The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

The next morning, on Ches 11, Darrow and Dermot arrived in the common room of Kablin’s Inn to find Rahnee already heading out the door. She had already gulped down some iron rations and said she wanted to spend more time on the town’s defenses, but encouraged the others to get on the road. The dwarf and the ranger wished her luck and settled down for a meager breakfast, with Aerikoth soon joining them. Darrow suggested they head to Turnton to see Baron Pahar and let him know how things had fared with his soldiers in Tallwell. Patting his legendary axe, Haelgrim, he said had no pressing business, other than to go forth and do great things in the clan’s name. However, he mentioned he did want to pick up some supplies in Westgate for his brewery project.

Dermot was amenable to this, saying he wanted to buy some things in the city as well. He told the others that he had picked over the Beast’s corpse at the manor house, but had only found some “cheap magics” and a couple of potions. Aerikoth had little to add, only noting that he needed to study some more spells before departing, including one of his shelter summons. Darrow and Dermot stopped by the barracks to say goodbye to Pahar’s troops, then Darrow left a note for the Mayor about their plans. Back at the inn, they rejoined Aerikoth and the mage cast a series of defensive spells on them before they left the village, heading back to the forest path to Glees.

The path was overgrown and even Dermot had trouble marking its direction. After a bit of wandering, the three were finally making progress when they heard faint shouting towards the west, in their general direction of travel. After approaching the area and hearing more loud yelling, they spotted Shanni up a tree with two black bears evidently trying to get at her. The three dispatched the animals, only to have their erstwhile companion then point out a much larger bear that had been attracted to the sounds of fighting. Its bite inflicted significant damage on Dermot, but eventually it was brought down as well, with the aid of Aerikoth’s own summoned dire bear.

Following some banter about her predicament, Shanni decided to try climbing down the tree unassisted, but it looked as if she slipped on a branch and tumbled down the rest of the way. Pouting and appearing miserable after complaining about straining something in her leg, she nonetheless managed a civil exchange with Aerikoth. The mage for his part was willing to offer her assistance with his magics and was even complementary about her skill in avoiding the bears. Shanni seemed to swallow her pride and said she would accept the others’ help. After some discussion, it was decided that Aerikoth would teleport ahead to Glees with Shanni, leaving Darrow and Dermot to make their way through the forest; the wizard was not able to take all of them at once via the spell. (It seemed fortuitous for all concerned that the company happened upon their former companion in this manner; Shanni evidently was under dire threat by the forest creatures, while her skills with locks, traps and a bow would certainly be missed. Her at times intense skepticism of the others, however, I fear will not so easily be put aside. --C)

Chapter VIII: Dwarven Depths

Another Message in a Box

Some time later, the dwarf and the ranger arrived at the Glees inn and saw Aerikoth and Shanni deep in conversation. Shanni had already arranged for an ale for Darrow, knowing his proclivities, while Dermot went and got something for himself. The four sat together and – this time, more calmly – discussed how they had felt about the assault on the Beast’s manor, clearing the air among them. Undt, who had been solicitously attending to his important (for the village) guests, suddenly exclaimed he had (almost) forgotten something had been delivered for them. The innkeeper went to the back and soon returned to present them with a medium-sized box.

Just as Undt was about to speak further, Rahnee walked through the inn’s door. She hung up her cloak, glanced in surprise at Shanni, then a brief look of horror came over her face as she contemplated the box – no doubt remembering a previous such delivery, which had contained the head of their former companion Aratae. The innkeeper explained that two dwarves had left this box for Helm’s Shadows, saying that the adventurers would know what it was about. In response to a question from Darrow, Undt said he could not tell if they were Ironhelm dwarves or not. Aerikoth queried when it was delivered and the innkeeper said it had been left with him just the day before, with no further explanation. He also indicated that the box’s seal was still intact.

After Undt stepped out of the way, Dermot drew a small knife to open the box, but at Rahnee’s urging deferred to Darrow to perform the task. The dwarf picked the box up and from it removed a gleaming axe which was a copy of Haelgrim, the legendary clan weapon that Darrow carried. After Darrow had examined it more closely, he saw dwarven runes that read: “The true one is needed for the clan, to save us from a pretender.” He explained to his companions that it must mean Haelgrim was needed at Ironhelm. Undt peered at the axe and commented that the two dwarves who delivered it were acting strangely, not wanting to give their names or to stay overnight. The innkeeper then wandered back to the kitchen as the party speculated as to what exactly was going on and the meaning of the axe.

Dermot questioned why the dwarves had not stayed to speak to Darrow, a point which Aerikoth concurred was important. Darrow told them that he had learned long ago not to try to understand the priesthood or the delve’s leadership, evidently not considering them practical thinkers. Rahnee wondered if this was a way of calling Darrow home as the Ironhelm Prince’s champion. Darrow explained to Dermot and Shanni that he had been allowed to carry Haelgrim after digging it up, in order to do heroic deeds with it. There had also been a political angle, with the dwarf describing the axe and his own presence in Ironhelm as a “hot potato” while the clan leader was sick and had no obvious heir. Regarding the runic message, Darrow perspicaciously observed that who was a pretender and who was rightful “might depend on where ye sit.”

Aerikoth observed that it had been close to a month since Darrow had departed Ironhelm with the axe; the wizard also noted the extravagant method of delivering the cryptic message. Rahnee said it appeared they had a trek to make to Ironhelm lands and welcomed Shanni back. The small rogue sniffed, looking a little contrite, and informed Rahnee that she’d had to be rescued again. Darrow and the others continued to speculate over who had sent the axe, its symbolism, and why they had chosen “Helm’s Shadows” as the recipient rather than Darrow. Darrow offered to take on the issue alone, since the axe was his responsibility, but the others quickly demurred and insisted on accompanying him to Clan Ironhelm territory. Aerikoth mentioned that the only business they had pending in Westgate was with Losifan Urdo at the Mercenaries Guild, and he was not expecting them for perhaps another six days.

The wizard offered to teleport the group to the inn in the village of Mountaingate, located near Ironhelm in the Giant’s Run mountains. Darrow grinned evilly and noted that the inn’s proprietor there would no doubt be glad to see them, the dwarf alluding to the last bloody encounter there with a group of mercenaries. Aerikoth explained, however, that he had only one such spell memorized, so the group would therefore have to strip all weighty items off and place them in bags of holding for the spell to work. Shanni mentioned that she unfortunately did not have one, then started sorting through her inventory along with Dermot. Rahnee and Darrow took out their magical bags and the party attempted to work out a method of pooling their items, but in the end they were unsuccessful. (In popular accounts of great wizarding adventures, mundane details such as these are either overlooked or deliberately ignored, in favor of grand magics that occur instantly and without apparent cost. The grubby reality of adventuring is rather different and even strong magic has its limitations, however un-epic that may be to relate. --R)

Aerikoth then offered to take Darrow alone with him, returning later for the others, but the party was uncomfortable being split in this manner. It was decided that there was no immediate urgency for traveling to Ironhelm, so the wizard declared he would hole up in his room for the day and study the necessary spells, in order to transport everyone that evening. After some drinks at the inn, the others decided to trek back to Tallwell in the interim, although not before Darrow tried to peek into Aerikoth’s room and was chased off by Zeluth, the wizard’s raven familiar. After making it to Tallwell, they left some of their excess equipment with the local garrison, including weapons previously seized from the Night Masks, to aid the village’s defense. Rahnee chose to remain in the village and ensure that the defenses were strengthened to her liking, while the others returned to Glees.

The evening of Ches 12 found Darrow, Dermot and Shanni finishing their dinner at the Glees inn. They overheard a conversation between two of the villagers concerning the rumored bandit hoard hidden in the forest, leading Darrow to remark that news travels fast. In response, Shanni emphasized through words and ferocious gestures that there were also bears out there. Dermot remarked that tales of a bandit hoard would at least attract additional travelers to the area.

Aerikoth descended the stairs and announced he was prepared to depart whenever it was desired. It was decided that he would first transport Darrow to the Mountaingate inn, then return for Dermot and Shanni. The mage rapidly did so with Darrow, having the dwarf touch his sleeve and then speaking a word of power, to the amazement of the villagers in the common room. They were even more surprised when he reappeared and teleported away again with the other two.

After arriving inside the new inn, Shanni appeared disoriented. Darrow explained to them that they were close to his Clanhome and would need to bundle up due to the mountain chill. Allie Grimblegort, the gnomish proprietor, emerged from a back room and warmly greeted Dermot and Shanni, mentioning with some puzzlement that she had not heard the door open. Her smile of welcome quickly turned to a one more resembling a death rictus, however, as she then recognized Darrow and Aerikoth. She inquired if they wanted to stay the night, appearing relieved when Darrow said they were just passing through. The dwarf passed her a few coins for using her fire to warm up, as he put it.

Glancing around the main room, Aerikoth in his usual neutral voice remarked that Allie seemed to have done well enough at removing the bloodstains. Dermot asked for a flask of spirits and the innkeeper retreated to the back room, as Aerikoth mentioned that Darrow had ‘tried to help’ a group of mercenaries during an earlier visit. Looking somewhat sheepish, Darrow explained that he had mentioned to them he had been inside the clanhome, which the mercenaries took to mean that he was rich and must be loaded with coin. The dwarf had declined to share his presumed wealth, so was forced to defend himself and his elven minstrel companion at the time. The bodies of the mercenaries were buried out back, Aerikoth believed. Allie returned with Dermot’s spirits, received a couple of coins in payment from the ranger, and told them where to take the path to Ironhelm. Shanni wondered if there were bears and Allie assured her that it was too cold for them still, although winter wolves could sometimes be found near the path.

After exiting the inn, the four adventurers were challenged by the militia at the village gate, who had no recollection of their entrance to the town. Darrow brazenly asked “So?” which confused the guards enough to allow the four to pass without further incident. Once onto the path to Ironhelm, Aerikoth offered to cast defensive enchantments on the group, in case they encountered anything dangerous. The mage then did so, although Dermot declined to receive a stoneskin spell, saying he did not want to be mined by accident by the dwarves. They spotted a winter wolf at some distance off the path, but were otherwise unmolested during their trek to the valley of Clan Ironhelm.

"The Redeemer"

At the outer entrance gates by the head of the valley, the group was challenged by the dwarven defender sentries. They welcomed Darrow’s presence with shouts of “Haelgrim returns!” and “The redeemer comes!” Darrow then introduced his companions and they were allowed to proceed to the inner gates. There the scene was repeated, although one of the gate guards notably remained silent rather than hail Darrow’s coming. Since Dermot and Shanni were newcomers to the clan halls, the guards stated that formal instructions would have to be received from the Clan Greeter before the visitors were allowed inside. Aerikoth explained that this was normal and Shanni said she had no problem waiting, given the presence of a warm fire and Dermot’s flask of spirits.

The guards indicated that the group could wait by the gates or in the guest cave. Aerikoth observed that the cave was comfortable and had a hot spring in it, which sounded good to the others, so Darrow borrowed some fire from the guards and they set up camp inside the cave. As the others settled in, the dwarf went back to the gate for a private conversation with the guards, whom Aerikoth had observed would be more likely to talk freely without outsiders present.

After some time, Darrow returned and shared what he had learned. Prince Dalgan still ruled, although his health was weak and continuing to deteriorate due to an unknown cause, so some Clan members wanted to replace him. This faction spoke about “redeeming” the clan, although Darrow was unsure how Haelgrim factored into it. The dwarf cautioned the others that these were clan secrets, as they could not afford to appear weak and confused to outsiders, which meant the adventurers should keep their mouths shut about it.

After some additional time passed, Clan Greeter Rumnaher unexpectedly arrived at the cave entrance and started a heated exchange in dwarven with Darrow. In a few minutes both calmed down, after Darrow denied being part of a conspiracy. Rumnaher then formally greeted Aerikoth and also welcomed Dermot and Shanni as visitors to the clan. Darrow explained the mysterious circumstances behind the delivery of the axe message and their decision to come forthwith to Ironhelm. He mentioned that they might have even beat the unknown dwarven messengers back, since the adventurers had used magical means of travel.

Rumnaher accepted Darrow’s explanation, but reminded him of his previous pledge to return only after three months had passed, with tales of valor to prove his worthiness of carrying Haelgrim. Darrow said they had at least two tales, but admitted that he was back early, it only having been a month since he was last in clan territory. The clan greeter was blunt about the political implications of Darrow’s return, as a faction had emerged within the clan who wished to have “the Redeemer” placed on the throne to replace a weak Prince with no heir. The story of Darrow’s retrieval of the axe in the deep delves and the charge by the ghost of Relan Ironhelm to use it to “redeem the clan’s fortunes” was being used by this faction to justify their actions.

As Rumnaher continued to relate how Darrow was viewed by some as the clan’s savior, Darrow suddenly burst out laughing. After Rumnaher chided him, Darrow explained that he could think of no one less appropriate for the role, he being the most rash, direct and foolhardy dwarf in the place. He said that the priests must be going crazy and Rumnaher admitted that the high priest, Iskar, was about to rip his beard over the prospect.

The clan greeter said he was satisfied that Darrow was not there to claim the throne and depose the prince. He cautioned them that this faction had taken to making replicas of Haelgrim as a sign of their faith in a new order. Rumnaher said that he needed to consult with Iskar and other clan elders, and asked the four adventurers if they would not mind remaining in the guest cave for the night.

After the clan greeter departed, Shanni quizzed Darrow about the circumstances of his previous quest for Haelgrim. He explained that he had wanted to do something important with his life and that no one had honestly expected him to be able to retrieve it. Aerikoth mentioned that their previous expedition into the deep delves possessed an additional purpose, to ensure that a lich they had destroyed was truly gone and could not return. Shanni asked if Darrow had been conned into coming back now, when it might have been better for him not to. The dwarf acknowledged that this sounded like what had happened, as someone evidently wanted him to overthrow the Prince. Dermot observed that this faction likely thought Darrow would make a convenient puppet, given his less-than-serious prior reputation.

While the group was discussing the implications of what they had found out, a dwarf in guard mail appeared at the cave and greeted Darrow in dwarven, appearing glad to see him. Darrow introduced his big brother Nurbir to the others and jested with him about some family matters. Nurbir confirmed that some in the clan wanted to have Darrow replace the Prince. He said he would tell their parents Darrow was well and had a brief follow-on exchange in dwarven with Darrow while leaving the cave. Darrow returned and told the others that his brother had said to watch their backs while in the clan halls, also advising them to talk to High Priest Iskar before anyone else. Aerikoth then conjured a magic hut outside the guest cave, so they could spend the night in greater comfort.

The next morning on Ches 12, Darrow and Dermot rose first and started preparing a soup for breakfast, each contributing ingredients and know-how from their travels. Shanni continued sleeping as Aerikoth teleported to Tallwell to retrieve Rahnee, but she then woke with a gasp and a start as the two magically returned inside the conjured hut. As Shanni stretched languidly, Darrow and Dermot offered up the results of their labors, a hearty broth with dried meat, carrot, and some ale mixed in. Over breakfast, Darrow caught Rahnee up on what they knew so far about the situation in Ironhelm.

Once the meal was finished, the party exited the hut and noticed one of the dwarven defenders inspecting its outside. Gruffly, the dwarf requested that the hut be taken down, now that they were all outside, since it was blocking their view. After confirming that the others no longer had a need for it, Aerikoth waved a hand in dismissal and the structure vanished. Since they still awaited a formal answer from the dwarves in order to enter the clanhome, Rahnee entertained the others by describing how one of the Tallwell villagers thought he had found the Beast’s buried treasure in the forest, but only succeeded in uncovering a rotted leather bag and some silvers. (Rumors of buried treasure seem to be a powerful attraction for greedy, hopeful, adventurous, or simply bored folk. Of course the dangers of such a quest usually outweigh the returns that one can expect to receive in the end. --C)

Clan Greeter Rumnaher appeared and greeted Rahnee as a dwarf-friend. Warning that they faced a difficult day ahead, Rumnaher informed them that they were to be brought directly to High Priest Iskar, with Darrow’s word serving as the bond for Dermot and Shanni’s behavior inside clan halls. As soon as Darrow had formally given his word, Rumnaher escorted them past the guards, officially declaring the party as two dwarf-friends, along with two unknowns to the clan under Darrow’s bond.

Once inside the underground citadel, an apparently fascinated Shanni looked around as the Clan Greeter led them towards the temple. He attempted to move them quickly through the halls without stopping, ignoring various whispers and stares from the Ironhelm dwarves, but was foiled by Darrow running into his mothe Nurina in the tavern area. She offered a crushing hug to her son, then sent him on his way, as he made faces at an exasperated Rumnaher. After entering the temple, Darrow and his younger brother Andin, the temple acolyte, then made faces at each other as High Priest Iskar welcomed them. Rumnaher collected Andin and the two departed, on the way out also collecting a stray dwarf who had followed them into the temple, shouting about the Redeemer.

The dwarven high priest expressed his surprise at Darrow’s return so soon after pledging to depart Ironhelm for three months. However, after examining the copy of of the axe Haelgrim with its runic message and listening to Darrow’s explanation, Iskar softened; he acknowledged that the message had been ambiguous, and that Darrow had simply acted out of concern for the clan. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Iskar said that he did not know for sure who was behind the faction aiming to put Darrow on the throne, but the name of Toran Goldfinder came to mind. He explained that Toran, the clan’s treasurer, was greedy and pushing to change many things about how the clan was run.

Iskar then began to outline the plan that he and the clan elders loyal to Prince Dalgan had debated the previous night. They believed that Darrow should not simply depart, as their enemies could then whisper among the clan that he had been forced to go, further inflaming opinion against the Prince. At this point Darrow enthusiastically interjected the idea of challenging Toran Goldfinder to a trial by combat. He reluctantly backed down after Iskar told him not all problems could be solved by force of arms; Shanni and Dermot also pointed out that they did not actually know if Toran was the one responsible. (The adventurers at this point, admittedly rather logically, are being reasonable and giving Toran the benefit of the doubt. This approach will soon change, however. --R) Darrow then volunteered to publicly pledge loyalty to the Prince, but his idea was again rebuffed by Iskar, who stated that loyalty to the throne was assumed. Shanni perceptively observed that if Darrow did that kind of a public pledge, it would imply that people were questioning their loyalty to the Prince - a subtle political point which impressed the high priest.

Iskar then asked Darrow and his companions to venture into the Deep Delve once more, which would be a pretext for his presence in Ironhelm. Iskar in addition admitted that there might be some real cause for concern, as recently he had felt the wards established on the Deep Delve’s entryway being tested. Rahnee expressed her understanding that this expedition had the benefit of keeping Darrow away from the clan, but a more suspicious Shanni questioned whether the clan leadership might be looking to solve the problem by having Darrow not come back from it. (Not an illogical consideration, although perhaps more suited for a thieves guild leader than a dwarven priest of Moradin. This question it seems reveals more about the nature of Shanni's background, of which we know rather little, than it does about Iskar's trustworthiness. --R) The high priest assured her that he had every confidence in Darrow’s ability, with Haelgrim and his companions, to handle anything in the Deep Delve, as they had done before. Iskar then switched into dwarven and had an exchange with Darrow, who laughed at the end of it.

After a brief discussion about supplies, along with declarations from Rahnee and Shanni in support of the clan and Darrow, respectively, Iskar thanked the party for their assistance. He suggested they spend some time in clan halls, talking about Darrow’s deeds on the surface with Haelgrim and their plans to enter the Deep Delve. Rahnee asked about the health of the Prince and was told by Iskar that there had, in fact, been a slight improvement in his strength. This was the first time such an improvement in his condition had occurred, so the high priest was hopeful. The cause of the malady remained a mystery to Iskar, however, who had already attempted all of the healing magics he knew.

Aerikoth inquired about the reasons for the deeper delves being sealed. The High Priest looked to Darrow for the tale of how the axe Haelgrim was originally lost, then chided him for not remembering his school lessons. Iskar explained that Relan Ironhelm, the last bearer of Haelgrim, had been part of the clan’s rearguard in fighting off an Underdark invasion. Legends were contradictory about what exactly he had fought – demons, drow, duergar, or other creatures – but all agreed that he had borne the legendary clan weapon alone into the corridor facing the door to the Underdark. Before that, he had dismissed his companions and told them to flee to the upper levels, sealing off the Deep Delve to protect the rest of the clan. They spoke of Relan carving his way through a wave of foes before being lost to sight. Rahnee noted that they had found Haelgrim in that corridor during their last visit.

Iskar further related how afterwards the clan priests had sealed off the entrance to the Deep Delve with powerful wards; he was responsible now for maintaining them. He cautioned that the story of Relan remained a legend, rather than true history, also observing that the clan still knew relatively little of the Deep Delve even after the last expedition. Iskar said he had nothing more specific in terms of objectives for their next attempt at exploring the area, other than to check the Underdark door once again. After Aerikoth clarified some points with the High Priest regarding the testing of the wards, the companions decided to spend the rest of the day preparing for their descent.

An Unwanted Gem

Darrow’s presence caused something of a stir as the group made their way through the clan halls, but eventually they made it to their destination, the smithy of Lorn Ironbeard. He greeted Aerikoth and Rahnee as dwarf-friends and was introduced to Dermot and Shanni, visitors present in the citadel under Darrow’s bond. The smith declared that was good enough for him. He mentioned that they could speak to his apprentice for any purchases, mentioning with a bit of worry that his prices were lower than usual, due to less trade. He also mentioned rumors of dragon sightings in the mountains, saying that a long time ago the clan had trouble with a dragon called “The Burning Blaze”.

While the group was looking over the smith’s wares, another Ironhelm dwarf came in and chatted with Lorn and Darrow in dwarven. The newcomer seemed to be curious about what the outsiders were looking at, particularly Shanni, although she failed to spot anything untoward about the dwarf. After he departed, Rahnee pulled Shanni quietly aside with the others and asked her to check her belt pouch. Darrow was visibly incensed at the idea that one of his clanmates might have stolen something. After checking, Shanni said there was nothing missing; however, there was a gemstone in her pouch that she was sure had not been there before. The others found that odd and when she produced the stone, a black opal, Darrow recognized it as part of the clan treasure.

Shanni immediately said she wanted nothing to do with it and gave it to Darrow, who then briefly passed it to Aerikoth, so the mage could determine there was nothing magical about the gem. Darrow went over to Lorn and asked him who the other dwarf was. The smith told him that it was “one of the young hotheads” named Yarran who was big on all the Redeemer talk. After a further exchange in dwarven and a big laugh, Darrow led the group back to the clan temple.

There he had hoped to be able to speak with High Priest Iskar, but was told by his brother Andin, the temple acolyte, that Iskar was in a council session and not to be disturbed. Darrow then showed the gemstone to him and explained that Yarran had come up to Shanni – someone Darrow had vouched for – and surreptitiously put it in her pouch. Shanni offered to approach a guard and return it, saying she had seen it drop out of a dwarf’s pocket, but Aerikoth thought that unwise.

Darrow said that they were obviously meant to be found with it, suggesting that they could just leave it in Iskar’s office. Andin had a sudden inspiration and pointed at the crotch of the Moradin statue, excitedly talking in dwarven with Darrow. The idea to hide the gem there was not supported by Shanni, however. Dermot came up with the idea of planting the gem back on Yarran, which Darrow liked.

As Andin went to find where Yarran was, the others discussed how best to accomplish that. Shanni initially was in favor of hiding it in his residence, but Darrow explained that the clan homes were strictly off-limits to outsiders and considered very private, so Darrow would run a risk of being caught there. Andin returned and informed them that Yarran was in the tavern. It was decided that Darrow would chat him up to distract him, while Shanni did the deed. Darrow said that he could use an ale anyway.

The party decamped to the clan tavern, a large area with several groups of tables, with plenty of room for them to spread out. Darrow sat down with Yarran and bought him an ale, having an extended chat in dwarven with him. Shanni and the others apparently paid no attention while this was going on. The petite rogue wandered around the room admiring the architecture, just happening to pass by Yarran. Taking her chance, she successfully placed the stone on him with some sleight-of-hand while the dwarf was oblivious in his cups. Darrow continued talking with him about clan doings as the others sat at another table with their Ironhelm ales, which Dermot had purchased. To pass the time and not seem suspicious, the adventurers had a conversation about what the drinks were like where they were originally from. Eventually Darrow finished his talk with Yarran and went over to the others, saying it was time they went to the guest quarters.

In the guest hall, while Darrow talked with the guard to ensure they would not be disturbed, the others divided up the available rooms, allowing Aerikoth the one single-bed chamber. Darrow returned and informed them about his conversation with Yarran. He said that the dwarf’s hero-worship seemed genuine and was based on Darrow’s recovery of Haelgrim; Aerikoth and Rahnee found that plausible. Yarran was indeed part of the “Redeemers” faction. He refused to give up any more names, but notably fell silent when Toran Goldfinder was mentioned, according to Darrow. He found it puzzling that Yarran genuinely seemed to want him on the throne, which did not seem to be consistent with the act of planting a piece of the clan treasure on Shanni. Darrow explained that he would share any punishment she received, if the gem were “discovered” on her.

Shanni opined that it was a double bluff – someone wanted Darrow to replace the Prince on the throne, but then be removed himself, paving the way for whoever was behind the opposing faction. She said the thing they needed to know - the most important thing for telling them who was responsible - was who could gain access to the treasury unnoticed. Dermot added that such a person could also be above suspicion. Darrow admitted that he had not paid much attention in school to such subjects, though he expected the Prince, Iskar, Toran Goldfinder and maybe some of the other top nobles could enter the treasury. Darrow mentioned that Toran had been making a lot of noise about opening the clanhome and bringing in more coin in trade, something that Yarran was agreeable to.

Dragonscale

Aerikoth sequestered himself in one of the dwarven guest rooms, in order to concentrate on studying the necessary defensive spells for their upcoming expedition. The others meanwhile gathered in the largest guest room, eager to be headed for the Deep Delve, but also cautious about taking any further actions in the tense environment of the clan halls. A knock came at their door and the visitor proved to be Darrow’s younger brother, the acolyte Andin. Darrow made quick formal introductions and then informed Andin that they had been able to place their “little problem” back where it had come from, meaning the unwanted gem. Andin was relieved to hear this. He mentioned that they should go see Lorn Ironbeard, since he understood that the smith had something more to tell Darrow. Andin then exchanged a few comments in dwarven with Darrow before departing.

After a short discussion, it was decided that it would do no harm for the others to accompany Darrow to the forge. Lorn greeted Darrow with a salute and some friendly jibes about picking up surfacer ways. Then, with some hesitancy, the smith brought out something to show them: a crimson metallic scale, that reflected the light from the forge like a jewel. Darrow failed to identify it, but Rahnee appeared to recognize it and Dermot voiced what she and he had both been thinking: dragonscale!

Darrow asked how the smith had found it; the group had to be sworn to secrecy before Lorn would tell them. He explained that a dwarf named Helrud, considered by many to be mad because he preferred to live in the mountains rather than the clan halls, had recently come to Lorn with it. He told Lorn that he needed some help, but did not know anyone in the clan who would be willing to venture into the mountains. He also warned the smith to show the scale only to someone completely trustworthy.

Lorn suggested they seek out Helrud in a small cave near the trail to the village of Mountaingate. The smith said that that Helrud often used it, although it was shunned by the rest of the clan, for some reason. Helrud also had another camp, further away, that could be reached by climbing the ridge near the cave. The smith, carefully tucking the crimson scale back into his pouch, also alluded to a willingness to make a special suit of armor for the bearer of Haelgrim, should enough such scales be found.

The party decided that it was unlikely any of the Ironhelm dwarves would disturb Aerikoth at his magical work, so they could take the opportunity to go for a walk outside the citadel, hoping to find Helrud. Darrow went to put on his armor while Rahnee scribbled a note to pass under Aerikoth’s door, explaining they would be out for a while. They sallied forth from the citadel gates and headed for the ridge path and the cave described by Lorn. Darrow explained on the way that Helrud had been mentioned by his parents as a crazy dwarf living in the woods, keeping Darrow in check by saying that he would end up just like Helrud one day if he didn’t obey.

After some searching, the group located and entered a small cave near the trail. It was empty of any creatures. However, they could see that an unnatural-looking group of rocks glowed red near a tall crystal in the back of the cave. Darrow examined the crystal, which bore dwarven runes. Meanwhile, Dermot and Shanni carefully inspected the glowing rocks, which appeared to have once been a statue; the rock did not appear natural to Dermot. Darrow read the crystal’s runes aloud to the others: “Let the Chosen come to me and I will give them what they richly deserve.” Dermot and Shanni then managed to reconstruct the rock fragments to reveal the original statue’s face, which was that of a godlike, supremely handsome dwarf. Darrow could shed no light on the subject, beyond saying that the cave had been taboo for the clan as long as he could remember.

Exiting the cave, they decided to continue their search for Helrud. Dermot initially found nothing in the area besides animal tracks, but then a short distance away the ranger located what appeared to be a climbable part of the ridge, with a lot of marks on it. He had no luck scaling it barehanded, so he used a coil of rope offered by Rahnee and a tied-on hatchet – lacking a grappling hook – to fashion a way up, with help from Shanni. Eventually the four adventurers all made it up the ridgeside, with Rahnee going last and wobbling a bit as she climbed.

Moving along the open path further into the mountains, they spotted some crumbling stone ruins and found another cave. Entering it, they discovered a stirge nest and had to deal with its occupants before exploring further. Some old humanoid bones that looked to have been cracked by giants’ teeth lay near a dug-out firepit. The pit seemed to have been relatively recently used, with remnants of burnt wood in it. Nothing else was there, however.

Making their way further up the mountainside towards some ruins, the four companions finally encountered Helrud. The dwarf had a tent and a campsite inside a walled area and greeted the group with a gruff “about bloody time!” After they had introduced themselves, Darrow pointed out that Helrud could have just stayed in the nearby cave. Helrud in response said that it gave him the creeps. The dwarf then greeted and welcomed the others, indicating he would tell them of how he found the dragonscale and what he wanted to ask of them.

Rahnee, not feeling secure in their exposed location, chose to do a short patrol of the area. As she walked off, Helrud pulled out a crimson scale that was twin to the one Lorn had shown them at the Ironhelm forge. The dwarf mentioned that there had not been any dragons living in the mountains in living memory, but the dragonscales meant that one had been there, at some point. He said he had been out exploring further than usual and found them. He would have explored further, but a pack of winter wolves deterred him.

At this point Rahnee rejoined them, not having found anything untoward near Helrud’s camp. He told them that he did not want to distract them from whatever business they had with the clan, but that if they were willing to get rid of the winter wolfpack, he would show them where he had found the scales. Darrow immediately said he would be up for exploring, while Shanni was more hesitant; she was less sure that there was not, in fact, a dragon in the area. Ignoring this, Darrow said that they would be back after they had a chance to reunite with Aerikoth. They said their goodbyes to Helrud and hiked back to Ironhelm, with Shanni still dubious about the idea.

Re-entering the clan halls shortly before dusk, Darrow first went to talk to his mother Nurina while the others searched out Aerikoth in the guest quarters. The wizard had finished studying his spells, in preparation for their planned descent to the Deep Delve. He and Rahnee informed Dermot and Shanni about some of their previous encounters in the depths, including one with Umber Hulks. Aerikoth assured them that with his spells, they were more than capable of handling the monsters. Since High Priest Iskar would need to remove the wards on the entrance first, they went to the temple to seek him.

Iskar greeted them and stated that it was likely, as had been mentioned during the previous conversation, that the wards to the Deep Delve had been tested - from the side of the clan halls. The dwarven high priest commented that it perhaps had been one of the clan’s young hotheads. He said he thought it unlikely the group would find much, but the expedition would be an excellent cover for Darrow’s presence in clan halls. Despite his professed lack of concern, Iskar then presented the group with a gift of healing and restorative potions, should they need to recover from any encounters in the depths. (It is unclear to me whether Iskar was simply being prudent, or if he had some inkling of what they would encounter this time. --R)

A Spectre in the Depths

With their business regarding the Deep Delve concluded, Darrow chose to tell Iskar about Lorn’s dragonscale, saying the clan should know about it in case there was any danger from a dragon in the mountains. Iskar in reaction looked skeptical and asked if it was one of Helrud’s jokes. Darrow said he hoped so, although Dermot had verified the scale’s authenticity; they would plan to see about it after going to the Deep Delve. With Iskar’s blessings, they then headed for the entrance.

Upon entering the clan mines, Darrow stopped to talk in dwarven with some of the miners, to ensure they were on the right path and to get the latest news. Past the working area of the mines, but not yet at the entrance to the Deep Delve, the party encountered a group of giant fire beetles. Aerikoth cast some protective magics on himself and his companions and they ended the beetles’ lives, although Darrow complained that it had already been more of a workout than Iskar had led them to believe. Shanni was scorched by one of the beetles and had to use some of her healing potions. Aerikoth observed that he had failed to prepare any magics involving protection from fire, unfortunately.

Moving further on, the adventurers arrived at the outer door to the abandoned area of the mines leading to the Deep Delve. Darrow could not locate the proper key, so Shanni used her skills to unlock the door. As they proceeded through, Aerikoth observed that they had previously encountered Umber Hulks there. Moving along the main corridor, Shanni was distracted by a side door. Rahnee informed her that it had sealed off a flooded area and should not be messed with. In a dark cavern, the group encountered first one, then another Umber Hulk, defeating each in turn.

At the end of the corridor was the main door to the Deep Delve – unlocked, as Shanni informed the others. This caused some consternation, although Darrow – who had the appropriate key - could not remember if they had locked the door behind them when exiting the last time. Upon reaching the lower level of the Delve, the group moved ahead cautiously, being careful to have enough light to see ahead of them. Darrow pointed out the rift where he had found the legendary axe Haelgrim; Shanni remarked on the number of skeletons that still filled the corridor. At the end of it was the door to the Underdark. As Shanni, Rahnee and Darrow examined it to see if it was still sealed, Aerikoth called everyone’s attention behind them in the corridor, where a spectral figure had appeared.

It greeted them with a voice that sounded deep in their heads: “Mortals!” and then asked why they were there. Rahnee and Shanni spun around and faced the apparition. Darrow gripped his axe and told it that something had disturbed the wards to the entrance of the Deep Delve; they were to find the threat and eliminate it, if necessary. This gave the being a brief pause. It then said it now understood they were from the dwarves above, and not sent by its former master – whom Aerikoth informed them must be Ashnakzeroth the lich. Darrow confirmed they were not serving any “rotted husk” and the spirit gave a wintry laugh in return. It said that the last echo of the master had departed the Delve. Unanin, the name the apparition gave, stated it had been “the master’s greatest creation”, in response to Darrow asking what it was.

The spectre asked Darrow if he intended to stay in the deeps, of which it declared itself master. Darrow in response challenged it further, asking Unanin if he threatened the dwarves above. It replied that it had no interest in them, then told Darrow that someone had tried to enter his realm from above, but had been prevented by the wards. Shanni meanwhile had perked up and went to check the door to the Underdark, which she informed the others had its lock and door mechanism both jammed. The spectre said that none had come through there since Haelgrim was lost.

With that, Unanin declared that it was satisfied they had not come to reconquer the deeps. Dermot commented that there would have been more of them, if that were the case. The spectre then disappeared, but not before warning against the return of any dwarves to the Deep Delve, where it would be waiting. Darrow was unsure exactly what to make of the apparition, but decided it was at least not hateful. (All such abominations to Kelemvor's sight are to be distrusted and destroyed with no mercy. One must admit that circumstances do not always permit this, however. --C) Rahnee wryly commented that Unanin would be able to “entertain” any dark elves who came through the Underdark door. Aerikoth observed that the clan would have to expand elsewhere; Darrow did not believe they would be looking to enter the Deep Delve for some time, in any case. At Darrow’s suggestion and with Rahnee’s agreement, they planned to look around some more before heading back up, to make sure there were no other surprises.

Shanni and Dermot first checked to see if Unanin had left any traces behind, but the creature had simply vanished. The group carefully went back through the Deep Delve’s dark corridors. When they reached a bricked-up passage, Darrow explained that some of the construction had been done while the clan was enslaved by a lich. The wall seemed solid, so they moved on, reaching a cavern where previously there had been an illusionary wall and behind it the lich’s throne room.

After they fought off some undead skeletal bats, similar to those encountered on the previous expedition, Darrow went over and plunked himself down on the lich’s old throne to rest, while Aerikoth related to the others how it had been defeated. Ashnakzeroth’s corporeal form was killed and then its phylactery, a rare gemstone holding its spirit, was destroyed. The wizard explained to a curious Shanni that the runes inscribed on a nearby pillar were a repeated phrase, praising over and over the lich as master.

Finding nothing else, the party exited the Deep Delve and checked in with the guards outside the dwarven mine, who were glad to see the party come back without a visible scratch on them. Shanni confirmed that the door to the abandoned part of the mines had been tampered with, and the Deep Delve door was unlocked, but the guards said they had seen nothing; only fools would try to go down there, they believed. The adventurers then made their way to the temple to report to High Priest Iskar, who was surprised to hear their expedition had in fact been an eventful one.

Shanni reported to Iskar what she had found with the doors. The high priest said that nothing had made it past his wards, which did not rely on the doors’ locks, but that the act of unlocking them and trying to enter could have been what he had sensed. Darrow and Aerikoth described their encounter with Unanin the spectre, which called itself the greatest creation of the lich Ashnakzeroth.