
- Remain at Stalwart Fortress
- Return to The Church of Her
- Seek the Ancient Technology
- Travel to The Drowned Prison
- Follow the Call of The Ancients
- Seek the Crow's Den
They would debate the subject briefly, and play idle mind to trivial matters, all the while something sinister was brewing...
¶ Rise of The Dark Blade Guild
Somewhere outside Stalwart Fortress, still angrily grieving the loss of their sister, The Dark Blade Guild began accepting donations to begin its celebration of chaos. They were quickly met with a gift of Five Ethereum from a passing stranger.
Shortly after receiving this boon, The Dark Blade Guild intercepted Yuler while he performed his courier duties and sent a harrowing message of his capture back to Stalwart Fortress via courier.
The message demanded that the pilgrims forsake all other avenues, and venture to Crow's Den within 20 hours, or they would kill Yuler.
In retaliatory outrage, a group calling themselves the Apostles of Agora sent parties to capture wayward Darkblades and offered an exchange to the guild should Yuler be returned to them safely.
In response, The Dark Blade Guild made their intentions clear by delivering proof of Yuler's torture.
Thus, the Apostles of Agora killed the first of their two prisoners.
Tensions rose and, in an effort to cull the bloodshed, The Concord of Research offered a table to mediate a peace talk between both parties.
Through the discourse, the Apostles of Agora professed commitment to their cause and justification for their actions. Others simply begrudged The Dark Blade Guild for forcing their agenda upon all the travelers. Some petitioned to leave Yuler for dead, citing the urgency of attending to the Drowned Prison.
Yet, through all the talk The Dark Blade Guild had a solitary message; come to Crow's Den and learn the truth they preach or Yuler would die.
They sent image of his severed finger as proof of their conviction.
The discourse closed with much unresolved. Some were swayed to the Darkblades' demands, yet more were committed to their pursuits elsewhere. With time ticking away, Yuler's life hung in the balance while the group continued its deliberation.
¶ Sharp Talons
Despite peace talks and the hostage situation with Yuler and The Dark Blade Guild, by midday the travellers had chosen to travel to The Drowned Prisons. Zell began preparing The Grand Elevator, while Remo seemed peculiarly quiet regarding the decision.
True to their word, in response for their demands not being met, Yuler was killed by The Dark Blade Guild.
As recompense for sacrificing Yuler, and their commitment to the ideals of chaos, The Dark Blade Guild was granted 15 Fetid Crow Talons.
¶ Preparations
As Zell prepared a new map and The Grand Elevator for its departure, he awaited decision on when the travellers would be ready to leave.
The decision would be put to a public vote, with options presented in unix timestamps.