Time: 0600
Weather: Temperature normal for season (warm); no wind, no rain
Location: New Alamo
Ley Line: None
Scene modifiers:
- Light: Normal
- Visibility: NA
***
The first light of dawn arrived with the heroes of the 101st standing amidst a field of blood and gore. Fires ignited around them -- and on their armor -- as the remnants of the vampires were touched by sunlight, nothing dangerous, just some acrid smoke, and Ashley was able to keep it in check easily.
The citizens and refugees of New Alamo, lead by what remained of the old and young cyber-knights and Magdalenas, came out to the drawbridge. The shattered gates lay in the moat, and a cool autumn haze rose from the water as the citizens cheered the heroes.
Nara approached Charlemagne and held out a small holo-comm. “This was in that woman vampire’s armor,” she said.
There was a recorded message saved on the device. When activated, the figure of a rail thin, pale skinned man in black robes appeared. One eye was human, but the other was slitted and a sickly green color, almost demonic. One hand also was larger than the other, slimy green skin and wicked claws. His voice was cool, cultured, as he spoke.
“Lord Soldad, I am Count Atrocles of the True Federation of Magic. My Lord Dunscon has graced me with the task to extend our influence beyond the confines of the Federation, to create new outposts in the west in an effort to surround the Coalition on all sides that we might squeeze them. I wish to extend to you an invitation to my fortress for a parley about how we might best utilize our forces. As a token of friendship, I offer to you this bit of intelligence. A former associate of mine from Tolkeen, the Lady Geist, is planning an offensive against the town of Gloom. My divinations have indicated that she will fail spectacularly, but only because those arrayed against her have called in all the forces they can muster. That includes the defenders of New Alamo, that mighty thorn in the side of your burgeoning influence in the Pecos Empire. If you strike now, you can cut those do gooders out like a cancer before their forces return, raze their city to the ground, and mount the heads of their families and loved ones on pikes when they return victorious.”
Count Atrocles smiled cruelly. “I give to you the Duchesne twins. They will lead you to my refuge should you agree to meet, and will be effective battle leaders for your hordes of wild vampires against New Alamo. For now, I bid you good hunting and hope to see you soon.”
He gave a courtly bow and the message ended.
***
It took another week for the forces of New Alamo to return. In that time, the gates needed to be repaired and defenses restored, the ruins of Whiskey Pete’s trailer hauled from the moat. He still had some stores in the back of his Big Boss, though, which he was more than willing to share with the inhabitants of New Alamo to celebrate the return. During the festivities, the 101st were seated on the high table with the leaders of New Alamo, the Magdalenas, and the Cyber-Knights.