The Gielinor Times/Issue Twenty-Eight

 Publication Date:  35th Novtimber, Y1, 6A. (21st November 2015)

Raiders Escalate Threat of Asgarnian Famine
On 29 Novtumber, a cart of grain sacks destined for the Kingdom of Falador was attacked by unidentified raiders and looters, of whom proceeded to steal the entire contents of the cart.

Last week, unnamed raiders attacked a farming village north of Falador. Workmen were loading up a cart with grain, of which was destined for transport towards the ‘white city’ after food stocks were pillaged during the Siege of Falador conducted by the infamous Black Knights.

One boy, who has requested to remain unnamed, told The ‘Times he saw the flickering of torchlight upon the horizon shortly after the cart had been loaded with grain. Billy, a workmate of the latter, says “we saw the riders on their horses just after my friend pointed out the torches. They were riding fast, and we saw their weapons. We knew they weren’t here for pleasantries, so we fled.”

The bodies of the raiders were found later that day by Asgarnian troops that had been sent out to track down the raiders and, if possible, reobtain the grain. Officials say that the bodies were found dismembered: that “human-sized” mouths had eaten parts of the fallen raiders. They also say that a large amount of grain had been stolen, with what was left being “hardly salvageable”.

The Times have learned that The Order of the Band, an Asgarnian-approved freelance military organisation, are not only investigating the raiders but also those who engaged combat with them.

Little is currently known about the raiders, however a Sergeant of the regiment that found the raiders claims “it could have been the undead”, due to the close proximity of the event and the Wilderness wall. However, he has assured The ‘Times alongside villagers that the raiders no longer pose a threat.

Combined with the raiding of food stocks during the Siege of Falador, this now means that the Empire of Asgarnia are edging ever closer to a famine. Reports suggest that the Asgarnian treasury has suffered losses of roughly 22%, with currently no foreign trade partners to help improve the situation.

The Asgarnian government has made no official comment regarding the situation, other than asking their citizens to remain calm in this difficult time.

By Sarah Alpeski, Asgarnian Correspondent for The Gielinor Times.