Field Report: Operation Bad Neighbor

APPALACHIAN WIZARD GANG — AFTER-ACTION REPORT
CLASSIFICATION: EYES ONLY // LEVEL III
OPERATION: BAD NEIGHBOR
AREA OF OPERATIONS: ECHO 63 — NORTHERN RIDGELINE SECTOR
UNIT: BRAVO SQUAD
COMMANDING OFFICER: BRAVO ACTUAL
STATUS: ORGANIZED HOSTILE ACTIVITY SUSPECTED // ESCALATION IMMINENT

OPERATIONAL TIMELINE

0610 HOURS: Bravo Squad departed the forward staging area to conduct a post-neutralization security patrol through AO Echo 63. Thaumaturgic detection talismans were active, and personnel were directed to report anomalous signatures, unfamiliar tracks, or changes to established patrol markers. No signatures consistent with the terminated Skinwalker were detected. Multiple sets of unfamiliar tracks were identified along the western approach to the original contact site.

0645 HOURS: Bravo Three observed several small humanoid figures moving between rock formations along the upper ridgeline. The entities exhibited physical characteristics consistent with regional accounts of mountain goblins. The figures maintained observation of the patrol before withdrawing into concealed terrain. Additional movement was subsequently detected along both flanks, suggesting Bravo Squad had entered an area under coordinated observation. Bravo Actual ordered the element to maintain formation and continue at a reduced pace.

0712 HOURS: Bravo Two discovered a concealed observation post overlooking an established AWG patrol route. The structure contained timber, animal bone, scavenged military equipment, and evidence of recent occupation. Damaged thaumaturgic talismans and spent cartridge casings of unknown origin were documented. Bravo Actual assessed the site as a deliberate surveillance position and ordered the squad to avoid disturbing the materials pending occult examination.

0740 HOURS: Bravo Six reported clicking signals and deliberate stone impacts originating from three separate positions along the eastern treeline. Multiple detection talismans activated in rapid succession. No direct approach was observed. Bravo Actual assessed the activity as an attempt to monitor the squad's reactions and defensive posture. The element repositioned away from exposed terrain and resumed movement with heightened security.

0825 HOURS: Bravo Four discovered that established AWG route markers had been defaced and replaced with unfamiliar symbols. White ash had been applied to several carvings. Bravo Four assessed the alterations as deliberate territorial markings rather than incidental vandalism. Bravo Actual ordered photographic documentation and transmitted the findings to Magus Actual for occult interpretation.

0915 HOURS: Bravo Squad encountered a blocked access trail leading toward a concealed ravine. Inspection from standoff distance revealed sharpened stakes, concealed pits, elevated observation points, and crude barriers positioned to channel movement into restricted ground. The works appeared recent and were oriented toward an established AWG approach route. Bravo Actual classified the ravine as a probable defensive position, marked the route as restricted, and directed the squad to avoid entering the terrain.

0950 HOURS: Multiple goblin figures appeared along the opposite ridge. Their numbers exceeded those observed during initial contact. One individual wearing a headdress made from animal skulls and scavenged metal advanced to the treeline and placed an unidentified object on an exposed rock. The individual withdrew without speaking while other figures maintained concealed positions. Bravo Actual prohibited recovery of the object and ordered the squad to hold its observation line. The display was assessed as deliberate intimidation or a territorial challenge.

1018 HOURS: An unauthorized transmission entered the squad's internal communications channel. Distorted vocalizations were followed by the repeated phrase, “The dark one is gone.” No authorized transmitter was active at the reported origin. Bravo Four recorded simultaneous activation of multiple thaumaturgic talismans. Magus Actual was notified. The transmission was assessed as a possible reference to the Skinwalker's termination and an indication that the goblin population possessed knowledge of recent AWG operations.

1105 HOURS: Bravo Actual terminated the reconnaissance patrol and ordered withdrawal to the forward staging area. During exfiltration, Bravo Three observed at least twelve goblin figures following the element along the ridgeline. Two figures appeared to carry equipment resembling items previously reported missing from AWG stores. The figures mirrored changes in the squad's route while maintaining distance. Bravo Actual prohibited pursuit and directed the element to prioritize formation integrity and a controlled return to the perimeter.

1142 HOURS: A broken AWG route marker was discovered lying across the approach trail, accompanied by an unidentified token bearing symbols matching those documented at the goblin observation sites. Bravo Actual ordered the evidence photographed and left undisturbed. Movement was detected beyond the forward perimeter shortly afterward. No identity was established, and no response was received to the standard perimeter challenge. The element completed its approach without pursuing the movement.

1210 HOURS: Bravo Squad returned to the forward staging area and completed personnel and equipment accountability. All assigned personnel were present. An inventory identified discrepancies involving field equipment whose movement could not be reconciled with available records. Bravo Actual ordered a security review, reinforced the perimeter, and placed personnel on heightened alert. All recovered evidence and observations were forwarded to Magus Actual.

SEMPER IN OBSCURIS.

Continued: Field Report: Operation Bad Neighbor II — Magus Actual takes an assessment team into the ravine to examine the installation.