After Action Report

# Tamarind Aether Walk

> Interviewer: Yellow Blossom
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### B.L.U.F.

Excursion was moderately successful. Agent of the Advanced Guard, 2nd Fang has aided in the removal of demonic forces from **ALPHA** site. Previous inhabitants appear non-hostile. Acquisition of potentially notable dwarven, religions artifact.

## Excursion Overview

**Excursion Name**: Tamarind Aether Walk

**Excursion Date**: ######### (SUBJECT TO GM DESIGNATION)

**Scope**: Reconnoiter the extraplanar location designated **Alpha** & retrieve any objects of potential significance.

**Mission Area(s)**: Reconnaissance, Procurement, Assault prevention

**Core Capabilities**: Planning, Intelligence, Risk Management, Object Procurement

**Objectives** (in order of importance):

1. Determine potential threat of location to the Accords / Court
2. Procure important objects through any means necessary
3. Determine organizational structure of denizens
4. Disrupt potential threats without direct traceability

**Threats / Hazards**: Extraplanar entities, Non-material plane environment, adventuring groups, religious devotees

**Designator**: Yellow Blossom

**Field Lead**: Guttersnipe

**Other field assets**: None

## Objectives

### 1. Determine potential threat of location to the Accords / Court

#### **A) ALPHA Denizens**

Agent Guttersnipe reported a severely compromised host for **ALPHA** Site. The incursion from the First Plane of Hell appears to have decimated the location. A single cleric was identified, but not confirmed, to be a survivor of the attacks.

**RECOMMENDATION(S)**: Reinforce the temple with like-minded religious organization who also has ties to our interests. Once the temple is secured, leave loyal agent(s) to keep an eye on things.

#### **B) Planar Incursion Agents**

Draconic agents from the First Plane of Hell had control of **ALPHA** site before Agent Guttersnipe's arrival. These Dragon-like creatures appear to have affiliations with Tiamat or the cult of Tiamat. They compromised Agent Guttersnipe and held them for questioning and torture. Unknown operatives have severely hampered the efforts of the incursion and killed many of the incursion agents.

**RECOMMENDATION(S)**: Discover why the cult of Tiamat or Tiamat loyalists are making incursions outside the First Hell. This may be the first steps in a larger plan to expand Her influence.

#### **C) Unknown Operatives on site**

A group of powerful magic users is currently in **ALPHA** site. Their overall motives are unclear, but they appear to be working on behest of a dwarven civilization. Through their intervention, a planarly held hostage was released. This hostage appeared to be the king of the dwarven civilization. The operatives appear to be quite adept at delving and fighting.

**SIDE NOTE**: They are agents of some other power. The Yuan-Ti took the Dwarf away to make sure he didn't reveal anything to Agent Guttersnipe.

##### Party Members (may be code names)

* SERA - Half-Elven or Elven Bard with Ice theme (identified by inspiration during battle)
	+ Exhausted, distracted, observant
	+ Appears to be reluctant leader
	+ Distracted by something other than the current team mission
	+ **IF HOSTILE**, EXTREME CAUTION WHEN APPROACHING
		- Agent Guttersnipe was adamant about potentially approaching the group directly when found. They were not convinced the group presents an active threat, but was unsure of reaction to any manipulative attempts.
* BREXX - Dwarven Cleric of unknown Dwarven Deity ( identified by unknown holy symbol)
	+ Loyal, pious, direct
	+ Can actively commune with deity
	+ Can summon a swarm of dwarven ghosts / strong focus (*seen taking multiple hits and maintaining spell*)
	+ **IF HOSTILE**, STRIKE FROM DISTANCE
		- Agent Guttersnipe repeatedly mentioned that this member of the group was the best point of entry. The Dwarf was accepting and trusting, but wary.
* FABLE - Yuan-Ti Summoner with necromantic indications (identified by HORDE OF SKELETONS)
	+ Pathologically Untrusting, Violent, Reckless
	+ Can summon dragons and raise the dead
	+ Flight
	+ **IF HOSTILE**, ~~EXTERMINATE ON SIGHT~~ PRIMARY TARGET
		- Agent Guttersnipe asked for a decrease in this classification directly. They "*feel*" the Yuan-Ti may be "*going through something*"
		- My initial recommendation is tempered, but if hostilities incur, this target is primary focus of our forces.
* Unknown Human Male - Magic user with gambling theme (dice and cards)
	+ Reasonable, Contrary, Loner
	+ Recent addition, mentioned leaving the party as soon as leaving **ALPHA** site.
	+ Spells seem to lack rational/strategic usage
	+ **IF HOSTILE**, CAUTION WHEN APPROACHING
		- Agent Guttersnipe suggested that this person may be an excellent recruit to tertiary objectives. They suggest locating the man and offering them jobs to assess candidacy.
* Undescribed absent member mentioned in passing
	+ Potentially large / physical
	+ Party lacks typical fighter, best guess

**RECOMMENDATION(S)**: LOCATE AND OBSERVE.

* If they pose a treat to the Accords / Court, EXTERMINATE

We find Agent's Guttersnipe's opinions to be tainted by their experiences. It is possible their positive perceptions are an after effect of nonhostile experiences post torture.

* If they show no immediate threat, OBSERVE to determine leadership, organization, and strength.

SLIM possibility of recruitment

#### **D) Unknown Dwarven Civilization**

From the conversations among the adventurers, it appears the king "sleeps for a number of years (Guttersnipe recalls 75)" to pass judgement. In the meantime, the dwarves are ruled by a committee. The House of the Mind has been tasked with locating likely dwarven settlements that fit Agent Guttersnipe's description.

**RECOMMENDATION(S)**: LOCATE AND DETERMINE significance of procured object.

### 2. Procure important objects through any means necessary

#### Golden Dragon's foot

Object appears to be a dragon's claw composed of gold. It is able to enter and exit extraplanar carrying apparatuses.

Currently undergoing testing in the Acranium.

When asked why Agent Guttersnipe took said object he replied:

> "A golden dragon's foot, in a hidden compartment, inan extraplanar hidden vault, sought by agents of Tiamat. Why do you think I took it?"
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When asked why Agent Guttersnipe took the object instead of remaining inserted in the adventure party, he replied:

> "Did you miss the part about the PATHOLOGICALLY UNTRUSTING NECROMANCER?"
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**RECOMMENDATION(S):** DETERMINE how arcanely powerful object is.

* If artifact determine usefulness in our arsenal.
* If typical magical item / non-magical item determine importance to UNKNOWN DWARVEN SOCIETY.

### 3. Determine organizational structure of denizens

The previous inhabitants of ALPHA site appear to have been decimated by incursion. Current forces are hostile with pockets of resistance.

**RECOMMENDATION(S):** Aid in expunging the hostile incursion in a removed fashion/with functionaries.

### 4. Disrupt potential threats without direct traceability

Agent Guttersnipe was able to provide descriptions of their captors, the demons summoned through the gate, and the magical nature of **ALPHA** site. The agent was compromised during the investigation. It is possible that agents of Tiamat know of our involvement. Agent Guttersnip was able to destroy portal to the First Plane of Hell during battle.

**RECOMMENDATION(S)**:

* Prepare for potential hostile action from the First Plane of Hell.
* Bolster ALPHA site through intermediaries with benevolent leanings toward our causes.

## Recommendations

#### Objectives:

* Determine potential threat of location to the Accords / Court
	+ THREAT IDENTIFIED - partially dealt with. Since this was not an active excursion, eradication was not expected.
* Procure important objects through any means necessary
	+ SINGLE OBJECT OBTAINED - A potentially religious/political/magical artifact
* Determine organizational structure of denizens
	+ ORGANIZATION IDENTIFIED - previous inhabitants (Sect of Dwarven religious order); Current inhabitants (Tiamat operatives / First Plane of Hell)
* Disrupt potential threats without direct traceability
	+ POTENTIAL FAILURE - Agent captured and tortured, but escaped.

### Agent

We recommend the agent stay with the Mind Soothers for a minimum of one week (if trauma is unabated, extend stay). While there, no 2nd Fang activities or contact. The agent is to recuperate from the traumatic actions of the excursion.

After the agent is once again in operational capacity, we recommend inclusion in remedial stealth and intrusion instruction. Voiding capture and the ability to obtain objects without notice are the basics of their job. We fear the agent has been in their civilian identity too long.

SIDE NOTE: Once again Agent Guttersnipe has voiced intent to follow potential leads on mythic civilizations. Once again this request has been denied. This is a constant distraction for Agent Guttersnipe. As of yet, mission objectives have not been compromised due to this obsession.

**IMMDEDIATE ACTION**: The Archivist May identity is burned and shall be expunged through typical procedures.

> *We serve at their behest and with their grace. Ours is the duty of the tounge and the tooth.*
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> *Your servant in all things has reported here faithfully and with an honest intent.*
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> *Yellow Blossom*
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