After considerable persuasion, Shawn finally convinced the two male elven mages. As for Merry, there was never any question of convincing him; he had always trusted Shawn.
Soon, the five-mage squad began making its way secretly into the heart of the Amani Empire.
In the northern Eastern Kingdoms of this era, the Amani Empire occupied the largest territory, twice as large as the Arathor Empire and the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas combined.
The Amani Trolls' powerful regenerative abilities and terrifying rate of reproduction gave them an enormous population. Under natural conditions, Trolls also lived longer than humans, resulting in rapid, unchecked population growth.
Anthropologists tell us that the simplest and most effective way to curb population growth is not birth control, but war and disease.
With their powerful constitutions and consummate mastery of voodoo, Trolls rarely fell ill. That left war as the only major factor capable of curbing their population.
Trolls needed war.
They needed more living space for their rapidly increasing numbers, making aggression against other races inevitable.
With such an enormous population, the Amani Empire was densely populated. There was no way Shawn's group of five could penetrate deep into its territory without difficulty.
Nor could they use the Doppelganger Potions right from the start. These potions were scarce and difficult to obtain. Once their supply ran out, they would not be able to replenish it anytime soon, so they had to use them sparingly.
Thus, they had prepared for battle from the very beginning.
The Trolls roaming and patrolling all along the border between the Arathor Empire and the Amani Empire became the group's first targets.
Shawn released his only pet, the Crystal Spider, and gripped Sharzaru's Hatecrest Naga Staff, engaging in sustained spell combat for the first time.
Fireball, Frostbolt, Arcane Missiles, Arcane Blast...
Shawn found