An article in the Sharn Inquisitive, dated 8th Vult 998 YK.
ARDEV—As many of us know, the Winter Palace survived unscathed during the Last War, and wasn't the victim of even a single attack. As of last week, this statement is no longer true, and the attack came from a most unexpected quarter: the people of Breland.
The so-called Swords of Liberty, an extremist group operating within the country, have taken credit for a daring raid that left the east wing of the palace in flames. Thankfully, no members of the Brelish royal family were in attendance during the attack. The palace wasn't unoccupied, however, as it maintains a level of staffing throughout the year.
The Swords of Liberty are a violent extremist group that call for the violent overthrow of the Wynarn monarchy, demanding that all power be invested in the Brelish parliament. Their manifesto draws on many of the speeches of Lord Ruken ir'Clarn, the leader of the Parliamentarian faction in the Nobles Chamber. Lord Ruken has condemned the actions of the Swords of Liberty.
"No victory is possible when Brelish fight Brelish," he said in Wroat last week. "I agree that the monarchy is a dated and obsolete institution, and I think many of us can agree that the time for change is upon us. However, it does a disservice to our cause to engage in these acts of violence and terrorism! You cannot force a country to be a democracy, the people of Breland need to be invested in and support the ideas and values of a democratic society, or it will all fall apart."
He ended his speech with an appeal to King Boranel himself, "I hope that King Boranel can see that the time for change has come, and help us to navigate a peaceful transition of power before any more innocent people are harmed."
This attack represents a notable ramping up in the Swords of Liberty's actions in Breland, causing no small amount of concern in parliament.