The Line in the Sand

[Grand Fromage]

Black, translucent humanoids began to appear.

They coalesced from the evening shadows, floating a few feet in the air. Dozens of them, all across Everlund, Silverymoon, Sundabar, Citadel Felbarr, and Mithril Hall. The figures had no features and didn't seem to move. Magical projections, the Spellguard quickly determined, some sort of sending spells.

The figures simply hung in the air for nearly ten minutes. Crowds began to form to watch them from a distance. At once the figures began to speak, echoing an eerie, two-layered voice across the five cities.

"People of the Silver Marches confederation. This message is for you, for your civilians and for your leaders, your wizards and your warriors, your nobles and common men alike. Take heed, as this does not come idly.

"Your confederation is currently occupying a number of territories that are rightfully the property of Netheril. In addition, your people have raided Netherese ruins and acquired large numbers of artifacts that rightly belong to the Empire. As we wish peace, this is your warning. You have forty five days to do the following:

"First, you must return all Netherese property to its rightful owners. As long as a significant effort has been made, we will show mercy on this particular deadline. Artifacts can be brought to our allies in Citadel Adbar for their return to us. Any found knowingly hiding Netherese property will be dealt with in the harshest of ways.

"Second, you must evacuate all territories rightfully belonging to Netheril. This includes the villages of Wintersdeep, Hithui Imladris, Jalanthar, Lhuvenhead, Rauvinscross, and the city of Everlund. This territory must be returned to us intact and unspoiled.

"Third, we will level the villages of Hilltop, Newfort, and Winter's Edge, and their Zhentarim populations will be eradicated. Any interference in this will be taken as an act of war.

"If these conditions are met, we will have peace in our time. If they are not, the consequences will be dire. We trust in your leaders to make the proper decision. And to you, the people, assist us. Do not let your leaders throw you into a war that you have no hope of winning. Fare thee well." The figures dissipated as quickly as they arrived, leaving nothing but silence behind.

[mxlm]

We gave you a promise, and we are bound by that promise. And damn you for asking for it. And damn me for agreeing to it. And damn all of us to hell, because that is exactly where we're going.

We talked about peace. You didn't want peace.

We talked about cooperation. You didn't want cooperation.

You want war, is that it? Well you've got a war