Around half of the standing military and guards of Ghee have defected away from the city. None yet know where they've gone or why. The only clear indication they left on their own are the notes left at each of their posts or left on their commanding officer's desk, which all read the same:

"We are toy soldiers mobilized by children. The parents have come home to find the house in ill-repair. I weep for the children who know not their errors until it is too late, but I cower and rave at what they might do to me. I am just a toy soldier, so easy to replace. With shame but no regret I abandon my post. I do not ask for forgiveness nor understanding. You will understand in time, and on that day you will forget any grudge you once had. There will only be room for regret.

Sincerely yours,

just another deserting toy solider of the Broken Crest army"

The Lore League has been contracted to find the AWOL soldiers and bring them to heel. With dark days ahead everyone quietly knows to lose a chunk of fighters like that could be ruinous.