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[00:00:01] A Serene Forest Realm, Omed to the ingenious and mystical Gnome Confederation. For centuries they lived in harmony with nature, their whimsical magic weaving through the trees and streams. But as the dawn of 1584 broke, the peaceful coexistence was shattered.

[00:00:22] The Kingdom of Marwood, led by its ambitious knights, sought to expand its territory and power, leading to a declaration of war. What began as border scrimmages soon escalated into full-scale conflict, drawing in allies and unleashing horrors beyond imagination.

[00:00:39] From the Battle of Thistlebrook where knights were ensnared by Gnome traps, to the Siege of Silver Ridge where victory came at a heavy price. The war was a series of brutal engagements that tested the limits of both sides.

[00:00:55] Then came the turning points, the formation of the Magi Order, the devastating use of alchemical weapons and the climatic battle of Twilight Vale. Where the fate of both kingdoms hung in the balance, it all led to the fall of the

[00:01:08] Gnome Capital, Litterholm, the signing of the Treaty of Harmony, a treaty that promised peace but delivered subjugation. But beneath the surface of this so-called peace lay a simmering resentment, the Gnomes, proud and free, were now bound in servitude their spirits unbroken where their bodies chained.

[00:01:31] The Treaty of Harmony, barred from its noble name, planted the seeds of future conflict, a reminder that true peace cannot be forged through domination. Join me today as we unravel the complex tapestry of the Gnome Knight War, exploring the battles,

[00:01:46] the heroes, the villains, and the lasting legacy of this fantastical yet poignant chapter in history. This is Historical Chorals. Welcome back to Historical Chorals, everyone. I'm your host Tyler Eckhart, and today I have a special treat for all of you.

[00:02:21] I'm certain by the intro you all know that I am not focusing on real history today and instead I'm focusing on the Gnome Knight War that has become a meme recently. I love writing fantasy and decided it would be fun to try to give this meme some historical

[00:02:36] records and battles that occurred. I know many of you just enjoy my show for real history, and this is your warning now. This entire episode is just a bit. It is a very, very long bit that I'll be taking far too seriously today and reading off as

[00:02:52] if it were real. And if that bothers you, just wait until next week where we return to more history again. For those of you staying, please prepare yourselves for the whimsical and oftentimes incredibly dark fantasy of the Gnome Knight War of 1584. You are listening to Historical Chorals.

[00:03:17] Before the Gnome Knight War erupted in 1584, the histories of the Kingdom of Marwood and the Gnome Confederation were marked by periods of peace, prosperity, and occasional tension. Understanding the backdrop of these two realms provides crucial insight into the complexities and motivations that field this unprecedented conflict.

[00:03:42] The Kingdom of Marwood, ruled by the noble house of Aldrich, was a vast and powerful realm known for its chivalric traditions, formidable military, and deep-rooted sense of honor. Marwood's knights were renowned across the land for their prowess in battle and unwavering loyalty to their king.

[00:04:01] The kingdom's capital, Ironhold, was a bustling center of commerce and culture, its grand castles and bustling markets reflecting the wealth and influence of Marwood. Over centuries, Marwood had enjoyed a period of relative stability. Its economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and mining, with rich deposits of iron and precious

[00:04:21] metals providing the raw materials for its famed blacksmiths and artisans. The Knights of Marwood trained from a young age in the arts of war and governance, upheld a strict code of conduct that emphasized bravery, loyalty, and justice.

[00:04:37] However, as the population grew and resources became scarcer, the kingdom's expansionist ambitions began to stir King Aldrich, who was a shrewd and ambitious ruler, saw an opportunity to extend Marwood's influence and secure its future by expanding into neighboring territories.

[00:04:57] The Force to the North, home to the Nome Confederation, were particularly enticing with their untapped resources and strategic advantages. In stark contrast to Marwood's rigid hierarchy in martial culture, the Nome Confederation was a loose alliance of autonomous Nome communities, each governed by its own council of elders.

[00:05:24] The Gnomes, smaller in stature but mighty in intellect and magic, lived in harmony with nature, their villages nestled deep within ancient forests and hidden valleys. The gnomes of the Confederation were known for their ingenuity and craftsmanship, they excelled

[00:05:39] in the creation of intricate magical devices, potions and enchantments, which they used to enhance their daily lives and protect their realm. Their society valued creativity, knowledge, and communal cooperation, with decisions often made through consensus rather than decrees.

[00:05:58] Glimmerstone, a respected elder and powerful mage was one of the prominent leaders of the Confederation. Under his guidance, the gnomes had maintained a delicate balance with their human neighbors, fostering trade and diplomatic relations while ensuring their borders remained secure.

[00:06:15] The Gnomes' deep connection to their enchanted forests and whimsical magic was both their greatest strength and a source of mystery and envy for outsiders. Despite the outward appearance of peace, tensions between Marwood and the Nome Confederation had been simmering for years.

[00:06:30] Border disputes and occasional skirmishes over resources created a climate of mutual distrust. The Gnomes viewed the Nome's expansionist ambitions with suspicion, while the Nome saw the Gnomes' magical abilities and secluded lifestyles both a threat and an opportunity.

[00:06:48] The tipping point came in late 1583 when a series of border skirmishes escalated into outright conflict. Some scouts patrolling their territories clashed with Marrudean knights who had ventured too far into the enchanted forest. Their skirmishes, though minor, ignited long-standing grievances and fears setting the stage for a larger confrontation.

[00:07:16] On January 1st, 1584, the Kingdom of Marwood declared war on the Nome Confederation. King Aldrich, rallying his knights in vassals, proclaimed the need to secure Marwood's and protect its borders from perceived Nome aggression. The knights, driven by a sense of duty and ambition prepared for a campaign they believed

[00:07:36] would be swift and decisive, the Gnomes cut off guard by the form of declaration of war quickly mobilized their defenses. Glimmerstone and other elders called upon their community to stand united against the invaders, invoking the ancient magics and guardians of their forests.

[00:07:53] The whimsical and peaceful Nome society transformed into a realm ready for battle, determined to protect their homes and way of life. As the war began, both sides believed in the righteousness of their cause. The knights saw themselves as bringers of order and civilization, while the Gnomes

[00:08:10] fought to preserve their freedom and harmony with nature. The stage was set for a conflict that would test the limits of both realms, pitting steel against magic and a struggle for survival and dominance.

[00:08:27] On the first day of the year 1584, the Kingdom of Marwood declared war on the Nome Confederation. The roots of this war, planted months earlier with a series of escalating border skirmishes, many believed were the result of deeper, darker machinations.

[00:08:45] The Nome Confederation is secretive and reclusive society known for their mastery of the arcane arts and intricate traps, a long been a source of unease for the human kingdoms. Their lands nestled deep within the enchanted forests and hidden valleys were a mystery to

[00:08:58] all but the bravest or most foolish of adventurers. The immediate cause of the war was seemingly a trivial incident. The patrol ventured too close to the Nome border and was ambushed, resulting in several knights being turned into toadstools.

[00:09:16] This affront could not go unanswered, and King Aldrich of Marwood, a man known for his hot temper and sense of honour, saw no choice but to retaliate. However, whispers among the court suggested that this was no mere border conflict.

[00:09:30] Some believed that influential factions within the Marwood had long coveted the Nome lands, rich in rare magical resources and ancient secrets. Others hinted at a darker, more sinister influences at play. Perhaps even the manipulations of dark sorcerers who saw profit in the chaos of war.

[00:09:52] Within Marwood, the Declaration of War was met with a mixture of fervent patriotism and grave concern. The knights, proud and duty bound, prepared for a campaign unlike any they had faced before. The Nomes, while small in stature, were renowned for their cunning and magical prowess.

[00:10:10] Tales of their enchanted defences and deadly traps spread like wildfire, and many knights steeled themselves for a fight not just against flesh and blood, but against the very forces of magic itself. The people of Marwood, though confident in their knights' valor, could not shake the

[00:10:27] feeling of dread that hung in the air. As the first battles unfolded, the true nature of the Nome resistance became apparent. Their tactics were unconventional and unnervingly effective. No moreers utilized guerrilla strategies, using the terrain to their advantage and employing spells that left the knights disoriented and vulnerable.

[00:10:50] The initial skirmishes were a harsh awakening for Marwood, revealing that this war would be neither quick nor easy. Meanwhile, the shadows of the court, rumors of betrayal and intrigue grew. Some whispered that certain nobles, perhaps even close advisors to the king, had financial

[00:11:09] ties to mercenary groups or were in secret communication with Nome leaders, seeking to profit from prolonged conflict. Conspiracy theories flourished, some claimed that the border skirmishes were orchestrated by third parties, wealthy merchants who stood to gain from the war economy, or rival kingdoms

[00:11:28] hoping to weaken both Marwood and the Nome confederation. Others believed that the dark forces within Nome society itself sought to provoke a unified, fractured tribes against a common enemy. The most outlandish theories suggested that the entire conflict was a cosmic game, manipulated

[00:11:47] by ancient, unseen deities for their own amusement. And as the war dragged on it became clear that both sides were being tested in ways they had never anticipated. For Marwood it was a test of endurance, ingenuity and unity, and for the Nomes.

[00:12:03] It was a fight just for survival, identity and the preservation of their enigmatic culture. And on January 5th, the first real battle was fought. The Battle of Thistlebrook. This was the first major engagement in the burgeoning war between the Kingdom of Marwood and the Nome confederation.

[00:12:24] The lush rolling fields of Thistlebrook, which had once been a picturesque farming region, became the setting for a clash that would set the tone for the rest of the conflict. The Knights confident in their prowess in battle and clad in gleaming armor marched into Thistlebrook

[00:12:42] with the expectation of a swift and decisive victory. What they encountered instead was a nightmarish landscape of traps and sorcery that would haunt them for years to come. The Nomes had transformed Thistlebrook into a labyrinth of deadly surprises.

[00:12:58] As the Knights advanced, they found themselves ensnared by enchanted vines that sprang from the ground without warning, finding their limbs and dragging them into the underbrush. Pit balls disguised by illusions opened beneath the feet of the unwary, sending armored soldiers

[00:13:14] plunging into spike-filled pits, and then there were their magical attacks. Bursts of flame that erupted from seemingly innocent flowers and swarms of ethereal insects that stung with the intensity of molten iron. The air itself seemed to conspire against the Knights, whispering taunts and sewing confusion in their ranks.

[00:13:38] Shajafri, a seasoned Knight who had fought in numerous campaigns, later recounted the horror of Thistlebrook in his war journal. We marched in tight formation, all by an attire and our spirits higher, but as

[00:13:52] soon as we crossed into Thistlebrook, it was as if the land came alive with a malevolent will of its own. We were not facing mere gnomes. We were battling the very essence of nature, twisted and weaponized against us.

[00:14:09] The Knights, despite their bravery and discipline, were ill-prepared for the guerilla tactics and magical warfare employed by the gnomes. By the end of the day, the fields of Thistlebrook were littered with the bodies of fallen Knights, their once-proud armor now a testament to their tragic fate.

[00:14:24] The gnomes, elusive and nearly invisible in their woodland camouflage, melted back into the forest as dusk fell, leaving the Knights to tend their wounded and count their dead. The initial losses were staggering, not just in terms of lives but also in morale.

[00:14:40] The realization that they were up against an enemy who could turn the very environment into a weapon was a sobering wake-up call for Marwood. In the aftermath of the battle, King Aldrich summoned his War Council to assess the situation and devise new strategies.

[00:14:55] It became clear that the traditional tactics would not suffice against the gnomes. The council decided to incorporate mages and alchemists into their rankings, hoping that their knowledge of arcane art could counter the gnomes' magical prowess. Scouts were dispatched to study gnomes' tactics and find ways to neutralize their

[00:15:13] traps. There's also talk of recruiting rangers familiar with woodland warfare, those who could navigate the treacherous terrain and perhaps even turn it into their advantage. More theories and rumors once again swirled around the court. Many whispered that the gnomes had inside information about the Knights' movements,

[00:15:32] suggesting a spy in their midst. Others claimed that the gnomes were receiving aid from an unknown benefactor. Perhaps the rival kingdom, eager to see Marwood weakened. As the War Council deliberated, the people of Marwood prayed for their soldiers and braced themselves for a protracted conflict.

[00:15:50] The Battle of Thistlebrook was a pivotal moment in the war. It shattered any illusions that the Knights had of an easy victory and underscored the cunning and resilience of their nomad adversaries. The many lessons learned in Thistlebrook would shape the strategies and tactics

[00:16:05] of both sides for the remainder of the war as each sought to outwit and outfight the other, and a struggle that was as much about survival as it was about honor and conquest.

[00:16:17] And here we have yet another letter from a Knight who is at the Battle of Thistlebrook. My Dealer Standwell, I'll write to you with a heavy heart, the events of yesterday weighing heavily upon my soul.

[00:16:32] The Battle of Thistlebrook has left scars that may never heal, and the whores are witness, shall forever haunt my dreams. The cunning and cruelty of our nomad adversaries are beyond anything I could have imagined, and their use of dark enchantments has brought an untold suffering to our ranks.

[00:16:50] As we advance through the fields of Thistlebrook, our spirits will hide despite the strange and foreboding atmosphere. We have heard rumors of nomad chivalry, but we are prepared for the true extent of the vile sorcery.

[00:17:03] It was then that we heard a distant drumming, rhythmic and honking, carried on the wind. At first we thought it might be an illusion, but as we drew closer, sound grew more distinct and tantalizing.

[00:17:20] It was a phantom drummer bore conjured by the knowns playing a melody that tugged at the hearts of our men. You know well the knavtual clivity for the simple joys of a D triple B, also

[00:17:32] known as a drummer bore busy breakfast, a tradition that brings comfort and calm rivalry in these harsh times. The knowns in their twisted ingenuity had exploited this, knowing the lure would be irresistible soon.

[00:17:44] I watched in awe as a group of our men led by Sir Baldwin followed the sound. Their faces alight with a strange, almost enchanted hunger. The phantom drummer led them to a clearing where, hidden beneath, a thin layer of earth

[00:18:02] and leaves lay one of the knowns deadliest traps. As Sir Baldwin and his men stepped into the clearing, the ground gave way with a sick and crunch. They fell into a deep pit lined with sharpened stakes. The phantom drummer bore disappearing in a whispered smoke.

[00:18:18] Screams I followed one like anything I have ever heard. A symphony of agony that echoed through the forest and froze my blood. We rushed to the aid, but it was too late. The pit was a scene of unimaginable carnage and those who survived the fall were grievously wounded.

[00:18:37] Their bodies impaled on the cruel stakes. Sir Baldwin, a dear friend and comrade was among them, unneeded by his side. Endless. As the life drained from his eyes he grasped my hand and whispered his final words.

[00:18:56] A plea of vengeance against the knowns and their last faint memory of home. The knowns tactics on Cedius preying not just on our bodies but on our very spirits. They twist our fondest memories and simple pleasures into weapons of war.

[00:19:15] But Master Sir Baldwin and so many others has left a void in our hearts. Reminder of the cruel ingenuity of our enemy. We must steal ourselves against the sorcery and find new ways to counter their dark magic.

[00:19:30] Annabelle, your love and your letters are my beacon in this darkness. Though the road ahead is frost with peril I will endure for you for our future for the honor of our kingdom. Pray for us, my love. For we face an enemy unlike any other yours eternally.

[00:19:43] So that I'm not quoted. In the wake of the devastating losses at Thistlebrook, King Aldrich, the king of the world, has been given the right to be a king. The war had escalated beyond a simple border conflict, and the threat posed by the Nome

[00:20:04] Confederation now loomed over the entire region. On January 12th 1584, a pitiful moment in the war's history, the Anti-Nome Alliance Uniting the Kingdom of Marwood with neighboring realms and a concerted effort to combat the Nome Menace.

[00:20:23] The Call to Arms was answered by three significant allies, the Kingdom of Thaloria, the Duchy of Alaria, and the Principality of Verdantia. Thaloria known for its formidable cavalry and skilled archers brought much needed military might to the Alliance.

[00:20:39] Thaloria, a land steeped in ancient magical traditions, contributed powerful sorcerers and enchanted weaponry. Verdantia, with its strategic location and elite naval forces, ensured control of vital waterways and supply lines. The leaders of these realms convened at Iron Keep, Marwood's impenetrable fortress, to formalize their alliance.

[00:21:02] The Council of Iron Keep, as it came to be known, was a historic gathering of kings, dukes, and princes. Each pledging their armies and resources to the common cause. King Aldric, flanked by his most trusted advisors, laid out the dire situation and the cunning

[00:21:17] tactics of the Nomes, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration. The alliance was sealed with solemn oaths, and a grand feast was held to mark the occasion, though the somber mood reflected the gravity of the task ahead.

[00:21:33] Despite the outward show of solidarity, the Alliance was not without its internal tensions and political maneuvering. Each realm had its own interest and agendas. The specter of betrayal and intrigue was never far from the surface.

[00:21:45] Some whispered that the alliance was merely a facade, with each leader hoping to gain territory and influence at the expense of the others. Others suspected that spies from the Nome confederation had infiltrated the highest echelons of their ranks, selling discord and mistrust.

[00:22:00] These theories abounded, fueled by the mysterious circumstances of the Nome's sudden aggression. Some believed that a hidden power, perhaps an ancient and malevolent entity, was manipulating the Nomes from the shadows. Others posited that the Nome confederation had unearthed a powerful artifact, a relic

[00:22:14] from a forgotten age which had emboldened them to challenge the human kingdoms. These theories, though speculative, added an air of uncertainty and paranoia to the alliance efforts. But this would be a major turning point in the war.

[00:22:30] The combined forces of Marwit, Thaluria, Laria, and Verdantia began to coordinate their strategies, pooling their knowledge and resources to counter the Nome's magical traps and guerilla tactics. And joint military exercises were conducted. New tactics were developed that deal with the unique challenges posed by the Nome's

[00:22:48] guerilla tactics and hidden fortifications. And as the dawn broke on January 18th of 1584, the Knights of Marwit, bolstered by their newfound allies from the Anti-Nome Alliance prepared to lay siege to Stonehaven. A formidable Nome stronghold deep within the enchanted forests.

[00:23:09] Stonehaven was rumored to be a nexus of Gnomish magick and a critical supply depot for their war efforts. King Aldrick and his generals believed that capturing Stonehaven would deliver a significant blow to the Nomes and turn the tide of the war in their favor.

[00:23:23] The approach to Stonehaven was fraught with peril. The Nomes had constructed an intricate network of defenses using both the knowledge of the land and their mastery of enchantments. The Knights had to navigate Tritcher's Pass lined with hidden traps including pits filled

[00:23:35] with venomous creatures and explosive runes that could decimate entire platoons. A Knight would step on a rune and be eviscerated into nothing in front of their comrades, also causing moral decay and terror being sown within the troops.

[00:23:52] However, despite these dangers, the resolve of the Knights and their allies remained unshaken. At the heart of Stonehaven lay its most potent defense, a magical barrier that shimmered like a curtain of light impenetrable to conventional weapons. The Alliance's sorcerers and alchemists worked tirelessly to breach the barrier, employing

[00:24:13] counterspells and alchemical concoctions. But the Gnomish magick proved to be incredibly resilient. The Knights, meanwhile, constructed siege engines and launched assaults against the stronghold's outer walls, only to be met with fierce resistance from gnome archers and spellcasters.

[00:24:31] The Gnomes fought with a ferocity and ingenuity that left the besieging forces in disarray. Enchanted projectiles rang down upon the Knights, causing disorientation and chaos. Lusury terrain misled entire battalions into deadly traps while magical fogs obscured visibility, making coordinated attacks nearly impossible.

[00:24:52] The Gnomes also employed animated constructs, golems crafted from stone and wood that wrecked havoc among the siege lines. Sir Lancel, a Knight renowned for his brave reign tactical acumen, described the scene in his journal. Dole Neyman is a fortress unlike any we have encountered.

[00:25:11] The very air, homes with magic and the ground itself seems to inspire against us. Our men fight valiantly, but the Gnomes' death step forward is met with swift and merciless retombing all beset on all sides by an enemy that knows no fear and shows no mercy.

[00:25:40] The siege dragged on for days, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Knights and their allies managed to breach the outer defenses, but the magical barrier remained an insurmountable obstacle. Supplies dwindled and morale began to falter as the realization set in that Stonehaven would not fall easily.

[00:25:57] The Gnomes emboldened by their success. Launched, daring a counter-attacks further eroding the alliance's resolve. Conspiracy theories emerged within the ranks of the besieging forces, some whispered that a traitor among them was feeding information to the Gnomes, explaining their uncanny ability to anticipate encounter the Knights' strategies.

[00:26:16] While others speculated that the Gnomes had harnessed an incredibly powerful and ancient artifact hidden deep within Stonehaven, which granted them their seemingly invincible defenses. These rumors, though unverified, sowed seeds of mistrust and paranoia among the allies, causing

[00:26:33] them to launch an inquisition amongst their own ranks and seed out traitors. On the fifth day of the siege, King Aldric made the difficult decision to withdraw. The losses were too great, and the Gnomes' defenses were too formidable to overcome without incurring even more devastating casualties.

[00:26:53] The Knights retreated, carrying the wounded and vowing to return with greater strength and more effective strategies. The siege of Stonehaven had ended in failure, but it also served as a stark lesson in the cunning and tenacity of the Gnomes' defenders.

[00:27:07] The siege, though unsuccessful, underscored the need for greater cooperation and innovation within the Anti-Gnome Alliance, so the allies would regroup and share more intelligence and refine their tactics together, determined to find a way to break through the Gnomes' magical defenses.

[00:27:20] After all, it had only been six days since the original formation had begun, not a lot of time to really practice and study together. And so that's what caused this siege to fail in the first place.

[00:27:35] We do have a journal entry from Glimwick, the Gnome, about the siege two days afterwards in a letter they wrote to his dearest Dottie. Dearest Dottie! It is with a weary heart that I write to you from the fortified walls of Stonehaven.

[00:27:53] The relentless assault from the Knights of Marwood has left me exhausted and filled with a sadness that I cannot easily shake. These towering armored monsters continue their brutal attacks despite the gruesome traps and warnings we have laid out to deter them.

[00:28:08] Each day brings new whores, and I find myself yearning for the peace of our tranquil groves and the simple joy of your laughter. The war has forced us into acts I never imagined we would need to undertake.

[00:28:22] The leaders of our confederation, in their desperate bid to protect our lands, have devised traps so fiendish that even our enemies should be deterred. Yet these knights persist, driven by a misguided sense of honor and glory.

[00:28:35] I wish I did not have to sacrifice the souls of innocent pixies to power these spells. Each time I invoke their essence, I feel a piece of my own soul wither away. Their tiny, vibrant spirits are twisted into magical wards and curses that turn men

[00:28:51] into forms so whimsical and absurd that bull is on tragic comedy. One incident stands out in my mind, both for success and its disturbing aftermath. During one particularly fierce skirmish, I find myself cornered by a group of knights.

[00:29:07] Their blades gleamed with the cold, merciless light, and I feared for my life darty. With a swift incantation I turned the leader, the burly brute named Sir Gareth, into a mere jar of dirt. The transformation was instantaneous and complete.

[00:29:23] His cries of rage and confusion muffled within the confines of his new earthen prison. As the knight stood in stunned silence, I seized the moment to weave a tale of eternal torment. I told them that the jar of dirt curse was permanent, that Sir Gareth would remain

[00:29:38] sentient and fully conscious for eternity, unable to die, unable to move, condemned to witness the end of the world from his ignoble form. The true curse, I explained, was not the transformation, but the immortality that came with it. The thought of such a fate broke their spirits.

[00:29:58] They fled, weeping like babes, abandoning their leader and retreating into the forest. While this ruse saved my life and brought us precious time, it also filled me with a profound sorrow to see grown men, warriors of great renown, reduced to such abject

[00:30:15] terror and despair was a sight I would rather forget. War, in its unending cruelty, forces us to wield powers and commit acts that stain our very souls. I wish I could return to simpler days while magic was used to nurture and create rather than destroy and deceive.

[00:30:38] Every day along for the war to end, for the chance to return to your loving arms and the serenity of our home. I miss the glow, the soft glow of the far flies at dusk, the gentle rustle of leaves in the

[00:30:52] wind, the melody of your voice as you sing the old songs. Until that day comes, know that you are my beacon of hope, a light that guides me through these dark and harrowing times. Stay safe, my dearest Arti, and pray that this war will soon be over.

[00:31:13] Yours always, Glimwick. The night of January 25th, 1584, would be etched into the annals of the Nome Night War as a testament to the cunning and audacity of the Nome warriors. The gnomes, leveraging their intimate knowledge of the terrain and their mastery

[00:31:31] of stealth and enchantment, launched a surprise nighttime raid on the night's camp, throwing their enemies into utter chaos. The nights of Marwood, weary from the protracted siege of Stonehaven and the relentless skirmishes that followed, had settled into a semblance of rest.

[00:31:46] Campfires flickered in the cold night air, casting long shadows among the rows of tents and makeshift fortifications. Unbeknownst to them, the gnomes had been meticulously planning their strike, waiting for the perfect moment to exploit the night's fatigue and lowered guard.

[00:32:05] As the moon reached its zenith, the gnomes moved with the silence and precision of shadows. Utilizing enchanted cloaks that rendered them nearly invisible, they infiltrated the perimeter of the camp. Gnomes scouts, small and agile, navigated through the sleeping soldiers

[00:32:22] with ease, placing arcane sigils and laying down traps designed to create maximum confusion and disruption. At the signal of their leader, Glimwick the cunning, the raid commenced. The enchanted sigils erupted in bursts of dazzling light and sound, jolting the night's awake in a state of panic.

[00:32:41] As they stumbled from their tents, disoriented and blinded by the sudden onslaught, the gnomes struck small but fierce. They darted through the camp, slashing tent ropes, igniting supplies without chemical fire and sowing discord with their magic. Sir Cedric of Marwood, who had barely escaped the horror of Thistlebrook,

[00:32:57] described the scene in his journal. The night was rent asunder by chaos. Flames lived in sky, and our men, still running in sleep, fled blindly in the dark. The gnomes were everywhere and nowhere. There are small forms looking through our ranks like rays.

[00:33:15] It was as if the fairy shadows had come alive to torment us. The gnomes' tactics were as psychological as they were physical. Enchanted drums beat an eerie rhythmic cadence that seemed to come from alt directions, disorienting the night's further making it impossible

[00:33:31] to organize a coherent defense as they were all caught up in the illusion of having a drummer boy pussy breakfast. Illusions of monstrous creatures and phantom warriors added to the confusion, causing nights to strike out at empty air or worse, at their comrades.

[00:33:46] In the heart of the camp, Glimwick himself led a contingent of elite gnome warriors. They targeted the night's command tent, hoping to capture or incapacitate key leaders and so further chaos. As they approached, they encountered Sir Joffrey, who had taken

[00:34:00] command in the aftermath of this battle of Thistlebrook, a fierce skirmish ensued with Glimwick using his magic to great effect, creating illusory duplicates of himself and his warriors to be willed at the nights. Despite the gnome's prowess and the initial success of the raid,

[00:34:14] the night's discipline and training began to assert itself. Sir Joffrey, rallying his men, managed to organize a counterattack. The knights formed defensive circles protecting each other and gradually pushing the gnomes back. The element of surprise began to wane and the gnomes,

[00:34:29] recognizing the shifting tide, executed a planned withdrawal, disappearing into the night as swiftly as they had appeared. The aftermath of the raid was a scene of devastation and confusion. Supplies were destroyed, tents were torn asunder,

[00:34:43] and the knights were left to nurse their wounds and salvage what they could. The raid had not inflicted heavy casualties, but the psychological impact was profound. The knights now knew that the gnomes could strike at any time, even in the supposed safety of their own camp.

[00:35:00] The gnomes' night raid of January 25th, 1584 was a masterstroke of guerrilla warfare, showcasing the gnomes' ability to blend magic, stealth, and cunning. It underscored the need for constant vigilance and adaptation in the face of an enemy that defined traditional bountiful tactics.

[00:35:18] For the knights of Marwood, the raid was a stark reminder that the war would be long and arduous, filled with unexpected challenges and relentless o's. Another angle of this night was found in a letter from Sir Roland to Marjorie.

[00:35:58] The magic wolf chaos threw out rinks and in the midst of the confusion, I saw two of our rakers' knights, Sir Alistair and Sir Hugh, part victim to a terrible spell before my very eyes, their forms twisted and shrink,

[00:36:23] their armor falling away as they were transformed into lowly hogs. Their squirrels of bannock echoed through the night as they fled into the forest, now indistinguishable from the wild swine that inhabit these woods. The gnomes must have known that our proximity to the forest teaming with hogs would

[00:36:43] instill a dread in our hearts by turning home into these creatures they start to soak down in fear to make us question every hunt, every shadow. Indeed, the thought of mistakenly hunting one of our own now lost in the guise of a beast

[00:36:56] is a cruel twist that weighs heavily on all of us. Despite that fear, that gripped us. We could not afford to let the rain leave us without sustenance. We ventured into the forest hunt, driven by necessity.

[00:37:15] As fate would have it, I found myself aiming my crossbow at a particularly large hog. The beast looked at me with eyes that seemed to hold a flicker of recognition, a haunting familiarly in that gave me pause.

[00:37:33] Yet hunger, we dressed the hog, its minimal welcome addition to our dwindling supplies. Around the fire as we cooked and ate, the grim reality of our situation set our robes like a shroud. The hog, whose eyes had seemed so knowing, was sounding, delicious.

[00:37:56] A bitter reminder of the harsh choices and small forces upon us. The possibility that I had consumed a calm red, transformed by cruel magic is a thought that I can scarcely bear. It lingers in my mind with everybody.

[00:38:13] These norms are not mere tricksters. They are ruthless and cunning, exploiting every weakness they perceive. Their magic is a tool of terror, turning our strengths into vulnerabilities. The raid has left us shaken but not broken. We will adapt. We will fight.

[00:38:38] All right guys, so this was originally going to be a 4 hour episode, but due to time constraints today and my editing software deciding that every clip I do, where I'm doing either the night voice or the known voice, I have to redo about 10 to 15 times

[00:39:25] as limited my total time today for editing. I hope you guys have enjoyed this. If you have, it's this is something so I know I said next week we'll return to history, but no, I wrote like 92 pages. I'm going to record all of this.

[00:39:42] And so next week we'll continue. Hopefully my editing software will let me get through all of it and edit each chunk properly. So if that happens you guys will see a probably 3 hour long episode

[00:39:59] next Monday and it's going to be great. If it doesn't happen then well that fucking sucks, might be 3 week, 3 part or thing. The title of this episode is probably going to be something like

[00:40:19] deep gnome versus night war lore to sleep slash study slash relax to or something like that. So be ready for this being a bit of a weird one and I guess now next week also being a

[00:40:32] bit of a weird one. Again, if you guys really liked it please leave a comment, subscribe, share this with other people that you think would enjoy this. Tell me what you liked, maybe what you didn't like. You can email me at historicalquorals.gmail.com

[00:40:46] and let me know your thoughts. If you want me to do something random or if you want me to continue doing a series like this then just again let me know because I had a lot of fun writing

[00:41:04] this. I hope you guys have enjoyed the bits and what not from this. I appreciate you all and you guys have a good one. I'll see you next Monday with more gnome and night war lore.