At the Sithicus-Valachan Border...

[Mephisto]

Rumours spread of border skirmishes erupting along the Sithican border. Those who speak of it, tell of bands of Azrael Dak's hired thugs meeting Valachani forward scouts in bloody clashes. The woods in the area are found with numerous Valachani heads on pikes, amid scattered corpses of human mercenaries.





Azrael Dak, the so-called lord of Sithicus, has been seen leading the charge, attending personally in his chariot of bones. Dak races from one battle to another, trying in vain to halt the advance of the Valachani into Sithicus. Throughout the Core, messengers throw up hastily written notices requesting the aid of those willing to fight for Sithicus. Some see this as a sign of weakness on Azrael's part - has the dwarf grown so desperate? And what of the Elves of Har-Thelen, who's absence so far has been noted? What interest does Baron Von Kharkov have in Sithicus? And what is the impressive-looking scepter that never seems far from Azrael's side?

[Dread]

[Rumor spreads of a victory at the gates of Har-Thelen, but as always, no joy is to be had in Sithicus -- the Sorrow of Sithicus is incensed by the loss of a unique and fantastic-looking scepter, and of glory being stolen from him as shadowy entities attacked and sent the Valachani into a retreat. He has decided to take out his frustrations on his often wayward elven subjects, and has ordered his mercenaries to prevent outsiders from entering Sithicus, and is rumored to have troops guarding the borders Sithicus shares with Valachan as the proud people lick their wounds...]