Middle Earth

Interesting was also the fact that, beneath all the rubble of the fight and the dead, there was a party of dwarves with different clothes, distinct from the rest, more reddish and pompous in nature. Definitely did not belong in this wretchy harsh climate of the mountains. What that represents or who they are is a mystery right now, seeing as there's none left alive to tell the story. But ... wait ... there's a small blood trail leaving from the premises ... going through the halls ... and leaving, from where it appears to be the other side of the mountain. "I suppose that we're going to hear from them later on, if they survive ... " Curufinwe said.

"We rest today but tomorrow we're starting those machineries. You, emissary, go to the Trollshaws and tell them that we need some of their slaves to mine under these mountains. Tell them that part of the non aggression they expect from us has to be rewarded with small gestures like these. Add that trolls are not excluded from entering the Etyangoldi Alliance and watch how his eyes react to that", Curufinwe added.

In the mean time, from the riders Curufinwe sent to the four cardinal directions three have already arrived. The one to the North reported a dwarf settlement inhabiting Forochel, past the Trollshaws, the one to the west reported elves inhabiting parts of Lindon and the one to the South reported humans in Andrast and advancing in the old Pukel-Lands, uncomfortably close to the borders of the Etyangoldi Alliance.

"It seems we're surrounded on all sides by folks of every race. If I know how to take these orcs of Ettenmoors, I'm less certain of the Dwarves of Forochel and the Humans of Andrast. With the elves of Lindon I'm fairly certain that a bond exists, that transcends these petty sentiments and quarrels of who owns what in Middle Earth. Nonetheless, send an emissary to the elves of Lindon:
--- Exalted king Cirdan of the Elvea-Falasse, the elves of the Etyangoldi Alliance greet you warmly. I'm fairly sure that you have already noticed, but there's a shortage of elves living in the Middle Earth. So far, I know only of your folk and those of my alliance of elves and humans. The scarcity of our brethren means that we should stick together and offer any kind of assistance to one another. My scouts report that you even have a glorious shipyard in Mithlond with what I assume to be magnificent ships. You should consider entering the Etyangoldi Alliance and I can use your ships to sail my armies to other parts of Middle Earth, only to assume a better hold of the elvish land.

To show my benevolence, I propose that we split the lands of Eryn Vorn and Minhiriath among ourselves, and let those, and Cardolan, be the border that separates our two lands. Obviously, if you're not interested then my plan is to secure the shores and so to get both provinces for my alliance.---

Now, bring here another emissary!", and after a few moments, "Good. You will be sent to the humans of the Empire of Coldvar, with the following:
--- King Nikolai Nāves, congratulations on conquering the Pukel-Lands from the barbarian clans that resided there. Good call. The Etyangoldi Alliance has an eye on you for great potential, so we will be watching closely your next moves. A strong ally on our southern borders will mean that we can direct our attention elsewhere, as you also might have noticed, there are some really easy pickings to the east, past the White Mountains. There's also, what appears to be, a dwarf infestation. We just successfully cleared one of their outsposts deep in the mountains above the Redhorn gate. They must be stopped, they twist the fabrics of life by creating and using magical enchantments on armor, weapons, even doorways and gates. I'm sure that they even instill life in horrendous machineries, but that is still inconclusive from what we gathered so far.---", Curufinwe added, and smiled afterwards.

The scout did report that the Empire of Coldvar appears to be anti magic, so why not use this information to shape a mind? Who cares if Curufinwe himself uses enchanted armor or that he plans to use the mithril ore under the Misty Mountains to create weapons and armor imbued with magical properties? Not even his trusted advisors know the full extent of Curufinwe plans so an enemy king surely will not mind something he does not have knowledge of.

"Let's see. Slaves for the mines, alliance with the Elvea-Falasse, non-aggression pact for the time being with the humans of Coldvar ... ah, yes. And an attack on Minhiriath. Let's see what's the answer from King Cirdan on that Eryn Vorn realm ...

----
All army attacks Minhiriath
Sends an alliance proposal to the Elvea-Falasse
Sends a non aggression pact to the Empire of Coldvar

There were still some good news. The Empire of Coldvar agreed to a non aggression pact, even if there may be no common heritage between the two factions. But just to be sure, Ulwarth is going to send another message to king Nikolai Nāves:
" King Nikolai, let us use this non aggression plan as a stepping stone for our future cooperation. Perhaps we have no common ancestor, although we're both men of respect and rulers in our own right. In my previous message to you I hinted at the troubles we had in the past that brew past the Mountains of Shadow, in Gorgoroth, the magic in Mount Doom, the raids by the black forces and, obviously, the corruption, enslavement and sacrifices. I know that many of those dark chapters in our past forced good men to flee north towards Ithilien and west towards the elven shores."

----
Attack with all forces the province of Khand.
Still awaits some answer from Rohan and from the Broken Tooth Tribe.

After formal greetings and minute talks regarding their experiences, the main idea was that both the dwarves of Forochel and the dwarves of the Iron Hills agree to working together and form an alliance. There's nothing known yet about the dwarves of Khazad-dûm and the dwarves of Blue Mountains, or if there still are any dwarves residing in those realms. Even so, the answers to the first call of unity are positive enough to warrant drafting an official alliance between the dwarf houses of the Woodland Enclave, of the Frostbeard Clan and of the Defender's Fjord.

After a few more days the final version of the draft was ready. Reading it minutiously, Barazturg took her pen and striked some words, changed some other here and there and finally exclamed "There we go. It's suitable. Send these parchments to be ratified by Leader Dralvik II of the Frostbeard Clan and by King Alexius Comnenus of the Defender's Fjord, so we enter into a formal alliance of mutual benefits, including military aid and exchanging of information."

Now Barazturg fell on darker thoughts. "The Blue Mountains are quite distant, so no news are still good news. But no reply from the High Pass and from the Redhorn Gate? Our emissaries made it back successfully from the harsh lands of Forochel ... I know, I know, there were reports of orcs and trolls roaming the lands, so maybe some ill-fate happened to the emissaries.".

After a few more moments of pondering, Barazturg added to her generals. "Let's rally our troops and move towards Anduin Vales. We'll send a party in the vanguard to investigate things before our main army arrives."

----
All army is to attack Anduin Vales
Send a parchment with the alliance to be ratified by the Frostbeard Clan and by the Kingdom of the Defender's Fjord.

Torogok was remembering some memories from his distant past. He, too, has been hunted down, captured, and tormented by the evil race of hill-men of the Iron Home. In the chaos of the fights of Mount Gundabad between the hill-men, the orcs and dwarves, Torogok fled through a hidden pass in the mountains and reached Ettenmoors yet again. He swore never to trust men and to punish them on every occasion.
"Now bring me some of that tasty two-legged food, I'm hungry!", Torogok shouted.

----
Attack with all army the province of Angmar
Sends a batch of human slaves to Etyangoldi Alliance

To the leadership of the people of South Lindon

In times past we where selfish and uncaring. It was wrong of us to deprive you of the abilities of produce and good health. On behalf of all the people of Starlight Coast, I'm sorry. At the present however I'd like to think we are wiser and have developed compassion and goodwill, it is with apologies that I offer you the normalization of relations and the beginning of trade and cultural exchange.
However reports have stated that your people are calling for revenge against us. It is my hope that you do not act upon this. Nevertheless if you do Elvea-Falasse stand ready to defend with honor and respect.
Respectfully yours,
Cirdan

To King Curufinwe and all of his Realm
Greeting and well met my fellow firstborn! Indeed in this age are kind are few and far spread. We accept your offer of an alliance. As for the territorial offerings and naval support, our people are not of the sort to engage in arms. Only when attacked or free people are threatened by Morgoth's Shadow will we rise to war. Of this I an sorry. If you wish to move into the lands mentioned, it is my hope and admonishment for you to do so for the benefit of both Elf and Man. And that you respect the sovereignty of those outside of your dominion who wish to be independent. Best wishes to you from the west.

---
Sends emissaries to Frostbeard Clan requesting an alliance.
Attacks Grey Mountains with all army plus Hero.
Sends Orc back to Broken Tooth Clan

The icy shore to Forochel looked an eternity away from him, when Baldur felt and heard the first volley of arrows. He risk a glance to the north and removed his shield from the shield wall formation and yelled: "Baruk Khazâd!” The dwarven divisions moved as one to the enemy hill. They continued to run, as the first rain of arrows was quickly followed by a second and a third. There was a cry out in terror for just an instant, and then silent. The wolf-hides's warchief met his doom with the rest of his soldiers.

"Thank Mahal", Dralvik II gasped: "… if it wasn't for our shields, they'd have pierced us through and through" Baldur nodded. Dralvik II and his commander stepped onto the top of the hill. The army settled tents, and the soldiers remembered their fallen with laughter and anecdotes with the evening meal.

In his tent, Dralvik II silently offered a prayer of thanks to his fallen kin, brought out a small journal from his belongings, and wrote a poem.
///////////////////////
////// The poem ///////
///////////////////////
Thundering footsteps
Heralded your pack.
Man and beast blazing trail together.

One in nature, each relying upon the other,
More than just man and beast,
One fallen antagonist,
Who lays defeat

Hail Mahal, Hail Frostbeard
Raise them in your songs
Who fought mad-wolf-hides
And claimed Emyn Uial for all

Hail the Dwarves! Our fallen
Glorious in battle
Axes that don't fail
These days ended in pain

Send Them to the halls!
Send Them!
Sure spirits
In the care of Mahal

Scale the night,
Towards the ride bright.
///////////////////////
///////////////////////

Dralvik II’s mind was lost in deep thought, and his babble was interrupted by the entrance of a soldier into the tent accompanied by the faint sound of horns.

"Pardon me, my lord. We have recibe a message of Cirdan the Shipwright, Elven king of the Elvea-Falasse, his delegation is waiting outside over the open plain", the soldier concluded with a gesture towards the entrance. With his ice blue eyes fixed in the entrance, Dralvik II responded: "... very well, I will attend them". He got up from his chair and went to the entrance accompanied by the soldier.

From among the delegates, an elf in bright green tunic and silver hair approached Dralvik II and gave him the terms for peace to the commander. The dwarf read it made a pause and nodded to the elven delegate. "I accept the proposal of your king, we will respet this alliance and I vow never to intrude on the elven homeland." The silver hair elf smile kindly.

Dralvik II looked around and gestured to Baldur, who ran to the main tent and returned with a small silver box decorated with gold and gave it to Dralvik II, whom opened it revealing a jewel.

"Bizârul, it means 'Son of the Valley'. This amulet shall be my token to your king, that so long as Cirdan's blood and oath hold true, yet so shall my blood and oath be true to your king. The blue diamond in the middle of the amulet, is the symbol of the Clan Frostbeard. It is surrounded by two other gems, one for Mahal and the other one for his wife the Queen of the Earth... but, surely the names Aüle and Yavanna are more familiar to your ears", Dralvik II smiled.

After enjoying the dwarven hospitality, the delegation began at first light the trip to his native land.

"Your father would have refused...", Baldur said, leaning on the head of his axe.

Dralvik II watched the group fade through the woods and said: "The Frostbeard warrior fights with a battle axe and shield or with a spear for the honor of the clan and their families. But it is also the generosity that shows the duty towards the family and the clan... yet again be have to keep fighting for the seek of our people. I will go to Khazâd-gund to fight the remaining wolf-hides tribes, you stay here and scout the area, I will send news as soon as possible", Baldur nodded.

----

Accepts the alliance and friendship with Elvea-Falasseand.
Sends the amulet Bizârul as a token of good faith to Elvea-Falasseand.

A man stands above a dead corpse of a Barbarian. His armor is bathed with blood. His cold blue eyes scan his surroundings.

A small boy runs up to him.
"Sir, a message."

The man answers in a rough voice.
"Who is it from?"

"The Etyangoldi Alliance, sir." The boy replies.

The man grabs the scroll. His bloody hands leave dark red smudges on the worn paper.
"Hmmm. They are elves. Elves are known for their cunning, and their magic. I would rather fight with a dwarf, but I don't need to fight. It would be a waste of men. Send a message that we accept the Non-aggression pact."

"Yes, sir." The boy scurries off.

The man turns toward the mountains. Soon an armored soldier joins him.

"Emperor, the men have been accounted for. We have lost around 300."

"Good men were lost today. We received a message from the Etyangoldi Alliance."

"Aren't they Elves, sir? They are dangerous people to side with."

"Yes. That is exactly why I want you to send scouts and spies to their provinces. I want to know what they are up to."

"It shall be done right away. Also sir, the troops are waiting for your orders."

"Good, have them set a swift pace for the province of Lamedon."

"Yes, sir."

He starts to walk towards the gathered troops. Just to be stopped by another squire.

"What is it now boy?"

The squire starts to shake.
"Sir, another message. It's from the Variag Order."

The Emperor grabs the scroll. Tears off the seal, and reads through it.

"You can find trouble anywhere you go.
Boy send a message back to the Variag Order. Tell them that I agreed to an Non-Aggression pact. Not an alliance. They will deal with their problems and we will deal with ours."

As he finished saying the last line. He felt a shift in the wind. His gaze flicked over his shoulder. A glint caught his eye. In a flash he tore his sword from it's sheath and swung it around his body. Two half's of the arrow fell harmlessly to the ground. He slowly turned back to the Squire.

The Squire was shaking and backing slowly.
"Ssssssiirrr, your eyes!"

Emperor Nikolai brought his sword in front of his face to see his reflection. His eyes normal blue color were replaced with a deep glowing red. He covered his eyes with his hand.

"Go! You have your orders!" The Squire bolted.

He brought his sword back to his face. His eyes were their usual cold blue. He went to his soldiers.

----

Accepts the Non-Aggression with the Etyangoldi Alliance.
Attacks with 1700 soldiers and Hero the province of Lamedon.

Dralvil II returned to Khazâd-gund days later, during an extremely harsh blizzard, and the kingdom rejoiced at the return of its king. Flanked by his personal guard, he entered the throne chamber and knelt before the statue of his father letting a tear slip. His silent grief was interrupted by heeding the voices of a group of dwarves in the corner, and he approached them.

"By my own beard!”, Dralvik II said as he put his hand on the shoulder of an old dwarf: "Why are you making so much scandal, Frulvik talk to me, who are these dwarves?"

“They are Easterners, your grace. Folks of King Alexius I Comnenus sovereign king of Withered Heath and ruler of The Kingdom of the Defender's Fjord. There were reports from other emissaries but given the weather conditions, I think they met their end in the thundra. But they...”, the elder dwarf look at Dralvik II and continued with a grumpy voice: "they bring a message but they don’t want to give me to me, and as your Steward, is my duty to control public relations in your absence...".

"It is not our intention to be disrespectful sir, we just want to ensure the message - your hands only", said the courier while performing a salute and ending the statement. Dralvik II, looked at the two messengers stopping at the patterns of their clothes that were so strange to him but at the same time fascinating, and said: "Very well then, give me the message let’s see its content..." He read it and excused himself in order to prepare a proper answer.

Returning with a rolled parchment Dralvik II said: "You...", pointing to one of the dwarves, "what's your name?". The messenger replied "Auxitius, your highness".

“Auxitius, you will remain in Khazâd-gund as my guest and you will tell me about the East and its customs, since they are foreign to my knowledge. And you!…” addressing the other dwarf, ”… you will deliver this parchment to your king”.

///////////////////////
// to King Alexius I //
///////////////////////
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exalted King Alexius I Comnenus, sovereign king of Withered Heath and ruler of The Kingdom of the Defender's Fjord. I, Dralvik II son and heir of Drolvuk Frozenhelm, sovereign king of the Clan Frostbeard and ruler of Khazâd-gund greets you cordially.

I do agree with your vision of united dwarves, seeking the best for our peolpe. So far, I knew only of your allie of The Woodland Enclave in the East.

The Clan Frostbeard would be glad to call you friend and ally. To unify our agreement between the three dwarven lands I propose to open a merchant trail within The Woodland Enclave and our realms, order to benefit ourselves. Please let Barazturg know of my intentions.

Furthermore I realize that your soldiers are very well trained in the art of war, something that I admire, so I took the liberty of hosting Axitius to tell me about the customs of the East, more in these moments when I need to decimate the wolf-hides of my lands; surely he will keep you informed of the situation in my kingdom, and it seems fair to me.

We should stick together and offer any kind of assistance to one another. So if you ever find yourself in times of need send me the rune seal attached to this scroll and we will came to aid you.

May your hammer strike true,

Dalvik
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
///////////////////////
///////////////////////

The messenger took the rune-seal parchment, saluted Dalvik II with a bow, and salute his partner with a forearm handshake and left.

----

Accepts the military Alliance with The Kingdom of the Defender's Fjord.
Sends dwarf back to Defender's Fjord.
Defender's Fjord learns about the Clan Frostbeard's moves through Auxitius.
Propose friendship with The Woodland Enclave.

Snicklefritz sat brooding on an outcrop of rocks, watching his troops scurry about the camp.

Like rats, he thought to himself, gnawing at a bone from his meal.

All about him orcs scampered and scuttled, shouting at one another until spittle flew, pawing at everything within reach.

They mewl like elf pups not yet weaned from their mother’s breast.

Snicklefritz felt alone. He had grown to become “a large boar in a little dell.” But now, all of the lesser boars had begun to wear on his patience. They crowded in on all sides and made him feel confined. And yet alone.

What Snicklefritz required was a larger dell. There were other “large boars” out there that he might measure himself against: man-boars, elf boars...even dull-witted dwarf-boars. He would find them, tear away their lands, scatter their kinsfolk, and listen to their servile pleas. He would make them recognize in him an equal. He would carve out a place for himself at their tables.

This reminded Snicklefritz of the messengers he had sent. That had been weeks ago, by now, though he’d not received word back. Dead, surely. It matters not. Dwarves are an inscrutable, cryptic people, and one can never know why they choose one act over another. But they would receive their just deserts, in time...

-----

Attack Gorgoroth with full army and Hero

I've asked around, and you are a fair king. Perhaps your words do weigh a bit so, in this case,your words will not fall on deaf ears. Therefore, I am willing to accept your olive branch in the name of the tribes of Southern Lindon. It will take a lot of time to mend old wounds, but in due time, things could change.

We ask as a first sign from you for a shipment of medicine and food and for a dozen elves to come and teach the freefolk of the Southern lands of Lindon high education."

----
Attack of Enedhwaith instead of Minhiriath

Generations of suffering, hunt and persecution based on their savage looks, small stature and glowing red eyes made them secretive and suspicious, and so only a small number of contacts with their outside world were made throught the years; One could definitely say that all the Druwaith Folk want to do is to be hidden and to live in peace, in their own magical mysterious ways.

The recent incursions outside of their own world have one reason, and that reason has a name: Garahir, the ruler of the Dru Folk. For the moment their plans are unknown.

----

Shortly after giving the orders of attack, two Alliance soldiers came into the encampment with what appeared to be a couple of men with dim eyes.
"What is the meaning of this? Who are they?", Curufinwe asked the soldiers that stood still in front of him.
"King Curufinwe, as you well know, you sent the horsemen vanguard to pursue the rest of the rebels after Enedhwaith fell. On the border between Enedhwaith and the Pukel-Lands they noticed these men crossing over in an unmarked place. If it were not for our attack and the subsequent pursuit we might never have caught them. They have nothing on themselves and they refuse to talk."
King Curufinwe looked at the men brought in front of him. Analyzing their faces and apparel, Curufinwe addressed them:
"Welcome to the Etyangoldi Alliance. Who might you be? Perhaps desertors from the Empire of Coldvar? Or mercenaries, looking for greater glory?". Curufinwe grinned, like he knew a secret no one else does. "Tell me now, friends!"
----
Attack with all forces Northern Cardolan
Ask who are the men caught crossing the border from the Empire of Coldvar

The primary goal of the Gundabad Dwellers is to reclaim Angmar, and so Cvog sent a declaration of war to the Trollshaw Realms, followed by the words:
"Ya cursed troll, leave Angmar now or be killed, you and all of your nasty ugly stupid brothers"

----
Send declaration of war to Trollshaw Realms

In the small citadel west to the Baranduin river, Amlaith Minyatur, the self-proclaimed human king of Southern Arthedain, was studying some maps of the realm. A newly emerged faction can be easily swayed off if the ruler lacks the influence to keep hold of his realms. And even if his kingdom of Arthedain is new, his claim on the land should not have cause to be disputed as Amlaith Minyatur is a descendent of the House of Elros, the Half-elf.

To increase his influence, three matters now have to be resolved; the first is the annexation of Western Arthedain into the realms of the Kingdom of Arthedain, the second is the initiation of diplomatic talks with the nearby kingdoms, and the third is an official stance against the brutal treatment of barbarians and rebels by the Etyangoldi Alliance, as this was one of the main reasons the lands of The Shire and of the Eastern Arthedain joined the Kingdom of Arthedain.

"While my influence still lacks to stand against the Etyangoldi Alliance, I do have enough men to complete the lands. Prepare to attack Western Arthedain!", Amlaith Minyatur proclaimed to his men, while adding "... and give me fresh maps of the realms. I want to know the borders exactly between us and the Etyangoldi Alliance, as well as who else is nearby!"

----
Attack Western Arthedain with all soldiers.

The Broken Tooth Tribe was still a cause for worry. By now, no reply from the sent emissaries most definitely means that something ire happened. Locked in this part of the world, Ruler Ulwarth has a decision to make; going north is a given, but going north past the mountains of Gorgoroth, through Ithilien and Dagorlad, or going north through Nurn?

Send another emissary to the Broken Tooth Tribe. Tell them that the Variag Order withdraws their Non Aggression offer.

----
Withdraws the non aggression offer that was sent to the Broken Tooth Tribe
Attack with all forces on Harondor

But Queen Barazturg was still silent. After even more moments of uncomfortable silence, the Queen looked dead in the eyes and peacefully said:
"Yes. Tell me."
The emissaries then proceeded to inform the Queen that the dwarves of the Defender's Fjord have not yet agreed to the alliance while the dwarves of Clan Frostbeard agreed to only a Friendship agreement. The dwarf Queen sighed and replied "This saddens me even more on this already dark day. Dwarf unity, for some, are just words in the wind. That matters not. Leave now."
With that being said the emissaries quickly left, leaving the Queen alone in the room with only her thoughts.
The news of the vanguard that she sent hit her more deeply than she would have liked. Deserted dwarf-garrisons in High Pass and one of her emissaries that she sent to Redhorn Gate found dead at the borders between Foothills and Anduin Vales. And upon checking via hidden passages the fortress of Khazad-dûm, men bearing the stindards of the Trollshaw Realms only further confirmed the dark scene. "Certainly its the doing of the Trollfolk of Ettenmoors. Only they could muster such a resentment towards the dwarf-folk of the mountains. On this day, and from this day onwards, the trolls of Trollshaws are mortal enemies of the dwarves for their vicious attack on Redhorn Gate and, possibly, High Pass."

Her whole room filled with darker thoughts. Queen Barazturg needed some time away from these thoughts, needed to calm down. Needed to think straight.
"The orcs will suffer. But send them an official war declaration for now. We still need to get the lands of Southern Mirkwood and then we'll turn our attention towards them. And give notice of our dire and dark findings to the dwarves of the Defender's Fjorn", and, after a small pause, "and to those of Clan Frostbeard."

----
Send a declaration of war towards Trollshaw Realms
Attack with all forces Southern Mirkwood
Asks the dwarves of Defender's Fjord what is their official diplomatic stance

----

Emperor Nikolai is bent over a map on his desk. He is moving small wooden pieces back and forth. Looking at reports from scouts from other regions. He is keeping a close eye on the other nations.

"Sir."

The Emperor continues to move wooden pieces. Mumbling to himself.

*Cough* "Sir."

The Emperor still does not address the man.

"Sir!"

The Emperor slowly looks up. A dangerous look in his eyes.

"Do you have a death wish?"

"Sir?"

The Emperor slowly stands. His hand on his sword.

"Are you deaf man? Or are you just stupid. I asked do you have a death wish!"

"No, sir."

"Then shut up! Give your damn message and get the hell out!"

"Yes, sir." The man hands the Emperor a message. And then he quickly leaves.

"Hmm. The reinforcements are arriving at the capital soon. Good."

Soon after the Emperor stopped reading, General Elkins strode in.

"Good morning sir. How are you doing?"

"Shut up. What news do you have?"

"Yes, sir. How do I tell you reports, if you told me to shut up?"

"God, I hate you. Just get on with it man!"

"Right sir. Recent reports say that the northern Dwarf nations are making an alliance. Scouts report seeing troops near Punkel-Land."

"Who are they?"

"Unknown at this time."

"The closest Kingdom near our northern border is the Etyangoldi Alliance. It is probably them."

"Probably. Our soldiers are a bit worn sir. We have pushed them non-stop through three provinces."

"Their rest will come soon. After we go crush another. Are the men ready? That is all I care about."

"Yes, sir. They stand ready to march."

"Give the orders."

"Yes, sir" The General exits the tent.

Emperor Nikolai stares at the map and wonders if he could strike an alliance with the Dwarves.

----
Attack with 1410 troops and Hero the province of Belfalas.

The orders were to take their 210 men and split from the main group. They are ordered to travel and wait in Anfalas.
----
Send on the attack of Belfalas only 1200 soldiers and split 210 soldiers back from the main group and move to Anfalas

///////////////////////////
///////// MESSAGE /////////
Exalted King Alexius I Comnenus, sovereign king of Withered Heath and ruler of The Kingdom of the Defender's Fjord. I, Dralvik II son and heir of Drolvuk Frozenhelm, sovereign king of the Clan Frostbeard and ruler of Khazâd-gund greets you cordially.

I do agree with your vision of united dwarves, seeking the best for our peolpe. So far, I knew only of your allie of The Woodland Enclave in the East.

The Clan Frostbeard would be glad to call you friend and ally. To unify our agreement between the three dwarven lands I propose to open a merchant trail within The Woodland Enclave and our realms, order to benefit ourselves. Please let Barazturg know of my intentions.

Furthermore I realize that your soldiers are very well trained in the art of war, something that I admire, so I took the liberty of hosting Axitius to tell me about the customs of the East, more in these moments when I need to decimate the wolf-hides of my lands; surely he will keep you informed of the situation in my kingdom, and it seems fair to me.

We should stick together and offer any kind of assistance to one another. So if you ever find yourself in times of need send me the rune seal attached to this scroll and we will came to aid you.

May your hammer strike true,

Dalvik //////////////////
///////////////////////////

"I was about to ask you where Auxitius was," says the King. "You are dismissed." The dwarf walks out. Then an emissary from the Woodland Enclave walks in. "Your Highness, my Queen Barazturg sends you this parchment for you to sign, in order to make the alliance between your realm and her's official." The dwarf hands the scroll to the King. "It would be an honor", the King says, signing it. "Now return this to your Queen with my entry into your alliance. And inform her that the Frostbeard Clan wishes to open a trade route between the three of us. I have already said yes." The dwarf replies, "Yes, Your Highness", and he walks out. Alexius turns back to his maps. He thinks, hard. His southern borders secure, as it is only inhabited by barbarians who want nothing to do with the outside world. To the north and east are the mountains that demarcate the end of all Middle Earth. To the west is his ally, the Woodland Enclave, and the Orcish kingdom of Gundabad Dwellers, ruled, as. far as he knows, by King Cvog. Last time he sent a non-aggression pact request to an Orc, it didn't go so well. And plus, they are not that big of a kingdom, he thinks. So he decides that he will await a response from Queen Barazturg, and he will stay where he is.

The doors opened wide, revealing a elderly dwarf carrying a scroll. The Steward look at Dralvik II, and said: "A report, my lord, from Commander Baldur stationed at Emyn Uial..."

"Hand it to me, Frulvik", Dralvik II said, reaching out his hand.

//////////////////////////////
//// Report from Emyn Uial borders
//////////////////////////////
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dralvik,

The missing wolf-hides were found in the eastern border this morning. Dead, as expected. None of us bothered on digging a decent grave for those savages.

The bodies were found together, each suffering the same deformities; peeled and flesh plucked from the bone on the arms and face. There's little doubt that they were someone's or something's dinner.

Some of the trackers claim to see some trolls heading north days ago. I admit that I have seen none, and so I have no conclusive results to report at this time.

I can say with certainty that the attack on this woods seems to have been very fortuitous, and does not appear to correlate with what was initially thought of as an advance by trolls on dwarf lands.

While the hunters has yet to examine the findings, my inclination is to suggest that not only did the trolls did it, but that their assault was based on a specific directive and perhaps a leader's order.

I suggest sending a delegation of bear hunters, in their full-bodied spiked armor northeast to the Angmar Mountains, to verify if the rumor is true and if the trolls really are on the move.

My humble investigations shall continue as time permits.

Baldur
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
//////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////

Dralvik II's eyes moved from side to side, he looked thoughtful, waving a finger in the air, he said to Frulvik:"Do as he says, send the delegation to found out what is happening in those lands"

Dubiously, Frulvik said: "What if they really do run into trolls, my lord?"

"Then...", Dralvik II paused:"if they are hostile we will have to be ready to respond with all our weapons. My father did not sacrifice himself to see his people succumb to an external force... Alert the forges, tell the garrisons to prepare. A storm is coming..."

----
Sends emissaries to Angmar looking for trolls.
Ask the trolls of the Trollshaw Realm what their official diplomatic stance towards the Clan Frostbeard is.

As the men from the Empire of Coldvar gave no answer to Curufinwe's question, he decided to invite all but one of them to his special guest quarters that have bars, with the remaining exception, the man that was shortest in statue, to be sent back to the Empire.

In the same time, Curufinwe heard of the reports of the nearby provinces of The Shire and Eastern Arthedain rebelling up and forming a new faction, the Kingdom of Arthedain.
"We're marching towards them anyway ..." was his only reply.

----
Send back one captured man to The Empire of Coldvar, escorted by two male (one having a scar on his right cheek) Alliance soldiers

Understandably there's a lot of bad blood between the two, and Cvog's aim is, for the time being, recapturing Angmar. So the best resolve is to ask for a non-aggression-pact to the dwarves; a fight on three fronts is impossible for his army.
"Send these messages to the dwarves of the Defender's Fjord and of the Woodland Enclave."
"Dwarf rulers nearby,
Lets put aside petty differences between orcs and dwarves for a few moments and agree to a non-aggression-pact. We want to turn our attention west, but our eastern borders are not yet secured.
We would not want to fight to reclaim our land of Angmar and turn around and see dwarves fighting to claim other parts of our land, namely Gundabad.
Let's agree to non-aggression for a while?"

----
Send a Non-Aggression-Pact request to the dwarves of The Defender's Fjord and to the Woodland Enclave

The Queen received, at last, a message confirming the alliance between the two dwarf families, exclaiming to herself "we're brethren and sistren under the stars, now!". She drafted a quick answer to King Alexius Comnenus, but, in the process of writing, news came from the West. "More orcs?" Barazturg felt surprised.

The orcs of Gundabad were long-time enemies of the Woodland Enclave, even from the days of the past, of the awakening, a time when dwarves dwelled in Gundabad. In the recent past, however, small but constant incursions from orcs and sustained defeses by the dwarves made the lands unsuitable and unprosperous for all parties, and was left to the Gods and to the rebels and barbarians. Now the orcs managed to capture Gundabad and a few nearby provinces, including the High Pass in the mountains, reigniting an old spark in the Queen's eyes.

Returning to her message to her brethren, Alexius Comnenus the King of the dwarves of the Defender's Fjord, Queen Barazturg mentioned the following:
"Have the news of the fall of Gundabad to the orcs under Cvog reached you yet? If not, let me be the messenger ... Orcs again at our borders! I remind you that orcs viciously killed our brothers and sisters in the mountains of Redhorn Gate. Their thirst for dwarf blood demand immediate retribution! After my forces take Southern Mirkwood I I am to move towards Redhorn Gate to punish the Orcs of Trollshaw. I'll contact Dralvik the II'nd, the leader of the Clan Frostbeard, to secure an attack on the Trolls on two fronts. Perhaps you're willing to contribute to the fight, as well, as my ally?"

After a formal ending on that message, the Queen quickly drafted another message, this time to the Clan Frostbeard.
"Dralvik II, leader of dwarves from the west,
I remind you again of the dire news we received from the south; our emissaries turned up dead at the doorsteps of Redhorn Gate, and our intelligence put the Trolls of Trollshaw as responsible as their slave men are now working in the mines beneath the mountains. Soon I will be marching towards Redhorn Gate and towards the Trollshaws. They must be punished for their merciless attack on our brethren. Will you march with me, attacking them, when the times comes for the axes of the Woodland Enclave to turn their sharp ends towards them?"

Her plans to attack Redhorn Gate right after conquering Southern Mirkwood were cut a bit short by the rise of a new faction, the humans of Druwaith Folk. They laid claim to Foothills, the land between her provinces and Redhorn Gate. One last message was to be sent towards them:
"Send also a message to the Druwaith Folk, asking them to allow us to cross the border of Foothills with our armies, as we march towards Redhorn Gate, to reclaim it in the name of all dwarves."
----
Send a message to the Defender's Fjord letting them know of her future plans, no action required, but asked if they will follow along
Send a message to the Clan Frostbeard letting them know of her future plans, no action required, but asked if they will follow along
Send a message to the Druwaith Folk, asking for permission (a friendship) to cross into Foothills with the destination Redhorn Gate
Do not reply yet to the message from the Gundabad Dwellers

Amlaith Minyatur received his maps, describing the most recent movements around his lands. To the north the dwarves of Clan Frostbeard, to the west the elves of Elvea-Falasse and to the South the humans of the Empire of Coldvar. Obviously, to the east, the elves of the Etyangoldi Alliance.

Moreover, reports of elves mustering at the borders of Cardolan, towards the eastern part of Southern Arthedain, made Amlaith Minyatur to panic a bit. Sure, he had an army to defend his Capitol, but the army was already on the way towards Western Arthedain.
The king of Arthedain had a fear that the elves of the Etyangoldi Alliance were to attack Southern Arthedain, so he recalled a part of his armies attacking Western Arthedain, specifically 400 soldiers.

Not declaring anything against the elves of Etyangoldi Alliance made the population of The Shire and of Eastern Arthedain restless, the public order in these lands being frail at best. Time was still needed. And some friends.
"King Cirdan of the Starlight Coast,
My name is Amlaith Minyatur and the origin of my bloodline can be traced back to the House of Elros. Even if we are not an elves, my people had, generally, good relations with them; especially the elves of the west. Now my heart is cloudy as I fear that we will soon have to cross swords with the elves of the Etyangoldi Alliance.

As you well know, they are far off the values and morals of elves and they live for war. I extend my good will to you and ask you to do the same towards me and do not turn against me if I turn against them."

----
Move 400 soldiers back to Southern Arthedain, remaining 1200 soldiers attacking Western Arthedain
Send an emissary to the elves of Elvea-Falasse, asking for non-interferrence in a possible fight against the Etyangoldi Alliance, their allies. If they agree, maybe also a Non-Aggression Pact or a Friendship.

Garahir, the leader of the Dru Folk, received word from the dwarves of the Woodland Enclave, asking for permission to cross the Foothills in order to attack Rhudaur Gate. His answer was to be negative, as the Dru humans do not trust any foreigners. There were many Dru refugees that were dwelling in the Foodhills, and seeing an army marching through their lands will definitely stir up bad memories.

"The answer is No. They are not to march their armies in the Foothills.", Garahir told his emissary to send as a reply back to Barazturg, the dwarf queen. And then he turned around towards another emissary and said "You will go towards the Redhorn Gate. Let them know of the plans of the dwarves."

"In the mean time, we'll unite the Dru folk of Brown Lands with the rest of our kind."

---
Send a message back to the Woodland Enclave, NO to passing through their lands.
Send a message to the owners of Redhorn Gate announcing of the Woodland Enclave intentions
Attack on Brown Lands with all forces.

----
Sends attachment to both the Arthedain Kingdom and Etyangoldi Alliance

----
Sends all elves with the hero to Southern Lindon, to help the local population and teach them