Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8079940" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Darrow, by now practiced if not completely bardic in his tale-telling, related how they had been delayed in meeting Helrud the day of their last, much less fortunate meeting in the audience chamber. Thanks to Dermot, however, they were able to follow his tracks to a ruin in the middle of the mountains, with a large dragon statue and skeleton outside them. Their initial entrance into the cavern complex was via what he called a cistern; the dwarf related how they came across skeletons locked in cages in the first room.The rest of their explorations were also highlighted, including the discovery of some Underdark-made crates; some kind of rock beasts that lived there; a ladder that led back up to the surface, which was opened after some work; the opening of the portcullis to the lower level; and the discovery of what he said was the first lair, guarded by ice elementals with a big old skeleton of a dragon with white scales all about it. However, they found no hoard there, as if it had been cleaned out, so kept looking. Darrow related how they ultimately had descended via handholds in the central pit to the lowest level, discovering its entire floor was filled with gold. They then met a Draconic-speaking magic mouth and defeated the iron golem guardian of the chamber with the magical items. Helrud beat feet back to the Ironhelm citadel to inform the clan, while the rest of the party was a little less quick, as Darrow put it.Prince Dalgan appreciatively called it a fulsome and heroic tale, noting that it fit with what Helrud related, turning to High Priest Iskar to receive confirmation. Iskar also mentioned that Helrud remained under his care, having foolishly waded a rather large and chill mountain stream in his excitement to return with the news. As a result his beard was frozen, as the priest said, apparently figuratively speaking. Rahnee expressed her gratitude that the dwarf scout was recovering.Calling what they had done a noble deed, Prince Dalgan declared the council had determined that, as the discoverers of this hoard, the adventurers should have a fair share of the clan wealth. This prompted a short statement of thanks from Dermot and some inaudible muttering from Shanni. Continuing, Dalgan said that they wished to offer the party a choice. Firstly, they could place any items retrieved from the hoard into the clan vault, then receive in turn the full sum of one-half of the hoard's value in gold, once in the clan’s possession. Dermot made a great show of being surprised at this offer, while Toran Goldfinder interjected that it would be a princely sum indeed, and a very generous one, looking displeased. (Although no proof so far has been offered in these chronicles of Toran's presumed evil nature, the fact that he constantly seeks to deceive those around him is a sure sign that he lacks the integrity a clan council member should possess. I wonder if the suspicions of an Underdark connection are indeed the truth behind his actions; it would certainly explain much. --C)Prince Dalgan then stated that secondly, they could keep the non-dwarven items they had found and receive a fifth share of the hoard's gold, after it had been retrieved. He indicated that they could take as long as desired to decide the matter. Shanni, somewhat impolitely, asked what they were calling “non-dwarven” as Dermot looked at the others, hemming and saying it was a big decision. Koll Wallbasher, the clan’s military leader, clarified that the Prince meant that any items of clan making should be returned to the clan. This prompted Shanni to ask how they would know. Rahnee interjected, saying that she did not believe they had found anything of dwarven make. Koll explained that any such items would have the Clan mark on them. Shanni then declared they had nothing with a clan mark on it, which was backed up by Darrow. (Shanni's questions are valid, yet at the same time she displays the attitude of someone interrogating a fishmonger at the market, rather than of a guest of dwarven royalty. --R)Aerikoth, in a more polite and respectful tone, mentioned that he had an inquiry in regards to the choice. Dalgan acknowledged the wizard and gave him leave to speak. Aerikoth brought up the fact that Helrud had claimed at least one item for himself and asked how that would affect the party. The Prince turned to Iskar, who confirmed that the dwarf scout had some oversize boots on him when he arrived, appearing to be magical. The dwarven high priest said he saw no reason why he should not keep them, as just due for his services. Dalgan asked the company if they were content with this and after a short discussion all concurred.The Prince, having answered all outstanding questions, queried if they wished to make a decision at that moment regarding their desired reward, or sleep on the matter. Darrow, without hesitation, answered that they would like to keep the items they found and claim a fifth of the treasure. Although Dermot looked at him as if surprised, Darrow apparently missed the import of the ranger’s glance and said they had anticipated a choice like this. (It is sometimes difficult to tell from these chronicles if the dwarf is being deliberately obtuse regarding a particular matter, or if he truly is ignorant of the subtleties involved. In any case, Dermot's acting abilities seem to have been wasted. --R) Toran Goldfinder gritted his teeth yet again at Darrow’s words. The others confirmed the decision, with Shanni openly grinning at Toran as Prince Dalgan declared the matter done.</blockquote>

Verification