Operation Parameters
| Date |
1493 DR, 9 Hammer
(28/02/2023)
|
| Soldiers |
Lansa, Ralla, Valas, Halar, Luminos |
| Status |
|
| Casualties |
Talla, the Ffolk scout with a penchant for explosives, is missing in action. Presumed deceased. If she lives, she is missing her hand; we have the hand. |
Objective
The objective was to meet with scouts to further investigate the tunnel where a monster that petrified individuals claimed to have been living. We were to either clear the tunnel for future, or close it off to ensure whatever was inside could not escape.
Observations
The cave was being utilized by the cult of Bane, confirmed by the dagger planted in Talla's left behind hand. Additionally, the dagger itself had the signature of a Ten Towns smithy, indicating larger connections between the cult or the cult's suppliers.
There is reason to suspect that a guild of criminals is allied with, or part of, the cult of Bane. The tunnel itself had scrawlings of code utilized by such an organization, and the group was tailed by a flock of ravens for the entire quest.
The traps within the cave produced a petrifying gas, utilizing a standard gas dispersal system when one steps on the pressure plate trigger. Though effective almost immediately, the canisters that we saw did not contain enough for more than a single usage. The mechanism is additionally not complex, and I was able to disarm the second we found with relative ease. If you have the proficiency to do so, I would advise collecting a canister for further study if you trust your abilities enough.
As discussed prior, Talla's hand was left with our supplies of gunpowder. Her blood was smeared all over the area, but no note was left. I believe her hand itself was the message.
Follow up
A single cultist of Bane was possibly able to escape. He did not follow the path that we did to escape, indicating that there is a path somewhere else from that cave that could be worth finding and pursuing.
If one manages to capture a cultist with a level of autonomy, do not question them until they can be studied and cleared of any ill effects. Luminos attempted to question a surrendering cultist, but upon the questioning he was killed in some manner before he could begin to answer.
Though Talla's hand was left, whoever took her did not take the kegs of gunpowder with them. This means that they did not know what the kegs were, or that they felt they did not need to acquire this otherwise dangerous and expensive resources. The latter is concerning.
If possible, perhaps we could use Talla's hand as a means to track her. I do not know if it is possible magically, merely an option to consider.
As my human guise, a woman with red hair and Ffolk accent, I left a message that only those of a similar occupation and understanding would know to read. If you operate north of the river and are approached to give a message to or are otherwise interact with this persona, inform myself or the TIC at once. This persona has only been deployed north of the river, so if someone from south of the river requests this persona with my name, similarly inform me at once.
Preparation Details
-When we left the fort, the teleportation circle malfunctioned slightly and left us with a blue glow. No long-lasting effects that I have noted so far.
-When we arrived at the outpost, Taylor greeted us. He was also accompanied by our new alchemist friend, Ninieve, and Talla.
-To assist with our task, we were given a dozen kegs of gunpowder. We used one in the explosion to open the tunnel.
Operation Details
Exploring the tunnel itself, we found a total of six cultists, plus two animated bear traps that acted as if they were conscious. We dispatched five of the cultists, but the final one either escaped or was killed in the collapse. Strangely, the tunnel collapsed before we could set up further barrels, indicating it was triggered to collapse by an inner mechanism. If one is found in a cult of Bane's hideout again, keep an eye out for whether these mechanisms are present.
