The Cordor Press - 183 AR, Month 11, Day 19
This is a copy of the Cordor Press, the finest newspaper on the isle!
Battle at the Nexus
Day 19, Month 11 (Uktar), 183 AR
At the beginning of the eleventh month, under the cloak of darkness, The Order of Ascension led a ritual near the Nexus Falls to perform a long distance transporting spell to remove the remainder of the Botherhood of Dawn from the island so they could face justice on the mainland. The ritual itself consisted of it's transmuters creating a portal through a complicated spell, capable of holding a path between the island and mainland Faerun.
As the ritual was being performed, the Order of Ascension, Cordor Guard and other allies set up a defensive position and held ready. Not content to allow this to happen without interfering, Ssaerth sent a force of undead to stop the ritual. The undead numbered four hundred and seventy, and were made up solely of the dead Brotherhood of Dawn members slain in the Guldorand Valley battle.
The defenders were able to hold position long enough for the remaining members to flee through it, though there were many casualties, and once through the portal, the defenders were forced to retreat to the Radiant Heart. After regrouping, they were able to muster a counter offensive and remove the undead from the Nexus.
During the fray, some members of the ritual and defenders, including Guardian Alis of the Order, were taken to the void where Ssaerth spoke to them. Reports say it was his usual bluster and threats along with bargains and ethical queries. Eventually, they were released and are back home safe.
Cordor Press will continue to keep you updated with more developments. Take heart, Cordor! We shall prevail!
Elemental Assault
Day 17, Month 9 (Eleint), 183 AR
Once again, Cordor was assaulted in another trine of constant attacks, perpetrated by Ssaerth.
--Earth and Water--
The skies turned red, and people in the city were alerted by tremors rocking the city. Guards scrambled to respond, until people saw a giant elemental likened to mud, made of earth, rise in the farmlands, seeable from the city itself. Guards and citizens alike rushed out and put down the giant elemental, though many of the livestock had perished. This was not the end of the encounter however, as a giant elemental made of Ice came from the swamps. This one spoke, and a parlay attempt was made, however this went south and it also attacked, before being put down, not without causing injuries to the people.
--Swampland Battle--
The guards, now on high alert, started to patrol around the city and it's outskirts. A patrol in the swamps came across a small invasion force of Orog, Drow and Drider, and quickly the guards and citizens rallied to push them back. An intense battle took place in the swamps, where over a hundred of the invading force pushed against the stalwart defenders of Cordor. The attacks gained ground only for the Cordorian defenders to push them back, many brave souls falling in combat, though most were brought back after the push was dealt with.
--Fire and Wind--
During the attack, a portal had been opened in the dock warehouse, with fire elementals pouring out. Guards and those suited to extinguish fires tried to contain the blaze to the warehouse to stop it from spreading. However, in the midst of this, they found that a giant fire elemental was the cause of it. Guard Cinders was able to speak to the elemental and guide it outside, where upon being in the rain, it expressed it only wished to leave the damp city, and it was sent off.
After three incidents, Guards Cal Quinn and Cinders Char went to Thoramind's tower to speak to the archwizard about the incidents, and try and ask if he knew how to help the people of Cordor with these portals Ssaerth can open. He offered little counsel, but told them to deal with his problem upstairs, where they found that he had contained a giant wind elemental. It took it's chance to escape. The Storm Elemental blew across the city, and over the water before returning, where Abel Derlson was able to speak to it. Once again, it was convinced to leave, though with a hopeful note that it may come to Abel's aid, should it hear him call.
In conclusion, this latest attack is a sign of things to come. Many believe that Ssaerth was attacking our farmlands and warehouse in preparation for siege, trying to cut off our supplies and starve us before his final assault, and with the prior poisoning of our water, it appears that he will do everything to destroy Cordor. But have heart, dear reader. None of the brave men and women who fought this trine will give up, we will stand together.
Cordor will prevail.
Hostilities Continue
Day 21, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
Day 18 Month 8 AR 183
--Refugees to Darrowdeep--
On orders by the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard, a group of guards and government members of Cordor led a group to set up a temporary refuge for citizens at Darrowdeep castle. Leading them north along the road, the were set upon by a dark portal created by Ssaerth, taking the citizens and Lady Alaina Castemont away. The escort regrouped at Darrowdeep, where another portal opened and released the citizen and Alaina in a puzzling move.
The refugees were moved to Darrowdeep to be fed and provided water, and efforts were made to use the portal to locate Ssaerth, but in attempting to do so, the portal was opened again and a Shadow Dragon was pushed out, with the escort fighting it off. Sadly, three civilians died in this melee. Ssaerth then taunted the group before closing the portal.
Thinking it over, with the civilians being taken care of and healed, the escorts went inside and spoke on what happened, tensions running high. Another portal appeared and Thomas Castemont went in alone, or attempted to, with Teriden following behind. Inside he spoke to an illusion of Ssaerth, who once again leveled demands on the Vice-Chancellor before spitting him back out to the prime.
The Cordor Press will continue to keep you up to date as this develops.
--A brief history--
Though briefly outlined in a previous article, in 153, in the Underdark city of Ched Nassad, a raid by the Brotherhood of Dawn was carried out on the settlement, with hundreds of drow being killed before their military even got involved and intervened. Among the killed was Miz'Rena Ssaerth, the lover of Vhuraen who is current waging war on Cordor, whom we believe to be a Moondancer of Eilistraee. The Brotherhood's slaughter and unregulated warfare on the drow city was and has been condemned by Tyrran orders, who exiled the Brotherhood from Cormyr, and they have been a travelling order since then.
Warnings from the Cordor Guards
Day 17, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 183 AR
The Cordor Guards have recently issued a warning to travelers, urging them to maintain their wards when venturing through the Cordor farmlands, graveyard, and swamplands.
The primary threat has been identified as a particularly dangerous crab. While much about this crab remains unknown, it has desecrated and consumed the bodies from three graves.
In response, the Cordor Guards have issued a kill-on-sight order for this crab. They are also seeking any information regarding the crab's origins.
As the Cordor Press continues to investigate this developing story, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and safe.
Day 1, Month 9 (Eleint), 183 AR
In the bustling harbor of Cordor, the sight of naval vessels slicing through the water is a familiar one. Yet, amid the island's many developments and challenges, one question remains on the minds of many citizens: "How is the Cordor navy doing?" Are they a formidable force to be reckoned with, or are they merely a drain on taxpayers' hard-earned money? Public opinion of the Navy is divided. Some citizens have expressed skepticism, commenting that "The Navy is inactive" and "One ship does not make a Navy."
A recent interview with Captain Claude Alazahd de Leon has shed light on the current state and capabilities of the naval forces.
Currently, the Cordor Navy operates at the bare minimum expected of a naval force. They maintain their flagship by keeping it armed and supplied while regularly taking it out to sea to ensure it remains in fighting shape for when the city needs it.
Captain Claude Alazahd de Leon expressed the Navy's ambition to do more but acknowledged their current limitations due to a lack of manpower. "I want enough men so we can keep her at sea more than on land," he stated. "I want her to be the scourge of the sea as she has been in the past."
Despite the challenges and divided public opinion, the Cordor Navy remains a crucial part of the city's defense. The ambitions of Captain Claude Alazahd de Leon highlight a desire to restore the Navy to its former glory, ensuring that it can effectively protect the city and its interests. Whether these goals will be achieved depends largely on future investments and recruitment efforts. For now, the citizens of Cordor watch and wait, hopeful that their naval forces will rise to meet the demands of an uncertain world.
And if you are an able-bodied sailor, the Cordor Navy needs YOU! Find a recruitment officer or fill out a form and post it on the recruitment board outside the Cordor Guard Headquarters today!
Vice-Chancellor's Address
Day 16, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
People of Cordor,
Today we have suffered a devastating blow. The Drow Ssaerth, continued his attack upon the Kingdom and our people.
Using the ship the 'Observing Spider', Ssaerth launched an assault upon our people and several buildings including the Nomad Inn. Many of our forces had to temporarily retreat to Brogendenstein while our allies of the Halls prepared to meet the Spider at sea. After some time, we were able to return to the city only to witness the death of our beloved Sergeant Reginalli, the man who has been taking bounties for years on behalf of Cordor.
People have lost their lives, their homes, their parents or siblings. We have learned that Ssaerth never had the intention for peace and had rigged the thirty slaves he released to us, with explosives which caused the Leviathan to sink almost instantly. Ssaerth wasn't satisfied that we brought his wife's soul peace. It was never about her. He is what he always was. A Drow. A monster. Only capable of lies and cruelty.
While Cordor has suffered much, we stand united against this threat. Not alone, but with our allies across Arelith. We will bring this monster to justice and the deaths of our people repaid in blood.
Stand tall Cordor. Stay strong. We will come out victoriously in the end. For Cordor prevails.
Signed,
Lord Vice-Chancellor
*Underneath the signature is a wax stamp depicting an Eagle with outstretched wings grasping a broken chain in its talons*
Day 13, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
People of Cordor,
Over the past months we have faced an incredible horror in the form of a Drow named Ssaerth. This creature is responsible for bombing our city, setting ablaze many buildings, using slaves after lobotomising them as meatshields tied to his ship, equipping sharks with bombs to explode, sinking Cordorian vessels and more.
This creature is responsible for a great many crimes and has caused much suffering on this isle. A temporary cease fire was negotiated when he had filled out sewer system with enough bombs that would have seen it blown apart. Any who would not have died of infection and disease, may have died from the Rot Cube still residing in our sewers.
This cease fire has now ended and Ssaerth has promised suffering upon our Kingdom and its people. I request that all capable warriors aid us in the defence of this city and its people and I ask that those who cannot fight, find shelter and safety. I have petitioned the Palace for additional forces and resources to keep the city safe and we will do all we can to deal with this threat.
If you are interested in fighting for Cordor and putting this monster to justice, I ask that you make yourself known to an officer of the Guard. To any healers, we ask you reach out to Ellianara and-or Zalata to render them aid for our wounded should such come to pass.
Cordor has suffered in the past. We have prevailed. And we will prevail again.
For freedom and justice.
Signed,
Lord Vice-Chancellor
*Underneath the signature is a wax stamp depicting an Eagle with outstretched wings grasping a broken chain in its talons*
Defiant and Unbroken
Day 14, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
Earlier this trine at time of writing, a parlay between the notorious Drow Ssaerth and representatives of Cordor ended in tragedy.
Cordor's contingent, led by Lord Thomas Castemont, Commander Gabriel Blackwood and Lady Rosette Blackwood De Leon embarked on the HMS Leviathan to the designated meeting point in fringe waters. As they approached, they were met by the unexpected sight of the HMS Arvora, previously thought to be lost. A Drow disembarked, revealing the enemy had salvaged the wreck. The Observing Spider, Ssaerth's ship was also there.
The Cordor delegation boarded the enemy vessel to negotiate. It was revealed that Ssaerth had no intention of reuniting with his lover, Miz'Rena, who was trapped within the soulgem. His only demand was the return of the gem itself. Despite their efforts, the delegation could not secure any alternative terms. Reluctantly, Thomas Castemont agreed to Ssaerth's demands, which saw him giving up his remaining slaves and the contract to the mercenaries he hires so they could be disbanded, and the slaves were transferred to the Leviathan.
During the transfer, a desperate ritual was performed in an attempt to free Miz'Rena's spirit and allow her to communicate with Ssaerth, with only six minutes being afforded. The ritual resulted in a brilliant flash of light, its outcome uncertain. However, the process took longer than expected, and hidden explosives within the slaves detonated, leading to the catastrophic sinking of the Leviathan.
In the ensuing chaos, the assisting ships Guldorand's Tempest and Brogendenstein's Ironhelm engaged the enemy, aiding the survivors from the Leviathan. Despite taking heavy damage, Ssaerth's ship, the Observing Spider, managed to teleport away using a ship lens. The surviving Cordor forces returned home, only to receive a dire message: Ssaerth has declared all-out war on Cordor.
Cordor stands strong in the face of this Drow villain. We will not lay down our arms to this treachery. The bravery of every person aboard the Leviathan exemplifies the spirit of our people. Stay strong, Cordor. We shall prevail.
Guldorand Valley - Battlefield
Day 14, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
The attacks on Cordor at the hands of Ssaerth continued to persist, and he wanted information. If he weren't to get it, Guldorand was next on his list of settlements to come after.
With this threat in place, Commander Gabriel Blackwood got in contact with Guldorand, informed them of Ssaerth coming for the Brotherhood. With a stealth team in place to infiltrate the Brotherhood, a ground force in place to close in on the Forested Valley, where the Brotherhood has set up camp. They would be on standby for when the stealth team confirmed their retrieval of the soulgem. Only then would the ground team move into the valley.
Intended to originally be a joint effort between Cordor and Guldorand, a different matter came into play. Commander Blackwood enlisted aid from the Order of Ascension, after they had offered to aid Cordor against the looming threat. The Order of Ascension was then over garrisoning Cordor the day off. But after a reevaluation, a new plan was set in course. The need for Divine Casters and skilled Fighters on the field. With this shift, The House of Vigilance garrisoned Cordor, while Myon garrisoned Guldorand whilst the Constables were on the field.
The plan was in motion, enter from the Valley from the copper mines north of it. The flanking point, up high and away from the road. Bombards were set up, in an attempt to thin their numbers. Hellballs, Greater Ruin, then to charge in with an array of spells such as sunburst to blind the drow. Such, came the need for divine casters.
Before the battle, Guldorand had coached the Brotherhood on how to best use the Valley's layout. With this, Commander Blackwood then met with Brinja a day earlier, surveying the valley to put a proper plan in motion of the incursion.
The battle had come, Ssaerhs ships began with heavy bombardment, his men had moved in. The joined forces could only wait for confirmations from scouts that the heist was a success. Fortunately, such came to be but in that moment? Dracholichs had landed on the scene, but luckily the joined forces were able to deal with them accordingly. However, this jeopardized any plan of surprise.
Having to adapt to a new strategy, this caused several duels and brawls to take place across the battlefield. The original plan of bombardment was out the window. The joint union had charged the field, managing to push back Ssaerth's forces and win the field with no one falling amongst the battle. To note, forces in Guldorand also moved in the valley from the traditional route, so the enemies were surrounded.
Ssaerth?s men had discovered the better part of valor, they lensed and treated from the field. Leaving their slaves to fight in their place to slow down the joint force. Several fell in battle, but luckily from acts of courage by the joint forces, those they fell were nursed back to health. The success and union of the Cordor Guard, Guldorand and the Order of Ascension had cut down Ssaerth's forces to less than half of what it was. The trine was won, the gem was retrieved. Much deserved and well fought victory!
Fire on the Water - Ssaerth Incidents up to Guldorand Battle
Day 14, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
--Vhuraen Ssaerth--
To speak of the naval battles and issues that have plagued Cordor and the isle, one must know about the man behind the attacks and his machinations. His name is Vhuraen Ssaerth, a drow male who lost his lover, Miz'Rena Ssaerth, in an attack on an Underdark city by surfacers. Since then, he has vowed revenge on the surface, attacking people with the ships he has created.
The Cordor Navy has been dealing with his attacks since roughly Ches of AR 183. His ship, The Black Wyvern, was a mighty vessel, Galleon class, equipped with the Eye, a weapon of his creation that calls down blasts of light that can be aimed at long distances. It also had trained wyverns that would lift off from the deck and fly over opposing ships, dropping bombs on them. His other ship, the Observing Spider, Brigantine class, is also equipped with the Eye.
--Bombing of the Royal Cordor Docks--
On the twentieth day of Ches, people in the city were alerted to an issue on the docks by a loud creaking noise coming from one of the ships. As many people arrived to see what was happening, dock workers and sailors were jumping off the ship as she began to sink.
During this time, guard members found a suspicious individual, who turned out to be a thrall to a vampire, carrying vials of acid likely intended for use on the other ships. The acid reacted when seeping into the water from the sunken vessel, setting the Cordor Harbour ablaze with fire. Thanks to the quick work of many guards and citizens, the fire was quelled on the docks, though the repair drydocks were off-limits for some time as investigations were put underway.
--The Battle of Fire Triangle--
After a month of pestering and skirmishes, Cordor launched an assault on the Black Wyvern. Cordor sailed three ships: the HMS Dauntless, HMS Amelia, and HMS Eagle, backed up by Guldorand's Tempest, Myon's Starlight, and a privateer, the First Sister.
During an intense battle, the Black Wyvern employed not only its bombing wyverns but also a squadron of exploding sharks. The ship's hull was also covered with lobotomized slaves to dissuade the ships from attacking.
During the battle, both the Amelia and the Dauntless were lost with all souls on board, but the Black Wyvern was also destroyed with all hands, marking a victory for the allied forces. As of this issue, a memorial for the fallen sailors is in planning.
--Continued Attacks on Cordor--
After the considerable loss of his flagship, Ssaerth has continued to attack the kingdom, targeting certain people such as Captain Freya of the Navy as revenge for the sinking of the Black Wyvern. The Observing Spider bombarded the city
with bombs going off at the library and almshouse, causing fires, while assassins infiltrated the barracks but were repelled by guards. Swift action by citizens and guards stopped any assassinations and quelled the fires.
Ssaerth has employed many tactics to unsettle or disturb, his evil cerebral strategies have included sending a pie to the Captain of the Navy, which was made of human flesh with a Cordian Navy flag inside. Another saw guards investigating missing marines. This led them into the swaps where they found the sailors animated as undead, a Drow called the Cook who caused an explosion as they tried to arrest him.
Another incident saw a strange shadow statue appearing in the barracks. After investigation, a portal was opened, and a group was sent in only to find themselves trapped in a void where they could hear voices speaking of a plot to bomb the city from the sewers. After a tense negotiation, the situation was diffused, the bombs were removed, and the city was safe.
After this, he was somehow able to hang a body of a guard with a note showing his impatience, and even conjure a volcano through a portal in the guard barracks. This prompted the guard to put into a plan to gain a relic Ssaerth was after.
Underdark Attacks - Myon and Brog
Day 5, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 183 AR
By Charissa Seper, Chief Editor, Cordor Press
In a series of attacks, the cities of Brogendenstein and Myon have been besieged by the dark forces of the Underdark. This offensive has left both cities grappling with the aftermath of destruction and loss, yet their spirits remain unbroken.
--Brogendenstein - Siege--
The assault on Brogendenstein began as the sun dipped below the horizon. Lead by Duergar mercenaries and House Freth knights, Underdark swarmed the hold's formidable gate, initiating a fierce battle. Allies were rallies to defend the city, and as the Underdark forces laid siege on the gate, the defenders sallied out to attack, as well as initiate a pincer on them
The forces were able to push back the sieging units into the quarry down the mountain side, and eventually route them, with there being little casualties on the side of the allied forces, however as they would soon come to learn, The attack on Brogendenstein served as a diversion.
Vast Peace, on behalf of the Kuldarn and the Lord Protector, had this to say, "The alliance stands ready to defend the mountain and the isle against the Freth abomination. Let us set aside differences amongst one and all and see the end of their unholy coalition."
--Myon - Invasion--
While the battle raged in Brogendenstein, the true objective of the Underdark forces lay elsewhere. A force of fifty strong, comprised of warriors from all three districts of the Underdark and led by House Freth, infiltrated the elven city of Myon. They entered the Deep Wells, using Rods of Recalling to transport themselves to the temple beneath the Elven Quarter. From there, they stormed into the portal to the Twilight Grove, unleashing chaos.
The attackers, in possession of a fearsome Dracolich whose flames were nearly impossible to quench, struck with ruthless efficiency. The elven defenders, though valiant, were unprepared for the ferocity and scale of the attack, as well as being thin in numbers thanks to the diversion. The Great Oak was set ablaze, its ancient boughs scorched by the unholy fire. After recapturing the Dracolich, the left after being sated in their destruction. After recovering their people In a bid to save their city, wizards opened portals to the elemental plane of Water to summon torrents of water to flood the area, attempting to quench the insatiable flames.
It took several days douse the flames, and repairs and recovery are now underway in the Twilight Grove. A few trines after, Elora Amakiir, the Voice of Seldarine, held a poignant sermon in Myon. She spoke to the gathered elves, their hearts heavy with loss yet filled with resolve. The following is a passage from the sermon, "The flames may burn us and leave us scarred now; but as the forests and Our Great Tree, whose seeds are nourished by burning to grow a healthy new generation, so shall we grow stronger in unity from these flames."
--A Call for Unity and Hope--
As the nation of Myon begins the arduous process of healing and rebuilding, the resolve of their inhabitants shines brightly. The tales of bravery and the resilience of their people serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit that will guide the island through these dark times. United, the people of these cities look toward a future where we can all push through the Underdark's so called age of darkness to a brighter day, and stand tall.