(Third-person perspective)
The once fragmented Mountain Clans are now united under the banner of Aermir. The clang of steel echoes through the valley as warriors clad in magical armor form a powerful force, ready to challenge the forces of the Vale at any moment.
Mounted on horseback, surrounded by Mountain Clans chiefs, Aermir addressed the crowd in a majestic voice.
"Today, we are united. For a common goal, for a common faith, we stand together. The Old Gods protect us, and with their blessing, we will reclaim what is rightfully yours," Aermir declared, his words powerful and convincing.
Omer, the leader of the Moon Brothers, stepped forward, a renewed determination shining in his eyes.
"We are brothers, marching forward for the same cause. The Vale may have its knights, but we have the strength of the mountains and the favor of the Old Gods," Omer declared, gathering his warriors.
The army began its march towards the Vale of Arryn; Aermir divided his troops into four parts so they could move undetected through the mountains. His maps of the Vale were so detailed that even the mountain tribes held him in awe; Aermir discovered many animal trails unknown to them. The Moon Brothers Warg Kur and the Black Ears Warg Vilan were assigned to different units as scouts. Aermir used his household servants to cover all areas, but a couple more scouts wouldn't hurt.
In the current situation, Aermir finds himself in a delicate position. As a Druid, he cannot openly aid the Mountain Clans in their struggle for homeland, as this would be seen as an invasion from the North. He does not want a protracted war; all he needs to do is destabilize the region and establish a free Mountain Clans territory. However, he also sees an opportunity to cautiously support them through healing and buffs. He must also fight as a warrior.
When the Vale begins to organize and repel them, he will appear as Druid and end the war. Aermir doesn't care how to convince others of his innocence in starting the war; what matters to him is the visual impact of his involvement. He will portray his support as a revelation from the Old Gods themselves. In his view, this is not an invasion, but a liberation—a distinction he believes is fundamentally real.
Aermir knew the Mountain Tribes could never win this war; of course, if he were to lead the vanguard and kill the Vale lord, they could win, but that would make everyone on the continent his enemy. So Aermir looked to the long term; he wanted to secure a small piece of land for the Mountain Tribes. He envisioned a prosperous future for the Mountain Clans under his support, a prospect that filled the commoners who worshipped the Seven with envy.
Just as he did in the North, Aermir will disrupt the Seven ' food production, bringing a bountiful harvest to the followers of the Old Gods.
As time went on, his goal was to turn the entire Vale into the domain of the Old Gods. Aermir could not allow a faith that viewed magic users as evil and sinners to exist around him. He believed the North would remain as vulnerable as ever if he could defeat the Night's King in the North, and he sought to establish a buffer zone to keep dangerous fanatics like those in the Vale at bay.
The mountain army snaked through the tall grass like snakes. They passed right in front of them, but Aermir chose to do so when the sun was up or the sentries were asleep, to avoid being discovered. Thousands upon thousands surged toward the granaries of Vale of Arryn, and no one knew what was happening; all their eyes and support were directed, as Aermir had planned, toward the coastline of Paps and Bite.
With the Mountain Legion's divisions in strategic position, Aermir halted the impending attack on the Vale of Arryn. Although initially prepared, he decided to wait patiently, using the ongoing harvest to gather necessities for the upcoming conflict. Aermir would carry as much supplies as possible and burn any remaining ones to ensure the army had sufficient resources to sustain itself, while restricting the Vale's access to their emergency reserves.
As time passed, the mountain warriors' anticipation grew stronger. Finally, when the time was ripe, the army launched an attack from four different directions. Aermir temporarily shed his Druid identity and joined the battle as a powerful warrior. Under his blessing, the strength of 200 elite mountain warriors was enhanced, making them a formidable force, just like the 200 little Umber beside him.
While their strength and skills may not match his "Juggernaut," they are still a select and powerful team of warriors.
Vale of Arryn, once a tranquil and bountiful valley, now echoes with the clatter of boots and the clang of steel. The unsuspecting families within— the House Donniger, House Egen, House Hardyng, House Moore, House Elesham House Hunter, House Waynwood, and House Lynderly— find themselves embroiled in an unexpected war.
At the break of Dawn, the Mountain Clans swooped down from the heights, catching House Donniger completely off guard. The raid unfolded swiftly, the clanging of steel echoing through the valley. Ser Aric Donniger, the valiant leader of House Donniger, rallied his men, determined to repel the invaders, but he had already dispatched a significant portion of his forces to Bitten Valley, accompanied by his son.
As the thick smoke from the burning farmland obscured the sky, Ulf, son of Omer, leader of the Moon Brothers, signaled for retreat. His ambush forces, having inflicted heavy losses on House Donniger's lands, fled into the mountains. The unsuspecting Ser Aric Donniger, driven by revenge, led his troops in hot pursuit.
As they reached the mountain path, darkness began to fall, but Lord Donigg was still in pursuit; he was determined to slaughter his disloyal lackeys. As expected, Ser Aric Donniger, driven by vengeance, led his troops into the narrow mountain path. As all of Donigg's men entered the path, the Moon Brothers ambush force turned and clashed with Donigg's forces.
In the battle, some enchanted armor and weapons exploded like grenades, killing many. Lord Donigger's side suffered heavy losses, but some mountain people were also hit by flying shrapnel. The Painted Dogs began to attack the unsuspecting Donigger troops from both sides. Sir Donigger's forces were forced to fight from three directions.
As the Vale people found themselves trapped, Ulf and Redan's forces continued to gain the upper hand. Yarick Arric realized the dire situation and reluctantly ordered a retreat. Though battered and bruised, the Vale people were not defeated. They began to retreat along winding paths, struggling against the relentless pursuit of the Mountain Clans.
In the ambush, Redan, the leader of the Painted Dogs, dueled with Ser Aric Donniger. Ser Arric wore armor adorned with noble crests, wielding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. His eyes revealed the resolve of a seasoned knight, but Redan's axe and armor were enchanted, and with this knowledge, Redan became even more fearless.
The conflict began with lightning speed. Empowered by Aermir's magic, Redan wielded his giant axe with immense force. Sir Yarick skillfully wielded his sword and shield, using agility and superb defense to parry the attacks, but with each clash, Redan's magical axe managed to create small nicks in Sir Donig's sword and armor.
As the battle progressed, Aermir's magic had clearly gained the upper hand. At a crucial moment, Redan launched a fierce attack, shattering Donig's shield. Sir Donig was bewildered; where had these mountain barbarians found such a fine weapon?
The enchanted giant axe cleaved the air, the blow clear and powerful. Sir Yarick, despite his desperate struggle, fell to the ground, his sword slipping from his grasp. Redan smiled and said:
"You fought well, Sir Donig. Now that you've been defeated by Redan, the leader of the Painted Dogs, you may continue your journey."
With a final, powerful blow, Redan severed Sir Donig's head, ending his life. The Vale people, having lost their leader, began to scatter like a flock of quails.