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THE SLAB is ready to rumble whenever you are.
Ye call that armor? I've seen dinner trays deflect blades better.
I'm digging the enthusiasm, I'm going to poke people in the discord some more to see if we can get a third, if not I'll run with a pair
Ye call that armor? I've seen dinner trays deflect blades better.
You dissin' my CHAMPIONSHIP BELT tincan?
Ha ha, Drop a small summary of your backstory and vocation and such, This is somewhat important because it will decide where you are likely to live and what others think of you.
The Slab is the gladiator name of a dwarf whose name is unknown, who showed up one day and started driving the crowds wild with his feats of masterful grappling and pugilism. With a flair for the dramatic, he swept up through the lower ranks and became THE CHAMP. his proudest accomplishment.
The Slab is known for his penchant for wrestling ANYTHING; both people and monsters (or animals), and likes to test himself against ever stronger foes: hence why he volunteered for the militia.
Stripped of his family name for being an oathbreaker, Durivig scrapes out a meager living in the slums. Some thugs have a sort of working arrangement with him since getting access to tools or ore is limited with his status so in exchange for bringing him materials, he slaps together blades, hammers or armor in return. Thugs unaffiliated with him tend to think of him as a hassle. Quick to anger and covered in armor, he usually gives back as much as they can deal.
Basically I envision craftsmen being about one step below the aristocracy(or in it) and when Durivig goes to the market to try to purchase materials himself they make him wait until there is basically nothing left. Same problem happens if he tries to go mine it himself. The big mining groups control all the best veins so the only ones left are either too dangerous or have run almost dry. Hence his nickname Ashpick since he slinks back home covered in soot.
For Slab, being a member of the Malitia and a Galditrorial fighter mesh really well, The sealed-off nature of Haustenhold has lead to the near nonexistence of military activity, No campaigns to the surface to establish colonies, No Wars with the Giants and Humans of the surface, Campaigns against the races of the depths are fairly rare since the deep caverns under the Silver Spires are relatively unexplored.
Because of this the Militiamen routinely engage in mock battles in the Arena, both as a form of training and to entertain the people. Gladiatorial fighters of note enjoy a deal of fame and name recognition, and Militia squads will wheel and deal to sponsor gladiators of note to increase their own squad's prestige.
There is a good chance that after some victories of note in the arena, Slab was approached by several squad commanders to be allowed to sponsor him, This is a two-way arrangement, Where the Gladiator is expected to serve in the militia in times of strife, While also working as a proven recruitment method, while the gladiator has his basic needs as well as equipment and Injuries managed on their dime.
As for Durvig, His subsistence is a lot less glamourous, Oathbreaking in dwarven culture is one of the worst crimes that can be committed, Falling short of only Outright Murder, Treason, and Moonshining. The punishments can be very extreme depending on the party whose oath was broken. In Durvig's case Ontop of having his family name stricken and his business seized, He would have been sentenced to three strikes to the primary hand. He would be made to place his hand on an anvil and have it struck three times by a hammerer, before being left to heal non-magically. A Sentencing that by design leaves a horrendous scar and potentially ends a craftdwarfs ability to work.
The slab would most likely live in the gladiatory barracks in the Bronze Circle, A Central cavern that houses both the general market, the many taverns and dance halls, and the gladiatorial ring.
While Durvig lives in the Pauper Circle formally the copper circle, a small Artisan district that has fallen to ruin over the last few Centries and home to the growing population of Clanless and Ex-Convics and their decendents.
Does this all jive with you, This is important mainly because the setting is a persistent one, You have homes and unlike other games, it's not possible to skip town.
Very brief design description of the City,
As an Underground Dwarven City it is not one Mass, but rather several Circles divided into separate caverns connected by intercepting tunnels.
The Circles are
The Mithril Circle - The Highest Circle, It Houses the Wealthiest Homes, as well as the Royal Halls, and the High Churches. Guarded by a Garrison under the Kings Direct Control
The Gold Circle - The Central Most Circle and also the largest, Houses a lot of homes, as well as the largest Market, Many Taverns and Beerhouses, and the Arena Complex.
The Stone Circle - Primarily a manufacturing area, Most workshops are found here.
The Silver Circle - Initially it was going to be a district for Temples and Parks, It was purposed to be the spiritual center of the city, But it remains half-constructed, populated mostly by Dwarves who converted the park areas into Mushroom and mold farms. The Silver Circle has the main tunnel which leads to the Brass Seal, the door to the outside world.
The Steel Circle - Also located in a central location with large tunnels connecting it to all the other Circes, thus it is a primary Highway for those traveling between the other circles, It's also where most of the Militia barracks are located.
The Bronze Circle - A Trade district like the Stone circle, this one is dominated by large warehouses though. It has also had a large influx of residents, mostly poorer workmen who can't afford a home in the Gold circle.
The Pauper Circle - Once the Copper Circle, It was mostly for miners and smelteries before being abandoned during the initial famines after the sealing, It was left to ruin, It has since been repopulated by outcasts and the poorest dwarfs.
I'll try and sketch a rough map sometime.
Rynjin could you add your character stats like Danny did so they appear over Mr. The Slab please
Yeah, I'll have them up in a bit.
Hoping this reactivates the game! I will be posting soon