Varrach’s Chosen

[aidanj5277]

MERANTHE, 2139

-The scent of smoke and undeath hangs heavy over Meranthe as reports of increased undead activity swarm news outlets and central cities. Reports of large raids on smaller outskirt villages and slaughter of farms spread like wildfire. 

Reports indicate that The Chosen of Varrach, his two undead lieutenants-Veda and Imperium-have been spotted leading hordes of lesser undead in a series of brutal raids and skirmishes across the northeast. Villages of non-magi and farmers have been found razed to the ground, what corpses were not incinerated by Imperium’s cosmic energy or destroyed by Veda’s blood mastery have been taken, leaving many to wander what is being done with the corpses, or if they are being used for something sinister. 

Local militias have been hard pressed to contain the growing threat while many witnesses to the carnage describe scenes of chaos as legions of skeletons pour out of the darkened forests swarming towns and villages and slaughtering all they encounter. Additional reports suggest small scale skirmishes between mages, specifically some intense encounters with the Shigenobu clan have occurred in between these raids, with limited success in deterring the undead.

Their goals remain unclear. What began as seemingly random raids on isolated farms and villages has escalated into more organized assaults. Some of these strikes appear almost surgical in nature, cutting off supply lines, decimating key outposts, and sowing terror among border communities. Others are pure carnage-aimless, savage, and without apparent reason beyond the sheer joy of inflicting suffering. The two lieutenants are not always present at once, and a pattern has began to be observed though it is not certain to be accurate. While Imperium’s raids appear to be more precise and goal oriented, Veda’s have seemed to be more focused on carnage and slaughter, with no real reason behind the killings other than her own desire. These raids have been occurring simultaneously to the raids of Atrellyan forces, though it remains unclear if the atrellyan raids are a convenient distraction for Varrach’s forces or if it is a intentional tactical decision on behalf of the Imperfects Lieutenants. 

Military leaders and arcane scholars alike are baffled by the sudden surge in activity.

Varrach's presence has recently loomed over the region, but his forces have rarely acted with such frequency and fervor. One theory gaining traction is that these raids are meant to gather something-resources, information, or perhaps something far darker. But what could the Imperfect be attempting to accomplish?

Regardless of their intent, it is clear that the Imperfect's armies are on the move, and whatever dark scheme is unfolding, the people of Meranthe are running out of time to prepare.