"No need to cause trouble. We'll take him outside the city walls."
Brask leads the other three dwarves back to the office and dismisses Kibibblepep, even making it a point to call him by his name.
"We have reached an agreement and are ready to mete out your punishment. We will escort you outside the city walls where you will receive it."
The dwarf leads the grim procession through the streets quickly, hurrying to avoid trouble. Once outside the city, Brask will lead the procession some ways away from the walls and prying eyes to any spot that's close at hand that will serve as Durnak's execution and burial grounds. He has Kragg and Khazad hold the dwarf. Brask then places himself before them and passes Durnak's sentence.
"Durnak, you have been found guilty of crimes against your kin. You have demonstrated, through deed and word, that you do not value the lives and livelihood of your fellow dwarf. We are too few to let you poison our people. By the authority given to me by King Rock Stonecrusher, I pronounce you clanless. I pronounce you anathema. You are to be executed for your crimes. If you have a final wish, let it be known. May the gods and ancestors of our people have mercy on your soul."
With that Brask steps aside and replaces Khazad, so the dwarf can carry out his duty.
Durnak Will save
Durnak speaks, "If my death helps our people, so be it. If dwarves survive and dwarven ways do not, I want no part of that."
He nods. "Let's do this."
After Brask speak Nar steps in (before Khazad)
"Durnak, you have been found guilty of crimes against your kin. You have demonstrated, through deed and word, that you do not value the lives and livelihood of your fellow dwarf. By the authority given to me by Angradd the Forge-Fire, I pronounce you clanless. I pronounce you anathema. You are to be executed for your crimes."
Then Nar steps aside for Khazad
As Kibibblepep is brusquely dismissed by Brask, and the five dwarves quickly file out of the warehouse, and presumably out of the city, what with the rest of the group having gone off with the human guards, the gnome sorcerer suddenly finds himself all alone.
Protesting weakly he sputters "But...wh...I..." but they are gone before he can get a coherent word out. Left to to his own devices, he hops up on one of the crates, his small legs dangling far from the floor and mutters to himself "Well fine then! Guess I'll just guard the stuff! Not like I'm a real dwarf anyway, am I? No, no, good enough to protect the backs but not good enough to be invited along for serious dwarven matters. Well, hmph!"
Despite the emotional fey-like magic users griping though, he is not, in truth, overly bothered by the state of things. He knows that the Gnomes of the Stonecrusher clan hold a respected and valued place in the society. And as well, despite his anger at the traitorous Durnik, he had no desire whatsoever to witness the misguided dwarf's execution.
With some time to himself, he amuses himself by looking for rats to kill with his acid bolt cantrip and also goes over again in his head the list of items and supplies he would like to purchase once the shopping part of their time in this accursed human city begins.
Kragg will remain silent as the execution takes place. Doing his duty to his companions and following the feelings that rise up within him. hopefully this is the last time we will ahve to take this type of action. he thinks to himself.
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Back at the Thunderdome...
Hon finds this game intriguing; he will watch for a few and let himself be talked into participating. Reluctance obvious on his face, until the bookies let him know the odds. Handing off his gear to the flag bearer with a quick whisper to "More important than winning is losing gracefully, although by no means will I throw the competition." He tests out the quarterstaff's balance with a few practice swings and steps steadily onto the beam, damp from previous contestants. Init ; Acrobatics(Dx) ; Attk. Laughing while sputtering the water out of his beard and ‘stache, After downing a quick brew, he ascends once more and assumes “EnGarde” position still dripping. Init ; [b]Acrobatics(Dx) ; Attk. After this, Hon bows out of further bouts accepting congratulations and scowls equally and makes a few bets himself after heavy questioning of the merits of each contestant. Chainmail
Edit: AAHhhhh See the 1st set of rolls is so typical, but it makes the 2nd set so much better.
For Hon's second bout he gives a better account of himself and is less easily dispatched. His human opponent puts all his weight forward with no faith at all in his acrobatic skills. His human opponent lands a decisive blow first spinning him into the water.
As the grim procession moves away from the city walls and into the wilderness, Khazad feels the emotions leaving him with each step. He feels as if he watches himself from afar, a distant observer, unable to alter the course of events.
When everything is arranged and he stands beside the bound prisoner, ready to lift his axe, it seems to him that even the nature around them is unnaturally calm.
It is good that he is ready to accept death. Even one such as he must recognize this as justice.
Magrim, I give this one into your hands for your fair judgment.
The enchanted blade gleams through the air and falls down, followed by a thud of the tumbling head. There is almost no blood as the wound is instantly burned by acid.
Durnak utters a few last words, "Tell my sons I died well, my axe pull a little to the left."
As Khazad's blade falls, Khazad feels time slow for a moment. After the killing stroke his blade is bathed in a holy light. The force of will of Durnak was strong, and Khazad stills feel it in his axe.
"I will."
Kragg will solomnly nod his head in accordance to Durnak's wishes. This is an unfortunate thing, but it can not be said that he did not die well. He honored his dwarven tradition and did right by the gods at the end.
Kragg will help bury the dwarf and then will return back to the warehouse to guard the goods until such time as we go out to sell and make our purchases.
Khazad's axe speaks in perfect dwarven "There are too many enemies out there and not enough time. Let's go."
Will Khazad
Khazad easily resists the urge to take a step before he is ready. The axe has a will of its own, but Khazad is its master.
There are almost no remains of Durnak to bury as the acid completely consumes the body. Shields and helmets are more than sufficient to leave an unmarked grave.
The weight of decision and responsibility weigh heavy as the dwarves return to the city. It is a somber mood that pervades even as a beautiful sunset is seen in the distance on the return. Kib is waiting somewhat forgotten in the warehouse by both departing groups, obviously anxious for details.
Nar is given Thograt's battle attire. The magic tower shield is a curious piece -- obviously difficult for a priest to use effectively in battle without additional training. The cloak of resistance with a black owl clasp completes the integration of Nar into the group. Brask explains, "Tower shields and half plate were popular choices amongst dwarven undead. Magic cloaks were a popular choice in the lair of the Dark Owl."
Nar accepts the pieces and is honored, "Thank you for the acceptance, my brothers."
Unless there is any issues, Nar will look to trade the tower shield for an equivalent Heavy steel shield.
Brask returns to the warehouse and finds Kib guarding the dwarves gear.
"Kibibblepep, I'll take over. If you could be a friend though, and fetch me a mead and tell Nar I want to talk to him, and see if he wants anything either. You can stay or go, just know that what I am about to say does not get spoken about until we are a mile out side the city. Oh, and if you see Kragg or Khazad, tell them to come too.."
Once Nar, Kib, Kragg, and Khazad are seated, and Brask gets them all drinks if Kib didn't bring any, then the ranger begins.
"I think we've all heard about how Giant's Tears can give you visions. Well, the stories are true. Thograt and I hac visions of giants marching across the tundra. I was afraid we'd run into them on our way here. That is the true reason I joined up with the caravan. Less likely to wind up with a bunch of dead dwarves and gnomes. We didn't fight them on the way here, so I think we're probably going to have to fight them on the way back."
Brask looks at each of the dwarves and the gnome with a gaze as cold and sharp as flint.
"I'll have your word that if things go badly, and I give the order, you will retreat and leave me behind. I'll not have a bunch of my kin, yes that includes you Kibibblepep, as hard on the eyes as you are, dying because they were to stubborn to listen. One dwarf is a tragedy, over half-a-dozen is a blow our kin can ill afford."
Nar takes in Brask's word and speaks up as soon as he finishes.
"Brask I cannot give you that promise in good conscience and here is why: The Forge-Fire guides my actions and I have him to answer to first above all. Angradd has shown me that this group has importance, I will do what it takes to save anyone in here. I want no trouble between us Brask and I will always say to you true, so I cannot give my word on something I know in my heart I may not keep."
And I agree with Nar's words. I told you once you were better equipped to lead. You can't be putting yourself up for the rest of us. Truth be told, if it comes betwen you or me, I'd rather you be alive to make sure the others remain safe and have sound leadership. Call it mutiny if you want, but that is not somethin I will agree to without seeing what is goin on first.
Khazad listens to Brask with just one ear. "Wait, what? Did you just say something about the giants, or was it their tears? Sorry I'm just... well, I keep hearing Durnak's voice around, ordering me to go slay some enemies. I must be going mad. This execution was not an easy duty to do. I would kill an ogre for a keg of Giant's Tears now... oops, here we go again."
Brask gives a chuckle at the apparent psuedo-mutiny.
"Nice to know the three of you would follow me into the depths of hell if need be, even if Khazad did only because he wasn't paying attention. Well, I guess we wait for the others to get back and then we get some trading done tomorrow. I'll take third watch."
Kibibblepep glares a bit when Brask asks him to go fetch some ale, like some common serving wench, but he goes and does it anyway. The whole time he grumbles to himself "Yes, yes, you stay behind and guard the boxes Kib. You go and fetch us some ale Kib. I know small I may be, but none know yet the mightiness which lies within my heart. Soon, I shall show them my true power and then they'll respect me. Soon...."
By the time he returns with the small keg of ale his temporary dark mood seems to have lifted. He cracks the keg and passes around the drink, not making comment until just after Khazad.
"I agree with my dwarven brothers Brask. It's all for one and one for all. And I for one won't be leaving any Dwarf behind, even if it's you."
He then turns to Khazad "What's that? You keep hearing Durnik's voice? Hmm, perhaps....yes! I see some very strong magics emanating from your axe there brother. If you'd let me take a closer look at it, I may be able to tell you some more about it."
If Krask does allow him to.
The carousers have a great time at the Battered Shield. Magnum is wearing a hooded cloak, explaining, "They know me here, I'm trying to keep a low profile."
The Battered Shield rolls the kegs in through the loading dock door at a prodigious rate. There is one local brew which is outselling all other brands combined. On tasting it, it is obvious that is like a dwarven beer in many ways. It is also unlike dwarven beer in a few ways, all of them good. It has a smoky/walnut taste to it that is subtle and makes it all the better. The beer is called "Beard of the Dog". Magnum informs you this beer is new and there has never been anything close to this good here before.
The carousers also find out that free mercenary companies like the 'Dark Owls' are everywhere. With the Dark Owl logos the dwarves easily fit in with the other soldiers. Hon runs into a member of the White Light Horse band. He is well intoxicated and says, "You boys kicked our ass good at the battle of Snowy Downs. No hard feelings, I am sure you Dark Owls were just doing your job."
At about halfway to dawn, the group stumbles home. The warehouse is warm and bedrolls are laid out on the floor. Magnum gets out a large bag of coffee and throws it near his head, "I want to find it when I wake up first thing."
On the trip home Big Mug cries to Hon, "I didn't know that Durnak was using me as a spy. When Brask tells Rock, he'll pick another bannerman." Hon and Magnum try to make the stocky dwarf fell better, to no avail. The stoic bannerman is unconsoleable and refuses to enter the warehouse, pacing outside most of the night.
Kragg will take the last shift. Before he retires for the night, Kragg will attempt to coerce Big Mug into the building. Hey, get off your soap box and get in here. No sense letting everyone know where the dwarves are camping out. Sure some people know, but the less the better right now. If you want to patrol, do it from the inside where they can't see you. Here use my cloak as well and remember to stay in the shadows. I don't want you alerting any suspiscious people alright.
During his shift, he will check over all the equipment making sure that it is ready for transport and eventual sale. As soon as the sun is up he will wake Hon up first getting him ready for the day. No time to sleep in Hon, we've lots to do and little time to do it.
Brask takes third watch with Kragg. Regardless of whether he heard Kragg or not, he marches outside and grabs the bannerman by the scruff of his neck and drags the dwarf inside.
"Why, in the name of Torag's slagheap, are you pacing outside like a nervous bride-to-be on the eve of her wedding when it's cold enough to freeze a frost giant's cock off?! Get in here!"
Once inside and after making sure the doors are secure, Brask sits Big Mug down for a little dwarf to dwarf encouragement.
"Now, you mind telling me what has got you all in a tizzy? You're normally the one I can count on to keep his head!"
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Wincing at the thunder in Kragg’s voice or was it just in his head, [In dwarf]”Piper always collects his due… I’m up. I’m Awake. [Gnomish]$%^& [Undercommon](*&$$2 [Orc]*#&$%(%*@#&(@$#)%KRAGG*@&&#%(%)$%*@!!! [Common] Ah those minions of the underdark raised crudeness to an art form. Hope you caught that last one. Finally opening his eyes, he squints to cut back the visions into two, wait, only one ugly mug of a Stonehart. Grunting with effort, he stands yet again, an indomitable dwarf of fearlessness and fortitude, just a wee bit unsteady. ”You are absolutely right. Let’s strike while the anvil is hot and before the merchants know we are flush with ore and willing to spend.
He’ll do inventory alongside Kragg, grumpy but otherwise uncomplaining. Every now and then he gives Magnum and sometimes Big Mug a measuring look. If an opportunity avails itself:
Magnum
Big Mug
@Kib:
"Well, I know the axe is magical, it was one of the best pieces of the Dark Owl's arsenal, second only to Magnum's hammer. But I did feel something strange as it cut off Durnak's life. As if it absorbed part of it."
Khazad puts the axe on the table for Kib's inspection.
"I'll take the first watch. I feel like I need to cool off before I'm able to get a proper night's sleep."
"Gnome, you cast a spell on me and you and I are going to have problems."
The day after arriving is spent talking with the guards in the warehouse as the goods are transferred to merchants by handcarts. The guards are being paid for their work and the caravan master hands Brask 50 gp for helping with the guard duties. "Fair pay for good work. Leave no one in your debt and pay your way, may da says."
Most of the human guards are catching up on their sleep in the warehouse so they can go to the Battered Shield early now that they have their pay for the caravan run. They are disappointed they didn't arrive for a festival day (3 days from now) and are catching a caravan back to the Northern Kingdom the next day.
Just before dinner a large eagle lands and quickly departs leaving an albino dwarf out front.
"Thank ya. Safe travels, fine lass, an' tankards o' ale ta ya."
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After the inventory is done and the personal gear transaction with Brask is completed. He cleans himself up; making sure the Dark Owl is pristine, the traveling dust removed and what can be polished is polished. Flush with the excess money from Brask and possibly the sale of his old Mithral chain, he soons departs to look at some trinket that catches his eye, ”.... catch up with you guys this evening…” and makes himself scarce. Although I suspect he’ll catch wind of the others in passing or via gossip mill. He’ll be very cognizant of the crowd should he find himself the target of an “unwelcoming” committee.
Chainmail
He will divvy up excess wealth to certain sectors (guild dues, law enforcement goodwill, specialized training:Linguistics, tradecraft) as an investment and potential partnerships; ie silent partner and seed money for a couple of gnomish projects. He'll just have receipts and contracts. Stimulating the long term economy.
This is where it comes to play. Hon (like most Rogues) has an eye out for economic opportunity, his just happens to be more loansharkish. The seedmoney is for those guild members who have been shunted aside due to Old Tradition politics and nepotism. It will allow these skilled guild members the financial wherewithal to arrive cash in hand and setup shop. Customers will arrive for the novelty and stay for the quality. ;-) So in all cases: Copy of treaty and contractual agreement provided for proprietor and copy along with “Come hither” message to Hon’s soon to be business partners back at the Dwarven Hold.
A) He’ll be seeking out smithies(weapon/armorer/black) that have fallen into hard times and make an offer to lease space, commission cut, and opportunity to apprentice one human in return to hosting a Dwarven guildsman and family.b) He’ll do the same with a Jeweler artisan. He knows a couple of Gnomes that would be willing to breakout of the Dwarven Guildhall.
c) He’ll also step into any tavern that catches his eye, sampling thier offerings and propose lesser known brands of microbrew from those younger Dwarven brewers seeking a wider and more profitable audience. Payment upon keg delivery.
d) Lastly, he’ll try to contact a patron of the arts (always one in every city) who might be willing to sponsor a Dwarf or Gnomish sculptor.
I was serious about the Ambassador part. Brask is still official King’s Rep and leader. Hon is a businessman, different circles of outreach. Others play in politics, his family plays with money. This should be spread out over the days they are here, as his local knowldge expands and disappearing opportunity avails itself.
Knowledge Local:
Diplomacy:
Perception:
Sense Motive:
Hon returns a bit lighter in the pocket after each foray and more than a little weary but nothing to show for it. "Experiencing everything this city has to offer." is his reply. He introduces himself to the snow dwarf, taking his cue from his fellow dwarves.
His hand poised just over the axe Kibibblepep pauses in shock, and then quickly looks around to see if one of his companions is trying to play a trick on him.
Not spying the practical joker Kragg, or any of the others, nearby, he leans forward slighlty and, speaking quietly, so as not to appear more foolish than necessary, says "Ah, hello? Are, um, are you speaking?? To me??"
Curiously, the tall albino seems unhappy that his flight has ended- a most unusual perspective from a dwarf. He raises a hand in parting as the eagle soars away, stepping into the warehouse.
Whars mah fathahs sword, then, and leh's get thees ovah wi'
His expression is much more impatient than accusatory, though elements of both settle in his bearing.
Durnak's oldest son appears on the doorstep 24 hours after his father was executed. The human guards are preparing to head into town for their last night of carousing to the Battered Shield.
Magnum reveals, "I am not wanted here in town, but I am somewhat adept at the quarterstaff challenge in the Battered Shield. I lost some matches to learn the game, then cleaned up with some of my friends at the betting window. It left many others unhappy."
Big Mug eventually comes in and admits to Brask, "It was because of me Durnak learned of our actions and tried to ambush us. This membership in Durnak's group has cost me my honor."
Shopping for mundane items is possible, but Magnum and Nar both explain, "The market is where the big transactions happen. The troops are out in force to make sure nothing untoward happens. No merchant trusts trading big ticket items any other day."
Finally, Gallak bears a dispatch Hunter forwarded from Rock and a magical Feather Token.
Brask comes out and greets the strange dwarf. His expression and voice are somber as he speaks.
"Well met, my brother. I wish it were under better circumstances."
Brask reads the missive and stashes both it and the token in his pocket.
"I can't say I'm happy about how all this came about. Your father died well. He died like a dwarf. By your words, I'm assuming that you want his axe back?"
Brask gives Big Mug a puzzled look as he confesses.
"So you made a mistake. So what? I've made more than my fair share in my few short years. As far as I can tell you have shown nothing but loyalty to your fellows. Is there something else going on here?"
Seeing the white dwarf standing there give Kragg a certain pause, I know I have seen him before but when and why. It wasn't until he spoke that he remembered the odd dwarf from back home.
When the dwarf announces why he is here, Kragg gets heated quickly. You come in here without even announcin who you are and demandin swords and axes. I don't care who you're. No one comes bargin in here talking to Brask like that.
A cold wind blows in from the door, ruffling Gallak's beard and hair. His face twists into a disappointed scowl.
Twas Ah summoned tah this strip o' human stink, not ye, and it'll be Ah that decide mah speech. Ah've been heard mah fatha's zealotry done finally cost 'im 'is life. Ah'm here ta reclaim 'is effects.
Gallak grips Brask's hand heartily.
Well met, indeed. Ah am glad to hear tha' he died well, an' did nae soil the clan's honor.
Ah was told tha' mah fatha' carried a sword, a great behemoth o' one forged by a skilled magi. If it be verily an axe, so be it.
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Day 1 Arrival: Offloaded dwarven supplies and headed out to the marketplace to finish unloading caravan and get lay of city. Afterwards, the caravan master invites all of us to go to Battered Shield. Only Hon, Magnum, Big Mug participate. [The rest remained behind to deal with the Durnak debacle].
Day2 morn. After a night at the Battered Shield with the caravan guards, Hon was rudely awakened by Kragg. Hungover, he assisted with the inventory and organization of equipment, some gear trading and some quiet questions asked and publicly answered. Hon once he realized the answers are public would restate his concerns publicly as well.
Questions for Magnum and Big Mug ALL EYES:
Big Mug:”I am not one to bear grudges and far be it that I should critique another’s hearth without first examining my own so let move away from self-incriminations. I’ve a few questions. Answer what you will. How did you manage to communicate with Durnak? Were there other goals mentioned about the Traditionalists? Was it ignorance, friendship or did they have something on you that made you talk?.
Nar goes up to greet Gallak, "Greetings Gallak, I am Nar, battle cleric to Angradd the Forge-Fire. Good to see another dwarf after the recent events with your father."
Ach, clergy.
It's unclear whether his comment is one of relief or dismissal.
Well met, Nar of the Forge-Fire. Ah meant to ask, and Ahm glad you bring it oop. Under whah circumstances did mah fathah... depart? Und WHAT in the nine 'ells is going on with all this?
Gallak raises a white eyebrow at Hon's comment, but otherwise ignores it.
Glaring at the albino who has the presumption to try and talk back to Kragg in that tone of voice. You can decide your speech all you want, but it aint goin to do you a bit of good until we know who you are and why your here.
After he finally intoduces himself, See that wasn't so hard now was it. All ya had to do show some respect to Brask and be civil. I can see you got soem of your father's fire in ya that's for sure. At this point Kragg will mellow out a bit. Know this Gallak. There wasn't a single dwarf present that liked what happened. You may not believe me but its true. Worst thing I've had ta do in a while. Brask can give ya the detail, but your oldman stood proud and true like a dwarf should. Said to make sure you knew his last thoughts were of you and 'his axe pulls a bit to the left'. With that Kragg will unholster the greataxe and reverently hand it back to Gallak. Your father was a proud dwarf and proud of ya. Keep it that way.
Saying more than he intended, Kragg will step back and let Brask/Nar handle the rest of the situation.
Nar does not react to the comment by Gallak. He takes a deep sigh and then says, "I will tell you straight. I was tasked along with with Brask to determine your father's fate. By his words and deeds it fell upon us to execute your father. It was our duty and we did so reluctantly. In the end, like we said, he died well and with his honor."
Gallak sighs as he holds the great axe. He leans against it, looking first to the sky, then the ground.
Mah fatha t'was a fool and a zealot. Ah'm glad he dinnae soil our noble name, but Ah have no delusions of 'is innocence in whatever happened.
He looks to Brask.
Ye'll have to tell me the tale, mayhap o'er a draught.
Gallak hefts the axe, and smiles a bit.
A beautiful weapon, ta be sure. It's a fine name, Ah presume? A fine life, it's had.
The albino shoulders the immense blade, lacking a frog for the moment.
Alas, Ah've little use for the behemoth. Ah've a hard choice ahead.
The stoice bannerman addresses Brask and Nar. "Ready to go. The banner is even stronger."
Magnum looks Gallak up and down. The wiry human ranger with multiple bandoliers of large and small throwing axes puts out his hand. "Your dad was a fierce fighter. He emerged from the thunderous force of a dwarven artifact unaffected and tumbled Kragg to the ground rather than strike him. From what I know of dwarven politics, though, he was dedicated to deposing king Rock."
"If we are visiting the market, we need to visit some of the merchants that are going to be there and make sure they bring the goods we are looking for. If we are selling to them, they can use the two days to raise the money for things like that greataxe if we are selling it."
Khazad steps up to the newcomer and speaks bluntly.
"I did not take part in this decision, but it was my duty to execute it. Your father died by my hand. And I concur that he passed honorably."
Thank thee each, ye words reassure mah prahd in 'ha family name.
He looks at the matching cloakpins.
Care ta' tell the tale o' those, mayhap on 'ha way ta 'ha merchants?
Having just finished up his investigations with the very odd axe, Kibibblepep hands it back to Khazed with a look indicating that they would need to have a chat later.
He then sticks out his small hand to the newcomer saying "And o'corse we saved tha best fer last. Name's Kibibblepep Sparkle Eye, sorcerer supreme. Ain't seen many albino dwarves m'self. Ye was born like that or sumin' happan to ye?" although his words seem rather personal, something about his smile and the sparkle in his eye do give them a certain disarming charm. It remains to be seen whether Gallak finds a Gnome who talks and acts exactly like a dwarf to be an odd thing or not.
Whenever the group is ready to depart, Kibibble gathers what he needs and can carry, getting Kragg to carry the rest and heads out with the group to explore the town and so forth.
Gallak is taken aback by the gnomes casual use of dwarven and the accuracy,and gruffness, of his speech.
He quickly recovers.
With a booming laugh, he claps the little fellow on the shoulder instead of taking his hand.
A bit of both, mah lad, a wee bi' o' both.
He tips the odd fellow a bit of a wink.
Ah've worked with quite'a few o' yer kind, first worlder, and yer nae a bad lot.