The Last Flicker of Hope, Extinguished

Many centuries ago, early humans settled at the base of the mountains. The way the mountains wrapped around in a loose U shape provided security. The ground was perfect for farming - fertile and easy to work despite no known rivers or lakes nearby. Wells were easy to dig out and seemed to never run low.

This led to the civilization prospering. As the years passed and the kingdom grew, they constructed a massive castle nestled up near the mountains. Invaders stood no chance, and every attempted assault was thwarted. Their influence began to spread.

Then one day the populace awakened to trees sprouting up all around the kingdom. Through roads, in the fields, even from the walls of the castle. The trees did not appear to be native to the region. Curious, scientists and researchers took samples to see what they could learn. But there wasn't time.

The trees grew quickly. It wasn't long before they started flowering and releasing pollen. And thus the siege had begun. Those living closest to the trees fell ill with a bark-like skin condition. The ailment swiftly spread. Leaves sprang forth from fingertips. Roots reached downward into the earth from the soles of their feet. Still conscious, the inhabitants could do nothing as they became part human and part tree.

Panic overtook the kingdom. No one could escape, though many tried. The roots would take hold before they got too far. Some resigned themselves to this destiny and laid on the ground, yielding to nature. Their homes and the castle consumed by branches and leaves. And so the kingdom was lost to the Woodland Empire.