"Of course" Yin replies with a courtly bow and a playful grin "I'll fetch them at once your highness" She adds with a little laugh before scampering off to fetch the dwarf at the gate.
"Ah yes, the guildmaster....Be bringin' 'im ta the throne room cousin. The throne will be keepin' 'im 'onest."
"Ahhh...that be a great idea, cousin," Orlan agrees. He cracks his knuckles for emphasis. "I'll be bringin' 'im there straight-away." Then, the dwarf takes up a stand outside the gates next to the portcullis to await the Guildmaster.
"Ah yes, the guildmaster....Be bringin' 'im ta the throne room cousin. The throne will be keepin' 'im 'onest.""Ahhh...that be a great idea, cousin," Orlan agrees. He cracks his knuckles for emphasis. "I'll be bringin' 'im there straight-away." Then, the dwarf takes up a stand outside the gates next to the portcullis to await the Guildmaster.
Dofan looks happy to be leaving 'Lord Orlan' behind him. He follows Klyndak to the throne room.
Fleet-of-foot Yin races across the spires and passes the message along to the dwarf with the trumpet. Manfred, Ovirid, and Yin then escort the dwarf to thronespire.
Feeling as though he should probably speak to Sarpis, Kelborn heads to the throne room as well.
"King Klyndak Hammerfoe of the Foehammer Spires! I, Tareg Kannonfodder, come from Janderhoff with a formal response to the invitation you have sent. Elders of the Rockhammer, Gempick, Golddigger, and Diamondfriend clans have declined to send any of their clan members until they see reports on an independent study of the mineral contents and only then will they discuss mining rights and other support they could provide. Elders of the Shieldbrother, Steelaxe, and Orcslayer clans would like detailed charts discussing defensability of your kingdom and to know what salary you will pay soldiers to defend it. Elders of the Hardhelm clan send simply 'No.' It is my sincere regret to inform you that only one clan in all Janderhoff responded enthusiastically to your request to send dwarves to settle in your great kingdom!"
"King Klyndak Hammerfoe of the Foehammer Spires! I, Tareg Kannonfodder, come from Janderhoff with a formal response to the invitation you have sent. Elders of the Rockhammer, Gempick, Golddigger, and Diamondfriend clans have declined to send any of their clan members until they see reports on an independent study of the mineral contents and only then will they discuss mining rights and other support they could provide. Elders of the Shieldbrother, Steelaxe, and Orcslayer clans would like detailed charts discussing defensability of your kingdom and to know what salary you will pay soldiers to defend it. Elders of the Hardhelm clan send simply 'No.' It is my sincere regret to inform you that only one clan in all Janderhoff responded enthusiastically to your request to send dwarves to settle in your great kingdom!"
Ovirid maintains a position within reach but a half-step behind the messenger-dwarf, axe near at hand. Hearing the dwarf's announcement, his bushy eyebrows raise a long ways as he looks between the king and the courier.
"And what clan was that after bein'?" I ask with interest.
"And what clan was that after bein'?" I ask with interest.
The messenger smiles with great pride, raises the trumpet to his lips and lets out three loud but tuneless blurrts. Originating from somewhere just beyond Marketspire, a cry echoes through the valley.
"All hail King Klyndak ..."
"All praise King Foehammer..."
The cheer would have been more impressive if they had agreed on what to say in advance.
Lowering the trumpet the dwarf replies, "The Kannonfodders! ... All of them."
"Ah yes, the guildmaster....Be bringin' 'im ta the throne room cousin. The throne will be keepin' 'im 'onest.""Ahhh...that be a great idea, cousin," Orlan agrees. He cracks his knuckles for emphasis. "I'll be bringin' 'im there straight-away." Then, the dwarf takes up a stand outside the gates next to the portcullis to await the Guildmaster.
The guildmaster reaches the top of the stairs and before coming into view of the door calls out to Dofan in a loud whisper, "Boy. You may announce me now."
"And what clan was that after bein'?" I ask with interest.The messenger smiles with great pride, raise the trumpet to his lips and lets out three loud but tuneless blurrts. Originating from somewhere just beyond Marketspire, a cry echoes through the valley.
"All hail King Klyndak ..."
"All praise King Foehammer..."The cheer would have been more impressive if they had agreed on what to say in advance.
Lowering the trumpet the dwarf replies, "The Kannonfodders! ... All of them."
Ovirid moves to the closest opening he can see out of - window, door, whatever - to gauge the number of dwarves that might be out there.
Ovirid moves to the closest opening he can see out of - window, door, whatever - to gauge the number of dwarves that might be out there."And what clan was that after bein'?" I ask with interest.The messenger smiles with great pride, raise the trumpet to his lips and lets out three loud but tuneless blurrts. Originating from somewhere just beyond Marketspire, a cry echoes through the valley.
"All hail King Klyndak ..."
"All praise King Foehammer..."The cheer would have been more impressive if they had agreed on what to say in advance.
Lowering the trumpet the dwarf replies, "The Kannonfodders! ... All of them."
"We have 20 fighting men and women, 12 laborers, 10 craftspeople and merchants, 2 elders, and 1 priest. Wives and children will follow once the spires are secure, your majesty. With your permission of course."
"Ah'm not fer seein' 'em, yer majesty. Mebbe they be back where we were fer findin' this fellow."
The guildmaster reaches the top of the stairs and before coming into view of the door calls out to Dofan in a loud whisper, "Boy. You may announce me now."
Orlan draws one of his throwing hammers.
"Well, now...I ain't been called a 'boy' since I was small 'nuff ta be pushin' rocks off'n the hills onta muh cousin's head," the dwarf responds, "But I'll be happy ta 'nounce yuh if'n yuh like."
Orlan raises his hands as if there's an imaginary host gathered in the silent breezeway from the portcullis.
"B'hold," he loudly proclaims to no one, "Yon be comin' the very winded Guildmaster o' Kerrigan's Keep and b'yond. One Wain Sarpis. He who seizes ever' opportun'ty ta make a coin, no matter how shady the circumstances. And he who also sends spies inta the midst o' those who've done him no wrong."
"I'm afraid yer herald proceeded inside without yuh," Orlan finishes, "But I figgered I'd stay here an' give yuh a greetin' befittin' yer status. King Klyndak already be advised o' yer arrival. I'll be escortin' yuh ta his throneroom fer a proper introduction."
"We have 20 fighting men and women, 12 laborers, 10 craftspeople and merchants, 2 elders, and 1 priest. Wives and children will follow once the spires are secure, your majesty. With your permission of course."
"And grateful I am fer each one. Ye 'ave not only me permission but me blessin'. May the beards o yer clan grow ever longer... Now someone be goin' 'n lettin' 'em in."
"As fer security. The spires themselves are mostly cleaned out o' vermin but the mines beyond are still after bein' a problem."
Hru, rushing back to secure the mountain entrance to the Spires, gets passed by Yin going the other way. He stops momentarily and says a quick prayer to Gorum for guidance, wondering why the young mage had moved by him so quickly; then acertaining that she may be fleeing some danger, he, already far ahead of Kelborn, once again rushes towards the assumed threat.
Finding that it is the Kannonfodder clan he immediately draws back into the spires, attempting to compose the correct and diplomatic way to describe the fall of the brothers that had originally accompanied the expedition, without bringing to bear the predjudice that has haunted him until so recently.
He also hunkres down and begins his morning devotions, hoping to receive some sort of sign fron the Iron Lord.
"And grateful I am fer each one. Ye 'ave not only me permission but me blessin'. May the beards o yer clan grow ever longer... Now someone be goin' 'n lettin' 'em in."
"Aye, yer majesty. Ah'll do jes' that." And Ovirid hustles down to the portcullis to let the assembled Kannonfodder clan into the Spires.
"Welcome t' ye! King Klyndak awaits 'n th' throne room. Jes' head right that way 'n Ah'll be fer showin' ye th' way soon 's the gates 'r closed agin." I 'ope 'at's right. Never been a 'erald 'afore. Wonder what th' 'alf-orc's doin'?
The guildmaster reaches the top of the stairs and before coming into view of the door calls out to Dofan in a loud whisper, "Boy. You may announce me now."Orlan draws one of his throwing hammers.
"Well, now...I ain't been called a 'boy' since I was small 'nuff ta be pushin' rocks off'n the hills onta muh cousin's head," the dwarf responds, "But I'll be happy ta 'nounce yuh if'n yuh like."
Orlan raises his hands as if there's an imaginary host gathered in the silent breezeway from the portcullis.
"B'hold," he loudly proclaims to no one, "Yon be comin' the very winded Guildmaster o' Kerrigan's Keep and b'yond. One Wain Sarpis. He who seizes ever' opportun'ty ta make a coin, no matter how shady the circumstances. And he who also sends spies inta the midst o' those who've done him no wrong."
"I'm afraid yer herald proceeded inside without yuh," Orlan finishes, "But I figgered I'd stay here an' give yuh a greetin' befittin' yer status. King Klyndak already be advised o' yer arrival. I'll be escortin' yuh ta his throneroom fer a proper introduction."
Saripis looks a little put off by Orlan's description of him but then turns a friendly smile on you, "Lord Orlan! I was hoping to meet you here. I have much to discuss about trade possibilities with your King Klyndak. Will you give me a tour of your spires after I meet him?"
The Kannonfodder clan enters the spires with great reverance. For five hundred years they have protected the Hammerfoe bloodline from certain danger -- usually by falling between certain danger and the Hammerfoe it was hurtling towards. They have done all this without revealing the secret of the Hammerfoe royal blood even to the Hammerfoes. Now, they get to see the fruits of their clan's endeavours. The spires reclaimed. They talk excitedly as Hru and Ovirid lead them towards the throne room pointing out things that need repair and things that need cleaning or rebuilding.
As he ushered the newcomers into the throne room, Sir Manfred was startled to find himself losing track of Klyndak, Orlan and Ovirid amongst the Kannonfodder clanspeople. He had long been able to pick them out of a crowd; but now he felt like he was on a ladder in a hall full of warriors.
Unconciously, he reached up and gripped the wooden holy symbol of Iomedae. Beyond all reason, he knew that he had been granted the ablity to sense any supernatural evil that might be concealed amongst the newcomers. He concentrated...
"Lord Orlan! I was hoping to meet you here. I have much to discuss about trade possibilities with your King Klyndak. Will you give me a tour of your spires after I meet him?"
"That be dependin' on what the King decides," Orlan noncommitally answers the weasely guildmaster, "He may have other plans in mind."
The dwarf keeps his throwing hammer in hand as he 'escorts' Sarpis to the Thronespire and before Klyndak. Even he's somewhat startled and surprised, however, to see so many additional dwarves already there. Inwardly, he's quite pleased, though...content in the knowledge that Sarpis won't see the Spires quite as empty as they otherwise would have looked with such a meager party in possession of the stronghold.
"Yer Majesty," Orlan bellows in a loud voice to cut across the din of so many dwarven conversations in the throneroom, "I be presentin' Guildmaster Wain Sarpis." He glances over at the Duke-of-Fat-All-Nothin' after usurping the newly-acquired herald's duty. And then his eyes also look around to see if he can pick out Kelborn in case the lad's word might be necessary to counter Sarpis' claims.
As the dwarves come into the room, I bellow in dwarven, "Welcome good friends, and welcome back to the halls of your ancestors!"
When Orlan brings in the guildmaster and introduces him, I motion for the dwarves to clear a path for the man.
"You may be approachin'," I tell the guildmaster, remaining on the throne.
There is some grumbling among the Kannonfodders that a sweating human is going to get heard before them.
Sarpis approaches the throne. "King Klyndak," he says with the slightest of bows.
As the Kannonfodders begin to grumble, I remark in dwarvish, "My brother's, you are home in your halls. This villain is a guest. Guests must be dealt with before family."
"I 'ave 'eard some things about you," I say gravely to the guildmaster, "Why 'ave ye come."
As the Kannonfodders begin to grumble, I remark in dwarvish, "My brother's, you are home in your halls. This villain is a guest. Guests must be dealt with before family."
"I 'ave 'eard some things about you," I say gravely to the guildmaster, "Why 'ave ye come."
"I have come to confront my accuser," says Sarpis righteously, before adding "Ostensibly."
"Where is this 'Kelborn' who claims I hired him to spy on these spires?"
Ovirid will make a point of remaining near the throne, hand near an axe, in case the human tries something, but he doesn't want to be overly obvious, so he will be conversing with whatever Kannonfodder is nearby about their trip from Janderhoff.
As the Kannonfodders begin to grumble, I remark in dwarvish, "My brother's, you are home in your halls. This villain is a guest. Guests must be dealt with before family."
"I 'ave 'eard some things about you," I say gravely to the guildmaster, "Why 'ave ye come."
"I have come to confront my accuser," says Sarpis righteously, before adding "Ostensibly."
"Where is this 'Kelborn' who claims I hired him to spy on these spires?"
"That would be me."
Kelborn steps forward into the light.
"And I'm fairly certain that we've never met before, good sir. Yet, a man calling himself 'Wain Sarpis' did indeed hire me to climb up these spires and spy on His Majesty, which I probably would have gone through with had the pay been better."
As he says the last part, Kelborn looks surprised, as though that isn't what he meant to say. He then looks at the throne, and curses under his breath.
He smiles sheepishly.
"But that's all in the past; we should be focusing on why this fake Sarpis tried to impersonate you!"
"Right?"
"Yes. That's right," agrees Sarpis sincerely, "Shift the blame. Misdirection."
Sarpis seems somewhat surprised by some of the words coming out of his mouth.
"So, you're majesty. Now that my accuser has recanted, can I get a proper tour of these magnificent spires so I can spy for myself ... ummm, see for myself ... what profit is in it for me ... us?"
"Yes. That's right," agrees Sarpis sincerely, "Shift the blame. Misdirection."
Sarpis seems somewhat surprised by some of the words coming out of his mouth.
"So, you're majesty. Now that my accuser has recanted, can I get a proper tour of these magnificent spires so I can spy for myself ... ummm, see for myself ... what profit is in it for me ... us?"
"Ye can't be leavin' just yet," I say, "Not till ye are after tellin' all the good dwarves in this room that ye 'ad nothin' ta do wit' sendin' a spy 'ere. Once you 'ave made that statement, we can discuss yer further interest in the spires."
"Ye can't be leavin' just yet," I say, "Not till ye are after tellin' all the good dwarves in this room that ye 'ad nothin' ta do wit' sendin' a spy 'ere. Once you 'ave made that statement, we can discuss yer further interest in the spires."
The Kannonfodders since they are being called upon and begin to slowly gather around the King and his guests.
"I had nnnn everything to do ... I had nnnnnnnuhh everything ...," Sarpis hesitates and stares at the King with the expression of someone whose bluff has just been called at cards. "I can't tell you that, your majesty."
I pause a moment and then gesture at the dwarves assembled, "These good dwarves are all members o' the Kannonfodder clan, who in ages past were known as the Canyonfathers. They 'ave worked fer many years ta bring us ta this day, a day in which 'onest dwarves can once more live 'n work within these 'alls."
"So as ye cannot deny sendin' a spy 'n as ye are forced ta admit ye 'ad everythin' ta do wit' tryin' ta spy on us, per'aps ye could be tellin' us what ye 'oped ta gain from it 'n why these good dwarves should not be tossin' ye out on yer 'ead."
"So as ye cannot deny sendin' a spy 'n as ye are forced ta admit ye 'ad everythin' ta do wit' tryin' ta spy on us, per'aps ye could be tellin' us what ye 'oped ta gain from it 'n why these good dwarves should not be tossin' ye out on yer 'ead."
Orlan emphasizes his cousin's point by casually tapping the throwing hammer against the open palm of his gauntleted hand.
I pause a moment and then gesture at the dwarves assembled, "These good dwarves are all members o' the Kannonfodder clan, who in ages past were known as the Canyonfathers. They 'ave worked fer many years ta bring us ta this day, a day in which 'onest dwarves can once more live 'n work within these 'alls."
"So as ye cannot deny sendin' a spy 'n as ye are forced ta admit ye 'ad everythin' ta do wit' tryin' ta spy on us, per'aps ye could be tellin' us what ye 'oped ta gain from it 'n why these good dwarves should not be tossin' ye out on yer 'ead."
"Profit, your majesty," smiles Sarpis. "Gold. Gems. Lucrative trade contracts. But more than anything, an ally. Anything more I'd have to say would be for your kingly ears alone."
"I'm not thinkin' there's anything we 'ave ta be talkin' about in private at the moment. Any proposal ye want ta be makin' ye can be makin' 'ere, in this throne room. 'N ye 'ave ta be givin' me some reason ta be trustin' ye. Duplicity isn't after winnin' over my cold dwarven 'eart."
"Are ye 'avin' any questions fer the guildmaster, cousin?" I ask Orlan, "Ye are knowin' more about the situation at Kerrigan's than I."
"Are ye 'avin' any questions fer the guildmaster, cousin?" I ask Orlan, "Ye are knowin' more about the situation at Kerrigan's than I."
"Well, I'll admit ta bein' curious as ta why the good Guildmaster would be pullin' up 'is stakes an leavin' the Keep all suddenly," Orlan admits, "Have yuh fallen outta favor with Lord Kerrigan, perhaps?"
Then Orlan gestures towards the Duke-of-Fat-All-Nothin'...
"An' I also be wonderin' how yuh came by retainin' this fella over here," the dwarf adds.
"I'm not thinkin' there's anything we 'ave ta be talkin' about in private at the moment. Any proposal ye want ta be makin' ye can be makin' 'ere, in this throne room. 'N ye 'ave ta be givin' me some reason ta be trustin' ye. Duplicity isn't after winnin' over my cold dwarven 'eart."
"Are ye 'avin' any questions fer the guildmaster, cousin?" I ask Orlan, "Ye are knowin' more about the situation at Kerrigan's than I."
"Duplicitous? That seems to be impossible at the moment," smiles Sarpis. "As for your cold dwarven heart, I thought it was warmed by the thought of more treasure than you will find in these abandoned halls. In any case, I will take my leave."
He turns to Dofan and barks, "Come, boy!"
Dofan replies, "I'm Kerrigan's boy, not yours."
Gesturing to his ridiculous Korvosan messenger's outfit he adds, "Kerrigan even gave me this uniform."
Praying, studying. Praying some more....doing a few 100 reps of outlandish moves with a Greatsword
...Face beet red, still trying to detect evil...
...Face beet red, still trying to detect evil...
Sarpis is evil.
...Face beet red, still trying to detect evil...
Whispered, "Lad, 'r ye all right? Ye look like yer 'bout to burst a vessel, right 'ere in the throne room."
...Face beet red, still trying to detect evil...Sarpis is evil.
Manfred scans the crowd, sensing that something is amiss. A lot of strangers and not all of them seem trustworthy, particularly Sarpis. Is he a threat to King Klyndak? to Yin? to the hopelessly clownish Kannonfodders? Manfred studies him closely: a bit overdressed for the climate, neck-to-toe loose fitting clothes; a large man, but not just fat ... something sickly to his appearance; he smiles, and smiles, and smiles when he speaks ... even when his voice gives away his anger or frustration. Manfred begins to shift his focus off of Sarpis and take in the room as a whole when a greenish-grey darkness radiates off of Sarpis and shrouds the entire room before retreating. Now Manfred can see it clearly--a repulsive aura of writhing, swirling greenish-grey surrounds Sarpis.
Sir Manfred whispers to Ovirid; "There is... something wrong with Sarpis." His hand drops from his holy symbol to his sword hilt, not quite believing what he is seeing. "Do you see that as well? It's like he is covered with a writhing grey-green cloud, and it's... evil." He flinches as the aura flares through the room and half draws his sword.
Spotting Manfred's movements and the look on his face Yin edges closer and places a gentle hand on his arm "Manny.. are you alright?" She questions, looking concerned about the young knight.
Unaware of the drama playing out elsewhere in the throne room, I scowl at the guildmaster, "Now, now, not ta be so 'asty. Ye need ta be explainin' that crack about dwarves 'n gold. I'll not admit ta bein' partial ta a bit a shiny metal but that don't mean I'll be willin' ta do just anything fer riches. Torag forbid. Better ta work 'ard 'n come by the gold 'onestly. Do ye not agree?"
Unaware of the drama playing out elsewhere in the throne room, I scowl at the guildmaster, "Now, now, not ta be so 'asty. Ye need ta be explainin' that crack about dwarves 'n gold. I'll not admit ta bein' partial ta a bit a shiny metal but that don't mean I'll be willin' ta do just anything fer riches. Torag forbid. Better ta work 'ard 'n come by the gold 'onestly. Do ye not agree?"
Sarpis seems to have resolved himself to go in all the way on this one. He speaks, "King Klyndak, for all I know the gold I am speaking of may be part of your rightful inheritance ... an extension of the spire's wealth. But to speak of it in front of your minions," he waves his hand to include the Kannonfodders, Orlan, and the other adventurers in this, "may be to give away the whole game."
He comes closer, which spurs the Kannonfodders to defensively put themselves between him and the King. As the Kannonfodders form a wall of shields in front of the throne, Klyndak notices that they have written slogans on the inside of their shields in dwarven including, "Front Towards Enemy. This is not the Front." / "If you can read this, you're safe now." / and 'your momma' jokes in dwarven phonetic attempts at goblin.
Sarpis hesitates but then, in a loud whisper intended for Klyndak alone but heard by all, "All I can say is that come within two days, Kerrigan's Keep will be in chaos, and the shell that Kerrigan has built over what I believe will be the greatest treasure cache in Varisia will be cracked open, and ready for the taking. Join me and be rich. Join me and have power. Join me and be remembered forever."
With that, Sarpis retreats and begins to mutter words in a foreign tongue. Klyndak recognizes it as a spell. The Kannonfodders bristle but await your orders.
"I think ye lot should be arrestin' that man," I say quite loudly, a bit unnerved by his sudden announcement about the keep. "He seems entirely too pleased about the comin' attack on the area."