Westgate Campaign Chronicles

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Feb 10 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Sun Mar 16, 2014 7:52 pm

At the Mayor’s house, the group shared out travel rations, which caused Darrow to chip a tooth on his. The dwarf then went over to see Baronial Guard Captain Calen, to discuss how best to defend the town. He returned shortly, while the others were debating possible tactics to use in assaulting the manor headquarters of the bandits, to report that the captain had things well in hand. When Shanni made an offhand comment expressing her boredom at having to wait in town while Aerikoth renewed his spells, Rahnee interpreted it as petulant impatience, telling the young rogue that Rahnee’s husband had been killed in the last manor assault. Rahnee then stalked off into the rain, followed by Darrow.

Aerikoth concurred that Dermot and Shanni should scout the manor area, seeing them off and installing himself at Kablin’s inn for the evening. Rahnee and Darrow also later made their way to the outskirts of the manor and rejoined their two companions. Rahnee observed than some of the outbuildings which had previously been intact were now burnt. As the four carefully made their way toward the bandit compound, Shanni managed an apology, also defending her reaction as one of ignorance. Rahnee accepted it and spelled out in gory detail what had occurred with the death and mutilations of Brok-Tul and Veran, as well as Rahnee’s own painful escape from the first manor assault. The four then carefully reconnoitered the manor’s barricades and guards, aided in their stealth (if not their comfort) by the rainy night and fog around the building.

Returning to town after a several hour absence, the four encountered Aerikoth at the inn, comfortably reading a book by the fire. Rahnee immediately went up to her room, while the others took what little was on offer from the innkeeper, thin broth along with some hard bread and cheese. They reviewed the results of the scouting expedition, with Darrow commenting on the bandits’ use of a horn as an unwelcome sign of their level of organization. The dwarf also mentioned that there were tunnels under the mansion, with a cellar or basement that might be possible to teleport into. Dermot, munching his food as best as possible, agreed with Darrow about the horn. Aerikoth for his part noted that he had the best chance of teleporting successfully into the master bedroom of the manor, it being the area he was most familiar with. Various ideas for assaulting the manor were discussed, as they finished their less-than-satisfying meal.

-----------------

Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *leans against the wall, head down*
Darrow Ironhelm: Ye a'right?
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *dashes tears angrily from her face*
Darrow Ironhelm: It's rough, places tha remind ye of ones ye lost.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: there is no . . .. reminding, Darrow. This IS the place.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: And she speaks of boredom.
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye. An'
Darrow Ironhelm: And it's his memory I'm speakin' of.
Darrow Ironhelm: But we'll set this right.

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Feb 17 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:36 am

The meal concluded, Rahnee joined the others and they all reviewed what they knew of the situation at the manor house. Rahnee noted that the Beast - the bandit lord, that is, not referring to Darrow’s nickname for Shanni - had blocked the road to the manor entrance. The outbuildings had also been burned, although they were devoid of residents by now. Shanni, having scouted the barricades with Dermot, described how they were “big and nasty” and would not be easy to get rid of. Rahnee suggested they could be dispatched with a few fireballs from Aerikoth, leading Shanni to interject that this might allow archers to target the wizard. Dermot observed that the narrow road climbed the hill at an angle, making it necessary to get close to the barricades before they could be seen. Rahnee and Darrow also speculated on what other alarms and traps might await them.

A seemingly impatient Shanni chided the others for their negativity and accused them of simply wanting to wait for the Beast to attack. Rahnee and Darrow objected, saying they just wanted to have a well-planned approach, although the dwarf admitted that the direct approach did not look promising. He then mentioned that he liked the idea of Aerikoth teleporting them in and out. Shanni said she thought this would be suicide, since Aerikoth only knew the master bedroom area. Various different permutations of the teleport idea were discussed, along with the possibility of trying to assault the manor hill from two directions - Dermot’s idea - or keeping the party all together for a frontal assault, hoping to have an element of surprise.

Eventually it was settled that they would attempt the manor that night, although Aerikoth had noted that he would not be able to cast any more protective spells on the group, as he had when they faced the manticores in the forest. After two hours of wet and cold travel, the five arrived at the manor grounds. Aerikoth laid spells of invisibility on himself and Darrow, as the least sneaky members of the group. The two then trailed the others, who were led by Dermot, as they carefully moved through the darkness toward the hilltop fort. Dermot indicated that he had spotted four archers and readied his crossbow, sighting it in on one of them.

-------------

Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Ahhh, Aerikoth.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: I trust you rested well this afternoon.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Whilst we were out slogging around in the rain, discovering that the Beast is clever enough to block off the road up to the manor.
Aerikoth: I remained here at the inn while the rest of you were without in the rain it would seem
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *silly humor drains away from her face*
Shanni Krowe: I didn' block.... oh.
Dermot Kenner: *nods.* Yeah, the other one.

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March 3 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Sat Aug 16, 2014 8:38 pm

As Dermot kept the guards in his sights, Shanni stealthily crept up the slope toward the wall encircling the manor. Dermot and Rahnee then followed her lead, with the latter carefully moving along the edge of the barricade that had been placed on the path, to see if there was any way past it. Rahnee grimly noted the impaled human head beyond, recalling the similarly grotesque decoration from her previous visit. Shanni determined that there was also a trap of some sort on the path behind the barrier, then fell back with the others to rejoin Aerikoth and Darrow for a group huddle.

It was their shared opinion that a frontal assault would entail a good deal of work and be risky. Shanni ventured the suggestion of talking to the guards, in order to feign interest in working for the Beast, while Darrow observed that they might try climbing up the back side. The dwarf was also enthusiastic about the Rahnee’s idea of him challenging the bandit leader, which could serve as a distraction. After some discussion, it was decided to mount the first slope, then avoid the barricade by circling around to the back cliffside. Darrow carefully removed his armor and muffled it, then joined the others in their quiet sneak-around.

On the backside of the manor hill, Dermot heard something large moving above them, motioning the others to silence. It turned out to be a large, collared brown bear, evidently set to guard the perimeter. The animal seemed to move in a predetermined route, which offered some time for the adventurers to attempt the scale the rain-slick rock face, although they would have to do so without heavy equipment. While they were whispering about what to do, the bear returned above them and began to growl. Dermot, using his ranger training, grunted back and made an odd snuffling noise in his throat, apparently attempting to calm the animal. However, he was unsuccessful and the bear began to growl loudly and repeatedly as a warning to any in earshot. The party then beat a hasty retreat, with Dermot firing an arrow to land on the opposite side of the bear as a distraction.

As Darrow started shrugging back on his armor, the others exchanged recriminations about the plan’s lack of success. Shanni pointed out that the wizard could simply teleport them up the slope and past the barricade and gate, to which Aerikoth acidly replied that this would place them in an area patrolled by a bear, whereas originally he had suggested teleporting directly into the manor bedroom to bypass everything outside. Dermot interjected, saying that arguments would get them nowhere, then suggested that a distraction be mounted on the back side, where he had a few tricks to distract the bear and its friends, followed by a main assault at the front. Rahnee signaled her approval of this strategy, also suggesting that Aerikoth use his remaining teleport spell to get himself and Darrow inside the manor to the bedroom. The wizard then queried whether the assault could not be done on the morrow, when he would have been able to recover his spells. This seemed sensible to the others, so rather than attempt the manor that night, they decided to find their way back to Tallwell in the rain.

Back at Kablin’s Inn, the adventurers did their best to dry off and get some sleep, their tempers none the better for the two-hour walk, although they were tired enough not to experience any problems falling asleep. The next morning, as his companions were gathering in the common room and Kablin and his wife Yasia were preparing a watery soup for breakfast, Aerikoth suddenly appeared, evidently teleporting in from wherever he had spent the night. After the breakfast, Rahnee commented that it was at least better than iron rations - although she seemed none too sure - and asserted the assault plan for the group. She described how Aerikoth would cast protection spells on all of them, then teleport Rahnee and Darrow to the bedroom first, returning for Dermot and Shanni while letting the others deal with any guards in the room. While Aerikoth and Darrow saw no issues with this, Dermot expressed his uneasiness, although he grimly noted that he was not going in first. Shanni simply remained silent, evidently unhappy about it. Rahnee acknowledged the differences of opinion, but stated that there was no perfect solution.

Darrow, at Rahnee’s behest, then went off to fill Baronial Guard Captain Calen in on developments since the previous evening, while the others continued to bicker about the plan’s merits. Calen indicated that he and the rest of Pahar’s guards would protect the village while the adventurers assaulted the manor, in the event any of the Beast’s men thought of coming to Tallwell.

--------------------------------

Collared Brown Bear: *low growl*
Darrow Ironhelm: *freezes*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *freezes*
Collared Brown Bear: *growl grows slowly louder*
Dermot Kenner: ... uhoh...
Collared Brown Bear: *snuffles loudly*
Dermot Kenner: ... easy, bear. eeeeasy...
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *freezes in place when she sees what Dermot is doing*
Collared Brown Bear: *continues growling, although the volume is steady*
Dermot Kenner: *tries some... animal empathy, making an odd snuffling noise in his throat.*
Collared Brown Bear: *rears on its hind legs*
Collared Brown Bear: *growls loudly*
Dermot Kenner: ... oh well.
Collared Brown Bear: ROAR
Dermot Kenner: They're gonna notice aaany minute.
Shanni Krowe: Best get up fast or run!
Darrow Ironhelm: *quietly* Let's go then.
Dermot Kenner: Get out of here.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Then let's go.
Dermot Kenner: *distraction!*

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March 10 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Mon Oct 13, 2014 9:58 pm

By midday on Ches 10, the companions were ready to execute the plan of assault on the manor championed by Rahnee, although Shanni and Dermot still appeared ill at ease with the prospect of teleporting into it. Aerikoth carefully explained to his companions the need to remain in contact with each other, in order for them all to be affected by the spell. Rahnee and Darrow, the first pair that Aerikoth was to transport, made ready and the wizard began to cast his protective spells; Rahnee told Dermot and Shanni not to be heroes if Aerikoth failed to return for them. Once all had been covered by magical protections, the wizard reached out to Rahnee and Darrow, touching each of them as he spoke a final word of power, making them vanish before the eyes of Dermot and Shanni. After several minutes, the wizard suddenly reappeared before them, grabbed Shanni and spoke the necessary word of power, transporting them into the manor of the Beast.

The bedroom they found themselves in was large and dusty, obviously not having been used for some time. Rahnee softly asked Shanni to confirm there were no traps visible. Once that was done, Shanni and Dermot - the two best equipped for stealth - silently slipped out of the room to see what they could find. Scouting down the stone corridor, at its end they heard what sounded like a group of men ahead of them making a medley of sounds - laughter, jokes and several conversations. The two were able to get a quick look into the main hall, then Dermot returned to the bedroom to brief the others while Shanni kept watch. The ranger described how the straight corridor ran for around fifty yards, then opened into a large room with perhaps a dozen men and some kind of animal in it.

Darrow was all for charging the room - a simple plan, no confusion, and “works every time” according to the dwarf. Dermot volunteered that he had a couple “tricks” - grease and tangling plants - that he could use to break up the crowd, while the corridor kept their flanks safe. Rahnee sided with Dermot and Aerikoth noted that he had some spells remaining he could use against the group, as well as summoning a large wolf. Dermot queried whether they should fight, showing no mercy, or talk first. Rahnee indicated her preference to talk first, but no mercy if they were attacked.

The group marched out of the bedroom, moving as softly as they could. At the end of the corridor, Rahnee gathered herself and marched directly into the main hall, interrupting the speech of a large man clad in animal skins sitting on a baronial throne - evidently The Beast. At first confused by Rahnee’s sudden appearance, he quickly became agitated when she claimed ownership of the manor. Dermot, hanging back with the others in the corridor mouth, noted the large size of the Beast’s warg companion. The Beast was pleased and said he had trained the warg himself, prompting Darrow to make a foul joke that further upset the bandit leader. Rahnee concluded her speech by thanking the Beast for keeping the place safe for her, as he gestured to his men to attack. Rahnee and an enthusiastic Darrow took the brunt of the melee, as the others loosed spells and arrows into the fray. The fighting was frantic and furious, but the better skills, equipment and magic of the companions saw them put down all of their enemies - save one warrior, who stood apart at the end, dressed in somewhat better armor than the others and acting as if he waited for his death.

Rahnee greeted the man as Captain Horvath, surmising that he was the missing brother of the village smith Larent. Her use of his name seemed to bring the man back from his reverie and he related his tale to Rahnee, Darrow and Aerikoth, while Dermot nonchalantly looted the fallen and Shanni prowled the area looking for anything else of interest. Horvath explained that he had been a captain in Hallton's army, before the self-styled duke’s fall. He had fought at the battle of Turnton, afterwards sickening of Hallton's rule and exiling himself to the forest patrol. Horvath, once again appearing to drift away from the present, related how he would never forget the day when the siege of Turnton was broken. Hallton’s forces had ringed the town, but suddenly fire appeared and engulfed them, burning half to death and putting the remainder to flight. At this point Shanni and Dermot joined the others, Shanni having seen no one else inside the manor, but observing that other bandits and the bear remained outside.

Horvath finished his tale, describing how he and the others had lived like animals, all sleeping on skins in the chamber, gathered under the rule of the Beast after Rahnee and her companions had killed Hallton. Shanni was less than impressed and continued to prowl the room, removing a trap from a large chest by the baronial throne. She was clearly disappointed that there was nothing in it, however, and loudly complained that there was nothing in it. She and Aerikoth then started bickering rancorously again over the assault plan, which Shanni felt had been reckless. Meanwhile, Rahnee queried an increasingly uncomfortable-looking Horvath about the bandit forces still outside; he indicated that the adventurers should have little trouble in finishing them off.

Darrow, then Rahnee and Dermot, attempted to get their other two companions to cease arguing and focus on the task at hand. However, this just ended up provoking further rancor, as Aerikoth accused Dermot of taking Shanni’s side due to personal attraction, while Shanni started screaming that they were idiots and had just gotten lucky, then stormed out of the chamber followed by Rahnee. Despite Dermot and Rahnee’s respective efforts, neither Aerikoth nor Shanni would back down and the young woman seemed close to spitting fire. A truce was temporarily called as Darrow rounded up Aerikoth and Dermot and the party went outside to face the last of their foes. Rahnee called on the remaining bandits to surrender, but instead they and the large brown bear accompanying them fought to the death.

After the battle was over, Dermot observed that they had not yet checked the downstairs portion of the manor and headed back in to do so, accompanied by Darrow and Aerikoth. Shanni and Rahnee remained outside and had a tense, emotional encounter as the younger woman seemed set on departing the group forever. Rahnee asked Shanni to stay, but it was to no avail and she headed off down the trail on her own.

Returning inside, Rahnee told the others the news. They had in the meantime confirmed with Horvath that he would accompany them back to Tallwell, to see his brother. Horvath thought that the Beast must have hidden all of the bandit company’s loot in the forest somewhere, after making a big production of showing off the “common” chest in the manor hall, which only he could open due to the trap on it. Nothing more of value was found in the manor, although it was noted that the torture devices in the basement had been used recently.

The group was rather glum returning to Tallwell in the rain, with all - except perhaps for Aerikoth - missing Shanni’s presence. Once back at the village, Horvath was reunited with his brother Larent, who accepted his repentance and offered him a home to stay in. Darrow went off to inform Guard Captain Calen of their success and asked him to meet him and the others at the Mayor’s.

-----------------------

Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Is that blood lust I see in your eye, my friend?
Aerikoth: *finishes by casting spells on himself*
Darrow Ironhelm: What, I can't be excited ta rid a town of nefarious bandits without bein' bloodthirsty?
Dermot Kenner: Jus' don't get cocky... those defences made this lot look like professionals.
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye. True.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: I agree with Dermot.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Let us at least try to be smart.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Ready, Aerikoth?
Aerikoth: Indeed.
Darrow Ironhelm: That'd be a first.
Shanni Krowe: *glances back over shoulder* Hold hands, or somethin', ready?
Aerikoth: Here we go.
Dermot Kenner: *nods, offering a hand.*
Shanni Krowe: *takes it*
Aerikoth: *focuses a moment and then reaches out to Darrow and Rahnee, touching them each as he speaks a word of power*

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March 17 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Wed Oct 15, 2014 2:29 am

At the Mayor’s house, Darrow rejoined Dermot and Aerikoth, while Rahnee - clearly still agitated over everything that had occurred - decided that she needed to speak further with Calen in the barracks, saying she wanted to ensure his men were ready in case some unknown allies of the Beast decided to attack. Haman was overjoyed to hear of the Beast’s defeat, a sentiment shared by his wife Grani, and was also pleased to hear that Horvath had rejoined his brother Larent at the smithy.

Haman was somewhat taken aback when they questioned what would come next for the village, now that its roads were open and the bandits no longer a problem. The Mayor had assumed that the adventurers would become the new lords, taking up residence at the manor and ruling as others had done before, alluding to the fact that was what Hallton’s grandfather had done. Aerikoth for his part indicated no interest in ruling the lands, while Darrow put the question back on Haman. The Mayor said that reopening the forest trail to the the village of Glees would be his first priority, being somewhat fearful of the manticores but accepting Dermot and Darrow’s assurance that they had likely been permanently dealt with.

Once the trail was reopened, commerce then would need to be restarted. Haman noted that the village had several tendays’ worth of lumber stacked and asked the company to spread word of trading opportunities in Pahar’s land and Westgate. Darrow contributed the idea of establishing a brewery, with dwarven ale becoming a new product for the village to sell. Haman cautiously welcomed the idea, observing that there would be relatively little local demand, but warming to the possibility of advertising “special ingredients” from the area to help market the drink. Darrow noted that the village would need a place with easy access to water, a roof, and casks to store the ale. Although they had no cooper, Larent the smith also did some woodworking, as did several of the lumberjacks.

Turning from the commercial to the political, Haman diplomatically asked the adventurers if it were their wish that he continue to lead the town in their absence, while respecting the wishes of the garrison of Baron Pahar’s troops. Darrow said that the Mayor deserved a chance to lead in a time of peace and prosperity, which brought a glad smile to Haman’s face. The adventurers noted they needed to go talk to Rahnee and then head to Westgate on business. Haman wished them well and said he would immediately start on the projects they had discussed.

-----------------

Dermot Kenner: What happens now?
Darrow Ironhelm: S'good question.
Aerikoth: Mayor, you now have a town with open roads and without oppression from bandits.. *nods at Dermot* Indeed... what is your next move?
Darrow Ironhelm: We need ta get word out tha th' trade road is open.
Haman Amraphel: *looks somewhat taken aback, but rallies*
Haman Amraphel: I....well, I had thought that your group would be the new lords, take up residence at the manor, and rule.
Haman Amraphel: It seems to be the pattern for these lands.
Haman Amraphel: Hallton's grandfather seized the manor in his day, for example.
Aerikoth: Tallwell will also have the protection of Baron Pahar's contingent of guards... *arches an eyebrow* I cannot speak for the others... but I have no desire to do such.
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, let's assume we din't think we're all th' best at rulin'. If ye were king of th' town fer a day or a month, what's yer first step?

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April 7 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Thu Oct 16, 2014 2:04 am

The next morning on Ches 11, Rahnee told the others she wanted to remain in Tallwell for some additional time, to help with the transition in rule, but that Darrow, Dermot and Aerikoth could move on ahead. The three of them agreed, not seeing much left in Tallwell that they could do or interested them. Aerikoth went to study his spells, while Darrow and Dermot checked in with Pahar’s guards at the barracks. They were not in quite as high spirits as the two adventurers, whose jokes fell somewhat flat, but they nevertheless seemed dedicated to their task of remaining in the village to protect it for a while. After Aerikoth emerged from his room at the inn, they went to say a final word to the Mayor, who however did not appear to be at home. Darrow therefore scribbled a hasty message advising him of their plans and slid it under his door.

As the three left the village, it was obvious to all that the trail to Glees had become hard to follow. Dermot remarked that it was overgrown and would need time to become established again, although the loggers of Tallwell might be able to speed up the process. Aerikoth apparently took Darrow’s brilliant suggestion of an “instant trail” spell seriously, but just as the wizard began commenting on the possibility, the three heard faint shouts and screams to the west, further along the trail. Hurrying along, they came upon two brown bears pawing at a tree that held Shanni in its upper branches. The bears fought for their meal, but were defeated quickly by the party. Shanni had little time to thank them, however, as a much larger and meaner-looking bear arrived on the scene and a bloody melee ensued, with Dermot suffering a serious bite wound and Aerikoth’s summoned bear taking the brunt of its fellow’s wrath before they killed it.

Darrow attended to Dermot’s wound and called out to Shanni, who carefully untied a belt that had been tied to a branch to support her, but then appeared unable to climb back down on her down. Dermot noted his surprise at seeing her, saying he had expected to see her, or hear of her passing, only when they had reached Glees. Rejecting both Dermot’s offer of a rope and Darrow’s suggestion of catching her if she jumped, Shanni - pouting a little and with her tongue stuck out in concentration - started down the bole of the tree. Unfortunately, she only got about halfway before she appeared to slip on a branch and slid the remainder of the way down, landing heavily on the ground. Looking somewhat miserable and sullen, she nevertheless accepted a hand up from Dermot, standing gingerly and favoring one leg, evidently having strained something.

Darrow commented that she now seemed stuck accompanying them to Glees, which prompted Dermot to give Aerikoth a meaningful look. The wizard showed no interest in resuming his previous argument with Shanni, however, and observed in his normal neutral tone that it could have gone much worse for her if she had not possessed the skills necessary to climb the tree. As Shanni did not seem in good condition for walking, Aerikoth offered to either conjure a shelter where they could stay until she recovered, or teleport ahead with her and up to one more person, the limit of Aerikoth‘s magic. It was eventually decided, with Shanni swallowing some of her pride, that she would accompany Aerikoth to Glees, which Dermot and Darrow would be able to reach later that same day. Dermot and Darrow expressed their pleasure that Shanni was with them again - at least until Glees - while the young woman showed some of her emotion as well, sniffling and nodding with evident regret at having gone off on her own. Aerikoth readied himself, then grabbed Shanni’s shoulder and spoke a word of power, vanishing with her before the eyes of their two companions.

A couple of hours later, the dwarf and the ranger made it to the roadside inn at Glees. Darrow was welcomed by innkeeper Undt with two ale steins, courtesy of “the lady”, as Shanni evidently had anticipated his arrival. He and Dermot remained silent as they listened to Aerikoth and Shanni - this time in a much more restrained fashion - attempt to understand each other’s feelings on the manor assault. Eventually the wizard, seemingly still puzzled, admitted that he often found it confusing how others would react to a stimulus. As the conversation wound down, Undt returned with a medium-sized box, saying that he had almost forgot that it had been left there for them. The innkeeper rattled the box a little and confessed he did not know what was in it, before placing it on the table in front of them.

--------------------------

Aerikoth: Not much of a trail even for commerce.
Darrow Ironhelm: *nods*
Darrow Ironhelm: True.
Dermot Kenner: It takes time to wear a trail in. This one's overgrown.
Aerikoth: To assist Tallwell that will need to change I would think.
Dermot Kenner: *nod.*
Dermot Kenner: Get in some loggers, clear a path...
Darrow Ironhelm: Ye got an' "instant trail" spell?
Aerikoth: *thinks a moment* I do not know of one that is specifically for such a task...
Dermot Kenner: *holds up a hand.*
Carlo the DM: ((You hear shouting faintly in the distance, to the west))
Dermot Kenner: Someone's yellin'.
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye, best see
Aerikoth: *quiets his train of thought and focuses on the present as he hears the screams*
Shanni Krowe: *yelling loudly*
Darrow Ironhelm: *listens for the shouting*
Shanni Krowe: Help!
Dermot Kenner: Nrgh. Bears...
Shanni Krowe: Help!
Dermot Kenner: Damn.
Dermot Kenner: What!
Shanni Krowe: *is up a tree*
Darrow Ironhelm: Beast!
Darrow Ironhelm: How's th' view up there?
Shanni Krowe: Darrow?
Dermot Kenner: *squints up.*
Shanni Krowe: It was a view of bears, wher... the big one!
Dermot Kenner: Aw nuts.
Dermot Kenner: Nrgh.
Darrow Ironhelm: Well... tha was a nice bit of exertion.
Dermot Kenner: Damn thing's got a bite on it...
Dermot Kenner: What are you doing up there?
Shanni Krowe: I was chased here. *looks seemingly sullen*
Darrow Ironhelm: Lemme lookit those wounds, Dermot.

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June 2 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:14 am

Just as Undt put down the box, Rahnee walked in the door and was greeted cheerily by the innkeeper. Removing her cloak, Rahnee first looked in surprise at Shanni, then with a horrified expression at the box, recalling a previous delivery in Turnton that had contained the head of their former companion Aratae. Undt then mentioned that two dwarves had been the ones to leave it with him, saying that it should be given to Helm’s Shadows. This news got an eyebrow quirk from Darrow, who asked if they were Ironhelm dwarves. The innkeeper confessed that he could not really tell one dwarf from another, half-apologizing to Darrow for the comment, who took no offense. Undt noted that the dwarves had arrived the previous day and for whatever reason had not wanted to stay.

After some uncertainty as to who would actually open the box, which remained sealed, Darrow ended up doing the honors. He was surprised to find inside a copy of his axe, Haelgrim, with some dwarven runes inscribed on it. They said that the true axe was needed to defend the throne from a pretender, which Darrow interpreted as a call for the return of Haelgrim to Clan Ironhelm. Undt, who was standing out of the way but craning his neck to see what was in the box, expressed his relief that the box had not contained anything untoward. The innkeeper commented that he had thought there was something not quite right about the two dwarves who had delivered it, as they had not given their names nor desired to stay any longer than necessary.

As the group puzzled over the axe and its meaning, Dermot inquired whether this meant they needed to travel to Ironhelm territory and also pointed out it was strange that the dwarves evidently had not wanted to speak directly to Darrow and give him news of his clanhome. Darrow himself seemed less curious, saying that he had long ago learned not to try to understand the priesthood or the clan’s leadership. The dwarf explained to Dermot and Shanni, who had not previously been to Ironhelm, that when he first obtained Haelgrim the axe had been, as the humans said, a “hot potato”. The Prince was sick and had no clear heirs, making it a difficult political situation within the clan. Aerikoth recalled that after the axe had been retrieved from the Deep Delves a month previously, the clan leaders had desired for Darrow to bear it and stay away for a time. The wizard then observed that a month was not that long of a time. Darrow agreed with this assessment, observed that there was no maker’s mark on the copy of the axe, and stated his belief that something must have changed within the clan.

The dwarf’s companions all declared their willingness and desire to accompany him to Ironhelm, even though he warned that it might not be as simply as traveling to the delve to drop off the axe, unmask the pretender, and be on their way. As the group reviewed their other possible commitments, Aerikoth noted that Losifan Urdo, one of the leaders of the Mercenaries Guild, had asked to meet with them to discuss the threat the Fire Knives posed to Westgate; however, they would not be expected by him for around another six days, leaving them enough time to travel to Clan Ironhelm. As they began discussing in earnest how best to travel there, Rahnee remembered to mention that she had sorted out a dispute in Tallwell between the woodcutters and the guard detachment, eventually getting the locals to back down after it was clear that the garrison would follow the Mayor’s guidance.

Eventually it was decided that Aerikoth would spend the remainder of the day memorizing several teleport spells, in order to move the entire group in shifts to an area close to Ironhelm. The wizard sequestered himself in an upstairs room while the others had a drink in the common area. After some discussion, the four decided to use the rest of the day to deliver some of their surplus equipment to the Tallwell garrison, but first Darrow went upstairs to take a peek at what Aerikoth was doing. The dwarf for his trouble got a pecking from Aerikoth’s raven familiar Zeluth, who was guarding the door, but was able to confirm that the wizard was still studying spells in a trance-like state.

On the way back to the village, the four adventurers encountered an annoyed cougar in the forest and got rained on, but otherwise had an uneventful trip. At the garrison’s barracks, Captain Calen gratefully received the stack of former Night Mask weapons that the group had accumulated, saying it was probably better that he did not know where they came from. Darrow observed that their previous owners no longer needed them, which was good enough for the guard captain. Calen also noted his appreciation for Rahnee interceding on his behalf with the villagers and mentioned that he intended to leave the forest patrol to the woodsmen for the time being, to avoid possibly creating further tensions. Calen informed them that they had found nothing useful at the manor, despite the fact that the manor’s occupants had made a habit of robbing the local inhabitants for years. Dermot explained that it had been claimed that the Beast’s hoard was hidden somewhere in the forest. Calen thought that made sense and joked that it would make a good story to keep the soldiers interested in patrolling, although it was unlikely they would ever find anything. After Calen thanked them again for their donations, the group departed, commenting how light on their feet they now felt.

------------------------------

Dermot Kenner: It's odd, but it doesn't feel like a trick - or if it is, it's a good, thoughtful one. To go to the effort of making a copy of the axe instead of leaving a note... clearly, there's *something* in this.
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye.
Darrow Ironhelm: *turns the axe over, looking for a maker's mark*
Aerikoth: If I recall, the leaders desired you to stay away for a time and it has been a month since you liberated it from the deep delves.
Dermot Kenner: *exhales.*
Aerikoth: A month is not that long of a time.
Darrow Ironhelm: No.
Dermot Kenner: Where do we all stand on needing to be at places?
Darrow Ironhelm: So something's changed.
Darrow Ironhelm: Evidently this pretender.
Darrow Ironhelm: No maker's mark.
Darrow Ironhelm: Huh.
Shanni Krowe: A pretender has taken the throne?
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, that's unusual.
Darrow Ironhelm: *to Shanni* So the runes on the axe say.
Shanni Krowe: I really think if they didn't want you to go then they would have asked for the axe regardless.
Darrow Ironhelm: Who's a pretender an who's rightful.. well, I guess that might depend on where ye sit.
Aerikoth: Someone went to an extravagant length to deliver a message that could have been delivered easier... I do not know if we can grasp the full meaning of it here amongst ourselves.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Well, it appears that we have a trek to make . . . and, Shanni, glad that you have returned. Or have you?
Darrow Ironhelm: *perks up a bit* Here's a thought.
Shanni Krowe: *sniffs a little, looking a little contrite* They had to rescue me again and brought me here.

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June 9 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Sat Oct 18, 2014 11:10 pm

Rahnee decided to remain in Tallwell for a little longer to help Calen, while Dermot, Darrow and Shanni returned to the inn at Glees. While in the common room the evening of Ches 11 waiting for Aerikoth, they overheard some of the locals talking about rumors of the Beast’s treasure hoard, although the presence of monsters and bears in the woods seemed to be a deterrent to those interested in searching for it.

Eventually the wizard descended the inn stairs and announced that he was prepared to take his companions to the inn at Mountaingate, where they could either spend the evening or travel onward to Ironhelm territory. Aerikoth, oblivious to the stares and awed comments of the locals, touched Darrow and then disappeared, returning shortly afterwards for Dermot and Shanni. The ranger wished the villagers luck with finding the hoard and clasped hands with Shanni, before Aerikoth touched Shanni’s shoulder and spoke the necessary word of power.

The teleportation disoriented them for a moment as they arrived inside another inn, evidently in a much colder and mountainous area. Darrow was there waiting for them and he greeted the inn’s proprietor, an older female gnome named Allie, as she came out of the kitchen. Upon seeing Darrow and Aerikoth, she at first froze, then painted a smile of welcome on her face, evidently not wishing to upset her visitors. She offered tea and food to the adventurers, which was declined as Darrow said they should be on their way, offering a few coins for the inn fire’s warmth. Dermot however asked for some spirits, which Allie said she would be happy to provide. Aerikoth, looking around the main room, commented that she had done well enough in removing most of the stains. The wizard’s words caused the innkeeper to briefly blanch as she retreated out of the room.

Dermot inquired if there had been a fight, while Shanni wondered aloud if an eating and drinking session had gotten out of hand. Darrow somewhat sheepishly explained that he had been ambushed by some mercenaries, which had not gone well for them. Aerikoth noted that their remains were buried outside and said that he had not been present when the confrontation started, as he had been in the back with Rahnee while Darrow and their former companion the elven minstrel were in the front. The dwarf further elaborated, saying that he had mentioned to the mercenaries that he had just been inside the clan home, which apparently they took to mean that they were rich and had lots of coin on them. Allie returned with a flask of spirits for Dermot, who paid two coins and then departed with his companions.

On the way to the Mountaingate village gate, the group was challenged by the local militia, who said they had not seem them enter. When the group reacted with indifference and stated they were just leaving, the confused guards decided not to pursue the matter further and opened the gate, letting them pass out onto a mountain path and into a swirling cold wind that stirred the snow on the ground. Aerikoth offered to cast protective spells on his companions, which they accepted, although Shanni was disappointed to learn that they would not help in keeping warm.

The trek through the hills along the path to the valley of Clan Ironhelm was cold but uneventful. The four reached the outer gates and were challenged by the dwarven defenders, with Darrow replying in their tongue and introducing his new comrades Dermot and Shanni. The guards saluted Haelgrim’s return and the companions then passed through to the inner gates, where the scene was repeated and Darrow was hailed by one guard as the “redeemer”. Darrow vouched for his companions’ trustworthiness, but the guards indicated that they would need to fetch the Clan Greeter in order to decide about their presence. Aerikoth observed to the others that this was standard procedure and that their former companion the elven minstrel, who had been looked on rather oddly by the Ironhelm inhabitants, had nonetheless been granted entrance. Shanni and Dermot showed good humor about the situation and Shanni pointed out that Dermot had a bottle of spirits to share while they waited. Darrow attempted to strike up a conversation with one of the guards about the Prince’s health, but the defender looked uncomfortable and avoided answering.

The guard that had gone to fetch the Clan Greeter returned, but said that more consultations had to be done before he could arrive. In response to a question from Dermot, the guards indicated that the adventurers could wait by a firepit near the gates, or use the guest cave, which Aerikoth noted had hot springs within it. While Darrow remained to chat private with the guards, the other three headed for the cave, in order to make themselves as comfortable as possible.

After some time, Darrow joined them and shared what he had found out. The Prince still ruled, although in weak and deteriorating health, which had led some clan members to call for replacing him. Those in favor of this talked about “redeeming” the Clan, although Darrow was unsure what that meant and how Haelgrim factored into the situation. Darrow pointed out to his companions that these were secrets of the clan and should not be repeated, which Dermot and Shanni acknowledged. Darrow explained that the clan could not afford to look weak or confused to outsiders. A month previously when Aerikoth and Rahnee had been there with Darrow, they had found the legendary axe Haelgrim - which created a new issue for debate among the clan elders - but had not been able to determine what was wrong with the Prince.

Just as the companions were beginning to look for sleeping arrangements, Clan Greeter Rumnaher appeared at the cave entrance. Greeting Darrow in dwarven, he at first was friendly, but then the two had an increasingly heated exchange after Darrow showed him the replica of Haelgrim before the clan elder calmed down. Switching to Common, Rumnaher apologized for his manners, formally greeting Aerikoth and welcomed Dermot and Shanni as newcomers. Rumnaher then asked how they had received the copy of the axe. Although he was somewhat puzzled by the story, he thought he understood the motive.

The Clan Greeter candidly explained that when Darrow had been asked to bear Haelgrim outside of the clan halls for three months to show his valor and worthiness, but also to manage the political implications - something Shanni had immediately picked up on. Rumnaher complemented her on her perceptiveness and continued by saying bluntly that some within the clan wanted the Prince dethroned and the “Redeemer” - Darrow - on the throne in his place, calling the Prince weak and heirless. Rumnaher said that a story was circulating within the clan that the ghost of Relan Ironhelm had presented Darrow with Haelgrim and asked him to redeem the clan’s fortunes. Darrow started laughing at this, which did not sit well with Rumnaher, until Darrow explained that he was well known for being the most rash and foolhardy dwarf in the place, so could hardly imagine anyone thinking he would be a good fit for the throne. In response to a question from Shanni, Darrow related how he had found the axe in a crevasse in the deeper delves and had in fact met the ghost of its last bearer, who had asked Darrow to use it to reverse the clan’s fortunes.

Rumnaher told Darrow that he was satisfied that Darrow was not in fact there to claim the throne and depose the Prince, but cautioned that the situation was tense within the clan halls. He explained that those who opposed the Prince had taken to making replicas of Haelgrim as a sign of their faith in the “new order” - helping to shed light on his initial reaction when Darrow showed the Clan Greeter the one they had received. Rumnaher said that he wanted to consult with High Priest Iskar that night before Darrow and the others entered the clan home, so asked the group if they would agree to stay the night in the cave. Rumnaher, before taking his leave, called Iskar a pillar of strength for the Prince and in response to a question from Aerikoth said he did not know who was behind the conspiracy to depose him.

This new information provoked much talk among the group. Shanni queried whether Darrow had been conned into coming back, which the dwarf agreed seemed to be the case. Aerikoth, in line with his earlier query to Rumnaher, observed that Iskar did not have the highest opinion of the dwarf noble Toran Goldfinder, whom Darrow termed one of the “new rich” who had obtained his wealth through trading . Continuing Shanni’s train of thought, Dermot noted that it appeared that someone wanted to overthrow the Prince and use Darrow as his puppet. Darrow said that the only ones who he would trust in the clan at that moment would be his family, Iskar, the Prince and the Greeter.

After some further discussion centered around the Prince’s health and what could be causing it to deteriorate, another dwarf appeared and warmly greeted Darrow, who introduced him as his big brother Nurbir. Nurbir said they were all welcome as Darrow’s friends and mentioned that their arrival had already caused a lot of talk among the clan. Darrow showed his brother the replica axe and explained how they had returned to Ironhelm, thinking that there was something urgently wrong. Nurbir agreed with the thought that someone wanted Darrow to play the fool. Taking his leave of the group, he said he would pass on Darrow’s greetings to their parents, then switched into dwarven for a short conversation with Darrow. After his brother departed with a cheery wave, Darrow told the others that Nurbir had advised that they watch their backs in the clan halls and that they talk to Iskar before anyone else. Darrow thought they should at least talk to Iskar and make sure there was no emergency before leaving, which was supported by his companions.

-----------------------------

Clan Greeter Rumnaher: *looks over to Darrow* you were asked to return here after three months had passed, with tales of valor to prove your worthiness to carry Haelgrim.
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, we do have two tales to tell.
Darrow Ironhelm: But yer right, it is early for me ta be back.
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: This charge had dual meanings.
Darrow Ironhelm: *nods*
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: First, that you would indeed demonstrate your worthiness and also return with great tales of valor to tell the Clan.
Shanni Krowe: And also to keep him away while something happened
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: But second, that the political implications of you finding Haelgrim could be....managed.
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: Aye, your friend has the eye for it.
Darrow Ironhelm: She's a sharp one.
Shanni Krowe: *smiles a little sheepishly*
Darrow Ironhelm: I take it that things are still unsettled?
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: I shall be blunt. There are those who would see "the Redeemer" on the Clan throne, in place of the Prince. They call him weak.
Darrow Ironhelm: Huh.
Clan Greeter Rumnaher: He has no heir and whispers run that the Clan has no future with him.
Darrow Ironhelm: An' "The Redeemer" would be me?
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks surprised*
Shanni Krowe: *purses her lips thoughtfully*

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June 16 2013 session

Post by Carlo » Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:56 am

Rather than try and accommodate themselves to the rocky floor of the cave, the companions went outside and spent the night in Aerikoth’s conjured hut, which was considerably more comfortable inside. An hour after dawn, while Shanni was still snuffling in her sleep, the others rose and began preparing for the day. Dermot stretched his legs outside and started a cookfire, while Aerikoth turned his attention to his spells, necessary to renew in order to retrieve Rahnee. Darrow meanwhile took the opportunity to peel off his armor and get cleaned up, before joining Dermot.

Around the time Dermot was finishing a semblance of a stew for the morning meal, Aerikoth shut his book of spells and teleported out of the hut, returning shortly thereafter with Rahnee and waking Shanni up for the second time. Rahnee immediately went outside and joined Dermot and Darrow, who caught her up on the previous day’s events. Aerikoth and eventually Shanni gathered around the fire to break their fast. As food was being shared around, one of the dwarven defenders approached and asked them to remove the hut now that they were out of it, since it was blocking the guards’ view. As there were no objections, Aerikoth waved his hand in dismissal and the structure disappeared, returning the valley to normal.

Over breakfast, the companions discussed Darrow’s situation and Rahnee informed them about an incident that had occurred in Tallwell. One of the foresters thought he had found the Beast’s buried treasure and had privately approached a villager to help him dig it up. The villager, perhaps fearing the consequences, told the Mayor, who then asked Rahnee for her counsel. She offered a compromise where the forester would get half of what was found, which was considered reasonable. Something of an expedition was formed, with a number of excited villagers accompanying them into the woods. In the end, however, only a rotten leather bag with a few silvers was recovered, disappointing everyone.

Clan Greeter Rumnaher arrived as they were finishing the meal, welcoming Rahnee as a dwarf-friend. The dwarven noble seemed tense and unhappy about the situation, but indicated that he was determined to face its challenges head on. He informed the group that it had been decided they would all be brought directly to High Priest Iskar, with Darrow’s bond serving to allow temporary passage into clan halls for the “unknowns”, as Dermot and Shanni were called. Without further delay, Rumnaher turned and marched for the inner gates, as the companions hastily cleaned up and then moved to follow him. The group passed the gate guards and descended into the entry hall, where Shanni and Dermot lingered slightly too long and had the door shut and lock on them. A somewhat exasperated Rumnaher opened it again and motioned them through, cautioning everyone to move smartly through the halls. Darrow was the next to violate this admonition, as he spotted his mother in the clan’s mess hall and went over to receive a crushing hug. Under Rumnaher’s glare, however, Darrow made his excuses and the group proceeded to the clan’s temple to Moradin, where Iskar was waiting along with his acolyte Andin, Darrow’s other brother. The two made faces at each other while Dermot and Shanni took in the temple, which featured a large statue of a dwarf bearing a hammer that burned with a magical fire.

As Rumnaher turned to leave, an Ironhelm dwarf wandered in, spotted Darrow and immediately hailed him as the Redeemer, obviously excited to have seen him. Andin grumbled at this and Iskar asked Rumnaher and Andin to ensure that all others were cleared from the temple as they departed. The two herded some onlookers in the corridor away as Iskar first greeted the group, then invited them into his private study. The high priest of Moradin found it somewhat ironic that Darrow had returned to the clan because he thought it was under threat, when in fact it was Darrow’s presence that was causing problems. Iskar accepted Darrow’s explanation of events, however, and after examining the replica Haelgrim axe acknowledged that the younger dwarf had simply acted out of concern for the clan after receiving an ambiguous message.

Although Iskar was unsure who was behind the faction that sought to depose the Prince and set Darrow on the throne, he said that the name of Toran Goldfinder sprang to mind, commenting that Toran was greedy and sought to change many things about how the clan was run. Turning the discussion to what should be done next, Iskar commented that it would be bad for Darrow to simply leave, as the Prince’s enemies would claim that he had been sent away unfairly and call more loudly for the Prince’s removal. Darrow enthusiastically put forth the idea of a trial by combat between himself and Toran Goldfinder, which however was immediately quashed. Instead, Iskar proposed to spread the word among the clan that Darrow had been summoned back to further explore the dangers of the Deep Delve. The priest remarked that in truth, he had concerns about what might be down there, as he had felt the entrance wards being tested by something unknown.

After some questions from Shanni and Dermot about what an expedition would entail, Rahnee asked Iskar how the Prince’s illness was progressing. The priest said that in the month since Rahnee’s departure, he had grown slowly stronger, the first improvement - however slight - that had been observed in his condition since it first manifested. Iskar confessed that he remained puzzled over the origin of the Prince’s weakness, since he had repeatedly employed Moradin’s powers against poison and disease to no avail. Given the timing, Iskar suggested that the improvement might have had something to do with their accomplishments on their previous visit.

Aerikoth followed up by querying the priest about the reasons the delve was originally sealed, which might give them some insight into what they could encounter. Darrow somewhat sheepishly failed to recall the story of Haelgrim’s loss in detail when Iskar asked him - apparently clan lore had not been Darrow’s strong suit in school - so Iskar explained further. He described how Relan Ironhelm was the last to wield Haelgrim, before Darrow retrieved it. Centuries ago, Relan led the rear guard of Ironhelm’s forces in a fight against an Underdark invasion of the Deep Delve. Clan legends were contradictory as to who, or what, he fought; some said demons, others drow or duergar. In any event, he took Haelgrim alone into the corridor leading to the Underdark door after dismissing his companions and sending them to the upper levels, to save their lives and ensure the clan shut off the Deep Delve behind them. They later spoke of Relan carving through a wave of foes before they lost sight of him. Clan priests sealed the Deep Delve entrance with powerful wards afterwards. Rahnee observed that it was in that corridor that they had found Haelgrim and the ghost of Relan. Iskar closed his account by noting that this information came from legend, rather than verified history, and to his mind left some questions unanswered.

Aerikoth inquired further about the wards, which Iskar explained he renewed daily with prayers to Moradin. The priest said that not long after their last visit, he felt them being tested in some fashion on one occasion, but they remained as strong as ever. Aerikoth found this intriguing, suggesting that perhaps something had sensed their presence in the Deep Delve and went to investigate after their departure. Darrow then asked if there might be some connection between whatever was probing the wards and the Prince's illness, which Iskar thought was a good question, since so little was known about the Deep Delve and what might be down there, even after their last expedition.

The wizard then brought up the massive door sealing the tunnel near where they found Haelgrim and asked if they would be expected to inspect it, which Iskar considered a reasonable task to accomplish. Darrow asked a final question, about which specific ward had been tested. Iskar stated that it was on the entrance door leading into the Deep Delve, but admitted that he could not tell which side of the door the probing had come from. Darrow suggested that it might have been someone looking for something else, or looking to grab their own slice of glory after he had returned with Haelgrim. With Iskar’s information apparently exhausted, the group agreed to spend the day in the Ironhelm halls, which would allow Aerikoth to focus on learning appropriate protective spells for their coming descent into the Deep Delve.

----------------------

Iskar: Since Darrow has returned, we cannot simply have him leave. Our enemies would whisper that he had been sent away unfairly and clamor ever louder for the Prince to be removed.
Dermot Kenner: Awkward.
Iskar: It was debated into the night what could be done, with honor and with the intent of preserving the peace here.
Darrow Ironhelm: Me an' Toran Goldfinder! Trial by combat!
Shanni Krowe: *folds her arms* I think probably not.
Iskar: *looks somewhat disapprovingly at Darrow* not all problems can be solved by force of arms, Darrow.
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks hopeful*
Darrow Ironhelm: *crestfallen*

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June 23 session

Post by Carlo » Sun Oct 26, 2014 4:49 pm

As they were leaving the temple, Dermot inquired about getting supplies and was told the best place would be the smithy. Darrow also said he should go say hello to his ma, spurred on by Rahnee’s reminder. As the group discussed their plans, slowly making their way through the corridors, Darrow was recognized and approached by various clansmen, to the point where he suggested they get him out of sight before he was mobbed by a crowd. At the smithy, Lorn Ironbeard greeted Darrow and the dwarf-friends, and was introduced to Shanni and Dermot as being friends of Darrow under his bond. Lorn indicated that they could talk to his apprentice about purchasing supplies, commenting somewhat worriedly that his prices were lower than before, due to a slacking off in trade. Among other things, there had been talk of dragon sightings in the mountains.

Among comments of concern, Dermot asked how reliable the sightings were. Lorn commented that tales grow with the telling, but a red dragon had supposedly been seen. The dwarf also noted that the clan had experienced trouble with a red long ago, one called “The Burning Blaze”. As both Darrow and Shanni tried on helmets, another dwarf wandered into the smithy and struck up a conversation in dwarven with Darrow, apparently curious as to what the group was looking at, especially Shanni. She noticed the attention, but it was Rahnee who then softly asked her to check the contents of her pouches.

Incensed, Shanni went through her belt pouch, but found nothing missing. Instead, a stone - a beautiful black opal - was now there that had not been before. She showed it to the others and Darrow immediately identified it as being part of the clan treasure. Aerikoth then verified it as being unmagical before Darrow took possession of it. He asked Lorn who the other dwarf was and the smith informed him that it had been Yarran, a young hothead big on all the “Redeemer” talk. Shanni drew the conclusion from the planted gem that someone wanted them mistrusted. Rahnee agreed that their enemies would likely try to make Darrow look bad. Darrow for his part insisted on immediately going to Iskar in order to get rid of the gemstone.

The group rapidly made their way back to the temple, but the high priest was in a council session and could not be disturbed, so Andin informed them. Darrow then related what had happened with the gemstone to his brother, who was scandalized by the idea. Andin reminded him that anyone caught with clan treasure would suffer banishment at best. The dwarven acolyte’s idea of hiding the gem in the crotch of the statue of Moradin was laughed off by Darrow. Dermot’s idea of donating the gem to the temple was in turn rejected by Andin, who observed that it was obviously from the clan treasure and not theirs to donate in the first place. Shanni wanted to simply hand it over and say that they had found it. Dermot then came up with the idea of planting the gem back on Yarran, which the others agreed would be the best option.

Andin went off to track down Yarran, which he thought would not be too hard. While he was gone, Shanni confirmed she was willing to do the deed, suggesting that it would have a better chance of success if their target was distracted. Darrow volunteered, observing that if Yarran was big into the “Redeemer” stuff, he ought to be able to easily engage in a chat. Andin returned after a little while and reported that Yarran was at the tavern, appearing to have settled in for a while. Aerikoth raised the prospect of placing the stone in Yarran’s home, but Darrow said that this would violate clan rules on hospitality and potentially have even worse consequence if they were caught. After an exchange in dwarven with his brother, Darrow passed the stone to Shanni and the party headed for the tavern.

At the tavern, everyone except the abstemious Aerikoth ordered drinks, with Darrow seemingly noticing Yarran by accident and buying a round for him. The two dwarves engaged in a long, increasingly drunken conversation as Shanni worked her way in a non-alerting way around the crowd towards them. While adjacent to Yarran, she “accidentally” dropped something on the floor, apparently feeling the effects of the dwarven ale, taking the opportunity to smoothly place the gem into one of his pouches. She then made her way back to Dermot and the others as Darrow continued to buy ales for his new friend. Eventually Yarran teetered off and Darrow returned to the others, confirming that the deed had been done and leading them off to the guest quarters. The group looked over the available rooms while Darrow had a conversation with the guard in the corridor.

Once Darrow was done, he entered the large room where the others had gathered and shut the door. He related how Yarran had some serious hero worship for Darrow and wanted him in charge of the clan, a sentiment which seemed genuine but that Darrow could not reconcile with his actions; if Darrow’s friends were caught with the gem, then he would be similarly punished. Also, when Darrow brought up Toran Goldfinder’s name in conversation, Yarran refused to say anything. Darrow explained that Toran, a rich dwarven noble, was making a lot of noise about bringing in more coin in trade and opening the clanhome, something that Yarran supported. Rahnee suggested that Yarran might have been played by someone far sneakier than he was. Shanni asserted that whoever was behind the plot wanted the throne, but first needed to place Darrow on it as part of the plan. The companions then discussed the various possibilities facing them, with Yarran and Toran’s roles still uncertain in their minds.

---------------------------

Darrow Ironhelm: Mebbe they're counting on calling for a dwarfmoot right away.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Let us not get too carried away here. We are not in the elven lands.
Darrow Ironhelm: I get elected, then unelected real quick.
Shanni Krowe: We've a King who is ill, and likely to fall. We've a possible "pretender" to the thrown in the guise of Darrow here.
Shanni Krowe: Whoever is behind this wants the throne, but he needs to see Darrow supported onto it first.
Dermot Kenner: ... all I can think of is that someone told him that getting rid of the surfacers was for Darrow's benefit.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *nods at Dermot's words*
Shanni Krowe: It would leave less to stand by him when he is challenged.
Shanni Krowe: Or better yet, when he dies a heroes death in the Delve proving himself.
Darrow Ironhelm: Now that's not a good thought.
Darrow Ironhelm: *a look crosses his face* Maybe Iskar? Nah.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Oh, piffle, Darrow. We have come through worse situations.
Shanni Krowe: The thing we need to know, the most important thing here in telling us who this is, is who could gain access to the treasury unnoticed.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Aye.
Shanni Krowe: That has to be a short list.
Darrow Ironhelm: True.
Darrow Ironhelm: I never paid attention in school.

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