Highlord Hsin paused and looked to the sky before speaking.

“Far to the west, past the Black Desert and Roaring Mountains, we have quietly advanced our culture in seclusion for the past several centuries. We have no need for food or rest, do not age, and through proper maintenance have achieved a kind of immortality. Lacking a use for resources that drive humanity to culturally-halting wars and conflict, we have developed a peace undreamed of by your barbaric kings.

“As a result, our culture has progressed rapidly, far outpacing a human population seemingly locked in medieval dark ages.” Highlord Hsin sauntered to a nearby tree and plucked a leaf from a branch.

“Well you obviously need some resources, if you’re coming out of hiding now,” William said. The lich shook his head slowly and let the leaf fall.

“No, no, we have all that we need. Humans have an uncanny ability to scour the land and slaughter the beasts of the field due to their complete focus on the present, on what happens today. But we look much farther ahead, as our bodies have seen decades pass as minutes with no foreseeable end. We have achieved a balance with the land and avoid any waste. Our lands are small and it has always been of the utmost importance to preserve what remains.”

“So why are you here?” William asked, leaning on his spear.

“Because humans insist on making us their slaves. They have pushed too far, and now we must push back.”