Sanctuary Watch,

I have heard disturbing rumors that a large colony of Formian have begun amassing near the Low Road, growing as bold as sending scouts to our gates. While my knowledge of these creatures is limited, there is a great deal of panic among the citizenry. I would like to know what the Watch is doing to prepare for an attack, and would like to once again offer to the Watch the services of the Church of the Purifying Flame. With luck I shall sit on the Council in the next few days and will be able to assist the Watch in coordinating an attack against this threat to our city.

Hoaradin Delorin Keeper of the Purifying Flame

Flame Delorin,

The prospect of your assistance is welcomed. It would be best to discuss this in person, but if you wish to be of aid before then, an assessment of where flame traps might be employed against any formians assaulting the Upper Gate would be useful. In addition, our numbers will no doubt require ample supplies of potions and wands to combat the threat; if you can assist with providing these on an at-cost basis, I am certain our ranks would be grateful.

-Lieutenant Sunellar

Lieutenant Sunellar,

Supply me with a list of the potions and wands needed and I will begin crafting immediately so that the Watch is fully prepared. I will also need the gold as quickly as possible in order to cover the cost. I will inform you of the amount of gold needed once I have the list.

While I know little of these creatures, I am informed enough to know that they are extremely hostile. They work well together, as all ant creatures, and their ability to do this is their real strength. The fact that they have sent scouts and have already assaulted us once makes their intentions clear, although their motives are still somewhat unknown. I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that Formian did not keep slaves. Perhaps they simply see us as food for their hive?

In any event, their motives are irrelevant as their intentions are clear. We must prepare for a massive assault. If the Watch has any spare coin I suggest immediately investing it into siege equipment for the gate. I intend to attempt to divert some of the new budget to pay for this, but if the Watch has the coin it may be best if they do it immediately. The attack can happen today, tomorrow, or next week. I do not believe we have much time. A week and a few days at most, perhaps.

If they are intelligent - which they are - they will attack us at multiple points. I know that there are multiple ways into Upper Sanctuary, and these creatures if they are scouting first, will likely find them.

The best tactic they could employ is to assault our gate with a small force. In so doing, we would divert most of our men to defend the gate, while they attempt to enter the city through a different route. I have been informed that there are ways into the city through the Dunwarren Ruins. The Formian also no doubt possess the ability to burrow through the rock of the Underdark. It is also possible that they may assault the gate with a small force, while the majority of the force enters the city through a burrow.

I will seek you out. There are other plans that must be discussed.

Hoaradin Delorin Keeper of the Purifying Flame