Editing Tarnum (section)

== Letters from Tarnum ==
These letters appeared in the game manuals for several of the {{hc}} games.

=== Letter to [[the Historian]] ===
From the [[Warlords of the Wasteland]] manual.

 Sir,
 
 You say you are a historian - a noble pursuit.
 
 I must admit I was surprised when I received your message. I was even more stunned that you know my secret. Although some details are missing, your account of my long life is quite thorough. Perhaps some day we can meet and you can explain how you accomplished such a task?
 
 And yes, there is a hole in your records. My first reaction was to tear up your letter. That is a period of my life I would rather not conjure up again, but a few days later I realised if there is ever a lesson, or moral to be learned from my existence, it can be found in that dark time before I became the Immortal Hero.
 
 Too often, beginnings are filled with pain and sorrow. My story is no exception. So, I've agreed to help you on one condition - leave nothing out, and change nothing, especially if it makes me look better. My story should be told as is, or not at all.
 
 Tarnum
 The Immortal Hero

=== Letter to [[Allison Gryphonheart]] ===
From the [[Conquest of the Underworld]] manual. '''NOTE:''' This letter is cut off at the end. The final words are inferred.

 To Her Majesty Queen [[Allison Gryphonheart]],
 
 When I heard your request for a [[Knight]] to lead your troops into the [[Underworld]], I assumed all of [[Erathia]] would have jumped for the opportunity to rescue the soul of the late [[Rion Gryphonheart|King Gryphonheart]], your father. Perhaps they were frightened off by the stories.
 
 Know this - I will not rest until I find your father's soul and return it to [[Paradise]]!
 
 I have heard that you demand to accompany your troops to the [[Underworld]], but this is not a wise decision. Who knows what kind of resistance I will meet at the gates to the [[Underworld]]? So, please leave the fighting to soldiers like myself, for [[Erathia]] ne[eds you].
 
 Your Humble Servant,
 Sir Tarnum

=== Letter to [[Gavin Magnus]] ===
From the [[Masters of the Elements]] manual. '''NOTE''': As alluded to [[The Trouble with Magic]], this letter was actually sent by the [[Ancestors]], not Tarnum, who was initially unaware of the [[elemental]] threat and the fact that Magnus had given him a Tower.

 To His Majesty [[Gavin|King Magnus]] of [[Bracada]],
 
 Allow me to be blunt. The world needs your help. If the situation were not so serious I would not ask for your help, but it is, and I am.
 
 For ten thousand years, the [[Elemental Lords]] have been bound in their own realms by a truce that was forced upon them long ago. Now, they are free to do as they wish. Unfortunately, they plan to segregate the elements that were forced together during the creation of the world. I do not need to explain to you that this will bring about the destruction of the world.
 
 I ask you to give me one of your [[Tower|Towers]] so I can lead a force into the [[Elemental Planes]] themselves to strike at the [[Elemental Lords]] before they bring their chaos to this world. The [[Golem|Golems]], [[Naga|Nagas]], and other creatures under your command are creatures of magic, and thus the only such beings capable of surviving in the [[Elemental Planes]]. With your help, perhaps I can stop this madness.
 
 Sincerely,
 Lord Tarnum
 The Immortal Hero

=== Letter to the [[Elf King]] ===
From the [[Clash of the Dragons]] manual.

 To His Royal Majesty the [[Elf King]] of [[AvLee]],
 
 I agree the [[Spring Festival]] was marred by the absence of the [[Green and Gold Dragons]]. I have never known a good [[Dragon]] to break its word, so when you wrote that they promised to participate this year, I immediately knew something was wrong. Although I have spent most of my recent years among [[Dragon|Dragons]], I must admit I do not know where they have gone.
 
 I am grateful you realized the graveness of this situation by lending me your forces. [[Dragon|Dragons]] only break their promises if there is powerful evil loose upon the world. I thought I would begin my journey by finding the old Elven woman known as the [[Dragontalker]]. She has lived with the [[Dragon|Dragons]] for longer than anyone. I will let you know what I learn.
 
 Sincerely,
 Tarnum Dragonfriend

=== Letter to [[Erathia]] ===
From the [[Revolt of the Beastmasters]] manual.

 To the Kingdom of [[Erathia]],
 
 No longer will we wear your chains, work in your fields, and die in your mines. No longer will we bear the painful bite of your whips. No longer will we cower in fear!
 
 We, the [[Mudland|Mudlanders]], recognize our freedom, and that all creatures are born with this right. Not even you, who have thrown shackles around the necks of thousands, deserve the disheartening murder of hope that is the life of a slave. Fear not our vengeance, [[Erathia]], but do not underestimate us either. We are ready to fight for our freedom. Every last one of us is prepared to spill our blood. Are you prepared to do the same simply to recapture us?
 
 We are the [[Mudland|Mudlanders]]. We are free!
 Tarnum

=== Letter to [[Gelu]] ===
From the [[The Sword of Frost]] maunal.

 To [[Gelu]] of [[AvLee]],
 
 "Look with ultimate dread on the day when [[Armageddon's Blade (artifact)|Armageddon's Blade]] and the [[Sword of Frost]] do meet..."
 
 You know the words of this prophecy as well as I, [[Gelu]]. Can you not see that your quest to find the [[Sword of Frost]] endangers us all? Leave that mysterious blade lost as it has been for countless centuries. You already possess the most powerful sword in the world. What more do you need?
 
 You must think your quest is for the benefit of us all, but you are misguided. Turn back now before you open a hornet's nest. Listen to me! I will not allow you to succeed, no matter the cost. Do not assume our friendship will restrain me.
 
 If my pleading hasn't made an impact, perhaps this will.
 
 "...for it will mean the [[The Reckoning|end of the world and all who live on it]]!"
 
 A Warning,
 Tarnum Dragonfriend