Getting Ready...

[*Selebius]

After returning from his trip to a cursed Demiplane Hograth writes a small note to his superiors then gives out some general orders to his squad.

To: Movers, Harmonium
From Hograth Thorn, Measure II

Ladies and Sirs,

I recently encountered an undead (Lich, probably arcane spellcaster) who uttered some warnings about some great troubles and evil coming to Sigil.

He said something of our 'leaders being targeted' of something 'hiding in their skins' to control us and to bring ruin, the attack starting at 'the last day of the feast'.

I first thought that this might be the rambling of a shattered mind but after my return I realized that the undead might have meant the Carnival that is starting soon.

I suggest to watch the Carnival and all involved carefully and prepare ourselfs as best as we can. Perhaps True Seeing and Protection From Evil spells and items should be distributed to the soldiers involved.

Hograth Thorn, Measure II

<a seal showing a Dragon's Claw and an arcane mark showing something similar>

and to his own squad:

Soldiers,

soon we might face an enemy that walks in our midst, hiding behind familiar faces. I cannot yet say what it is or how this threat will manifest but stay sharp and report anything unusual immediately.

Harmony through Strenght, Unity through Power,

Measure II Thorn

[*Midnight]

A reply is sent

Measure

The security of public events like the carnival is always of highest concern.  Therefore it is always policed tot he highest standard, this year will be no exception.

Looking at the troop roster if has come to my attention that you have recently returned from an active combat role in pacifying a prime world. Such stresses can take a toll on the bodies and minds of even the sturdiest of soldiers and the transition from a military role to one of civilian policing can be difficult.

To better reacquaint you with life in Sigil I have decided to relive you of your duties for a week and place you on leave.

May The Scourge Strengthen you.

Mover I Cecilia Tels

[*Selebius]

"Bloody Hextorite....", he leaves the rest unspoken, reads the letter again and smiles.

Well, perhaps this is exactly what he needs. Visiting home again....

[*Selebius]

Before he leaves Hograth contacts his squad again, descreetly of course as he gets some of his belongings from the barracks.

He tries to make sure they will be able to keep an eye on the Carnival, are ready to fight or to evacuate the civillians- whatever may be needed.

[*Selebius]

Back at the Barracks Hograth quickly writes his report:

To: Movers, Harmonium
From: Hograth Thorn, Measure II

Ladys, Sirs,

About half an hour ago Sigil has been attacked by a force of powerful opponents, spilling from several portals that opened all over the town.

We had casualties but most worrying is the fact that some of the creatures escaped and successfully inflitrated the town.

They also claimed that the Lady has been neutralized which is a poece of information we should be careful with. If this fact is true and becomes known wildy consequences will be severe.

I suggest to increase our patrols and following my earlier suggestions I think that  True Seeing and Protection From Evil spells and items should be distributed to the soldiers.

Several invaders were slain and I asked a Notary to bring us the remains of one invader to study. I request this is being done soon.

As Mover Shar have been present I also suggest to check him for possession. I will submit myself to the same procedure immediately.

Hograth Thorn, Measure II

<a seal showing a Dragon's Claw and an arcane mark showing something similar>

Afterwards he reports to a cleric to be examined for possession, the halforc nervous, shaken by what he has witnessed.

[*LiquidDreamer]

Hograth receives a letter in return

We also recieved a notice of concern from Measure Chari speaking of the same dangers that you are pointing out.

Patrols are to be doubled, no exceptions. Every patrol is to double up, no one walks a beat alone.  Higher ups within the faction are being moved to Arcadia for their safety, as a few notaries have tried to take the life off a Mover already.

You are to perform a head count for your unit and everyone is to submit for a check of possession, those that do not will not be allowed on duty. 

Stay vigilant Measure, I will contact you shortly in the future.

Signed,

Mover Oroak.

[*Selebius]

After a short rest and a private message to the courts he assembles his squad or what remains of it- after all it have been them who were patrolling the Carnival- leading them to the check personally, supervising the procedure.

He also writes am informal, short message:

Measure Chari,

I suggest to coordinate efforts. Please meet as soon as possible.

Hograth Thorn

Afterwards he waits for the results of the corpse's examination.

[*Selebius]

After reading a letter that got delivered to his office by a messenger Hograth writes up another report:

To: Mover Oroak, Harmonium
From: Measure II Hograth Thorn, Harmonium

Sir,

after rallying our forces yesterday I also asked a few independent adventurers to help by scouting and gathering intel in Undersigil.

They were successful in their task but the news are dire:

Conventional protections against possession are useless, protection from evil spells are failing.

Dace Andor could be only freed of possession by being killed and resurrected- so I suggest to find alternative means of protection and also of driving the possessing entities out.

During his possession Dace got a glimpse of the enemies plans:

It seems they are preparing to use Sigil as a stepping stone, using the portals to invade several other planes.

He suggests- and I support this suggestion strongly- to guard and block the portals leading to the primes to contain this threat in here in Sigil, trying to not let it spread out but to make the Cage a cage for their forces and ambitions.

To ensure this I suggest the following actions to be taken:

Request the portal maps of all active known portals leading to the primes of the Fraternity.

Post guards at this portal, checking individuals who want to pass through for possession.

Hire mercenary help to increase our troop strenght.

Coordinate efforts with other factions. I am already in touch with Factotom Ra'zeth of the Takers and Dace Andor of the Indeps. While i know the Indeps are opposed by some in our faction I think Harmony is served best with cooperation in times like these.

Other informations revealed are the following: Necromancy Spells of high power are most effective against the invaders and they try to lure individuals or small groups to enter their plane of origin.

Hograth Thorn, Measure II


<a seal showing a Dragon's Claw and an arcane mark showing something similar>

[*LiquidDreamer]

Hograth quickly receives the following letter.

I agree.  We must meet, the sooner the better. And have our two units work together.

Signed,

Chari

[*Selebius]

After a recon mission into the Slags Hograth writes a letter to his superiours:

To: Mover Oroak, Harmonium
From: Measure II Hograth Thorn, Harmonium

Sir,

our mission into the Slags was sucessful and we recovered vital information.

Most important is the following fact:

The Cerulean Sign can be used to both repel the invaders as well as detect possession as possessed beings will recoil from it.

We also found an Illithid sage, well learned in all matters concerning the Far Realms who we could persuade to cooperate with us. It hinted at the invaders trying to make our reality more similar to their own and suggested to destroy all things tainted by them, burn corpses that have been possessed ect.

There are also survivors there, hiding in an old Anarchist outpost.

*a description of the place following*

I suggest one of our patrols closes this place down as soon the current crisis is over.

Kala Ta'Kan, a godsman factotum might be able to create a permanent glyph which has the same effect as the Cerulean Sign spell and I suggest to at least get one of those installed in the entrance hall of the barracks.

Hograth Thorn, Measure II


<a seal showing a Dragon's Claw and an arcane mark showing something similar>

Then he writes another note to inform Chari- knowing well that information sometimes travels slowly along the chain of command:

Measure Chari,

The Cerulean Sign holds them at bay. Possessed creatures shirk back from it as well. Lets use this to our advantage.

Hograth Thorn.