@everyone, end of week 2 (after solvunn visits)

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor’s hurried script is maybe familiar to some, but what’s different now (beyond the fact that it’s slightly more hurried) is that it appears on its own. Whatever this is about, it’s apparently important enough for him to make a rare solo appearance, a departure from his joint broadcast with Jayce. Right now, it's just him, relaying information as quickly and expediently as possible.

If you’re not necessarily familiar with Viktor himself, the words match those soliciting location information not too long ago. It seems this is the culmination of those efforts.]

We know where the captives are being held. It’s an island directly north of the Singularity crater, roughly three hours off the coast of Thorne’s border, where I am now. I’ve created a map in my Horizon to show the location, as well as the data from the trackers that allowed me to pinpoint it. The explanation is slightly technical, but suffice to say the system is improved to the point where I am confident in its accuracy. Jayce and I can answer any questions about it, though you may need to direct inquiries regarding the magical component to Stephen.

[Who is here, also.]

Thank you to those who offered to collect additional data with the receivers. We would not have been able to locate this place otherwise.

The island itself is not large, though we suspect it’s heavily warded, with the exact holding area magically concealed. We weren’t able to detect anyone coming or going, so it’s likely the captors are using portals to access it directly from various abduction sites. I imagine this aligns with other investigations.

What happens now will require cooperation. Sam has done what reconnaissance he can, but we're not sure of what awaits us on the island itself, nor do we know who is responsible. Accessing the island will require us to eliminate its magical defenses or otherwise dispel its enchantments—any additional information that anyone has gathered is, at this point, vital to share.

[ooc: full receipts are here for the curious! responses may come from any of the four characters currently investigating the island, and please thread jack away. pit people…feel free to receive snippets of this message as appropriate. for additional plotting/convergence of plots, hit me up on plurk at whitticus or discord at whitticus#8139.]

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

.......are we still even allowed in the university library

[techmaturgy]

I didn't tell you about the strongly-worded letter?

[cryptsleeper]

...........

no

[techmaturgy]

The admonishment was entirely performative--we're too useful to them. Klingel gave me a research grant to improve the tracking system, even. Completely ridiculous. We can go wherever we like.

[cryptsleeper]

I'll begin with the card catalogs this afternoon and create a request list for the staff.

[techmaturgy]

Try to save some exciting discoveries for me.

[cryptsleeper]

We have more than enough libraries that you won't miss out. Or do you want to dive into the museum's options?

[techmaturgy]

We'll see how much time we have.

[cryptsleeper]

Okay.

Based on what others are chiming in with, it seems like we need lists of gods first.

[techmaturgy]

Maybe we'll get lucky, and it will turn out they're using the same god for everything.

[cryptsleeper]

You and I both know we're not that lucky.

[techmaturgy]

If the goal is apotheosis, I find it unlikely they would convolute things with multiple deities.

[cryptsleeper]

True, but if the defenses require invoking gods, then why not use several obscure ones to make it harder? Make them do something for you while working with the primary deity you are after.

[techmaturgy]

I think it's equally possible they've underestimated us. Perhaps that's too optimistic of me.

[Maybe he's riding a little high on figuring this out so quickly.]

[cryptsleeper]

Good thing I'm here to offer counter-services.

[Little bit there buddy.]

[techmaturgy]

Good thing.