Janderhoff, one of the last surviving Sky Citadels (fortified cities) on Golarion located in the Mindspin Mountains, has been your home these past few years. Ruled by a reclusive but powerful dwarf Highlord by the name of Valgrim Twin-Axe (said to be a warrior of legend), you have been safe from harm these past years in the Citadel, despite whatever tragedies have influenced your life’s path.
But you sensed things were about to change as you were mysteriously summoned and now find yourself entering the chambers of Hrothgar Cindershield, commonly referred to as "Hrothgar the Red", a young dwarven guard captain. Pic
The young Captain, of no more than 100 years, welcomes you inside, finely dressed in chain mail and proudly bearing the insignia of his rank. His chamber is minimally decorated with a desk and five chairs arranged before it, as you would expect from warrior. Several weapons hang on the walls but none of any renown. He is a rising warrior in the city and you all know who he is so he does not bother with introductions. He respectfully acknowledges each of you.
To Varren: ”Welcome holy warrior.”
To Kurag: ”Welcome outrider.”
To Janek: ”Welcome tinkerer.”
To Jalnara: ”Welcome keeper of knowledge.”
To Ingra: ”Welcome priestess.”
His wild red hair and bushy red eye brows make an impression on you, as he bids you to sit in the five chairs assembled before him. You look around and see four other dwarves in the room with confused looks on their face.
A short and pudgy dwarf, Janek enters wearing his thick work clothes which are covered with various tools for repair or modification. His face showing that he is still young despite having silvery tones to his hair and beard.
With a slightly apprehensive expression on his face he returns the greeting of Hrothgar with a slight bow and a stammered "Thank you...?". He looks at the other new faces seeming to contemplate how the were introduced and attired, but sits down in the offered seat not sure whether to speak up yet or not.
Tall for a dwarf, Varren is almost all muscle. He wears a neutral expression but his eyes are alight with curiosity. He is, as always, in his armor, his shield on his back and help in hand. His hair is cropped short and beard finely braided to a point. He wears little in the way of jewelry other than his holy symbol of Torag and a small bead in his beard.
Varren nods to Hrothgar then takes one of the end seats adging it away slightly from the rest. Watching the others as they come in.
An aging dwarven woman, thick in the middle with bands of silver and grey in her red hair, tuts at Hrothgar's greeting as she comes into the room. "Bah, Hrothgar, ye needn't be usin' such titles with me an' ye know it! 'Jalnara' will do jus' fine." She flashes the dwarven man a warm smile as she turns to take one of the remaining chairs, nodding with a similar smile to each of the others present. "I suppose ye'll be tellin' why you've called an old woman together with all these young pups? I'm happy to 'ave heard from ye, but if ye're wantin' me ta' be changin' their diapers like I did fer yer great-neice las' year, I'm thinkin' this lot might be a bit too old fer that at this point." She barks a laugh and shakes her head at her own humor, the crowsfeet around her eyes deepening as she grins.
She brushes a bit of powder from her heavy leather apron, though it could just as easily be one of the minerals from the forge as it could be flour from the kitchen. She turns to the tall, heavily armored dwarf beside her, "Did he call you in here all in a hurry too? I did'na even have a chance to shed this apron!"
Kurag was a bit out off at the summons. He was about to take Freira out for a ride as was his custom to search the nearby landscape. Even though they had enjoyed peace in recent years it never hurt to keep a watch on the surrounding area. Yet when a dwarf was summoned by one of the captains you had to arrive. Such was the way of life. Taking the Tim to remove the gear from Freira Kurag hurries then to the meeting arrive a just a bit after the others. Both taller and more slender than most dwarves Kurag has a natural grace in his movements giving way to his easy stride and smooth movements. Red hair with twin braids on either side of his mouth come together in a short single braid extending only 4 inches.
While put out at not riding Kurag is curious enough to figure out what this is about to not be too cranky. Acknowledging the captain with a nod, Kurag sits down and responds to the Dwarven woman with a small smirk, I don't need any diapers changed thank you but I will let you know if I need a good cleaning.
Varren regards the older dwarf for a moment, giving her a polite nod. "He did but this is how i always dress."
Those who notice Ingra will see a slightly older Dwarf woman (although not nearly as old as Jalnara) with long wavy black hair adorned with gold clips and a red bandanna. She wears a golden colored priestess robe with the symbol of Torag adorned on it. She has a fair bit of plumpness to her, but still carries herself very well.
"Well met, Captain." says Ingra as she greets Hrothgar the Red. "This sudden summons has piqued my interest greatly. I dearly hope there is no trouble?"
She will start by introducing herself to the older dwarf, saying "Greetings to you, Ingra Forgeheart at your service." She makes a small courtesy.
Hrothgar smiles at Jalnara, "Fine, dear, Jalnara, it is, but ye know I was raised to be respectful to me elders. Please, please all of you sit. I am sorry to summon you over so fast, but they were on orders of the Highlord and well you know..." He shakes his head and smiles. After you all sit, he looks at Ingara, "Trouble? Perhaps..I cannot say but I am getting ahead of meself. As you may know, our Highlord was not like me, born and bred in this walls every day of me proud life. He was an adventurer in his day, traveled the world and built quite a fortune and fame before settling down in his older age and siring a family. I would never dare leave my home unprotected but to each his own. Well, he knows the wanderlust some of our kind feel to explore the outside world and he senses it in all of you, whether driven by revenge, faith, or simple curiosity. However, before you decide to leave our citadel in search of your destiny, Highlord Twin-Axe hopes you will first fulfill your civic duty to Janderhoff."
Hrothgar stops smiling and gets real serious, as he recounts the rest of the tale. "A week ago, one of our patrols discovered the entry to one of our sealed tombs in the Traitor's Graves had been broken, forcefully. It was the tomb of a disgraced dwarf warrior, named Dargun Hammerfell, loyal to Droskar, who was hunted and killed for committing atrocities against the dwarven people about 50 years ago. It was a shame on our people and his family, of some influence and wealth, convinced the priests of Torag to have the tomb built for Dargun and his retinue and sealed off in a distant part of our city."
You can sense the anger building in Hrothgar's eyes as he spits out the word "traitor" before continuing. "Unfortunately, recent events seem to suggest one of two things: either we're dealing with disgusting tomb robbers or worse, dwarves loyal to Droskar in our midst. Either way, Highlord Twin-Axe will not stand for any of this. He wants you to investigate the tomb and deal with the threat, harshly if necessary. We sent a patrol of four dwarves 2 days ago but they have not reported back. We fear the worse!"
Hrothgar slams his gauntlet onto the table. "I recommended to the Highlord that I lead an expedition personally to avenge my fellow warriors but he said he had a better idea. He gave me your names and these instructions. It seems the Highlord has ears all over our fine citadel. I am to instruct you on how to reach the tombs through the maze of tunnels and wait 3 days for your return. Well, what say ye, will ya serve Janderhoff's call?"
The red-haired dwarf leans back in his chair and awaits your answer, as he tries to calm down his excited state.
Ingra hesitates for a moment, considering what Hrothgar said. She thinks about what she's read of Droskar and Dargun Hammerfell.
Janek nods solemnly a concerned look growing over his face as he hears the short tale of woe. "This is a matter of worry and concern to the city. I am proud to be called to help aid Janderhoff in any small way I can. Robbers bring a bad name to any who can use some simple tools." Pausing, he realizes that he might be starting off on a tangent. Janek uncomfortably adjusts the warhammer on his belt and settles back again.
Jalnara swishes her apron playfully at Kurag, snapping the corner of it like a towel against his lightly armored shin. "Oh, but we've a fresh one here! I think you'll do alright, you feisty little pup!" She then smiles at Ingra as she enters, nodding warmly to the younger woman and introducing herself as well, "And I'm Jalnara Steelhand, at yours as well, dear sister." She gives her name in such a manner so as to make it plain to any others in the room who might not know her.
Turning then to Varren, she responds somberly to his earlier remark, "Ye wear yer armor like tha' all the time? Oh but I can see why, ye cut a mighty figure in it, master Varren. I did hear yer name right, didn't I? 'Varren', was it?"
---
As Hrothgar explains the situation, any mirth that had been in Jalnara's face vanishes at the mention of graverobbings and traitors. When she next speaks, there's a cold, steely hardness to her voice, "There's little worse in the world than those that would betray their very kin, Hrothgar. Of course I'll do whatever I can ta bring Torag's justice ta those wretched curs. My ancestors would be right proud o' me ta do so, sure as mountain's stone."
Ingra hesitates for a moment, considering what Hrothgar said. She thinks about what she's read of Droskar and Dargun Hammerfell.
[dice=Knowledge]1d20
After her contemplation, Ingra speaks up with measured confidence.
"Aye, with the pantheon guiding me I will serve the Highlord proudly. I know of the Hammerfell clan from my work in lineages. There's a brother of Dargun who's last recorded to still be in the city."
Kurag ambivalence at the meeting is abruptly erased as he hears the crimes committed and that there are no real leads yet. Settling down from his ribbing at Jalnara Kurag nods his head with the captain. Indeed I will help you. My focus is more on the wider world as you well know but I have some skill in tracking. Grave robbers or cultist traitors matter not which one as both are on the wrong side of our fine heritage.
Rising up as if ready to head out this instant Kurag asks a final few questions. Should we find the culprits directly do you want them brought before you alive? Also as far as the missing troop members, What are their names and descriptions so that we may identify them should we run into them. I would not wish to assume them guilty in this investigation because of their presence when you sent them there.
Hrothgar looks impressed at Ingra. "Quite a good memory, priestess. Impressive indeed! Yes, I received reports of the same, of one...." The red-haired looks down at his notes and continues..."Dargoth Hammerfell, a dwarven ore merchant. I had guards report to his home once I learned of his existence, but he has not been found yet. Whether he is involved, I cannot say. He is wanted for questioning that is for sure."
Hrothgar stands with a smile on his face. "Well, that's four who have agreed, and the stoic silent warrior here, showing off his muscles, I am sure will join as well. Right?" Hrothgar grabs the paladin's shoulder in a show of respect."The Highlord is wise in his selection. Prove him right. Good questions, Kurag. Capture them if possible or if it is your wish. The Highlord does not tolerate either of these crimes, so you are authorized to use deadly force, if necessary, especially if the guards have been harmed. With such wisdom in your group, especially among the female variety, I am sure we can trust your judgment. The names of the four solders are a pair of brothers, Devlin and Donovan Silveraxe, Gavin Darkstorm, and Thevin Stonethrower. All good soldiers, relatively young. I had one of the artisans prepare sketches for you." He hands you sketches of the four dwarven guards. "Any other questions?"
"Would you suggest that we look into Dargoth's home? Perhaps our tracker Kurag would be able to find some clues."
Hrothgar smiles. "I doubt anyone could track a dwarf from his home all the way to the tombs...perhaps our Highlord, I did hear he was a hunter in his younger years. No dear, my men have been through the house and looked through it with a fine-tooth comb and we found nothing. And remember, we dwarves can spot the slightest crack in the stone. No, if Dargoth is involved, he is careful. There was no evidence in his home of either Droskar worship or colluding with tomb robbers. I'd rather you spend your resources hurrying off to the tomb and saving as many of the guards' lives as possible if they are still alive or punishing those responsible if they are not. I have posted guards near Dargoth's home, should he return."
Janek stands and nods again towards Hrothgar. "I take it that the tomb is not a great enough distance from here to require provisions? He questions knowing the extant some of dwarven tunnels extending beneath the city. "The tomb isn't near an entrance to the Darklands is it?" He asks with some hesitancy in his voice.
Turning to the party of his elders Janek states to show what worth he might bring. "I carry tools ready now for an expedition where I can attempt to bypass mechanisms or other such defenses if expected. Also my arcane skills can help disarm and capture. Provisions would be all I require if the journey is longer."
"If believers of Droskar are involved I will bring them to justice." Varren says with a nod. He stands reading to leave once his companions are ready. Slipping his helm over his head.
"Well if we're ta be trompin' off to some Droskar-cursed tomb, I'll be needin' somethin' a bit sturdier than this apron." As the party receives directions to the tomb, Jalnara arranges to meet the group at a convenient landmark (a gate or crossroad or tunnel entrance or whathaveyou) and, once it's clear no one has any further questions for Hrothgar, she excuses herself. As she leaves, the older woman can be heard muttering to herself, "Droskar's bloody balls, but this is soundin' like a fine mess! Missin' guardsmen and traitors runnin' about pillagin' th' tombs o' those that shoul'na even had tombs ta begin with! Mountain's blood!"
Thank you sir. We will not let you down. I am sure there are those of us here that would rather fall in combat than fail you. Rest assured we will find some answers. Let me stow some of my less useful gear and I will be with you.. Kurag drops off his riding gear and grabs the rest of his items that he will need as he joins the others at the appointed hallway.
With the descriptions and names of the dwarves they are looking for along with the instructions of dead or alive pending the results of the investigation Kurag is ready to go.
Ingra races to her home to grab a few things:
- Her father's armor (pretty sad heritage armor)
- A whole bunch of provisions, sleeping gear, etc
- A healer's kit
- Her trusty warhammer
"Alrigh, well I think that'll cover most of it! Ready when you are."
Rothgar beams with pride at your loyalty to the dwarven cause and thanks you all for your fulfilling your duty.
You meet at the entrance to the tunnels of Janderhoff at a preset time (an hour later) and you follow Rothgar through the bustle of the Citadel's tunnels, passing merchants, guards, commoners, nobles and other dwarves hawking their wares and engaged in a variety of activities. 2 hours later, you leave the heart of the Citadel and wander another 4 hours toward the isolated section of the city called the Traitor's Graves, where the maligned and destitute dwarves are entombed. You are nowhere near the Darklands yet, but the foot traffic the last 3 hours has lessened considerably, as there are less patrols and no daily merchant activity in this isolated area. When you reach the entrance to Traitor's Graves, Rothgar gives you a map of the tunnels to the Hammerfell tomb. "This is as far as I can take ye. If we haven't heard back from ye in 3 days, we will assume the worse. Don't let the Highlord down." He gives you each a warrior's salute and leaves you.
With Kurag and Jalnara's Survival skills, you easily follow the map for another 20 minutes, until you reach the tomb entrance decorated by a stone hammer with a lightning bolt engraved on it, the symbol of the Hammerfell family. You can visibly see the stone doors have been forcefully thrust open, with a crowbar, perhaps, by the scratches on the stone. Single file steps wide enough for a dwarf lead into the dark interior.
Janek looks around at the armored forms around him and at his own sturdy explorers clothes and runs his hand through his beard. Looking up at the taller warriors he says. "While if we reach a section that may hold mechanisms or the the like I will examine the way first. But perhaps someone that is protected may be wiser for the front if things that have already caused four good dwarven guards to disappear are on the loose in here. Also I have a small cantrip of communication so if we send forth a scout they can talk to me via a whisper." He then steps back ceding the discussion to the rest of the group.
Varren takes the lead. Stepping cautiously through the doors.
AS Varren heads off in to the interior of the tomb Kurag looks at Janek. If we need to I can easily scout ahead. I will just need a moment to take my armor off to make me a bit quieter. If we do not have the time I can still scout ahead with your spell to see what is going on. That time is for later thoughas it seems we are moving forward.
Kurag will take the rear of the party to better protect Janek and the women. While he has not mastered the abliity to fire into a melee yet it is only a matter of time and then he will be comfortable remaining in the rear protecting the group.
"Oh, it's nice of you young lads ta want to look after an old woman so, but I'm thinkin' this is'na th' time fer creepin' about. If there're guardsmen in there needin' our help, we should get ta findin' 'em."
HP: 10/10
AC: 17 (10 T / 17 FF)
CMD: 12
F/R/W: +4/+2/+6
Footholds used: 0/7
Beacon of Faith (+2 CL to domain power or spell) used: 0/1
Spells Prepared:
Orisons (3) - detect magic, read magic, spark
Level 1 (1+1+1*) - magic stone [ ], thunderstomp (CL 2) [ ], stonefist (CL 2)* [ ]
Ongoing Effects
Janek follows quickly after Varren so as to not be left behind. Peering past the larger form of the warrior he says. "I can follow behind and try to hear any others moving around or spot some hazard. I will be ready to retreat further if needed in a larger fight."
Jalnara nods, "Jus' be sure ta keep those ears o' yours open, lad. We'd all do well ta do the same. Who knows what kind o' treachery might still lurk in this forsaken place."
Ingra keeps to the middle of the group, which she thinks will be useful if she suddenly needs to channel her faith. "I always found this place both fascinating, and terrible. The atrocities committed on our people, and yet given proper burial. Our father is not one to forgive..."
0th: Light, Mending, Stabilize
1st: Bless, Firebelly (DC 14)
Domain: 1 Slot, either Protection from Evil OR Sanctuary
Varren leads the party down the stone staircase into the mausoleum, where it opens up into a 35’ long x 20’ wide room. The most eye-catching feature of this room is that the floor is divided into 5’ square tiles, all marked by letters in the dwarven alphabet etched into stone on the floor. There are seven rows of four letters each (starting with the closest set of tiles):
C/D/R/T
H/I/R/O
T/S/R/O
K/H/S/A
C/K/G/T
A/G/C/H
O/R/K/S
There is a door on the other side of the room, leading further inside. What to do?
Jalnara stops before the tiles on the floor, offering an obvious warning, "Mind yer feet here." She ponders the letters and the layout for a moment then spits on the stone. "Bah! Wretched traitor's got 'is crooked name etched in the very stone beneath our feet!"
She shakes her head again, then steals a moment to see if there are any magics woven into the stone.
"I suppose I can take some solace in lookin' at it like an opportunity ta walk all o'er his name. Heh."
C/D/R/T
H/I/R/O
T/S/R/O
K/H/S/A
C/K/G/T
A/G/C/H
O/R/K/S
The stones do not detect as magical.
"Well done Jalnara, I didn't even notice..."
Janek nods at the comment of the name and takes the opportunity of the concentration of detect magic to look if the floor are pressure plates both what may be the safe path of the name and carefully to each side of it.
Kurag keeps watch from the back to see if they are about to be ambushed by anyone as the group starts to cross. He also looks for signs of blood from the previous squad that might give some direction as to what happened to them or where a blood trail might lead.
Survival
Perception
Janek senses nothing unusual about any of the tiles, other than the obvious lettering.
Kurag sees slight dwarven tracks across various tiles, mostly down the middle and his keen eyesight sees small pieces of melted metal and leather on some of the tiles.
As the group moves forward Kurag will stop on a safe location and try to pick a few pieces of the metal and leather up to examine them more closely. Careful here abouts. It looks like something got hot enough to melt armor and hide. I see no blood so that gives us hope that the patrol made it past here. Keep a look out for other signs of treachery though.
Janek stands up from examining the floor beyond. "They seem clear of danger, but I believe following the pattern Jalnara has identified would still be wise. I'll proceed along that line in case one of the further tiles is of dangerous."
He then moves into the room following the DROSKAR pattern searching ahead of himself.
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The brave Janek travels the tiled floor following the pattern and he reaches the other door safely. He does not sense any traps and opens it, revealing another corridor.
Varren follows in the other dwarves footsteps.
Jalnara tuts as she takes her turn crossing the tiles, makes sure to grind at least one heel into each letter she strides upon. Shaking her head at the other side, she puts her hands on her hips and mutters a few choice oaths for Droskar and all his followers before proceeding through the door with the others. As she does so, she readies her axe and shield, Torag's symbol etched boldly upon the face of the latter. "I don't think I'll ever wrap my head 'round why this place even is. I don't even like the feel of th' stone in these crooked halls." She shudders then falls into a somber silence as she follows along at the back.
Janek looks around uneasily was the group reforms, turning to Varren he nods foward "I think that we should also treat each door here with suspicion, if you give me a pause at each portal I will my best to ensure are safety from mechanisms at least."
As the group slowly makes their way along the tiles Kurag watches in anticipation. When it seems everyone is safe only then does Kurag advance forward. It is then that he takes a sample of the leather and metal. Keeping them stowed for analysis later and to compare to the gear of the previous party Kurag catches up in time to hear Janek and Jalnara. I don't understand it either yet here we are. We don't have to understand the why of this place as long as we figure out what happened and where the other patrol is. Janek, that is a good idea since we have some time. No need to rush into a trap if we can avoid it. Slow and steady right?
"I believe Kurag is on the right track. We should take this slowly and with caution. There will be a time later where we will unleash our axes upon this evil."
Looks to his fellow dwarves assembled, before prompting. "Varren, do you wish to lead on?"
"Of course. Everyone stay close." Varren says as he takes the lead.
"On we go then, pups. On we go." Jalnara waves the group onward with an encouraging nod.