Panic has swept the entire realm as reports of undead armies come in from across World of Mystery. Thinking zombies have been appearing across the world in enormous numbers, attacking all those in their path. It appears that they are originating somewhere to the east of Skothar, moving westward along trade routes. Also attacked were the dome cities of Aquatica and the southern cities of Zakhara. The Second Imperial Fleet of the Eastern Empire fought a major sea engagement with undead crewed vessels in the Straits of Al-Kalim, off the Province of Ylaruam, emerging as the victors. Closer to home, the armies are marching across the south and west lands of Haranlarche.
While the news is generally grim, a small ray of hope was presented in the form of a naval defeat of the undead fleets by the forces of the recently freed Greenport, lead by King Bud, formerly of the Silver Knot. A force of humans, lizardfolk, the froglike Grippli and the animal/plant hybrids known as Gren set out in a ragtag fleet of primitive war rafts, yet, aided by powerful druidical magics, they managed to deliver a powerful body blow the the forces of evil.
Many of the world's finest heroes have been despatched to deal with the threat. The Emerald Avenger has flown to Breezesail to assist with the clean up of the vast numbers of undead present there in scenes reminiscent of her forebear. Most of the Silver Knot is defending the southern and wilderness lands of Haranlarche, while team member Ironthorn has returned to his ancestral seat of Treekeep in Westshire to assist with the defence there. Many of the brave knights at Castle Lobelia in the wildlands are sweeping across the desert wastes to rid the borders of the undead menace.
The sheer numbers of undead seem to be the defining factor in the various battles against them. Whilst most troops can hold their own against the zombies, it appears that more phalanxes are summoned to join the battle. This leads to the defenders having to withdraw or be overwhelmed. Eyewitnesses claim to see a flash of 'black light' prior to the summoning of further troops. The zombies also appear to be 'recruiting' more troops by turning their victims into further undead.
Reports indicate that the foe behind the zombie attacks is co-ordinating their manoeuvres from Deathport. Assistance to the undead also seems to be supplied by the pirates of Bloodport, using magical vessels to escort the zombie crewed fleets of Deathport.
The only thing certain is that more death and destruction will be rained upon the citizens of the world before this battle is won.
Editorial
As reports flood in from around the world of undead armies rising and smiting their enemies, we find ourselves in yet another crisis. Again, the mettle of Mythtropolitans is tested by events beyond their control. Our heroes dig deep into their reserves in order to fight the zombie hordes, and we as citizens applaud their exploits whilst preparing ourselves for hard times ahead. Somehow this scenario is becoming all too familiar. It seems that only the severity of the crisis changes.
Yet on this occasion, there is a disturbing element that indicates that this is one crisis that may have been averted with quicker and more decisive action earlier. News of the perpetrators working from the towns of Deathport and Bloodport leads to only one conclusion: action against these pirate bases should have been taken long since. Certainly hindsight confers a peculiarly accurate form of vision, but anyone could have seen beforehand that the tacit acceptance of these hives of villainy could only lead to trouble. The total lack of any action, diplomatic or military, against these criminals has precipitated this current crisis, and all civilised realms should shoulder the blame.
We at the Gazette have no qualms that the forces of good will triumph, although we know that it will cost this city, this realm and this world dearly. Evil of this kind never stands for long. But if we are to avoid a repeat of these horrific events, one thing is clear: an end must be put to the baleful influences that emanate from the corrupt seaports - Highport, Bloodport and Deathport. The realms of the World of Mystery must band together to free the citizens of these ports from tyranny, and to free this world from the curse of evil that resides within. We only hope that the will is there to make this happen before another crisis strikes.
