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Vazra’s Letter to Anariel

A letter arrives, accompanied by the necklace you gave Vazra

“Lady Anariel,

Your very name once me brought joy. You were dear to me, all of us, any Archon would have died for you. Now your soldiers come to kill us. Words utterly fall short of the betrayal we feel. It is truly a sad day when the Pheonix turn to murder and banditry. Looking down at the Gallent Feathers, prepared to slaughter my people, I could cast myself from the Spire in heartbreak… but I must persevere for the sake of my people. They have come to murder, subjugate and pillage my people, I must protect them. What truly stings is that had the roles been reversed, the Archons would fight to the last man defending the Fire Isle and our dear friends the Pheonix. You know this to be true, and you know these so called allies you’ve chosen would abandon your people the moment it was convienant. Whatever our faults, we have always been loyal friends.

What the Pheonix is doing is evil. The people of the Spire wish only to live in peace and you have come to subjugate us and slaughter us in our homes. Still, I cannot bare to spill Phoenix blood. The very thought of it makes me wretch.

Abandon this endeavour completely, and we will forgive you. You don’t have to be bandits or killers. You could even join us in defending our home, the people of the Spire can be saved, this is a battle we can win, and you can still do the right thing.

Enclosed is the necklace you gave me symbolizing our friendship. Return it as a sign of our people’s continued bond, and I will know the Pheonix have reconsidered. We would be truly overjoyed. Keep it, if you yet intend to do us harm, and I will drink myself into a stupor on your wine, as preparation for the solemn task of killing my once dear friends. I have thrown myself into mortal danger to protect your people before, I beg of you, harming them would be unbearable, it would end me. Please reconsider.

Signed,

Vazra”

The ink of this letter has smeared, tears have fallen upon this parchment.

~

Anariel’s Response to Vazra

Dear friend Vazra,

I am very sad that you returned the necklace I made for you. Things have gotten very sad and confusing. I know that the Phoenix are not attacking your settlement and will not as long as you do as they ask. They are doing this to protect all of Mardrun.

When things happen in the past and you got in trouble. I knew you made mistakes and felt bad for them. I knew this world was confusing for you and maybe you didn’t know that killing unarmed civilians was a bad thing, even if they were around Undead. Maybe they didn’t know that it was bad to have Undead just like you didn’t know it was bad to kill them when they can’t defend themselves. So when they put the mark on your back I was so proud of you. It showed how much you loved the people of Mardrun. You wore that like a badge of honor. And I couldn’t tell you how happy it made me. It showed that the people of Mardrun meant more to you than your magic or anything else. That you did want to help everyone and you were willing to bare that burden. But then people told me when I asked about you, that you were fighting the mark. Like you didn’t want it anymore… it confused me. Why would you want this Mark off before they took it off of you? I thought you were showing everybody how much you loved the people and wanted to protect them even if you weren’t sure how. People are now saying that you are a very dangerous man trying to kill others. I thought you had learned that this was not a good thing. Why are you still trying to hurt people? Vazra, I want to tell you- that’s bad.

The Gallant Feathers are only here to take you in to custody so that you do not hurt anyone. This makes me so sad and I have cried a lot about it. They do not wish to harm your settlement and do not want your crops, houses and people. They just want you. But now you are telling me that you will not go? That you will stay and put your people in risk? I am shocked Vazra! I thought you would do anything for the people of Mardrun and when they say you are a danger and people need to be protected from you- that you won’t listen and do what is good for Mardrun? Why? This is not the actions of the man I idolize and this makes me very sad indeed. Reggie hasn’t been eating his flies for days now.

I made the Magis promise me that we are not taking anything from the settlement that the villagers need. We are not the bandits you say we are. We are not here to subjugate (I had to ask what that meant). We do not wish ill will on your people. Why do you say these things about the Phoenix?
I beg of you to reconsider and be the man I know you to be. I will carry your necklace and if you are that man, I will give it back.

Your friend always,

Anariel.

TO: Faolan, Vice Magus of the Spire
FROM: Runeseer Reyna Longfang, Daughter of Gaia to Pack Longfang

Faolan,

I request a clarification on the governing structure of the Archons. I was given to understand, by way of most organizations structure, that you as Vazra’s second in command of the Archons would be the voice to whom I should listen when the Court of the Free People stripped him of leadership.

If you would be so kind as to answer the following questions I would be appreciative:

#1 – What does your position within the Archons actually mean?
#2 – Does Vazra still stand as leader of the Archons?
#3 – Does Aifric Camden speak for the Archons in any capacity, be it via Vazra’s authority or some other structure?

In the case that you are the leading individual from amongst the Archons I strongly suggest that you make a declaration not only declaring yourself such, but that you also make clear Vazra’s position in relation to yourself. It seems that waters have been badly muddied, for certain members of your organization continue to attempt to speak not only for themselves, but for the Spire itself.

Runeseer Reyna Longfang, Daughter of Gaia to Pack Longfang

Additionally, I have included copies of previously mentioned correspondences. The first of which is a copy of the agreement made with Vazra and Al Haddad. The second is the claim of damages that I presented to Brother Oliver shortly prior to Vazra’s decision to forego compliance with the Verdict of the Free People’s Court. I would like to make mention of the fact that the second of these documents was commended by Hawk into the hands of one Aifric Camden previously, on an occasion in which she had expressed hopes of neighboorly behavior between Pack Longfang and the Archons.

~

Whereas person(s) representing The Archons did knowingly cause harm to Bos Mezar property (estimated eight month repair time) and default on contracts to provide research (three months of research were paid for in advance by Bos Mezar), military units of Bos Mezar were dispatched to the Spire to collect damages generously set at three loads of supplies to be donated to Onsallas outpost for the purposes of countering the Mordok threat. Whereas Vazra (AKA “Friend” Vazra, AKA Vazra the Betrayer) did actively give orders to move supplies out of the spire and have the crates formerly housing them filled with excrement in an attempt to actively evade payment of debts owed, and actively vetoed mediation offered by Tobias Del Green and accepted by Al Haddad. Whereas troops from Bos Mezar did enter the spire and took directly from the populace one load of supplies under force of arms. Bos Mezar is willing to forgo further collection this debt and consider the damages repaid upon successful completion of the following terms as verbally agreed at Onsalas outpost and hereafter written.

1: Iris Treemaster is freed of any commitment to The Archons. She is as of now a member of Pack Longfang.

2: Bos Mezar troops will immediately vacate the Spire.

3: The Magi Tyranus will move to Onsalas no later than the end of July, to be brought under the command of Pack Longfang provided that they cover their operating expenses. They will remain no less than one month later then the departure of the Mezar Dolum who will be traveling directly from the Spire to Onsalas, where they will be brought under the command of Pack Longang provided that they cover their operating expenses. The Magi Tyranus will not be compelled to stay for a term greater than one year.

Addendum: In signing this document both Bos Mezar and The Archons recognize each other’s commitment to the sanctity of life (in all of it’s forms) and agree to limit themselves to “less than lethal” means to resolve any additional ongoing conflicts between their two factions. This limitation of means will stay in effect until broken by either side. Furthermore both Bos Mezar and The Archons agree to not operate military units within the territory of the other without advanced written agreement. Note: incitement of outside entities to violence against Bos Mezar by The Archons or against The Archons by Bos Mezar will be considered breach of this clause.

Abu Haidar Faruk Ibn Faraj Al Haddad Al Saresh, Mayor of Serai
Al Haddad

Vazra, the Archmage of the Spire
Vazra

Runeseer Reyna Longfang, Daughter of Gaia to Pack Longfang
Reyna

~

Original written to: Brother Oliver of the Order of Arnath’s Light,

The Magi Tyranus were expected in Onsallas July 265. They were expected to stay until December 265. 5 Months of service were expected. Here is the requested inventory concerning the damages I wish to claim of Vazra for the broken contract.
They are as follows:

1.) Productivity was lost due to the extended siege that should have been broken with the Magi Tyranus’ backing. The Quartermaster Longfang values these losses in the amount of 3 loads of supplies.

2.) The Quartermaster Longfang places a blood price of 10 Silver Pieces on a fully trained Ulfednar Warrior, or 6 silver and an untrained civilian. Thus we claim as compensation for the 4 preventable casualties sustained during combat the Blood Price of 40 Silver Pieces, or 24 Silver Pieces and 4 civilians.

I look forward to a speedy resolution of this matter,
As it was originally signed: Runeseer Reyna Longfang, Daughter of Gaia to Pack Longfang

The Raven’s Accords

• The Ravens’ Political Attaché shall include 1 investigative unit and 1 representative unit.
• The Ravens will remain neutral and are not in attendance as an enemy or ally of either side
• The Ravens’ units are to be allowed to move onto either side of the battle field
• The Ravens’ representatives and investigators will be given trust in the calls they are there to make
• The Ravens’ representatives will act as a go between if either side does surrender after conflict has begun and a call of surrender will be respected
• Any attack against a Ravens member, person under their protection, or a breaking of the neutral ground will not be tolerated and the individual or group shall be brought to justice
• The Ravens’ investigators are present to make sure there is no foul play from either side of the conflict until it is resolved; they are not to spy or feed intelligence to either side of the conflict
• The Ravens will not fund or feed any waring troops from either side of this conflict beyond those committed to protecting the peace of the neutral ground
• The Ravens shall not collect upon reparations from the losing side of this conflict
• Those who do surrender will be put into protective custody by the Ravens and shall be given the same protections as the Ravens against continued aggression
• Those who violate these accords shall be tried for inciting undue violence and warmongering
• Those who do surrender will not be judged or charged for their groups continued actions beyond the time of their surrender
• Any prisoner of war shall be treated as humanly as possible and the captors shall open themselves up to inspection of any prisoner’s confinement by the Ravens

We the undersigned hereby referred to as the Allied Group which represents the interests and is comprises the members of the Rangers of Crows Landing, the Phoenix of the Fire Isle, the Chapter of Light of the Order of Arnath’s Fist, the Longfangs of Pack Longfang, and the Broken Blade Company of Aylin’s Reach. The Allied Group agrees that the Archons have shown that they are a danger to the peace of Mardrun. The Allied Group demands the surrender of the Archons and their binding under three provisions:

• • Vazra is Turned over to the Allied Group allowing the Allied group to collect his bounty. If Vazra refuses the rest of the Archons must publicly denounce him and no longer allow him to lead the Archons

• • All of the Archons current research must be inspected and anything deemed too dangerous shall be turned over or destroyed. Any projects wished to be started by the Archons must be approved and all ongoing research and their facilities shall be regularly inspected. All of this can be handled by the Archons themselves by setting up a contract with an outside inspector and submitting an inspection schedule or the Archons may swear fealty to a noble who is to act as the Archons handler.

• • The Archons are to pay reparations to the Allied Group to the sum of half the total operating costs expended by the Allied Group for this Endeavor. Vazra’s bounty shall be put towards this debt. These reparations are a penalty fee placed on the Archons for aiding and abetting a wanted criminal and attempting to tamper with or remove a legal punishment.

 

Failure by the Archons to agree and sign the treaty or failure by the Archons to uphold their end of the treaty after signing shall force the Allied Group to take more aggressive actions as detailed below:

• • Vazra will no longer be given any aid and any individual or group helping him will be viewed as harboring a fugitive and shall be arrested and charged as such.

• • The Allied Group shall properly escalate with martial force to remove the Archons from power over the people of the Spire. This shall start with a siege of the spire and shall escalate to match the aggressions of the Archons.

• • The Allied Group shall not give safe passage, harbor, nor conduct business with any members of the Archons or else they shall be viewed as aiding and abetting a wanted criminal and shall be arrested and charged as such.

• • The Allied Group shall take reparations for the full extent of expenses for undertaking this operation. These shall come from detaining individuals and acquiring spoils from the settlement of the spire.

 

The Allied Group shall show serious commitment to this treaty and the cause undertaken herein. Each member of the Allied Group shall commit to the following stipulations:

• • Pledge of one military or supporting military unit from each faction joined in this treaty.

• • Pledge of each person’s commitment to this treaties resolution in either agreement or escalation.

• • Refusal to aid or harbor any member of the Archons until a resolution has been found in either agreement or escalation.

• • Pledge to return to action if the Archons fail to hold up their agreement of this treaty at a later time

 

Faction Leaders Archons

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

Individuals Witnesses

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

__________________________

_____________

 

MORDOK SUMMARY
The Mordok are indigenous to Mardrun. The ancestral enemy of the Ulven, the Mordok are a bloodthirsty, tribal and barbaric race. They range from small tribes to entire organized communities with leaders and even some spiritual leaders. Very little is known about the Mordok; all attempts at communicating or learning the Mordok culture has ended in blood shed. Constantly at war with the Ulven, the Mordok are strong, resilient, and savage. It is unknown just how large the population of Mordok is on the continent of Mardrun.

They’re bestial, barbaric, and vicious killers, more dependant on violence and crude magic than on great intelligence or tactics. They are the monsters that haunt the northern swamps of Mardrun. Roaming in small tribes, they are the ancestral enemies of the Ulven, seen as a corruptive scourge against their beloved home.

APPEARANCE
Mordok have skin tones ranging from purples and blues to greens and reds, large ears, tusks, and the clothing they wear is often rags. They move in a loping gait and communicate in growls and violence. Mordok are extremely resilient with thick skin and able to withstand a lot of damage and live, and even recover quickly.

BEHAVIOR
Mordok are vicious creatures only seen when raiding or conquering territory. They re violent and sadistic with other races and even other Mordok. They often are seen competing with each other to establish dominance. Furthermore, they delight in cruelty.

ACTIVITY

Current Mordok Activity
Previous to 265, Mordok were only really seen on raids. They would come in packs to raid settlements and take sacrifices. However, any large or determined force would turn them away. The only real change was the corruption of individuals that were accepted to their ranks. These were all colonists. The most notable of these was the Red Eyed Syndar; a man preaching the word of the Mother, the Mordok deity. He placed a large and resilient corruption site outside Onsallas outpost. After that the Mordok went quiet.

In March of 265 the Mordok reappeared after nearly a year of low activity. It started with Warpacks patrolling the area of the Great Forest being decimated. Shortly after, Mordok emerged from the Dirge Swamp and laid siege to Onsallas outpost. Pinning down the vanguard of the defenders, the swarmed past and down into Northern Ulven territory. The settlement of Serai as well as settlements in Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Whiteoak territories began to feel pressure from their advance. Although the settlements of Serai and Onsallas are relieved after a few months, Clans Whiteoak and Shattered Spear are continually assaulted. Shattered Spear was able to rely on Grimward warriors to reinforce their lines; Clan Whiteoak was not so fortunate as help came piecemeal from various sources.

Early in 266, reports started coming from Clans Riverhead and Spiritclaw that the Great Forest had a significant number of Mordok in it. Though startling, it was met with some skepticism. That skepticism was put to rest when in March a large Mordok force emerges from the Great Forest. Rampaging towards Clan Riverhead, it was all that could be done by their allies to stall the offensive. This allowed some of the civilians to evacuate, but the Clan lands fell to the Mordok by June.

Afterwards, the Mordok force split into three main parts. One attacked Clan Whiteoak from the south. Another returned to the Great Forest. The third moved down the Great Wolf’s Hackles. This thrust was met by Grimward and other forces, and eliminated. At the end of the year a cure for the new creeping corruption was found, leading to cleansing of individuals and sites. At the close of the year, the Ulven Clans decided to band together and push out the Mordok influence in their lands, and afterwards create a series of defensive fortifications across the border of the Swamp. Where it goes from there is still up to debate.

This letter was found by Starkhaven Militia at the Siege of Daven’s Reach. It was found on one of the bandit leaders slain. Multiple reports of identical letters confirm it’s authenticity.

Citizens and Leaders of Daven’s Reach,

You have fought hard for your independence, yet still Newhope refuses to recognize you as the sovereign state you are. Again and again, it over reaches its authority, and seeks to drag you back under its thumb. I too have experienced this injustice, and would like to extend my aid to your cause. Newhope is not the master of humanity, nor Syndar, and we cannot continue to allow it to assert itself as some kind of racial government. We are not their children to command and discipline as they please, and we are not subservient to their authority. We are free people, and if need be, we will die free people. I propose an alliance: I will come to your defense and condemn Newhope’s transgressions against you, if Daven’s Reach pledges to do the same for the Archmage, and the Archons of the Spire. The time has come to stand together and fight back, to end their oppression, to challenge their tyranny. Our foe may be mighty, but fighting together, they will learn that even titans can bleed.

Archmage Vazra

To Brother Oliver, Acolyte of the Chapter Master of Arnath’s Light

From Sergeant Basil Gavras, Starkhaven Militia on detached duty to he Chapter of the Light,

Last month we undertook a mission to finalize the Creeping Corruption Cure along with members of Pack Longfang, Broken blade, and the Rangers of Crows Landing, as well as some additional associates. This mission was in Clan Shattered Spear territory, south west of Sera and north of Clan Grimward. A corruption idol had been placed in their territory with the Creeping Corruption. It was needed to refine the ritual.

The Order contingent consisted of Brother Dom, Scholar Kantas, and myself. Scholar Kantas was on loan from the Great Library. The Griffin in charge made sure I understood his disapproval if he did not return. Both Dom and I were in our armor while Brother Kantas wore none.

As night fell we moved towards the place of the idol. The group was highly disorganized with no clear leader. Our guide at one point wandered off, and it is by providence we found the camp site. Once there we started a fire and I immediately assessed the perimeter. There was a path heading west, south, and east. The brush around we believed was thick enough to deter any fast or silent movement.

As we started camp one of the Broken Blades, a man called Drex, was ill with the Creeping Corruption. I had seen it in Starkhaven with the refugees; he had not long. We decided it we could not let the man suffer. Using our ritual to delay the corruption, with the help of Sarmion of the Broken Blades and Reyna of Pack Longfang, we were able to bring the man to his previous health, if only for a bit. This was instrumental later as the man was a skilled archer. However that process took a considerable amount of time. With haste, our schoalrs began to work on the corruption cure.

Coordinating with Volrok of the Broken Blade, Ranmir of Pack Longfang, and Tobias of the Rangers, we posted guards at the three paths. Brother Dom stayed with the researchers while I took the south path guard duty. Volrok of Broken Blade patrolled between the paths as we did not know how easily navigable the brush was. After the first skirmish it was determined it was nigh impossible to navigate through with any speed, and such focused on gudrding the paths.

Mordok presence was light. There was a probing attack at first; howeve, after seeing our numbers they broke off. Midway a corrupted individual came into camp notifying us that the Red Eyed Syndar wanted to talk. A member of the Agnosco wanted to play cloak and dagger games. I let him know that he was on his own. I informed Tobias, Volrok, Reyna and Ranmir of the sitaution. I advised that we should not go out to meet him as from reports his defining tactics is luring people out to slow down their objectives or to isolate their people.

The Agnosco got into trouble when the Red Eyed Syndar showed up, and the Rangers and Longfangs got in a standoff with him and his Mordok. After observing the situation, I returned to camp as left as 2/3 of our forces were outside. Only the Broken Blade, and us were still on guard duty. That meant there was four people to guard the scholars. Had there been a concerted effort to break into camp it would have been a difficult situation. Our only reserve was Brother Dom, who was vital to the research.

After sometime the groups came back with the Agnosco, but the Mordok attacked hard soon after. We were pressed for a good half an hour or more. After eliminating them, we returned to the news the ritual had worked. Volrok was adamant to test it on his man Drex, as any good captain looks after his men. Unfortunately, that left Volrok, Dom, and myself away from guard duty. Ranmir was overseeing the main path. A Mordok slipped into camp, and could have done major chaos had it not run into Brother Dom, who promptly put it into the ground and kept it there. Afterwards we completed the ritual on Drex, and hope to see it fully gone.

We retreated in good order with no wounds.

An observation of the Mordok:

As the Order has not had substantial encounters with the Mordok, I wil live my threat assessment. Mordok are tough, relentless, and seemingly inexhaustible. However, their crude fighters that can easily be baited and struck, but hard to take down. While dangerous, they do not work well together. A strong force can easily overcome them in the field.

Signed,

Basil Gavras,

Sergeant of the Starkhaven Militia

On Detached duty to the Chapter of the Light.

Sergeant Gavras of Starkhaven’s Militia, attached to the Order of Arnath’s Light, September Action Report:

The Order moved into the small village and set up camp in a warehouse we paid the Mayor to occupy for the day and night. After setting up our area, members of the Phoenix (and affiliate) also housed inside.

During our set up we were harassed by the Captain, who aggressively called us murderers and bandits. Brother Oliver responded passionately, and Sergeant Gavras passed out numerous copies of the treaty shortly after the Captain left. Afterwards part of the research team was escorted in by Order forces. It appeared they had been harrassed coming in and had split up. However, we did have the mana construct and it was secured in the warehouse. The night passed with some incidents but none inside the warehouse.

The next morning we moved further down to another staging area. Brother Dom had went out to meet up with other forces but never returned. It was later found that the research team as well as Brother Dom had been captured by bandits. The bandits asked for ransom, but due to aggression on their part, and response by forces there, negotiations broke down into violence very quickly. Some hostages were killed, including a mother and her baby; however Brother Dom was saved. During the confusion, the mana construct was stolen.

Brother Dom brought news that the Archons had been treating with the bandits. This was supported by members of the groups there as they had spotted Archons, specifically the Captain, speaking and leaving with the bandits. Brother Dom added they had conversations in front of him looking to hire them for defense of the Spire.

After this news, the bandits continued to harass the forces there. After the bandits figured out what they had, they had looked to sell it back to the group. However, others fearing the corruption worse, were convinced to steal the construct back from the bandits for some coin. The operation was successful, and the camp held out until Newhope forces arrived.

~

Reyna Longfang’s letter after the Incident
Justice Minded Peoples of Mardrun,

On Saturday the 16th day of the 266th year a group of allies banded together in defense of the key to a cure for the Creeping Corruption. Representatives of Pack Longfang, the Order of Arnath’s Light, the Broken Blade Company and the Rangers of Crow’s Landing were all present and fighting fit.

Our force encountered problems with a group of Bandits who had managed to take hostages; including a Mother, her infant child, and a Brother of the Order of Arnath’s Light. Attempts at negotiations failed. The bandits executed several of the hostages, including the mother and child, before the rescue could be mounted. The fracas provided cover so that other members of the Bandit group were able to make off with the Mana Construct.

Brother Dom survived his captivity to bring us dangerous news. The Archons, under the Leader of an Affiliated captain, treated with the bandits in question. These individuals, in clear allegiance with the Criminal Vazra who continues to defy the justice of the Free People’s Court, procured an agreement to services of the bandits for the Defrense of the Archon Spire where Vazra continues to hide and an Alliance has gathered in service to enforce the rulings of the Free People’s Court.

The Bandits, on realizing the value of the item they had, attempted to ransom the Construct back to the protectors. It was only through the good sense of a bandit who feared the corruption more than his comrades being convinced to take a contract to return the item. This man truly earned the silver he was offered, taking grievous wounds from his former allies as he fled. This man rose about his reputation and restored to our hands the precious Mana Construct.

Following this the group continued to hold while waiting for the arrival of the Newhope Forces. One of the Archons approached the gathered allies. He committed himself to the defense of the Mana Construct and the future cure. However, the Archon Aifric and the Captain, did not join themselves to any sort of noble mission. Before night could fall the slayer of the Infant was apprehended. Myself, Magnus Ironmound and Brother Dom interrogated him and saw that he was made to confront his crimes. He willfully surrendered to sentence he had rightfully earned.

I am proud to say that the Mana Construct has been spirited into safer grounds, and a number of bandits have been brought to justice.

Runeseer Reyna Longfang, Daughter of Gaia to Pack Longfang

The following letter is available for public review in regards to the ongoing investigation of Serai and the undead. Members involved in the investigation team, the recent inquisition, were made aware of the availability of this letter before returning home.

Field Report
Brother Ree
Bos Mezar settlement of Serai

Upon arriving at Serai, we deployed our unit of troops in front of the unit of Bos Mezar’s. This was to keep them from interfering with the inquisition. We approached the city and were met by Al-Haddad who invited us to eat and drink. If we did not partake of this, we were not allowed to enter the settlement. Only Brother Coswell accepted. He was taken into the city and talked to Al-Haddad and returned back to us. He was going back to discuss with Al-Haddad why we were there and we refused to let him go alone again; the rest of our investigation team and our allies agreed to eat or drink of Al-Haddad’s hospitality.

We met in the village and Al-Haddad was informed that we came to verify if he did ineed have eight undead in his possession. Al-Haddad was very straight forward and honest. He told us he had nine undead. He then made the argument that the undead were a natural thing occurring in nature and they were protecting his village and therefore he would protect them as citizens of Serai. We asked to see one up close and he consented and had one brought forth. It was led by two children and a handler to keep it calm. A hideous and unnatural sight to behold. The creature remained calm until it felt our hatred and then started to get agitated and restless. The handler calmed it down by magic.

Brother Coswell then named our terms.
1) Surrender all of the undead to us for destruction; we would even do it respectfully the best we could.
2) Hand over all research related to this; it was proven that Bos Mezar could make more.
3) Al-Haddad and his Second in Command, Al Maffajar, were to come with us back to Starkhaven for questioning.

Al-Haddad refused and said they would not and would fight to stop us. We regrouped for a short at a distance to discuss our options. We then reformed our battle line and advanced back into the heart of the settlement. Brother Coswell then restated our terms and the consequences for refusing, hoping not to kill anyone or burn the city if possible, Al-Haddad again refused. We pushed forward and moved to fight them as they brought our their undead to face us.

Just then, three mordok came from behind us. Vazra of the Archons yelled “Let them through!” and I wanted to see if the undead would fight the mordok so I immediately moved aside to let them pass. However, the mordok must have feared being pinned between both of our groups of soldiers and the undead so they retreated hastily. The fight started as our lines clashed. Sister Ree and Vazra went to a building on our left flank to remove the archer threat on the second floor. It turned out that Al-Haddad had also just arrived and with great bravery, Sister Ree and Vazra fought and captured Al-Haddad with powerful death bolts of magic. On the frontline, Al-Haddad’s second in command was fighting against our shieldwall with magic but was also eventually wounded and captured.
Note: Before our forces entered Serai, all troops and our allies were instructed by Brother Ventaris to stick to low level combat magics and to support our lines and our flanks so we don’t unnecessarily injure or kill anyone.

During the battle, Vazra was seen to have struck down and killed an unarmed civilian and move towards the children handlers of the undead, his intent to be hostile to them unknown. He was then attacked by surprise by a Naran woman named Sakura and her retainer. He fought back and struck her down with another death bolt of magic. Our commander, Brother Coswell, bravely healed her and kept her alive while the mordok and the undead repeatedly attacked. At this time, it was unknown why she would attack our ally; was she a traitor? She did not fight the undead or any of Serai’s troops but did bravely fight against the mordok. At this time, Al-Haddad managed to escape when the Archon members holding him captive were brutally attacked by mordok. He managed to run and escape deeper into the settlement. We tried to check the village for survivors, gathering any we could behind our defensive line. Corporal Gavras bravely volunteered to run and break through the mordok line, run further into the settlement, and attempt to find any survivors or citizens. He was able to return and everyone we could save was already in our group.

We organized a fighting retreat where our Chapter members kept the mordok at bay and protected our group as we fled the settlement. We withdrew safely without any casualties. By the time we regrouped with our soldiers camped nearby, we had lost one Order militia, named Brindle, to the mordok and reports say we lost half a dozen or so soldiers in the fighting in the city and with the oncoming mordok attack. Our forces will consolidate here and attempt to link up with the Master Lion and his detachment coming north; we will also try to organize the defense of the Serai civilians to the best of our ability. A small group will be sent south to bring the prisoners directly to Starkhaven for questioning.

Final Details:
– All nine of the undead were destroyed.
– Al-Haddad was apprehended but managed to escape.
– Al Maffajar was apprehended and is in our custody.
– No research regarding the undead was recovered.
– Many mordok were killed in the battle.
– A large portion of the Serai settlement was lost or contested to the mordok.
– Serai defenders were spared and helped to the best of our ability; many were wounded but few perished from the fight.
– Chapter military units are currently engaging mordok near the settlement and awaiting reinforcements.

Recommendations:
1) Put out a reward for the capture of Al-Haddad, alive only, for questioning.
2) Investigate the conduct of Vazra on the battlefield and the accusations of the murder of civilians.
3) Investigate the actions of Vazra in what linked him to Al-Haddad and Bos Mezar’s activities with the undead. From close ally to wanting to see Al-Haddad dead is a concerning shift in allegiance.
4) Investigate the home settlement of the Archons, the Spire, to see what research their arcane magics are currently working on.
5) Interrogate Sakura, who attacked Vazra, about her conduct, who had puzzling behavior during the course of the day, who
6) Interrogate Al-Maffajar, who is currently in our custody, about his involvement and Bos Mezar’s plans.
7) Put out “Call of Summons” to any members of Bos Mezar to willingly turn themselves over from questioning with a time frame of one month. Known accomplices are Shiloh, Ren-La, and Umm Haddar. After that, put out a reward for their capture, alive.
8) Care for any Serai refugees but disperse them into separate areas so that they are unable to coordinate together at this time, to see how deep this undead menace is
9) Make a strong point to emphasize that all who willingly turn themselves in or who are in Order custody, either the Chapter of the Fist or the Chapter of the Light, are under the protection of the Order of Arnath. All in custody who are targeted by others will be defended.
9) Update the Tomes of Valor of all new Chapter members of the Order of Arnath’s Light; their bravery and actions were paramount in the success of this mission.

Signed by my hand,
Brother Ree, Griffin of the Chapter of Light, Order of Arnath