Umber

In the midst of the second battle, far more vicious than the first, an unexpected force appears. (sab)

Losses have been hard, but the battle is in your control. The carnage, however, is shocking and you realize that it would not take much to unbalance things to your enemies’ favor. Another of those noxious green clouds could cause havoc – either to your troops, or even worse – to the peasant mob that is protected within the confines of the manor walls.

As you think these thoughts, a ring of multi-colored fire, perhaps thirty feet in diameter, appears directly over the battle with the Giants. Another ball of flame appears within its center, and lines of light flash inward from the perimeter of the ring, forming a burning wheel in the sky. For a moment, all is silent as the combatants pause to survey the scene.

A voice booms out:

REJOICE!
WE SAIL UPON THE SEA OF DEATH
AND SEE
    FROM FAR
    FROM NEAR
CARNAGE COMES TIMES TWO OR THREE OR EVEN MORE
REJOICE!

And those of you nearby realize that you can hear the voice within your minds as well as upon the wind.

 COMMANDER, WHOM SHALL I SLAY?

Timoshenko raises a fist in triumph. Those nearby see that within his hand is a carven skull. “In the name of Death, and its Lord, slay the wielder of Crusader, this stubborn dwarf, and this shadowed sneak, so that I may avenge the death of Garnic unmolested!”

The wheel flares even brighter than before.

Each of you feels something slightly different, according to your natures – dread, defiance, perhaps a mixture of both. But then you hear the voice of Kuhlefaran – laughing.

“He’s bluffing! He has no idea who he’s talking to! Someone, speak a name or two, quickly!”