CONFIDENTIAL: To Be Read By Centurio Twilight Only & Immediately!

[Lucidity]

“You do not belong here… leave this place and never return!”

Before the young Tirones had an opportunity to respond, the dark-armored figure had summoned multiple globes of darkness – a blanket of shadow so deep, not even his Elven sight could penetrate. The mysterious figure who suddenly appeared before him moments before was now on full offensive – Raziel knew in the pit of his stomach he was up against something he could not defeat… not yet. As the dark figure drew his weapon, Tirones Sedna had no choice; retreat or be killed.

The summoned shadows swirled and hissed violently, as though alive from the will of the dark user. A cacophony of demonic squeals rang out among the forest as a fleshless, fiery horse-like creature stepped out from the nothingness of the void. The young soldier’s eyes opened wide in equal parts surprise and hesitation; how could he overcome such an obstacle? Alone, he couldn’t. Knowing full well the consequences that would follow if he stood his ground, the young Legionnaire turned and fled, sprinting as fast he could back to the border.

Inhale, two, three, four…

Exhale, two, three four…

The rhythm of the run was like clockwork to the soldier; a fresh breath on the left foot after every four steps. With this method, he knew he could focus long enough to make it back to the camp alive. Raziel’s breathing would shift the strain and weight of the run to the left side of his body, allowing him deeper breaths for additional stamina. The counting of one, two, three, four continued until the camp was in view – surprisingly, it didn’t take long with a controlled breathing approach. With a fierce determination, Raziel stormed towards the closest rest area and immediately started writing an updated report for his superiors.

To Be Addressed By The Order of Centurio Twilight

Kythorn 18

During my patrol in the forest on this day, I, Tirones Sedna, came across a peculiar circumstance. Enclosed in this report are my findings and my current speculations towards the situation.

· 14th Hour, Kythorn 18th – Rumors of undead presence in Viridale border camp circulating, will acquire necessary provisions and investigate.

· 16th Hour, Kythorn 18th – Undead presence verified, haunted road seems to lead to some kind of strange ruins.

· 17th Hour, Kythorn 18th – Undead presence being defended by unknown threat, appears to be humanoid. Strength of threat is great; abilities include conjuration of magical darkness and demonic cohorts.

This being’s power is unlike anything I’ve seen before, Sir. Despite my warnings, he still threatened and attacked me. I’d like to request additional support for this area, the forest has become exceptionally unsafe for travelers. The presence of demons, undead, and now their humanoid servants cannot be denied any further. I fear what this may become if this threat is ignored. I look forward to hearing from you with great urgency, Sir.

-Tirones Raziel Sedna

*With the report officially sealed with the symbol of the Legion, Tirones Sedna hands the scroll over to one of the guards at Arbiter’s Stand, hoping that this approach will have a much better result than the last time..*

[Peridan]

The cool, steady glow of a were-light filled Centurio Twilight's tent at the Mossdale border. The elf sat with his scarred hand cupping his chin, reading the report that the young soldier had sent. His amber gaze stared at the paper, unblinking. And yet if one were to offer an opinion on his thoughts, one would remark that his gaze bore through the paper and beyond; his mind traveling far and away from the battle torn fields on which he sat. A black sheathed eastern blade hummed in his idle opposite hand, the green gem winking faintly and casting an odd light in contrast to the were-lamp on his desk. He blinked once, rubbing his eye. His mouth thinned considerably as he formulated a response, and wrote it out on a fresh piece of vellum.

"Tirones Sedna,

I will applaud your accomplishment insofar as you are still alive after heading into the wilderness without any sort of backup to reinforce your patrol. However, I am deeply disappointed that you have done so, despite the teachings that the Legion has tried to instill in its soldiers, mainly: strength comes from unity. One soldier has weaknesses. Two soldiers can cover each others deficiencies. This is the primary lesson that our battle formations and strategies have taught to our predecessors and leaders. The only way to survive in this valley is to stick together, no matter the cost. I will not hand out a punishment for this incident, but I expect better conduct from you in the future.

As to your discovery, I will say this: the Viridale forest is untamed wilderness. It does not receive regular traffic from commoners and citizens of Sundren. Therefore, it is only the presence of the Mossclaw Alliance that keeps the Sundarian Legion at its borders. The knowledge of darker forces within the forest has not gone unnoticed by our scouts and forces, but the priority has been diminished somewhat in light of the array of other foes at our borders. Luskans, the Bloodmaim Horde, the Necropolis, the Spine. All of these places and enemies take a higher precedent than the Viridale threat, which luckily has remained largely inactive.

That isn't to say there is nothing keeping it under watch. The Legion has a tentative alliance with the Wardens and Druid Circle within the forest. They aid the Legion in defense against the Mossclaw, as well as the more sinister enemies that lie within. They have done the lion's share of patrolling, defending, and aiding travelers. If you wish to speak with one of their rangers, we do have connections that can educate you further on the long conflict.

Rest assured, the threat is known. The problem is mainly thus: we are on constant siege by powers that threaten the very existence of Sundren and its population. Measure can be taken, but only up to a certain amount before these other threats grow too strong in response.

If you wish to speak on this further, please contact myself or an aid.

Officium Pro Nex,

Centurio Praetorian Peridan Twilight"