An Interactive Novel

The Or’tel Warehouse

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Enter the Warehouse

Following your brief meeting with the two brothers, you step away and walk up to the front of the large warehouse. The Sariak River flows on your right as you look to your left to examine the warehouse and the structure. It’s constructed of wood with a stone foundation. Several large, cased openings with reinforced iron doors are scattered about on the ground for carriages and other merchants to come and go as needed. On the far side of the building, a large opening overhangs the Sariak River with another set of iron doors that open and close at hinges on the side with the doors staying above the water line to allow for easy movement.

 

You walk past the corner of the warehouse to the front of it where a large door sits along a dusty path. The ground around the path is a lush grass with a few shrubs around the corners of the building, providing a decent facade to appease the magistrate of Sunshire. You turn back to see the twins preparing to enter through the pier, notifying you that the time was right for you to walk in through the front entrance. You continue around the corner and along the front wall of the warehouse to find that large door to the front entrance is ajar, allowing you to slip in unnoticed.

 

Inside the Warehouse, the ground is constructed of mostly wood with several patches of dust and dirt. Large wooden crates create rows for you to look down and at the far end of the room, you can see a wooden staircase that leads up to a second floor. You find yourself standing in the center of a row of crates. At the end of the row, three syndicate workers walk through pointing at the boxes. One of them holds a clipboard to dictate what the others are pointing at and the three of them have not noticed you yet, though if you stand still, they most certainly will. Do you want to move behind the crates to avoid being seen or would you rather stand still and have them find you?

 

Hide Behind the Row of Crates

 

Stand Perfectly Still and Let Them Find You

Hide Behind the Crates

You move to your left to hide behind the crates so that the three workers don’t see you. You slide behind them but as you rest your back against the wooden box, you hear a light scuffling of feet on the other side of the row. You glance around to see another set of workers walking toward you, again with two pointing at crates and one dictating what they’re finding on the row.

 

You look down the other row from which you came to see that the three workers are now walking down that row, leaving you to being trapped. However, in a moment of brilliance, you discover that you may be able to climb the crate behind you to reach safety. You don’t have much time, but just enough to reach safety if you choose. What will you do?

 

Climb the Crates

 

Head to the Left

 

Head to the Right

Stand Perfectly Still and Let Them Find You

You opt to hold your ground, knowing that combat was bound to happen at some point. Why not let them all know that you’ve arrived. With the three men turning to walk down the aisle, you draw your weapons and wait patiently for them to look up at you. The man in the center, holding his clipboard, does not move or avert his eyes while the one on his left keeps his eyes affixed on the crates to his left. He shouts random numbers to the man with the clipboard who writes them down frantically. On his right, however, the man who is reading off random numbers scribbled onto crates, notices you. The worker holds his hand out and grabs the attention of the man with the clipboard, who appears more annoyed than anything else. He looks up at his coworker with disgust before turning to see you standing in the center of the aisle waiting for him. The two workers without the clipboard reach to their sides to pull out some rusty daggers while the man with the clipboard tosses it to the side and reaches for a large sword on his back.

 

“Don’t let them pass, lads!” shouts the man in the center as he points the large blade at you. The three run toward you with their weapons drawn and you do the same, breaking out into a sprint to meet them in the middle of the aisle.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Watchman x 2, Syndicate Thug

 

The three workers collapse to the ground after the battle. The sound of the screams from the battle were great and echoed off of the rafters. You grip your weapons tightly, knowing that it will only be a matter of time before more workers show up to try and impede you. As you prepare for another wave, a loud explosion comes from the side of the warehouse where the covered pier is. You turn your head to see an orange eruption, followed by the falling of wooden debris from the exterior walls. You turn back to see that the brothers, led by Jerikko, are slaying all of the workers who approach them without prejudice with their magical abilities.

 

You look up to see that you’re standing underneath a second floor. You turn your head to see that there is a staircase on the far end of the building that will lead up to it. As you stare ahead though, you notice a man in pristinely pressed clothing standing on the steps to get a better view of the carnage. While the workers you just encountered carried rusty weapons and wore rags for clothing, this man carries a silver blade and wears finely tailored clothes. On his neck, however, you notice a ruby colored gemstone hanging from a brass pendant. The radiance of you attracts your eyes and affixes them for a brief moment. You feel that there is a power held within that Shard that you or one of your allies would love to possess. The Syndicate Leader points down at the pier while several of the workers charge toward the two brothers in an attempt to stop and impede them.

 

You have yet to be noticed by the Syndicate Leader or anyone else. The chaos coming from the pier-side door has garnered the attention of the entire Or’tel Syndicate, leaving you with a chance to move stealthily through the warehouse. With a goal of reaching the leader to acquire his Shard, you can move around the edge of the building and reach the stairs without having to fight anyone, or you can rush through the middle of the building and enter combat with whoever you come across. Which path will you take?

 

Follow Along the Edge of the Warehouse

 

Run Through the Center

Head to the Left

You turn to your left and gaze down the row, though not for long. Immediately upon entering the row, you are met by three startled and suddenly alert syndicate workers. In the center, the worker with the clipboard looks up at you with more annoyance than anger that his work was being impeded and on both of his sides, the two workers reach for weapons to drop you where you stand. The man in the center reaches into his pocket and tosses a dust into the air before you can reach for your weapon. 

 

Make a Magical Save. If it is less than or equal to 7, discard a card from your hand and your are inflicted with Blind for 2 turns. 

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Watchman x 2, Syndicate Thug

 

The three soldiers fall to the ground with their blood pooling around them. The sounds of scuffling feet from the next row echo off of the crates, though after a few seconds, a loud explosion fills the area with debris falling from the ceiling. You turn your head to see a large orange flash fill the area near the door to the covered pier. You hear the scuffling from the other side of the crates shift and head toward the explosion. You turn to see many workers all head that way. Your path forward is unabated, and though your eyes are still somewhat red from the dust the worker through in your eyes, you are able to see just fine down the path. 

 

You walk to the end of the path to see several workers charge toward the two brothers. Merevo and Jerikko are standing in the doorway propelling magical energy at all who approach them. None of the workers in the building notice as you stand at the edge of the row to survey the warehouse. Above you, and slightly to the right, you notice that the second floor hangs out almost halfway through the structure. Across the large, horizontal path in front of you and past the other rows of crates sit a staircase that lead up to the second floor. As you stare ahead though, you notice a man in pristinely pressed clothing standing on the steps to get a better view of the carnage. While the workers you just encountered carried rusty weapons and wore rags for clothing, this man carries a silver blade and wears finely tailored clothes. On his neck, however, you notice a ruby colored gemstone hanging from a brass pendant. The radiance of you attracts your eyes and affixes them for a brief moment. You feel that there is a power held within that Shard that you or one of your allies would love to possess. The Syndicate Leader points down at the pier while several of the workers charge toward the two brothers in an attempt to stop and impede them. 

 

You have yet to be noticed by the Syndicate Leader or anyone else. The chaos coming from the pier-side door has garnered the attention of the entire Or’tel Syndicate, leaving you with a chance to move stealthily through the warehouse. With a goal of reaching the leader to acquire his Shard, you can move around the edge of the building and reach the stairs without having to fight anyone, or you can rush through the middle of the building and enter combat with whoever you come across. Which path will you take?

 

Follow Along the Edge of the Warehouse

 

Run Through the Center

Head to the Right

You turn back to the right, which was where you began, already aware of the three men who would be walking along the path to greet you. Once in the aisle, you look forward with the three workers still preoccupied with their task at hand. However, after a few steps, they look up to find you standing in front of them with their weapons drawn. Surprised to see you, the man in the middle drops his clipboard with the two workers on both of his sides reach for their weapons. The man in the center reaches for the weapon behind his back, but as he’s pulling it out, stumbles on the clipboard at his feet. He falls to the side and into one of the crates, spilling out some of the contents on the floor. You look forward to see a large greatsword and spear resting at the feet of the soldier, both of which you might could make good use of. 

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Watchman x 2, Syndicate Thug

 

Acquire: Copper Greatsword

 

Acquire: Copper Spear

 

The three soldiers fall to the ground with their blood pooling around them. The sounds of scuffling feet from the next row echo off of the crates, though after a few seconds, a loud explosion fills the area with debris falling from the ceiling. You turn your head to see a large orange flash fill the area near the door to the covered pier. You hear the scuffling from the other side of the crates shift and head toward the explosion. You turn to see many workers all head that way. Your path forward is unabated, and though your eyes are still somewhat red from the dust the worker through in your eyes, you are able to see just fine down the path. 

 

You walk to the end of the path to see several workers charge toward the two brothers. Merevo and Jerikko are standing in the doorway propelling magical energy at all who approach them. None of the workers in the building notice as you stand at the edge of the row to survey the warehouse. Above you, and slightly to the right, you notice that the second floor hangs out almost halfway through the structure. Across the large, horizontal path in front of you and past the other rows of crates sit a staircase that lead up to the second floor. As you stare ahead though, you notice a man in pristinely pressed clothing standing on the steps to get a better view of the carnage. While the workers you just encountered carried rusty weapons and wore rags for clothing, this man carries a silver blade and wears finely tailored clothes. On his neck, however, you notice a ruby colored gemstone hanging from a brass pendant. The radiance of you attracts your eyes and affixes them for a brief moment. You feel that there is a power held within that Shard that you or one of your allies would love to possess. The Syndicate Leader points down at the pier while several of the workers charge toward the two brothers in an attempt to stop and impede them. 

 

You have yet to be noticed by the Syndicate Leader or anyone else. The chaos coming from the pier-side door has garnered the attention of the entire Or’tel Syndicate, leaving you with a chance to move stealthily through the warehouse. With a goal of reaching the leader to acquire his Shard, you can move around the edge of the building and reach the stairs without having to fight anyone, or you can rush through the middle of the building and enter combat with whoever you come across. Which path will you take?

 

Follow Along the Edge of the Warehouse

 

Run Through the Center

Climb the Crates

You climb the crates quickly and reach the top as both sets of soldiers meet where you were hiding. You take a breath as you look down at the two groups as they exchange pleasantries and jibes with another before walking away to continue working. The group that walked down the center head over to another row with the group that was on the row to your left while on the floor, heads further left.

 

You turn and examine the rest of the warehouse while you are standing on the crates. Large wooden rafters hold up the roof and the second floor only comes out to overhang the middle row of crates. You peer out to see that there is a large horizontal row in the center of the warehouse with five additional rows on both sides. You are standing on the center row and look out to see a large orange blast come from outside the large horizontal row. The workers, all now drawn to the opening that leads to the water, sprint toward the door to find out what caused the explosion. With the workers all running toward their imminent doom, you crouch down and watch. While crouched, you look down to notice that the crate you are on is partially open. You pull the wood plank back to reveal a treasure trove of goods for you and your allies.

 

Acquire: Badger Fur

 

Acquire: Racoon Skin Cap

 

Acquire: Silver Runeblade

 

Acquire: Copper Dagger

 

With your new equipment, you equip some of them and place the rest in your inventory. You stand up and look out to see more of the soldiers run toward their doom. You shift your gaze to the second floor to see a couple of soldiers and someone who appears to be their leader looking down at the commotion. While the workers are all wearing scraps and carry weapons that are rusty and worn, the leader appears to be wearing much more neatly pressed clothing with a silver blade on his waist. On his chest, you see a bright red gemstone hanging from a pendant. The brothers mentioned that a Shard existed and you now see one swinging from the neck of what appears to be the leader of the warehouse. Taking the Shard from the Leader’s body, dead or alive, will appease the brothers and net you a great reward. With all of the soldiers sprinting toward the brothers, no one is keeping their eyes on you. You can either leap down to the floor and run around the inner wall of the warehouse or you can sprint along the crates and leap off of them into the horizontal pathway before running toward the stairs. The option of sprinting along the crates might draw the attention of some of the soldiers though.

 

Leap Down to the Path

 

Run Along the Crates

Run Along the Crates

Select a Running Order with a person in the front, rear, and middle.

 

You opt to run along the top of the crates. You break out into a sprint along the row of crates. However, as you reach the next to the last crate, you feel a give in the top of the crate. The wood beneath the crates starts to give as all of your weight is on it.

 

The Person in the Front of the Make an Agility Save. If it is greater than or equal to 13, continue along the Crate Path. If it is less than or equal to 12, fall through the crates.

 

Continue Along the Crates

 

Fall Through the Crate

Fall Through the Crate

Your foot falls through the crate, followed by the bulk of your leg and down to your hip. As your thigh moves through the wood, the boards split and your body crashes through the crate. Once inside, you find yourself surrounded by raw textiles and empty vials, though as you rise to your feet, you see one of the vials contains a bit of substance.

 

Acquire: Tincture

 

“Hey, what was that!” screams one of the soldiers as he turns from the door to the covered pier. With two of his allies in tow, he walks over to the crate to find you standing within the confines of the wooden box. The rest of the party leaps down to ambush the soldiers.

 

The Players in the Middle and Rear, Place a Card into the Field for No Effect.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Thug x 2, Syndicate Watchman

 

The loud commotion from the battle does not go unnoticed, with the leader peering down from the second floor. He points at you with one of the foreman at his side. However, as he points, a loud explosion comes from the pier, this time a whitish blue. The Leader and his Foremen look out toward the pier as the two brothers destroy every soldier who runs toward them with their powerful abilities. Jerikko, the blonde haired brother, ignites his right fist and casts a large orange ball of energy at the leader. It flies through the air. The Syndicate Leader, maintaining a smug gaze, stands his ground as the ball approaches. He puts his right arm out and absorbs the entirety of the ball without any strife. “Valcus’s Ass!” curses Jerikko before igniting his hands again in anger.

 

Merevo, the dark haired brother, smirks and ignites his hands with a whitish blue hue. He holds his right hand out and casts a large orb at floor at the leader and his foreman are standing on. The wood cracks beneath the impact of the orb as it ignites and crumbles. The three men fall to the wooden floor beneath them and crash with a loud thud. “Sometimes it takes more than power, brother,” quips Merevo as more workers unload from the warehouse to stop them.

 

More crates fall to the ground and shatter around the three men who are on their backs. The twins, still bombarding workers with their magical might, are detained and unable to move toward the leader with the Shard on his neck. As the three men, the Leader and two Foremen, rise to their feet, their eyes shift to you. You walk toward the three men unabated as the twins handle the onslaught of workers. Your task is to deal with the leader and his two lieutenants. With your weapons drawn from the previous fight, you approach the three men and attack.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Foreman x 2 and Syndicate Leader

 

The two foremen succumb to their wounds and collapse in a pool of their own blood. The leader, beaten and battered, drops to his knees and stares up at you. Behind you, all of the workers are either dead or badly injured from magical wounds while a few others were lucky enough to flee. The leader grabs his chest; vasts amount of blood are pouring from the large wound that you opened up. The brothers approach the Syndicate Leader, looking down at him as he gasps for air. Merevo reaches down and rips the pendant off of his neck and removes the Shard from the brass clasp. “Hmm,” announces Merevo as he grips the stone between his thumb and finger while staring into the ruby colored gemstone.

 

“Hmm?” asks Jerikko. “What is it, brother? What power does that Shard possess?”

 

“Nothing useful for either of us,” answers Merevo, prompting Jerikko to scoff. Merevo averts his eyes down to the weapon, a dagger, that is shimmering in the light that is coming in through one of the small windows. In the hilt, he notices a light blue gemstone that radiates with the ancient knowledge of Zailyne. He kneels down with you and Jerikko both keeping your eyes on him and the Leader powerless to stop him. “This, however, might prove to be,” states a profound Merevo as he grips the dagger. He pulls the gem out of the hilt and drops the dagger to the ground. “This will prove to be quite useful indeed.”

 

“Then give it here, brother,” states Jerikko rudely as he pushes Merevo’s shoulder. “If its possesses raw power, then I would prefer to wield it.”

 

Merevo smiles and glances over at you. “It’s far from raw power, brother. This Shard contains the ability to create ice from the particles of water in the air and use them advantageously.”

 

Jerikko gazes at his brother with a look of confusion and disgust. “So that Shard teaches you how to make ice?” he asks rhetorically. “I can head to the mountains for that. It is not useful at all.” Merevo smirks and places the Shard in an amulet on his neck before closing his eyes to feel the knowledge flow through his veins. He rises to his feet, his eyes now glowing a light blue, and holds out his hand to cast a sheet of ice across the floor of the warehouse. “Great, you’ve created an obstacle brother. Oh, how useful that really is,” quips Jerikko before turning his attention back to the Syndicate Leader. He ignites his hand with an orange glow and holds it up to the leader’s head. “Tell me, friend, is there anything useful that is actually contained within these walls?”

 

The Syndicate Leader, still on his knees and waiting for death’s cold embrace, looks up at Jerikko and shakes his head emphatically. “You have made a grave mistake, mage,” he states coldly. “You have just declared war on the Or’tel Syndicate and I give you my word, my masters will…” an orange ray of energy decapitates the leader prior to him finishing his statement.

 

“I have no time for idle threats,” claims Jerikko as he pulls his right arm back to rest by his side. The Syndicate Leader’s body drops to the ground with Merevo looking on at the carnage.

 

“Was that truly necessary?” asks Merevo.

 

Jerikko scoffs before turning his back to his brother. “It made me feel better.”

 

Merevo shrugs and turns to face you and your allies. “I suppose that’s what really matters.” Merevo reaches out and hands you the ruby Shard, prompting Jerikko to turn around in protest.

 

“Brother, why are you giving them that?” asks Jerikko.

 

“Because they aided us in our conquest. They deserve a prize just as we do,” explains Merevo proudly before dropping the Shard into your open hand.

 

Acquire One of the Following: Shard of Life, Shard of Reality, Shard of Stone Hands, Shard of Vision, Shard of the Defender, Shard of Vampirism

 

Jerikko pauses for a moment before nodding. “Fine,” he says reluctantly. “You said that Shard wouldn’t do either of us any good anyway. Let them take it as a prize.”

 

“Good,” says Merevo with a smile. “Now let's get out of here before the Syndicate sends some reinforcements. I’d hate to have to really show off how strong this new Shard actually is,” quips Merevo. “Thank you, adventurers. Stay around Sunshire. There’s a fair chance we may need to work together again.”

 

All Players Earn 300 Shard Experience

 

Scenario Complete

Follow Along the Edge of the Warehouse

Select a marching order for your team with one person taking up the leader slot, one person taking up the rear slot, and everyone else taking up the middle.

 

You set forth to move slowly and quietly around the edge of the building with the intent of not drawing the attention of any of the workers. With the marching order determined, the leader moves along the edge first with the rest in tow, making it to the edge of the building before turning to walk around the back portion of the warehouse. The wooden walls are all well constructed, though with the magic that is being cast about, you wonder if they will stand up to stray orb or energy, or perhaps even a direct hit.

 

You continue to move along the wall with your back facing the wood so that you can keep an eye out on what’s in front of you. Above you is the second floor where the Syndicate Leader is now standing to watch what is unfolding before his eyes. The battle between the two brothers and the bulk of the Or’tel Syndicate wages on with the workers all falling quite easily to the sheer power of the casters. Merevo and Jerikko slaughter the Syndicate workers without prejudice and with relative ease.

 

Jerikko steps forward and notices the Syndicate Leader staring on at him.The young mage ignites his right hand with an orange hue and tosses a large ball of energy directly at him. The ball travels through the air rapidly and makes contact with the Leader. Without changing his expression from the foul and calm one currently plastered across his face, the Leader absorbs the ball of energy with his right hand without strife. “Valcus’s ass,” curses Jerikko. Dumbfounded and enraged,  he ignites both of his hands while Merevo steps forward and places his hand on his brother’s chest. Jerikko looks to his right as his gnites his hand to a whitish blue and projects a ball of energy at the floor above you. Merevo makes direct contact and the pieces of wood start to crumble around you.

 

Make an Agility Save. If less than or equal to 15, take 20 damage.

 

The Syndicate Leader and two other men fall to the ground with wood and splinters all around them. The bulk of the floor and what was being stored up there was incinerated and turned to ash by Merevo, though enough fell that could cause harm to those who could not step out of the way. The three members of the Or’tel Syndicate stir and rise to their feet as more workers come in from outside to try and impede the progress of the brothers. You stand up and dust yourself off before staring at the three men before you. They turn to look at you before drawing their weapons. With the brothers being kept busy by their subordinates, they’re able to focus their full attention and ire on you.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Foreman x 2 and Syndicate Leader

 

The two foremen succumb to their wounds and collapse in a pool of their own blood. The leader, beaten and battered, drops to his knees and stares up at you. Behind you, all of the workers are either dead or badly injured from magical wounds while a few others were lucky enough to flee. The leader grabs his chest; vasts amount of blood are pouring from the large wound that you opened up. The brothers approach the Syndicate Leader, looking down at him as he gasps for air. Merevo reaches down and rips the pendant off of his neck and removes the Shard from the brass clasp. “Hmm,” announces Merevo as he grips the stone between his thumb and finger while staring into the ruby colored gemstone.

 

“Hmm?” asks Jerikko. “What is it, brother? What power does that Shard possess?”

 

“Nothing useful for either of us,” answers Merevo, prompting Jerikko to scoff. Merevo averts his eyes down to the weapon, a dagger, that is shimmering in the light that is coming in through one of the small windows. In the hilt, he notices a light blue gemstone that radiates with the ancient knowledge of Zailyne. He kneels down with you and Jerikko both keeping your eyes on him and the Leader powerless to stop him. “This, however, might prove to be,” states a profound Merevo as he grips the dagger. He pulls the gem out of the hilt and drops the dagger to the ground. “This will prove to be quite useful indeed.”

 

“Then give it here, brother,” states Jerikko rudely as he pushes Merevo’s shoulder. “If its possesses raw power, then I would prefer to wield it.”

 

Merevo smiles and glances over at you. “It’s far from raw power, brother. This Shard contains the ability to create ice from the particles of water in the air and use them advantageously.”

 

Jerikko gazes at his brother with a look of confusion and disgust. “So that Shard teaches you how to make ice?” he asks rhetorically. “I can head to the mountains for that. It is not useful at all.” Merevo smirks and places the Shard in an amulet on his neck before closing his eyes to feel the knowledge flow through his veins. He rises to his feet, his eyes now glowing a light blue, and holds out his hand to cast a sheet of ice across the floor of the warehouse. “Great, you’ve created an obstacle brother. Oh, how useful that really is,” quips Jerikko before turning his attention back to the Syndicate Leader. He ignites his hand with an orange glow and holds it up to the leader’s head. “Tell me, friend, is there anything useful that is actually contained within these walls?”

 

The Syndicate Leader, still on his knees and waiting for death’s cold embrace, looks up at Jerikko and shakes his head emphatically. “You have made a grave mistake, mage,” he states coldly. “You have just declared war on the Or’tel Syndicate and I give you my word, my masters will…” an orange ray of energy decapitates the leader prior to him finishing his statement.

 

“I have no time for idle threats,” claims Jerikko as he pulls his right arm back to rest by his side. The Syndicate Leader’s body drops to the ground with Merevo looking on at the carnage.

 

“Was that truly necessary?” asks Merevo.

 

Jerikko scoffs before turning his back to his brother. “It made me feel better.”

 

Merevo shrugs and turns to face you and your allies. “I suppose that’s what really matters.” Merevo reaches out and hands you the ruby Shard, prompting Jerikko to turn around in protest.

 

“Brother, why are you giving them that?” asks Jerikko.

 

“Because they aided us in our conquest. They deserve a prize just as we do,” explains Merevo proudly before dropping the Shard into your open hand.

 

Acquire One of the Following: Shard of Life, Shard of Reality, Shard of Stone Hands, Shard of Vision, Shard of the Defender, Shard of Vampirism

 

Jerikko pauses for a moment before nodding. “Fine,” he says reluctantly. “You said that Shard wouldn’t do either of us any good anyway. Let them take it as a prize.”

 

“Good,” says Merevo with a smile. “Now let's get out of here before the Syndicate sends some reinforcements. I’d hate to have to really show off how strong this new Shard actually is,” quips Merevo. “Thank you, adventurers. Stay around Sunshire. There’s a fair chance we may need to work together again.”

 

All Players Earn 300 Shard Experience

 

Scenario Complete

Run Through the Center

Select a marching order for your team with one person taking up the leader slot, one person taking up the rear slot, and everyone else taking up the middle.

 

Though riskier, you opt to move through the center and take the direct path toward the Syndicate Leader and his resonating Shard. With the person designated to lead the group forward, you break out into a sprint and charge toward the large, horizontal row in the middle of the warehouse. The workers all charge toward the brothers as you run into the center of the room with their weapons drawn. Balls of energy continue to hit the torsos, heads, and extremities of the workers as they charge toward the brothers, though as you enter the center of the room, one of the balls from Jerikko misses its mark and propels toward your group.

 

The Players in the Front and the Rear, make an Agility Save. If it is less than or equal to 14, take 30 damage minus your Defensive Bonus.

 

The Players in the Middle, make an Agility Save. If it is less than or equal to 16, take 30 damage minus your Defensive Bonus.

 

You get up from the ground to find three workers, all of who had to dive out of the way from Jerikko’s stray blast. They stare at you in the eye as you dust yourselves off and reach for your weapons. The three workers look over your shoulders’ to see the brothers still destroying their allies and instead of aiding them, charge toward you, opting to take their chances with you and your allies instead of the certain death that awaits them with the brothers.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Watchman, Syndicate Thug x 2

 

The three workers meet their end as an orange ball flies over your head at the Syndicate Leader. Jerikko, with his hand out, watches his orange ball of energy fly toward its destination. The Leader, however, holds his right hand out and absorbs the energy in his hands without changing the cold expression on his face. Jerikko, dumbfounded and enraged, ignites both of his hands and prepare to fire an onslaught of energy at the leader. Merevo, however, steps forward and places his hand on his brother’s chest. He ignites his right hand with a whitish blue aura and fires a ball of energy at the floor beneath the Syndicate Leader and his two subordinates’ feet. The ball makes contact and the floor shatters beneath them, dropping them to the ground beneath them. “Sometimes it takes more than power, brother,” quips Merevo as more workers unload from the warehouse to stop them.

 

More crates fall to the ground and shatter around the three men who are on their backs. The twins, still bombarding workers with their magical might, are detained and unable to move toward the leader with the Shard on his neck. As the three men, the Leader and two Foremen, rise to their feet, their eyes shift to you. You walk toward the three men unabated as the twins handle the onslaught of workers. Your task is to deal with the leader and his two lieutenants. With your weapons drawn from the previous fight, you approach the three men and attack.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Foreman x 2 and Syndicate Leader

 

The two foremen succumb to their wounds and collapse in a pool of their own blood. The leader, beaten and battered, drops to his knees and stares up at you. Behind you, all of the workers are either dead or badly injured from magical wounds while a few others were lucky enough to flee. The leader grabs his chest; vasts amount of blood are pouring from the large wound that you opened up. The brothers approach the Syndicate Leader, looking down at him as he gasps for air. Merevo reaches down and rips the pendant off of his neck and removes the Shard from the brass clasp. “Hmm,” announces Merevo as he grips the stone between his thumb and finger while staring into the ruby colored gemstone.

 

“Hmm?” asks Jerikko. “What is it, brother? What power does that Shard possess?”

 

“Nothing useful for either of us,” answers Merevo, prompting Jerikko to scoff. Merevo averts his eyes down to the weapon, a dagger, that is shimmering in the light that is coming in through one of the small windows. In the hilt, he notices a light blue gemstone that radiates with the ancient knowledge of Zailyne. He kneels down with you and Jerikko both keeping your eyes on him and the Leader powerless to stop him. “This, however, might prove to be,” states a profound Merevo as he grips the dagger. He pulls the gem out of the hilt and drops the dagger to the ground. “This will prove to be quite useful indeed.”

 

“Then give it here, brother,” states Jerikko rudely as he pushes Merevo’s shoulder. “If its possesses raw power, then I would prefer to wield it.”

 

Merevo smiles and glances over at you. “It’s far from raw power, brother. This Shard contains the ability to create ice from the particles of water in the air and use them advantageously.”

 

Jerikko gazes at his brother with a look of confusion and disgust. “So that Shard teaches you how to make ice?” he asks rhetorically. “I can head to the mountains for that. It is not useful at all.” Merevo smirks and places the Shard in an amulet on his neck before closing his eyes to feel the knowledge flow through his veins. He rises to his feet, his eyes now glowing a light blue, and holds out his hand to cast a sheet of ice across the floor of the warehouse. “Great, you’ve created an obstacle brother. Oh, how useful that really is,” quips Jerikko before turning his attention back to the Syndicate Leader. He ignites his hand with an orange glow and holds it up to the leader’s head. “Tell me, friend, is there anything useful that is actually contained within these walls?”

 

The Syndicate Leader, still on his knees and waiting for death’s cold embrace, looks up at Jerikko and shakes his head emphatically. “You have made a grave mistake, mage,” he states coldly. “You have just declared war on the Or’tel Syndicate and I give you my word, my masters will…” an orange ray of energy decapitates the leader prior to him finishing his statement.

 

“I have no time for idle threats,” claims Jerikko as he pulls his right arm back to rest by his side. The Syndicate Leader’s body drops to the ground with Merevo looking on at the carnage.

 

“Was that truly necessary?” asks Merevo.

 

Jerikko scoffs before turning his back to his brother. “It made me feel better.”

 

Merevo shrugs and turns to face you and your allies. “I suppose that’s what really matters.” Merevo reaches out and hands you the ruby Shard, prompting Jerikko to turn around in protest.

 

“Brother, why are you giving them that?” asks Jerikko.

 

“Because they aided us in our conquest. They deserve a prize just as we do,” explains Merevo proudly before dropping the Shard into your open hand.

 

Acquire One of the Following: Shard of Life, Shard of Reality, Shard of Stone Hands, Shard of Vision, Shard of the Defender, Shard of Vampirism

 

Jerikko pauses for a moment before nodding. “Fine,” he says reluctantly. “You said that Shard wouldn’t do either of us any good anyway. Let them take it as a prize.”

 

“Good,” says Merevo with a smile. “Now let's get out of here before the Syndicate sends some reinforcements. I’d hate to have to really show off how strong this new Shard actually is,” quips Merevo. “Thank you, adventurers. Stay around Sunshire. There’s a fair chance we may need to work together again.”

 

All Players Earn 300 Shard Experience

 

Scenario Complete

Leap Down to the Path

You leap off of the crates into the empty aisle, now that it is empty and void of any patrol. You move quietly along the aisle and as you walk along, you see the opening to one of the crates. You lean down and pull the wood back to find a few useful pieces of equipment that are being prepared to be shipped out.

 

Acquire: Copper Armor

 

Acquire: Cotton Robe

 

Acquire: Leather Getup

 

Acquire: Badger Fur

 

With your new armor in hand, you stand up and look out toward the center of the room. As your eyes start to focus on what’s in front of you, the sound of an explosion grabs your attention. You turn toward the large door near the opening to the pier and to see a large, orange explosion fill the area. Workers, all surprised by the magical burst, drop what they’re doing and sprint toward their imminent demise. With all of the chaos going on around you and your allies, you continue to examine the room and the structure. You glance up to see that you’re standing underneath a second floor and you turn your head to see that there is a staircase on the far end of the building that will lead up to it. As you stare ahead though, you notice a man in pristinely pressed clothing standing on the steps to get a better view of the carnage. While the workers you just encountered carried rusty weapons and wore rags for clothing, this man carries a silver blade and wears finely tailored clothes. On his neck, however, you notice a ruby colored gemstone hanging from a brass pendant. The radiance of you attracts your eyes and affixes them for a brief moment. You feel that there is a power held within that Shard that you or one of your allies would love to possess. The Syndicate Leader points down at the pier while several of the workers charge toward the two brothers in an attempt to stop and impede them.

 

You have yet to be noticed by the Syndicate Leader or anyone else. The chaos coming from the pierside door has garnered the attention of the entire Or’tel Syndicate, leaving you with a chance to move stealthily through the warehouse. With a goal of reaching the leader to acquire his Shard, you can move around the edge of the building and reach the stairs without having to fight anyone, or you can rush through the middle of the building and enter combat with whoever you come across. Which path will you take?

 

Follow Along the Edge of the Warehouse

 

Run Through the Center

Continue Along the Crates

The person leading the party avoids falling through the crate, noticing that it is about to give and leaps off of it before it collapses. The rest of the party moves along softly and quickly, avoiding having the crate collapse beneath them. Once at the end of the row, you look up to see the Syndicate Leader and his two lieutenants gazing down at the chaos with both Merevo and Jerikko fighting back the workers of the Or’tel Syndicate. Jerikko, the blonde haired brother, ignites his right fist and casts a large orange ball of energy at the leader. It flies through the air. The Syndicate Leader, maintaining a smug gaze, stands his ground as the ball approaches. He puts his right arm out and absorbs the entirety of the ball without any strife. “Valcus’s Ass!” curses Jerikko before igniting his hands again in anger.

 

Merevo, the dark haired brother, smirks and ignites his hands with a whitish blue hue. He holds his right hand out and casts a large orb at floor at the leader and his foreman are standing on. The wood cracks beneath the impact of the orb as it ignites and crumbles. The three men fall to the wooden floor beneath them and crash with a loud thud. “Sometimes it takes more than power, brother,” quips Merevo as more workers unload from the warehouse to stop them.

 

More crates fall to the ground and shatter around the three men who are on their backs. The twins, still bombarding workers with their magical might, are detained and unable to move toward the leader with the Shard on his neck. As the three men, the Leader and two Foremen, rise to their feet, their eyes shift to you. You leap down off of the crate and walk toward the three men unabated as the twins handle the onslaught of workers. Your task is to deal with the leader and his two lieutenants. With your weapons drawn from the previous fight, you approach the three men and attack.

 

Commence Battle with Syndicate Foreman x 2 and Syndicate Leader

 

The two foremen succumb to their wounds and collapse in a pool of their own blood. The leader, beaten and battered, drops to his knees and stares up at you. Behind you, all of the workers are either dead or badly injured from magical wounds while a few others were lucky enough to flee. The leader grabs his chest; vasts amount of blood are pouring from the large wound that you opened up. The brothers approach the Syndicate Leader, looking down at him as he gasps for air. Merevo reaches down and rips the pendant off of his neck and removes the Shard from the brass clasp. “Hmm,” announces Merevo as he grips the stone between his thumb and finger while staring into the ruby colored gemstone.

 

“Hmm?” asks Jerikko. “What is it, brother? What power does that Shard possess?”

 

“Nothing useful for either of us,” answers Merevo, prompting Jerikko to scoff. Merevo averts his eyes down to the weapon, a dagger, that is shimmering in the light that is coming in through one of the small windows. In the hilt, he notices a light blue gemstone that radiates with the ancient knowledge of Zailyne. He kneels down with you and Jerikko both keeping your eyes on him and the Leader powerless to stop him. “This, however, might prove to be,” states a profound Merevo as he grips the dagger. He pulls the gem out of the hilt and drops the dagger to the ground. “This will prove to be quite useful indeed.”

 

“Then give it here, brother,” states Jerikko rudely as he pushes Merevo’s shoulder. “If its possesses raw power, then I would prefer to wield it.”

 

Merevo smiles and glances over at you. “It’s far from raw power, brother. This Shard contains the ability to create ice from the particles of water in the air and use them advantageously.”

 

Jerikko gazes at his brother with a look of confusion and disgust. “So that Shard teaches you how to make ice?” he asks rhetorically. “I can head to the mountains for that. It is not useful at all.” Merevo smirks and places the Shard in an amulet on his neck before closing his eyes to feel the knowledge flow through his veins. He rises to his feet, his eyes now glowing a light blue, and holds out his hand to cast a sheet of ice across the floor of the warehouse. “Great, you’ve created an obstacle brother. Oh, how useful that really is,” quips Jerikko before turning his attention back to the Syndicate Leader. He ignites his hand with an orange glow and holds it up to the leader’s head. “Tell me, friend, is there anything useful that is actually contained within these walls?”

 

The Syndicate Leader, still on his knees and waiting for death’s cold embrace, looks up at Jerikko and shakes his head emphatically. “You have made a grave mistake, mage,” he states coldly. “You have just declared war on the Or’tel Syndicate and I give you my word, my masters will…” an orange ray of energy decapitates the leader prior to him finishing his statement.

 

“I have no time for idle threats,” claims Jerikko as he pulls his right arm back to rest by his side. The Syndicate Leader’s body drops to the ground with Merevo looking on at the carnage.

 

“Was that truly necessary?” asks Merevo.

 

Jerikko scoffs before turning his back to his brother. “It made me feel better.”

 

Merevo shrugs and turns to face you and your allies. “I suppose that’s what really matters.” Merevo reaches out and hands you the ruby Shard, prompting Jerikko to turn around in protest.

 

“Brother, why are you giving them that?” asks Jerikko.

 

“Because they aided us in our conquest. They deserve a prize just as we do,” explains Merevo proudly before dropping the Shard into your open hand.

 

Acquire One of the Following: Shard of Life, Shard of Reality, Shard of Stone Hands, Shard of Vision, Shard of the Defender, Shard of Vampirism

 

Jerikko pauses for a moment before nodding. “Fine,” he says reluctantly. “You said that Shard wouldn’t do either of us any good anyway. Let them take it as a prize.”

 

“Good,” says Merevo with a smile. “Now let's get out of here before the Syndicate sends some reinforcements. I’d hate to have to really show off how strong this new Shard actually is,” quips Merevo. “Thank you, adventurers. Stay around Sunshire. There’s a fair chance we may need to work together again.”

 

All Players Earn 300 Shard Experience

 

Scenario Complete

Syndicate Foreman
Syndicate Foreman Mini-Boss
Hit Points Defense Physical Magic Speed
70 2 7 0 6
Roundhouse Punch (11+) Deal damage to a single target for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus.
Sucker Punch (19+) Deal damage to a single target for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus plus 20. Target is inflicted with Stun for 2 turns.
Syndicate Leader
Syndicate Leader Boss
Hit Points Defense Physical Magic Speed
200 6 6 0 9
Rake (12+) Deal physical damage to a single target for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus plus 10.
Gouge (14+) Deal physical damage to all targets for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus plus 10.
Pepper Spray(16+) Deal physical damage to all targets for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus plus 10. All targets are Stunned for 1 turn.
Syndicate Thug
Syndicate Thug Minion
Hit Points Defense Physical Magic Speed
40 0 5 0 11
Charge (11+) Deal physical damage to a single target for the total amount of the cards in the field plus physical bonus.
Syndicate Watchman
Syndicate Watchman Minion
Hit Points Defense Physical Magic Speed
30 3 3 0 10
Nightstick (12+) Deal physical damage to a single target for the total amount of the cards plus physical bonus. Target must discard a card or take an additional 10 damage.

 

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