The chief news from across World of Mystery is of the battle against the evil hordes of undead, known collectively as the Opposition. It now appears that there is no corner of World of Mystery untouched by this evil.
Reports have been coming in from around the borders of the kingdom that, despite heavy assaults upon the front lines, Haranlarche is defending itself valiantly, and repelling the Opposition forces. The heroic Royal Haranlarche Army is being assisted by the likes of members of the Silver Knot, the Knight Watch and other adventurer groups in forcing the zombie forces back.
Late reports from Spire Keep indicate that it may have fallen into enemy hands. The fate of its squire, the Green Knight, is as yet unknown, but unconfirmed reports indicate that he may have perished in the battle.
"Only the valiant efforts of every citizen of Haranlarche can ensure the victory of the righteous over the pure evil of the Opposition," said Westshire regent and Silver Knot stalwart, Ironthorn, in a speech to his people.
The town of Slagovich appears to have fallen into enemy hands with zombies overrunning the city. The port of Seacamel has to date fought off the rampaging armies with the assistance of heroes from Castle Lobelia and Greenport, but has suffered heavy casualties and massive property damage in the battles.
Greenport has managed to hold out against its attackers, with the forces of King Bud still managing to prevent the undead from taking the city. The siege around the city shows no sign of abating soon though.
Stormshell City also is managing to avoid defeat, being ably assisted by its allies amongst the lizardfolk and the barbarians of the Lower Thanegioth Isles.
Lendore Isle, so recently wracked by internal dissent between House Restenford and The Black Griffon rebels, has drawn together in this time of crisis. Surviving members of the Company of the Bog Lilly and the Knights of the Toad have withdrawn from the civil war to fight the undead across the island. In a local twist, lands belonging to the Haranlarchian noble House Sabot have been overrun by Zombires.
Dark days are spreading across the mighty island nation of Vamora, as it falls to the mighty undead armies of the Opposition. It would appear that this once proud nation will be no more unless aid is received soon.
Forces of the Eastern Empire suffered a defeat in the notorious Skullhorn Pass whilst travelling to the aid of the besieged city of Glantri. Glantri found itself under attack after its neighbour, Ethengar, fell to Opposition troops and was overrun. This was despite the wizards of Glantri declaring themselves neutral to the zombie lords.
An entire legion of Eastern Empire troops has fallen, and another legion appears to have been all but decimated. Aerial troops have been bombing affected areas with powerful magic explosives; as yet there is no indication of the level of success of this tactic. Empire City itself is under attack by sea vessels under the command of the Opposition, as well as undead sea monsters.
Reports have returned indicating that the hero, Emerald Avenger, has been active in this area. It appears that she has destroyed an entire army of zombies as well as a Mythmorgar - a being of pure shadow. However, it was restored to life the following evening. The Emerald Avenger has said that it appears that only an as yet unknown bane weapon can permanently destroy these creatures.
The settlements of Minrothad have fallen to Deadport buccaneers. Yo-Ho-Ho Pirate Skeletons and Daveys have formed an undead legion that is holding off Eastern Empire marine forces and their Braejrian allies from retaking the isles.
To the west of Minrothad, the Ienos Islands have closed their sea borders to all visitors and are protecting their islands by using the Volcano Magics of the Host Island Mages and the golden energy blasts from their capital's Astronomer's Tower.
The Opposition uses all manner of undead to populate its armies. The Gazette presents a list of some of the more common types of troop in order to help the public of Haranlarche identify this evil.
Editorial
Recent events have shown the futility of a policy of neutrality with Evil. Glantri city, home of a good proportion of this continent's magicians, has been attacked, despite seeking a neutral position with the Opposition forces.
Why Glantri was attacked is unclear. It may be that they have resources the Opposition crave. It may be that they stand in the way of an Opposition victory. It may just be the all consuming hatred the undead feel for the living, regardless of how sympathetic the living may be.
In the end, it really doesn't matter. These acts point to a moral that we all thought had been learned long ago - appeasing evil is in itself an evil act. We just hope that the lessons of Glantri don't go unheeded.
Letters
Sir,
We did try and destroy Bloodport, but we couldn't find exactly where it is. The Ulgarth paladins are searching the north Davanian coast for Deathport right now. Just because barbarians from the north continent aren't doing it, shouldn't assume that no-one else is trying.
You could just as easily say that two hundred fifty plus heroes from Haranlarche have never trained well enough to reach the levels we have, and that by not developing to that level they are unable to stop the zombies. Vamora has shrugged off the zombie attacks to date.
KING PERSEUS XII of VAMORA
Editor's Response - This letter was received prior to recent reports of Vamora's current position. We at the Gazette pray that Vamora's people will come through. That aside, the fact that the forces of Vamora were unable to find Bloodport relates directly to our editorial. If an alliance had been struck between Vamora and these "northern barbarians", perhaps Bloodport could have been defeated before this atrocity was brought to bear upon the world.
