## Intelligence Report Scroll --- _This scroll was compiled by High Priestess [[High Priestess Selanna|Selanna]] Morwen of the Temple of [[Perserphina]] in Duskwatch. The information contained within has been gathered from militia reports, witness testimonies, and temple investigations._ --- ## Overview A dangerous cult has emerged in the lands surrounding the Rift Scar. They are known simply as the **Rift Scar Cult** and have become increasingly bold in recent months. Their activities pose a serious threat to the people of Duskwatch and the surrounding villages. --- ## What They Claim to Believe Based on testimonies from former members and infiltration attempts, the cult teaches: - They worship something they call **"The Veiled Sovereign"** - They claim this entity dwells within or beneath the Rift Scar - Members are promised eternal life and freedom from death - They speak of a "coming liberation" and a "new age" - They believe sacrifices are necessary to "awaken" or "free" their god **Temple Assessment**: Whether this "Veiled Sovereign" actually exists, or what it truly is, remains unknown. The cult's beliefs may be based on delusions, ancient myths, or something more sinister. --- ## Their Crimes **Confirmed Activities:** - Kidnapping of children and young people from villages near Duskwatch - At least **twelve confirmed disappearances** in the past six months - Operating a hidden compound somewhere near the Rift Scar - Performing rituals at the edge of the Rift on new moon nights - Infiltrating communities and recruiting vulnerable individuals **Patterns Observed:** - Victims are always taken near or during the new moon - Families report seeing strangers in gray robes before disappearances - No bodies have been recovered - No ransom demands have been made --- ## How to Recognize Them ### Known Identifiers: - **Tattoo**: A spiral symbol on the left wrist (appears dark, almost shadow-like) - **Clothing**: Gray or black robes with silver threading in fracture patterns - **Speech Patterns**: References to "embracing the gray," "the Veiled Sovereign," or "walking between" - **Behavior**: Unusual interest in the Rift Scar, secretive meetings during new moons ### Physical Changes in Senior Members: Some long-term cultists reportedly develop: - Unusually dark eyes - Pale or ashen skin tone - An aversion to bright light The cause of these changes is unknown. --- ## Known Leadership ### Silas Darkmere - **Former Identity**: Scholar from Duskwatch - **Background**: Lost his family approximately 8 years ago under mysterious circumstances - **Current Status**: Self-proclaimed prophet and leader of the cult - **Description**: Gaunt, white-haired man with completely black eyes - **Abilities**: Witnesses claim he can manipulate shadows and speak with an unnaturally compelling voice ### The Shadow Council Intelligence suggests five senior members form an inner circle around Silas, but their identities remain unknown. They likely handle: - Recruitment operations - Kidnapping logistics - Ritual ceremonies - Compound security --- ## What We Know About Their Operations ### The Compound: - **Location**: Believed to be northwest of the Rift Scar - **Access**: Hidden, possibly in a ravine or cave system - **Security**: Guarded and difficult to locate - **Purpose**: Likely where kidnapped victims are being held ### Their Numbers: - Estimated **80-100 active members** - Unknown number of infiltrators within Duskwatch - Recruitment appears to target the desperate, grieving, and outcast ### Recent Activity: - Increased ritual activity near the Rift Scar - More aggressive recruitment efforts - The Rift Scar itself has reportedly grown wider - Strange lights and sounds reported near the Rift on new moon nights --- ## Missing Persons The following individuals have disappeared and are believed to be held by the cult: **Recent Victims:** - Tomas Wren, age 14 - Ravenhollow Village - Sara and Micah Thorne, twins age 12 - Thorne Farmstead - Eliza Greyvale, age 16 - Duskwatch market district - Kyran Blackwood, age 11 - Near Emberwind River - Eight additional victims (names on file with Duskwatch militia) **Common Factors:** - All disappeared during or within three days of a new moon - All are between ages 8-17 - No signs of struggle at abduction sites - Gray-robed figures reported in the vicinity before disappearances --- ## Rumors and Unconfirmed Reports The following information is based on rumors and has not been verified: - "The cult can bring back the dead" - "Members don't age after joining" - "There's something ancient trapped in the Rift Scar" - "The cult is planning a massive ritual soon" - "Cultists who try to leave die mysteriously" - "The Rift Scar is growing wider because of their rituals" - "There are monsters living in the deeper parts of the Rift" - "The cult has connections to darker forces beyond Duskwatch" **Note**: Rumors should be investigated, not assumed as fact. --- ## Known Dangers **Confirmed Threats:** - The cult is armed and willing to use violence - Senior members appear to possess magical abilities - The compound is likely trapped or warded - Cultists are fanatically devoted to their cause **Unknown Threats:** - The true nature of what they worship (if anything) - The extent of their magical capabilities - Whether they have powerful backing or allies - What actually occurs during their rituals - The fate of previous victims --- ## The Urgency ### Why This Matters: Twelve innocent children remain missing. Each new moon brings increased cult activity. The next new moon approaches in Eano 23rd, 10124. ### What We Don't Know: - Are the victims still alive? - What is the cult's ultimate goal? - Is there truly something in the Rift Scar, or are they delusional? - How much time do we have before they act? --- ## Resources Available Those who investigate this matter may seek information from: ### Duskwatch Contacts: - **[[Captain Brannic Torrell]]** - Militia commander, has patrol reports - **Scribe Moira Fenwright** - Town historian, knows about the Rift Scar's history - **Scholar [[Scholar Jeren Malthis|Jeren Malthis]]** - Wandering scholar studying the Rift - **Innkeep [[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]]** - Emberwind Rest, hears all the gossip ### Temple Resources: High Priestess [[High Priestess Selanna|Selanna]] offers the temple's support to those who would investigate this cult. While we cannot spare soldiers, we can provide: - Healing and blessing services - Access to temple archives - Sanctuary if needed - Compensation for those who rescue the missing --- ## What We Need **Primary Objective**: Locate and rescue the missing children **Secondary Objectives**: - Identify the cult's compound location - Determine the cult's true purpose and beliefs - Stop whatever ritual they are planning - Apprehend cult leadership if possible **Critical Questions to Answer**: - What is the "Veiled Sovereign" they worship? - Is there actually something in the Rift Scar? - Why do they specifically target the young? - What happens during their rituals? - Who is funding or supporting them? --- ## Final Notes This cult has grown from a handful of desperate believers into a genuine threat. Whether their beliefs have any basis in reality or are complete delusion, their actions are causing real harm. Twelve families await news of their children. Time grows short. The temple of [[Perserphina]] stands ready to support those brave enough to investigate this matter and bring the missing home. **Proceed with caution. Trust no one completely. Question everything.** _- High Priestess [[High Priestess Selanna|Selanna]] Morwen_ _Temple of [[Perserphina]], Duskwatch_ _10124 AP_ --- ## Investigator's Addendum _Space provided below for your own notes and findings:_