The Kingdom of the Emerald Hills

It was no longer reports and scouting parties. It was cold hard reality. he giants had come. As the vampires before them they were organized and attacking all the areas of the ingdom at once. It was obvious some other power was behind this. Almost as if it was looking for a weakness, a point of attack for some future, more devestating plan.

Everlast rallied the people of Dragonshire to the keep. They would push back these unearthly beasts, and then they would see how their allies had done this day. If support was needed, they would answer.

But how this could they spread and still maintain safety? The King was to visit next week for the tournament of arms and the regent would be hosting the arts and sciences of the Kingdom at Dragonshire. Plans to ensure their safety must be made as well.

And, to top it all off, more rumors. Just like the giants had been but rumors a week ago, now they were real. And the new rumors spoke of a darker menace. Forest had never had a love loss for the elves that had lived in the hills. They had been arrogant, spiteful, and confrontational at every turn. Nothing like the fairy tales. But in spite of all that, they were not a threat. but this, this was not a report of you typical elves. This was a report of the Drow. A group that had not shown itself in the Hilles for nearly a decade.

The storm was coming, and soon, it seemed that all hell would break loose.

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

(insert titles and awards here)

Fionnigan sat in his study a roaring fire burning in the hearth with a pot of tea boiling above it. The grimoire sitting open on the ornate but simple oak desk contained various directions, incantations, and diagrams written in what appears to be a brown ink on yellowing parchment. He was quickly scratching spells onto a sheet of parchment peering from the book to the parchment and back repeatedly.

As Fionnigan peered from behind his gnome crafted reading glasses he began to feel a rhythmic pounding coming from the south. He thought at first offhandedly that it was simply a midwinter thunderstorm rolling into the barony, but then the noise began to come closer at an alarming rate. Fionnigan set his quill down upon his desk and stood from his high back chair. As he turned to his left to look out of the window on the southern wall of his study he heard the first chime of the shire’s warning bells. Alarmed but clear headed in that moment Fionnigan realized that his beloved home was under attack.

Fionnigan bolted immediately to his left knocking the chair down as he did so and picked up his belt of pouches in which he kept his magical components. The pounding had now come so close that when it did come it drowned out every other sound in the area. Vasalisa came running into the study looking fairly startled.

“What in the name of the gods…” asked Vasalisa the sound of the pounding cutting off the final words she spoke, her mouth moving apparently noiselessly.

“I didn’t hear the last part of what you said.” Fionnigan quickly said to Vasalisa as more pounding filled the air. Once there was a space to interject Fionnigan finished stating, “But if you were asking what I think, than I don’t know.”

More pounding from the outside.

“But you should run down to the wine cellar.” Again more pounding. “Take refuge in there until I return.”

And with those last words Fionnigan was running out of his country manor and into the late afternoon sun that had finally graced the fields of Eagleshire.

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"A mind needs books as a sword needs a wetstone, if it is to keep it's edge.”
Tyrion Lannister

I do not suffer fools gladly, and fools with white belts never.

Mortem proditoribus.

Forest stood in front of the keep with sword and shield ready. He looked at Everlast, then back to the south. "Here they come."

Over the hill, the heads of the giants appeared. There were six of them, wearing armor and weiling large clubs and polearms. Foerst again looekd to Everlast who now had a broad smile on his face.

"Only 6? I was hoping for a challenge." Everlast said.

The defenses of the Keep were sparse. Many, including the Regent, Squire Tuk!, and their newest member Sir Cheshire, had gone to secure the town near the keep. The 10 that remained would have to hold of the attack.

Finn can running up, teeth bared. "So, the reports were true? Well, I'm ready."

Finn held up his hand and began to recite his spell. A ball of fire appeared in his hand. "I think we shall give them a very warm welcome."

Forest was happy to see the wizard was still on their side. The giants rushed down the hill, 3 groups of 2 bellowing and throwing globs of enchanted ice that froze people in their tracks. Everlast let out a war cry of his own and rushed into the fray. Forest followed him towards the giants left flank. The enchanted ice struck him on the shoulder, but as with most paladins, his natural powers denied any being the ability to subdue him in combat. The giants were taken abck for a moment that their magic had failed them. Then, they turned to rush into the center of the battle away from the paladins.

This was their downfall. Everlast and Forest rushed in, now unopposed striking the flank of the giants defense line. Forest cleaved through two of the abominations before he was struck by one of the large spears they carried. He looked around and saw that Everlast had also fallen after taking one of the giants down. The last noise he heard were thy cries of victory that the giants had been pushed back.

Forest sat up and grabbed at his side. The wounds were gone, the healers had done their task. He stood and saw that the giants were not done. This time they charged in all together, taking the front lines by surprise. But now, Everlast had seen enough. He circled and slashed, drawing attention to himself. On after abother he challenged and hacked at the beasts. Forest joined him and soon 4 of the giants lay dead. They looked for the other 2 and saw them chasing Solithan down the hill.

Solithan turned and shot an arrow that found its mark and dropped one giant in mid stride. With no time left to nock another arrow, he dropped the bow and pulled out a single sword. As the giant closed in, the crafty assassin used his speed and skill, almost dancing around the giant's clumsy attacks slashing and piercing the brute's thick skin until it too fell motionless to the ground.

"The day is won!" Everlast announced. "But, now, we must prepare for the arrival of the Royal Court and the grand tournament. No time to rest. Remove the bodies, hang the banners, and be ready for the possibility of treachery."

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

(insert titles and awards here)

The earth shook as if it was coming alive all around them. Artus Pass had not even finished mourning their dead from the previous encounter with the undead when the tremors began. The bitter cold caused issues with freezing water and limited travel. Supplies had begun to run low. The people of Artus Pass were fatigued and confused.

Had the gods been angered by the lack of royal tribute? Mother nature seemed to turn a cold shoulder to the people of the Emerald Hills.

The shire's champion scanned over the shivering faces. They had become numb to fear. It was the cold that still affected their flesh and minds. Word had reached Artus Pass that the snow and ice birthed gigantic towers of shambling figures.

Frost Giants.

The defenses were made and they waited. Night turned into morning, into early afternoon. It was then that the ground they took for granted began to shake. The sound of snapping tree trunks surrounded them from all sides. The giants had found them.

Four towering figures roared into the crystal blue sky demanding the shires surrender. Some laughed out of sleep deprived delirium. Others howled in panic. A small handful of warriors taunted the giants with slanderous challenges.

Before the villagers could react, the frozen rivers and ravines broken and gave way to raging rivers causing them to be confined to a small island of dry land. Those caught in the rushing waters swam for dear life. That's when the giants attack. Easily able to stride through the high levels of water, the giants made quick work of the unfortunate few caught in the undercurrents.

Blood thirsty howls emanated from the Frost Giants. Reports of two tribal factions among the giants reached the Axident as he prepared for varying action.

Among the defiant Artus Passer's stood two Paladins who glowed with the protective aura's of their gods. They laid hands on the trembling faithful and gave them hope. Armor clad warriors wielded polearms, an eagle eye archer shot with pin point accuracy. Fate called upon the power of lighting as he summoned strong druidic magic.

Even Cynisca offered her talents as healer among the fallen.

Among the faces stood a face thought forgotten. Kodiak of the Crawling Chaos had found his way to the embattled shire.

Some even swore on seeing the blackest of shades stalking the forest grounds.

Faces young and old stood side by side in the defense of their home or allies. The giants delivered crushing blows as one fell, only to be replaced by two more mountainous figures. Shields shattered in magnificent displays of wooden splinters. Ice magics soared through the crowd freezing anything they slammed into.

The shire fought on.

"THEY TOOK ONE OF THE YOUNG ONES!" lamented a voice.

Confusion gripped the fighters as word reached the entierty of the village that the giants were taking the children. With renewed vigor, the people unified into a single focus of will and pushed the giants back.

Mounds of ice littered the shire until nothing remained but panting and bleeding and weeping men, women and children.

They had once again paid a grave price for freedom. The giants had fallen but at what cost. A single child had been taken. It's mother wailed through the night. Panic slowly corrupted any hopes of seeing the shire live through another attack.

The Talrens had made a special trip to Midnight Sun to show support to their voting elections on relocating their town.

Sutra has gone missing for two weeks now. No instructions had been left in his absence.

Axident gathered the battered people under the patched roof of the tavern. There he tried his best to calm the people. To embolden them. There was much work to be done in rebuilding their defenses.

Many question why the crown had not send it's legions to protect it's protectorates. A voice here and there expressed anger and disappointment. Like the other attacks, the people knew all the other outposts had been attacked. Artus Pass had not been singled out in this act of trespass. It was the kingdom that was under siege.

"What is the barbarian king doing about this!!?"
"Does he know how his people suffer?"
"Where were the Dragons or the Pride? They speak of protection! Where is it?"
"The gods have turned their faces from us. We're doomed!"

The tavern doors burst open, heads spinning and hands grasping weapons in anxious despair.

The cloaked figure stood his ground as he surveyed the panic stricken faces. Slowly, Sutra pulled the hood back and inhaled deeply. The grave news would not bode well with his people.

"The giants have fallen all across the kingdom. And you remain standing..." he declared.

Muttering washed over the gathered crowd.

"Is it over? Has the king sent his armies to help us?"
"Where were you when we needed you Sutra?"
"They took a child, a child!"

Sutra held up his hand and waited for the crowd to give him a chance to speak.

"Their is no help coming." Cries of despair escaped the lips of some.

"We didn't foresee this attack. The Talrens and I had important business to take care off, all of which will ensure our survival." Angry stammering slowly took hold of others.

"And we will find the child. If it breathes, it will be returned."

The people rushed Sutra with questions and demands. Desperate complaints and retelling of the brave but exhausting defense of the shire.

"The giants have fallen brothers and sisters. But word has reached us that something far more sinister is on the move. I know it is not my place to ask this of you. But you must rest up and meet me first thing in the morning. We begin rebuilding as soon as possible. The giants knocked over plenty a usable tree."

"A more sinister threat!?" they demanded.

Sutra paused and knew the people deserved to know the truth of what was to come.

"Drow. The Drow are coming.

Gasps and prayers filled the tavern hall. There was much explaining Sutra had to do to reassure the residents of Artus Pass.

They had only seen a month and two weeks under the new kings reign and already, the kingdom was straining under the weight of attack.

If the populace wanted to see their children grow up into upstanding citizens of the kingdom, they would have to unite against their unseen foe.

Unification of the people. The North and South. Elf and Man. All races and creeds would either fight together as one will or succumb to oblivion one by one.

Drastic measures had to be taken. Soon, Sutra would be locked in mortal combat against distant relative of the lineage of Sidhe.

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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

The envoy from the north lands arrived without incident. The Monarch and Regent presided over the days festival of warriors and artisans, and all seemed in good spirits.

Forest was enjoying the war games. His shining moment coming in the polearm competition. As the day wound down, Forest stepped over to the artisans pavillion to perform a song for the Regent and her escort. But his mind was troubled. The rumors of the Drow stayed in his mind. So it was no surprise to him when he stumbled over the words to his song in the opening verse multiple times.

He left the pavillion smiling at his own folly. Letting his fears take the better of him was foolish.

"Lay down your weapons and submit to your betters. The dark one will slay all who oppose him!" came the shrill voice.

Forest looked up the hill and saw the unnatural darkness of summoned clouds. There, in the shadows, stood the Drow. Amongst them, a taller, more sinister elf who shot lightning of his own into the clouds above.

"To arms!" cried Everlast. "Dragons, to me!"

Solithan, Tigger, Vowels, and Forest formed rank next to their Sergent. Others of the shire joined the defense.

"They have a natual affinity to magic." Forest noted. "Be wary of their ability to weild it. Specifically the tall one. I think he may be one of their wizards."

Solithan smiled oddly. "Drow...this should be fun." And with that he charged straight away into their rank. Forest started to call out a warning, but it was too late. The lightning bolt flew at him from the hands of the Drow. Their leader calling on the forces of his dark gods to bring death to the druid.

Amazingly, Solithan continued unscathed and sunk his daggers deep into one of the Drow, who screamed in agony as he bled out Had their gods abandoned them? The rest of the defenders caught up to Solithan.

"You ok?" forest asked.

"Forest, you should know. A master druid can not be harmed by the fey magics of this world." Solithan replied, charging back into the fray.

Forest smiled himself. It had been so long that he had forgotten about attacks from fey creatures. With that, the defenders surged forward and dispatched the invaders.

As he walked back to the pavillion to report to the Monarchy, a friend approached. Here, this is for you. Do what is right.

Forest looked at what had been pressed into his hand. It was one of the shards from a northern land. The inner chaos had begon.

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

(insert titles and awards here)

The mother's wailing kept the sheriff awake through the early hours of the chilly morning. He leaned against the railing of the Eastern watch tower. Sutra had taken the tired lookouts post, sending the fatigued family man back home.

What was the kingdom coming to he played over and over again in his mind.

Mourningwood Glen has sent a 'messenger' looking to collect on a grievous debt. With it came their version of the incident that cost their Barons life and loss of their new found shard.

Sutra gripped the leather pouch that housed the innocuous fragment of glass. Neither he nor his peers knew anything intelligible about the item and yet the kingdom had become to tear itself at the seems for them.

The childless mother had a shattered heart. The sin promised to find her child if it meant crossing into the land of the dead to find it.

Visions of Frost Giants pillaging his beloved shire quickly produced an unsettling burning within his core. His worst fears had been confirmed through Malran's accounts of the giant's assault on Five Banners and Red Storm.

Had he only been here, perhaps Sutra could have aided in the complete defense of their home. Why couldn't she have waited. Surely Quendelie saw this coming. Why would she reawaken and speak out to him now. When Artus Pass needed it's leaders the most.

Angry faces and bitter words rang in his ears as he attempted to appeal to the populaces better senses. Talk of chasing unseen foes into the frigid lands of the North abounded. Sutra reasoned with them, assuring them that any unprepared act of retaliation was suicidal.

The sheriff guaranteed a precise strike upon their enemies, their vendetta's paid in full, and the rescue of the missing child.

The meeting with Axident provided important details in regards to the encounter they had managed to endure through.

Sutra had left the Elven Gardens in haste, leaving Aria and her family behind. She gave her word that they would return as soon as they regained their strength from the travels to the Court.

Eniad the Green was no where to be found. He had gone missing for almost two seasons now. The last sight of him was at the Mages Tower of Elevated Arts and Majicks. If the shire needed his assistance and input, now was the time - more than ever. His office sat empty, important paperwork had gone untended. Aria had graciously taken over the shires ever growing census logs and documentation.

The great gather of Masters was upon the kingdom and Sutra would travel north to appeal to both friend and Sidhe in the distant lands of Dreadmoor. Memories of his first visit trickled back. Images of the youthful ambition of many a new found ally produced a moment of joyous recollection. He had warned them about monarchs who would discard the importance of their northern brethren and proudly stated how exciting it would be when other monarchs would rejoice in their extended family.

The shade did not know what to expect this time around. Much had transpired. Both good and bad. At the hands of others and the lack of his.

The woman's crying had temporarily ceased as the sun crested over the two hills overlooking Artus Pass. She must have cried to sleep again he thought.

Sutra's strength momentarily wavered at the though of the kingdom's future in the hands of an unwelcomed foe. He bitterly fought against the idea but accepted it more and more with each and every passing day.

The kingdom needed to be united. Not under divided houses. Not under warring companies. Under the banner ALL of the kingdom had sworn to uphold and protect. The Emerald Hills cried for her children, yet they were deaf with the sounds of engulfing war and sibling rivalry.

The shade realized that a brief moment of silence would allow the populace a brief moment to listen again. To hear her voice. The voice of reason. The voice of mother.

The voice of their kingdom on the verge of obliteration.

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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu