Let's see where the path takes us.
We begin with a veteran group of adventurers ready to take on new challenges and further build their power.
What if I use half my strength....?
Dot.
Dwol, Chack, Hal and ____ lounge around the table in their comfortable quarters at Fort Milo. Working for old King Ibram has been rewarding pursuit for the past couple of years but as the area has become more stable and secure the work has started to slow down and become somewhat dull. A rapid knock at the door followed by its opening reveals Gerard, a boy of 12 years and the son of Gareth, the proprietor of your favorite local tavern.
The boy looks a bit winded but manages to get out:
“My pa says there’s a stranger dwarf asking questions about ya at the bar Master Brewbelly.”
Perhaps there’s a bit of intrigue left after all.
Dwol beams at Gerard with a broad grin-All dwarves are strange boy; we come from the underdark and that tends to twist a race in peculiar ways. The thick thewed dwarf rises and palms the young man a silver-Don't tell your dad I gave this to you. It's yours to spend as you fancy; a reward for your urgency in delivering the message.
Fetching up his gear he looks at the rest of the group-Who's up for a little stroll? The good news is at the end of it will be chance to ponder life's mysteries in some tasty libations.
Halarfin slowly rises, nodding as he says quietly-Seems like a worthy quest. Not much new as of late, and as you always say there is no drinking like day drinking. He sees Dwol gearing up and does likewise Can't be too careful I suppose
Well, I'll go. Someone's got to look out for you Dwol. Don't want anyone picking on you because they think you're a child.
The boy nods his head as he takes the coin and slips it into a pocket. He then quickly disappears out the door.
The four companions walk over and down to the next block arriving at the Strongarm Tavern. Opening the door, the common room looks relatively quiet as it’s early afternoon on a weekday. Several older gentleman sit at a table to the right of the door and a couple of merchants occupy one of the tables to the left. Standing at the bar talking with Gareth and drinking from a mug is an older looking dwarf. His dark hair and beard are streaked with grey and his face is wrinkled with age. More conspicuous than his age is his condition, thin for a dwarf and his chain shirt shows signs of rust and damage from a blade of some sort, his cloak is patched and worn, his boots covered in mud from the road. At his belt hangs an axe and a dagger, both of which look sharp and well cared for.
-earlier-
That's a good call Chack. I'm not an only child, but given my life choices so far I might as well be. Completely disowned by my own Clan and kin. That's all right though; I raise a glass in their honor anyways. Live free or die!
-now-
Well Cayden, hope you are having a good chuckle at my expense.-Dwol thinks to himself as he surveys the room.
Shrugging his shoulders, Dwol jauntily approaches the bar-Gareth, my regular and another for my new friend here!
Addressing the dwarf-ᚺᛖᛚᛚᛟ ᛒᚱᛟᚦᛖᚱ. ᛁ×ᛗ ᛏᛟᛚᛞ ᛁᛟᚢ ᚨᚱᛖ ᛚᛟᛟᚲᛁᛜ ᚠᛟᚱ ᛗᛖ; ᚺᛟᚹ ᛗᚨᛁ ᛁ ᛒᛖ ᛟᚠ ᛊᛖᚱᚹᛁᚲᛖ?
Halafrin follows along with the group quietly, trying to blend in as best he can.
Entering the bar he moves away from the door and as far away as possible from anyone he doesn't know. Ready for anything he scrutinizes everything he can see.
The dwarf turns and catches sight of Dwol and drops his mug, his gaunt face turning even more ashen.
“ᚺᛖᛚᛚᛟ ᛒᚱᛟᚦᛖᚱ. ᛁ×ᛗ ᛏᛟᛚᛞ ᛁᛟᚢ ᚨᚱᛖ ᛚᛟᛟᚲᛁᛜ ᚠᛟᚱ ᛗᛖ; ᚺᛟᚹ ᛗᚨᛁ ᛁ ᛒᛖ ᛟᚠ ᛊᛖᚱᚹᛁᚲᛖ, ᛒᚱᛟᚦᛖᚱ. ᛁ×ᛗ ᛏᛟᛚᛞ ᛁᛟᚢ ᚨᚱᛖ ᛚᛟᛟᚲᛁᛜ ᚠᛟᚱ ᛗᛖ; ᚺᛟᚹ ᛗᚨᛁ ᛁ ᛒᛖ ᛟᚠ ᛊᛖᚱᚹᛁᚲᛖ.”
Gareth takes in the exchange in dwarven without understanding the words but he can definitely sense the gravity of the situation and makes himself busy fetching some ale.
Dwol, clearly stunned by the news, breathes for a few moments. Gareth finally arrives with the ale and Dwol downs it with one massive chug.
Another... is all he can whisper.
Dwol breathes in deeply, steadying himself, Of all the tests you have given me Cayden...
My apologies Oin, we should continue in the common tongue so my friends can hear. I appreciate how far you must have traveled to bring this news, but you are wrong.
I grieve for the loss of my uncle and cousin. They were both fine dwarves; paradigms of our race and noble of blood and spirit. Cut from the first stone!
That being said, the dwarves of Janderhoff will never accept me as Sky Lord. I have been cast out, banished, for my improper faith and following of Cayden. Plus, there are many other noble clans that stand in line to take the crown and you know what happened to my father.
I'm sorry that you have come all this way for nothing Oin, but that's what it is.
Halafrin contemplates the news in silence only thinking This explains much...
"No apologies necessary son. Yer wrong, yer face proves it to me, ya look just like yer grandfather when he was young. You've been gone a long time things are different now. And not sure what yer father has to do with it, he's a Brewbelly, yer mother was Korim Kraghammer's second born. Give me a moment and I've another way to prove it to ya as well. Yer grandfather had this made for ya but never had the chance to give it to ya."
Oin rummages through his pack and pulls out a small wooden box containing the seal of the Sky Lord of Janderhoff as well as Korim Kraghammer's personal symbol a Warhammer with a lightning bolt shooting from it.
He hands you the box: "If this works for ya there be no disputing yer bloodline."
A series of emotions play out over Dwol's face as he listens to Oin. When the box is offered, Dwol flinches away for a moment, before extending his hands and accepting it, trembling at whatever comes next.
I hope you aren't too disappointed Oin....
Looking the box over, Dwol does his best to open it and disprove Oin's false hope.
Curious at the exchange, Halafrin extends his arcane senses towards the box.
What's in the box?
-detect magic-
Gareth refills mugs for Dwol and Oin, then fills a mug for himself as well, and anyone else who wants one.
Dwol opens the box revealing a mithral headband. Inscribed into the headband is an image of a tankard of ale with a rich head of foam. Inscribed on the side of the tankard is a waraxe. Inscribed upon the blade of the waraxe is another tankard, barely visible it is so small. Dwol can hardly imagine the precision and craftsmanship necessary for the inscription.
"Put it on, and let's see what happens. Don't think it'll be disappointin' in tha least."
Oin takes another pull of ale and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
"My compliments to yer brewer, Master Gareth."
Holding the headband in one hand, Dol reaches for the tankard and quaffs a healthy draught. Setting the tankard down he places both hands on the headband
Your will be done Cayden; always
and places it upon his head.
Halafrin continues to watch the goings, on both visible and within the weave.
Layer upon layer...
-detect magic-
Dwol places the headband on his brow and it glows brightly filling the room with a burst of light for a second before resuming its normal appearance. Seconds later an image of a dwarf flickers and steadies in front of Dwol. Looking at the image of the dwarf is like looking at an aged version of Dwol, the resemblance is uncanny. The image of the dwarf speaks and sound comes out:
"Dwoldrean, my time is limited so I'll get to it. A seer came to Janderhoff and foretold the ruin of my line and our people. She also foretold of your birth and said a slim hope for our people existed with you but that you would surely perish if you remained within Janderhoff when you reached adulthood. So your mother and I concocted an excuse, a feud between us over your choice of Cayden, and so your family was exiled. Truth be told, a real feud existed between your mother and I. If dwarves are known for their stubbornness and determination then I can say without equivocation that your mother was the most stubborn and the most determined, and that did not always make things easy between us. Now as foretold, the fate and hope of our people resides with you. I have known the weight of duty and now you will know it too, it can be heavier than any mountain but if you possess but a fraction of your mother's will and determination you will bear it without complaint. May Torag and Cayden guide your journey and keep you safe!"
Oin nods his head. "I knew it were you. Now that's done, the rest of the unpleasant news, yer piece of s~*&e cousin Brald has crowned himself. I cannot fully prove it yet, but he done killed yer Uncle Dolgrin and his son Rogar ta make way for himself. I suspect he be in league with some outside power as well. Goes without sayin' we've a long road ahead but I swear on Torag's beard I will see you crowned Sky Lord and yer cousin in chains or worse. Been savin' the good news for last, that headband works with tha Sky Lord's Waraxe, there be some connection between 'em. The way I see it, findin' the waraxe be yer first order of business, it will be more proof of yer claim to the people."
Overwhelmed with emotion from his father's message, tears stream freely down Dol's face and into his beard. He nods solemnly to Oin-I'm your dwarf then come hammer and fire. I may not be the Skylord my people want, but I will do my best to ensure that I am the one they deserve. As for Rogar, he was always a cur and a bully. Casting him from off the throne will be a pleasure. Which way to the axe, and I hope you don't mind if I ask my friends to accompany me?
Dol looks back at the party, tears still flowing-Well; what do you say? Care to overthrow a tyrant and liberate some good people from his folly?
Here is you servant Cayden, I will serve you -always-
Halafrin nods, -friend- that has a nice ring to it.
Yes Dwoldrean, I will journey with you, however far the path may take me.
Clarifying:
The image was Dwol’s grandfather Korim.
Your cousin Rogar who was in line to be Sky Lord was killed by your other cousin Brald the cur and bully.
Never did care much for bullies. Count me in!
Gareth pours another round of ale. “The least I can do if you’re leaving is to give you a proper send off.”
Oin: “The axe disappeared a decade ago, you ask anyone in Janderhoff what happened and they would tell you it was stolen, but after what I just saw I’m no so sure anymore, maybe your grandfather Korim had something to do with it, maybe he had some sort of plan like with your exile. There was a large delegation from Kalsgard from the lands of the Linnorm Kings that was visiting at that time, perhaps they stole it or perhaps they were given it. There be a fair number of dwarves in Kalsgard might be they would have heard some rumor of the axe by now if it be there. I think if ye get close to it you might get some sort of reaction from the headband. Take yer friends i think you’ll need ‘em. Tomorrow I start home to check on my sons and keep an eye on Brald but I will try to send word to ya when I can.”
Cayden guide your steps Oin. I salute you as a paradigm of dwarven truth! Dwol raises his tankard and takes a deep sip and spends the rest of the night learning anything he can from Oin about the current goings on in Janderhoff: what are the strongest clans; who leads them; who are opposed to Brald and who supports him; any idea of the outside powers that he is allying with; anything on the surface that seems overly suspicious.
The next day Dwol seeks and audience with King Ibram explaining that he must ask his leave to attend to matters in his own homeland and then prepare to head to Kalsgard. He specifically asks if there is any more expeditious way to get there than by land as it appears to be an almost 1,800 mile journey.
Halafrin crams as much studying in as he can about Jandrhoff, the dwarves that inhabit it, and the city of Kalsgard and its environs.
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Oin tells Dwol that at the time he left about 25% of the people of Janderhoff were leaving for other areas, how many and where they went are something he plans on looking into as these folks may be willing to return with different leadership. The 75% that remained were mostly indifferent to the change in leadership with perhaps 10-15% firmly behind Brald. That was over a month ago so things may have changed. He’s not 100% sure who Brald may be allied with but suspects there may be a connection with the Duegar in Nar-Voth. Oin feels 2 of the 10 main clans will support Dwol, Oin’s clan the Burntbeards (mostly forge workers and smiths) and Alesmiths (mostly brewers and military), the rest he is less certain of.
Janderhoff is a dwarven Sky Citadel and settlement in southeastern Varisia's Mindspin Mountains, north of Korvosa and south of the Cinderlands. It is a firm trading partner and competitor of Korvosa, and also retains good relations with the Shoanti of the Storval Plateau. It holds the greatest concentration of dwarves in Varisia, and boasts one of the largest populations of Shoanti outside of the Cinderlands. Its smiths are well-known throughout the region.
Appearance
The first thing visitors to Janderhoff see are the massive iron curtain walls of the city, proud reminders of the glories of dwarven architecture and engineering at their peak. Once through the tunnels that provide the city's only access, however, one finds only trade and crafting chambers with low ceilings and few above-ground dwellings. The vast majority of Janderhoff lies below the surface in hundreds of interconnected rooms and tunnels. As one of the Sky Citadels built by the dwarves at the end of their Quest for Sky, it retains a working connection to the Darklands that is heavily watched by dwarven patrols who rightfully fear an incursion from below.
The city of Kalsgard sits on the southern banks of the Rimeflow River† in the northern reaches of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings known as the Thanelands. It is the biggest city in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings and as such is the most cosmopolitan city for several hundred miles, housing communities of dwarves, gnomes, Varisians and people from even further afield.
King Thira Ash-Eyes, ruler of the Thanelands and Kalsgard.
Kalsgard was home of the oldest and most powerful of the Linnorm Kings, Sveinn Blood-Eagle, before he made his final journey across the seas to Valenhall in distant Arcadia, as is the tradition amongst the Linnorm Kings, in 4719 AR. He was succeeded by his daughter Thira Ash-Eyes, who claimed his throne in the traditional manner: by slaying a linnorm.
Geography
Kalsgard is divided into nine districts, called city quarters:
Amber Quarter
Bone Quarter
Fire Quarter
Horn Quarter
Ice Quarter
Ivory Quarter
Jade Quarter
Oak Quarter
Stone Quarter
Undercroft
Underneath the city is another living area known as the enclave of Undercroft, home to many dwarves.
The next morning the group with Oin in tow have an audience with King Ibram.
Arrayed around the room are a few of Ibram’s councilors: Tirnel, Kentaur and Svetlana the Hand of the King. Svetlana whispers in the King’s ear as the group approaches.
King Ibram:
“Welcome Dwol, Svetlana tells me trouble brews in Janderhoff and you must leave to set things right. Know that you and your companions leave with my blessing and support. And Tirnel has told me that he can shorten your journey considerably.”
Kentaur:
“Abadar watch over you all and may you succeed with your mission, Janderhoff needs deft leadership. I have a small gift for Dwol’s self proclaimed protector, may it aid you in your duties.”
Kentaur hands Chack a scimitar (+1, keen)
Tirnel:
“Well let’s get on with it, the King doesn’t have all day and neither do I. I can place you much closer to your goals, and yes this means you too Oin. Now all of you gather round me…well not necessarily that close Halafrin, no need to bump into me like that. Look what you’ve done, you’ve dropped this Halafrin, please be more careful.” Tirnel hands Hal a pearl of power level 2.
Tirnel performs a casting teleporting the group to a small town in Varisia called Biston.
-earlier-
Dwol bows low-Thank you for taking me into your service these last few years King Ibram. It's been nice to have a feeling of home and community again.
I guess no one better to deal with the trouble 'brewing' in Janderhoff than a Brewbelly; even if I happen to be a Kraghammer in disguise. If I am indeed called to the throne, I can only hope that I will be as wise and just as you are. May your cup never run dry and the love of friends and family find you always.
-now-
Well this doesn't feel like the lands of the Linnorm Kings; can't feel my blood freezing at all. I think that's Biston over there, if so we aren't all that far from Janderhoff. I'm sure they have a tavern and that means we can probably find out what's been going on recently.
Dwol tries to use the headband to see if it gives any sense of where the axe might be.
-earlier-
Halafrin grins at Tirnel's gift and performance One of the few elves I've ever truly liked; not sure why more of my kin can't be like that He watches intently as Tirnel casts the spell; doing his best to learn how to cast it in the future should he be lucky enough to become that strong.
-now-
I wonder how far away we really are from Janderhoff or Kalsgard. Dwol has a penchant for thinking everyone has the stamina of the dwarves....
Just be cautious Dwol. Don't want you to do more than 'liberate' a drink or two. You tend to be a trouble magnet and I can't tell if it's just your nature or you being a paladin.
When he concentrates on the headband Dwol feels a faint pull from far to the north and west.
After a five minute walk the group passes through some farmland surrounding the town the group arrives in Biston proper, which is a very small town with a single Inn/Tavern. The town sits on the shore of Lake Syrantula and you can see a few boats beaches on the shore and several more out on the lake fishing. Just to the east of the town you spot several dwarven tents around a campfire.
Dwol thinks for a moment Kin or drink...or drink...I came for kin so might as well start with them and see if Cayden is smiling on me.
He looks at Oin-As much as I would be happy to wet my lips I think I'll try my luck with or folk first and see how it goes. It's been a while since I've seen more than the odd dwarf or two so might need some practice. Will you be travelling with us or heading home?
Unless Oin thinks otherwise Dwol leads the party through town and towards the small dwarven camp.
As soon as he sees a dwarven face he calls out-ᚺᛖᛁ ᚦᛖᚱᛖ ᚲᛟᚢᛊᛁᚾ, ᚹᚺᚨᛏ ᚾᛖᚹᛊ ᚠᛟᚱ ᚨ ᛏᚱᚨᚹᛖᛚᛖᚱ?
“Hail Oin and company! Be welcome at our fire. No news that is good I’m afraid. We’ve left Jandehoff while we still could, the new Skylord has instituted a curfew and declared martial law for reasons that escape me. In more local news, I’ve seen some troll sign outside the town here, maybe they’re just passing through but keep your eyes open outside of town.”
The dwarf’s name is Ivar.
Dwol settles in at the fire and motions for his companions to join him-Thank you for the gift of your fire and your company; maybe you have a drink handy as well? My name is Dwol; you seem to know Oin already. My companions and I are newly arrived to the area on the general path to visit kin in Kalsgard.
I am disappointed to hear about Janderhoff; our folk have few enough safe places to call home as it is. Sad to hear that the new king has done his best to alienate those he should hold closest to his heart.
Where will you head now; is there anything I can do for you or the folk of Biston?
Halafrin stands somewhat awkwardly near-ish the fire, clearly uncomfortable with the newly met strangers. Trolls? Nasty brutes; best to be on alert.
He looks about with all of his senses
-detect magic-
Halafrin detects magic on all his companions but nothing else.
Oin listens intently to the news concerning Janderhoff and then says farewell setting off for home.
Ivar shares some ale with the group and looks disapprovingly at Halafrin as he detects magic.
"A bit rude if you ask me."
Well, it's a good thing you have my sweet charms to placate you. hahahaha. Garric cracks up at his own joke, then licks his lips Next round's on me. Um, where can I get the next round? Garric looks around sheepishly.
Man, that's why I belong in the woods. Always saying the wrong things.
Halafrin blushes heavily, the rose flush showing clearly on his pale countenance-I'm sorry Ivar. My nature is overly suspicious especially with those I've just met; even if they're friendly. Dwol is trying to teach me better but I must admit I'm a poor student. He sits by the fire and lightly sips some ale, dutifully abashed.
If Ivar has nothing else to impart, Dwol will lead the party into Biston.
Thanks for the hospitality Ivar; wish there was better news from Janderhoff. We are going to head into Biston before we push on. Where will you head next?
“Probably stay here for a bit and see if any more of my kin show up. After that, only Torag knows. Safe travels.”
Dwol nods at the dwarf-Be blessed Ivar; safe travels to you as well.
To the party-Let's head in to town. I'll say a quick prayer at the temple, we can check for any other news, and be on our way. Speaking of which, we are all agreed to head towards Kalsgard, yes?
If no objection from the party go to the tavern, buy a drink, say a prayer, and collect any intel before moving on towards Kalsgard.
I do have a partial affinity to towns, more people get to see how awesome I am! Chack brandishes her scimitar and weaves a complicated pattern, finishing with a flourish. Ta-daaa!
Halafrin watches the dazzling display put on by Chack and thinks to himself-Impressive; the Aldori counter-slash maneuver with a scimitar. Usually that can only be done with a rapier; much more challenging with the balance of a scimitar.
Dwol smiles warmly-Yes, yes Chack; your blade work is quite impressive. Just remember when the time comes to make sure that the pointy end gets stuck in our foes and not my ribs. I still remember that time with you and the river bandits!
-chuckling-
In my defense, how was I supposed to know that the Enlarge spell was going to wear off right when I struck?
I've always wanted to go to Kalsgard, I hear that they have amazing..uh, really good...um, interesting...never mind
so much for being positive, why do I keep opening my mouth
The group approaches the small structure that serves as the Tavern and enters. The common room contains a few tables, a fireplace and a bar.
A man of about 50 with long dark hair with some graying greets you. “How can I help yo you?”
-homonymously, all of a sudden, I feel like ordering Soju-
Dwol smiles broadly-Hellow friend I'm here to make an offering at the temple before heading out on my way north. A tankard of something delicious and any news you may have if you please.