Rumors have it that the loving couple of Ravos and Varya Tiller will look into organizing repairs for towns and lands on the outskirts of Peltarch to be restored and fixed. The duo seem enthused and happy as ever, working together outside the realm of their usual duties in service to Peltarch as captains of their own branches. Another rumor going on about the farmlands is that Tiller may be expecting a child in a few months from now, and while training and exercise regiment seems to remain the same with her and the soldiers under her charge, the paladina seems to be refraining from active adventure at the moment to preserve the treasure Chauntea had bestowed upon her.

Rumor is a group of people traveled across the Scar into Jiyyd to explore the area. Most notable among the group was Troff Legion General Theaon Thorn, the elf Raryldor, and the paladin Steelfin - who had not been seen in the region since before the N'Jast War.

Huge kudos to DM Xanatos Gambit and of course the players for the dramatic unfolding of Casus Belli. But going above and beyond to provide the story behind the scenes, from the villain's perspective, is such a great boon that it deserves extra mention. I love it when all the pieces come together and I can have my character look back and reflect on her own actions, after the dust settles. It makes the plot that much richer and complex in flavour!

"ORCS!" Unnoticed by all but a small contingent of bright and richly armored men, a group of orcs filtered into the old camp for reasons unknown. The orcs, including several spellcasters, archers and strong fighters, had even brought a colossal champion, reputedly twice or even thrice the size of the noted legionaire Eragor - one of several adventurers assisting the nobles in the orcish defeat.

I'm not sure how much of a "break" it's going to be, but someone close to me passed away today and for the time being I just can't manage to focus on anything for longer than a few minutes at a time. I'm not sure how much I can be around for the next few days.

Captain Reyhenna Jorino and several other Defenders in dress blue uniforms ascend the rostrum to make a public announcement. "Attention citizens, I am going to give you a brief update on the current military situation, as I am painfully aware that rumour will run rampant otherwise. It is true that a mercenary army has seized several of our outlying possessions, mines, mills, townships and logging camps. This army flies no known banners and keeps secret the identity of its paymasters. They are in league with monsters, and have trafficked with the unholy, and the damned." The blonde captain gestures her hand downwards, as if towards the depths of the Hells themselves. "I am unconcerned with these cowards and their opportunism. We have faced armies of all kinds before, breaking like waves upon our walls. Armies of giants. Armies of bandits. Armies of traitors. Armies of invaders. Armies of gnolls. Even the armies of the Abyss itself have failed to crack the Jewel of the Icelace. Do not mistake my confidence for bravado however, for I will not sugarcoat the gravity of our situation. What our enemies lack in courage, they make up for in subterfuge and conniving. Many of you have seen General Del'rosa commanding our forces once more and wonder what of General Williams? I will put to rest the rumours surrounding this. Our foes murdered General Sally Williams, after orchestrating the loss of the soldiers I had painstakingly recruited in preparation for a disaster such as this. I vow that I will avenge her death with the blood of every man, woman and beast which had a hand in her death. In the meantime, we must do whatever is necessary to protect our city, and destroy our enemy." Jorino unfurls an official looking parchment with various seals stamped onto it. "Given the reduced size of the Peltarch Defenders, we have issued a call to all Guild and household men at arms within the city to co-ordinate with Captain Autumn in manning our walls. In addition, you have likely also heard rumours of conscription. I can confirm these rumours are accurate. By decree of Regent Fisher, and under the advice of General Del'rosa, all citizens of ages fifteen and up, male and female, capable of bearing arms and armour, are to report for duty under Captain Lorn Hresh, or in the case of those with arcane skill, under Commander Lycka Zomasdottir. Conscriptees will receive basic training and will be expected to man the walls or engage in logistical support only; this is to free up our veteran soldiers to continue to engage in offensive actions against the enemy under the command of Captain Larry Gom and myself. We do not ask this of our citizens lightly, and neither I, General Del'rosa nor Regent Fisher would ask anything of you or your families we would not offer ourselves. " At the Captain's nod, two youths step forward, one in a Defender private's gear, the other in blue Cerulean leathers with one star, step forward. As they remove their helmets, their faces are immediately familiar to onlookers. "Private Thalaman and First Star Kasimir have answered the Jewel's call. I have no doubt they are the first of many who will do their home proud until our cowardly foes draw their last, ragged breath. Glory to the Jewel, and Death to Peltarch's enemies!" She raises her fist in the air, and then turns, saluting the two Princes, before leading them and the other military officials off the stand and in the direction of the Western Walls.