Refuge Stands: Archmage Rumored Missing

Just after sunset yesterday, messengers began reporting that the Freehold of Crown's Refuge was under attack from an unknown number of creatures known to a few as 'acarits'. These creatures, very small but very quick, with armored bodies and an adhesive spit, swarmed the northern walls of the Refuge. Although breached at one point by concerted assault, the defenses of the Refuge held, and more than a hundred acarits fell. The attackers, led by a mage known as Eliare, assaulted the central Tempest Spire and were held back until Eliare called the retreat. Rumors suggest, however, that the retreat was called not because of a decisive victory, but because Eliare had learned that the Archmage had teleported out of the city - presumably with the artifact he had previously demanded.

Reports of the dead number between 100 and 150, among Blood Guard and volunteer aid from Crown's Refuge, the Wildlands, and Fastheld. Injured and missing are currently totaled at around 60, and several buildings in the central Spire area were destroyed by explosions of uncertain cause. Pyres have been built outside the city gates to burn the bodies of the fallen, and have been kept burning for most of the day.