Battle in the City

[Raksha]

Rumor has by now spread very far of a confrontation that took place in Sundren City's military district. Stories of what happened vary widely, but it is said by most of them that a demon or devil of some sort, accompanied by a handful of small shadowy figures, fought a guard patrol and a detatchment of Red Blades, as well as two paladins of the Triumvirate and an adventurer aiding them.

Some of the more correct ones identify the participants on the Triumvirate side as Tamryn Jorandur and Hano Fetten, and place the estimates of the dead around a score of guards and Blades. At least that many more were seriously injured.

Those very close to the Triumvirate, Blades or Guard might already know that they seemed to be after Tamryn, and kidnapped her. While she, Hano and Jamyse have all been seen around and are obviously not dead or captured, Tamryn at least seems to have a slightly paler than usual look, and her lips are often set in a grim line.

[kumati]

One variation of these rumors finds itself creeping from tavern to tavern, inn to street corner, an undercurrent of fear and disappointment. It says that when the attack came, the Red Blades were called for help, and they stood in front of that temple and bled their very lives onto the cobblestones...

While the Triumverate, now having sworn oaths to serve the Helmites, waited out the battle behind locked doors.

[kovah]

Rumors be damned! I was there and watched most of it, at least over half of it! Let me help straighten out any of these rumors as fact... As much fact as you can believe from a newcomer such as myself anyway...

I wandered out of the Inn after having a few drinks expecting to meet a friend. Instead I'm faced with an incredible battle taking place across the pond from where I stood, in the heart of the Military Ward mind you! There were at least 5 or 6 of these shadow things along with a demon, balor, whatever it was... All fighting three folks whose names are unknown to me.

Then from across the yard came the Red Blades. At least a score of them from my vantage. They ALL died, the Blades that is. Those few shadows utterly destroyed all of them in what seemed like a minutes time.

The other three continued to fight the shadows. I even watched as one of them took the demon down. In the end though, the three were no match for the shadows. Once their bodies were lying dead along with the Blades those shadows turned their eye towards me. I might've been drunk. I might be a fool. But I know when to take out my axe and when to tuck tail and run. Back to the Inn I fled.

When I finally had the courage to poke my head out the door all of the shadows were gone. All that was left was the bodies of two of those mentioned above and the bodies of the Blades... It was a sad sight to be certain but that's what I witnessed with mine own eyes.

I saw no others raise their sword in defense, including myself. Only the three mentioned above and the score of Blades... I do feel sorrow for not helping but after watching the decimation of the Blades I knew there was nothing I could do...

-Riven Ha'Vek

[The Ice Hag]

The black robed figure smiles to herself as the word of the attack spreads.
.
"The foolish paladin has once again failed in his duties and brought harm to those whom harbor closest to him." "He would have been wise to heed my warnings, but of course, they fell upon deaf ears."
"Perhaps tragedy shall show him the error of his ways?"

[Silas North]

A battle of words and rumors has taken place. No stranger to such a playing field, Osclow steps forward. His own variation makes its way from ear to ear, the bard's experience aiding him in knowing which influential figures to target. In a mere few days, it becomes more than just a spreading of tales, but a mission.

The death count was not nearly as high as originally speculated. Far more were wounded than killed, so says the bard.

The Blades indeed suffered the most loss, but the battle was far too quick for aid to come from the Triumvirate. They were actually the ones that scoured the city when they finally WERE informed. The Watch merely remained on their typical patrols and were unsuccessful in preventing this group of shadows from entering the city in the first place, so says the bard.

The problem lays not in the fulfillment of duty but the presence of traitors. This goes for the loss of the artifact as well, so says the bard.

"I was there when the cube was being transported, and the assault that was awaiting us KNEW we were coming."

"The Watch may have failed in their duty to keep out threats, but they are far from incompetent. What we need to do is work closer to those we trust to better ferret out those we do not."