Rescue at Tolkeen
The struggle for control over Minnesota and what's left of the kingdom of Tolkeen has raged for years now. The city itself is an uninhabitable ruin, though pockets of Tolkeen freedom fighters, roving bandits and even Xiticix skirmish among themselves as well as with Coalition troops, attempting to carve out territory. Gangs of Dog Boys, marauding bands of demons and aliens, juicers, crazies and worse stalk the city.
The chaos of the region does nothing to dissuade looters and treasure hunters from seeking their fortunes in the ruins. Tolkeen's reputation as a city dedicated to magic and learning leads many to believe that the desolated city harbours treasures still. Those lucky enough to slip through the confusion and survive bring back more than just stories. Many have seen the small relics brimming with magical engergy, weird weapons, exotic materials and esoteric knowledge to know that the tales ring true.
For the dedicated fortune hunter, Tolkeen is a tantalizing lure. Those who live for combat will not be disappointed.
Four of you stand in the outskirts of the ruined city of Tolkeen, brought here by a cryptic SOS that seems to promise riches. You've managed to pinpoint your target to a relatively small swath of city blocks in the near vicinity. The message promises more answers when you find the sender. Normally, you might not take such information at face value, but times have been hard. Your ammo is not infinite and you're low on credits. One wrong move or stroke of bad luck might see you resorting to common banditry to survive. As alternatives go, a rescue mission to Tolkeen isn't half bad.
The pop pop pop of gunfire in the distance is intermittent, but constant. Weird shrieks and growls echo through the devastated streets. Ley lines running through the surrounding countryside can be perceived as a barely audible background hum, to those in tune with them. Once you enter the city, there's no turning back. Getting this far has nearly exhausted your resources and returning now, with nothing to show for it is not an option.
You've had a few days rest. Your weapons and armour have been repaired as best they can. You have water and rations to last a week, two at best. Your first decision awaits: Do you make use of the daylight, hoping to avoid the worst of what lurks in the dark, though risking discovery by CS troops? Or do you wait for cover of darkness and hope to reach your destination unseen?
