1798: Discovery of the Pyramidion

Following an otherwise routine research patrol sent by the HFSCP's Geology Department to conduct Geographical surveys in the Reghed Glacier, a notable seismic disturbance was recorded, destroying the researcher's encampments, leaving half of a team of 40 dead. The remaining survivors elected to investigate the source of the disturbance as without their supplies and camp materials they were going to die in the Glacier anyways; what they discovered however was bigger than any of them could predict; a completely intact and functional Vex Installation, on Toril itself. Vex strongholds had been found before on other worlds, but their presence on Toril had always been considerably weaker than planets like Glyph. Its vast triangular prism constructions earned it the name "Pyramidion", and the research team that ventured inside, though they hadn't made it too far before their deaths at the hands of the Vex, discovered the purpose of the Site. The Pyramidion was intended by the group of Toril Directive Vex to convert Toril to a machine world, in order to channel enough power to create a Vex Network Construct in parallel to Potentis himself.

Shortly after the team went dark, High Prince Arturo Ceadda declared a Code Ultra-black emergency, and the possibility of an VK-"Vex Conversion" Scenario. Foundation Airships cordoned off the area and fired upon any exiting Vex, while a Provisional MTF was assembled from some of the Foundation's best Operatives: PMTF Herald-1 "Prideful Uncertainty" led by Marshall Porter Downe, Artificer Elf Asher Mir, Ranger Calico Leverly-Quartermaine and Tiefling Barbarian Valkaria Karcis.

Once deployed into the Pyramidion, they undertook their mission to break through and disable the stronghold, fighting through waves of heavily armed Vex battalions, all while taking notes on their forces and composition. By the time they reached the centre, their fears were confirmed: the Vex were already halfway to completing the vessel for an Artificial Potentis. The shell of a Immense Minotaur Chassis was defended by a considerably large Hydra, to which Asher Mir identified as "Vaxon, Inevitable Mind".

Following a tense array of combat, leading to the destruction of the Minotaur Chassis, Vaxon, and unfortunately the death of Valkaria Karcis. Foundation reinforcements flooded in afterwards, establishing a foothold in the Pyramidion. A research facility was set up, designating the stronghold as Sitio Valkaria in honour of the Tiefling's Sacrifice.

While the threat was dealt with, and the Vex presence on Toril diminished, at least for now, one problem remained, at least to some high ranking Doctors and Directors: How many more Strongholds do they have like this, hidden across Toril, waiting to be found?