APPALACHIAN WIZARD GANG
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
CLASSIFICATION: EYES ONLY // LEVEL III
OPERATION: RAT MAZE
TASK FORCE: RAT CATCHERS
AREA OF OPERATIONS: ECHO 63 — NORTHERN RIDGELINE SUBTERRANEAN COMPLEX
COMMAND AUTHORITY: MAGUS ACTUAL
STATUS: RECONNAISSANCE PARTIALLY COMPLETE // HOSTILE CONTACT // TWO WIA // ZERO KIA
1. Mission Overview
Objective: Conduct subterranean reconnaissance, map passages identified during OPERATION BAD NEIGHBOR, document goblin infrastructure, and identify additional settlements or ritual installations.
Personnel:
- RAT CATCHER ONE: Task Force Leader
- RAT CATCHER TWO: Forward Reconnaissance
- RAT CATCHER THREE: Thaumaturgical Operations
- RAT CATCHER FOUR: Security and Rear Guard
- RAT CATCHER FIVE: Engineering and Technical Exploitation
- RAT CATCHER SIX: Combat Medic
Rules of Engagement: Thaumaturgical concealment authorized. Direct engagement prohibited except in self-defense or when necessary to prevent mission compromise.
2. Operational Timeline
0140 — Task Force Rat Catchers departed the forward staging area under restricted communications protocols.
0212 — The task force entered the western access breach documented by Anteaters during OPERATION BAD NEIGHBOR II. The first 200 meters contained small barefoot impressions, drag marks, and animal bone fragments arranged along the walls.
0212 — RAT CATCHER FIVE identified damaged AWG equipment embedded in dried sediment, consistent with items previously reported missing in Echo 63. No recovery was attempted.
0247 — The team passed beyond the previous survey limits. The tunnel narrowed through natural fissures supported by crude timber braces. Several braces appeared freshly cut, though no roots or surface access were visible.
0247 — RAT CATCHER TWO reported hearing breathing from a side passage for approximately thirty seconds. The sound stopped abruptly. Inspection revealed a human-sized impression in the mud, warm to the touch. No occupant was found.
0311 — RAT CATCHER THREE detected thaumaturgical signatures distributed throughout the surrounding rock. Readings varied near carved symbols at successive junctions. The markings resembled previously documented goblin symbols; several were positioned at heights considered beyond an ordinary goblin's unaided reach. The team recorded the markings and continued without contact.
0340 — The team entered a cavern containing a cold fire pit, rusted cooking implements, broken crates, and animal bones. Wall carvings depicted figures entering the earth and later emerging without faces. One carving showed a humanoid wearing equipment resembling an AWG plate carrier, standing beside smaller entities facing a black, door-shaped outline. RAT CATCHER FIVE photographed the carving. RAT CATCHER SIX reported nausea and a persistent sensation of being watched. Two other operatives reported footsteps behind the formation. The rear passage was visually checked and found empty.
0418 — Forward reconnaissance identified a narrow fissure opening into a larger cavern complex. The team observed smoke, movement, metallic sounds, and goblin sentries on elevated ledges. The cavern contained a constructed settlement connected to deeper passages by reinforced tunnels. Crude barriers, recessed positions, smoke-blackened ceilings, worn stone steps, and repaired timber structures were visible. RAT CATCHER ONE halted the team for observation.
0452 — RAT CATCHER THREE initiated thaumaturgical concealment. The six operatives entered the settlement using hand signals and visual spacing. Three goblins passed within several meters of the formation. One stopped, sniffed the air, and turned toward the team's position. It remained motionless until a call came from an adjoining chamber, then departed. RAT CATCHER THREE reported a brief fluctuation in the concealment effect but maintained it.
0506 — The team entered a chamber containing tiers of sleeping alcoves occupied by goblins. Coverings consisted of animal hides, scavenged clothing, and stitched military fabric; several bore identifiable AWG markings. No snoring or other movement was heard as the team passed. RAT CATCHER SIX observed several occupants lying with fully dilated pupils, staring at the stone above them. One occupant was restrained to a stone slab with cords made from braided hair. Its mouth moved continuously without producing audible sound, including after it passed out of the team's line of sight. RAT CATCHER ONE prohibited closer examination. A wooden post stood at the chamber's center, wrapped in uniform scraps and nailed with broken radio switches, metal identification tags, teeth, and pieces of human fingernail. Blackened earth formed a ring around its base. RAT CATCHER THREE recorded it as a possible ritual focus.
0523 — The team located a concealed chamber behind a false stone wall. Carved stones formed a circle around a dark pit. Repeated symbols covered the walls; some were scratched into the rock, while others appeared pressed into it when it was soft. Several matched markings at the surface installation; others resembled distorted AWG insignia. No material was visible inside the pit, but instruments registered a strong thaumaturgical signature below floor level. RAT CATCHER THREE reported that the reading extended downward and outward through the surrounding rock. Its source and limits could not be established. RAT CATCHER TWO reported seeing a pale, heavily scarred, human-looking hand emerge from the pit and grip its rim for approximately three seconds before withdrawing. No other operative confirmed the sighting. The team did not approach. RAT CATCHER THREE's instruments briefly registered an additional presence between RAT CATCHER TWO and RAT CATCHER THREE, where no person was visible. The reading ceased without observed movement.
0541 — The team withdrew from the chamber after hearing metallic impacts from the eastern side of the settlement. RAT CATCHER FIVE identified a reinforced doorway secured with scavenged steel bars. It opened into an armory.
0550 — The armory contained organized racks of goblin weapons, including spears, hooked blades, bows, crude crossbows, and implements made from scavenged industrial materials. Several bore markings resembling symbols documented elsewhere in the settlement. A separate section held human-manufactured equipment sorted by type and condition, including load-bearing equipment, field radios, optics, medical supplies, ammunition containers, and damaged protective gear. RAT CATCHER FIVE identified the items as AWG property previously reported missing in Echo 63. Several pieces were displayed on wooden frames facing the central aisle. The purpose of this arrangement was not established. One radio intermittently emitted static despite having no visible power source. Between bursts, RAT CATCHER TWO heard a voice say, “Check your perimeter.” The phrase matched a routine AWG security instruction. No operative reported transmitting it.
0558 — The team identified equipment associated with BRAVO EIGHT, listed KIA following OPERATION ECHO LANTERN. Identification was based on inventory records, distinctive modifications, and personal equipment markings. No human remains were present. RAT CATCHER FIVE documented the equipment without disturbing its arrangement. RAT CATCHER ONE prohibited recovery pending controlled access. RAT CATCHER SIX observed that fabric bearing Bravo Eight's identification marking was wet while surrounding material was dry. No moisture source was visible. The fabric moved slightly, in a manner RAT CATCHER SIX described as resembling a slow exhalation. The team withdrew from the immediate area.
0610 — RAT CATCHER ONE ordered exfiltration. The team retraced its route through the settlement. No alarm was observed, and goblins continued moving through the chambers. At the living quarters, RAT CATCHER TWO observed that the restrained occupant had stopped moving its mouth. Its eyes followed the formation until the chamber was no longer visible.
0626 — The team entered a narrow connecting tunnel. RAT CATCHER THREE reported that concealment was nearing its limit. Approximately sixty meters from the settlement, a goblin emerged from a lateral recess and collided with RAT CATCHER FOUR. The collision disrupted concealment. The goblin recoiled, stared at RAT CATCHER FOUR, and vocalized in a low pitch. The sound continued after the goblin stopped visibly breathing. Calls answered from adjoining tunnels. RAT CATCHER ONE ordered immediate withdrawal and authorized defensive engagement.
0627 — The goblin attacked RAT CATCHER FOUR with a hooked blade, causing a deep laceration to the left forearm, moderate bleeding, and reduced grip strength. RAT CATCHER SIX applied a pressure dressing while the team moved toward a wider junction. Additional goblins entered from forward and lateral passages. The confined terrain restricted the team's ability to establish a defensive position.
0630 — At a partial collapse, RAT CATCHER FIVE attempted to clear a route around a fallen timber brace. A section of the support gave way and struck the operative's right knee, causing immediate pain, swelling, and impaired weight-bearing. RAT CATCHER SIX assessed the injury as a blunt-force contusion with suspected ligament strain. A fracture could not be confirmed or excluded in the field. RAT CATCHER FIVE continued with assistance.
0634 — Goblins advanced through the connecting passage, vocalizing from several directions. Some repeated fragments of the task force's callouts aloud in low, distorted voices. RAT CATCHER THREE deployed an offensive cryogenic evocation against the leading hostiles. Their advance paused and the ambient sound distorted. All goblin vocalizations ceased simultaneously. Approximately five seconds later, a voice directly behind the formation said, “Bravo Eight, checking in.” No operative had spoken. RAT CATCHER ONE ordered the team to continue without responding.
0638 — The team cleared the collapse and reached a wider junction. Defensive fire and offensive evocations prevented the pursuing goblins from closing distance. The goblins continued following but did not maintain a coordinated advance beyond the narrowest passages. RAT CATCHER FOUR's dressing remained effective. RAT CATCHER FIVE remained ambulatory with intermittent assistance. RAT CATCHER SIX determined that both could be extracted without a litter.
0651 — At the western access route, RAT CATCHER TWO observed several humanoid figures at the limits of available illumination. They did not advance. One raised an object resembling a human arm and waved it slowly. RAT CATCHER TWO reported that the gesture resembled the AWG signal for an individual requiring assistance. RAT CATCHER ONE prohibited contact and ordered continued withdrawal.
0713 — The task force exited the complex and established a temporary security perimeter. All six operatives were present. RAT CATCHER THREE reported instrument interference that persisted for approximately forty seconds after emergence before ceasing. No physical source was identified.
0740 — RAT CATCHER SIX completed field assessments: RAT CATCHER FOUR — WIA: deep left forearm laceration, moderate blood loss controlled by pressure dressing, impaired use of left hand. No loss of consciousness or immediate evidence of major vascular injury observed. RAT CATCHER FIVE — WIA: blunt-force injury to the right knee, significant pain and swelling, impaired weight-bearing, suspected ligament strain. No fracture confirmed in the field. Both injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening at the time. Formal medical evaluation remained pending.
0825 — The task force returned to the forward staging area. Photographs, route observations, and thaumaturgical readings were secured. No physical material was removed from the settlement. The equipment associated with Bravo Eight was reported to Magus Actual. The circumstances by which it reached the armory were not observed.
0910 — Initial debrief completed. All six operatives were accounted for. RAT CATCHERS FOUR and FIVE reported to the infirmary for further medical assessment.
3. Results and Unresolved Observations
- A goblin settlement, occupied quarters, and an organized armory were documented.
- Two chambers containing unusual markings and thaumaturgical readings were recorded.
- AWG equipment previously reported missing or lost, including equipment bearing Bravo Eight’s identifiers, was located.
- Concealment was disrupted following physical contact with a goblin; the team withdrew under pursuit.
- Two operatives were wounded. No fatalities occurred.
- The tunnel survey remains incomplete.
The source and nature of the reported voice manifestations, unexplained instrument readings, movement of the marked fabric, and apparent assistance signal remain unconfirmed.
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