Sharn Inquisitive: Issue #9714

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CRYPT CREW REVEALS SOURCE OF DISAPPEARANCE

  In a shocking turn of events, Viribus of the Crypt Crew has revealed the reason for the group's recent exodus, and it is contrary to what the public thought — you won't believe the given reason! It came to be from a rousing speech, introduced by Citizen Laureate Brucos, given by Ashpin and the Crew, to the city of Sharn earlier this week.   First, support was given to the Church of the Silver Flame — notions of unity, strength, and banishing the darkness. The reception to this message has been divided — some see it as a valuable proclamation, others see it as virtuous pandering, still others see it as dangerous radicalism.   Also in this speech, Ashpin vehemently denounced the "pointless" (Guen, 27 Aryth 999 YK) war against Droaam — claiming a strong stance on one of the country's most divisive topics to date. Promises were made to return friends and family from the warfront.   And yet the most shocking discovery was yet to be revealed. In an astonishing statement, Ashpin said capture by Droaam was not the reason for their absence. Yet, he said they were bested, by an enemy that seeks to weaken Breland. When questioned further, he attempted to prevericate — until Viribus made a stupefying revelation: the head of a dragon, the very same that made the devastating attack against the 594th Annual Congressional Discourse of Breland! They had been hunting the dragon!   Never before has the Crypt Crew been so divisive. The reception to Viribus' dragon head has certainly been more positive than Ashpin's filibustering. Dozens of families now receive closure on the life of their loved ones lost in the Congressional attack. But questions remain — why did the country go to war for these heroes, when they had not even been captured? How many lives are now being lost? Why not inform anyone of their mission, or send word while in the midst of it? Why did the topaz dragon wish to weaken Breland? How were they bested by the dragon, if Viribus has his head? Why did it take near seven months? Why did the public believe Droaam was at fault, when in truth it was the dragon? How can we be sure this dragon head is the true dragon?   The Inquisitive, and the public, are keenly awaiting answers to these questions.   p. 3  

BRELISH PARATROOPERS MAKE CONTACT

  In a daring pre-dawn operation that military officials are calling a "tactical triumph," a squadron of Breland’s elite Thunder Falls paratroopers descended into Droaamic territory early Far morning, striking a fortified war camp just miles north of the Byeshk foothills.   The drop, executed via elemental airskiffs operating under cover of storm clouds, marked one of the boldest offensive maneuvers since open hostilities resumed with the monstrous nation. According to field reports, the unit — formally designated the 3rd Aerial Infantry Battalion, "Storm Talons" — neutralized a key logistics node supplying gnoll hunting bands and war troll patrols in the region.   The Daughters of Sora Kell have yet to issue a formal response, though unconfirmed reports suggest retaliatory troop movements near the Great Crag. Meanwhile, Sharn’s Citadel headquarters remains quiet, with a statement from the Brelish military top brass simply saying: “The Brelish Crown will do what is necessary to defend our realm and deter aggression.”   Not all voices are celebratory. Critics in Wroat have questioned the brashness of the operation, citing fears that the strike may provoke a broader war across the western frontier. "Breland is strong," says Viscount Okeanos Tsitak, "but this is not the Last War. We must tread carefully when fire-dancing with monsters."