#thebastion

It begins.

// Do it! If you make a post about it or some sort of infographic/banner/ Uncle cipher wantsYOU to give Runeterra to mages, I will totally make a page for it on the Bastion-verse of my blog so that people can look up.

// Totes. I’d let her tell you just how much she loves her Nocy-Noc, but I um, I shoved her out of the room so she won’t hear this and use the opportunity so tell you how much she loves him.

// Unfortunately not - in fact, there are a lot of people I’d like to associate with, but I prefer not to be the one to approach first since it can appear as a daunting ‘task’ and y’know, I don’t want to spook people away.

The evening had already settled by the time the expedition sent to the Marshes of Kaladoun returned to the Institute of War, inciting a great deal of excitement (and a measure of concern) for the Bastion when the great Nexus Crystal was brought in the building.

It would be inevitable that the news of this mission’s success would spread throughout the realm - and indubitably, individuals that were interested in these great containers of energy would finally deign it necessary to give the fledgling organization a more thorough look.

But for now ... the party would be greeted like heroes, warranting a small feast and some merriment to be organized for that night. It wasn’t as much as the retrieval of the first Nexus Crystal that incited such joy, but more the sweet taste of success, and the hope that many more would soon follow.

Tybresa took a step back from the festivities, the strain of magically carrying a Nexus Crystal requiring intensive recovery ... but aside from the residue of mana that made her continue to glow for several hours after setting Damsel aside, one could tell that there was a light of satisfaction around her, visibly proud of her companions and what they have achieved that day.

Doran raised a toast for Jinx that night, which was met with a great deal of hesitation ... but was eventually echoed with good will and a willingness to forget her past terrorizing actions once the wine started flowing more freely. The members of the Bastion would not forget her contribution to the mission’s success, and think of her more highly for the days to come ... or at least, with less disdain and fear. @progressive-panic-by-jinx

Commander Villa had made a beeline towards Morgaine as soon as they arrived, inquiring about her origins and her men - and once she realized they had a common background, was more than happy to raise many a glass of liquor in her name once the feasting started. Though she preached pride in kinswoman and ability of northerners, those who knew better her better were quick to discern that the Commander was simply using Morgaine and her men as a reason to get roaring drunk. Nonetheless, many asked for the soldiers to tell them the story of their adventure and the fight with the Dragon, as well as look over their trophies and generally fawn over the group for a while. In the near future, perhaps the Freljordian troops would be asked to help train their recruits, having earned the Bastion’s trust and the Commander’s goodwill. @thegeneralofold

As for Rai ... he did not necessarily go unforgotten, but it felt like the people of the Bastion were giving him a wide berth, thanks to his reputation of solitude and the stoic atmosphere around him. There were some curious enough to approach him and pry some extra information from him, but eventually abandoned him for the sake of joining the Freljordian story-circle. Though the majority of the organization were content to focus on those who were more willing to lay claim to their exploits, one thing was certain - Rai’s contribution to the success of the mission would not go unappreciated by the most important person of them all ... even if she was not there in person to keep him company. Surely, Tybresa will find an opportunity to reward him for it. @ionianlightning

The night would pass by swiftly, and though the following day would come sluggishly due to hangovers and filled bellies, it felt great to revel in the atmosphere of hope that lingered in the hallways of the Institute.

// And that concludes the first mission of the Bastion! A million of thanks to those who participated, I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves despite my failings and shortcomings as a DM, though I can honestly say that I have learned a lot from this experience, and hopefully that I will do better in the next missions to come.

With this small chapter concluded, the Bastion stands stronger, thanks to the success of the party ... and ready to set their sights to the next course of action:

Continued from here.

For preparation’s sake, Tybresa had allowed for precisely one hour to pass before she would sling the traveling satchel across her back and make her way towards the main entryway of the Institute of War. It was enough time, she reckoned, for her chosen to make whatever last preparations they might deign necessary - while caution was advised, tardiness was something they could not afford now. Too much time had already passed since the discovery of the Nexus Crystal’s presence ... and who knew how that might have altered the state of things.

She was wearing her usual attire, albeit modified for the purpose at hand - that is to say, it was reinforced, layers of boiled leather affixed to her leggings and torso to protect her from any physical blows .. should they manage to get through her magical barriers, of course. In truth, that did not seem likely - but Tybresa did not want to appear reckless ... and Doran seemed happy to tinker with armor, for a change.

Arriving at the meeting point, Tybresa threw her gaze around until she would spot the rest of her entourage - she would wave them over, or call them by name to draw their attention, until they were all gathered around her ... and begin laying down the first steps of the operation.

“I am glad you could make it today.” She began speaking with a clear voice, crossing her arms to her chest. “Perhaps a little bit overdue, but it is time we investigate the trail Jinx has discovered for us.” She would give the blue-haired girl a small nod of approval. “I hope you have all prepared for this ... I anticipate to make it back at the Institute of War by tomorrow’s sunrise - with the Crystal, I hope. The trek towards the Marshes should take us a handful of hours ... if we mean it.”

Tybresa glanced at each individual in turn with a meaningful glimmer in her eyes, before she nodded her head once more. “All right. Follow me - I know of a path that should keep us well out of sight.” She turned on the balls of her feet and with a wave that beckoned them all to follow - Tybresa took point, leading the small party onwards.

...

Whatever would happen, at least Tybresa was a woman of her word - the route they would take would cut through dense forest and shrubbery, the path hardly walked over yet meagerly visible, offering the party the concealment they needed against any prying eyes. So far, nothing uneventful would happen on the journey, but it would give the party time to reflect on the nature surrounding them, or perhaps chat each other, in order to make time pass faster.

You must gather your party before venturing forth.

// D&D nod aside, wohoo! We’re finally getting to the action of the first mission of the event - nothing eventful so far, but give it some patience.

@ionianlightning + @progressive-panic-by-jinx + @thegeneralofold

How this will work:

We’ll be chain-posting to this event based on turns, with time passing once we reach a full ‘cycle (AKA everyone has posted at least once, depending on ‘length’ of the phase).

Travel phase: 1 cycle - turn order being: Jinx > Rai > Tybresa > Morgaine & her men (and then the DM-post that will advance the plot, then starting all over again) Remember, when you are replying to tag the person whose turn follows after yours!

For further questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a line - otherwise, let’s get this started!