The next time humans marched against magical armies they faced a foe they could never hope to defeat - the Golden Army. Mechanical warriors butchered humans quickly and elves emerged victorious. But there was a price to be paid. The Golden army did not distinguish between friend or foe, they had no mercy on the innocent human women and children. Prince Nuada, however, didn't trust humans and believed they would betray elves, so he left into exile, swearing to return in his people's hour of need. The Golden army was sealed off underground, lying dormant.