The Fall of Daris - Report from the Redboot Brigade

[Jehannum]

A message from a Redboot Guard to the Queen

My liege, I have no way of knowing if this will ever reach you, but the news within is most urgent. I almost do not know how to word what needs to be said. We have lost your village, Daris is firmly in Varanite hands with no hope of recovery. They came in the early morning hours, pouring in from the Eaves, from the marshes, and from the Barrans. Their ranks held not only the soldiers that we are familiar with, but the witches from the marshes as well. The Brigadier acted quickly and decisively and we got as many of your people to Seaside where we organized what defense we could.

My lady, I must say, I have never seen so many Varanite's in my life. The witches used their magics to blast the gates and the Varanite hordes rushed us. Your Crusaders fought most valiantly in the front lines, and even many of the townspeople picked up weapons to defend. If any lives were spared it was because of the Brigadier. She ordered that the women and children flee in the few boats that were anchored in the port. Again you have reason to be proud of your people, for the sailors wanted to stay and fight until she threatened them with treason in your name. So some of your people did escape the slaughter.

My lady, we truly did all we could. I watched the men and women I called comrades fight what appeared to be an impossible force. The witches , those damned witches...their magics...I cannot describe the sights I witnessed, although I will dream of the atrocities for as long as I draw breath. When we saw all was lost, those few of us still standing fled. I cannot even tell you how I survived the onslaught, just that I found a place to hide and stayed there unmoving as the sounds of the battle and the dying flooded my ears.

The Brigadier's body now hangs on the ruins of the gates in Seaside. The air is heavy with ash, for they burned the farms, the houses. I attempt to go South...towards Morell, for the way towards Dragonwatch and Oraan's Crossing is heavy with Varanite troops. May the gods watch over you and keep you safe. I will rally those of your loyal subjects I can along my way. I pray and hope this message reaches you in time to fortify Dasar.