(A Letter to the Accord at Large)

[WriterX]

Astronomers, Janissaries, Rose,

 Though I made my announcement to War, against Iakmes and his horde, we cannot remain blind to an equally great threat just beyond Nusrum. The situation is difficult and how we may pursue this conflict will greatly reflect upon our ability to survive.

 First and obviously Iakmes has called for a conflict against us, this we knew would happen already two months prior. It was unavoidable, though I presume we all hoped over time the Sibilant and the Orcs would tire themselves out, and we would only have to clean up what was left of them.

 And yet, instead of such peace both sides seem to be growing in strength. The Orcs calling forth even more powerful beasts, the so called Behemoths, while the Sibilant are awakening Titanic creatures.

 One would think that now, the Sibilant and Clans would be in an even more ruthless conflict, but unless we are mistaken, the Orcs have only been growing in strength, and their numbers largely unhindered by their conflict or our raids.

 That said, I would call for a broad strategy to be adopted at this time, until we can be more certain of how the Orcs plan to pursue this conflict.

1) Until we arm and prepare ourselves fully the extent of our actions ought be raids, to learn more information and damage any Clans that may be planning to Head North, while also at the same time, countering those Clan Raids that may head out into the desert.

A more defensive rather than pro-active stance may be needed, so that we do not lose what little we already have.

2) In the event that it becomes apparent that the Orcs are about to head North, in force, we will have to find a method of breaking their spine, and forcing the unity of the clans to shatter, or at least weaken. The most obvious method would be to slay Iakmes, but this comes with its own, grave issue.

3) The Sibilant, further to the South have been battling Iakmes for months now, unable to breach his lands. It is my belief that if Iakmes were to be killed now the floodgates would be opened before the Sibilant, allowing them to spill into our desert. It was also brought to my attention, more than a handful of times that it would be odd that Iakmes would turn North, exposing his back to such a persistent foe. Unless the Clans have grown to such size and strength that they can pursue a war on both sides, I sense that the only other explanation is the Sibilant giving the Clans the necessary "space" to pursue his other campaign.

4) As such, critically, we must prepare not for a conflict with just the Clans, but the Sibilant who will follow them as well. In the event that Iakmes heads North and we halt and route him, the Sibilant may then breach Nusrum. This will especially be the case if Iakmes is killed during the conflict.

Finally we come to the point where I may request specific aid from the Accord, in regards to all of this.

Of both the Astronomers and the Sisterhood I would ask for Scrying to be performed, to learn more of the true status among the Orcs and the Sibilant, if possible.

Of the Fourth, Balladeers and Banda Rossa I would ask for any reports of Clan sightings be delivered to the Al-Sayaadin, so that they can be dispatched promptly to deal with the Clans. I would also ask all of you to keep a keen eye on our surrounding lands, so that if the Clans do send any smaller Raiding groups that we may intercept them.

Depending on how things proceed our strategy will be changed and adapted.

Ephia will endure.

Legate Marcellus Saenus