Conqueror's Blade Letters

[A blood-soaked fragment of a letter, written by a village headman in eastern Ungverija]

…dragon-headed with square sails, but not seen after then. I have made inquiries as to the missing shepherds (albeit without success) so for the time being we must not let folks graze sheep beyond eyesight of the village. One fellow stopped by the house and told me he'd heard howling but it was like no wolves he'd ever heard. I must end this letter here, there is suddenly quite a ruckus outside and someone is [the rest of the letter has been torn away]

OPENING SOON: An Invitation to the Royal Falcon Tavern, Turul Våros

Winter will be soon upon us, so how better to spend those long dark evenings than before a roaring hearth, enjoying good music, good drink, swapping stories with your friends in the warm while the snow falls outside? Thanks to our benevolent monarch, the Royal Falcon Inn will soon be opening in the great Ungverijan city of Turul Våros, and we warmly invite you to pay us the honour of a visit.

Albert, Tavern Keeper and Freeman of the City

To our honoured correspondent, his Sublime Majesty Sultan Fatih Suleyman, the Fourth of That Name, Rightful Lord of the Borderlands and Heir to the Conqueror's Most Glorious Legacy sends you greetings. Know that His Majesty intends to make good on his claim to the Borderlands and offers you an opportunity to share in this noble enterprise. Prove yourself and soldiers from the Anadolou Army shall be made available to you. Fight in his service and glory will surely be yours!

O Great and Glorious Conrad Xl, Eternal Ruler of Ostaria and Protector of Augolia, your most loyal servant Waldheim hopes this letter finds you in good health. Long may you rule.

You must have seen that the once-in-a-thousand-year blizzard has descended upon your land, just as the prophecy said. Close behind was the legendary Desecratois, a blight upon the living.

Due to the heavy snow hindering travel between cities, we do not know when the messengers we've dispatched to other cities can return with news from them. You must be very worried about your subjects, Your Majesty.

However, you need not worry. I will work tirelessly to protect the land you've granted to me. The Desecrators will meet their end here.

Eternally your servant,
Loyal Protector of Huegelstadt, Waldheim

O Great and Glorious Conrad Xl, You are the Glory of Ostaria, the Father of History, and the Benevolent King. You are most merciful, and may your reign be eternal.

Some Weinrebe refugees braved the blizzard to flee to Huegelstadt. According to them, an army of Desecrators flooded their country and were unstoppable. One after another, they razed the towns in their way, sparing no one.

I believe the city's defenders fried to resist, to no avail, and lost the fief you bestowed upon them. It's not that your subjects are unfaithful, nor is it that they are not brave enough to fight the enemy - they simply adoped the wrong strategy and executed the wrong tactics.

As a result, I have decided to bring all our defenders into the castle. Once the people gather together and resist the invaders with all their might, at the right moment, we will pour out of the castle and fight back against the exhausted Desecrators.

This strategy is our last resort. It is a strategy désigned to prevent the loss of the territories you have given us, so that we may continue to be graced by; the light of your rule.

Eternally your servant,
Loyal Protector of Huegelstadt, Waldheim

O Great and Glorious Conrad Xl, You are the Revered Lord of the Eternal City, the Supreme King, the Defender of Ostarian Might. May your prestige dispel the cowardice of lowly persons such as myself. May your bravery deter impetuous invaders.

I have been guarding the castle for several days, fighting off the Desecrator onslaught. The enemy has beat against our castle gates, they have roared outside its walls and fired countless arrows through its windows. We have not given up our defence out of fear, nor did we lose our forces out of incompetence. The banner of Ostaria will eternally fly over the town of Huegelstadt.

However, I still find myself unsatisfied. I still await our opportunity to charge out of the castle and fight back. When everything subsides and peace has returned, I will return to the city and beg forgiveness from Your Majesty.

Eternally your servant,
Loyal Protector of Huegelstadt, Waldheim

Listen to me, Franz. You have to go south. Whether you go on horseback, catch a ride with someone else, it doesn't matter. Just stick to the path as much as you can. Don't stay in the city. Leave as soon as you get your supplies together. The situation here has gotten out of hand and many of the passes have already been closed off. Those lords must have heard something beforehand because they've started to stockpile food on a large scale and have locked themselves up in their castles. People everywhere have fallen into a panic. They sense something bad is coming, and have begun to collect food. Some have fled to other cities. You must find our stronghold as soon as you can. There's food stocked there, and some horses in the stables. Don't worry about finding those spies. This 'Tyrant' is out of his mind. He's been raising his banner all over the place without even trying to cover up his tracks. From Kochi to Yazi, then to Zhulong...

Everyone knows this madman is heading toward Conqueror's City. He is a menace, as bad as the Scourge of Winter, or perhaps even worse. The mines, forests, and fields along the way have all been destroyed. Even bandits have a sense of propriety. But this lunatic doesn't care. It's as if destruction is his reason for existing!

The situation is getting serious. We have to get news to Ostaria as soon as possible so that an expeditionary force can be prepared. I've done some digging and have found that the border post in the south to Ungverija is still letting people through. It's a major detour, but it's much safer. I will prepare some food and horses in advance and meet you in Zadeni near the Border Post. Come quickly!

Be careful! Good luck!

Sigmund

His Honour Lord Commander Peter Adler, Knight of Haagvark, Captain-General of the Company of the Silver Star... (much of the letter is a procession of titles and honours)... In recognition for loyal service rendered, the above-named is pleased to issue a TRAVEL PERMIT giving the right of FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT to the bearer. Moreover, the above-named vouches for the good character and loyalty of the bearer, having witnessed the same upon the battlefield and on innumerable occasions superfluous herein to describe.

Signed this day,' PvH.