Field Report: Operation Bad Neighbor II

APPALACHIAN WIZARD GANG — AFTER-ACTION REPORT
CLASSIFICATION: EYES ONLY // LEVEL III
OPERATION: BAD NEIGHBOR II
AREA OF OPERATIONS: ECHO 63 — NORTHERN RIDGELINE SECTOR
ELEMENT: MAGUS ACTUAL / PAPPA SQUATCH / GREY BRO / MOTHMAN
MISSION: OCCULT ASSESSMENT AND SITE EXPLOITATION
STATUS: OBJECTIVE ACHIEVED // HOSTILE ELEMENT NEUTRALIZED

OPERATIONAL TIMELINE

1840 HOURS: Magus Actual, accompanied by Pappa Squatch, Grey Bro, and Mothman, entered AO Echo 63 to conduct an occult assessment of the defensive works and territorial markers discovered during the previous Bravo Squad patrol. The element advanced to the concealed ravine without incident. Mothman established elevated observation while Grey Bro documented the approach and surrounding terrain. Pappa Squatch provided ground security. Magus Actual reported low-level thaumaturgic interference increasing in proximity to the constructed site.

1905 HOURS: The element reached the outer perimeter of the goblin construction. Initial examination revealed an interconnected system of timber barriers, carved stone markers, animal remains, scavenged equipment, and subterranean cavities. Several structures were arranged around a central formation of stones bearing symbols inconsistent with known regional folk practices. Thaumaturgic instruments registered intermittent activity concentrated beneath the central structure. Magus Actual assessed the construction as a ritual installation rather than a conventional defensive position.

1922 HOURS: During examination of the central formation, Magus Actual identified evidence of a sustained occult working. The arrangement appeared designed to conceal or redirect thaumaturgic signatures originating from a larger area. The installation's full purpose could not be established in the time available. Grey Bro recovered fragments of inscribed material from the perimeter while Pappa Squatch identified multiple concealed approaches leading into the ravine. Mothman subsequently reported movement along the eastern ridgeline.

1931 HOURS: Multiple goblin figures emerged from concealed positions surrounding the site. The hostile element initiated an attack against the assessment team. Mothman reported additional movement along the upper ridge, indicating that the team had entered a prepared engagement area. Magus Actual ordered immediate defensive action and directed personnel to prevent the hostile force from separating the element or reaching the central installation.

1934 HOURS: Pappa Squatch and Grey Bro engaged the attacking goblins while Mothman provided aerial observation and reported hostile movement through the surrounding terrain. Magus Actual initiated thaumaturgical countermeasures against the ritual installation, which exhibited increased activity during the engagement. The hostile element continued its attack despite sustaining losses. The team maintained cohesion and prevented the goblins from encircling the assessment site.

1941 HOURS: Magus Actual completed a counter-evocation directed at the central stone formation. Witnesses reported a sudden pressure change, followed by a visible distortion across the installation. All previously recorded thaumaturgic activity ceased. Several concealed cavities beneath the structure partially collapsed, exposing additional carved materials and evidence of subterranean construction. The remaining goblin combatants continued their attack following the disruption of the installation.

1947 HOURS: The assessment team retaliated and eliminated the remaining goblin combatants engaged at the site. Mothman confirmed no further hostile movement within the immediate perimeter. Pappa Squatch conducted a ground security check while Grey Bro inspected the exposed structures for additional threats. No surviving members of the attacking element were identified. The engagement concluded without reported AWG casualties.

2010 HOURS: Magus Actual ordered the area secured for preliminary examination. The central installation remained inactive following the counter-evocation. Recovered materials indicated that the construction extended beyond the visible defensive works, with additional passages leading beneath the surrounding ridge. The team documented the entrances but did not pursue them due to insufficient intelligence concerning the extent of the subterranean network.

2045 HOURS: Magus Actual assessed that the goblin construction served multiple purposes, including territorial defense, concealment of anomalous activity, and the apparent concentration or redirection of thaumaturgic energy. Whether the installation was intended to contain an existing presence, facilitate a ritual, or establish a larger network of occult influence remains undetermined. The symbols and recovered materials were designated for further examination.

2115 HOURS: Following a final security sweep, Magus Actual ordered the element to withdraw from the ravine with recovered materials and site documentation. Mothman reported no additional hostile contacts during exfiltration. The team returned to the forward staging area and completed personnel and equipment accountability. All four assigned personnel were present and accounted for.

2200 HOURS: Magus Actual reviewed the collected evidence and confirmed that the immediate hostile element had been eliminated. The operation did not establish the full extent of goblin territory, the location of their principal settlement, or the identity of any higher-level leadership. Magus Actual authorized a follow-on reconnaissance operation to determine the goblins' area of operations and identify their primary base of power.

Previous report: Field Report: Operation Bad Neighbor — Bravo Squad's patrol discovers the goblin defensive works on the northern ridgeline.