Rumors are spreading through Shadowscape that something or someone is on the prowl, attacking the city's residents, killing some and leaving others sorely injured. Strangely, these same rumors also state that the victims seemingly don't have a mark on them; it's as though their bodies just gave out. As of recently, there's been two deaths, a man and his girlfriend, who were found apparently drained of life. Two more victims, a pair of women, are currently lying comatose in the care of the Temple of Mask. And, two young men have apparently vanished completely, with not even a trace left of them. When asked about the situation, Captain Merrick of the Shadowscape guards only expresses concern that a crazed necromancer may be about.

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Named Most Influential Character, Amia Awards 2011

*Letters are sent out to the Temple of Mask and Shadowscape Guard*

Captain Merrick,

The Troupe is searching diligently to find the two missing males. They are believed to be locals, Justin Chandler and Davven Darkeyes. Any other information you can get on these two, such as crime records, time as citizens, former jobs, would be very much appreciated. The Academy has no record of these two attending.

On top of the double shifts and extra guards posted, I suggest a public announcement for the locals and a post at the rift, for locals and visitors to stay to the upper city paths. They are more open and the Nightwings are already posted there. Going around through the streets and alleys is not a safe move at the moment, and the fewer we have running through the streets the more we can isolate this problem.

My research on this type of situation, for a person’s life energy people drained with no further signs of injury, it is certainly an undead creature or Necromantic spells. Creatures of the Shadow Plane with this type of ability or similar being the members of the Ephemera Family and the higher of the Nightshades, the Nightcrawlers, feeding directly on a victims’ life-force. The problem with these ideas is the fact that the city is sealed and there’s no possible way for them to breach the city wards.
However, Wraiths or Wights brought through the rifts by a necromancer or similar with control of undead. They could cause similar effects, I personally feel this is the case since as of now we have different scenarios, Victims being left dead drained of all life, disappearing completely, and ones left barely hanging onto life.

Ill be investigating more this evening, seek me out if you have any questions or news of your own.

-Grandmaster Brinstion


*letter sent to the Temple of Mask*


Priest Aylows,

I personally thank you for the care for the two women. Our current research is leading me to believe they were attacked by Undead. My first ideas were the members of the Ephemera Family and the higher of the Nightshades, the Nightcrawlers, feeding directly on a victims’ life-force. The problem I ran into with these, is that its impossible for them to breach the city walls. I’m not sure how much Mask allows you to see for the effects of wraiths and wights, but they are another form of undead that can easily survive on the Shadow Plane, but most be brought here. This difference in the possible strengths of the undead from the Material could be the reason we have different but similar cases in the victims.

Our Troupe is still investigating on the matter and if any further signs pointing to what caused this are found, you will be notified immediately.

Regards
-Grandmaster Brinston

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*Xal sighs and only shakes his head as he overhears some locals speaking*

It's happening I say. The scape is takin' back those whom have abused it. I tried to tell them that ya needed moderation, but they wouldn't listen. Now it's happening.

The Scapes absorbing all those whom have abused it. I hope I'm wrong.

*He continues onward, mumbling to himself more as he goes*

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I keels u with my axe!

"Do ye know where the Holy-Flamin' Frost-brand Gronk-slayin' Vorpal Hammer o' woundin' an' returnin' an' Shootin'-Lightnin'-out-yer-bum is?"

*Savannah goes to Bendir, and meets with several of the Hin, explaining the goings on in Shadowscape. She describes the elderly hin woman who was found dead, and where the body is being kept so the family can come identify it. She warns them to stay to the main roads and to travel in groups when and if they visit the scape.

From there she goes to Salandra to find a cleric who might be able to come to Masks temple and inspect the body, and possibly find a way to help the other two women who are still in a coma.*

*a letter is written by Aylows, and copies are sent to each of the instructors and masters of the Three Steps Academy, as well as the Shadowscape guards*

Gentlemen and Ladies,

It brings me great joy to announce that the two women who were found behind the Drunk Dancer in such a dismal state have recovered. Unfortunately, it also pains me to report that they do not seem to remember much concerning their attackers, save for darkness, and a sense of unearthly cold and terror. They are both certain that whoever assaulted them, it wasn't human, elf, or any other normal sort of being. I would like the chance to speak to you regarding this, and the two ladies have made themselves available for questioning at your leisure.

May the Shadows hide your steps,
Shadowwalker Aylows, of the Temple of Mask

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Named Most Influential Character, Amia Awards 2011