LOCATION: Near Klacton Hive, Evermore

SUMMARY: Vel’Rai and Qur’Zar visit the Klacton hive. Helping them defend against the Psionic Sentience and prepare them to interact with Guildsmen.

DRAMATIZATION:

As Winterstart approaches, the days get shorter. The sun retreats making room for the vast, cold night. Slaloming between the glowing orbs just outside of Evermore, Vel’Rai moved eastward towards the Dragon River. Pausing along the banks of the Dragon Lake, he checked his mana mirror.

“Qur’Zar [click] should be here soon,” he spoke aloud. Speaking vocally was a newer habit that Vel’Rai had picked up, from spending so much time with the inhabitants of Evermore no doubt.

“Yes, [click] I should,” replied Qur’Zar in a smooth monotone voice. He emerged from the treeline in a fluid motion and joined alongside his friend.
The moonlight shone upon their chitin. Their articulated exoskeletons reflected the otherworldly glow of the moon like the ripples of the lake before them. They, like Dragon Lake, were symbols of calm serenity, with untold secrets lurking just below the surface.

In the distance, music could be heard. The Ball had started at the Roasted Dragon Inn. Vel’Rai turned to face Qur’Zar, their breaths froze in the air as they exhaled. Vel’Rai spoke, “Thank you for joining me. I believe that we should investigate this [click] Klacton Hive near Evermore. Not much is known. We can take notes and [click] share our information with the rest of the Guildsmen.”

Qur’Zar continued to look outward along the lake. His eyes surveyed the far banks and listened to the environs nearby. “I concur [click] [click],” he replied. Qur’Zar was concerned they would encounter Void cultists. “Let’s move quickly and quietly.”
As they moved north along the eastern bank of the Dragon River the two Klactons passed Drakenhold, an Asgarn settlement. Not long after did they pass Dunlough and the recently rebuilt Ring Fort. As the terrain changed from hills, to more mountainous, they knew they were getting close.

Vel’Rai pulled away some tangled undergrowth revealing an old rail that was used by mine carts. “This is from an old abandoned mine. It was rumored that these Klactons set roots back in 1018 A.Order. If we follow the remains of these rails, it should lead us to the Klacton Hive.”

Qur’Zar replied, “I’ve never tracked a Mine before, [click] but I can help. You lead, and I’ll watch our backs.”

Vel’Rai led the two of them away from the river and deeper into the mountains. After a fair amount of searching and a little luck, they were able to find themselves an overwatch position with a proper vantage point of a tunnel leading into the Klacton Hive.

Qur’Zar looked to Vel’Rai and said “Well done in locating the hive [click]. We should be able to [click] assist them in reinforcing their hive from this [click] Psionic Sentience. If such an entity that can influence hive minds gained control of a hive,” Qur’Zar paused, “much chaos would ensue. We must do what we can to [click] protect our kind.” continued Qur’zar. 

While observing only a few drones were spotted entering the Klacton Hive, Vel’Rai retorted, “Yes [click] and we must prepare them for interacting with the [click] Guildsmen. Only due to the kindness of a few Guildmasters, like Apagado, is this hive even allowed to continue to exist. You and I [click] both know at the slightest infraction, Guildhall will move to crush these people. Guildhall is just as large of a threat to them as this [click] Sentience. We must prepare them for both in order to ensure the continued existence of this hive.”

As dawn broke, the two Klactons settled in and took turns observing the drone activity. What was already light activity seemed to get lighter during the morning. Vel’Rai began packing up their light camp and said “I think we’ve learned all that we can from observing. We should [click] enter.”