[djo]

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Students Turn Back Pythium

by E. John Smith

(Editor's note: the text and artwork for this story were censored by Vanheim military officials.)

In the last two months, I've witnessed an atrocity and a miracle.

Last month, commandos from Pythium attacked the province of #####, inflicting heavy casualties on the civilian population. I saw women and children being driven through the streets as their homes burned. The local university was attacked and its scholars scattered. I myself fled with a group of students to the neighboring province of ######, with the invader close on our heels.

But this month, it all changed. Led by ###### the ####, the students turned and stood their ground. Armed only with their own magical knowledge, and backed only by a few militia and a number of ##### ##### from the ####### ### ######## #####, these brave men and women stood against the grizzled veteran soldiers of the enemy.

The battle was long and hard-fought, uncertain until the final moments. Wizards traded spells. Soldier slew soldier. As Vanheim's last militia fell, it seemed as if nothing could stop the ethereal bodies of the Pythium invaders. But two students held firm, summoning phantasmal warrior after phantasmal warrior, ######## after ########, until, at last, the Pythium invaders were forced to retreat.

Today, the scholars are eager to return to their work, hoping to make yet another effort in the war with Pythium. Surely it will not be smaller than the effor they have already made. I have only seen one small part of this conflict, but if what I have witnessed is any guide, the brave hearts of the Vanheim people have nothing to fear from all the legions their enemy may throw at them.