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You climb up to the highest point in the village, but the fighting has already started.

Dozens of feathered apes move along the darkness of the river illuminated by the full moon.

They're supported by humans from unfamiliar tribes that form a savage mob armed with clubs and stone hatchets. Some are mounted on sleek riding lizards of frightening aspect. The first sign you've seen here of animal husbandry is not an encouraging one.

Lurking in the shadows are strange creatures you've never seen before, but people have described them: ophidians. Sleek and scaled, with clawed hands and fanged mouths, they carry feathered javelins and glide through the darkness like phantoms.

Some of the False Icon's forward scouts caught a few villagers at the edge of town; their clumsy butchery has alerted the village.

You look around for the raid's leader.

Keimia appears out of the half darkness, spear raised. She shouts even as her forces move into position, and you realize that there will be no parley, no negotiation. This savage land knows nothing of those customs. The battle is already starting as villagers run to the warriors lodge to retrieve their bows and spears, but Keimia speaks regardless.

"Chief Kothis," she shouts, "you are finished! This place will be destroyed, like so many villages before it." An ophidian nearby speaks to her, then she goes on: "You will die, and your people will be given over to the ophidians." Arrows and javelins fly as humans skulking in the darkness rush the village. But you knew that this sort of attack might happen, and you have planned ahead….