Dawn breaks over Volaire, painting the besieged city in hues of pale gold and bruised purple. Despite the Leib Olmaiin forces encroaching upon the borders, the city clings to the stubborn, comforting rhythm of mundane life. Citizens hurry through the cobblestone streets on their morning errands, and the local tavern roars with the familiar din of the breakfast rush. It is, by all accounts, just another morning.
Until the ground begins to tremble.
It starts as a deep, subterranean rumble that rattles cups on tavern tables and vibrates through the soles of boots. Then, a terrible, agonizing creaking rips through the crisp morning air.
At the edge of the city, the wrought-iron gates of The Cemetery of Lost Souls begin moving. The ancient, thick ivy that had bound the iron shut for years snap and tear like brittle bone as the massive doors force their way open. The metal scrapes and shrieks—a menacing herald of what was to come.
From the widening black maw of the cemetery pours a thick, heavy mist the color of freshly spilled blood. It does not drift; it cascades along the ground with an unnatural, fluid grace, moving faster than any natural fog. Within seconds, the crimson tide floods the streets of Volaire, turning the cobblestones red and swirling thickly around the ankles of the paralyzed citizens.
Through the bloody veil steps Valyrie Dreadmage.
The Lich of the Graveyard moves with an effortless, lethal elegance. Her long burgundy hair caught the morning light, contrasting starkly with her deep green tunic and dark pants. In her hand, she holds a wicked staff, using it casually as a walking stick. She does not walk alone.
To her right stands a woman shrouded in a heavy blue cloak, her long dark hair falling like shadows. To her left looms an imposing, hulking suit of heavy armor, and beside the steel giant stands a deceptively small girl with long pigtails. And behind her, two other small females stand at the ready, resembling elves. Their hair is different but they look much the same as though they were twins.
Valyrie pauses, her gaze sweeping over the stunned, mist-drowned city. A knowing grin curls her lips.
“Shalltear. Cocytus,” the Lich commands, her voice slicing through the heavy silence. “You will lead my army and assist the Baroness of Seshtau in the defense of Ariad.” She strikes the butt of her staff against the stone, the sound echoing. “Eliminate Leib Olmai and The Shifting Scales.”
The towering suit of armor, Cocytus, bows deeply, its heavy plates grinding in grim obedience. Beside it, the girl in pigtails beams with a terrifying, innocent delight.
“As you wish, Master!” Shalltear chimes cheerfully.
“Aura, Mare. You have your orders.” Valyrie says and the twins look to one another with wide grins and giggles before they slowly fade into the shadows.
Valyrie raises her staff high, and the cemetery behind her erupts into motion.
A nightmare tide pours from the open gates. Skeletons with rusted blades, shambling zombies, ancient vampires, and drifting, ethereal wraiths flood the streets of Volaire. Yet, as the massive legion of the damned surges forward, they completely ignore the terrified, cowering citizens. Moving with calculated, lethal purpose, the horde immediately splits into two distinct columns.
The giant armor, Cocytus, turns his heavy steps toward the Seshtau embassy, an elite guard of the undead falling into perfect formation behind him. Shalltear pivots towards the city outskirts, leading a ferocious swarm toward the front lines.
As her undead army crashes like a necrotic wave against the forces of Leib Olmai and The Shifting Scales, Valyrie watches on. The Lich stands amidst the red mist with her lone companion remaining at her side, and smiles.
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The guard looks to his partner stationed at the other side of the gate. His partner just shrugs so he turns back to the fox beastkin.
"How far out is your camp? Leib Olmai is still posted out there but if you stick to the main road and follow it to Kog'Thrak- the little Orc village?- you should be fine." He shrugs. "Just don't go wandering too deep into the forest. Leib Olmai is still hiding out there and I've heard the rumors about what they do to young girls. It ain't pretty. Be careful."
The guard steps aside.
[OOP: This road will lead to Kog'Thrak which is being patrolled by Volaire militia but the area around Volaire is still not safe so if you choose to venture beyond the guarded perimeter... We'll roll to see if you encounter any enemies! 
]
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He shrugs. "I can check around for you. Maybe one of the higher ranking members knows something. Just stop by some time and I'll let you know if I've learned anything. I'm usually here at the front now."
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As the fox reaches the city gates, a guard steps in her path.
"Excuse me miss. You should stay within city limits. It's still dangerous beyond the walls. We've got Leib Olmai pushed back a bit but it's still risky." He sighs. "It's still your choice... I just... Wouldn't recommend it."
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The young member sighs. "Well... It's a lot of busy work for the lowest ranking members. Cleaning, organizing, and fetch jobs. Like getting components for the guild and things of that nature." He shrugs. "I'm only a full fledged member as of a few months ago myself and they posted me at the desk. Since you're one of the heroes... I imagine they'll send you to gather things most likely. And helping to cast rituals is also another way to help out. If you possess that knowledge."
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[The missive sends successfully and I have deducted 6 silver from your bank]
The young mage's guild member returns Balasar to the front desk and smiles. "Was there anything else I could do for you?"
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The young man nods. "I'm sure we can."
He stands from his seat and steps around the desk, then gestures towards the hall. "Please, come with me and we'll deliver your missive."
[OOP: I can deduct the silver from oracle for you. Just submit a ticket with the missive information and who it is being sent to. He's working on setting up missives for you guys! Remember that you can only send a missive to someone if you have met them and know their name.]
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The young man at the desk lifts his head from the parchment he's scribbling on. "Oh. Uh. Certainly. You're new right? But still a member. Normally it's a gold piece to send a missive what with components being so hard to find. But for us members, it's 6 silver." He leans forward and lowers his voice. "But that's just because of how hard it is to get components. It's normally not this expensive."
He sits back again. "Unless you have the component yourself? It's an owl feather."
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The mage's guild member nods and accepts the stack of letters. "Right. Follow me then."
He leads her back to the circle for phantom missives.
About an hour and a half later, all the missives are sent.
The mage's guild member returns to the front desk, escorting Vesta and her companion back to the front of the guild hall. "Is there anything else I can assist you with today, ma'am?"
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The barkeep slides the coins off the counter into his apron and then retreats behind the curtain to the kitchen once more.
A minute goes by before he returns with a plate. On it is a rabbit thigh and a bit of bread. He sets it on the counter and slides it over to the beastkin.
"Ain't got much since we ain't had no trade. But we got rabbit at least." He wipes off his hands on his rag and turns to head down the bar to the next customer.
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The young man stands up from his seat and slides the bag of coins off the counter. He looks into the bag and counts out the coins.
"Uh. Sure. Um. Do you have them ready or...?" His eyes shift from Vesta to Chyevo and back again.
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Eyes turn their way as they enter but whoever looks their way quickly returns to their own business.
The person sitting at the front, smiles as they enter.
"Hi. Can I help you with anything?" The person at the desk appears to be a young human male wearing the blue and silver colors of the mage's guild.
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A person wearing a favor with black and red panels enters the tavern and walks up to the missive board. He nails a missive to the board before heading out. These posters are plastered all over Volaire and Seshtau."The people effected by the sleeping curse are moving again.DO NOT BE FOOLED! They are still under the effects of the curse. Until the reason for this can be found, restrain them in a safe area.-Baroness of Seshtau,Jade"
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The barkeep's eyes look her up and down, taking in her features and dress. "Ya got coin? I got food. No coin? Go to the Guild o' Light. They may have a free meal for ya."
He hesitates and then sighs. "Dammit all. Wait here."
The barkeep turns and walks through a doorway covered by a curtain. He returns a few moments later with a steaming bowl. He sets it on the counter and pushes it towards her. Then he takes the mug and turns to a cask behind him. He fills the mug with a murky looking brew and then turns back and sets it beside the bowl.
"Here. Don' let no one say I ain't do nothin' for no one." He mumbles and watches her.
He looks around, spotting a few people looking their way, he reaches onto the counter and pretends to slide something towards himself. "Go on. Eat. Drink. Ya look like you could use it."
When she sits at the bar to eat and drink, she finds the bowl is mostly water mixed with some type of leafy plant and a few lumps of meat with the familiar scent and texture of rabbit meat. The mug is full of a murky brown ale that tastes like bitter water.
"Consider it an advance. I 'spect to be paid later." He whispers, leaning over towards her so she can hear him better over the sounds of the tavern.
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When the fox enters the tavern, she finds it busy as per usual. The people around the tables and at the bar look thin and worn, tired. But they chat, drink what remains of the liquor and ale, and eat the mostly leafy stew prepared by the kitchen. They cut glances at her and some eyes widen in shock and fear while others appear to be too tired to care much.
As she enters, a man behind the bar looks up. He is a larger man, though he looks as though he has lost weight as his flesh hangs a little loose around his arms and midsection. He has a scruffy beard and a receding hairline of dark hair.
"Oi! Welcome to tha Weepin' Rose! Ain't seen you before, little la- You ain't really a lady are ya? Got those ears and tail..." He picks up a mug and sets it on the bar. "You one a them uh... Beastfolk?"
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