Song of the Xeng

Diplomatic action

The Emperor of Xeng invades Alphatia and is stopped by the powerful Elenhos dramatically changing many of the islands.

News spread quickly amongst those in the power of the new nation of Alphatia and it was decreed by the Emperor of the Sun that these islands should become part of the great empire of Xeng. His juggernaut of armies quickly built great ships to transport the Armies of the Sun, Moon, and Plains to take control of the islands and their resources. Landing at the tiny island of Dong to the south-east of the isles the armies of the sun discovered the island to be devoid of any form of a culture or society and a shogun was quickly instated to begin the construction of a new temple to the gods that would allow more warriors and the grand emperor to visit these islands at a whim. While the fleet was being built it was watched by Varisian and Elf alike and they were making plans with their many allies both above and below the water. As the fleet began to spread among the islands the boats found that reefs moved, the waves grew larger and the wind turned against them. No matter how many sacrifices or prayers were made to the gods, nature fought against the Xeng fleet. At first, the Emperor heard little of these events as whole ships disappeared beneath the waves. But with the progress slowing, and the fleets only managing to reach Eurus with any success it was only a matter of time.   When the emperor did hear of this, his rage was unquenchable for a month and a day. A temple was hastily completed in Dong and the god-being strode through the gate contained within. Around the Isle of Dong icebergs formed for the first time in its history. The Emperor and his warriors stormed across the ice bridges created between the bergs into Eurus and still further towards the Three Sisters. The Emperor planned to shroud all of the islands that defied him in the cold ice. They would become the Land of Water That never changed.   The Ornhini and Shets'doma, seeing this perversion of nature pleaded to their nobility, the Elenhos, to bring forth the ancient magic and protect the isles. Lord Hytomenn listened to their pleas even as his far vision observed the trees of his forest begin to die from the unusual cold. It was said that he agreed with a heavy heart for Hytomenn had remained pure of heart for his many thousands of years, seeking wisdom and direction in the wilderness and magic of the Fey. He knew to call on the ancient magics once more could lead him and all of the Elenhos of Alphatia down the path of madness seen in the great continents and that his slow and careful ways might end. Still, he sought the guidance of the fair Lady Shindarel, his twin, across Eurus mountain. Together they waited and crafted while around them the younger folk fretted and rage, throwing themselves against the grand army, till the Emperor reached the peak of Eurus.   Then all that called Eurus home felt the rumble as the powers of fire began their slow wake. Each island of Alphatia, in turn, blew forth great clouds of smoke and ash, the fire grew stronger and stronger as it approached. The great Isle of Trenada exploded in a gout of fire and molten rock, the land being thrown far into the sea. The fires still built, till it reached Eurus. The emperor of the sun from his high vantage point at the peak was calm as the two little elves walked towards him. But when the mountain began to crumble beneath his feet he did know fear. His roar of defiance turned into one of anger but the mountain would hear nothing of it, engulfing the giant in molten rock, melting the ice around him, and creating a giant statue to gaze out across Eurus at what might have been.