(Orchard Operation) Soot Blackened Fruit

[Seraphina]

Was she expecting the warehouse to be filled with minions of Anne? Yes. So to not sense anything was odd. Could be a trap, or could be lunch time.

When Worm points to some boxes, her eyes widen at the contents.

What the hell? Was something being manufactured on this side as well? Or was this just a staging point?

It was hard to know. And with no one talking, she couldn’t ask the others. But she looks closely at the objects, trying to discern what they could be used for. Maybe she could get some useful info from it.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-18 11:45:02	Seraphina rolls 5 to What can they be used for? (Int+Med) (10 Again)	2, 4, 2, 7, 8	1 success

Hedgespun jacket(+1 INT, +1 DEF), Hedgespun Necklace(+1 singing), dagger, steel toed boots, 2 bottles of water, bag of trail mix, gauze and medical tape, costume jewelry for trading(one necklace, one pin) sun catcher for trading, gardening gloves, notebook with pencil

Health 7
WP 3

[Gerrit]

The moment he saw the stairs and the other room, Gerrit gently nudged Rhodes and Seraphina and pointed in that direction.

When Colonel Worm showed them the box, the Ogre's mind immediately went back to the dentist chair and the Wizened strapped to it. His face turned dark, almost angry even. It appeared Ann's operation was still running to some big extend. He could almost sense another discussion coming up: this warehouse wasn't what they came here for, and they could be walking right into a trap right now. Leaving her to her own devices meant dozens of people could get abducted by the time the Lost returned here though. Judging by Seraphina's reaction she also understood what that box meant. But much like the portals and gates, they weren't equipped to destroy all of this.

The Stonebones also looked at Rhodes, waiting for some more input. I really hope the Contract Rhodes wants to strike is worth not doing anything about everything else.

Equipment: Backpack - First aid Kit, Rope, a separate bag, a bottle of water, a notebook and a pen, Tags for Rhodes' Contract.






Shadowpatch (+3 to Stealth)

[Rhodes]

Medical supplies. Yes, that tracked with what the Dread Lord knew of his fallen counterpart. This was likely the storehouse for her tools for devious experiments.

Rhodes also looked around, trying to pick up anything that would be of use - names, sources. Observation of an area was something that seemed to come naturally... form something he couldn;t quite remember.

4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-22 07:36:25	Rhodes rolls 7 to Pick up on clues: Wits3+Investivation4 (10 Again)	9, 6, 5, 1, 10, 9, 9, 4	4 successes

Eyes were turning to him. He touched his ear before he pointed to the point where the wires passed through the wall and the direction of the bodies overhead. Finally he pressed the finger back to his lips, and back to the door to the Hedge.

Equipment: Sturdy boots, Hedgespun coat (+1 def, +1 talking to crowds when active), hip flask (scotch, 3/4 full), Wallet containing a photo of Sera, ID and $147, a satchel containing: 12 tags each with "Rhodes" on them, 2 knives, a book of poetry, some cheap silver rings, earings and a necklace with bright stones.

Health 7/7

WP 2/2

[Saber Sloth]

Well, squinting in the dark the black letters on the box's shipping label slowly resolves itself into something akin to sense. Colonel Worm sees that there in (or the box was at least shipped to) a warehouse in Erickson Industrial Park, back in sunny Sacramento.

Sera examines the contents, mind focusing on her own training and knowledge. IV lines, fluid tubes, easily sterilized collection jars.

From his vantage point, Rhodes, catches most of what the others have. Shipping labels, medical supplies. His Clause is still in effect, the probable patrolman is continuing on his path. The two in the above room pattering, and the one leashed to the wires hasn't moved an inch. To learn more, he'd have to open up the sealed bins, or continue farther into the warehouse.

[Colonel Worm]

Worm squints at the box, discerning the address. He commits the information to memory. It's always good to have a target for future assault.

Memorize address, 2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-26 14:50:23	Colonel Worm rolls 5 to Intell + Comp (10 Again)	1, 5, 1, 5, 10, 9	2 successes

Eyes travel to each member of the party before finding Rhodes. He's ready to pull out. It's not a stupid move. They have information on Ann's operation on this side of the Hedge. Time to head back the way they came, wrap things up, and plan for the future.

Following the Dread Lord's instructions, Worm will start back toward the gate as quietly as he can.

Stealth, 1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-26 14:54:35	Colonel Worm rolls 4 to Dex + Stealth (10 Again)	9, 6, 3, 4	1 success

Equipment:
Khukri knives (+ sheaths) x 2 2L*
Brass Knuckles x2 1B (in pants pockets)
Kevlar Vest (thin)
Reinforced Clothing (Motorcycle jacket)
Advanced First Aid Kit
Water bottle (in first aid kit exterior pocket)
Bag of Beef jerky
Tree tags
Cigarettes + Lighter

[Seraphina]

At the gentle nudge from Gerrit, she follows where he was pointing. Nodding.

Then Rhodes movement, her eyes move and she nods again. Did he hear someone? It certainly looked like he did. But one thing she knew for sure, they should leave. Who knows how long they could stand in here before someone was alerted.

But what was Ann using the medical equipment for? It seemed like overkill for her Orchard business. Or was it? The Nix really didn’t know.

With Worm seeming to agree with Rhodes, Sera will follow suit. Not that she wasn’t curious as to what else the warehouse held, because she was. But they were not prepared to find enemies.

Looks like it would be handling the Orchard then regrouping.

Hedgespun jacket(+1 INT, +1 DEF), Hedgespun Necklace(+1 singing), dagger, steel toed boots, 2 bottles of water, bag of trail mix, gauze and medical tape, costume jewelry for trading(one necklace, one pin) sun catcher for trading, gardening gloves, notebook with pencil

Health 7
WP 3

[Gerrit]

At least they seemed to be on the same page here. Gerrit followed the others' example and retreated back into the room of many Gates.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-27 04:59:59	Gerrit rolls 7 to sneak out (Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Contract 3) (10 Again)	2, 6, 9, 6, 1, 5, 4	1 success

Once out there he dared to speak again. "Doesn't seem like her abductions have slowed down, if all of those boxes contained the same medical equipment, right?" There was a hint of anger rasping in his voice. "Let's finish what we came here to do and then we'll return with more firepower to put a stop to that." They were ill-equipped and ill-informed about this warehouse and everything beyond. And Rhodes would be dragging his feet all the way until they were done with preparing the Contract. Gerrit knew that proceeding as planned was the right thing to do.. but there was a part of him that didn't particularly like it.

If everyone agreed he'd go down the ladder again and out of the barn.

Equipment: Backpack - First aid Kit, Rope, a separate bag, a bottle of water, a notebook and a pen, Tags for Rhodes' Contract.






Shadowpatch (+3 to Stealth)

[Rhodes]

Rhodes moved out with the others, back beyond the gate and into the orchard.

He shook his head, agreeing with Gerrit. "She had several locations, several backups. It's what I would do. It certainly felt worth the look around. Still, there was one guard beyond the wall and a pair figures moving overhead." There was a small shrug. "There isn't much left for us to destroy. It certainly undermines the surprise. Still, we should give it the once over, make sure there are no outstanding trees. Then head back."

Sorry folks, this one got away from me.

Equipment: Sturdy boots, Hedgespun coat (+1 def, +1 talking to crowds when active), hip flask (scotch, 3/4 full), Wallet containing a photo of Sera, ID and $147, a satchel containing: 12 tags each with "Rhodes" on them, 2 knives, a book of poetry, some cheap silver rings, earings and a necklace with bright stones.

Health 7/7

WP 2/2

[Saber Sloth]

The address burns into Colonel Worms mind, he's not likely to forget it any time soon. Following the Dread Lord's direction, he and Gerrit exit back through the Gate on soundless feet, while the Spring and Autumn follow with less lightness on their feet.

Crossing between the warehouse and the barn, tingles, and they once more feel an echo of static on their skin, iron on their tongues. Their phones, once more become dead weight in their pockets.

Whatever's left of the orchard lays below the loft, the Door Room, and beyond the barn.

[Colonel Worm]

Back on the other side, Worm sheaths his blades and wipes sweat off his brow. Exhales heavily, as if he's been holding his breath.

Eyes travel between Gerrit and Rhodes. "So what exactly is she doing with all that shit then?" Worm does not like the sound of this. He's never been fully briefed on Anne's activities, but what he's seen has left a bad taste in his mouth. One that can only be washed out with blood.

Worm nods as Rhodes explains the disposition of forces. Retreat had been necessary. Even if the Summer doesn't like to back down.

"Several back ups, yeah. But that's the only one with whatever those power-lines are. Makes me think that may be her primary location right now." The urge to cut the lines is strong. But if they do, she'll switch her shit up. Patience Wormy my boy...

"Anyway, I've got the address of that place memorized. When we come back, we can come from both sides. No in, no out. They'll be fucked." Worm grins. It is not a happy grin.

Rhodes has the right idea. They've got to sweep the orchard. Make sure everything here is as dead as it looks. Then, it's time to get back. And to plan. The Goblin can smell a battle on the winds of time. And it's already got his temperature rising.

"Let's get after it, then," he says. Draws the knives, starts for the door.