he rode in, a king

[groundrules]

HONEY, WE’VE GOT VISITORS

Sa-Hareth-brand Cassandra tries to flag the future, gets left on read. True story — and then, the dead come. His offer neglected, a desperate Unhalad resorts to sieging the farmhouse in search for the mirror that was previously on the Imperious.

He’s in for disappointment, while the party prepare for... house guests over the early-morning 16 June to 17 June period.

Around 3:30am (16 June) of a storming night, those who are awake or sensitive to the supernatural may hear the winds and fleeing rats whisper that something comes. At 3:45am, Karsa’s wards around the farmhouse set off, briefly shrieking. Within minutes, Unhalad’s undead infiltrate the farmhouse, with one slight creature first entering down the kitchen chimney. A small faction of undead remain on the roof, while a swarming majority circle the farmhouse. Throughout the night, they attempt to break in through doors and windows, making slow progress. They are warier of the forest-facing back entrances. The attackers comprise droves of undead, some clearly only recently converted in haste. They are weaker for it.

Over time, the undead drip into the farmhouse. They lack the coordination for a concerted effort. Attempting to exit within the first three hours of the siege will prove disastrous, as too many undead wait outside. The undead will seek a mirror, being first and foremost drawn to Winnie, who carries a similar item on her person. Fox and Five will also be of interest. Fox can escape attention by discarding the shards. Any character that was bound to Anurr’s tree still bears the lingering marks of Anurr’s undeath is especially perceived as an enemy. Regulus enjoys the same treatment, given his extensive recent stay with the free people. The undead will savagely wreck the house in their hunt, striving to kill those in their path. They can be slain regularly. The older, "properly" summoned undead (identifiable because of their clear state of rotting) should be incinerated or severely amputated to avoid further resurrection. Because of the overwhelming number of undead, it is best to keep lean, mean and mobile within the house. Karsa joins the farmhouse around 6am. She’ll teleport in, but the density of undead outside will prevent her from teleporting out safely. Alongside three party volunteers, she reinforces some of the wards, decelerating the advance of the undead. Her group will also throw away any of Unhalad’s markings (salt and ash) out of the house and into the inner garden pond.

Come sunset (16 June) Unhalad himself will ride outside of the farmhouse, holding distant vigil over the hostilities with his retinue. On his arrival, unbound farmhouse animals will flee into the forest. Unhalad will be recognisable because of the immensity of raw power he emanates — a feeling of great and overwhelming despair and hunger. Options to evacuate the chaos include sneaking out, fighting the undead, calling on reinforcements from any local allies, or holding position until around 8am of 17 June, when Unhalad’s last-minute forces start to disintegrate because of the haste in which they were summoned. The minority of Unhalad’s forces that were summoned back alive with the appropriate diligence will not break down and will need to be banished. The free people will not intervene, unless they are called in.

If you’ve made it this far into Sa-Hareth’s worst hazing ritual, congratulations. A few more days of crud to go. Over the next few days before the 21-22 June departure, characters will have to make do with their shattered lodgings and dearth of supplies, or can seek sanctuary back in Sa-Hareth. Any money spent on accommodations will have to come out of the travel fund. You're on your own, kids. The animals can return from the forest, and the free people might spare some food and water, gifted to those who stood out during Anurr’s trials. The Anurr cultists of Sa-Hareth could also part with a few provisions for their good friends, Xie Lian and Xiao Xingchen. To opt out of the event, have characters out of the house on the night of the siege. It will be difficult to re-enter. The OOC plotting floor is yours!

FARMHOUSE LAYOUT

Comments

[scrapgege]

There isn't much food left, but you guys should have it.

[He's used to going without for long stretches of time himself. He'll be fine.

He doesn't even bat an eye at her request which, in itself, is sort of strange, because it's not every day someone asks you for help to reduce someone to put them in a bag, but as it happens, it's something he's done himself before.

But he's never seen a human that could do that before.

So he goes and props the man up (easily).]

How come you can do this kind of things? I didn't know humans could do this.

[lancifolium]

[ Lily took the makeup bag out from where she'd tucked it into the waist of her jeans and unzipped it while Xie Lian got Regulus upright. ]

Oh, that's much better thank you.

[ Holding the edges of her little bag open she put it on the top of Regulus's head tugging it downwards. ]

I'm a witch, the sort of human who can do things like this.

[ She continued rather conversationally while continuing to pull the bag over Regulus before she swept it off of the ground with a little sigh. The makeup bag was as tiny as ever, and nothing about its outside appearance betrayed that inside it now carried a grown man. ]

And what about you? I didn't think any humans could rip the undead in half with their bare hands.

[scrapgege]

Ah, well... I'm not exactly human? Anymore? I was, a long time ago, but then I ascended to heaven...

[He looks vaguely embarrassed at having to say it.]

Technically, I'm a god. But don't let it bother you too much!

[lancifolium]

That certainly would explain it.

[ Sensing his sheepishness on the matter she gave him a wide smile, carefully lifting the bag into her hands. ]

Do you want me to see if I can make us a cup of tea? I've got something in here that makes a suitable cup. Since you're offering to share food it's the least I can do.

[scrapgege]

Well, it's not my food, it's what we could salvage from the kitchen, but.. tea would be nice.

[lancifolium]

[ Despite their respective levels of dishevelment she gave him a cheerful smile and nodded before taking a few steps towards what's left of the farm. ]

I'm relieved there was anything left to save, shall we?

[scrapgege]

It's not much. I'm going to go back into town later and see if I can find some more, because I think the garden is a lost cause and the pond is full of salt now.

[But there's a chance they can buy at least a little bit, or he could exchange food against work. With Unhalad gone, no one should be trying to arrest him again, hopefully.]