I'm trying to figure out the history of the Dourstone Mine. The description of Ragnolin Dourstone in "Backdrop: Diamond Lake" says that Ragnolin left Greysmere 50 years ago, and then established several mines - including Dourstone Mine. It then says that he was later visited by evil cultists that forced him to offer them refuge.
On the other hand, the description of Dourstone Mine itself in the same article says that the mine has been in operation for <i>centuries</i>, and was esablished by Ragnolin Dourstone. It also adds that his choice of locations was guided by the hand of "The Faceless One."
Not having the second adventure in my hands yet, I like the idea that the mine predates the town, and that therefore the location of the town itself was chosen by the Faceless One. It also suggests that the Ebon Triad has been working at bringing about this particular apocalypse for centuries.
Is this right? Is it wrong? Can The Faceless One have lived that long? Does any of this, in fact, matter in the course of the AP2? Opinions and/or definitive answers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
- Patrick
Looking at Dungeon #125, it appears that the Faceless One arrived in town about 2 years ago, and "convinced" Dourstone to care a shaft from his mines into pre-existing (but long-lost) dungeons; these are the dungeons of the "Three Faces of Evil" adventure. I also don't see anything in the description of the Faceless One to indicate that he is particularly old. Hope that's helpful.
Eric, you have #125??? Now, I'm upset with you...
Eric, you have #125??? Now, I'm upset with you...
Well I'll just put it back in the bag and stick it back in my mailbox until a more appropriate date! :)
The issue 125 page says it "shipped Tuesday" (though as I understand it, it really ships in waves??). Shouldn't be long now...
Oh no, you took the candy, you've made a commitment - don't put it back in the bag now, Eric or you won't be able to answer my questions about it on ENWorld...
The Faceless One is a male human wizard6 so I find it highly improbable that he has been around for centuries. Of course, he could be one of those personalities that gets handed down with the ages, but I don't see anything in the adventure or backdrop to suggest this. I also don't recall seeing anything about the Dourstone mine being around for centuries. I think the mine was built by Dourstone (hence why it's named for him) when he left Greysmere. The Ebon Triad is a relatively new cult in the whole scheme of things. I believe it states somewhere in the backdrop that the original cultists discovered an ancient tome not long ago (maybe 5-10 years?) and since then the cult has grown a bit. Last year, they caused a volcanic eruption in the city of Cauldron (if you played through the last AP). At any rate, Dourstone probably predates the Ebon Triad, but not the town.
I also don't recall seeing anything about the Dourstone mine being around for centuries. I think the mine was built by Dourstone (hence why it's named for him) when he left Greysmere.
The apparently erronous passage is on p.63 of "Backdrop: Diamond Lake," under the heading "31. Dourstone Mine," but with what you tell me, I'll just disregard that passage and go with the description in the "The Mine Managers" sidebar while I eagerly await my copy of Dungeon 125 to sort it all out.
Thanks for the help!