WHO: The Brigand Leader, LOCKED only to members of her guild
WHAT: Construction of the Brigand Fortress is now complete. The Brigand Leader gives a tour, assigns rooms, and discusses upcoming plans.
WHEN: Early March
WHERE: ????
NOTES: If you would like your character to be mugged as they travel from Aqures Ixen, I can set up a thread for that. PM or Plurk me to plot! If you want your character to be a genuine part of the guild (not a mole), we can handwave the recruitment too.


It had taken some time to construct a fortress that was not only durable, but well concealed as well. It wasn't something easily spotted from the road, as it was hidden in the thickest parts of the woods, where the blackberry brushes grew wild and the beasts were particularly nasty. If that didn't deter a wandering fool, then the warren of goblins that had made a deal with the brigands would gladly deprive intruders of their lives and their gil.

Though she couldn't construct some of the trick rooms that the Brigand Warlock had made, the fortress was modeled much the same as it was in the Valley of Spielburg. There were sleeping quarters for the men under her employ, and a few women as well. There was a kitchen and dining area, though most members were encouraged to cook and eat their meals outdoors when the weather allowed.

The Brigand Leader's quarters were not luxurious, nor particularly spacious. There was a desk with a small pyramid of rolled maps, and a few assorted books on the monsters of the world, the history and culture of the different regions, and other sources of vital information needed to survive in the world of Crystallis. Rather than a bed, there was a pile of thick furs, and an enormous silver bearskin rug stretched out in front of the fireplace. A few trophies from some of her monster hunts decorated the walls, and there was a chest containing a collection of gems, gold, and trinkets either collected from slain monsters, or gifted to her in exchange for her connections and services. This was used primarily to barter for supplies, or to serve as bribes when she needed to get into certain places. Only one key would allow anyone to get into her chambers, and that key was owned by The Brigand Leader herself. No one else was allowed to set foot inside without her permission.

Of course, her most valuable associates had been granted rooms of their own to use and outfit as they desired. The two alchemists Ales had convinced to join were given a laboratory where they could further conduct their research in peace. They were in high spirits after their most recent success, and The Brigand Leader had rewarded them in turn.

No one knew much about The Brigand Leader herself, save that she was fearless, and she got results. What they did know was that she was from Flence, and from what they could glimpse of her from beneath the hood of her dark violet cloak, her hair was brown and a few inches past shoulder length. Beyond that? She was a mystery. Those who sought to test her leadership were quickly put down in combat to show them her strength. When she did, her eyes were cold. After their defeat, they were given but one warning: Try again, and she would kill them. She would not tolerate those with brittle loyalty.

As for her associates, she informed them of her upcoming plans in quiet. The first, on Ales's suggestion, was to investigate Downapolis. She did not like the sound of these cultists, and it was worth looking into to see what they were about. The Brigand Leader wanted to know if it was possible to go in undercover. If they were strong enough to drive such a large group of heroes out of the city and into the tunnels, killing dozens of them in the process, then they were not a force to be taken lightly. They needed to find out if they were useful, or a threat. If they were a threat, then they needed to know how to take them down quickly before they gathered their main strength.

Then there was the city of Downapolis itself. The Brigand Leader wanted a few outposts scattered throughout the world, just to serve as a backup in case the main fortress was compromised. Downapolis and Aerilon were her first choices, as they were relatively clear of the Calamity's encroachment, and not regularly visited by Heroes of Light. The submarine they'd swiped from the Underground Prison was hidden in Aerilon, and as the place was shady to begin with, she didn't think it would take much effort to work out a deal with the government, or possibly undermine them.

There were jobs for each of her allies, should they be amenable to taking on a few tasks. They had but to ask, for she had taken stock of their strengths and abilities, and had a few ideas as to where they would be best utilized in the field.