Firaduil's+Updates

To King Balvak of Balfost-Tor From Aelaviin Chief Endulas of Cephlond

King Balvak,

The capital and my home, Cephlond, is the largest city in Aelaviin controlled land. Out of the 600,000 elves under my reign, roughly 200,000 of them live here. Although this is a city on the water and our military base located (thanks to you and your dwarves, Balvak), the navy does not make port in Cephlond. In fact, they reside in Jigme, the Eastern Aelaviin tribe's home. They are protected by Madame Cho ever since the Anarchintians of the South became bitter enemies. In return, they have sworn to protect her and have traded technologies. From the missives we receive on occasion, they are a type of war-like boat armed with those who use weather-controlling arts. Alas, I digress. Cephlond's finest artisans and engineers have met with the dwarven builders you sent. They have begun to discuss a new style of architecture, one that shares qualities of both of our races, and with hopes that we may once become one grand civilization.

Do not be worried about the livelihood of your civilians. They are well protected. I have specifically set aside 40,000 of our troops to be trained and spread throughout Firaduil as guardsmen. They are quite competent, if I do say so. I devised their techniques myself.

As far as military concerns are, I've attached a list of our numbers. I know that your blacksmiths inquired about this. Please be sure to relay this information as soon as possible. I do wish to get the new armor soon. Also, I should mention that I've sent another squadron of elites underground in hopes that your infestation may be tamed. May I remind you (because I do know that you are forgetful) that when assigning the squadrons to an area, //leave them in their groups.// The group of 10 warriors and rangers are specifically trained as that group and work best when sticking together. I know you haven't done this with the other five I sent.

There has been word of a troupe of human spies crossing the badlands of Apäl. We do not know of their intents, however. I can only assume that they are on their way North to raid another of my unprotected villages. There aren't many that do not have the powerful dwarven alloys surrounding them, but until then we have sent most of our militia to dig in. Who knows what will follow them? Men cannot be trusted. Be on your guard in case of any intruders in your tunnels.

I look forward to our next meeting,

Cheif Endulas

//Attached://

Total Aelaviin Population - 600,000 Civilians - 340,000 Artisans, Architects/Builders Scholars Religious types Military - 260,000 Scouts/Rangers, armed with the finest elven bows and environment distortion cloaks - 10,000 Archers, pinpoint accuracy and standard chainmail outfitting- 90,000 Foot-soldiers, swords and armor made of the strongest dwarven/elven alloys - 80,000 Town Guards - 40,000 Engineers, blacksmiths and military builders - 20,000 Small navy force (the rest in the Eastern Tribe) - 10,000

To Chief Endulas of Cephlond From King Balvak of Balfost-Tor

Chief Endulas,

The dwarves of Balfost-Tor thank you for your kindness. Since our population is so low and all those who are trained in combat are palace guards, the small troupes of warriors you send down brings comfort to my citizens.

Through the other openings of my mines, word has been gathered from outsiders of Apäl of the men from the South. They carry black crossbows and bear the insignia of the fiery bird. Surely they will be weakened by the icy chill of the North, but remain cautious. I still have no leads on their intentions. It is also worth mentioning that there were rumors of a ship that would be coming. Perhaps sending a message to Jigme would be useful?

As for the new armor my blacksmiths will be outfitting your soldiers in, it may come sooner rather than later: we've just struck another vein which led into some type of cavern. I will be sending a few researchers to investigate, along with Svek and his crew to protect them.

As the scouts approached the closest dwarven tunnel, they were greeted by a few members of the royal guard. Feigning surprise, the lightweight warriors stumbled backwards. The dwarves readied their offensive formation, pointing their halberds toward the men of the South.

The dwarf taking point then stepped forward and spit on the cold ground the scouts stood on. "You are unwelcome here." His voice was gravelly and stern.

In response to this, the captain of the scouts stepped forward. "We have a right to be here, just like you. Just like anyone else."

"I'm afraid you don't." The dwarf lowered his halberd and procured a piece of parchment. "Under royal decree from King Balvak the- //gah!"// He looked down to see the man's blade inside his stomach. With a wry grin, he twisted and turned the steel about, pulling him closer with each turn. His deep red blood dripped down and stained the freshly laid snow below, seeping through and tainting all around it.

"I'm afraid I do." He put his foot of the dwarf's chest and yanked his sword violently outwards. The dwarf captain