The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Dwarven Intrigue

Iskar said that their news from the Deep Delve would have to be debated before the dwarven clan’s council. A meeting had been called for the following evening, to which they had all been invited. In response to a question from Dermot, the high priest indicated that the decision to call the council had been made while they were exploring the Deep Delve. Rahnee immediately expressed her belief that this was part of the plot against Darrow. Shanni and the others agreed with this assessment, given what had happened with the unwanted gem.

This was all news to Iskar, so Darrow and Shanni explained what had happened with Yarran planting one of the clan’s treasures on Shanni. The high priest immediately understood that it would have meant death for her if found in her possession. The priest thought it was just that Shanni had stealthily returned it to Yarran. The diminutive rogue said she found it quite odd that the dwarf – who Darrow confirmed was a vocal supporter of the “Redeemer” faction – seemed to want to cause harm to one of Darrow’s friends. Darrow brought up Toran Goldfinder as potentially behind it, which got a black look from Iskar; the high priest had not thought Toran would stoop so low as to steal from the clan treasury. (Toran could no doubt justify to himself such an act, given his alleged plan to later fortuitously recover the gem from Shanni and embarrass Darrow - perhaps fatally? - in the process. I share some of Shanni's confusion and skepticism regarding the intent of the ploy; however, Yarran seems like a true believer and therefore, sadly, could be easily manipulated by someone who couches their actions in terms of the greater good for the cause, regardless of the faulty logic behind it. I do not ignore the lesson for myself, either, being a member of an Order with strong beliefs and rules. Perhaps this serves as a warning - an example from a different time and place - of what may happen if one does not think for oneself when dealing with a person of authority. --C)

All agreed that the upcoming council meeting was likely when the plotters would try to implicate Darrow and his companions. Iskar asked them if they would attend, which elicited various reactions. Darrow said he did not wish to, again asking if he could just challenge someone to single combat and have done with it. Shanni also was quite reluctant, while Dermot was pensive about the prospect. Aerikoth, for his part, expressed eagerness at the prospect of participating in such a rare occurrence for outsiders. Rahnee agreed with Iskar that it would be difficult to decline the invitation, in any case, and said that it would be good to use it to turn the tables on their enemies. The high priest asked them to meet with him the next evening, shortly before the council session; they were free to do as they wished before then. The group then retired to the guest quarters.

The next morning, on Ches 13, Rahnee and Shanni, somewhat disappointingly, sorted out what they had on hand to wear for the council meeting. Darrow and Dermot came by, with the dwarf suggesting they head to the kitchens for a breakfast ale, although Dermot and Shanni were more interested in food. Darrow then knocked on Aerikoth’s door and after a pause, the wizard appeared and joined them. They made their way to the clan’s eating hall, where Ironhelm ale was the first to be served to all, with water for the ladies and food coming rather later. At Rahnee’s prompting, Darrow taught the others how to say “thank you” properly in dwarven.

Having finished his prodigious meal early, Darrow went off to find his father Boirin, one of the senior guards for Prince Dalgan, while the others wrapped up their breakfast. He returned a short while later, explaining that his father would come visit them in the guest quarters before the evening meal, once he got off duty. Darrow was optimistic that his father would have some useful information for them, as the guards heard a lot of the noble talk.

With the whole day before them, the party eventually decided to head back to the mountains and continue pursuing the matter of the dragonscale. The first task would be to eliminate the pack of winter wolves on the trail Helrud had mentioned. Telling the clan greeter on the way out that they were going for a stroll, they made their way back to the cliff face by the cave, which they ascended again with relative ease – this time including Aerikoth, as the wizard had been busy studying spells during the first trip.

The group made their way to Helrud’s camp, where the dwarf was pleasantly surprised to see the addition to the party of Aerikoth and his glowing staff. He warned them not to take the wolfpack lightly and said that he would wait for them to bring back news of their victory. Assuming they were successful, Helrud could then explore further into the mountains. He asked them to return at dawn the following morning, assuming everything went well, and he would then show them a secret path.

 

[Carlo-One]

After some discussion about the best tactics to use and then provisionally agreeing to Helrud’s request, the adventurers headed west towards where the winter wolf pack had last been seen. Dermot’s tracking indicated that the pack was near, so Aerikoth cast his available protection spells on himself and the others. The winter wolfpack and its leader were soon encountered a short distance away. Following a running fight, in which the adventurers were able to use the terrain to channel their foes, the wolves were all killed. The party came through in good shape, although Dermot had to spend some time bandaging himself.

Shanni meanwhile had found some old bones nearby and Darrow discovered a rusted battle axe, indicating that the area had been occupied at some point in the distant past. As the party did some further exploring, Shanni became perturbed after spotting some humanoid skulls mounted on poles and Dermot uncovered what looked to be an old, large reptilian skull. An old mining road was chanced upon after they forded a cold mountain stream, but it only lead to a dense, impassable forest.

Upon their return to Helrud’s camp, they were greeted effusively by the dwarf. He was pleased to see that Dermot had lugged the carcass of the pack leader back with him as proof of their deed, as well as being a gift for the dwarf if he could get some use out of it. Helrud promised to show them the secret trail into the mountains at dawn the next day, which he said was the best time to be traveling. The group then headed back to the Ironhelm hold, mindful of the audience with the Prince scheduled for that evening.

Once they were back underground, Aerikoth headed for the clan library, to which he was allowed unfettered access as a dwarf-friend, saying he wished to spend the afternoon there doing research. The others also found their individual pursuits. Dermot visited the smith, Lorn Ironbeard, to get a professional opinion on a sword the ranger was carrying. Rahnee prepared her gown for the evening, as well as spending time sharpening her sword. Shanni and Darrow eventually joined Dermot at the smith’s shop; Shanni tried out various pieces of equipment, occasionally with comical results.

 

[Carlo-One]

Shortly before the evening Clan Council meeting, the company gathered in the Ironhelm guest quarters. Rahnee had been unsuccessful in making her packed black velvet evening dress presentable – Darrow, upon arriving, playfully mocked her inability to get along without servants – so she resigned herself to wearing her leathers. Shanni was openly considering not going at all, but was reminded by Aerikoth that such an act would be an insult to the clan elders. Dermot more subtly gave her a look that said if he had to go, so did she.

Darrow said he had spoken with his father, who told him there were to be extra guards at the meeting. The dwarf had no further information, other than the meeting’s topic would be opening up trade to the outside world. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Darrow said there had always been a bit of trade, but that had ceased during the Prince’s illness. The dwarf stated he was thinking about recommending Teziir merchant Queron Ulanthar as a trading partner, which Rahnee encouraged. Shanni, still grumbling, wanted to know why the extra guards and their presence were required, for which Darrow did not have an answer.

With some good-natured and encouraging banter, Darrow got Shanni and the others headed for the Prince’s audience hall, which was only a short distance away through the citadel’s tunnels. Walking in past the guards, they saw an expansive chamber with a large gathering of nobles wearing their finery, along with a good number of the other citadel inhabitants. Dwarven defenders were prominently posted at the entryway, along the side of the chamber, and behind the Prince’s throne at the far end. As they advanced into the hall, Dermot muttered that he felt under-dressed. Darrow replied that no one there besides him knew what human formalwear looked like anyway. (It is easy to forget that humankind is not the center of existence, if one does not leave human lands. We must remember that other places with different rules exist, especially if - like these adventurers - we may find ourselves as unusual visitors among them. --C)

The group stopped a short distance before Prince Dalgan, seated on his throne, the room falling silent except for some whispering among the nobles. Rahnee curtsied toward the throne, evidently knowing something about court protocol, while Aerikoth tilted his head and spoke a few words under his breath. As usual, the Prince was flanked by several dwarven nobles, including the clan war leader, Koll Wallbasher, and the sergeant of the guard, Darrow’s father Boirin. The smith Lorn Ironbeard, who greeted the company as they arrived, quietly explained that everyone appeared to be awaiting High Priest Iskar’s arrival.

As they continued to wait, with some in the crowd murmuring in anticipation, the librarian Maximar Thrax approached Aerikoth. Thrax evidently was excited to be at the Council meeting and mentioned that the last one attended by outsiders had occurred ten years previously. During that ceremony, the warrior Thessar had received his promised award from the clan for his mercenary company’s defeat of their hill giant enemies. Aerikoth dryly acknowledged having heard about this from Thessar. According to Maximar, this was, however, the first council meeting attended by a human wizard, something he found invigorating. (It would be a mistake to assume that all dwarves, or even those of a particular clan, normally think and act alike in their preferences. Clan Ironhelm is obviously one of the more insular ones, with relatively limited contact with the world outside their valley in the Giant's Run Mountains. However, clan members like Maximar Thrax or even the "mad" Helrud display a very different attitude towards outsiders. As we shall see, such differences can offer opportunities for adventurers, but equally can be mortally dangerous. --R)

Rahnee meanwhile had been studying Prince Dalgan’s appearance and softly remarked to Darrow that he seemed a little better, although was still pale-looking. Maximar finished his chattering, remarking that it seemed the meeting was about to begin, and moved off. Dalgan had a brief, inaudible exchange with Koll Wallbasher, then announced, in a soft voice that nonetheless carried throughout the room, the official start of the Council meeting. High Priest Iskar still had not arrived in the hall, but it seemed the Prince did not feel he could wait any longer.

The Prince formally welcomed all the clansfolk, dwarf-friends and guests, stating that anyone present was invited to speak, if they had words to share with the Clan. A murmuring went around the room at this, and Lorn explained that often only the clan nobles were allowed to speak at the Council. Shanni appeared about to say something, but an elbow nudge from Dermot and a worried look from Darrow led her to sulkily hold her tongue. The Prince continued by saying that the meeting would be conducted in the Common tongue, because of the presence of their guests, which briefly elicited louder murmuring from the crowd before silence again reigned.

With the meeting officially opened, Dalgan asked that the guests and dwarf-friends approach the throne and introduce each of themselves to the assembled clan. Rahnee stepped forward first, graciously acknowledging the Prince’s welcome and stating it was her honor to be called dwarf-friend and be invited to attend the Council meeting. As she curtsied and backed away, Dalgan formally recognized her previous service to the clan in the fight against the Abomination, what they called the ancient lich Ashnakzeroth. Aerikoth glanced at the others and then approached in turn, formally bowing to the Prince. He introduced himself as a practitioner of the Art of magic and stated it was an honor to be at the meeting. As with Rahnee, Dalgan recognized the wizard for his service against the Abomination and in helping recover the legendary axe Haelgrim.

As Aerikoth bowed again and returned to his place, Rahnee under her breath reminded Dermot and Shanni to keep their introductions short and sweet, patting Shanni on the shoulder. Dermot grunted and nodded, stepping forward to clear his throat. He introduced himself as Dermot Kenner of Iriaebor, saying it was a rare thing to be there and thanks. The Prince then welcomed him as an honored companion of the wielder of Haelgrim. The ranger bowed his head in response and resumed his place with the others. This left Shanni, who straightened up and stepped forward, a sweet and innocent expression on her face. Dipping a curtsey before the throne, she stated she was proud to be there, and then backed away to rejoin her comrades. Dalgan declared her welcome as well.

 

[Carlo-One]

The Prince then formally introduced the visitors to the other Clan notables present. They had already made the acquaintance of Clan Greeter Rumnaher, who was pointed out first. Dalgan then gestured toward his right, introducing Toran Goldfinder as the custodian of the clan’s wealth, and to his left, where Koll Wallbasher, the clan’s war leader, was standing. Boirin was the last one introduced, as sergeant of the guard, and he and Darrow exchanged winks. After another whispered exchange with Koll, Dalgan said that he had expected the presence of High Priest Iskar, but would nevertheless move to introduce the subject of that night’s Council meeting, the clan’s relations with the outside world.

With that, the Prince asked Darrow to step forward and be formally recognized as the bearer of Haelgrim. Dalgan publicly proclaimed that Darrow had been sent outside the clan walls to bear the clan’s legendary axe, for its honor and glory, for a term of three months. Although only a month had passed since then, the Prince invited Darrow to speak to his experiences so far.

Darrow acknowledged, as he put it, that the tale was only half-written, but said he would be most happy to relate what had been done so far. As Darrow began telling the story of how the party had defeated the Astorians thieves guild and rescued Teziir Council Member Queron Ulanthar’s daughter Janatha, High Priest Iskar arrived and moved to stand with the other notables in the front of the room. Rahnee breathed a small sigh of relief, but otherwise stayed attentive along with the others as Darrow finished the tale. Shanni took a fast look around the room, checking for crowd reactions, and muttered something to Dermot.

Dalgan said that Darrow had borne Haelgrim against many foes deserving of their fates, rescued worthy companions – giving Shanni an appreciative look – and done good for many. As the Prince finished his compliments, Toran Goldfinder stepped forward and clapped three times, slowly. With an expression just short of a sneer, he accused Darrow and his companions of comporting themselves as mercenaries and slavers – having admitted to passing themselves off as such in Starmantle while on Janatha’s trail – while bringing neither glory nor gold to the clan. Darrow muttered an imprecation in return and Shanni protested at being called a slaver. Rahnee held her tongue and calmly stared at Toran, putting a hand on Shanni’s shoulder in a gesture of restraint.

After the Prince called on Toran to explain himself, over Darrow’s interjection that they had freed half a hundred slaves destined for the Underdark, he launched into a speech. (No doubt prepared and rehearsed in advance, to achieve maximum impact on Toran's listeners. The sarcastic clapping at the end of Darrow's account of his deeds was a nice theatrical touch. --R) The richly-attired dwarf claimed that like all of the clan, he had rejoiced at the recovery of Haelgrim. Yet he questioned whether the clan should be known to the surfacers through Darrow’s tale of skulking and thievery, as the clan should be proud to declare itself to the world and not lurk in the shadows.

Given a chance by the Prince to respond, Darrow asserted that without their discretion, they never would have been able to liberate those folk. Nor would they have earned the trust and respect of Queron as a member of Teziir’s Council, who thereby owed the clan a debt. Darrow appealed to his clanmates, saying that as any who knew him would recognize, if there had been a straightforward way to do it, he would have taken it.

Dalgan commented favorably on the debt owed to the clan by Queron, which could in the end be more valuable than looted gold or jewels. As Dermot seconded Darrow’s words, the Prince had a whispered exchange with Koll. Once Dermot had finished speaking, the clan war leader addressed Darrow and asked him to recount the odds he had faced in battle. Joking about never bothering to know the odds, Darrow turned to Rahnee and bantered with her about the two score pirates defeated on land and ship, and another score in their underground lair. Koll declared this to be a noble deed against great odds, worthy of the bearer of Haelgrim. Dermot further commented that their enemies had been well-trained and equipped.

Toran, who was gritting his teeth, was further refuted by Aerikoth, who asked permission to speak from Prince Dalgan. The wizard in his emotionless manner dismissed the significance of the numbers of enemies, stressing that the true importance of their deeds was the defeat of a nefarious organization that the Teziir ruling council had been unable to deal with. The Prince acknowledged that bravery was not simply a matter of numbers, as Boirin exchanged a prideful look with Darrow. (The wizard, by seemingly deprecating the large numbers of enemies vanquished, at the same time highlighted their quantity again to the audience, while making the argument that achieved results are what truly matters. A subtle point for some, perhaps, but not wasted on the Prince. --C)

Rahnee declared that their freeing of the Astorians’ slaves should be a deed that also spoke meaningfully to Clan Ironhelm’s history. High Priest Iskar, speaking for the first time, stated his agreement, saying that the shame of the clan’s historic slavery to the Abomination had been put to rest, thanks in part to the efforts of Lady Roaringhorn. Iskar then declared he believed they had put to rest the matter of Darrow’s deeds and the Prince concurred, saying that they should move on to discussing the future of the clan, rather than past events.

 

[Carlo-One]

Toran, evidently undaunted by the previous exchange, requested to speak again. Taking a different tack, he stated that the deeds mentioned – regardless of whether they were considered shameful to the clan – served to illustrate the wickedness of surfacers and the dangers faced when trading with them. Calling slavers and thieves but a small part of what was outside the clan walls, Toran said they nonetheless should not simply shut themselves in and rot, but should find partners with great care with whom they could do business. Dalgan called this a reasonable stance, one that he did not find fault with. Dermot, brow furrowed, meanwhile was trying to figure out Toran’s angle. Shanni privately commented that he must have something rigged up, and in a low voice advised them to call his bluff.

Darrow raised his voice and asserted that, despite their recent disagreement, he agreed with Toran – and could think of no better partner than Queron Ulanthar. He then ticked off the positive aspects of a trading relationship with Queron on his fingers. Toran in response said that the word of the bearer of Haelgrim carried much weight, and that he would be pleased to speak with Queron, to see what business could be done with the clan. Darrow showed obvious puzzlement at this benign reaction. Dermot and Rahnee in turn then spoke to the positive impact the clan could have in opening to trade in the region. Rahnee also mentioned her recent marriage into the Cassalanter family in Waterdeep, should the clan seek contacts even further afield. (?? - I do not believe this was mentioned before in the chronicles. A rather important point to ignore, I would think. --C)

After the Prince indicated his agreement with the sentiments that had been expressed, Iskar finally asked leave to speak his piece. The high priest began by mentioning the dangers as well as opportunities involved with relations outside the clan. He then apologized for his delay in arriving, as he had been researching an old danger involving the Deep Delve. Iskar said it had once provided the clan a route to the outside world through the Underdark. The priest baldly stated that in the past, the clan may have traded with Duergar and others in the dark. He then speculated that some might consider doing so again – a prospect the Prince immediately rejected. Iskar nonetheless expressed further concern about possible Underdark links to the surface and the dangers of such evil influences, as had occurred with the Abomination, warning that the clan must not follow such a path again. (It is interesting and yet at the same time somewhat tiresome to read about - or directly experience - these types of meetings, where matters of policy are discussed. Words are carefully crafted and caveated, so as not to cause offense, when their actual meaning is stark and clear - although perhaps some miss these subtleties and take them at face value. What Iskar is actually saying is that he knows the clan traded with evil Underdark races in the past and believes that Toran wishes to renew this practice, although the high priest does not have enough proof yet to directly call out his fellow noble. --R)

Toran asked and received leave from the Prince to close the discussion. He stated that Iskar was correct, in that the clan must be careful with any outside adventures, having before trusted outsiders and been betrayed. He continued by saying that if it happened again, those responsible should be punished by clan law and tradition, a sly smile briefly stealing across his face at these words. Prince Dalgan in response declared that of course the clan would uphold its traditions and formally concluded the meeting.

As the crowd started breaking up, with many of the dwarves in hushed conversation, Rahnee curtsied deeply to the throne and gathered her companions, warning a still-muttering Shanni to save her comments for the privacy of their rooms. Toran Goldfinder smiled at the group as they passed, prompting Darrow to return it to his face, but then transform it into a mocking expression as soon as Toran turned his back on them. As the company exited the hall, they exchanged friendly goodbyes with Lorn the smith and Maximar Thrax the librarian. While walking toward the guest quarters, Aerikoth raised the fact of Rahnee now being married to another Waterdeep noble, something which she airily said she must have forgotten to mention before. Once they reached their rooms, they exchanged views behind closed doors on how the meeting had gone.

 

[Carlo-One]

After a dream-filled night, the companions regrouped in the guest quarters on the early morning of Ches 14. The humans in the party were somewhat out of sorts, their sleep patterns disturbed by the lack of sunlight underground. Darrow, for his part, had already merrily made his way to the tavern for a mug of ale, which he swigged in front of them. Aerikoth was the last to join the group, walking up just as Darrow was mentioning having received some information from Andin, his acolyte brother. Apparently High Priest Iskar had discovered that the clan had indeed traded in the past with the Duergar - and possibly worse – in the Underdark, and thought that Toran Goldfinder wanted to reopen the old route.

In the absence of further word from either Iskar or Prince Dalgan, the company decided to suit up and go meet Helrud in the wilderness, as the dwarf had promised to show them a secret route into the mountains. As they reached the entry hall and approached the exit to the inner citadel gates, they were halted by Clan Greeter Rumnaher, looking troubled. He informed them that he had received instructions not to let any outsiders enter or leave the clan halls. This did not apply to Darrow or the two dwarf-friends, Aerikoth and Rahnee; left unspoken was the implication for Dermot and Shanni.

Dermot appeared to take the news stoically. Shanni however seemed to start panicking at the thought of being forcibly cooped up underground. Rahnee politely indicated they did not want to cause trouble and asked where the order had come from. Rumnaher, appearing somewhat apologetic, said that the order had arrived from the Council late the previous night. He then regretfully refused Darrow’s request to let his companions just walk outside for a bit and get some air. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Rumnaher said they could speak to the watch commander if they wished, as he was the one who had delivered the order to him.

The companions appeared resigned to the situation, at least for the moment, and were headed toward the tavern area for breakfast when Rahnee noticed that Shanni was not with them. They turned back to the entry area and found Shanni desperately pleading with Rumnaher to be allowed to leave. The Clan Greeter was trying to reassure her that she would be safe underground, but was unsuccessful in getting her to agree to return to the clan halls. Rahnee and Darrow intervened, with Darrow talking to Shanni in a playful manner until she calmed down. The dwarf declared they had priorities, the most important being ale and food, and led the group to the tavern. Dermot agreed, saying they could worry better on a full stomach.

At the tavern, Darrow’s mother Nurina heartily served them, with a cuff or two aimed Darrow’s way, although she also seemed to be a bit troubled. The company settled into the meal, except for a visibly nervous Shanni, who was sucking her thumb instead of eating. Rahnee mentioned she had experienced a troubling dream the previous night, as had Shanni, and wondered if the dreams might have a bearing on their current situation. Darrow asked if any of the others had dreamed of cleaving Toran Goldfinder in half, which he seemed quite pleased about doing; Dermot indicated not. Nurina continued to pile food on Darrow’s plate and chattered with him in dwarven, keeping a smile on her face. However, as soon as she walked away, Darrow softly let the others know that she thought something was afoot and they should go see his father, Boirin, before doing anything else.

Once the meal was finished, they headed for the barracks, Darrow in the lead. As they arrived, they could see that Boirin was uneasy. He had the others shut the door to his chamber before having a long conversation with Darrow in dwarven. This did nothing to pacify Shanni, who started to hug herself and mumble about being locked up. At the end of the their conversation, Boirin hugged his son fiercely and Darrow told his “pa” in Common that they would be fine.

After returning to the guest quarters to speak behind closed doors, Darrow informed the others that Toran had dropped his little bombshell. Apparently he had informed the Council that something was missing from the clan treasure and fingered the outsiders as responsible. Dermot observed that they had seen this coming and Rahnee shared this sentiment. Shanni however started to hyperventilate and protested that she had given it back, looking at the door as if longing to sprint past it for the way to the exit.

She calmed somewhat after Darrow said that Aerikoth could always teleport her away, and the dwarf and Rahnee exhorted her to use her skills of observation and plotting. Darrow then mentioned offhandedly that his father had also told him that he would end up dead as well, if the others were found guilty, since he had vouched for them. Darrow seemed unconcerned and pointed out that since they did not have the missing treasure, how could they be convicted?

 

[Carlo-One]

Further discussion among the companions led to the idea of comparing dreams from the previous night, in hopes that it might shed some light on their circumstances. Rahnee shared that she had found herself, accompanied by current and departed friends, at an audience with the Prince; evidently they had been successful in some endeavor and were being saluted for it. Suddenly, they were then attacked all around by gray dwarves.

As she struggled to remember further details, Dermot related how in his dream, they were in the Clan’s council chamber listening to some voices, some of which caused him to worry. Shanni was there and was scared of something, while Darrow waved his axe around. Then, the Prince took out a giant ale mug and told everyone to drink up. That prompted Rahnee to remember that the gray dwarves had suddenly disappeared after attacking, and everyone was drinking from ale steins.

Shanni shared her dream, which had her wandering around the clan halls, quiet-like, then she was suddenly with the Prince. She could not understand what he was saying and was also frozen in place. Dermot and Aerikoth were there as well, then the scene shifted to the dark tunnels of the Deep Delve, where a gong sounded. None of them understood its significance, although Aerikoth speculated that it might signal an attack, a victory, or an ending.

Darrow then shared more details about his dream. He was in the council chamber with the others, as dwarven nobles chattered away in the background. Toran Goldfinder stepped forward, wearing a golden robe, and sneered at Darrow. This got Darrow angry and he snapped, cleaving Toran and his smile down the middle with Haelgrim. Aerikoth just watched it happened without expression, while Shanni was incensed that Darrow had lost his cool. Darrow had a big grin on his face as Rahnee apologized to the Prince, although she also said that Toran had deserved it, at which point Darrow awoke, in a good mood.

Aerikoth was next encouraged to share what he had dreamed, although the wizard protested that he put little stock in the phantasms of slumber. He said he had found himself in his room at the old Gatereach guest house, before it had burned down, with his familiar Zeluth. Zeluth shared with him that there was some kind of destruction going on outside, so Aerikoth descended the stairs and entered the main ground floor room, which was shared by Rahnee and Brok-Tul. There, he discovered them in a state of coitus, then awakened. In reaction to Aerikoth’s description, Rahnee blinked her eyes a number of times, Shanni stopped panicking long enough to look vaguely puzzled, and Dermot took the opportunity to move the conversation along. (Almost all of the party's dreams seem natural enough under the circumstances, given their concerns with what has been going on in Clan Ironhelm. The dream the wizard related had nothing to do with that, which meant he was completely unconcerned with their current situation, or perhaps was just pulling their collective leg. Impossible to prove, of course, but I would not be surprised if it reflected a rarely-shown and nasty sense of humor. --R)

At this point, Boirin opened the door to their room, causing Shanni to jump and clutch at her dagger sheath. Darrow took the opportunity to joke that they were plotting their escape and would be able to tunnel out in several months, before the Council had a chance to come to a decision. Boirin in response cuffed Darrow, gave him a fatherly look, and told him that the Prince had called for an audience with them in fifteen minutes, suggesting that they be there on time. As the sergeant of the guard walked off, Shanni anxiously started sucking her thumb again.

After some joking about Darrow challenging everyone to a trial by combat – which the dwarf seemed thoughtful about – the group discussed their options. Although there might be some question about why they did not come forward earlier when they detected Yarran’s attempt to plant the jewel on Shanni, they decided to finger him if she and Dermot were accused. As a defensive measure, they also tossed all of their rooms in the guest quarters, to make sure no new incriminating treasure had been planted there. With their fifteen minutes up, they headed for the audience hall, Shanni looking the most reluctant. Darrow told her and Dermot to stay close to Aerikoth, in case he needed to teleport them out

 

[Carlo-One]

In comparison with the previous night, the audience hall was much less crowded. Prince Dalgan and his advisers were present as before, along with the guards and several dwarven nobles. As the company made their way toward the throne, Darrow smiled toothily at Toran Goldfinder, before bowing to the Prince along with Rahnee. After brief greetings were exchanged, Dalgan – choosing his words carefully – informed the group that something had occurred that they might be involved with, thereby warranting their summons. He asked Darrow if he was aware of the implications of his bond for both himself and his guests. Darrow immediately replied that he was and that he stood by it, smiling again at Toran. Dalgan praised Darrow as a dwarf of his word, as shown by his deeds for clan, which is why his guests had been allowed in the citadel.

Toran Goldfinder then was allowed to speak. He recounted, using flowery language, how the previous night he had gone to the clan treasury to inventory it and had discovered that one gem was missing; the guard who was with him could attest to that. Toran described it as a valuable black opal, one that could not be mistaken for a lesser gem. His eyes resting on Shanni, he rhetorically asked what could have happened to it. Darrow interjected that he had knowledge of this matter and began speaking, but was cut off by the Prince, who told him that he would be able to have his say after Toran was finished. Darrow acknowledged that etiquette had never been a strong point and graciously bowed to the Prince, ceding the floor once more to Toran.

Toran continued, snidely commenting that perhaps both Darrow and his companions lacked an understanding of clan rules. In any case, the clan treasurer had ordered the closing of the citadel until the matter of the missing gem was resolved, which Dalgan agreed was a prudent measure. The Prince then asked how he proposed to find the gem, if not by attempting to search the entire citadel. Toran stated that he believed things would progress most rapidly if the two strangers – meaning Shanni and Dermot – were searched first. Dalgan asked Darrow if he and his companions would agree to submit to this. Darrow immediately said that he would, looking over at Dermot and Shanni, who apparently were less enthusiastic about the prospect. Rahnee also stated that she would be willing and dropped her cloak in preparation, starting to unbuckle her armor.

In a patronizing tone, Toran said that he would not ask such a renowned dwarf as Darrow to submit to a search, nor the two dwarf-friends – leaving by implication only Shanni and Dermot. Dermot sighed and said he was ready to get it over with, but Shanni immediately started protesting. Rahnee intervened, describing how Shanni had been recently rescued from mistreatment in captivity; she requested that a female warrior do the searching. Dalgan declared that, in the interest of putting the matter to rest, the two “honored guests” would be searched, with a female noble performing this task for Shanni, under the eyes of the guards. Following further protests from Shanni, Dalgan allowed the searches to be done in a private antechamber.

As Boirin and two guards walked Dermot to the antechamber, Toran protested what he called Shanni’s insulting words to the Prince. He soon had cause to further protest Shanni’s insults to him personally, as the diminutive rogue pointed at him and said some additional choice words. Dalgan chose not to respond, instead looking uncomfortable and gesturing to Boirin to get on with Dermot’s serach. The ranger emptied his pockets and removed his armor, cloak, and boots, the guards taking a thorough look through his gear. Meanwhile, despite further audible insulting comments about the “honored guests” made by Toran to High Priest Iskar, who gritted his teeth and remained silent, Rahnee and Darrow managed to keep Shanni from any further explosions.

The guards having declared Dermot clean, Boirin summoned a female noble to conduct Shanni’s search. Rahnee asked leave to accompany Shanni to the antechamber, which Prince Dalgan granted. Shanni demanded that the male guards depart; the female noble asked them to wait at the door, saying that she was in no danger. After a thorough search of Shanni’s clothes and person, the noble declared her clean. Walking back to the others, Shanni could not resist indulging in some more rude language and asked for an apology. Although Toran complained further about the insults, Prince Dalgan diplomatically stated that the Dermot and Shanni could remain as guests of the clan or go, and that the audience was now over. Shanni had more to say, but was dragged away by Darrow, Dermot and Rahnee as they took their leave of the Prince.

As they returned to the guest quarters, Shanni slammed the door behind them and started pummeling pillows in anger and frustration. As the group discussed the outcome of the morning’s audience, which they generally felt had gone about as well as it could have despite Shanni’s outbursts, a loud pounding was heard at the door. Darrow opened it and saw his father Boirin, who stepped inside. The sergeant of the guard explained that he did not have much time, as he had made an excuse to leave the audience hall while an argument was still going on; Toran was insisting to the council that his personal honor had been sullied by the visitors. Darrow explained briefly what had actually happened with the gem. Although Boirin supported the company and thought that Toran was a brat, he was an important one, and Boirin said that now might be a good time to leave the citadel. He then took off to head back to the audience chamber, giving Darrow a fatherly hug as he departed.

Shanni, instead of desperately wanting to get out of the citadel as before, now was all for staying and getting revenge on the dwarf Yarran, who had planted the gem on her in the first place. Rahnee, pointing out that both Iskar and Boirin now knew about Yarran’s role in the matter, instead counseled a tactical retreat. Dermot indicated his heart wished to stay and clear things up, but his head said to get out. Rahnee asked Aerikoth for his thoughts, but the wizard was indifferent to staying or going. Dermot brought up the fact that they still had an appointment with the dwarf scout and Rahnee seconded the idea of going to meet with the “crazy dwarf” who lived outside in the fresh air. Darrow eventually came down in favor of trusting Iskar to handle things in the meantime. The group therefore headed to the citadel’s entry hall, Darrow taking a brief detour to say goodbye to his ma first. Clan Greeter Rumnaher said he had received word to let them pass and wished them well on their journey.

 

[Carlo-One]

Hidden Peak

The company made their way from the citadel’s entry gates up the winding trail to the ridgeline, where they roped their way up to the plateau without incident. They had been expected by Helrud to be at his camp at dawn, but the adventurers hoped the dwarf scout would still be around after their unavoidable delay. By his tent they found a note in dwarven runes, which Darrow read: “Had to leave at dawn. Track me if you can. Seek the crystal.” As the designated tracker, Dermot thought that the message was less than helpful, although the snow – the subject of earlier complaints by Shanni – was on their side.

Despite the wind having largely filled in Helrud’s footprints, Dermot was able to find enough depressions in the snow to follow the dwarf’s trail toward a large crystal protrusion on a hill. On the way, the group had to pause briefly, as some snow cats took an interest in Aerikoth after the small wizard had fallen behind the others. Darrow frightened the animals off by clashing his axe and shield together. They observed that sunlight striking the crystal pointed towards a particular area, which led Darrow to surmise that Helrud had needed to be there at dawn, to see where the light was directed. (An intelligent observation. In such a difficult wilderness area, some sort of reference point would indeed be useful or even necessary to find otherwise hidden terrain features. I wonder if the crystal's placement was accidental in that regard, or if it was originally intended to serve as a signpost by whoever - or whatever - occupied the mountains in the past. --C) Some searching then turned up a narrow passage through the rock wall leading further into the mountains.

Navigating the passage led them to the bank of a broad and deep mountain stream, where the tracks ended. Remnants of a broken bridge provided no help in crossing, but an overturned rowboat was visible on the other side, apparently having been used by Helrud to cross. Darrow and Dermot located a small tree nearby and, after some effort, chopped it down and placed it across the bridge foundations. Its narrow and slippery bole would make it challenging to traverse, however.

Shanni went first, her dexterity allowing her to cross the makeshift bridge while carrying a rope, with only a minor wobble or two. Dermot had trouble mounting the tree bole, however, and it was decided that Shanni should tie the rope to the boat and then use it to cross back over the stream. The diminutive rogue struggled mightily to turn over the boat and then leverage it back across the stream using its oar, succeeding eventually with much effort. An exhausted Shanni then let the others rig up the boat, Dermot acting as ferryman to get everyone to the other side.

By this point it was late morning and there were no more tracks to be seen, so the party spent some time investigating the area. More ruins were in evidence, as was a collapsed mining cave and an overgrown oubliette, whose circular entrance in the ground was big enough for an elf or perhaps a human without armor. Eventually they encountered Helrud near a large statue of a dragon, as the dwarf was standing there admiring it. He greeted them and showed them more red dragon scales, while Shanni noticed and collected a few white dragon scales. The group speculated that a nearby skeleton could be that of the losing dragon, while the winner could have occupied whatever lair was nearby. Helrud then showed them an iced-over, jammed trap door, which he excitedly thought could lead to a dragon hoard. Shanni’s eyes lit up at the mention of a hoard and she suddenly became more enthusiastic about the venture.

 

[Carlo-One]

Aerikoth, more interested in the significance of the nearby ruins and whatever civilization had created them, wandered among the statues studying them. Meanwhile, the rest of the party chose to more closely examine the cave and the oubliette hole. The cave entrance had been narrowed by rockfalls inside, while the hole appeared to be unblocked, unlike the other potential entrances to the underground. Shanni, a gleam in her eye, volunteered to descend the narrow shaft. Helrud for his part said he preferred to remain aboveground, pointing out that someone would need to keep an eye out on guard. The dwarf then moved off to a place with a good vantage point of the surrounding area.

Between Dermot, Darrow and Rahnee, they managed to rig a rope harness to fit Shanni, so they could support her from up top during the climb. A nearby winch with a block and tackle, evidently the original method for accessing the oubliette entrance, was no longer in working order, although it still had a solid frame. Rahnee expressed some concerns about the endeavor, but Shanni said she was equipped with a torch and that her cloak would hide her from anything below. The petite rogue carefully sat on the lip of the shaft entrance, probing for any footholds, before slowly lowering herself into it.

She was soon out of sight of her companions, who were bracing the rope supporting her. Darrow groaned and wondered out loud what Shanni had been eating, then observed that if they were smart, they would have tied the rope to the block and tackle; Rahnee agreed. Shanni carefully descended ten feet, bracing her limbs against the side of the narrow shaft, then called up, saying she could see “bugger all” down there. As the others played out the rope, she continued her descent, calling out to inform them that the shaft remained narrow its entire length; no one wearing armor would be able to fit.

After about another fifteen feet, Shanni yelled up to say that the walls had stopped, giving her no more footholds, and it was pitch dark below. Her three companions braced and felt a jerk on the rope as it took Shanni’s full weight. They carefully lowered her another few feet, then the rope went slack. Shortly afterwards, they heard a shouted “’S’ dark!” followed by the faint glow of a lighted torch, barely visible from the surface.

Shanni began shouting a description of her surroundings. She noted some dead skeletons in cages, some scattered papers, empty crates and...a big door! Darrow shouted down for her to stay on the rope and advised her not to test the door. As she continued to examine the room, the others had a hasty conference and decided that it might be necessary to try the door after all. Shanni agreed, then relayed that the door appeared to be locked and maybe rusted shut. She also informed them that the skeletons looked to be those of a human and a gnoll.

Rahnee, Darrow and Dermot conferred some more amongst themselves, as it became clear that Shanni would not be able to get the door open on her own. They were considering how to better stabilize their end of the rope, perhaps by attaching it to the old winch, when they were interrupted by a plaintive cry from Shanni, who tugged the rope and asked if they were still there. Darrow shouted back in the affirmative, then following some additional consultations told her that he would be coming down, after stripping himself of his armor.

Once the dwarf finished divesting himself of his armor and backpack, shivering a bit in the cold, he tucked a handaxe into his belt and shouted down to Shanni that he was ready. She undid the rope from around her waist and Darrow hauled it back up the shaft, tying it in an improvised harness around himself. The dwarf then went over to the hole, as Rahnee and Dermot braced themselves on their end of the rope for the dwarf’s upcoming descent. Darrow wedged himself between the walls of the shaft and began climbing down. Although he grumbled a bit, the dwarf’s strength and dexterity proved to be easily up to the task, as he quickly reached the bottom and untied the rope.

Darrow first examined the room by the light of Shanni’s torch, then enthusiastically but unsuccessfully tried to open the door. Rahnee lowered his battleaxe and shield down, which he gratefully equipped. The dwarf then tugged on the rope and shouted up that he was going to try to break the door down. Several swings with the battleaxe tore the large door from its hinges, opening the way to a large cavern beyond. Rahnee and Dermot on the surface could hear the door splintering; shortly afterwards, the flickering torch held by Shanni was no longer visible from the mouth of the hole.