PROLOUGE: DARK GATHERING
The lair of the Warlord of the outcasts. This large castle loomed over the land of the outcasts leaving a menacing shadow over the land. In the main chamber of this huge castle a gathering was taking place. The Warlord stepped through to the chamber. The warlord was a huge man a full beard and well armored, his eyes looked over those in the room.
First was Lord Ferthorn of the Lotus elves, the Lotus elves where big into arcane magics thus shunning them from Ivalice. Ferthorn looked at the Warlord with narrow gleaming eyes his pale skin was covered by black dragon scale armor.
Next to Ferthorn was Gorg of the war hungry War Dwarves. The war dwarves claimed to live with their gods in the tunnel under the land of the outcasts. Gorg was small roughly three and a half feet tall a full beard and he carried an axe bigger than he was.
Next to Gorg was Lady Verthil of the forest folk. Verthil herself had green skin and was nearly naked in her appearance. The forest folk were a mix of fairies, pixies, brownies, nymphs and dryads. Verthil was a dryad her long dark hair was curled and housed a small flower.
Next to Verthil was Torsoom; Torsoom represented what he called the Purebloods. The pure bloods where Orcs, goblins, ogres and trolls all claimed to have noble blood in their veins. Torsoom was a troll, unlike their Norathian namesakes these trolls where giant, intelligent, brutes this one had four massive arms, both pairs of arms where crossed across his massive red brown chest.
Finally there stood Xavot, a death knight, representing the kingdom of the undead they lay across the Dread River. Simply put a death knight was a knight who died in an act of great shame, so great he cannot pass on to the spirit world. Thus he spends his after life encased in dark armor, his rage at being unable to rest is the only strength he has. In Xavot's case he learned to control his rage making him more deadly. His glowing read eyes even gave the ruthless Warlord pause.
The Warlord scanned the room once more before he spoke with a deep rumble that was his voice.
"We are here to discuss the plan to invade the upper world of Ivalice and make them submit to our will." He rumbled. "Your voices will now be heard, but the gods help you if I don't like what I hear."
"I say we give em a chance to surrender, if they chose not to take it. The Kingdom of the War Dwarves will fight by your side!" Gorg said.
"As will the Pure Bloods!" Torsoom agreed raising one of his massive arms.
"My undead will not fight a battle that does not concern them." Xavot whispered. "If they invade the tunnels of the undead then we will fight."
"The Lotus elves will fight only if there is no other option." Ferthorn said.
"The forest people refuse." Verthil said placing her hand on her hips. "This grudge has gone on too long! If we do this people will die!" The Warlord looked at the dryad.
"You disagree?" he asked. Verthil nodded. "I see." Then with a fluent move he cut the dryad in half! Her top half flopped like a fish that left the water before laying still and drying up. "She sent a double in her place." The warlord cursed. "However the verdict is set! In seven days time we go to WAR!" With that the small gathering dispersed, Xavot simply vanished, Gorg and Torsoom stayed behind to discuss strategy with the Warlord. Leaving Ferthorn alone, he left the palace and heard a giggle.
He didn't turn his head as Verthil appeared a small smile on her green face. It faded when she read his expression.
"War?" she asked.
"I'm afraid so." Ferthorn replied. "I must break the news to my wife and my children."
"This is not fair." Verthil protested. "War is not the way of my people! Someone should protest!"
"You saw what he did to your double." Ferthorn snipped. "Be thankful it was only a pile of dead leaves. Only wish you told me about it."
"You should know I would never go face to face with that brute." Verthil replied. "So where are you going now?"
"Home." Ferthorn replied. "Sandyn must be worried about me." Verthil approached him.
"If she wishes she and her young may seek refuge in the forest kingdom." Verthil offered. "Least I can do for an old friend."
"You have my thanks." Ferthorn said as he went off. Verthil sighed as she watched him go. After all these years he still never completely got over what happened between them. The dryad sighed as she herself vanished into the woods. However Verthil wondered about the Warlords words. Surely this huge army the warlord sent would crush Ivalice. She had heard word of a group of heroes trying to bring peace. She knew what she needed to do to keep her people safe. She only hoped the Warlord wouldn't find out too soon.
In the Castle the Warlord watched from his window his massive arms crossed his chest. He gave no notice as someone entered the room.
"What have you come to ask me Snowbane." He said his voice devoid of emotion. The white tiger looking Vah Shir bowed to one knee and looked at him as she spoke.
"When will I be let loose to seek revenge on the one who killed my mother?" Snowbane asked her voice a mix between a purr and a harsh growl.
"Ah yes the singer who graced our kingdom for a short time." The Warlord recalled. "I suppose her time has come, do what you will with her, but no killing unless I give my approval. Understood?" The tigress nodded her red eyes flared with the fires of vengeance. She quickly exited the room, The Warlord smiled darkly.
'The Pure Blood and Dwarves are at my beckon call.' The Warlord thought. 'The undead will fight only if attacked, the elves will be forced into conflict. My only problem are those accursed forest folk. I fear I might have to take drastic action to force them to action. If so then be it, they brought this on themselves.' The Warlord smiled grimly as he went to his chamber for the evening.
Ferthorn returned to his home, it was a two-story house big enough for his family to live in. A slender young blonde elfin girl greeted him, she beamed as she hugged him.
"Hi daddy!" she said. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you to Denora." He said smiling at his daughter. She donned a caster robe that was light blue in color. When he came further in he saw his wife, her red hair in a bun, she held a small child in her arms.
"Sandyn." He said as he kissed her on the top of the head. "I've missed you, but I've grave news." He told his wife and daughter of what happened and of Verthil's offer.
"If it comes to that." Sandyn said. "Then I'll take your friend up on her offer."
"Me too daddy." Denora agreed. Ferthorn smiled. He sat with his family as in his mind he prepared, but now he had his loving family. He would spend as much time with them as he could before he would be sent off to war.
END PROLOUGE