Story: An Unexpected Ally
The creation of D'nashk Re'at, the Kingdom of the Free, proved to be a disaster for Emperor Maargog and his plans to build a kingdom of darkness that stretches from one side of the Known World to the other. Before the Kingdom of the Free, Maargog only had one super power to deal with - the unified Kingdoms of the Elves. But now he was faced with a strong enemy on both sides. And he lost many subjects, including some in positions of authority, not to mention his two most powerful protégés in training - Keanot and Breeta.
Maargog was forced to change his strategy and it took many years for him to reorganize his master plan. He had been working on a super soldier army in the Northern Wildlands from the Monster races, one that would eventually sweep through the Half-Orc kingdoms, the Northern Kingdoms of Men, and onto the Kingdoms of the Elves. He had also enlisted many powerful allies, including the Drow Peoples of the North Eastern Wildlands who were already at war with the Elves, and two great Red Dragons from the Northern Wildlands who could provide strong pressure during a siege by breathing fire from the sky and burning down a whole city if necessary until its inhabitants surrendered. But now, he could not proceed forward until D'nashk Re'at was considered and his forces were brought back to full strength.
As a long term strategy, the Circle of Kings suggested that Maargog pull half of his available Goblin forces and secretly migrate them by sea to the Island of Kerrindale off the west coast of D'nashk. There, they could settle under the mountains and build up their strength for many years without being detected, and wait for the day when a full invasion can be launched against the Kingdom of the Free. Maargog approved of this plan and the Goblins were sent.
Years passed as Maargog continued to meet with the Circle of Kings and the Drow Family Leaders to discuss possible ways to attack and defeat the Elves. Then one day, his favored wife Shreeva reported an unusual potential ally to their movement.
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"My lord, " she said as she approached her Emperor. "I have news that may be of interest to you."
"What is it?" he asked.
"As you know, I have been Dream Walking among the Elves for quite some time, looking for any who may be used as spies, and I think I may have found a candidate."
"Who is it?"
"The King of Washonan, Middle Kingdom of the Elves, my lord."
"What?" asked the Emperor, for he did not believe her at first. "You cannot be series."
"Yes, my lord, it is true. He has grown quite angry with this new kingdom of the free, for it has drawn away many of his subjects as well, and he has been a strong opponent against sharing the Magic of Nature with the other Peoples of the Known World. And as you know, the Royal Family there apparently wants to give it away to everyone. And now that King Eletroth of Effrendell has made treaties with them, the King of Washonan has started meeting in secret with his Elders to decide how to deal with their serious cultural problem."
"That may be true, but it is hardly reason to think he would come over to the Dark Magic of the Undead."
"That may not be needed, my lord." continued Shreeva, "for common enemies can make strange friends."
At this, Maargog was intrigued. "Show me," he commanded.
So Maargog joined Shreeva in her dream walking that night. She gathered him from his dream space and guided him through the Dream Collective until they came across the King of Washonan. Shreeva was gifted at researching her potential targets to discover what they hold dear in their hearts, and used that to search the Dream Collective. Then, as she began to enter and manipulate a dream narrative, she would plant her false visions of Destiny. And if they were accepted, they became a clear marker for returning to the narrative again.
While Shreeva was very careful in her dream manipulation and almost never revealed herself to her subjects, it was nearly impossible to hide the presence of Maargog. The King of Washonan became lucid almost immediately as he sensed a powerful presence of the Dark Magic of the Undead. He very quickly employed the Magic of Nature to setup protection within his dream space and force his visitors to reveal themselves.
"My lord," began Shreeva, "do not be alarmed. We have not come to attack you."
"We? Who are you and what do you want?" asked the King of Washonan.
"It is I, Emperor of Da'rahad, and Wielder of the Dark Magic of the Undead, " answered Maargog, "And this is my wife, Queen Shreeva."
The King was alarmed, "We are at war - why do you come to me in my dreams?"
"Because, my lord," answered Shreeva, "we think we may have a common problem, and we have come to discuss potential solutions."
"What common problem could I possibly have with the Wielder of the Dark Magic of the Undead?"
"D'nashk Re'at - the Kingdom of the Free." answered Maargog. "They have stolen many of my subjects, just like you. And they are shameless in pandering your god's power to any who will take it."
At this, the King of Washonan was silent for a moment. "Go on, " he said.
"I am just a mortal human, " Maargog continued, "Who am I to deny a people the right to worship a god or a goddess? Indeed, I recognize all forms of worship, even to the god you call the Most High. I hope you will begin to see that I am a reasonable leader, and I do not oppose the existence of at least one kingdom that is filled with such worshippers. You desire a people that are pure, and I'm certain your god also desires this, yes? Then let us work together to put an end to this new, rogue country, and their arrogant pandering of your sacred knowledge and magic. I hear they let even Half-Orcs learn the Magic of Nature! An abomination, for sure, yes?"
"Do not think to know my feelings, or speak for me, Emperor of Darkness, " replied the King of Washonan. "I have been alive and filled with the Magic of Nature for many centuries before you came along."
"Of course, I did not mean an offense." countered Maargog. "I only wish to offer help for our common dilemma."
"What are you proposing? A partnership?"
"I am open to any ideas you may have…"
"The King of the Northern Elves would never tolerate any kind of partnership between us, for he and his daughter, Princess Alta, have been very involved with the Royal Family so far. And the Southern Elf Kingdoms prefer to stay out of politics altogether. I think they are getting soft the more they interact with the Halfling Kingdoms."
"Any such partnership would be a secret, of course, " said Maargog. "I too have allies that would not be pleased with my offer."
"And what exactly is your offer?" asked the King of Washonan.
"If you help me with a solution for D'nashk Re'at, then I will help you become the center of Elf power and authority. As you know, my desire is to unify all the peoples of the world under one great banner of peace and prosperity, but that does not mean that every kingdom must lose their independence. I see no reason to prevent the Middle Kingdoms of the Elves from becoming the true, pure, Elven home. I would be willing to promise this to you - that I will include you in my plans moving forward, and that I will leave your kingdom alone. Of course, we would have to decide what to do with the Northern and Southern Elf Kingdoms, if they do not want to submit to your leadership."
The King of Washonan thought for a moment. He did resent King Eletroth's strong influence over all of the other Kings and Elders, and he did not authorize peace agreements with D'nashk Re'at or the establishment of a direct portal between the two kingdoms. Perhaps a new, strong Elf leader from the Middle Kingdom would benefit all Elves - remind them that they are the first chosen and that the Knowledge of the Most High should be respected and guarded above all else.
"Very well," he concluded. "This new fragile kingdom of D'nashk Re'at is an abomination of mixed races, cultures and languages. While they have established a Common Law, they all depend on their charismatic leader, Fulskatar the Great. I imagine if something were to happen to him, they would all fall into fighting with one another very soon. And a kingdom divided can be manipulated easily, yes?"
"Indeed, " answered Maargog. "And how will you take care of King Fulskatar?"
"I have my ways, and they are secret. Just prepare yourself for the opportunity. Now, leave me, and do not invade my dreams again. Let us find a way to summon one another as needed. But we must be careful and secret."
"As you wish, " answered Maargog. And the Emperor and his wife left the King of Washonan.
Maargog wasted no time in summoning the Circle of Kings. After sharing the news of the King of Washonan, they were greatly pleased. "We must take this opportunity to deploy our Monster Soldiers to strategic placements, " they said. "We have been looking for a way to do so in secret, perhaps this will provide the way".
"I agree, " answered Maargog. "We have two full divisions of Goblins, Hobgoblins, Warg Riders and supporting Trolls ready to deploy to more hidden locations. We shall wait for this new opportunity presented by the King of Washonan when Fulskatar the Great is taken down. In the confusion and grief that follows, the Goblins will travel by sea to the Kaladron Wilderness, then by foot to the coast just north of Thasdook. That part of the journey has the highest risk of detection. From there, they will travel by sea again to the Mithril Mines of the Dwarven Kingdoms. And there they shall prepare to support the Duergars in our plans to attack the Halflings and then onto the Southern Kingdoms of the Elves."
"We look forward to the coming glory of Da'rahad, " replied the Circle in response to these plans.
"As do I", answered Maargog.