To the Sun's Shadow
As you’ve ordered, we've sent out an expedition from Klagynah to confirm the rumors of a new dragon in the Black Pyramid. The expected costs have been submitted with the Ministry of Finance.
More importantly, I am reporting on the emergence of three anomalies.
We can confirm all three mursashu caravans have traveled towards Oasis. This is the first time all three caravans have been in the same area in a century. They passed through Klagynah with an above average amount of goods, ostensibly for trade.
Based on last known information, the Lord of Sands has secluded himself since the Festival of the Hero. Initial intelligence can confirm both the Spear and Shield of Oasis deployed from Oasis around the Black Pyramid. An unknown Domain was exerted. We have no intelligence on what the fight was about.
Finally, the Oracle’s chosen vessel may have been sighted traveling to Oasis with Mursa Shang’s caravan. This is unconfirmed; the observing individual happens to be an owner of the Prodigy’s alchemy invention for Seeing the color of aura. They indicated sighting an individual cloaked in white aura.
There is no correspondence with Oasis until the mursashu return. As a result, we have no current status about our Prince’s restrictive seal on the Lord of Sands.
One anomaly is a curiosity. Two are noteworthy. Three anomalies are an indication of plots being afoot, and if we are not aware of a plot that tends to mean we will be the victims.
We request reinforcements with the understanding that we may need to contend with the Lord of Sands. Our recommendations are to send the WildSpeaker, HushFang, Tempest, and you yourself.
If Titled Ones cannot be sent, we seek authorization to search for and approach the Yellow Kirin if the situation calls for it.
Adharja Boljakha, Marshal of the Western Detachment
To the Interim Commander of the Red Army:
The Southern Detachment is on the highest alert. We have confirmed the Cerranean Jungle to be moving towards the Central Valley.
Our scouts report the flora have made a distinctive expansion above the previous treeline on EarthShaker's Promise. Fresh growth of trees, bushes, and more at an impossible speed. It appears the Jungle intends to spread itself over the mountains by the end of Autumn's Colors.
We can no longer locate the Sun and Moon Lake.
All men sent to communicate with the Hermit’s sentries have not returned.
None were sent with knowledge of controlled information.
Status of the Hermit of the Lake’s restrictive seal is unknown.
To prepare for a possible fight with the Hermit, the Southern Detachment requests immediate support. Based on the Hermit of the Lake’s known attunements, it would be best to send the WildFire and the Islander, or you.
If a Titled One cannot be sent, we request permission to enter the Jagged Peaks to seek aid from the Vermilion Bird.
The Sun Will Rise.
Gu Yanhu
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Marshal of the Southern Detachment
For the Eclipse
The Fleet requests urgent reinforcements in the East.
Scheduled communications were lost with eighty-four ships two days ago. There is no evidence of shipwreck. We are proceeding under the assumption the flotilla was either captured or destroyed.
Worryingly, all correspondence with the Formosan Islands have been cut off. Our informants have gone dark, yet to resume providing information. Proceeding with assumption they are captured, dead, or in hiding. There is work being done to analyze the ramifications of their knowledge being known by the Formosans.
Based on the above information, we conclude the Chieftess of Formosa has acted with hostile intent. It is assumed that the Formosans have heard of that confidential matter. Mursa Allyce may need to be questioned, if she can be found. We last tracked her caravan heading west, presumed to be entering Oasis.
However, we could not understand the Chieftess’ motivation or goals. The terms of her exile and the Prince’s restrictive seal on her should still be in effect.
We request authority to enter the Concave Shoal and speak to the Azure Serpent, in addition to the immediate reassignment of a Titled One. My opinion is that the Islander or the HushFang have the best suited skills for current needs. It is my opinion that your presence is required if the Chieftess herself will make an appearance. Even with our Prince’s seal, the Chieftess of Formosa is still an ancient Titled One.
The rest of the Fleet will have entered high combat awareness by the time you receive this message.
Fang Yuan, Fleet Admiral
Marshal of the Eastern Detachment
Eyes-only for: the Interim Commander of the Red Army
Twin Stars called a moot.
Every Tribe and Mother at Hjornheim.
Cannot enter the mountain’s vicinity due to treaty. Contact with informants has stopped.
No information about internals of Hjornheim.
Intercepted two messengers. Messages identical. Presumed from the Formosan Islands. Assuming uncaught messengers exist, and successfully entered the mountain.
Suspect classified matter is being discussed.
Urgent request: Titled support. The Avalanche, the WildSpeaker, the EarthCaller, or you.
Requesting permission to approach MoonEye Lake to seek the Black Tortoise for help.
Northern Detachment to enter heightened combat preparations.
Eksha Falkiran
Marshal of the Northern Detachment
Attached, copy of message. Translated from the Old Tongue:
Deep Waters may chill, but do not freeze.
So shall we move before these tides recede?
— Mother of the Isles
To Each of the Eight Detachments
Effective immediately:
The knowledge of our Prince’s slumber is no longer considered classified information. I have tasked the Chancellor to make an official announcement to the citizens.
See attached map for details of updated adversarial movement, but know a tenth of the Fleet has disappeared. Suspected to be the machinations of the Formosans.
In response, the Red Army is to enter a heightened state of war readiness. All Divisions are to enter and maintain battle capabilities of the highest order, but do not antagonize adversaries.
Your primary orders are to maintain borders until our Prince awakens. Utilize defensive tactics and do not engage unless in self-defense. Permission granted to all Marshals to make strategic retreats even if it means a change of borders. Lines on a map are temporary.
Specific orders:
- The Western Detachment is ordered to go into observation status. Take up observation points on various peaks of EarthShaker’s Promise, up to 1200 leagues away from Klagynah. Any and all movement from Oasis should be meticulously documented. Do not initiate engagement with the Yellow Kirin, but you may respond if it seeks you out.
- The Southern Detachment has permission to enlist the Vermilion Bird’s help. They are to locate the Hermit and confirm his continued detainment in the Sun and Moon Lake. All soldiers below the rank of auramaster are to be relocated out of the Jungle until the Hermit is found. Report immediately if the Hermit has broken our Prince’s Seal.
- The Fleet’s top priority is to confirm the continued restriction placed on the Chieftess. Form a defensive line on the Deep Waters between HaiFeng City and the Formosan Islands. Permission is not granted to approach the Azure Serpent. Do not approach the Concave Shoal.
- The Northern Detachment is ordered to close the border and begin logistics planning for an expedition into the Northern Plains reaching as far as White Shore. Permission is granted to attempt communication with the Black Tortoise from afar. Do not enter MoonEye Lake.
- Be mindful when engaging with our Prince’s bonds. Send offerings along with the most diplomatic anima you have.
Titled Ones will be reassigned accordingly. The exact nature of their assignments will be kept classified and not etched in ink.
Orders issued under authority of my Title and Rank.
The Eclipse, Interim Commander of the Red Army
Ruskru WuMing
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