NOVITAS — Reports from our correspondents in multiple nations confirm an increase in Veilwalker sightings beyond the borders of the Freelands. While currently periodic and isolated, their sudden movement into other nations marks a notable change from two years of Freelands confinement. Each nation’s government has begun advising their citizens how to proceed and planning their defense against the incoming threat.
Civen has begun diagnosing and searching everyone entering the Senate building, resulting in lines that are longer than normal at the already bureaucratic checkpoint. Overheard remarks from frustrated senators include “My shoes? What, do you think I’m hiding an explosive charge in there?” and the very relatable “What do you mean no liquids? I have a speech today and I’ll be thirsty.” Whether the screening is effective remains to be seen, but its unpopularity is already quite clear.
Terra is considered among the best-positioned nations at the moment, given the limited ways for outsiders to enter. Screenings have been implemented for all visitors, and Reaver patrols topside have increased significantly. Our Terran correspondent reported disagreements among the patrols on how the throne should act; some argue that the nation’s best defense is to seal its borders, close the entrances underground, and wait out the threat. Others are less comfortable with that position. “Terra is well-defended,” one Reaver told our correspondent. “It is our duty to fight this where it stands, not wait for it to knock on our gates.”
The Great Forest faces a much more dire situation: because of the density of the terrain, Veilwalkers have more opportunity to move without detection. Wildrunner patrols have significantly increased their activity in response, but with most members inexperienced in fighting the new threat, it remains unclear how they will fare. Wildrunner Matriarch Thaerion, who has faced Veilwalkers personally, is confident in Lodge Silverbranch’s abilities. “This is not the first time The People have fought a new foe,” she said while speaking to our correspondent. “We prevailed when Nalbendel fell. We persevered when we entered our home in Fionn A’ilean. The unmatched skills, instincts, and sense of community of not only Wildrunners, but elves in general, is what will allow us to continue to exist with these new horrors in our realms.”
No responses from other nations have been formally announced at the time of publication. Right now the attacks do not appear coordinated, but as the incursions increase, the window for a unified response grows narrower. Special Investigative will continue to report as information becomes available.