Gaps Exist in Graywall Defenses

Gaps Exist in Graywall Defenses
News for Sul, Olarune 8th, 998
By David Noonan

WROAT -- On Zor, retired General Tauma Hilliard issued a report criticizing Breland's postwar western defenses. The report stated that "critical gaps in the Graywall fortifications endanger the entire realm."

Hilliard's report, delivered to the crown at King Boranel's request, said that bandits, marauders, and monsters from Droaam continue to slip through the Graywall Mountain passes and menace western Breland, even though the Graywall region is one of the most heavily fortified locations in Khorvaire.

Hilliard's report cited four breaches of the realm's defenses in Zarantyr alone. Furthermore, when the snow that renders many Graywall routes impassible melts, incursions from Droaam are likely to increase.

"While the Graywall fortresses themselves remain secure, the Breland military cannot project force across the entire border," the report continued. "For every monster or bandit gang the army defeats, another one slips between the patrols."

Among the incursions last month were the following incidents.

In a series of raids on the mountain villages of Skerritburg and Olinton, gnolls killed 39, wounded scores more, and caused extensive property damage.
A medusa attack on Watchpost 15 left fourteen petrified.
A band of trolls sacked the mining town of Harrack. The creatures used a previously undiscovered tunnel to enter the mines directly and elude Brelish patrols.
A minotaur/orc horde clashed with elements of the Brelish 11th Battalion at Jasper Pass. Some minotaurs and orcs managed to escape east into Breland before Brelish reinforcements arrived.

Hilliard's report recommended a 20 percent increase in troop levels across the Graywall border. It further advised that troops stationed there would require extensive magical support and training in long-range reconnaissance.

About the Author

David Noonan is a designer/developer for Wizards of the Coast. Before coming to Wizards, he was a daily newspaper reporter in Washington state. Apparently the city hall beat is good practice for an Eberron campaign.