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Event | Aevosi Interstatum ✦•·······················•✦•·······················•✦ THE RIVERSMEET Penned and Issued on this 14th day of Sun's Smile, 1996 ✦•············································································•✦•············································································•✦ ✦•·······················•✦•·······················•✦ Atstana de Regne Petrère 141 ✦•············································································•✦•············································································•✦ “ Whence the rivers, twinned, doth meet. ” With the renewal of our unfettered bonds, and the yearning of our hearts, alongside our kindred kin, across the river valley, and beyond; do the Pétrine kindred march home, as one, unto the eve of our last eve’s sortie; as the makings, of a newly-canonised Aevosi celebration takes shape, unto the riverland’s between; The Riversmeet. Calling unto all our kindred realms of faith, to join unto a celebration, of culture, bond and revelry, of multiple eves, unto the very beating heart of the riverlands themselves; a celebration of aught which both binds us, and sets us e’er apart, in such a world wherein we all, yet, walk as one, united in valour, in heart, in faith. A celebration of our every kindred ally and our one Aevosi people. ✦•············································································•✦•············································································•✦ Invitees | Honourary Three ✦•·······················•✦•·······················•✦ The following realms, close kindred as they are to our own, having hosted us during the Salvian Tours, will be invited to host an activity / attraction during the Riversmeet, one both close to their traditions & culture, as honourary invitees: ✦ The Exilic Kingdom of Númendil ✦ The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska ✦ The Sovereignty of Hyspia ✦•············································································•✦•············································································•✦ Invitees | Robertine Crusade ✦•·······················•✦•·······················•✦ With our every kindred realm of faith, and holy host of the Robertine Crusade, being invited to join us in such a celebration, of aught that both defines, and exemplifies, the virtue & heart of our faith, amidst the joint march of our last eve’s triumph; a reminder to ne’er succumb in our duty, to the wroth, that plagued, even our most exalted Owyn: ✦ The Holdings of our Most Holy Church of Canon ✦ The Kingdom of Balian ✦ The Sovereignty of Ravenmire ✦ The Principality of Reinmar ✦ The Margravate of Beleth It is in moments such as these, whence the duty that thus binds us, acts no less so, but as a trial of our heart’s true faith, for it is in these times, whence kin, bears arms, against kin, that we must stand true to the virtue of our teachings, and show restraint unto the innocent, and blessed faithful in carrying out the lord’s judgement, for it is whence we bear judgement unto one’s nature, and birth, rather than one’s sin, that we stray from the true path, ordained unto us, and our actions cease to be righteous, and become self-righteous instead, succumbing to the wroth, that e’er plagues the heart of man, for in the face of our Celestial Father, none stand above his teachings, and the virtue bid by our lord. ✦•············································································•✦•············································································•✦ Once we have heard word from our honourary invitees, on their to-be hosted activity / attraction, we will be releasing the full itinerary, mapped out venue, and date of the celebration to come, until then, dearest kindred, go in valour, heart & grace. ✦ BEYOND THE DARKEST NIGHT - UNTO THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT ✦•··································································································•✦•··································································································•✦ HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Adalia I, ‘The Dawnmade’, By the grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch, Torm Marian, and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Defender of Liberty HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Asad of the Petra, Prince-Consort of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Marquis-Consort de Val d’Estenou, Count-Consort of Temesch, Torm Marian, and Moere, Viscount-Consort of Mies, Baron-Consort of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, and of the Phoenixspire HER EXCELLENCY, Dame Amélie Auclair, Lady-Chancellor of the Commonwealth, Knight-Governess of Val de Lagne, Baroness of Rhénanie, Knight of the Pétrine Laurel, Ordained Vicar of the Silver Crusade, Holy Knight of the Faith, Maîtresse of Maison d’Auclair, ‘The Guiding Star’ ✦•··································································································•✦•··································································································•✦

THE SECOND REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT DAS ZWEITE REINMAREN UR TURNIER | THE SECOND REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT Issued by the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 1996 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, TWENTY YEARS HAVE PASSED since the last tournament of the beloved game of Ur, when it was reintroduced to the tribesmen by the Princess of Minitz, Adalfriede, and the then Baroness of Sigradz. The game of Ur was first put to paper by Johanna Barclay, Duchess of Reinmar. After its revitalization it has become a favored and well-loved pastime across our land. The victor of the tournament shall receive the second Ur Championship Cup and a cash prize of 150 mina. The second-place winner shall be awarded a runner-up ribbon and a cash prize of 100 mina, whilst the third-place winner shall receive a cash prize of 50 mina. All are most welcome to attend, and those who wish to participate are directed to send their names to the Seneschal of the Heather Court. The final call for entries shall take place upon the day of the tournament. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

The Tribal Confederation of Hefrumm Invites You to a Handfasting Ceremony Under the sacred canopy of the forest, where the earth and sky meet in harmony, we are honored to announce the handfasting of: High Chief Dralvon of Clan Blackroot and Maeven Mossborn, daughter of former High Chief Tuzic and Paladin Hana Starbreaker. This hand-tying ceremony, rooted in the ancient traditions of our people, will bind their lives as one, uniting the Clans of Blackroot and Mossborn and strengthening the bonds of the Tribal Confederation of Hefrumm. Date: September 29th, 2024 Time: 4:00 PM EST Location: In the Moonshade Clearing of Hefrumm, where the ancient trees stand watch over the sacred grounds We call upon all kin, forest dwellers, and friends of the earth to join us in this ceremony of union. As their hands are woven together with cords of the earth, so too will their fates be intertwined. Following the ceremony, we will gather for a grand feast, celebrating under the stars with songs, dances, and stories of old. By the blessings of the Brathmordakin, may their bond be as enduring as the ancient roots of Hefrumm! The Tribal Confederation of Hefrumm OOC: This is a peaceful event please no negative RP, CRP or Darkspawn etc etc.

THE BEGINNING OF THE THIRD KRETZENFEST DAS DRITTE KRETZENFEST | THE THIRD KRETZENFEST Issued by the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 1994 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, TWO DECADES HAVE PASSED, and now a truly bountiful harvest has arrived, bringing about the spirits of Kretzenfest once more. Winter approaches, and before ice sets into the land, the Heather Court invites all to celebrate yet another year gone by and another successful harvest. ITINERARY DER MARKTTAG | THE MARKET DAY A grand marketplace will be constructed in the central square of Kretzen for traders across Aevos to hark their wares, from arms and armor to medicine to delicate needlework. There shall also be a variety of games for marketgoers to enjoy. Should you wish to reserve a stall, send word to the Princess in Reinmar, the Princess of Minitz, or the Seneschal of the Heather Court stating the broad genre of your wares and whether you will require a small, medium, or large stall. DER ERNTEBALL | THE HARVEST BALL Before the harvest ball commences, all are invited to take up scythes and sickles and compete in the hay race. When the contest is complete, the victor shall be proclaimed and crowned Hay Lord within the grand ballroom of the Heather Palace. A prize shall be offered for first, second, and third place, consisting of a hundred, fifty, and twenty-five mina. Afterward, partygoers may partake in games including Ur, enjoy various pieces of Reinmaren music, and converse freely amongst themselves. INVITATIONS His Holiness, FLEEPERUS, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Clergy of Clement and Evaristus. His Apostolic Majesty, GODFREY II, King of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Aaunic people. His Royal Majesty, MARIUS III, King of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. Her Royal Majesty, ADALIA, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran people. Her Royal Majesty, TAR-CARANETH, Queen of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. His Eminence, IVAN CARDINAL LOTHARIA, and the Balianite people. ATSUKO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. Her Highness, JOHANNA, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. His Grace, AUREL VON THEONUS, Elector of Marignan. The Honorable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Elector of Hohengarten. His Lordship, LEUFROY VON REUSS, Elector of Velen. SIR DARIS VERETHI TERES, Syndicate Envoy to the Waldenic Diet. The Waldenian Peoples. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE VON HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lady Vandalore, Lawspeaker of Reinmar HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

Festival of the Lamb ooc: Saturday 7th of September @ 4PM EST In celebration of the ascension of a dear friend of Grense, Mother Clover to Cardinal of Mt. Lemon, the humble town of Grense will host the most jolly of festivities in her name. All those who consider themselves a friend of our Holy Mother Church may join us on this happy day, for this is a great cause for celebration. 【☩】Opening Ceremony The township of Grense will receive all those pious in the realm, welcoming them in the fields next to the town. All festival-goers are encouraged to bring at least one lamb, as a gift to her eminence. All of the lambs will be contained in a large area, and Clover herself will sprinkle the flock with holy water in preparation of the games to come. While we await the masses, thematic beverages and food will be served. 【☩】Paint the Flock After all expected guests have arrived, the township will host the first iteration of a new sport, crowned “painting the flock”. In this game, participants will be distributed in 4 teams and join the lambs in a large pen. Each team will be assigned a color; blue, red, purple and yellow. The teams will then also receive large buckets of dye corresponding with their assigned color. Once everyone is ready, the teams are expected to paint as many sheep in their color within a rather short amount of time. Whichever color is the most prominent in the flock when the whistle is blown, wins. 【☩】Formidable Joust Because Grense is home to many fine lancers, a joust will be organized in light of this wonderful occasion, once more honoring the ascension of the now-Cardinal of the region. The joust will be held in a newly constructed ring, it will be the first tournament held there. Because of this, the honor of formally opening and blessing this fine arena will be granted to Mother Clover. The victor will be awarded with a haul of 500 pieces of gold and a wonderfully crafted trophy. 【☩】Handmade Market Guests from near and far are invited to claim one of the many stalls that will be available during the festival in order to hawk their wares. The theme of the market is that of handmade items, anything from foodstuffs to jewelry, clothing, weapons, and whatever else the artisans of the world would like to come and display. 【☩】Formal invitations His Holiness, Fleeperus Primus, The Clergy of the Holy Mother Church, The townsfolk of Grense and the remnants of Whitespire, Her Royal Highness, Tar-Caranthe Aryantё of Numendil and her flock, Her Royal Highness, Adalia I of Petra and her flock, His Royal Majesty, Marius III of Haense and his flock, Her Royal Highness, Xiomara I of Hyspia and her flock, Their Royal Highnesses, Brant & Frederica of Reinmar and their flock, Her Grace, Arowyn of Silasia and her flock, His Grace, Bo Rostova of Ravenmire and his flock, Those of Balian who did not stray from GOD’s light, The Shugo, Atsuko of Koyo-Kuni and her flock, Konan-Thegn av Sólgaard and his flock. IMPORTANT

"Blood is the lifeblood of eternity, a crimson key to power—without it, I am nothing; with it, I am everything." The Blood Tax has been claimed, from Balian to Haense, from Lurin to Celianor. Soldiers have crumbled, mortals have bent their knees, offering their veins to the tide of eternal hunger, the very price of existence itself laid bare. "Finally… A worthy enemy." And yet, despite the success one stood out, one land of mortals DARED to defy the words of Valerius! One group has slaughtered their hordes of undead, for they have fought with such excellence that the Vampiric undead themselves did question for but a moment their own sanity, who were they to stand against Numendil, so brave and Valiant, a beacon amidst the mortal world. “They will fall” But for now, enjoy the fruits of your labor. A HEALTHY THANK YOU TO THOSE AT NUMENDIL!!! IT WAS AN AMAZING EVENT AND A REALLY FUN TIME. I hope to engage more with you guys in the future, it was really awesome and just great fun, for those interested in being attacked and joining this small player eventline, I urge you to reach out, either being a ghoul or a Vampire, all are welcome, hit me up on discord so we can speak further. Discord : capnavery

LA CORTE DE GIRASOL TO CELEBRATE LIFE Issued on the 11th of Javier’s Justice of the year of 117 D.R. It is in the effort of celebrating our peoples successes, showcased in the successful rescue mission of Señora Asteria from those of the Dark that the Crown of Hyspia announces a feast to take place within the newly constructed Fuerte de Juliano. The feast will take place in the bastion feast hall, honoring Señor Arvel and Señor Leomonte for their quick thinking that led to the rescue of our beloved citizen. Those who came to Hyspias aid, of Numendil and Haense are welcomed and greatly encouraged to attend, so that appreciation might be shown. Let there be a light amongst the darkness and DIOS bless. [Thursday, August 29th, 4pm EST] DIOS LOS BENDIGA, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Xiomara I, Sovereign of Hyspia, Duchess of Pacazu, Baroness of Arenisca, Del’mar, Monterro and Campagnon, Lady of La Dorada, Lady of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Protector of the Farfolk, etcetera.

Come one, come all! Every citizen of Aveos is invited to the debut of Dralvon Blackroot's new book. The event will take place at Dralvon's brand new outdoor grill in Heffrum which is located just outside the Urguan Capital. Learn about the secrets of forest dwed cooking as well as taste a sample of the food he is preparing from the book. People are encouraged to buy his book however it is not required to attend the event and enjoy food. Come on down on July 25th at 4pm est.

A has been sent about Aveos ISSUED ON 10th of Malin's Welcome, 188 S.A. BY THE ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ ONCE MORE, WE EXTEND an invitation to any and all who are interested in heading down into the Vortican caves to explore a rather lush expansion that we found on our last venture below. Supplies shall be provided in terms of medical kits, explorer packs, and lanterns to help guide our paths. We ask that while your weaponry is brought you aren’t too keen on pulling it. The main cave has rather dangerous things that lurk inside, the lush portion seems to be rather tame. We would like to do our best to preserve the natural life within and are more so focused on documenting what is held there. We look forward to seeing our fellow adventures again as we embark on yet another unforgettable spelunking journey. ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ Time, Date, Extra OOC Information ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ Warning: There is a chance that you may perish during this expedition. Vortice does not hold responsibility for any of your actions leading to your demise or trauma. You have been warned

The first Tea Ceremony of Jùn Lèi [!] Event Published by The Grand Secretariat On the Year of The Pigman, 188 S.A. You are cordially invited to partake in a traditional tea ceremony, an event that celebrates our rich heritage and fosters unity within our community. Join us as we embrace the tranquility and elegance of this ancient practice, guided by the esteemed members of the Grand Secretariat. Let us come together to honor our customs, enjoy the finest teas, and share in the harmony that defines our beloved village. ───────────────────── ꕤ ───────────────────── [OOC] Date: Sunday, July 14th Time: 3pm EST Location: The Jùn Lèi Tea House (-2194 / 1914) Welcome and Opening Remarks Warm greetings by The Lady Beauty and High Elder Introduction to the significance of the tea ceremony by the High Elder Tea Preparation Demonstration Detailed demonstration of traditional tea preparation techniques. Explanation of different types of tea and their cultural meanings. First Serving Guests are served the first infusion of tea. Time to savor the aroma and flavor, followed by a guided tasting. Cultural Performance Traditional music and dance performance reflecting the village’s heritage. Second Serving and Interactive Session Second infusion of tea served. Guests are invited to participate in a Q&A session with court officials. Closing Ceremony Final remarks and expression of gratitude by The Lady Beauty and High Elder Distribution of small tokens of appreciation to all attendees. Social Hour Informal mingling and discussion among guests. Light refreshments and additional tea available. The Esteemed Villagers of Jùn Lèi The Shugo Kato and Sakura-Gakure Citizens Shoya Bor’Ak Khan and the Citizens of Mugmar’s Circle The Rah’tuma and City of Ka-Tau Citizens His Lordship, Atticus Reinold and his family The Valiant Seekers Guild Miss Iyera Mister Sakuta Miss Yu-han Miss Akiyo Sawayama Miss Rebekah Miss Rosalyn Miss Kitaena ───────────────────── ꕤ ───────────────────── We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you and celebrating our cherished traditions together. ───────────────────── ꕤ ───────────────────── Signed, Her Ladyship, Mochou High Elder and Shoya of Jùn Lèi Her Excellency, Kato Hanako The Lady Beauty

The Lenniel'rost Festival || The Melody Rain Festival. As of 187, The 4th of the deep cold. _______ For a new town has recently been built, A wondrous joy fill’s the city square, as the town had officially been crowned as Acaele'lin, Citadel Akaln’Riv, Head of the Akaln’riv family, with Llora Soltée to hold a feast amongst themselves. Right in the middle of the town square, as of such, invitations have been sent out to the people of Celia’nor to come and visit this spectacular event of the new town that has been made, for as we also extend our greatest gratitude to Mathi Lensul'em, for lending us a helping Hand with the event As The Event centrals between Festival Area as well, including the events below; _______ Activities Include; Dueling Event ; The dueling event shall remain the main event of the festival, as it contains the most Important Prizes, and if anything One of the Main events of Festival, As The Prizes state down below; 1st Place 100 MINA. Following along; 4 Chibi Art Pieces by Cozy_Tea. 2nd Place 50 MINA Following along; 1 Chibi Art Pieces by Cozy_Tea. 3rd Place 35 MINA SignUp Sheet The Acaele'lin Square Dance. This event encourages all participants to join and dance in the middle of the square within Acaele'lin, Right next to the Festival grounds, as well as taking a moment to appreciate the beautiful town. The Lenniel'rost Feast After a long while of dancing, and fighting Participants will be able enjoy the Engaging feast with a calming evening with the feast, and don’t leave so soon! For there will be another quick event for 40 minas.

Right beneath our feet An introduction to tunnel warfare By Ahren Jaeger This is the second part of my ‘Right beneath our feet’ pamphlet series. In a recent skirmish against the Harrower’s forces, people discovered evidence of the Ailmerians digging a continent-wide underground tunnel network. The odds are they are not using it for peaceful purposes like setting world records in civil engineering. Allowing them to keep expanding it unchallenged puts the realms of Aevos at grave risk. So I am writing this introductory guide to tunnel warfare to help the people of Aevos more effectively deal with it. Table of Contents Part One: Common uses of tunnels Part Two: Detecting tunnels Part Three: Scouting for tunnels Part Four: Destroying tunnels Part Five: Tunnel fighting Part Two: Detecting tunnels In sieges, undermining poses a huge threat to even the strongest and most massive of fortifications. It is for very good reason that defenders scramble to intercept enemy tunnels as soon as they figure out that the enemy is trying to collapse the ground from under them. The only way to stop an undermining attempt is to neutralise the tunnel along with its assigned workforce before they reach their intended target. So the moment shovels hit the dirt, the defenders face a race against time to prevent the literal and figurative collapse of their defences. It is thus of utmost importance to detect potential tunnelling activities as early as possible. The more time defenders give themselves to react, the sooner they can commence countermining operations, the less likely an undermining attempt is to succeed. Advance warning is key to survival. This section will explain the most common methods used by defenders of besieged cities and fortresses to detect undermining attempts against their fortifications. These, fortunately, happen to be rather simple and straightforward; they mainly consist of watching for sounds or ground vibrations potentially originating from tunnel construction. Tunnel construction tends to make a lot of sound vibrations, so it is not easy to hide if it is actively being listened for — especially not on the sheer scale the Harrower is attempting. Sounds and vibrations To understand how sound-based tunnel detection methods work, it would be useful to have some basic idea of how sound works. Ancient philosophers, architects, and engineers figured out that: sound consists of vibrations passed between contacting matter; a sound moves outwards from its point of origin as a wave (like waves in a water ripple, but in three-dimensional space); a sound loses kinetic energy as it travels through a physical medium; the denser the medium, the faster and farther sound travels; sound loses significantly more kinetic energy as vibrations pass between different types of mediums due to a combination of absorption and reflection. These aspects of sound can be observed, for example, by conversing with another person under different conditions. When someone tries to talk to you, the sound of their voice originates from their lungs and vocal chords before exiting through their mouth. Travelling through the air as its medium, their voice’s sound vibrations travel in all directions as waves. You finally hear their voice when the sound waves enter your ears. If that same person tries talking to you from across a wide field using a normal indoor-voice volume, you will probably not be able to hear them (unless, maybe, you are an elf). But if they try shouting, their voice may just become audible. This is because sound that is moving has kinetic energy (the energy something has from motion), and it gradually loses kinetic energy as it travels through a medium. But the louder a sound is, the more kinetic energy it has. And the more kinetic energy a sound has, the farther it can travel. So the farther away the other person is standing from you, the more kinetic energy their voice’s sound vibrations will lose by the time they reach your ears; this makes them sound quieter to you until, at some point, you can no longer hear them. But the louder they make their voice, the farther away it can be heard. Another important thing to note about sound is that it does not only travel through air. Sound waves travel through all matter, which could be either solid, liquid, or gaseous in form. The denser the matter, the faster it is for the vibrations to travel through; solids are the densest type of matter, followed in declining order by liquids and gases. But as vibrations travel through changing types of mediums (such from a gas to a solid and vice versa), they lose a significant amount of kinetic energy in the process. If you change the setting of the conversation to opposite sides of an open doorway, their voice will sound loud and clear. But if you shut the door on them, you can still hear them talking even with the door in the way, though their voice will sound quieter and muffled. This is because the sound vibrations of their voice passed through different mediums twice by the time they reached your ears: 1) from air (gas) to wood (solid) and then 2) from wood (solid) to air (gas). Each of these changes in media took away a significant amount of kinetic energy from the other person’s voice. The door, being of a different medium, would have also reflected some incoming sound waves back towards the speaker, refracted the sound waves that made it into the door, and absorbed a significant amount of energy from the sound waves before they once again changed medium to air. And so the other person’s voice is not as clearly audible by the time it reaches your ears. But if you press your ear to the door, or hold a drinking glass to it and press your ear against that, their voice will suddenly become clearer again. For a few more examples of how these aspects of sound can be observed: If you go out for a swim in the ocean and dive underwater, you can hear a whale’s call from hundreds of miles away. But the moment you swim up to the surface and your ears go above-water, you might not be able to hear the whale at all unless it is relatively close. Sound travels farther and faster in water than in air. The boundary between the ocean’s water and the air also reflects the majority of sound waves coming from the whale back underwater, preventing much of the sound from being transmitted above-water. If you are tracking a herd of buffalo across a great plain, you can hear the herd trampling across the ground sooner and from much farther away if you just press your ear to the ground than if you were to try listening from a standing position. Sound travels fastest in solids, so sound vibrations from the buffalo herd will reach the ear touching the ground before reaching the ear facing the air. But the soil, depending on how soft and loose it is, would absorb much of the sound waves’ energy; the sound would probably still be very faint and muffled, but at least you can hear the herd. If you are fighting a magical Voidal entity that drags you into a dimension completely devoid of air, in which there is only an empty vacuum with no matter to transmit sound vibrations, as you start choking to death, no one can hear you scream. Of course, this is a very, very simplified explanation of how sound works. And by no means does it cover everything about it. Sound is a complex thing that scholars of acoustics (the branch of physics that involves the scientific study of sound) devote their entire lives to researching. But even without knowing the specific properties that comprise a sound or any acoustics-related mathematical equations, this basic-level knowledge should be more than enough to help you understand how to detect a tunnel under construction. How to detect tunnelling The aspects of sound outlined in the section above enable defenders of a besieged castle to detect undermining attempts, all without necessarily seeing the digging take place. When the attacker’s miners shovel dirt, strike solid rock with pickaxes, or blast stone apart with gunpowder, their actions produce sound vibrations. Sound vibrations from their tunnelling will travel through soil and bedrock, quickly reaching the walls of cellars and other underground rooms within the castle. The vibrations will also reach the castle’s ground-level floors. The defenders can then detect these vibrations through very simple means, triangulate the location of the enemy miners with good accuracy, and dig countermines to intercept them in time to protect their own fortifications. Listening galleries The simplest way to detect tunnelling is to actively listen for it. The best places to intercept tunnelling-related sound waves would be underground rooms such as cellars, dungeons, and cisterns. Once underground, simply press your ear against a wall and it will pick up any sound vibrations travelling through the ground. Better yet, you can hold a glass cup to the wall and listen through the bottom of the glass; the acoustics of the glass would collect, focus, and amplify incoming sound waves coming from the wall, making the sounds more audible. The clearer and more audible the sound, the more likely it is that your ear is facing the exact direction of the incoming tunnel. This is the exact same method people commonly use to eavesdrop on conversations happening in another room. It also works fairly well at detecting tunnelling; during sieges, garrisons would maintain rotating shifts of soldiers or civilian volunteers to man listening posts to give advance warning of enemy undermining attempts. However, this method is not exactly perfect. There is always a fair bit of guesswork involved. And, unless you are listening from a particularly quiet area isolated from unwanted noise, sound vibrations from tunnelling will probably be mixed with vibrations from other sources. In the siege of a city, for example, your ears might pick up ground vibrations caused by other members of the garrison marching on patrol or civilians, horses, and their vehicles moving through a bustling street directly overhead. They would probably sound distinctly different from a shovel hitting dirt or the clink of a metal pickaxe striking hard rock, but all this ambient noise wouldn’t make discerning the sound of tunnelling any easier. This is one of the main reasons why, in more modern fortifications, engineers construct networks of pre-built countermines and underground listening galleries (dedicated rooms for listening in on enemy tunnelling activities) branching out beyond their walls. Far away from urban bustle, these tunnels are less affected by ambient noise and makes it easier to specifically hear the sounds of tunnelling. And so, they generally make for superior listening posts. In times of peace, when there is no imminent threat of being undermined by a besieging enemy, these tunnels also often double as extra storage spaces. Of course, building pre-existing tunnels leading into a fortification carries the risk of besieging enemies either actively looking for these tunnels or mining into them by complete accident. This could, theoretically, provide them a convenient means of entry into the place you’re supposed to be defending. So in anticipation of this scenario, pre-existing countermines are normally deliberately constructed to be confusing and hazardous on purpose to intruders. They are typically built with labyrinthian layouts only the garrison has the time and opportunity to get familiar with, booby traps to stall enemy progress, and explosive charges rigged to block off tunnel sections or collapse them entirely if they are about to be overrun. And so, these tunnels present no great weakness to the defence; the benefits of building them typically far outweigh their risks and costs. [[[OOC: Placeholder image until I figure out how to draw water ripples. Credit: awesomecontent, Freepik]]] Water ripples In addition to underground listening posts, defenders of a besieged castle would strategically place down many small water-filled cups, bowls, and other containers at the base of their outer walls and then routinely inspect the water for ripples. Ground vibrations being transmitted through the ground will cause ripples to form in the water. The closer the containers are to a source of strong vibrations (such as those typically created by tunnelling), the stronger the ripples will be. You can estimate the rough direction a tunnel is coming from by observing which containers in which sectors seem to be exhibiting the largest ripples even when nothing is happening nearby on the surface. When inspecting ripples in water containers, it would be advisable to do so when the area is still and quiet. Nearby people walking around, passing horses and wagons, blacksmiths striking their anvils, and heavy construction work, for example, will produce their own ground vibrations, which in turn may produce ‘false positive’ ripples. A few ways to mitigate background vibrations include cordoning off city sectors from foot, horse, and vehicular traffic and enforcing periods of strict silence while ripple inspections are going on. Moats The classic castle moat is not just difficult or impassable terrain for attackers on the surface. Another, lesser-known purpose of the moat is to hinder enemy undermining efforts. A moat by itself isn’t used to detect tunnelling, but it makes sound and vibration-based methods of tunnelling detection more effective. Moats force enemy miners to dig deeper underground in order to bypass them. To avoid digging into the moat and either exposing themselves to enemy fire or (if it is a wet moat) flooding their own tunnel, miners must often dig into lower, often rockier soil or — in areas with very thin soil layers — even the bedrock layer. Defenders can exploit this to their advantage. By forcing an enemy to tunnel through solid rock, this makes their tunnelling activities far easier to detect and gives defenders more time to plan and react. Tunnelling through solid rock is a lot more energy and effort-intensive than digging through soil, necessitating specialised tools like pickaxes and blasting charges. This, naturally, also produces a lot more noise. Sound also travels more easily through harder and denser solid materials like rock than in softer and looser materials like soil. The end result is that tunnelling sounds become more audible to anyone stationed at an underground listening post. A moat can also prevent undermining entirely. If the moat is dug deep enough to hit the local water table, it becomes virtually impossible to dig a tunnel under the moat without the tunnel immediately flooding with groundwater. The contents of wet moats can also leak into the tunnel. It is theoretically possible to drain away the water with, for example, waterproof wall and ceiling linings and powered water pump and drainage systems. But implementing these would generally be far more cost-intensive and time-consuming than it is worth, especially for tunnels that have a real risk of being countermined and (if they are intended for undermining) will be collapsed anyway, Recommended actions To protect important population centres and military installations, it would be within the interests of each realm to ensure its soldiers and town guards are well-informed about the threat of tunnelling and receive formal training in tunnelling detection. If the resources can be spared for it, preemptive countermines and listening galleries should be built underground ahead of any siege, and then — while the Harrower threat is still at large — consistently manned with rotating shifts of guards or civilian volunteers. In areas with thin soil layers, moats should also be dug at least as deep as the bedrock layer. If the water table is fairly high, digging down to the water table would be more ideal. Taking these actions would do a lot to mitigate the threat of the Harrower’s tunnel network. It would be better to do this now rather than waiting until the Harrower marches an army up to your own doorstep. The soil layer across most of Aevos typically seem to be no more than a few metres deep. The Harrower’s legion is likely doing much of its tunnelling deeper underground, somewhere within the bedrock layer. As they are mostly tunnelling through hard rock, their activities likely produce a lot of noise. And given how sound waves travel faster and farther through harder solids, vibrations from their tunnelling should travel far and fast across the land. This should make ground vibrations from their tunnelling activities fairly easy to detect. Because we would be able to detect and react to enemy tunnels fairly early, taking these preemptive measures should greatly diminish the threat of the Harrower’s forces undermining our cities and castles. They will not be able to advance on us from underground without our forces getting a good amount of advance warning and prep time. Unless, of course, the Harrower has mind-enslaved massive, fast-burrowing, and rock-eating Underdark creatures to do most of the digging. Or his forces have dug directly under us already and are just waiting for the best moment to strike from the closest tunnel exit. But in dark times like these we should try to be on the optimistic side.

{!} In a smoky corner of the Basking Turtle tavern in Beznov, Adria, Ahren Jaeger lay slumped over his usual table, seemingly half-dead. An inordinate number of empty Euler Max bottles lay strewn about the tabletop. Traces of smoke rose from the tip of his quill. This meant only one thing: the siege engineer was writing another essay. Some time later (after taking some herbal remedies and alchemical concoctions for his liver) he would travel around the various realms of Aevos, distributing printed copies of the following essay series to any public library that would accept them. For more centralised discussion, he would also pin a copy in a corner of the Adrian Quest Board along with a blank sheet of paper for people to write feedback on. {!} Right beneath our feet By Ahren Jaeger The Harrower readies his next strike from right under our very feet. Deep below the soil on which we stand, his forces are digging the world’s largest network of underground tunnels. He is likely using artificial tunnels, along with natural sections of the Aevosian Underdark, to move troops, equipment, and supplies around the continent undetected and relatively unopposed. He and his forces can wreak a lot of havoc with such tunnels at their disposal. The only thing limiting their sheer destructive potential is human imagination. The Harrower’s tunnel network could pose a serious threat to the realms of Aevos if we fail to enact timely and effective plans to neutralise it. I thus urge realm leaders to prepare their troops for tunnel warfare and commence countermining operations as soon as possible. It appears that the Harrower’s forces have already made a lot of construction progress, so it might not be very long until they do something truly terrible. We must do something to prevent (or at least soften) the coming blow. Preface As of the time of this pamphlet series’ publishing, there exists a powerful Darkspawn entity known as the Harrower. He appeared a few decades ago, enthralling the tribes of Ailmere under a wicked curse and enshrouding the northern taiga in a fog of voidal darkness. He still leads his legion of brainwashed Ailmerians in a war of subjugation against the rest of Descendantkind. The Harrower’s forces suffered no few costly defeats over the course of the war, and have since retreated back to the northern taiga to lick their wounds. But while, on the surface, it might look like they’ve put their campaign on pause, it would be a mistake to assume they’ve been lying dormant. After a skirmish involving the Harrower’s elite Chosen warriors, a concerning map was found on the body of one. This map, which consists of intricate carvings on a stone tablet, suggests the existence of a continent-wide underground tunnel network. It also implies a new, potentially more troublesome phase in the Harrower War. The Harrower War will probably feature quite a lot of tunnel warfare going forward. It isn’t something that happens very often in Aevos. And it’s reasonable to assume most fighters in most realms aren’t very experienced in it. Tunnel warfare requires a very different approach and mindset to more conventional warfare on the surface. So I am writing this pamphlet series to help people understand it better. The main goal of this pamphlet series is to equip the leaders, soldiers, adventurers and prospective combat engineers of Aevos with some basic knowledge of how tunnels are typically used in warfare and some idea of how to go about detecting and countering them. So when the Harrower tries invading our homes from below, at least we won’t be completely blindsided. An introduction to tunnel warfare Table of Contents Part One: Common uses of tunnels Part Two: Detecting tunnels Part Three: Scouting for tunnels Part Four: Destroying tunnels Part Five: Tunnel fighting Part One: Common uses of tunnels The pickaxe and shovel can be more devastating tools of war than any blade or cannon. Descendants have been weaponising tunnels in warfare for thousands of years, and often to decisive effect. They’ve brought down grand fortresses where massed artillery bombardments failed. They’ve empowered rag-tag bands of insurgents to fight much greater armies to a standstill. And more. The mundane hole in the ground can determine, and has determined, the course of entire battles. The utility of tunnels should not be underestimated. This section will go into some detail about a few of the more common military applications of tunnels. In siege warfare, engineers dig tunnels to undermine well-defended and artillery-resistant walls. In guerilla or asymmetric warfare, tunnels can benefit numerically and technically inferior forces as excellent force multipliers. They may dig tunnels to stealthily manoeuvre around an area, allowing them to flank and ambush superior enemy forces. They can also act as hidden bases of operations and as a strong means of area defence. Knowing that these applications exist and why they work will be a good starting point for understanding the potential threat posed by the Harrower’s tunnel network and how to go about dealing with it. Undermining Some walls are so heavily reinforced that they will never topple over no matter how many rocks or cannonballs you lob at them. In these cases, siege engineers can still breach those walls by using an age-old tactic called ‘undermining’. Undermining basically consists of digging a tunnel directly underneath a building’s foundations, building temporary supports to prop up the structure, and then destroying those supports (usually either by burning them away or blowing them up). A combination of gravity and mechanical stress will then cause the building above to fall into the tunnel. The tactic features heavily in sieges, in which walls are its usual target. When the Attacking side undermines a wall section, the resulting collapse often creates a huge breach in the defences through which their troops can assault the interior and eventually overwhelm the Defending side with superior numbers. The Defending side, having just lost their main advantage of fortifications, often surrenders before they get slaughtered. The threat of undermining should be a compelling reason why fortress commanders and city rulers should keep around dedicated teams of engineers and miners in times of war. Oftentimes the only viable ways for them to stop a besieging force from tunnelling under their walls are to either 1) dig a moat deep enough to reach the local water table or 2) build their own underground tunnel or ‘countermine’ to intercept and destroy the enemy’s before they can get too close. How to undermine a wall The basic process of undermining a wall hasn’t changed too radically over the millennia. The besieging side’s engineers figure out exactly how far away the target enemy wall section is, calculate how big a tunnel they need to dig and how much kindling or explosive ordnance they need to achieve a breach of a desired size, and then plot a path for their team to dig. Miners then dig into the ground with shovels and pickaxes, deep enough to avoid exposing themselves to enemy fire on the surface, but not so deep as to hit the local water table and end up flooding their entire tunnel with groundwater. Along the way, carpenters make shorings and supports to hold up the walls and ceilings. The team then sets up these supports, hauls debris to designated dumping areas outside, and keeps careful track of their precise location in relation to the target wall section. When they end up directly underneath the target wall section, they then destroy the supports under it while maintaining a safe distance. The resulting cave-in finally collapses the wall above. The two most popular methods for initiating the collapse involve the use of fire and explosives. The first method involves simply starting a large fire underneath a target structure to burn away the wooden supports. The second method replaces the slow-burning fire with a gunpowder explosion contained behind a sandbag wall. A small explosion should be sufficient to near-instantly destroy the tunnel’s supports. A larger explosion involving massive amounts of gunpowder can more thoroughly weaken or destroy a structure’s foundations, shake the entire structure at its very core, and potentially achieve even bigger collapses. The effectiveness of undermining compared to artillery bombardment It is perfectly possible to build a wall so thick and shock-absorbent that even cannonballs will bounce off of it, dealing no serious damage. Seeing this, it’s no wonder why the rulers and inhabitants of cities with such walls so often boast of their strength. They may even go as far as to claim their walls are invincible. This is a common folly. For while they can resist artillery bombardment, no land-based structure is completely invulnerable to undermining. At the moment, cannons are the most powerful mundane artillery available to Descendantkind. They use the explosively expanding gases released by burning gunpowder, funnelled through the narrow and partially enclosed confines of a gun barrel, to launch projectiles at high speeds and with great force. The destructive power of the average siege bombard far surpasses that of the average trebuchet; a wall that takes older siege engines months to destroy can be levelled in a few days by cannons. And so, cannons have largely replaced classical siege weapons when it comes to tearing down fortifications. But even gunpowder, mighty as it is, has its limits. By far, the most common type of cannon ammunition is a solid and somewhat loose-fitting spherical projectile called ‘round shot’ or ‘solid shot’. The destructive power of a cannonball (assuming it’s already strong and hard enough to not break apart or deform heavily on impact) mainly depends on its kinetic energy (the energy something has because of its motion), which is proportional to its mass and the velocity at which it impacts its target. Basically, the heavier the cannonball and the faster it is flying, the more damage it deals when it finally hits something. Cast iron cannonballs and corned powder have rendered many classical fortress designs practically obsolete, but the combination remains far from a be-all-end-all. Gunpowder can only propel an object so fast. And there also seems to be a soft limit to the weight of ammunition gunpowder is capable of launching at practical ranges without also blowing up the cannon and its crew. The very largest of siege bombards and mortars on Eos can fire stone or metal projectiles weighing a little more than a metric tonne. While these can utterly obliterate most classical-style curtain walls and castle towers with ease, defence-minded military engineers developed many innovations to mitigate the effectiveness of artillery. For example: solid shot fired from these same cannons would struggle against the thick and shock-absorbent brick-and-earth walls of a modern bastion fort or Oyashiman ‘shiro’ (castle). Of course, it is possible to make specially crafted ammunition or ‘Craftsman’s Shot’ that have more going on for them than just their kinetic energy. For example, engineers may incorporate explosive charges using low-density boomsteel or blasting potion gas. But these tend to be prohibitively difficult and expensive to manufacture at scale. So militaries generally stick with solid shot for the most part. When even concentrated artillery fire proves lacking, siege engineers must find other ways of achieving a breach. And oftentimes they resort to undermining. Against artillery-resistant walls, simply collapsing tunnels directly beneath them are often what ends up creating the breaches a besieging army needs to finally take a fortress by storm. This is because undermining weaponises the unrelenting force of gravity and turns a structure’s own (often huge) mass against it. At least for now, there are very few man-made weapons that can compare. Destroying large structures Various forces constantly act upon the things we build, even when we’re not actively trying to destroy them. To specify a few: Gravity always exerts a downwards force on our buildings and seeks to sink them into the ground. Wind blows against their walls, wobbling taller structures and constantly threatening to knock them over. The materials we make them out of also need to be able to withstand the ever-shifting weight of their moving occupants and the things said occupants put inside them. In areas prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, flooding, and hurricanes, they also need to be specially reinforced with Acts of God in mind. And of course, any building needs to be able to support its own weight so as to not fall apart on its own. One of, if not the most, important contributors to what keeps a building standing is its foundations. Foundations are critical to structural integrity: they bear the structure's load, they safely and more evenly transfer its weight onto the ground, and they stabilise it against horizontal movement. Without good foundations and a stable connection to the ground, larger and heavier structures will eventually sink into the soil and crack themselves open without any outside intervention. The job of the foundations becomes more difficult as the mass they must support increases. As a structure is built bigger (and thus heavier), its foundations must be exponentially stronger to support its weight and prevent the entire structure from collapsing. This is because of the Square–Cube Law: if you double the size of, say, a cube, its surface area is quadrupled, and its original volume is multiplied by eight. Essentially, as a structure grows linearly in size, its mass grows exponentially. So the larger a structure is built, the more it will take to keep it standing in the face of the various forces and stresses constantly seeking to displace it. And at some point, enlarging a structure becomes counterproductive; it becomes more prone to collapse as the inherent strength of its constituent building materials (or at least the ones available with our current level of technology) gets pushed to their limits. Undermining basically deletes foundations from the equation. Remove the ground below a target building section, and the only things left to hold it up are its connections to adjacent building sections that are still touching the ground. The entire weight of the undermined section continues acting as a strong downward force. But without any connection to the ground to support it, and the weight of the foundations themselves now heavily contributing, it puts itself and adjacent building sections under extremely high amounts of stress. The bigger and heavier a building, the greater the downwards force it will exert on itself, the greater the stresses it imposes on its own structure and constituent building materials. With larger and heavier structures, like castle or city walls, the inherent material strength of even strong building materials like stone brick often proves to be no substitute for solid foundations. And so, the undermined building section collapses, often taking parts of adjacent sections along with it. Sometimes, this may even start a domino effect that inflicts even more devastation against other parts of the building. Even the grandest of castle keeps, the tallest of city walls, and most imposing of evil villain towers are still very much susceptible (or are perhaps even more vulnerable) to undermining. No matter how strong people believe their walls to be, no one should ever feel complacent. The ground may just open up right under them. Guerilla warfare Tunnels feature prominently in guerilla warfare because it helps insurgents operate out of sight and often out of mind of enemy forces, which tend to be numerically and technically superior. As soon as guerillas get caught in a prolonged engagement or pitched battle, they typically get annihilated. They only manage to survive in the long term by avoiding battle until they find good opportunities to inflict great damage on the enemy while minimising their own losses. To that end, forces finding themselves fighting at a disadvantage often find great utility in tunnels. Tunnels as covert avenues of movement Underground tunnels allow guerilla forces to covertly move around fighters, equipment, and supplies without being noticed by enemies on the surface. If guerillas move around on the surface, they risk getting spotted and engaged even if they’re covered head-to-toe in camouflage. However, if the very ground is blocking direct line of sight and muffling sound, an enemy patrol may pass by on the surface completely oblivious to the fact that there’s an entire tunnel system in active use mere metres beneath their feet. When travelling on the surface is too dangerous and risky, tunnels can be a very stealthy and safe way to get from Point A to Point B. This can be exploited both offensively and defensively. Tunnels can enable fighters to covertly outflank their enemies and strike from various and unexpected angles and locations. In raiding operations, a tunnel could let them bypass enemy watchtowers and fortifications, strike targets deep inside enemy territory, and vanish before any large muster can be rallied against them. In the defence of an area, tunnels can be especially useful tools. Tunnels as underground strongholds With tunnels, a military force can maintain a powerful and prolonged presence even deep inside enemy territory while staying hidden. Engineers can expand rudimentary underground tunnels into veritable underground fortresses. Such tunnels may have all sorts of amenities such as sleeping quarters, storerooms, hospitals, training areas, latrines, recreational rooms, deep wells, and kitchens. A tunnel can be expanded so that even large military units can comfortably live within and operate from them for extended periods of time. If a tunnel network is allowed to develop to such great size and complexity, it can become extremely difficult for attackers to dislodge enemies from them. Underground tunnels also give great advantages to its defenders, making them difficult for attackers to clear out. Situated beneath layers of soil and perhaps even solid rock, they are naturally resistant to artillery bombardment and aerial attack. Through the use of trap doors, air locks, water locks, and ventilation pipes, larger and more complex tunnel networks can no longer be destroyed by simply bellowing fire or poison gases into an entrance. The narrow confines of small tunnels also make it easy to funnel intruders into booby traps like punji sticks, venomous animals and insects, and pitfalls. Adding to the difficulty of clearing out such tunnels, fighters who inhabit a tunnel system will likely grow intimately familiar with all its nooks and crannies over time. In defending it, they will use their superior terrain knowledge to their full advantage. It is also common for long-time inhabitants of a tunnel network to run drills simulating defending it in complete darkness. They may train their senses of smell and sound to extremely keen levels, such as to the point they can differentiate friend from foe just by how one moves and breathes around the environment. Attackers will often find themselves taking heavy casualties to traps and ambushes. Besieging a tunnel network and trying to starve out the defenders can also be rendered an ineffective tactic. A tunnel’s occupants may have tunnel sections unknown to the attackers or build entirely new branches leading outside the cordon. These could be used by the defenders for resupply or escape. They could also be used to launch sorties from beyond the cordon, allowing them to strike the attackers from the more exposed rear. When operating in an area where the enemy is known to use tunnels, one should never drop their guard. If such well-developed tunnels are encountered, there is typically no ‘easy’ way to get rid of them. The odds are that troops will need to delve inside and eliminate the tunnel’s inhabitants in hand-to-hand combat. And unfortunately for the attacking side, tunnel fighting tends to be a very brutal and messy affair compared to combat on the surface. Predictions for the Harrower’s strategy With uncontested control of the underground realm, a continent-wide underground tunnel network opens up a whole new world of tactical and strategic possibilities for the Harrower’s legion. Their new offensive strategy will likely feature the tunnel uses described above. The Harrower’s legion will likely build a number of underground bases — at least one stronghold in each realm they're targeting. Given their current less-than-successful track record of invading Aevosian lands, any forward operating base they build on the surface outside of Ailmere will probably get razed within months of them breaking ground. But if they build their bases underground, they will be a lot more difficult for Aevosian forces to detect and destroy in a timely manner. They can developed into excellent staging areas for offensive campaigns in relative safety. They can also make hidden supply depots to sustain large forces far away from Ailmere. And even if these bases do get discovered, clearing them out will be easier said than done. This is probably their best bet at projecting power beyond the borders of their enshadowed homeland, at least until they can regain enough strength to capture and hold significant territory on the surface. Tunnels would also enable them to wage asymmetric warfare campaigns within the realms of Aevos. For example: they can attack merchants and travellers on the roads, raid lightly-defended settlements, and ambush troop columns on the march before disappearing back underground. They would also be more successful than average at kidnapping people to create more mind-slaves for the Harrower; nearby tunnels entrances would be a very convenient means of escape. With escape routes more conveniently close-by, they can muster the confidence to pull off all manner of other shenanigans. With tunnels, the Harrower’s forces can cause a massive amount of damage and chaos by the time quick response forces arrive to stop them. Undermining will also probably play a key role in sieges. The Harrower’s forces can branch out from their main tunnels and dig up towards the base of any fortification that gives them trouble (should the local terrain permit it). They will probably rely on undermining a fair bit because don't have many other viable options for breaching the average city wall. It seems as if they have very limited access to gunpowder; instead of cannons, they rely on older and weaker siege weapons like trebuchets and onagers. Theoretically, they could match the firepower of siege bombards and mortars by building absurdly large trebuchets capable of launching massive boulders. But such projects would, realistically, be destroyed by fire arrows, sallying forces, or cannonballs long before they can be completed. Alongside the First Zenith’s Portal magics and the Chosens’ Shadow magic teleportation, tunnels are one of their few practical weapons for sieging down our cities. Things get a lot more complicated and unpredictable when you throw magic into the mix. The Harrower is an extradimensional Voidal entity whose powers are continuously growing and expanding. And among his followers – or at least the ones that we currently know of – are a number of powerful sorcerers: he commands Frost Witches, Necromancers, his Shadow Magic-wielding Chosen, and several generals (called Zeniths) with unique magical abilities such as Portal summoning and Self-cloning. Together, they can probably brainstorm and pull off any number of creative, unexpected, and devastating stunts by pooling their spells and combining them with the utility of tunnels. But rather than theorising what they could do, it would probably be more productive to try and physically shut down their ideas before they have the chance to surprise you. The Harrower’s tunnel network can not be ignored any longer. His tunnel warfare strategy poses a massive security risk to every realm of Aevos. If the stone tablet map is anything to go by, his legion already made quite a bit of progress. We must contest their control of the underground realm before it can be solidified any further. The more we idle, the more we undermine our own safety.

THE GREAT UNIFICATION DIE GROSSE VEREINIGUNG | THE GREAT UNIFICATION Issued by the Princes in Reinmar In the year of our Lord 1979 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, FOR NINE GENERATIONS HAVE THE LINES OF MANFRED AND BRANDT BEEN SEPARATED, but now they shall be united again under the blessed sacrament of matrimony. Just as the son of Gelimar wed the daughter of Theoderic, so too shall the son of Leon wed the daughter of Alfred, consolidating their respective claims to the Principality of Reinmar to one day rule as a single unified House. The eldest child born of their union shall forever end the divide between kin, between Sutica and Minitz, and lead the Reinmaren into a glorious future. ITINERARY DIE ZEREMONIE | THE CEREMONY Performed by His Holiness, Caius I, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church within der Tempel der Waldenisches Märtyrer, the wedding ceremony of Frederica, Baroness of Sigradz, and Brandt, Baron of Hussen shall take place on the 10th of Tobias’ Bounty in the year 1980. DER BAU EINES RUNENSTEINS | THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RUNESTONE Once the ceremony has concluded, guests are invited to join the newlyweds outside of Kretzen’s walls at the crossroads between Reinmar and the rest of the continent. There, they shall witness the construction of a runestone of the couple’s own to represent the beginning of their union. DAS HOCHZEITSFEST | THE WEDDING FEAST A feast shall be held within the walls of der Heidehof to congratulate the Baroness of Sigradz and the Baron of Hussen, with food, wine, and ale aplenty for guests to enjoy. INVITATIONS TO THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH His Holiness, CAIUS, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Clergy of Clement and Evaristus. TO THE REALMS OF CANONDOM His Royal Majesty, IVAN, King of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. His Apostolic Majesty, JOHN, King of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Heartlander peoples. Her Royal Majesty, ADALIA, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Heartlander peoples. Her Royal Majesty, TAR-CARANETH, Queen of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. OIJIN KATO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. TO THE WALDENIC DIET His Highness, JOHANNES, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. His Lordship, SIEGMUND VON REUSS, Elector of Velen, Ritterkommandant of the KOV. His Grace, AUREL VON THEONUS, Elector of Vohenheim. The Honorable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Elector of Hohengarten. SIR DARIS VERETHI TERES, Syndicate Envoy to the Waldenic Diet. The Waldenian Peoples. TO THE ALLIES OF THE PRINCIPALITY Her Excellency, ILLYRIA, Regent of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. TO THE TRIBESPEOPLE His Grace, NIKOLAUS VON KANUNSBERG, Duke of Kanunsberg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, ROBERT VON LANGENKIRCH, Baron of Langenkirch and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, ROLAND VON WESENBURG, Baron of Wesenburg and his noble pedigree. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALFRED, GMSTSR, ROKSG, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen and Freimark, Baron of Madvon and Freising, Lord of Sankt Johannsburg, Neuburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg, and Rozenfeld, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, GMSTSR, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE, Princess of Minitz, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court HIS LORDSHIP, BRANDT, Baron of Hussen

THE SILVERVEIL BANQUET By the hand of Lady Royanë an Naedwylm, 182 S.A The Silver State of Haelun'or shall host a grand banquet in honor of the newly appointed Sohaer, Calathân an Naedwylm. The event will take place in the opulent Silver Citadel, a majestic venue adorned with ethereal silver tapestries and shimmering chandeliers. Elven nobility and esteemed guests from across the realms will gather, dressed in their finest silks and adorned with precious jewels, reflecting the elegance and refinement of their culture. I T I N E R A R Y I. THE SOHAER’S ADDRESS Standing beneath the grandeur of the high arches of the Silver Citadel, the Sohaer will make a short address, outlining his vision for the future of Haelun’or that promises the returned prosperity of the heritage of Haelun’or, marking the beginning of a new and promising chapter in the history of the Silver State. II. REVERED REFRESHMENT The banquet tables will be laden with an array of exquisite delicacies, from the freshest fruits and seasoned meats to rare elixirs and fine wines, each dish designed to accommodate a variety of tastes. As the evening unfolds, melodic strains of traditional Mali’aheral music will weave through the serene celebration, performed by skilled musicians on ancient instruments. III. A PINNACLE OF ELEGANCE At the height of the evening, a dazzling outfit contest will captivate the guests. Participants will be assessed on their creativity and individuality. Each ensemble should reflect the wearer's unique style and innovative flair. The guest who presents the most intriguing and original fashion will be awarded a generous prize of 150 mina. [ Sunday 26th May, 5PM EST in the Silver Citadel, in the Capital of Haelun'or ] S I G N E D, Lady Saelihn Wynvyre, Guardian of Events Lady Royanë an Naedwylm, Grandmother an Naedwylm MAEHR’SAE HIYLUN’EHYA

Pomegranate Gloves A decomposing of skulls by flowers Once met under a withering tree on the road to Haense to nearly newly-weds under a dying sun: a noble's boutonnière that is made of the blood of withering lilacs and blood of leeches and a twisted pin torn from a patched garment. A pair of white gloves started a bond, an unvoiced disclosure written in myth. A marriage of flower and bone between Khel’wyn Adiler and Olias Rement. One from the duchy of Maehr'nor and the other of simple wanderer origins. PERSONAL INVITATIONS Xavier Ad iler and his Talonnii FORMAL INVITATIONS SOVRÈN MAJESTÉ, Reine Medea Amaranta Viola De Astrea, The Queen of Vikela, La Violetta, and her Talonnii

THE FIRST REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT DAS ERSTE REINMAREN UR TURNIER | THE FIRST REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT Issued by the Baroness of Sigradz In the year of our Lord 1976 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, WITH THE REVITALIZATION OF THE BELOVED GAME UR, it is the wish of the Princess of Minitz and der Heidehof that it be more widely introduced to the Reinmaren people, so that they too may find enjoyment through a classic pastime from generations prior. The game of Ur was first put to paper by Johanna Barclay, Duchess of Reinmar, with a description of the board and the game’s rules. The game had existed long since before that, often enjoyed by Waldenian youth and scions of House Barclay for generations. With this new resurgence of the game, brought about by the Princess of Minitz, House Barclay invites the Reinmaren and their allies to the first tournament of Waldenian Ur. The first-place winner of the tournament shall receive the first Ur Championship Cup and a cash prize of 150 mina. The second-place winner shall receive a runner-up ribbon and a cash prize of 100 mina, and the third-place winner shall receive a cash prize of 50 mina. All are most welcome to attend, and those who wish to participate are directed to send their names to the Baroness of Sigradz, the final call for entries shall take place on the day of the tournament. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE of HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court

[!] Missives circulate Aevos. 𝕿𝖔 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖔𝖜𝖓𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝕺𝖋 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖔𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖑𝖞 𝕷𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕻𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝕽𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖛𝖆𝖑 To the Cowardly and Obedient Paladins of Xan, It behooves me to announce that despite my general apathy for your people and station I've found insult levied upon me. It was a shock to find that not only was the gang slandered by one of the highest ranking officials of your dying order, but also intertwined with the group known as "Azdrazi," of which no Swiv has ever been a part of. Despite this, an insult upon the Grand Kapo of Luraq is an insult upon his people; and through doing this you have made an enemy of our race and creed. While it is true, I know little of this feud between men in shiny armor who seem to never actually preform combat with the materials they keep so clean, and these described 'lizard men,' I know one thing. Your demise is coming, and Luraq will feed upon your carrion like crows. It brings me great pride and joy to announce that our nation has already decided what to do with the remnants of your keep when you've been eradicated. It was brought to my attention that whilst we own a keep we own no palace- so it was decided amongst our gang to take your keep for that very purpose. But, I'm sure you will not mind as you will not live long enough to see such an event. You can call Elf-tings into your fight to die for you, or even the Oiashmen (though we've heard they left after realizing the folly of siding with a half-witted group such as yourselves.) Nothing will stop the tide of Luraq, and when I saw your head off with my Thanium blade you will know that it was more than a mistake to cross paths with Daahd'Lur, Grand Kapo of the Swiv of Luraq. And finally to Alicjo Verrana, while the Swiv admire your skill in "Swiv-Wahg," it will not be enough to rebuild an order full of nincompoops. Signed, Great Kapo of Luraq Daahd'Lur, The Warmonger

“I WILL OFFER YOU A CHOICE, KEEPER. AN ACCORD WHICH COULD BENEFIT YOU AND ME.” “May we speak plainly? There’s something I wish to tell you before I give my answer.” “SPEAK.” “I stood once to inherit a Kingdom ‘til the cruel hand of fate determined I would be exiled. As a young boy, I learned that the world in which we reside is a fickle place, one which we must make sense of. I endeavoured from that point on to cry out against fate. To find order in chaos. And I swore to do so whilst remaining true to myself.” “Perhaps My Lord thinks of me a disgrace. Captured by whelps, barely worth his time. But I don’t seek his approval, like a child clinging to his father’s tail…” “No, Azdromoth. I refuse.” And so the Archdrakaar came forth, bearing down upon Albéric - bound in chains, yet unbroken in resolve. Azdromoth would make an example of such defiance. “I WANT A WITNESS TO GREATNESS.” The Keeper’s sister, similarly bound and beaten, would bear witness. Time was no longer a luxury he could afford to waste. Death had finally caught up to him, determined to snuff yet another light that had once burned so bright. So he decided, then and there, that he would make this final moment count. The Keeper would claim a victory in the wake of his defeat. “Lord of Sunlight - Patron of Order…” “I beseech thee. Grace me with your light and bring us victory in this fight.” “Save Her.” His final wish in life, for an intervention, was granted. Order descended, denying Ruin his satisfaction. Even with the Keeper’s demise, the Archdrakaar stood mocked, wounded by the vessel’s hand and robbed of his witness, who drifted to safety. Even as his accursed blade struck Albéric’s head from his shoulders, the pair of them would ensure she lived. Death. Another path on the road we all must take. We fear it because we fear the unknown - the suspense of what will happen next. It was no different for Albéric, adrift in currents beyond the mortal plane. He was lost but not alone, for the fallen knight felt a presence nearby, one he had grown all too familiar with in his years of service. He had only one question: “What now?” Knee-deep in still waters, through which countless souls had passed before, he waited for an answer. His cold hands brushed across delicate reeds, the lake surface shimmering with the faintest glint of sapphire. Gone were the scorched dunes he had once trekked in his mind, punishing and relentless. This place was comforting and familiar - it felt like home. "You will serve, as you have done for those interminable years." It was a callous voice from an indurate, bloodless lord; a bairn clutching at their prized toy, and to Order, Albéric was a chattel - an eternal soldier forced to fight a cruel war in the heavens. “Spoken like a true autocrat.” He raised his voice, not in defiance, but in acknowledgment of his Patron’s nature. “For the longest time, I feared your scrutinising gaze and desire for retribution. But, as the years wore on, I also found myself inspired by your tenacity. Though wrathful, you still cared enough to act, even for those who might seem like insects. For all your cruelty, there’s still a spark of compassion.” “I simply hope you have foreseen what cruelty begets, My Lord.” At the end of the waters, there was a vertiginous drop of light that palpitated into an empty pit; a hang-over of wailing souls trepid in damnation. It was a cross-road, an easy route to prepare for servitude in the Immaculate Palace, whereas the other winding path led only to eternal solitude in darkness. "This blether of words should be focused on somebody who will foster your kindness. To me, these appellations are of no worth." "Enter the light." Albéric’s gaze lingered upon the cross-road ahead. The light offered not the fulfilment he desired but an eternity of ruthless servitude. In the darkness - solitude, but also freedom. Freedom from cruelty and freedom from responsibility. “Responsibility…” The word clung to his consciousness. He could run and save himself from eternal torment, rejecting his fate as yet another cruel arbiter of Order. Yet, what kind of salvation would cowardice entail? The hand of Ruin still gripped the world; there was far more at stake than merely his freedom. “I still have a responsibility to see this through.” Through the waters, Albéric strode towards the light, towards a damnable existence. A necessary existence. He reached forth, fingers stretched as though grasping a sword. His fate was at long last sealed. Yet, the flame of kindness still burned within his soul. “But I also made a promise. I won’t lose sight of myself, for I am a knight of the realm.” A hum resonated from where the light shone, embracing the paladin-keeper in its full breadth and warmth. The Sunlit Lord remained silent in his reprisal, and looked to only embrace a new centurion into his retinue. In the sky, the sun would shine brighter ever so slightly. Art by BasilTheBunny ~~~ Albert Salvian Knight of the Lake 1899 - 1975

[!] This missive would be hung around as many nations’ board as this writer could go to Vikela Boxing Championship 004 Results: Fierce Warriors of Aevos, This missive is written to announce the results of the Vikela Boxing Champioship 004 (VBC). After these long, friendly, and competitive bouts, there was a new winner crowned: Cerrick of Kamees @Pancho After his bouts, he has made an interview addressing the fighters of Aevos and the citizens of Vikela: “Another Xan W” We would like to thank all who has made the event possible, especially our guests from Celia’nor, which was made possible by Fali’dra Glanaeri @Piper Until we fight in the ring again! For Vikela We Soar Signed, Son Altesse Éminente, Tèt Medic Ofisyè, Konso Walter Blanc de Vikela

The Siege of Minas Tirith by John Howe [MUSIC] Where the vast forests and plains of the Midlands gave way to the river Foroduin, and the great white mountain of Alkayaban- The final salvoes of the Adunic Civil War are issued. Two armies chant in a strange, almost elvish tongue, audible even over the din of battle and storm, and screams resound through the night as mighty flaming boulders from mangonels and trebuchets land upon the walls of the White City, and within the cityscape behind. Arrows fly, traded between the two hosts, and the howls of dying men are heard, along with the utterance of curses and broken oaths. The army of the Star-Demon, Delgorthad had come, arrayed in black, gold, and bloody crimson, marching under the banner of their baleful king, Ar-Azgarazor, he who had given himself unto the Everlasting Darkness. They bring siege engines and sappers, and things that should not be yet are, they bring Oathbreakers and things that were once men. They roll devious, towering engines of war before the White City, her walls now blackened from the soot and smoke of battle, and somewhere within their host, their fell king smiles. Opposing them up on the wall are the rain-soaked defenders of Numenost, fighting beneath the Radiant Banner of the Warrior-Angel, a mighty host of silver stars on red and gray fields. Those few, brave, repentant sons of Harren, among them the very men who marched beside the redeemer-king in decades past. Beside them are their sons and daughters, their children and grandchildren, friends and countrymen who all have gathered to turn back the tide of darkness, and restore the light of heaven to the Last Kingdom of the Adunians, for should Numenost fall, the strength of Harren’s Folk shall wane forevermore with it. A bloody warrior-queen raises on high her father's blade and swears to end the kinstrife once and for all, besides her, a Gray Prince bellows commands- Frantically mustering a defense for the only home he’s ever known, while at his side, the repentant do battle, among them a Knight, fighting to redeem his house from the Everlasting Darkness into which it was plunged by his grandfather. A thousand more voices ring out, Adunic, Common, Elvish, Orcish even, as a red giant battles in the name of the Radiant Crown. Some here have fought this war for nearly forty years- Others only today have come to save the White City. Her fate, and perhaps that of the Midlands of Aevos as a whole, lies in their hands now, for should the hosts of Delgorthad not be stopped here, they will light a fire to consume the world. Amidst the thundering rain and darkness, the crackle of lightning and the rumble of thunder, and the laughing of dark, malevolent things beyond the veil, a single shout is repeated again and again on a thousand lips, and could be heard throughout the Númenaranyë. “AURË ENTULUVA!” (Day shall Come Again!) [!] The battle would wage for several days, visible to any who neared the lands of the Adunians. Its victor yet undetermined…

[!] Flyers have been found about Hyspia . . . A depiction of those gathered for a Hyspian meal. The Murietta household alongside the School of Veronica presents multiple days of culinary delights in celebration and honor of the Crown Princess, Santana of Hyspia Quinceanera. The food and dishes within Hyspia are world-renowned for its flavor, seasoning and ingenuity - and with this in mind, we wish to share a few recipes to the public to enjoy as they please. CLASE DE COCINA The first day will take place within the Hyspian square, where a class will take place on the making of Hyspian cuisine and varying dishes that can be made for your enjoyment. Learn to make things such as canapés and enjoy the fruits of your labor after! [Thursday the 18th at 5pm EST] CONCURSO DE COCINA The second day will be a showcase as to what all you have learned from the first, in which a cooking contest will take place! The same foods you learned from the first day will be judged upon, with a mystery round in which you may make anything of your own imagination. [Sunday the 21st at 5pm EST] Signed, HIS EXCELLENCY, Demitrey Denodado, Gran Chancellor de Hyspia, Maestro de la Esquela de Veronica, Oficial de Imigracion SENORA, Mariposa Murietta, Canciller de la PatriaS

~PETRAN MACH~ (Depiction of two youngsters racing in Solland) || Imperial 1972|| Atstana de Regne Petrère 117 || I invite all people of Petra to compete in Petran Mach! A race on horseback across the landscape of The Commonwealth! There will be both drinks & much merriment provided both before & after the race near the Tournament Grounds. All does who wish to participate will be given a horse to ride on, to keep the competition fair. The route for the competition will also be shown to all the participants before the start of the race. (The estimate route) The prize pool will be 175 mina: 1st place 100 mina & horse. 2nd place 50 mina & horse. 3rd place 25 mina & horse. [OOC:Sunday 14th April at 5pm EST] Signed by Lord Mayor Pym Volkov of House Volkov Mayor of Vallagne & Horse Lord

VILE DISCOVERIES OF THE CURSE TO THE CITIZENS OF Aevos, Kaethul humbly presents its findings on the magicks of the Ailmerian threat. The first thing we need to stress is thus: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO spirit walk with the marked/cursed. The powers of the Harrower have grown - spirit walking is now a suicide mission, which will result in the death of the cursed individual. It has become impossible to win in his domain at this time. This is not a challenge of your personal conviction or strengths, nor should this be taken as one. I don’t care how strong you are, you cannot save the cursed via spirit walking at this moment. INSTEAD, KAETHUL HAS DISCOVERED a new cure - a harmless one. By merely subduing the cursed with null arcana, and then bringing them to a Paladin for purging, one can safely remove the curse from the victim. Failure to use Null Arcana will result in the Cursed being able to call for the Harrower’s Chosen to launch a rescue mission, which will result in a very difficult battle. THE SECOND DISCOVERY OF Kaethul is where the Harrower gains his powers. The answer is rather simple - blood. Via spilt blood, the Harrower is able to grow his magic and powers. We believe this does not have to be blood spilt in ritual, but rather the blood spilt of ANY of the Harrower’s forces. This means that every single thrall or Chosen we slay is in fact empowering this being. Furthermore, the Harrower’s Domain has begun to tear. We believe the dark fog surrounding Ailmere is a result of these tears. There is a theory that the Harrower’s Domain is actually a prison, one that the Harrower is slowly escaping. THIRDLY, WE PRESENT GRAVE news. The Tribes of Ailmere - the Thralls and Chosen, are in fact Slaves. For some this information is known, however what isn’t known, is that every single Thrall and Chosen, the Zeniths included, no longer possess memories of their lives before the Harrower - they have been stolen by that very same being. Thus is the fate of all cursed individuals. FOURTH, WE ISSUE A warning. The Raiders of Ailmere are in possession of what many believe to be a mere Mine. Reports indicate otherwise, and allude to the potential of a large, underground Stronghold, where the majority of the Harrower’s forces amass. If you are attempting to explore these mines for the promise of loot or reward - Do not, it is a trap. The ‘mine’ is likely detailed that way to trick you into seeking the rewards - it will be your grave. Don’t throw away your life for the promise of a shiny ingot. IN LIGHT OF THESE recent discoveries - Kaethul hereby seeks a change in tactics. We wish to see the Ailmerian Tribes freed from their shackles, rather than killed and merely added to the power of the Harrower. If the situation turns dangerous, then do prioritize your own life, but please, try to take them alive and free them from the curse. MAY THE LIGHT OF Purity triumph over this darkness. SIGNED, DAINN, Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan, Sword of Purity JUNIPER ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder

A MISSIVE OF INFORMATION AND PRAISE THE BATTLE OF THE Harrowing Peak, an operation led by Kaethul in tandem with the brave Ravenswood denizens, was originally a siege on the Western Ailmerian Fort. This quickly changed however, with the appearance of the Raider's three Zeniths. THE ARTILLERY DIVISION, COMPOSING of Ravenswood’s finest and a small cohort of Paladins, were ambushed atop the peak opposite the fort, by the ever watching banners of Ailmere. The Three Zeniths appeared before them - the three Commanders of Ailmere’s forces - and unleashed their never before witnessed magic. A dark fog engulfed the division, extinguishing all mundane lights and rendering magical lights to a mere personal glow - save for Paladin mist. Dark portals opened in this fog, summoning forth the legions of Ailmere, bringing Chosen and Thralls to assault the cannon crew and their Paladin defenders. IT WAS THEN THAT Kaethul’s assault force, a large division of armoured cavalry led by the Sword of Purity, Dáinn, turned their attention from the fort to their allies, and began racing through the snowy peaks to reach them in time. THE CLASH OF BATTLE was fierce. Flames flickered briefly through the dark fog, cannons kept firing towards the Fort, even shattering those gates - Ravenswood held firm, their adept forces crushing the countless hordes that surged from the darkness. The Paladins, the sole source of glowing light amidst that dark cloud, faced off against the Zenith Tor, and a newly discovered Zenith, a woman of white hair donning a curious mask. Both factions fought bravely, but alas even they would not have withstood the might of Ailmere.. FORTUNATE, THEN, THAT THEY did not stand alone. Kaethul's cavalry arrived, the Sword of Purity's light blazing through the darkness as the call of reinforcements echoed through the peak. Horse and rider charged fearlessly into that black void, plunging into that wicked darkness. IN THE ENSUING FIGHT, Kaethul's multinational force procured overwhelming victory. Ravenswood held and remanned the cannons. Balian took the right flank, absolutely obliterating the ranks of Chosen and Thrall alike. A detachment of Urguan Dweds and their adventuring allies joined with the battered Paladins, pushing forth towards the Zeniths. Forces of the Vale secured those cannons, fending off even Kamikaze Thralls, men strapped with Blasting Potions. The Sword of Purity, paired with the great Obok, hammered into the Zenith Tor, the former plunging both axe and sword into the foul beast's neck - Victory was assured.. BUT ALL PETS HAVE a master. The Zeniths were close to defeat. The Harrower himself stepped in. His voice rang through the mountain, his rage felt like a burning pressure on our shoulders - darkness swept over the battlefield, healing and revitalising our enemies, even saving Tor from the brink of Death. Portals opened all around, and the full, unfiltered might of Ailmere was brought to bare.. LET IT BE KNOWN that for the first time since this war began, it was KAETHUL that forced the Harrower into action. Our Power - our Strength - was so great that only the master of the Raiders could halt us, and force a retreat. Even then, our retreat was orderly, formed, and resulted in the safe extraction of every single member of the expedition. KAETHUL FACED THE WRATH of the Harrower, and emerged without a single casualty. AND SO, THE FOLLOWING words are dedicated to the brave warriors who fought at our side. Although ultimate victory was not achieved - our enemy were forced to reveal multiple of their hidden cards, and were bled dry of countless lives. They may have held the fort, but it is a bitter, pyrrhic victory for them. KAETHUL THUS GIVES PERSONAL commendations to the following individuals: HILDA ADRIANNA BRAWN - A squire of Balian. Growing up, I was always fond of Balian’s Knighthood.. Their honour was unquestionable, their pride deserved, and their talents unmatched. Squire Hilda Adrianna Brawn is all the proof I need that these traits have persisted. Responsible for the eradication of several Chosen and countless more Thralls, Squire Hilda made her contributions even more impressive, when during our retreat, she took it upon herself to carry our wounded from the frontline. The skills to destroy our enemies, and the humble sense of duty to protect her comrades - There is no individual more deserving of Knighthood than she, save for perhaps Balian’s current line of Knights. RAVENSWOOD - Praise is given to the entirety of Ravenswood, who, despite the threat of war, devoted time, effort, resources and their very lives to participate in this siege. The mages and soldiers of Ravenswood held the line valiantly, defending the cannons from hordes of Thralls, and lasting long enough for Kaethul’s reinforcements to arrive. Even after our cavalry stormed through, the heroic troops of Ravenswood remained, providing support and aid to our forces against the Zeniths, and even opening a sizable hole in the gate of the Ailmerian Fort. A fearless band of heroes, led by a charismatic and beloved Sovereign. Kaethul does however stress its political NEUTRALITY in cases of war. Our only enemy is the Harrower, and the usual threats to Descendant-kind. All others are welcome within the lands of our Merchant State. GALLIO GRANDAXE - Once more, Kaethul praises the might of Urguan. Yet another Dwarf has proven their undeniable valour and strength on the fields of battle. Gallio was not only a destructive force against our Ailmerian enemies, but a source of protection and fearless resolve when facing the unknown Zeniths, and extracting our unconscious comrades. One day I hope to see the pure power of an army of Dwarves - I only pray I will stand on their side, should the day come. I WILL ONCE MORE state the importance and virtue of every single member of our fighting force. You were all vital. You shall continue to be so. SIGNED, DAINN, Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan, Sword of Purity JUNIPER ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder