Stonespeaker Hgraam--NPC's page

The stonespeaker smiles slowly at this revelation. "Interesting indeed. Well I know the Keepers of the Flame have been very agitated as of late. Perhaps the egg was stolen from them and they wish to find it again. I am sure that they would reward you for returning it. But if you would rather not, I have heard that a red dragon wyrmling bonds with the first creature it sees upon hatching."

The stonespeaker jerks his head quickly to eye Irdril. He raises a massive eyebrow. "The egg?"

The stonespeaker shrugs his massive shoulders. "That I cannot say for certain. But I suspect it is because the Keepers of the Flame are too wise to allow that..."

Yes Kanzen, you can just note down your purchases. Maybe mention them in discussion though just so there's an awareness of what's going on.

I'll assume you talk to the Stonespeaker since there's really no downside to that. Good idea, Irdril.

Hgraam nods soberly at questions regarding Themberchaud. "He is the wyrmsmith of Gracklstugh. He lights the forges in exchange for treasure, food, and doting care. The Keepers of the Flame care for and represent him. But I hear rumblings that changes may come soon in their arrangement." He considers quietly. "Indeed. I have never heard of a wyrmsmith in Gracklstugh living to the full size of an ancient one."

The Stonespeaker nods gravely and states in a somber, rumbling voice "If you require my influence in Gracklstugh, simply speak the word. I have some sway with the Gray Dwarves, though they will ever do as they see best."

Heading to visit the stone giants, the group is admitted quickly. Upon presenting the second head of the statue to the Stonespeaker, he exclaims "This is marvelous! I will be able to cure my brother with this." He fumbles in his robe and draws forth an emerald the size of Cyrus' head and hands it to the goblin. "For your kindness to my people."

The emerald is worth 500 gp.

The great giant shakes his head sadly. "No the ways of the surface are not mine or my people's. What is more, I don't believe I could even ensure safe passage out of Gracklstugh. I am respected in the City of Blades but I must be careful not to be seen as meddling in Duergar affairs."

Hgraam shrugs at Galenus' assessment. "There is truth in what he says. But she is correct as well" nodding toward Irdril "in that the Stoneguard will prove more useful than anyone else I who comes to mind." He listens carefully to Kanzen then smiles a slow, broad smile. "I think you will find that your actions in containing Rihuud will earn you an audience with the Stoneguard. But I will send a messenger recommending you as well."

He waves to Dorhun who has been standing outside the chamber. "Dorhun. Retrieve the gift for our guests. Dorhun returns a moment later carrying a polished crystal the length of a human forearm. Hgraam presents it to you. [b]"This is a stonespeaker crystal. I believe it will aid you during your time in the Underdark."

Hgraam bows to you graciously again. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Hgraam nods. "That was their original function. But they have expanded somewhat and police such matters as well."

Hgraam nods his ponderous head. "That is a very troubling possibility. The Stone Guard should know this may be happening."

The stonespeaker chuckles at Galenus' explanation. "Perhaps you will learn not to trifle with a god. Skoraeus Stonebones would have done much more to you than that for stealing a gift from his altar. I can remove this curse." He begins chanting for a minute or two then touches you as lightly as he can on the head with his massive club. It knocks your head a bit but doesn't hurt you. "The next bath you take will wash the smell away."

At talk of a local cult of some sort, Hgraam nods. "That would make sense of much."

The great gray man shakes his head in sorrow. "Dark news indeed. I will speak to the Deepking of this. I wonder what mortals can do in the face of such power..."

Hgraam ponders. "Perhaps. Tell me more. What is the curse? Why and how was it placed upon you? By whom? These answers are vital. Without this information, I can do little." He shakes his massive head, thick ropes of beard and hair making swooshing noises in the air. "This is why I can do little for Rihuud at the moment but ensure he does not hurt himself or others."

The stonespeaker bows his head gravely. "While the kuo-toa are strange and erratic, I would wish no such ill upon them. This news is dire indeed. Whatever evil is happening, it has some haunt here in Gracklstugh, though I know not where it is." He is silent for a while longer. "I thank you for your service. Is there anything I can do for you?"

The giant nods at Kanzen's politeness. "This is where my people come to commune with the stone and learn its wisdom. Skoraeus Stonebones has blessed this place for us. We create beauty in the stone and contemplate the ways of life." He turns with troubled expression to Irdril when she asks her question. "No, I have not. But the name sounds ill."

Hgraam bows and follows you into the tunnel. Massive pieces of artwork cover the interior of the passageway, carved painstakingly into the rock by huge, patient hands. He leads you into a cavern where massive piles of furs, some of the furs clearly from terrifyingly large creatures, form the cushions of a seating area. He takes a seat and gestures for all of you to sit on a four hundred square foot cushion near him. He stares silently toward the opposite wall for a few moments then speaks in a low, rumbling tone

“Something evil stirs in the Underdark. The rock itself cries in pain and horror, and a madness creeps from the blackest depths. Pay heed to the signs surrounding you. A cave with two faces. Rock devoured, and the land overgrown. The pebble believes itself flesh. The earth rejects its wards, and the tunnels shake in fury. By these portents, you shall know of evil’s presence and of evil’s face. This is what the stones tell me.”

he falls silent again for a little while then shakes his head. "I do not know what all of this means. But it troubles me greatly." He bows his head respectfully. "Thank you for being solid stone to me and mine in a time of shifting earth."

The guards lead you out of the Darklake District and into Laduguer's Furrow. You pass the mean homes of many derro, who give you crazed and suspicious glances as you pass. You are escorted through an iron gate into the richer portion of the city. The hammering and smoke are, if anything, even thicker here. The guards lead you to the southwest where a great tunnel leads into the rock. Standing at the entrance to the tunnel is a massive figure with a long gray beard. The craggy wrinkles of his face imply great age but his back is as straight as a board. He nods to the guards and addresses you in a slow and ponderous tone "I understand I owe you my apprentice's life. Please, enter." He stands aside from the massive opening and gestures for you to enter first.