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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7896098" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Speaking solemnly, Dwyvar informed the companions that the “abomination” had visited ruin upon his clan once before, so they intended to see it destroyed, with Moradin's blessing. As Rahnee expressed her pleasure at the news, Dwyvar went on to declare that “the tidings I bring could mean Ashnakzeroth's destruction…or your own doom, should you falter.” While the dwarf’s eyes looked at each of the companions in turn, as if judging whether they would fail, Veran met his gaze levelly. (I cannnot know exactly what Brother Veran felt in that moment, but it must have involved great anticipation. Whatever trepidation he may also have felt, it seems he controlled it successfully. Such is the way of our Order. --C)Rahnee's words were firm and straightforward. “I fear, Master Ironhelm, that this fiend will visit devastation on more than just your clan if he is not stopped. He already seeks the blood of Master Aerikoth to lend to his power. I will not permit that as long as there is breath in my body! So say on, sir. How can we aid the dwarves of Ironhelm?”Brok-Tul's face showed his attention's focus on the dwarf, as his 'game face' when meeting new people dissolved into a serious, level gaze. “Let's do this, then.” With clasped hands, he sat with one knee on a chair, the other half-bent to support him while he leaned on the table. Meanwhile, Aerikoth continued to sit calmly as he watched the dwarf intently, meeting his gaze without altering his in any way. His face, as was typical for the short wizard, was neutral and void of any expression other then the obvious interest he had in their present visitor.Dwyvar, his hard gaze having examined each of them in turn, appeared to make an internal decision and after a pause he began speaking. "What I am about to reveal to you now is considered shameful to Clan Ironhelm. As clan allies, I charge you to reveal it to no one. The fact I speak of it at all demonstrates the seriousness with which we take the threat from the abomination." Dwyvar forcefully spat out the last, distasteful word. (The dwarves must indeed have viewed the news of Ashnakzeroth's return with great dismay. Otherwise I cannot imagine they would have willingly revealed the tale that follows, which includes their clanmates' apostasy at the bidding of a charlatan wizard. --R)"A decade before the Year of Sundered Webs, near to the time that the Netherese wizard Saldrinar of the Seven Spells became king of Westgate, another Netherese mage appeared at the gates of our citadel. Fair in appearance and smooth in tongue, he said he had come to pay us homage, for via his arcane arts he had determined that Clan Ironhelm had been specially chosen by the dwarven gods for great accomplishments. Although many distrusted him, some harkened to his words." Dwyvar ceased speaking for a moment, his face twisted in disgust."Saldrinar's deeds in the Dragon Coast were widely known and his fellow wizard – named Ashnakzeroth – was unusually polite and respectful, living humbly outside the citadel entrance and speaking honeyed words to any who would listen. In time, he accumulated a band of dwarven followers, who swore to their clanmates that Moradin had manifested his power to them, both in dreams and in the presence of Ashnakzeroth. Even one of the senior priests was swayed by the wizard's words and came to believe that he was Chosen of Moradin."Dwyvar cleared his throat, as if reluctant to speak further, but continued. "One day, in a small cave near the entrance to the valley, a curious crystal tower appeared, with chiseled dwarven runes on it. They read, 'Let the Chosen come to me and I will give them what they richly deserve.' This was taken as a divine sign by the priest and his followers, who gathered their possessions and went to the cave. None of them ever returned to the clan and Ashnakzeroth, for his part, was himself never seen again in Ironhelm lands."The shame was evident in Dwyvar’s voice as he spoke. "When tales later reached clan elders of goblinoid tribes worshipping Ashnakzeroth and the multitude of dark acts ascribed to him, it confirmed their fears that our clanmates had been deceived and led astray by the abomination. Rumors of new strongholds built for Ashnakzeroth made clear for what purpose he had taken our people. The clan elders debated on what to do, but could not reach a conclusion. Then, one day magic failed all over Faerun."A distant look appeared in the dwarf‘s eyes. “Ashnakzeroth, we had believed, had been destroyed by this occurrence. At least, nothing but stories remained of his evil influence, told to wide-eyed goblin children. The Clan let its shame fade into the mists of time, memory failing, but recorded in its history lest we forget the true path. Then you came, bearing tidings of Ashnakzeroth's return and the death of our ancient kin."His eyes focused again on the companions. "Before I continue, I would know if what I have spoken here rings true to you."</blockquote>

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