[Chaos]

Night I

A sudden, large wave of the living dead have sprung up in the Arena last night. Despite the surprise factor, there seemed to be no fatalities. However, an ominous voice in the wind hints that this surge of undead is but the beginning.

Regardless, the Guard have responded by doubling the amount of guardsman patrolling the Arena. They do not have any clue as to who the individual is yet, but are asking anyone with leads to contact them when available.

[Chaos]

Night II

As if to prove that the first time wasn't the last time, another wave of undead, now fronted by hunching skeletons, took another shot at those in the Badlands Arena last night. A single guard slipped during the defense and fell to one of the Skeletons. Quite a number of undead pressed upon the Arenagoers before they were, oddly enough, called to retreat. The corpse of the lone, dead guard disappeared in said retreat.

The Guard investigation afterwards dug up only a bit of information from a few inquisitive Zerans that took part in the defense, but it was enough for an order: Now, each and every night, a few squads roam a large amount of ground around the Badlands Arena, hoping to catch whoever's setting the dead loose in the process.

[Chaos]

Night III

Things took a turn for the worse; instead of merely the dead from below, angry spirits have struck from the sky. These wisps were utterly hateful, and expressed such by going up to anything that looks like it needed to be spited and blowing themselves up. This behavior, alongside some of the regular undead joining behind the suicidal spirits, lead to not only the injury and death of a couple guards, but also noteworthy damage to the Arena itself. Furthermore, the corpses of the deceased guards were once again missing after all was said and done.

The Guards are still attempting to figure out what's behind the attacks, but so far have come up with nothing concrete. Given the nature of these attacks, it's a depressing fact so far, and even Tarson is starting to feel the losses from the relentless undead attacks....

[Chaos]

Night IV

The undead this time decided to enter the Badlands Arena much like most not-undead would, but with a dead scouting party in their wake. The assulting dead consisted of amalgamations of corpse parts, fused into compact, acid-spewing horrors that sought to suck the life out of whatever they could approach. It was clearly an effective method, for many struggled against the abominations, and the Arena Guards actually had to retreat after finding their numbers constantly dwindling from the horrific undead. Once again, the casualitys were dragged off when the attack was over.

The Guards have seemingly had enough, if the new posters they've slapped down all over Sigrogana are any indication. Hopefully, their upcoming actions will make some difference in the brutal cycle of undead attacks, especially when there seemed to be a dead giveaway that even worse undead have yet to be unleashed upon the Arenagoers.

As a side-note, the staff at the Badlands Arena have noted that they will try to stay around in order to provide aid for as long as they possibly can.

[Chaos]

Crypt Raid

Only a short time ago, the Guards of Sigrogana, alongside a healthy number of volunteers, collectively moved to raid numerous crypts. While most of the raiding groups came up empty-handed, the Volunteer-dominated group handling the Ancient Tombs managed to find a few pieces of evidence, which have since been turned over for further investigation.

However, their run was not without losses: According to given accounts, a standout Arena Guard by the name of Dan had managed to locate the individual behind the undead attacks and attempted an arrest. While initially able to mostly restrain the villain, the guard was ultimately subject to a fatal retaliation. Dan, despite their presence as a generic guard, packed quite a punch and had the attention and admiration of many, and it is no surprise that his demise left quite an aftershock. The Guards currently have his corpse and equipment safely stored away, and are preparing a funeral for him in the somewhat-near future.

In other news, the Guard Commander has issued a quick statement that he, on behalf of the Guards and the Empire, thanks the volunteers for their contributions to the raids. He notes that once matters have calmed down, he will have a reward sent to everyone that helped out.

[Chaos]

Night V

Unlike the nights before, only two of the undead made an appearance: Both of them were sentient, and one of them was one of the former First Squad members, Roje Sutia. Such an appearance, striking a personal chord with the Arenagoers, left the matter mostly out of the Guards' hands.

Two waves of Arenagoers took on the duo; while the first went down while ultimately doing but chip damage (and almost getting dragged off by undead hands to boot), the second wave managed to bring them down, and free Roje's spirit in the process.

[Chaos]

Night VI

The attacks continued with a short group, but like before, the attackers were much more personal than usual-- this time, with the Guards. The Guards who fell from the attacks had their bodies and spirits twisted and empowered by the Necromancer, and apparently sent off to do in more of their own and anyone else that got in their way. However, while the Guards were largely too conflicted to attack, the Arenagoers were able to fight back the small group, but with heavy blows to half of the fighters.

Then, as if to pour salt on the wound, the Necromancer delivered a booming ultimatum to the Arenagoers: Allow them to take their lives, or fall to the next wave they will send. A wave that, according to them, would be in 'the greatest and most terrible state'. The Arena's defenses have vastly increased in response, and rumor is that the Arena staff may or may not be transferred to a safer location upon the first sign of undead.

[Chaos]

Night VII

The Necromancer was not lying about their ultimatum: Last night, a massive swarm of undead, more than all the previous nights combined, attacked the Badlands Arena in a relentless sequence. To say it was a fierce and challenging battle was an understatement for Guards and Arenagoers alike; both sides have reported numerous injuries, ranging from burn marks, to broken limbs, to those that only survived through the skin of their teeth between hellish flames and draining abominations... and even beyond those, the most veteran and/or strongest of the Arenagoers have found themselves sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer volume (and perhaps power) of undead that threw everything they could muster.

The precise numbers of injuries and casualties have yet to be decided, but the Guards can unanimously agree that while the Arena was largely able to fend off the attackers until they stopped at the crack of dawn, odds are that a second attack might be too much. So far, there is no confirmation on whether or not a second attack could occur.

[Chaos]

Epilogue

Thanks to the brave adventurers that invaded the Necromancer's lair, the evil that has sent waves and waves upon undead to claim the lives of Arenagoers has been slain once and for all.

In the aftermath, word has spread that Dan, a guard supposedly slain by the Necromancer, actually survived by the skin of his teeth. However, due to the circumstances of his survival, it is highly advised that he wears a full suit of armor at most times, unless he wishes for extreme complications.

Now that things have calmed down, the Empire has prepared its rewards for the brave souls who helped the Empire both acquire information and/or aid in taking down the villain.

Otherwise, relative peace has returned to the land.... or at least, the Badlands Arena.

until the next hour strikes

OOC INFO

Yes, this was a long time coming.

Those who participated in certain events (the 'raids') over the course of this plotline will receive monetary rewards, depending on how dangerous the event they took upon was. If you know you've participated in one, but haven't received your mura reward, let me know.

Additionally, those who have participated in a majority of events within this plotline will receive a Legend Ink. These inks will go to the character that has taken part in these events. Unless you can prove to me that you were present for most of the events (see: more than just the undead attacks), please do not try to plead with me about this.