Something awful is trying to return. The Red Prophet Circle sees an ancient undead evil has put a plan in motion for their resurrection. The mission is simple and urgent: Stop the Cult of Black Blood from gathering the three items needed and bring them back to a magic circle where they can be contained.
Ambush 1 – Upon a Frosty Moor
The Cult of Black Blood has limits to its reach and resources. They have hired Calwin’s Slow Riders to escort a chest of frozen blood across the Moors of Avarice. The cult hoped that by placing the chest amongst an ordinary caravan along a frequent trade route it would be able to hide in plain sight. Laying an ambush on the moor will be difficult as the terrain is mostly flat with only low lying bushes. In this season the moor is cold and with a damp air that has left a thick frost across the landscape. The mercenaries are professionals and will guard their cargo with skill and determination. When attacked they will withdraw their outer units to the fortifications built on the shell of their megabeast. The megabeast will not stop moving whilst the mercenaries will adopt a siege position, taking attacks of opportunity with magic and enchanted longbows.
Ambush 2 – Between the Trees
This sect of the Cult of Blood cut out their own tongues to ensure that they will always keep their secrets. They communicate through sign language, writing, and whistles which leads one to wonder if the tongue cutting is actually more symbolic than effective. There are many little trials through the thick, rainy forest that covers the north of Transverese but the sect is not using any of them. On their fast footed emus they are making quick progress but they are too spread out to easily see and help each other. When attacked and alerted, the sect will split into two groups.The first will form up around the rider with the box of demon’s finger bones and attempt to escape. The second will swarm their enemy with hit and run attacks using sword, spear, and angry pecking. Finding out which emu is carrying the package would require careful observation of a swift moving set of targets.
Ambush 3 – An Undead Delivery
There is only one path through the bone dry mountain valleys of Urth. It is wide, it is clearly marked, and to vary from it is to invite a dehydrated death. The landscape is nothing but barren rocks and sand with only the sky for a change in colour. Those who stray from the path are not found again except by those who have also strayed from the path. Currently along the path is the necromancer Titolpa of Dert, who is riding atop their cart as it is pulled along by 5 dozen animated skeletons. Titolpa of Dert is a true believer in the Cult of Black Blood and will willingly fight to the undeath to protect the corroded crown they are transporting. The skeletons will be ordered to charge forward to mob and contain any attackers whilst Titolpa of Dert will throw forth dark magics for direct damage and illusions.
A Magic circle in Which to Scatter Them
The Red Prophet Circle has prepared a magic circle on a tiny isle not far from Tavernport. Once all three items have been gathered they can be brought here. The magic circle will scatter them across the various realities, ensuring that they’re magical power cannot be combined to bring back the Cult of Black Blood’s benefactor. The process takes thirteen minutes and can be left unattended once started. Though the Red Prophet Cirlce have done the best they can to keep the circle a secret, the Cult of the Black Blood has discovered its location. They will be careful not to attack when there is the risk the items could be lost, so they will not attack at sea, instead waiting for the party to arrive on the island and prepare the scattering ritual. This sect is a cabal of blood mages with a set of flesh golems to provide cover for their spell casting. They will continue to attack for vengeance if they scattering ritual is completed before they are dealt with.
Image Credits: Crop Circle 28 by Three French Hens CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0