Coalition Chronicle: "Dominion Defeat in North?"

[Rias]

Couriers and criers have been delivering the latest news reported by the Coalition Chronicle to all significantly-populated Central Lost Lands outposts (though they are being rather careful about it in Mistral Lake):

THE COALITION CHRONICLE
Novum 08, 1223

Headline: "Dominion Defeat in North?"

News is spreading that the Dominion's Mountain Gate outpost has fallen and the Dominion's northern territories have been cut off. As of this writing a small contingent of Dominion soldiers can be found posted on the southern side of the outpost, presumably in an effort to prevent enemies of the Dominion from making their way through. The likelihood of any immediate significant incursion seems low, considering the outpost's gatehouse is blocked by fallen rubble and there is no other means of passage through the fortification's walls.

Rumors are going rampant regarding the state of things in the Dominion North, but all seem to agree that the Dominion is not doing well. Blame is being placed upon all manner of sources - some of them more fanciful than others - and it is not uncommon to hear claims that many or all of these groups are cooperating in a combined effort against their common foe. These rumored sources include a coalition of bandits and highwaymen unhappy with the Dominion's increase in order and security, the various resistance groups opposing the Mistveil Dominion's assimilation of their people and territories (one particular group name being thrown around is the Westbrook Returners), the Republic of Exiles, the Lapisians, the recently-resurfaced Monastic and Templar Orders, even the Dunwyr and the Liberi.

But the most frequently-referenced force credited by these rumors for recently tipping the scales against the Dominion in the north is a great horde of nethrim said to be led by a powerful warlock. No identity can be confirmed at this time, but some are claiming it is a disciple of Jonathon Crowhaven or even Crowhaven himself, while others claim it is Sceptus Corvus who was driven from the Central Lost Lands many years ago but survived to continue in his ambitions in the north. Some who are knowledgeable in the ways of sorcery suspect this warlock may have found a way to take advantage of Octum's increase in local nether-flows and spirit activity to muster their great nethrim-horde and overwhelm the Dominion's northern forces.

Another leading rumor at the moment is that Commandant Muiris, one of Mistral Lake's Council of Nine Representatives (top positions in the government answering only to the mysterious Master of Mistveil Keep), has been slain while serving in these northern campaigns. This has given rise to concerns among Dominion citizens over the increased rarity of word from, let alone sightings of, the rest of the Council of Nine Representatives. Representative Neymar Sosa seems to be the only one being heard from recently and even then it is only ever through his officers, with no confirmed sightings of Sosa himself.

Keep representatives have been tight-lipped about any inquiries into the situation other than for officials to insist that the matter is being handled, citing security protocols as the reason for being unable to provide any details or to arrange meetings with higher officials. This has left the people largely to their speculations about the truth of matters. Many are worried over the safety of their family and loved ones in the north and whether the meager contingent of soldiers watching over the ruins of Mountain Gate are capable of keeping at bay whatever has gathered on the other side. Soldiers have notably been withdrawn from the Knackerspite tin mine and Blackwater Logging Camp while there has been an increase in guards at the Mistral Lake gatehouse.

Many of these writings are based upon rumor and speculation. The Chronicle is hesitant to deliver unconfirmed information, but when officials refuse to confirm or deny, the Chronicle will report as best it can in the interest of keeping the people of the Central Lost Lands informed.