the elf queen calls for a gathering of the races, but only the humans and halflings show up. the giants and dark elves have formed a secret alliance in order to cleanse rohan of the humans and elves. when the humans, halflings, and elves counter this by allying themselves, the giants extend their hands to the half elves. the dhan and dekan, having already lost many in their ten-year war remain neutral as this new war unfolds, but their land is now being threatened by monsters from all sides.