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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8041550" data-attributes="member: 7015827">"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.</blockquote>

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