Sigil: City of Doors

The large caravan rumbled down the well travelled road in this area of the Beastlands. It was used, from time to time, as a means of entering the Cage with large shipments of trade. Generally specific merchant houses would operate it in order to avoid tolls and tariffs from the more “regulated” portals. During this time of Anarchist action, this portal was used more often than before.

A dozen well armed guards rode on both sides of the many wagons and more still remained in perches atop the lead and rear wagons. All present kept a keen eye open for any disturbance.

About a mile away from the portal all hell broke loose.

The lead wagon rode over several buried pressure plates. This caused many small “explosions” to erupt from about 50 feet ahead of the plates to nearly a half mile back. If one could imagine a half mile length of road, lit up on both sides at 15 foot placements, with brightly flared torches emitting a quick expanding green smoke, they would be pretty close to describing what had just occurred here.

The small explosions and bright lights were enough to startle the workhorses and oxen pulling the merchandise but most of the effect was caused by the gas. It was impossible to avoid and was inhaled almost immediately by all present. It was designed to render the victim unconsciousÂ… and for the most partÂ… worked like a charm.

About eighty percent of the caravanÂ’s guards and drivers were out within seconds. Most of the livestock also collapsed and those that didnÂ’t ran into the fields in fear of the noise and light. As the remaining guards tried to gain their bearings or dismount from their fallen mounts, they were beset by the next wave.

About a dozen figures, all wearing telltale masks, emerged from the air around them and quickly fell atop the guards. Defending blades were quickly flicked out of hands or booted aside by very agile assailants. It was very, very clear that this was not done by a ragtag cell of amateursÂ… these were professionals in every sense of the word.

Within mere moments the area was brought under control by the assailants and the merchants and guards were tied and moved to a central location near the scene. One assailant in particular stood in front of the captives and spoke to them while most of the others began to work on the caravan.

“Gentlemen… My name is Phoenix. I am a revolutionary from the city of Sigil and these are my allies.

Let me begin by apologizing for the situation you all find yourselves in. I understand the great amount of duress you are currently feeling and the fear that accompanies it. I can only imagine what must be going through your minds right now… Am I going to die? What of my loved ones? Any number of things... I can assure you… I have little interest in harming you unless you resist or try something less than intelligent.”

As Phoenix spoke, the caravan was torn open and ransacked. Materials were burned, foodstuffs spoiledÂ… everything possible was defiled in one way or another. Phoenix continued.

“As we speak here more and more of your caravans are being likewise targeted. Your employers are going to lose their shirts this day. There will be no profit to be made from the enslavement of my city”

As he spoke that last statement, one of the guards who had managed to loosen himself, attempted to lunge at the Anarchist. A quick step to the side was all it took to avoid the attempt as the assailant was still partially under the effects of the gas. He was quickly subdued and returned to the rest.

“Gentlemen,” said Phoenix as several approaching figures could be seen coming down the road from the direction of the portal… most likely an armed reinforcement, “I have spared your lives and now remember your faces. Should I find any of you on another caravan into the city…? I will ensure that the trip is your last. Do not mistake my current generosity. It will not be repeated.”

With the trade caravan completely destroyed, tons of food wasted and merchandise scattered and ruined, the Anarchists vanished into the air around them. Within minutes reinforcements arrived but nothing could be salvaged. This scene was repeated at several entry points into the city over the same day. What is usually the busiest market day of the month in Sigil was now quiet and empty. While many traders did get through, the bulk did not. It was going to be a lean month in the city unless the Merchants reorganized other quick shipmentsÂ… but with routes that spanned planesÂ… the logistics of that wasnÂ’t going to be easy.

"Sir, only seven of ten our shipments have reached the City today. All the shipments going to Undersigil are thankfully intact" - Isaac spoke in a motone, careless voice. It was a construct, it didn't care for its master's profit so much...atleast now.

"WHAT!? Three of them destroyed...Soddin' Phoenix, soon enough...There will be a lesson" - Hildmor snarled, reaching for his silvery metal pipe.

Upon hearing of the mishaps which befell the merchants, Mir's comment to such is a nonchalant shrug with a rather smug smile.

• "Perfect timing."

Some time later Alice is being prepared for something or other in a quick but not rushed manner, after which the crew remain at earshot from the craft - there might be job to do soon, very soon.

More shipments have been hit in recent days. Although deaths have been kept to a minimum... some have occured just the same. Shelves seem to be emptying and some of the poorer folks in the city have started to become desperate. While still contained in their neighbourhoods it seems likely that they will soon start pouring into the more wealthy areas in an attempt to get the goods they need... goods that have had their prices escalate beyond their meager earnings.

Some merchants have taken to using services, such as the SpellJammer, but these have forced them to raise prices on things that do manage to make it into the city.

And while news about the killing of the Anarch network has been spread, there has been no official statement from any of the well known Revolutionaries. Considering the attacks on the caravans continue... it seems it simply isn't a grave enough issue that would cause them to pause...

Even during this trying time, Chari makes it a point to show the people of the humbleness and willingness of the Harmonium to help their fellow citizen.

Using her own money, resources and calling in favors she sets up a various checks points throughout the different affected wards and starts to give out food, water and other parisable goods. Combined with her rank within the Harmonium, she makes sure the crowds are orderly and peaceful. She hands out food to everyone and anyone, giving the rations to children first as well as women and malnourished citizens.

After all the food is gone, she gives a trusted member of the Harmonium the rest of her coin (including her wages from the Harmonium and encourages others to do the same which some do but not he majority) and has him buy even more supplies and hands them out until who comes is not only feed buy has a physical and their physical aches and pains are tended by her.

Whereas the Anarchs use violence, Chari is determined to use love and understanding.

***A brief statement is released in the Hive and Lower Wards***


People of the city. Although I cannot currently substantiate this, I have been informed that the goods being supplied to you by the Harmonium have possibly been tainted. I cannot say for sure by what, or for what intent, but it is best to err on the side of caution and reject what they hand out. Although it is unlikely that the Harmonium would be so foolish as to attempt something like this, I wouldnÂ’t completely count it out.

AgainÂ… use great care in using goods suspected to be supplied by the Harmonium. Ensure the safety of you and your families by rejecting them.

In the interimÂ… arrangements have been made with the Indep merchants to fast track supplies directly to the public markets in all areas. A clean, solid, supply of goods will soon arrive.

Freedom be Yours

~Phoenix~