Campaign2/Introduction
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To understand Cromdale and its environs, you really need to understand its recent history. Eighteen years ago (1004), the Demarian Army swept into the gap from the west and waged war upon the Ardgour dwarves. Cromdale, supported by a a small force raised from other neighboring baronies, sent a force to assist the dwarves. They fell back when after a brief skirmish with the advance Demarian shock troops, who were undead soldiers under necromancer control. Emissaries from Demaria played the political game, and rather than returning to the gap to assist the dwarves, Cromdale held the forces garrisoned in the city against any attack that might come once the war in the gap was decided. After a brutal winter, in 1005 the Demarian army surged from the gap and besieged the city. (for more information, consult the timeline.
Here are some excerpts from correspondence, memoirs and other records from that time:
"I remember that winter well. Our meager forces fell back from the gap, leaving the dwarves to fight the Demarians by themselves. The soldiers that returned to Cromdale told of the horrors of the Demarian undead forces. To protect the city, a mandate came through that all recently deceased must be cremated. Furthermore, bodies were exhumed and cremated. The stench of burnt flesh hung heavy in the air..."
--- Seth Parkerson's Journal
"It seemed so reasonable at the time, but in hind-sight it was just wishful thinking. The Demarian ambassador had all the answers: 'Our army is settling a score with the dwarves who destroyed the city of Sunai. We only wish to re-open trade through the gap and normalize relations with Hebridonia.' We let ourselves believe that the Demarians had no interest in (conquering) us, and made a token effort to placate "reactionaries", who believed our own dead would be used against us. Only in retrospect do we see how naive we were."
--- Memoir of Sir Gabriel Chaise, Baron of Cromdale (995 - 1007)
"It's a relief that the Baron is finally taking steps to improve the defense at Cromdale. Surely when the Demarians are finished with the Ardgour they will turn their savage eyes toward Hebridonia."
--- Anonymous, partial letter found in ruined postal service in Carrinsglen, near Cromdale.
"On this 29th day of Caileach, 1004, Queen Mairi sends you her warmest regards, and trusts that this letter finds you well. ...... To aid in the defense of Cromdale and the Realm, a legion of 20 score footmen, archers and light Cavalry have been sent with orders to join your ranks. Captain Frasier will yield command to your senior officer upon arrival at Cromdale."
--- Excerpt from official communique of the Royal Court to Sir Gabriel Chaise, Baron of Cromdale (995 - 1007)
"They came in the rain of early morning, long before dawn's light. We couldn't see them until they were almost to the walls! We couldn't make enough fire in the soaking rain to destroy them... and nothing else seemed to stop them. It's ironic that the very dwarves we failed to save four months ago made up the advance force that breached the wall and gatehouse."
--- Anonymous
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