Difference between revisions of "The Laughter at Lowland Vale"
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| − | The Laughter at Lowland Vale was a conflict between [[dragon]] flights witnessed and described by human observers. The dragons of [[High Mountain]] later provided some | + | The Laughter at Lowland Vale was a conflict between [[dragon]] flights witnessed and described by human observers. The dragons of [[High Mountain]] later provided some insight. The details of the conflict were recorded in [[Scalgdorf's On Dragonology]] and preserved through the ages. |
==The Conflict== | ==The Conflict== | ||
| − | [[Ozork Flight]] had long been at war with [[High Mountain Flight]], and contested the region of the [[Lowland Plains]]. Though the area was beyond the sphere of influence of both flights, both | + | [[Ozork Flight]] had long been at war with [[High Mountain Flight]], and contested the region of the [[Lowland Plains]]. Though the area was beyond the sphere of influence of both flights, both insisted on defending it to the death. Beginning the mid [[Ages#The Second Age|Second Age]], Ozork began to engage in [[Dragon Burn-Stocking|Burn-Stocking]] in preparation for a major move against High Mountain. |
| − | + | High Mountain established a forward camp at a valley called Lowland Vale (in the region that later became the [[Plains of Blood and Salt]]): really nothing more than a location where large heards of ibex could be driven, to provide food for a number of dragons bivouacking there, but the presence on Ozork's doorstep was considered a major affront. | |
| − | High Mountain had sought to goad Ozork into a traditional dragon battle, where the superior numbers and tactics of High Mountain would give them an | + | High Mountain had sought to goad Ozork into a traditional dragon battle, where the superior numbers and tactics of High Mountain would give them an advantage. High Mountain had brought several Gold dragons from the depths of its eerie, plotting a serious victory. When the battle started, it was discovered that Ozork's burn-stocking operation had been much larger than expected, and they had also mind-slaved hundreds of [[Hellkite]]s to use as "tacklers". |
| − | Unable to risk their elders, High Mountain withdrew | + | Unable to risk their elders, High Mountain withdrew its Golds and fought a delaying action with experienced Black and Red warriors. Losses were minor, but the fighting was fierce. Human observers on the ground reported unparalleled acts of bravery alongside brutal savagery, and the warriors of High Mountain seemed willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their elders. Still, they fought with a certain confidence that could not be explained. |
| − | On the third day of battle, the forces of High Mountain went into retreat. Their elders safely back in the eerie, they fell back as far as the [[Biswon River]], whilst the superior forces of Ozork | + | On the third day of battle, the forces of High Mountain went into retreat. Their elders safely back in the eerie, they fell back as far as the [[Biswon River]], whilst the superior forces of Ozork burned the Lowland Vale until the stones melted and slaughtered the roaming heards of ibex as an afront to High Mountain, then prepared to launch an attack on the waiting army at Biswon, and likely move directly on High Mountain. |
| − | The turning point, seen only by a single human scribe, happened on the night of the retreat. The massive armies of Ozork were on the ground | + | The turning point, seen only by a single human scribe, happened on the night of the retreat. The massive armies of Ozork were on the ground. The night sky, covered in thick clouds, turned suddenly golden as a lash of energy struck into the heart of the army. Six Blacks and countless Reds and Hellkites were killed instantly. A second attack followed, but a dragon sorcerer was able to repel part of this one. The observer describes the sight of two hundred dragons taking wing, only to be vaporized in an instant by a cone of light. |
The human, an [[Ataya|Atayan]] scribe called [[Hurn]], later composed a poem recording the event. | The human, an [[Ataya|Atayan]] scribe called [[Hurn]], later composed a poem recording the event. | ||
==Interpretations== | ==Interpretations== | ||
| − | Most scholars ascribe the defeat of Ozork to [[Draco]], an incredibly powerful dragon mage. Though not formally a member of High Mountain, he | + | Most scholars ascribe the defeat of Ozork to [[Draco]], an incredibly powerful dragon mage. Though not formally a member of High Mountain, he would have sided with that flight. However, Draco responded many times when questioned, that he had no knowledge of the battle and had been asleep through it. It is commonly agreed that a dragon sorcerer must have been involved, but none besides Draco were known to have obtained the necessary power. Still, High Mountain is a dragon flight of great antiquity, and holds many secrets. |
==Name== | ==Name== | ||
| − | The battle was named for the poem composed by Hurn, which spoke repeatedly of the laughter of the dragons of High Mountain as they fought what was, by all accounts, a | + | The battle was named for the poem composed by Hurn, which spoke repeatedly of the laughter of the dragons of High Mountain as they fought what was, by all accounts, a losing battle. Some point to the wording, that 'laughter' is one letter away from 'slaughter', but Hurn could not be questioned on this point. |
Revision as of 21:25, 17 May 2019
The Laughter at Lowland Vale was a conflict between dragon flights witnessed and described by human observers. The dragons of High Mountain later provided some insight. The details of the conflict were recorded in Scalgdorf's On Dragonology and preserved through the ages.
The Conflict
Ozork Flight had long been at war with High Mountain Flight, and contested the region of the Lowland Plains. Though the area was beyond the sphere of influence of both flights, both insisted on defending it to the death. Beginning the mid Second Age, Ozork began to engage in Burn-Stocking in preparation for a major move against High Mountain.
High Mountain established a forward camp at a valley called Lowland Vale (in the region that later became the Plains of Blood and Salt): really nothing more than a location where large heards of ibex could be driven, to provide food for a number of dragons bivouacking there, but the presence on Ozork's doorstep was considered a major affront.
High Mountain had sought to goad Ozork into a traditional dragon battle, where the superior numbers and tactics of High Mountain would give them an advantage. High Mountain had brought several Gold dragons from the depths of its eerie, plotting a serious victory. When the battle started, it was discovered that Ozork's burn-stocking operation had been much larger than expected, and they had also mind-slaved hundreds of Hellkites to use as "tacklers".
Unable to risk their elders, High Mountain withdrew its Golds and fought a delaying action with experienced Black and Red warriors. Losses were minor, but the fighting was fierce. Human observers on the ground reported unparalleled acts of bravery alongside brutal savagery, and the warriors of High Mountain seemed willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their elders. Still, they fought with a certain confidence that could not be explained.
On the third day of battle, the forces of High Mountain went into retreat. Their elders safely back in the eerie, they fell back as far as the Biswon River, whilst the superior forces of Ozork burned the Lowland Vale until the stones melted and slaughtered the roaming heards of ibex as an afront to High Mountain, then prepared to launch an attack on the waiting army at Biswon, and likely move directly on High Mountain.
The turning point, seen only by a single human scribe, happened on the night of the retreat. The massive armies of Ozork were on the ground. The night sky, covered in thick clouds, turned suddenly golden as a lash of energy struck into the heart of the army. Six Blacks and countless Reds and Hellkites were killed instantly. A second attack followed, but a dragon sorcerer was able to repel part of this one. The observer describes the sight of two hundred dragons taking wing, only to be vaporized in an instant by a cone of light.
The human, an Atayan scribe called Hurn, later composed a poem recording the event.
Interpretations
Most scholars ascribe the defeat of Ozork to Draco, an incredibly powerful dragon mage. Though not formally a member of High Mountain, he would have sided with that flight. However, Draco responded many times when questioned, that he had no knowledge of the battle and had been asleep through it. It is commonly agreed that a dragon sorcerer must have been involved, but none besides Draco were known to have obtained the necessary power. Still, High Mountain is a dragon flight of great antiquity, and holds many secrets.
Name
The battle was named for the poem composed by Hurn, which spoke repeatedly of the laughter of the dragons of High Mountain as they fought what was, by all accounts, a losing battle. Some point to the wording, that 'laughter' is one letter away from 'slaughter', but Hurn could not be questioned on this point.
