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"Well then, I guess not. Head Marshal Hawke will see to your next needs and assist you in getting out of your undergarments into real equipment." The guards escort you from the room and back to your quarters for a few hours, until later in the day when once again a knock opens the door and a new escort comes to take you to the planning meeting with Head Marshal Hawke.
"Good, our mutual support will go far in building a stronger relationship. With that, we must continue our planning here. Escorts will take you to the planning meeting later with Head Marshal Hawke. There you can request equipment and he will assist in finding a role for you in the missions required for success of the safety of this location." "Any final questions?" The Thain appears tired, but is reasonable spirits.
The Thain looks at Snow as if perhaps she was insane. "Such intentions are good, but your case is rare and exceptional. These giants were raised to be cruel, they live in a cruel society. No gesture of friendship will stay their desire to see everyone one of us dead and our halls looted. That much I can tell you. There is no diplomacy with these fell creatures." He nearly spits and sputters as his fiery retort issues forth. Unfortunately the Thain seems adamant about fighting, sadly. It is likely he is correct however in the giant's attitudes. "If you do wish to aid us, we can give equipment, those details are being handled by our Head Marshal Hawke. We can arrange for you to join the planning meeting later."
The Thain looks at the ratfolk for a moment. "It is no secret the giants and dwarves have never gotten along. The difference is we try to live peaceably where we can, and the giants take what they feel is theirs because they are stronger and bigger. Fire giants are particularly cruel and warlike. Of course they will call it vengeance for some imagined slight." "The ogre will not be targeted if he acts like a civilized person and looks it too. Most ogres stink and wear skins and garbage." "The battle will come to the walls of the fort. Many of your people have volunteered to take the offensive to the giants though, scouting into the mountains between here and their smaller groups and attacking them before they reach these walls. Those that make it here will meet a stalwart defense and be destroyed."
The Thain speaks and welcomes you in your langauge, perhaps augmented by magic, "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." The formal greeting ended, he looks over your group. "This is High Priest Stonehammer, priest of Clangeddin. These are my officers. Your group arrived last night. Others of your people have also arrived last night and this morning. The goat people have also arrived and will all be housed safely here, and it is my wish that they help us in the defense of these lands. We will drive back these giants and their rabble and make them wish they had not stepped from their cursed homes. I understand that your people seek to find your lost mentor. We can assist in that if you swear allegiance to me and fight for us."
"If you have no further questions, I will turn you over to the escorts and you will meet with Head Marshal Hawke later this afternoon. Dorval here will arrange someone to work with you on the language." He points to a servant looking fellow who was standing nondescriptly to the side. He nods and steps forward, waiting.
"Does your group have any more questions? I will turn you over to your escort and you can meet with Head Marshal Hawke later."
"Later today Head Marshal Hawke will hold a planning meeting with all interested parties, to determine who will join the assaults. It will only be several hours from now until he returns from patrol."
He responds to Lotham, "We know that their leader is a fire giant, a self styled king that has gathered many other giant types and other monsters to assault our peaceful life here. They are bent of a path of evil and malice against us." then turning to Eleanor, "That will be useful I agree, I will find someone to facilitate this."
"With any fight, you will wish to approach with caution, but a grim sense of the duty that must be done. No one looks for fights except the foolish, desperate or insane, but sometimes they come to you and you fight hard." "Your wisdom is noted. May it serve you well ahead. The enemy is dangerous, they have magical aid as well. Head Marshal Hawke will give you more details if you ask."
"After meeting with so many of you now, I have gotten used to the idea, somewhat. It still baffles me, this mentor of yours, and what his goals were, but in any event you are here now, and it does seem fortuitous that he trained you as he did." He regards the group evenly, scanning and furrowing his brow. "Hobgoblins, mind flayers, duerger... normally the sight of you would incite rage amongst us, and you wouldn't have made it two steps in the door, but even we stubborn dwarves need to look deeper sometimes. I have learned something from meeting the various groups. It will be memorable for my time in this world." "The planning for the fight, is two-fold. Head Marshal Hawke, is leading scouting and strike forces against the interlopers, and we are focusing on our defenses here. They will not take this fort. if you wish to assault them directly, you shall meet with Hawke a bit later." "Do you have any final questions for me?"
"We are in need of more scouts. Our griffon riders are few and cannot be everywhere at once." "Your group looks capable and powerful. Marshal Hawke can definitely use you. Do you have any questions for me?"
"Most of them have already. Smaller groups to attack, and a large one to stay behind to defend, though I have not met the large group yet personally."
"Sarenrae, indeed. Well it is good to know you worship one of the potent and active deities. If you wish to partake in the fight, I will assign to you work with Head Marshal Hawke, he is returning later today and will meet with your group and others to plan a pre-emptive assault on the giants and their minions."
You reach the audience chamber which is really more of a war room. Maps, and scrolls and books are all over. A man who must be the Thain stands in the middle of the room surrounded by advisors and generals. The Thain has dark hair, somewhat graying. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. Next to him is another dwarf, shorter but portlier looking. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." "This is Priest Stonehammer, high priest of Clangeddin. These are my commanders." You also notice a large contingent, twenty plus, of elite dwarven guards in the room, armed to the teeth with loaded crossbows and an arsenal of other weapons. Commander Klavin bows to the Thain and leads you to the back of the room and arrays you there, and then leaves the chamber with his escort unit. "I have begun meeting with each group of your people. It is folly for us to ignore the circumstances of your arrival, and in many ways it can be fortuitious for both of us. As we learn more of your ... people, we understand you are looking for your lost master. At the same time, we have learned that we are soon to be under assault by a large gathering force of giants, they humanoid underlings and a mix of other creatures, all gathering in the black ice tunnels and mountains less than a week north of us. This rabble must be dispersed and if they make it here to attack the fort, must be shown the error of their thinking. If you aid us in this fight, offensively or defensively, we will pay you for your services. "
Day 5 - Morning The morning arrives and there is a knock at the door, luckily it comes after you have had time to partake of the food and water provided and clean yourselves up from the dust of the trail and the fishy smell of the boat. A few prestidigitations and some water and everyone is reasonable looking. A different dwarven commander appears today with a heavily armed contingent of dwarves, and advises "The Thain has arranged to have an audience now. Leave all weapons behind as well as any pets." You are escorted from the quarters through many winding halls and tunnels again, through sentry guarded doors and to a large chamber that seems to be serving as a war room. The Thain is standing in the center of the room at some tables with maps and scrolls. He has dark hair, somewhat graying. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. Next to him is another dwarf, shorter but portlier. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. Within the room are other generals, officers, and commanders as well as about twenty elite looking guards with loaded crossbows standing all over the room keeping watch. You imagine some kings would be jealous of the level of security they have here. You are led to the back of the room and the Thain welcomes you, "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." He continues, "No doubt you have heard by now that a force of giants and assorted monsters and other humanoids is headed this way. The timing of your arrival odd, but fortuitous. We look to find a mutual path to solve each group's problems. We will take you in and shelter you and if you will fight for us to defeat the raiders, we will arm you. In return we will also attempt to assist you in finding your lost master, in terms of information and history." The Thain is brief and to the point. He seems a bit tired as if he has been up all night planning.
He looks at Xanya for a while before responding, almost uncomfortably long. Just as it is about to get awkward, he replies, "Head Marshal Hawke, " he pauses emphazising his title, "will have the information, you will require for your mission." There is another uncomfortable pause, and then he states, "Fight well." He nods to an officer at the door, who steps out and your escort is there waiting to return you to your quarters.
"I can assign a servant to assist you with what they can if any are willing to take up the task. If you wish a history lesson, Loremaster Cronin will be willing to talk, although I need to make use of his time as well, do not overly tarry as he tends to get off track easily."
"We do have information about their leader. They are after our destruction. Giants are malice filled creatures, all envious of superior dwarven industry and craftsmanship."
The Thain nods and Priest Stonehammer has a fiery look in his eye. Sadly Goliath's humor has been lost on the dwarves and no one even utters a chuckle or slightly forced air through their nose. Tough crowd. It's also made slightly creepy by Quassine's Illithid laugh, which comes out as some sort of hissing gurgling noise, and some spittle and drool slips down his tentacles. "We will attempt to provide as we can. Making gear for abnormally sized people is a challenge that we can meet, but it of course takes time."
"Very well. If are effective and skilled, Marshal Hawke will be your next meeting. He is out on a mission currently, but will return soon. He can see to your mission briefing and to outfitting you in something more serviceable than baskets and crude leathers."
"If you are in agreement and wish to strike at the heart of our enemies, you will next work with Head Marshal Hawke. His group of griffon riders scouts the skies and have been flying missions to keep track of movements. If your group is fleet of foot he can use you to traverse to areas where he has pinpointed enemy units and eliminate them. He is currently flying an important mission now, checking with another group of your kin who went to slay some giants. He will return soon, and then he will see to your needs, we will attempt to get you some serviceable gear." He pauses, then as an afterthought, "Do you have any brief questions?" Although you have not known the Thain for more than a matter of minutes, it seems uncharacteristically polite for him to ask for your questions or thoughts, given his gruff no nonsense demeanor. Perhaps your politeness and diplomacy has softened him, or perhaps your zeal to fight the same enemies.
"They have sent hellhound scouts out but none closer than several days. If you wish to attack as an offensive force, you will work with Head Marshal Hawke who is coordinating the scouting efforts. "
The dwarves make sure you have no weapons, or minions (they don't care about familiars, they just don't want eidolons or other big animals) they escort you out. Commander Klavin says "Ok we go to visit the Thain. Make sure you observe proper protocol. Don't interrupt him or approach him, just,....try to be....normal." You are led through more winding corridors up and down stairs, and through secured doors with sentries, escorted by your heavily armed unit of dwarves. You reach the audience chamber which is really more of a war room. Maps, and scrolls and books are all over. A man who must be the Thain stands in the middle of the room surrounded by advisors and generals. The Thain has dark hair, somewhat graying. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. Next to him is another dwarf, shorter but portlier looking. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." "This is Priest Stonehammer, high priest of Clangeddin. These are my commanders." You also notice a large contingent, twenty plus, of elite dwarven guards in the room, armed to the teeth with loaded crossbows and an arsenal of other weapons. Commander Klavin bows to the Thain and leads you to the back of the room and arrays you there, and then leaves the chamber with his escort unit. "I have begun meeting with each group of your people. It is folly for us to ignore the circumstances of your arrival, and in many ways it can be fortuitious for both of us. As we learn more of your ... people, we understand you are looking for your lost master. At the same time, we have learned that we are soon to be under assault by a large gathering force of giants, they humanoid underlings and a mix of other creatures, all gathering in the black ice tunnels and mountains less than a week north of us. This rabble must be dispersed and if they make it here to attack the fort, must be shown the error of their thinking. If you aid us in this fight, offensively or defensively, we will pay you for your services. "
The Thain furrows his brow but nods. "Understood. Your group is focused on finding your mentor. I do not require fealty but you have pledged to help defend our fort, that is welcome enough. Your group is quite eloquent, and would be in need of diplomats, we would welcome that, however your appearance, does not aid you. If you have skill on the battlefield we welcome that even more. If you would fight with us, you have options, you can join the advance scouting forces and work with Head Marshal Hawke to eliminate threats from afar, if you wish to defend the base, you will work with my commanders here to fight when the rabble arrives here to strike at our fort. I will leave the decision to you." He waits for a bit.
As the command leaders you through the halls to audience with the Thain he advises "The Thain is a busy man, and important. Protocol decrees you stand and face him, and do not interrupt him. In fact you should not speak to him unless addressed. He will guide the discussion. Do not approach him or the war table, unless you tire of living in this world." In a short while, the group is led into a room with the Thain. It looks to be set up as a war room. Maps and charts and papers are all over various tables. The room is large and spacious. You notice the Thain right away. He has dark hair, somewhat graying, and looks very no nonense. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. He seems to be reviewing some of the maps, but has paused as your group is filed into the room under heavy guard. Next to the Thain is another dwarf, shorter but portlier. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. Other dwarves, officers of the guard or military units are also here offering counsel as the plan for the attack. Twenty or more guards encircle the room and stand at the tables front and back. They are heavily armored and wield loaded heavy crossbows in addition to an arsenal of other weapons, axes, hammers, spears and picks. The commander bows to the Thain, the officers and the other important dwarf and leaves the room with the escort unit. The Thain speaks and welcomes you in your langauge, perhaps augmented by magic, "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." The formal greeting ended, he looks over your group. "This is High Priest Stonehammer, priest of Clangeddin. These are my officers. Your group arrived last night and is the second of your people to sit in audience with me. The first accepted a mission from me even before we had news of the impending attack. Now that I have learned of your people, your circumstances, and the concerns over the tribes of goat people, there is an opportunity here. The goat people and your kin have also arrived and will all be housed safely here, and it is my wish that they help us in the defense of these lands. We will drive back these giants and their rabble and make them wish they had not stepped from their cursed homes. I understand that your people seek to find your lost mentor. We can assist in that if you swear allegiance to me and fight for us."
The Thain glowers and seems to consider the words of the group. When Grobly speaks most of the dwarves in the room look at him with a grunt or take deep breaths. Stonehammer grits his teeth and if he ground them any harder one might break you think. Luckily it appears most of the dwarves aside from perhaps Stonehammer cannot understand what is being said. The Thain paces back and forth a step or two. "What you request is not unreasonable. I will assign someone to assist you in acquiring such goods as you need. Some goods and resources are currently rationed or purchased only with my approval and the prices are also fixed. I can't have the merchants gouging people on prices because of an impending attack, nor can I have someone buying all the iron or arrows or food to hoard away. I will grant your access to the forges under guard." He scoffs a bit. "ALL of our forges are the best forges. They are Dwarven forges! If you can find and pay for assistance so be it. Our smiths are busy making weapons and armor themselves, so don't monopolize the forges or your access will end." He takes a long hard look at Grobly. There is an uncomfortable silence. "Goblin, never have I spoken face to face with your kind without sinking my axe into a skull. Perhaps I will be the first dwarf in history to negotiate terms with a goblin. If your group can afford to purchase armor or make it, so be it. Unfortunately, interaction with the Druidic Circles is more something Marshal Hawke coordinates. The various circles wander through from time to time, but few take up residence here for long, and I must say we often do not see eye to eye. Speak to the Head Marshal if you can, but I dare say his time is stretched to the limit. Perhaps your assistant can do some looking for you. I must also warn you, most are not able to speak any language you know. You will have to be creative, I cannot spare resources for linguistic magic." He pauses seemingly done with the subject. He turns to one of the dwarves standing off to the side, an innocuous fellow who is probably a trusted servant and stands out more due to this lack of over the top armor than anything. They speak briefly and the dwarf nods. "Borval will take you to see the Loremaster now and will send someone to your quarters later to act as a liaison with the merchants in town." With that the conversation seems to end. The Thain returns to his maps and battle planning. You get a sense that despite the gruffness of the Thain, things seem better and you have a solid place to work from now. With access to the market, as long as you can work with your helper, things may improve soon. Borval leads you from the room, with a smaller contingent of guards than before, and it appears you are off to see the Loremaster.
Day 5 - Late Afternoon There is some noise in the hall, and the dwarven guard returns, the unit is assembled outside and the commander thumps into the room. Addressing Lump, "All right, the Thain will see you briefly now. No weapons." The group is escorted through a variety of tunnels again, at least they didn't blindfold Tayanella this time. You enter a different room than before. This room seems to be set up as a sort of war room. large stone tables have been assembled and organized so that maps and charts are displayed. The Thain is here along with a variety of dwarven commanders and the Priest Stonehammer. You are ushered in under heavy guard as before and also as before the Thains elite guard stand all around the room ready to act in an instant. You are led to the end of the room and advised to stand in one spot. Despite the people in the room being deeply involved in plan making, your entrance cannot go unnoticed. Everyone's heads turn and watch you. The Thain steps from behind the table and approaches slightly. He seems to invoke some magic, and speaks in your Ancient Common "Your mission is a success I hear. I congratulate you on cleansing this world ever so slightly of scum such as those giants. He nods at a guard who retrieves the sacks of heads from you, now quite ripe. The guard looks inside, grimaces and then shows the sacks to the Thain, who inspects each one impassionately. [b]"Keep them and put them on stakes when the giants come as a warning." He turns to the group. "The bargain is complete. You have upheld your part and I will uphold mine. Loremaster Cronin will be advised to set aside some time to answer your questions and assist you with your quest." He sweeps his arm about the room indicating the maps. "As you are aware by now, things have changed in the last few days. A force of evil gathers in the lands of the Black Ice to the north. Our scouts have travelled far and reported seeing movement of portions of this army moving this way. We have reason to believe, backed up by divine confirmation, he nods to the priest Stonehammer, that this force is bent on attacking our lands here. You saw the refugees, and perhaps wherever you came from, you know the price of war, even a short one. These giants are not coming to steal a few cows and slink away. They are intent on battle, they have hell hound scouts, they have other giants, ogres, trolls, goblinoids (glancing at Grobly), wyverns, manticores, hags, and other fell beasts and beings. We are still learning much, our scrying and magical spying have revealed multiple distinct forces grouping in the Black Ice Tunnels. When these main forces leave their tunnels, if they march straight here, it will take them perhaps five days at their fastest to reach our walls." "Why do you care? This is not your fight. But, it will be hard to accomplish your goals if this location falls. True, you may learn what information you need and leave. If that is the case, so be it. If you stay, we will pay you in gold to fight. I am convinced we can send this rabble back to their tunnels with their tails between their legs. We have discussed this already with other of your people. If you wish to discuss with them before you answer, so be it." The Thain waits for answer. He looks tired but resolute. The priest Stonehammer seems to have a fierce look in his eye, a yearning for the battle to come, an almost predatory look that most of you know very well.
The other dwarf turns beet red and sputters angrily "Vittles?! Wha... why you....We provided clothing for you! I see that scant few of you have taken advantage of it!" The Thain turns and whispers to the angry dwarf and basically quiets him, but the dwarf glowers and shoots fierce looks at the group. "Do not worry about High Priest Stonehammer's concerns at the moment. I believe I will take that as agreement to our terms then, Head Marshal Hawke, see to the details, and then return to me for additional counsel. I now have pressing matters to attend to." Thain Ironfist rises along with Priest Stonehammer, and the other dwarven counsellors, none of whom spoke to you, and they leave, surrounded by their elite guard. Remaining are your escort guards, Head Marshal Hawke and Loremaster Cronin.
The Thain speaks again "We know for a fact that these giants are murderers, as is the norm for these hill based giants. But if by some magical twist of fate they are here to grow flowers and prance through the sun dappled meadows, by all means hug and snuggle it out." He almost scoffs at the idea, but then you know the dwarven prejudices and enmity for giants is deep rooted and for them a good giant is a dead giant. Whether you can find acceptance here is a bold question. Perhaps some may grow accustomed to your presence. A small frog man walking around with his lute, is of little consequence. A goblin in a dwarf hold? Not a day would pass without someone trying to bash in his skull. A medusa? People will flee in terror. How long before people get used to that? A minotaur? A....I'm not even sure what you are girl (referring to Asheranthi)Look at it from our perspective, most of the regular races have a hard time getting along within their own race. With effort some of the civilized races can get along, but could you really expect anything from society as monsters?" You feel his words are overly harsh, possibly true, but they bite deep in some ways. You had always felt accepted among your kin and by Goodwin. You knew it would be an uphill battle to win over the civilized lands and through good fortune and masterful diplomacy you have gotten this far, but it almost felt like a slap in the face. The sting of rejection may affect each of you differently or perhaps not at all. "Armor, well, we may be able to find some pieces to fit those of you human sized. I don't know what we have that would fit a tiny frog man, or a minotaur. Customizing or making it from scratch will take some time if you found an armorsmith willing to work on it. Perhaps some simpler armor of leather or quilted cloth could be adapted rapidly."
The Thain seems to consider your words as do the other counsellors. He rubs his chin through his thick beard in contemplative thought. The entire time his brow is furrowed and scrunched. "Lump, a peculiar name. I must say I am impressed with your eloquence, I had not expected such from this group." The armored dwarf next to him whispers something in his hear and the two of them nod. "Your words ring true however, and as unbelievable as your story is, I have no further reason to doubt it at this point. You must understand my situation however. A horde of humanoids of dubious origin comes storming from the hills Hell bent on finding their lost master. These humanoids need food, clothing and equipment and are desperate to complete their task. How long before they begin taking what they need, and scare or intimidate the local populace of good people into giving them what they want. I need to maintain order and honestly I can't have goblins and minotaurs rampaging about the countryside looking for clues under every rock and log. It is only through good fortune and Head Marshal Hawke's decision to watch you rather than immediately shoot you, that you are still here. We do not know your histories, and despite my dislike for all of you and this situation, I would not have on my conscience the deaths of those who had perpetrated no wrong doing in these lands. Nor will I clap you in irons and toss you into the dungeons, even though that would be the easiest solution. Never let it be said that I take the easy way out." He pauses again and the others look at him expectantly.
"To be honest, I am indifferent to your plight, though I can understand the bond for master and kin. However, your request is simple, and I am inclined to assist. I am willing to offer aid ...in exchange for something. You may speak with Loremaster Cronin (at this he nods at the elder human in the back of the room) and access what knowledge, maps and history he is willing to provide. This is after you provide a service for the realm. We are troubled of course from the north by a variety of humanoids, beasts and other creatures. Head Marshal Hawke and his griffon riders as well as the Dwarven Guard are more than capable of removing most of these threats. Recently however a trio of giants has made their way into the lands from the hills and canyons to the west. While our people are bitter enemies of the giants, and willing to destroy this threat, this is a perfect opportunity for you to provide a service to us. Once complete, bring me their heads and we will provide you with the services you request. Consider this payment for the bounty on their loathsome hides. Any treasures you recover from them, as paltry as they may be, you may keep, but anything of note or that may be part of a crime or missing people we need to examine. Some loggers, trappers and other explorers have gone missing, probably at their hands. If you recover enough coin to purchase other services here, I believe we can facilitate appropriate trade, but I can't have you monsters walking through the market district. If you choose not to accept my proposal, I will have to have you escorted to our borders and cannot have you return. Do you have any questions?" The dwarf seems stern, but you get the impression this was a significant move on his part, and one that perhaps the other counsellors don't necessarily agree with.
After letting Tayanella blindfold herself (none of the guards wanted to get that close to her snake hair), and at a word from someone outside the door, Hawke nods to the group and they are ushered into the next chamber. The room is plainly adorned and it is clear that this is not the regular audience chamber of the Thain, but perhaps has been set up specifically for this meeting. A large wooden table ornately carved sit in front of the Thain. A carved panel adorns the front side of the table as a sort of vanity panel. The carvings depict dwarves in typical dwarven activities of mining, smithing, battle, brewing, and stoneworking. It seems obvious who the Thain is, sitting in the center in a large high backed chair, wearing full battle armor. While in some manner it appears ceremonial, you would estimate it is fully functional if need be. The Thain has dark hair, somewhat graying, and wears a sour look on his face. Whether he is in a bad mood or this is his normal look isn't clear yet, but it isn't a good sign. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. He has some sort of vellum scroll in front of him. Next to him is another dwarf, shorter but portlier, and possibly even more glum, dour and cranky looking. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. Four other dwarves, two per side flanking these two are dressed more plainly, in thick robes, but they do wear heavy and obviously valuable jewelry, rings, torcs, bracelets, and beard jewelry. Twenty or more guards encircle the room and stand at the table front and back. They are heavily armored and wield loaded heavy crossbows in addition to an arsenal of other weapons, axes, hammers, spears and picks. In the back behind you stands Hawke, and next to him an older human man, his hair white and thinning. He wears simple blue robes, and has a bemused look in his eye. You aren't sure if the man is perhaps slightly senile or if the look belies some sort of mischief. Given that they would not likely invite a senile old man to these proceedings, you guess the latter. The Thain stands as does the Council. Speaking less out of genuine welcome, and more out of rote formality, the Thain speaks in perfect Common that you understand. "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." The formal greeting ended, he sits again as do the other dwarves. The rotund dwarf to his left, perhaps his principal advisor, glowers at you hostilely. Grobly in particular gets the most bitterly angry of looks, the mere presence of a goblin an affront to all that is dwarven. He also seems to be watching you closely, intensely concentrating, taking in all of you, searching up and down, and seeming to look within you even. Thain Ironfist speaks again "Lets cut to the chase here. Head Marshal Hawke has given me his version of your story, at least what you told him. I want to hear it from you. Why are you here? Where do you people come from? We have information that there are more of you abominations somewhere to the north with the savage goat people. I need to know what exactly is going on here." |
