A wooden figure sits alone in an office, pondering what addition to make to their crier troupe. The PR has not been ideal as of late, so one to make the masses happy would be a fine addition. An idea had occurred to them, the people love their festivals, so why not make a limited time one that was Festival of the Fallen themed! A truly marvelous idea. The figure stands from the desk with a creak, working their way up through the various securities, to arrive within their storage hall. They rummage through the bin of Festival of the Fallen items they still have yet to sort away from the year prior, and something catches their eye. The perfect base! And so, they grab the bin in entirety and head back to their office. The Jack O' Lantern of the Headless Horseman. An incredibly sturdy pumpkin, pre-carved, and best of all, resistant to fire. And so, they get to work. The pumpkin is placed upon their desk and the insides accessed by thin tendrils. Inscription after inscription is carved on the inside of the pumpkin. Blood mixed with peridot dust crystalized in the ridges. A layer of growth serum coats the site, allowing the pumpkin to grow back over the magical circuit to make it more appealing to those who may gaze inside. The plant was not as... intricate.... as they normally were, but this one was only meant to last the season anyway. Just a little extra to promote a positive image by using the festival. Finally, a crystallized pyroslime core was floated in the center, the source of the light Jack O' Lanterns were famous for. While a candle was the more traditional source, it seemed less stable, and since this particular pumpkin was resistant to fire, it should be fine probably. As they were finishing up, one of their wounds, yet to fully heal, flared up. Their arm jerked and knocked into the bin of materials. Nightmare fuel fell out and into the pumpkin itself. The smile on the pumpkin became more twisted, the color of the flesh shifted, and its aura became sinister. Vasculora stared down upon the pumpkin, examining what the effects may have been. "It does not seem to have effected it too terribly... the festival is about spookiness anyway. It definitely fits the theme more now, I'm sure they residents will love it!" As the pumpkin was guided outside, it seemed to have quite erratic movements. Jittery and sudden. As it passed a rat on the way into the town, it ate it whole in one bite, with sickening crunches of bone coming from within. Where did this rat go? Somewhere probably. As the pumpkin was led into the lower-income portion of the town, with the recent Cwossan Revolt quelling, Vasculora figured this was just what was needed to lift spirits once again. Shockingly, however, the residents seemed to be deeply concerned by the presence of this rabid dog looking pumpkin at Vasculora's side. And despite Vasculora's own fondness for the creature and their insistence that it likely wasn't going to kill anyone, the residents just simply couldn't seem to find the reasonable outcome of loving it. And so, Vasculora took the Pumpkin with them to visit Pixose, deeply disappointed with the resident's lack of love for the Pumpkin. Upon seeing Vasculora walking in with another rabid creation, Pixose let out a deep sigh.   Song referenced in title | Coordinates: -18305 155 7656

A letter bearing the seal of the Royal Family arrives to your residence in Glacikaldr, hand delivered by a messenger clad in what is likely slightly excessive protection from the cold. It arrives alongside a letter of introduction, allowing for the entrance into the barrier and granting a meeting with the Queen. To the fair Queen Cessair Wolf-Fanged,  I thank you for your letter and concern for our Kingdom, know it has reached my halls and that your previous presence within them has not been forgotten. I will honor your request for a meeting, and look upon its outcome with favor. Our people have suffered greatly from the attacks from Dawn's Reverie, so the face of every ally is a welcomed sight in these times. As to your concerns as to the conduct of Investigator Von Derk, do not worry, he has been thoroughly reprimanded for his conduct. I hold your words in high esteem, and do not fret that your past was overlooked. Your numerous deeds in aid of this Kingdom will be remembered as long as I live. I look forward to our meeting, Queen Jocelyn Kilvaro

A letter bearing the royal crest arrives at your doorstep, delivered by a royal messenger. To my loyal vassal, Lady Redwillow, I thank you for your diligent work in investigating these matters, though I am afraid your conclusions have been incorrect. This war has been entirely defensive in nature, to give up now would be to openly declare that when we are attacked we will roll over. I have made a promise to the people that I will not let the acts of Dawn's Reverie go unpunished.  Something you have written concerns me, however. You have stated you were protected by wards put in place by those who have long since been declaring their open hostility to us. You are to report to the Capital at once to discuss any potential risks your fortress may have been exposed to, and to ensure that you yourself have not been effected by dream magics, for your safety. Please also prepare your report on any involvement the other forces may have had in any of the attacks thus far that you have uncovered. Fighting a multiple front war would be quite disadvantageous if we do not know of it ahead of time. Ensure your fortress is on high alert while you are gone. While Dawn's Reverie has yet to attack any military targets, and has only aimed for civilian ones, we are not certain this will remain the case. May the Father-God watch over you, Queen Jocelyn Kilvaro

A letter is delivered to your keep, bearing the mark of the Eastlake Guild. The penmanship is not quite as precise as it once was. Dear Lady Redwillow, My deepest thanks for your aid in these times of crisis. I have not been in contact with the Queen as of yet, and I pray this letter reaches you before you attempt to do so yourself. I say this not as an official, but a neighbor. I recommend against drawing any attention to yourself thay you have been involving yourself with those of Dawn's Reverie. In times of war little good comes about as being portrayed as a sympathizer or traitor and I do not wish to see our soldier's blades pointed at someone as loyal as yourself. I know you have had meetings with their leader, but I recommend that you cease such or at minimum keep it more discreet. As to your cries for peace, I too wish the same. I have seen too much death already. This cycle of bloodshed doesn't end well. Unfortunately, you must remember that it is Dawn's Reverie who declared hostilities against the Kingdom, going as far as demanding us to sacrifice an entire city of people. If you truly wish to pursue this route, and can convince those against us to sit down for peace, I shall support you in trying to set up a meeting. Though even in such a case I doubt the conditions of it will be favorable. May the Divines bless your path, Guildmaster Mikael You receive no response from the capital.

To your door first arrives a letter it bears the mark of the guild, the words seem to have been sent in kind, brief and intentional. You notice a shake in the penmanship, however. My greetings to the Queen of the North Cessair,  Your presence is welcomed within our halls by me. I would offer to come there, but I do not doubt your network has toldyou already why this would be impossible. Be safe on yourtravels, there are many dangers about. Guildmaster Johnson Mikael A letter from the Queen has not yet arrived.