Welcome to Trunau, a town in the Hold of Belkzen, one of only a few human settlements in the otherwise orc-dominated land. It is not large, but it is well defended, and its inhabitants are made of grit and determination.
Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons; the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her.
“Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?” Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question. “If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd.
“Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony.
Once Halgra finishes her speech, the townsfolk waste no time transitioning to the ceremony’s more lighthearted festivities. Two men, whom you recognize to be Kurst and Rodrik Grath, prominent members of the town militia and the two eldest sons of Patrol Leader Jagrin Grath, start boasting of their strength and ask Ruby to point to her champions, who will face off with the men in a tug-of-war.
As Ruby starts selecting people, you realize she just pointed at you.
Kragmyr lets out a bellowing laugh as he is selected. Truth be told he *liked* this town. The people here didn't run, they didn't bend, they fought until they broke. He greatly approved of their ceremony, for it showed their hatred of the orc and their commitment to their homes. Far too many humans ran at the first sight of trouble. Not these men and women. If all mankind were like this, he reflected, the world would be a better place.
"Aye then! I may be a head shorter than ye lot, but Torag knows I outweigh several o' ye! By the forgefather's breath, let's do this."
Ulark blinks in surprise few a few precious moments as he sees young Ruby's finger land on him. He had seen Ruby around the town several times and waved to her from afar in a few of his stops back in Trunau, but the paladin could not recall if he and the girl had ever exchanged words before.
Still, as Ruby looks up excitedly at him, Ulark smiles back gives a bow in friendly ceremony before slowly makeing his way towards the rope. Of course 'milady.
Seeing the talespinner Kragmyr, yes? already there, Ulark taps him on the shoulder and whispers as Ruby continues to pick her champions.
Being around so many people was something Torith was starting to get used to again, though it had took him many months to do so. It helped that most of his time spent in a throng of people had been in Trunau, a town that was almost as stubborn and resilient as himself.
Torith watches as Ruby points around the room. As her finger lands on him he swears under his breath in his own tongue, "Oh dung!". He wasn't really used to having this much attention on him.
Torith moves forward to join Ruby's other champions. I may not be the strongest of my kin but Pappy always told me "a Dwarf doesn't back down from a challenge!" he thinks to himself defiantly.
He greets each of the other champions with a hearty handshake as he takes a mental note that he hasn't seen this many of his kin together since before the disaster in Redmine.
Another hopeknife ceremony. After initially thinking it was rather grim, Gundar had come to approve of what the custom symbolized. Children in a brutal land couldn't be sheltered from reality forever. As Ruby's intent is made plain and her finger is leveled finally at him, Gundar flashes a rare grin. He'd always liked Halgra's brood, and the youngest was no exception. "So it's a dwarven contest you'll be wanting then, is it lass? Shows good taste!"
Gundar cracks his knuckles loudly as he steps forward.
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Belir roars with laughter and nearly spits the majority of his ale all over the ground as he is chosen. Normally the people of Trunau didn't pay much mind to the younger dwarf as he socialized alone in the tavern and usually kept to himself working on small patches of dented arms and armor around town for folks.
He didn't have many customers but he had a few loyal ones who whispered that the metal seemed to speak to him.
Pushing his way through the crowd of people that he can barely see past Belir makes it to the stage as sees it full of other dwarves from around town.
What's this little girlie getting at. At least she has good taste.
"HA! As you wish girl. My booth can wait." Thozar puts a few items away at his booth and puts a "closed" sign atop the counter. He confidently strides to the tug of war rope, his braided hair and beard swaying with the rhythm of his gait. Seeing a band of burly dwarves, he smiles broadly and shouts, His thick hands close around the rope, ready for sport.
Kurst and Rodrik explain the rules, which is simply a tug of war match. The crowd gathers to cheer, and a few bets are placed as you take your positions.
"Are you ready?" Kurst shouts.
"Ready as Logri Ironbreaker when he held the gates o' Karak Khaz!"
Thuradin smiles as Ruby points to him "Saving the best for last, are ya Miss?" he says as he joins the other dwarves on the rope. Looking over the team he thinks to himself "The girls got some tactical sense, choosing us stout folk. Lower to the ground makes it harder to pull us." Stretching out his muscles before grabbing the rope he turns to others "Alright, gentlemen, and Lady" he adds with a slight bow "let's show these longshanks how things are done." he nods, with a wink, towards the other team.
I know this song. A good tune.
Gundar knelt to the dirt and took some soil, spat in it, and ground it into his palms. Then he took up the rope and squared himself away.
Sure. A big PULLLL for the jeweled lass! Ulark says as he digs deep and lends his strength to give young Ruby a victory on her special day.
Thozar hums as best he can along with the tune, but makes an error every couple of bars. Been awhile since I've heard this one... Regardless of his accuracy, he still feels the strength surge through him as the legacy of dwarven might courses through him.
Remembering the mine foreman's drills for lifting heavy equipment, Torith tries to get the group to work together to pull at the same time.
"Ok, all pull on a count of three... one... two... " he says loudly in Dwarven, hoping that the other team doesn't understand.
Ruby has a -1, but even still you clearly have the other team outmatched (+7).
You win easily, and everyone cheers for Ruby's team!
Dropping the rope, Kragmyr lets out a hearty cheer for Ruby and his dwarven comrades.
At Torith's "Three" Ulark heaves as much as he can. Lending his strength to all the other dwarves standing behind Ruby. After the rope slides quickly towards their side of the room, Ulark smiles at the girl and gives a nod They won't all be that easy 'course, but 's a good start!
As the newest 'adult' of Trunau is approached by a throng of the rest of the crowd, the paladin turns to the rest of his 'team'.
Not bad lads. Between us and Ruby always good to show size's not everything. he turns especially towards the ranger. Gundar, saw a dwarf off on the plains 3 days past. That happen to be you on patrol? Mostly ever only see you out east.
Shaking the dirt off his hands and giving Ruby one last smile, Gundar turns to Ulark.
"Aye, I was out there a few days ago. Chasin' a trio o' orcs what came down from the eastern hills. Put a bolt in one, and the other two scarpered off with me in tow." Gundar shakes his head in disappointment and drops his gaze from the paladin's in a momentary pang of shame. "Didn't catch 'em, though. They were pressing hard, seemed to know they were followed."
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Belir gives Ruby a good clap on the back. "Well done Lass. Well done!"
Belir seems a bit embarrassed as the large crowd round town cheers on the winning team. he scans the crowd for an Ale tent that is close by and begisn to head in its direction.
Finding one he begins to lick his chapped and dry lips. Congratulating his fellow dwarves, Belir leaps from the stage and pushes his way through the crowd. "First rounds on me fer the winning team!"
I knew they would be no match for us. Dwarves are made of sterner stuff than men.
Hearing that a round on somebody else is being called, Thozar quickly meets him at the ale tent. "Fine work you did back there! It is refreshing to be with my own kin again," he says as he throws back his mug of ale. Wiping the froth from his mustache, he sets the ale down. "I would love to stick around more, but I have a booth to attend to." He then makes his way back to his modest shop and prays for customers.
Thuradin walks over to the captain of the other team and extends his hand "Good job, everyone. I'm sure Ruby is enjoying her day." As Belir shouts out his offer Thuradin raises an eyebrow "If you'll excuse me I believe they are playing my song." Before joining the others at the tavern Thuradin shouts out "And I've got the first round for our worthy opponents!"
Kragmyr nods happily. It was good to be among his kin when not recording grudges. Celebrations were too far between in his opinion. Clapping Gundar on the back he said "Don't worry lad, they'll breed"*
"An I'll get the second round. We'll toast Ruby an' this fine town!"
"Aye, I was out there a few days ago. Chasin' a trio o' orcs what came down from the eastern hills. Put a bolt in one, and the other two scarpered off with me in tow." Gundar shakes his head in disappointment and drops his gaze from the paladin's in a momentary pang of shame. "Didn't catch 'em, though. They were pressing hard, seemed to know they were followed."
Ulark nods knowingly.
Foul luck or ill winds can't be what drops a man's spirits. You're here, two of 'em aren't and one never will be. Sounds like a fair end to me. He nods towards the cheering Kragmyr. 'Sides - tell that tale to the singer over there and you'll get a mighty saga by sunnup.
The dwarf looks around at the festive throng. Now, you haven't seen Kharl around, have you? Barely got through the gates before this thing started and haven't seem him or Trini yet.
Torith gets caught up in the moment and starts to enjoy the company of his Dwarven team mates. "To Ruby!" he cheers with the others.
"Did someone say ale...?" he says as he follows the others to find something strong to drink.
"I'll put my name down to buy a round too. We Torsons don't like debts, especially when it comes to booze!"
"Don't worry lad, they'll breed"*
Gundar gives a curt nod and taps the axe hanging at his belt by way of both answer and promise. And I'll be waiting.
"Now, you haven't seen Kharl around, have you? Barely got through the gates before this thing started and haven't seem him or Trini yet."
Gundar shakes his head. "Nay. Only been inside the gates a couple hours myself, though."
Gundar shakes his head. "Nay. Only been inside the gates a couple hours myself, though."
Ulark's mail rattles as the dwarf shrugs his shoulders. Ah, don't mean to keep you then. There's few enough comforts for us outside, and form sounds the beer tent's seeing fine traffic. He lays a gentle hand on Gundar's shoulder. Don't know how long I'm here this time, but we should speak before either o' us leaves. Heard rumors of a warg pack out by the Kestral river; some advice on how to track them'd be appreciated.
Lifting his hand, Ulark wades through the crowd, trying to scan his brother or his halfling sister-in-law through the throng.
You all have a great time, drinking and enjoying the many games and musicians. Some of you drink a little too much. You also manage to spend some time in conversations.
Later in the evening, you find yourself approached by Kurst and Rodrik Grath.
They’ve taken a measure of your strength during the tug-of-war match, and in the interest of securing future defenders for Trunau.
"Come on, lads! Tell us your hopes and dreams!"
Rodrik is a confident man with a hearty laugh and an honest looking smile.
Kurst is more reserved, but still adds a comment or two, usually in the form of a subtle joke.
Hopes and dreams... Thozar strokes his beard for a moment and leans against the side of his booth. "I wish to expand my command over the magic of the earth and live a better life. Why do you ask such a question?" he asks curiously.
Kragmyr falls deep into his cups as the celebration goes on. There is the usual talk of the hopeknife and other human issues. But sure enough, his book opens. It begins with reading tales of victory and vengeance, but slowly he begins reading of the wrongs which caused them. And those still outstanding. Before long the assembled humans ignore him entirely, much as he does them. It is not until he hears Rodrik. Hopes and dreams? He looked to the book of grudges again. This was book contained his hope and dreams.
On this day Ungrin, Norn and Hertha Orefatber were murdered by the Icehaunter tribe of giants while moving their stocks of ale through the tundra to bring them to market. Their bodies were found trampled in the snow and among their empty and shattered casks.
Perhaps it was the alcohol that was doing the thinking, but Kragmyr felt an itch to go out and right some wrongs. Hopes and dreams indeed. He took another gulp of ale.
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After a few ales Belir begins to rant and rave over a few things he knows.
"The hopeknife is more than a weapon—it’s a symbol. To Trunauans, earning your hopeknife is a mark of your place in the community. When you earn your hopeknife, it means you are wise enough to make adult decisions, old enough to know what it means to fear, and strong enough to protect your neighbors, even if it costs you your own life."
"Even though she’s the Chief Defender’s daughter, Ruby has to pledge to uphold the Standing Vow in order to receive her hopeknife, just like the rest of us. She must agree to hold Trunau against all comers and to never forfeit her homeland willingly. That is the Vow."
He sloshes his mug all over the wooden floor.
"Rumor has it that Rodrik Grath is next in line for the position of patrol leader after his old man Jagrin retires. Jagrin’s a good commander, but he’s getting old, and it might be time for some new blood in the militia’s leadership."
"Shame about the graffiti all over town. The militia’s got better things to do than clean up youngsters’ messes, but even stranger is how long it lasts. Try as one might, soap and water don’t do a thing to those marks!"
later in the evening as Kurst and Rodrik approach with questions about deep thoughts and life Belir pokes them in the chest with his thick finger.
Nothin' would make me happier than to work my metal. Become a Master of ta' Forge!"
As he has a few ales Torith opens up a little more. When Rodrik asks his question it catches Torith off guard, yet after thinking for a moment he answers.
"Well I've been moving around for a while now and seeing happy people from afar. I'm hope to find a place to call home, and if it's a place with a nice seem of iron or gold in the ground then all the better! Maybe we can work together, Belir. I'll dig it up and you can hammer it into something useful!" he says as he holds his mug towards him in a toast.
That's why I always say you need a solid pick Kharl! Steel that's both tool and defense always finds a use. The dwarf gives a minor cough as he realizes he downed his cup too quickly. Course it might be for the best. You gardening? I saw your art growing up; I doubt a third dimension'll make it less scarring to the eyes. But if you want, can't a neighbor lend you a trowel? Thought the town's 'comradery' was part o' the draw.
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Ulark lingers around the festivities for some time. The dwarf says hello to those of the town he knows and chats amicably with those approaching him, but the paladin mostly stands quietly as he takes in the celebration all around him. Glad I happened to be here for this. Hopeknife ceremonies're always beautiful: take the grim possibility 'n get hope and strength from accepting it. Refresher what we're out there for.
His thoughts are interrupted as Rodrik and Kurst wave him down and steer the paladin towards the other dwarfs marked as Ruby's 'champions'. Ulark lets the guardsmen bring him in towards the others. The two are good men, or at least he's never had issue with either their skill or their resolve.
A good match out there men. Hope no hard hearts from the ending. After all, you're only human. Ulark tries to give a chuckle, but is still unsure if the joke landed.
As for hopes? To die on my feet, so Ruby and the like don't have too. Sure you'd speak the same, while on duty o'course.
Kusrt, who is relatively reserved, does speak up as Belir and Torith speak of metallurgy. "Do you gents know Sara Morninghawk. She is a wonder! She makes all the Hopeknives in town, and really a great deal of the weapons. Maybe we've met her wife? She's a dwarf too..."
Ulark tries to make a joke, and Roderick doesn't catch it at first. But when Ulark chimes in with the last line, Rederick perks up. "Well said, my friend! You should consider joining our militia, if you aim to stay. We can always use strong bodies that have an equally strong sense of duty!"
The night goes on, and dancing and drinking continue til dawn. Roderick quietly disappears at some point, and Kurst passes out at a table in the corner about 4am.
Eventually everyone takes to their homes, as do you. Most of you (if not all) are staying at Ramblehouse. You sleep in late, and in the morning, stumble to the common room to break your fast. The smell of bacon and eggs is quite pleasant, and you are eager to eat.
Unfortunately, the town militia suddenly appears and ushers you all outside. Ther you find many of Trunau’s residents in a state of dismay. A large crowd has gathered outside the Ramblehouse, and the news spreads quickly: Patrol Captain Rodrik Grath has been found dead! The inn’s owner, Cham Larringfass, discovered Rodrik’s body in his room, his wrists fatally lacerated and his bloody hopeknife in his limp hand. All signs point to a suicide, a fact that saddens many of the town’s citizens.
"Bloody wargs. As if we didn't have enough troubles. I'll tell you what I know, but might be best to take me wid ya, eh? Not to worry, I'll still let you think you're in charge," Gundar says with a wink.
Rodrik... dead? In his room? The news stunned Gundar for a moment. Whatever else, it was no way to follow a hopeknife ceremony. Poor Ruby.
Having drank far too much and slept far too little, Kragmyr does not awaken in the best of moods. Upon hearing the news he nods sourly. Humans. So weak that they kill themselves rather than wander out to take one last orc with them. Pathetic.
Looking sourly at the town militia who has ushered them outside, Kragmyr says to the nearest one "Aye, aye a tragedy that. But what's this have to do with us, an' why we be rushed outside like this?"
Mmmm... now that is what I'd like to get used to smelling in the morning. Thozar sleepily walks over to the table and sits down heavily on a bench. It creaks with the sudden load. Right as he is about to dig in, the guards rush in and usher him outside.
As the news spreads, Thozar has mixed emotions. This is horrible... but... Belir was yelling so loud about how Rodrik was next in line to be Patrol Leader, even I could hear it from my booth. This certainly puts whoever was second in line in a good place. I will examine the body myself. Suicide seems unlikely, especially after how he received me last night.
His mind made up, Thozar does his best to make his way to the body. If he can get close enough to examine the body, he will attempt to look for signs of foul play.
Thuradin makes his way outside with a little grumbling at be ushered out that way. Once outside he overhears the whispers in the crowd and his jaw drops in disbelief "The lad from last night? He seemed merry enough. Just goes to show you no one knows what demons a souls wrestling with."
Thuradin will make an effort to find Kurst and offer his condoloences.
The smell got me really looking forward to some bacon too. I hope no-one else hears my stomach growling like a rabid dog!
"He seemed fine to me last night. I'm not sure why you pulled me away from my breakfast though. It's bad news that's for sure, but what do you want me to do about it? I think the only help i could give is to help dig a hole to bury the lad in, if that's the town tradition that is."
Torith very clearly is not a morning person, and is even less approachable if he's also hungry.
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Waking up the next morning, Ulark lurched downstairs early. His sleep was fitful - as crude as the Ramblehouse's beds were they were still far softer than the dwarf was used to sleeping on.
The paladin is barely halfway down the steps before he notices several militiamen rushing past him. Joining the throng outside, Ulark stands confused, until the tragic rumor begins circulating.
Dead? Flames take it! Ulark utters a prayer to Angradd for the lost, but as word carries about the cause of the captain's death the paladin pauses and becomes disquiet. Hope's last exit. Wouldn't have thought him the type. That talk of duty last night: was he looking to see if he'd leave the guard in good hands? But why end it right after the girl's day?
Mind racing with questions and grim thoughts, Ulark nevertheless manages to overhear some of the others muttering. Don't need to do anything. But give the man room and a moment of peace. You'll still have your food soon enough. Rodrick's kin isn't that lucky.
"I'd be more than happy to, kinsman. But these humans woke us up an' dragged us out here. Like there's anythin' we could do. Bloody wrong, this is their clan's matter."
As Thozar tries to re-enter, his way is blocked by guards. Then a familiar voice shouts, 'Let them in."
Kurst motions you over.
"Right now, the official cause of death is suicide, but I just can’t believe that. Something else has to be going on. Unfortunately, Rodrik was the best investigator in Trunau; if he were on the case, solving the mystery of his death wouldn’t take long, but with just me left, we might never know what really happened.” Kurst sighs heavily. “I simply can’t handle the investigation and tend to my family duties at the same time. I may be a patrol captain, but right now, I feel my responsibilities as a brother outweigh my other duties. Still, I can’t just let this lie. I’m afraid I’ve exhausted all my other options—the members of Trunau’s militia are competent defenders during siege times, but they’re not sleuths by any means. I need your help. Will you investigate my brother’s death?”
I'm no detective here. But there's little harm and much mercy in honorin' a griever's request. If you feel the death is unworthy though, I'll not blame you.
Ulark nods grimly to Kurst. E'ry time I saw Rodrick the man seemed full o' cheer. I'm no cluesmith myself, but I'll see if ther'es a sign to find.
Know though: the sad truth is we can't know always what's in a man's breast. If it does seem your kin drew his last hopeknife, I'll not keep searching for shadows to ease the mind.
Thozar nods his head with approval when Kurst tells the guards to let him in. While the others make their way in, he waits patiently on a bench rebraiding his beard.
"Kurst, give us one moment please," he says, turning towards his fellow dwarves. Maintaining focus on the task in hand, he lays out his thoughts for them. You get the sense that grooming his beard is a comforting task for him.
"This is true, it is a clan matter. I suspect foul play though. One human death isn't a calamity, but more lives could be at stake. If we are the best 'sleuths' around, it is in our best interest to aid them. With a murderer on the loose, any one of us could be next. We could offer to help the patrols for a price too."
Having said his piece, Thozar is content to listen to his brethren's words. He seems fairly motivated to help the Trunauians if it means that it will keep himself and others safe in the long run.
"Fair enough. Thank you."
"Feel free to take a look around the room. You might also speak with the inn’s proprietor, Cham Larringfass - she might know something. Also, while not everyone knows this, Rodrik has been seeing a half-orc weaver, Brinya Kelver. Oh, and Omast Frum, a patrol sergeant in the militia, long-time friend of the ours and one of Rodrik’s frequent patrol partners - he spent the most time with Rodrik, so maybe he can shed some light?"
To Thozar, he mentions "My brother's remains have been taken to the Sanctuary for care until the funeral can take place. If you think it will help, you can examine him there. "
"If they need help then I will do what i can. If this is something more than a simple suicide I won't stand by and let a murderer damage this clan."
Torith waits to see what the others say then finally says to Kurst.
"I'll help out how I can...", he does a sweeping gesture with his hand that encompasses the other Dwarves, "... if the rest of the tug-of-war team help too." he grins and tries to his best to not look awkward.
It may be good to examine the room. Cham - she is honest? Ulark turns to Thozar.
I may be able to help you see the wounds as well.