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

[soulsrob]

[She blinks owlishly, then shakes her head] Oh, no, I don't believe so. It's never done anything strange while I've had it--and I've been using it to do my hair for ages now.

The Merchant did ask that I keep it safe, but nothing's ever happened with it! And considering the mirror and I are all but inseparable now, they might as well be after me.

[She sighs a little] I'm not sure I see what all the fuss is about. it's not as though he has to worry about humidity ruining his hair.

[beitangmoran]

[His raised eyebrow tells her enough what he thinks of the innocent act.]

If it were just a mirror for doing one's hair, my Lady, I do not think the undead lord Unhalad would want it so badly, or that our friend the Merchant would care one lick what you do with it.

Now, we have two choices: Either we hide you, or we use you as bait.

[soulsrob]

Bait? [She echoes him, eyebrow raised incredulously.]

Well, I'd hate to be hidden, I'd miss out on everything. But 'bait' seems a bit risky, doesn't it? What makes you assume I'm a fast enough runner to keep ahead of them all!

[beitangmoran]

I do not like to assume, or work without any reliable data, so how about we find out?

[You know, do a little trial run of sorts?]

You know the layout of the house, which is an advantage. It would be easy enough for you to lead them to a place where some of us wait in ambush.

[soulsrob]

[She doesn't look at all offended, just-- amused.] Do you have enough people for an ambush? There might be an awful lot of them.

[But she hums thoughtfully and looks down the corridor, hearing the shuffling in the distance.]

Well, playing bait could be fun too. I suppose I'm glad I pulled on my sensible shoes for this. [She gives a dramatic little sigh.]

[beitangmoran]

If we get them to a place where only one or two can pass at once, we don't need many people.

[He gives a wry smile at the quip about her shoes.]

We shall all be glad for it. And then... maybe you might want to tell us more about this mirror of yours, Lady Winnie.

[soulsrob]

I'm afraid I have nothing to tell about it. [She gives him a little pout, expression apologetic.] All I know is that the Merchant asked me to keep it safe and that it's a wonderful way to do my hair in the morning. I suppose it's meant to have some sort of effect, but I've never had a problem with it.

[,small>She shrugs, shaking her head] So unless Unhalad is in dire need of a way to do his hair, I fail to see what my little mirror would be able to help him with.

[beitangmoran]

The Lord merchant would not have asked you to keep it safe it was not important, Lady Winnie. Why would he concern himself with any old mirror? And why would anyone keep a normal mirror in a bank, as a matter of fact?

Clearly, there is more to it than just that. And you not being affected might have a reason somehow.

[Which they will examine later, once this is taken care of.]

[soulsrob]

[She blinks wide eyes at him, like she can't possibly understand what he could mean.]

It does look very expensive, so I imagined it was because of that. Aren't all older gentleman interested in the very expensive?

I can't imagine why the mirror wouldn't do anything to me... I'm just a woman. [She frowns, as if distressed, and shifts uneasily] I don't want to think there's something wrong with me... Unless being a woman is somehow protecting me.

[beitangmoran]

[Plz Winnie.]

The Lord Merchant is not just any older gentleman, Lady Winnie, and you know that. No need to play that game with me.

It could be any number of things, but it'll be time enough to examine that once we are done with undead attacking the house.

For now, let's find you a place to run to that we can use as an ambush place.