The "Red Blizzard" was a tragic battle between the city watch of Orlaine and several members of The Black Syndicate, most notably Ragnar Björnsson. The night was referred to afterwards as the Red Blizzard due to the severe snowstorm that had taken place during the battle, and the large quantity of blood in the streets the next morning leaving the snow stained red.
After the battle, just two of the members of The Black Syndicate were apprehended, and both were summarily found dead in their cells before being sentenced. Another three members of the gang were killed during the battle. The combined death toll of the city watch and residents of Orlaine was one hundred and sixty-two. It was the highest death toll of any disaster in Orlaine in recorded history, in times of peace.
His involvement in the battle earned Ragnar Björnsson the moniker "The Butcher of Orlaine."