DM
Administrator 
Rule Zero
Posts: 121
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Post by DM on Jan 31, 2018 18:40:12 GMT
Before starting, allow me to impart knowledge that is known about the Earthfast dwarves including the relatively recent loss of their Ironlord.
The Horde Wars
In Tarsakh of the Year of the Turret, 1360 DR, Earthfast was the first to respond via letter to King Azoun IV's call for a crusade against the Tuigan Horde, with King Torg of the Earthfast committing 2000 dwarven soldiers to the Army of the Alliance. This helped sway other allies to the cause.
Azoun and his Court Wizard Vangerdahast met King Torg and the Earthfast dwarves south of Uthmerg in the Great Dale, and reunited with Alusair. After the dwarven escort sent to meet Azoun and Vangerdahast was found slain by orcs instead, Alusair feared the Bloody Skull orcs had followed them. In fact, they were later discovered to be the orcish army sent by Zhentil Keep to the Alliance. Torg prepared to withdraw from the crusade rather than fight alongside orcs, until Azoun reminded him of his honour and commitment to the crusade. Torg agreed to stay but demanded blood-payment, the deaths of the three orcs responsible for the slain escort. The dwarves then marched to Telflamm rather than travel by ship, or travel with the orcs.
The Earthfast dwarves arrived at the First Battle of the Golden Way on Flamerule 3 1360 in time to save the Alliance infantry from being wiped out by the Tuigan. The Tuigan sent 5000 horsemen to surround the 2000 dwarves, but their phalanxes remained strong and crushed the attacking force between them. The dwarves then supported the remaining Alliance army. For the Second Battle of the Golden Way on Flamerule 5, Azoun had the dwarves dig hundreds of small holes in a defensive barrier, which would cripple the Tuigan horses and halt their charge. The Alliance was victorious but Ironlord Torg was slain by the Tuigan Khahan, Hoekun Yamun in the final battle.
The dwarves interred their dead and Ironlord Torg in a stone cairn on the battlefield, and left the next day. They returned to Earthfast and their isolation and did not seek increased relations with the neighboring states and closed their doors to fight wars closer to home.
Post-War
Following the Horde Wars, Clan Hammerhand of Ravens Bluff, who'd fought in the war and had once been a part of Earthfast, decided to resettle in their entirety in Earthfast. This necessitated warring against the local goblinoids, and they also served as mercenaries to gain money and experience.
Resurgent orcs launched wave after wave of attacks on Earthfast, particularly against Alagh Rorncaurak, the cavern and temple of Clangeddin. The Hammerhands were much-needed reinforcements, and their assistance gave the dwarves time to fortify the temple's defenses. There were still frequent clashes between the dwarven defenders and orc patrols circa 1369 DR.
Once a thriving community of 100,000 dwarves, this dwarven city now holds only a tenth of its former strength.
Located in a high mountain valley in the midst of the Earthfast Mountains of Impiltur, Earthfast seems a grim, doomed city. Few women and children live there today. The bustling trade that once went on is now limited to a few brave peddlers from other cities who slip through the goblin-kin patrols to reach the city, bringing seeds and fruit, cheeses and textiles to trade for the famous war-goods of Earthfast.
The dwarves that remain in the city mine and fight valiantly, beset by orcs and goblins who have recently gathered together in attacks aimed at eradicating the remaining dwarves.
The city is a gloomy, silent place, but for the noises of smithywork and war. The dwarves of Earthfast fight silently, too, though they do utter an eerie low, rumbling roar of victory when a battle is won.
Very few creatures of any race earn the trust of the dwarves of Earthfast. This is true even of most other dwarves. There are notable exceptions, including King Azoun of Cormyr, who had a longstanding treaty of alliance with Earthfast. King Azoun is said to have helped the dwarves in the past. Recently, a mysterious human female warrior of great fighting-skills has been seen fighting alongside the dwarves. Some say that she is a renegade witch of Rashemen, and others that it is one of the Knights of the North, cast out of the Citadel of the Raven by the Zhentarim. Other traders who have seen her say that it is a woman of fierce temper and a regal manner, possibly a petty ruler or courtesan of a more southerly land.
In a series of heavy battles against hordes of orcs late in the Year of the Tankard (1370 DR), the western barracks of the temple fell.
Clan Council
Ironlord Cindarm mac Faern
Kronok of Axes High Alaghor Gilgrek Mac Barkran Adamantineforge
Kronok of Hammers High Sonnlinor Azdarn mac Garnek
Kronok of Mines Iron Thane Rigghan mac Tirnis (Pick n’ Axe)
Kronok of Forges Grun mac Azzakrag
Kronok of Hearths Draezkan mac Tirnis (Rigghan’s brother)
Karok of the Hearth Guard Ivas mac Dakron
Kronok of Pikes Chaek mac Dizka
Keeprum of Records and Sages Gork mac Gork
Berg Thruum of Trade Andus mac Freth
What the steward, acting Ironlord Cindarm mac Faern wants is to enlist the help of the dwarves, priests and followers of Clangeddin and Moradin in dwarven halls in all parts of Faerûn. With the aid of mighty priests of the Father of Battle and several heroic dwarven warriors from other halls and clans they may win back the wesstern barracks, turn back the assaults on the battle cavern, and mount a counter offensive to clear out the tunnels and seal them forever.
Kronok – Master
Korok - Captain
Keeprum – Keeper
Berg Thruum – Merchant Lord
If you have any questions, please ask.
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Jan 31, 2018 18:58:49 GMT
Cindarm mac Faern wasa gruff dwarf with blackened skin, beard and long clan braids tied in adamantine rings. His half plate armour wasscuffed and dented, the fall of many blades crossed its surface. He walked with a slight limp and it surprised his guests to learn that this weary but still powerful dwarf was only around 130 years old, barely middle aged. His title was in contest by the majority of his council but Cindarm was of Torg's lineage (his nephew) so was the rightful heir to the Iron Seat.
He lead the companions through the cracked and rumbling halls past statues and trophies thick with webs laden with grey dust. Soon, they had reached his private solar and office where he dismissed several young dwarven staff. He lowered himself with a groan and a creaking of joints into a tall seat at the head of a huge square table inlaid with the crossed axes of Clangeddin, then poured out several silver cups of ale whilst motioning for his guests to sit.
His eye was never far from the sceptre and he licked his lips as he drank from his cup, wiped the foam from his dirty beard and leant forward.
"Ye can talk freely here, nobody hears, no snooping, no spies, my council hate that. But, this..." he motioned to the sceptre and chuckled, "this may mean that they would look with better eyes upon me and see I am worthy of the seat. But am I worthy of aid from far away Iltkazar and Shanatar? Or are they happy to see Earthfast fall in the north? That would make it a damn sight easier for ye if we all fell into the darkness below!"
He coughed loudly, a hacking throaty cough that sounded like a tunnel collapsing. Once he'd got it under control, he awaited his answer.
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Katalina
Moderator
taq persvek ibafarshan
Posts: 361 
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Post by Katalina on Jan 31, 2018 19:26:58 GMT
*Grabbing a silver mug Kat throws the ale back, her eyes not leaving Azral for even a second. Her eyes giving away her emotions and the strong bond she has with the old dwarf*
"It is good we can talk freely, i am glad I was able to bring Azral here to so discussions can be had beard to beard between you.
My heart has been torn with pain since coming here and I knew my friend would feel the same seeing it"
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Jan 31, 2018 20:38:45 GMT
"GLAD!?" the dwarf roared "as I recall missy, you didnae ask for my permission and just went an' broke that wee statue of yours and brought the poor wee bastard to my hall!"
He chuckled at the gall of this young dragonkin.
"But aye, your intentions were true, but ye may have caused a storm in a kettle lass, for when the council get wind that Azral, an emmisary of not only old Shanatar but also the Mordinsamman, was here in this hall, with no notice, and most importantly, no invite! Well, they'll skin mah bollocks for a haggis!"
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Post by Halcion on Feb 1, 2018 13:02:13 GMT
Halcion is knelt to one side his armour repaired from the constant battles of late. Listening to the conversation between the dwarves and katalina. Listening and watching he seems to be trying to understand the dwarves tongue. Every now and then he catches a word of phrase that seems similar. He tries to mimic the words rolling them around in mouth as if trying to learn the tongue. His weapons and equipment lay in organised piles ready to grab and a moments notice.
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Feb 1, 2018 18:23:20 GMT
"Dont get involved in the affairs of dwarves, winged one!" the dwarf shouted. "Ye've done a favour, in return Impiltur gets one back! But don't presume to be one of us or meddle with our future! It concerns ye not!"
The dwarf glared with his sunken black eyes.
"And ye can take yer fuckin' eyes off yer blades!"
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Post by Halcion on Feb 2, 2018 12:51:14 GMT
Halcion looks to the dwarf Lord, and bows deeply "my apologies Ironlord I meant no disrespect. I will leave you to your business" with that he collects his possessions bows once again to the Ironlord and his guests and leaves.
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Azral
Mercenary
Posts: 139
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Post by Azral on Jun 9, 2018 21:45:45 GMT
Finishing the piece of sweet cake he held in his hand Azral looks across at Kat raising a bushy eye brow.
“By Dumathoin's arse, I may be old but I clearly remember telling you to get someone to give me sending before you used that!”
Taking stock of those present and at what he see's Azral sighs and brushing the crumbs from his Paragons vestments.
“I am Azral Earthenshield, son of Noraver, son of Thoben. Paragon of the Morndinsamman. I apologise for any offence caused by my young pup here” he says as he then turns to face Kat “What have you done, girl?”
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Katalina
Moderator
taq persvek ibafarshan
Posts: 361
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Post by Katalina on Jun 10, 2018 19:35:54 GMT
"In short, we need the dwarves to help defend and free impulter, they had a pact with the humans and elves years ago but after their king gave his life in cormyr they are a little reluctant.
Which is understandable, now add into the mix the suffering and loss of life her *looks sadly cindarm*.
If we cannot help free impulter then the undead hordes will turn onto the rest of the world, with the impass here another wave of enemies from yet another front would be to much I fear.
They sorely need help from the other dwarves and to gain an audience Cindarm wanted the sceptre, I thought rather than wait for news and messengers that the quickest way to try and bring aid and try and forge a way forward here and in Impulter was to drag you here my friend *lookin a bit ashmed*, I am sorry to have dropped this and dragged you here in such a manner.
But at the same time I am not, even it is only a short while I get to see you again.
My heart cries for the dwarves here, I want to stay and fight side by side until we win back these halls and homes *a flash of purest anger flashes accross her eyes*. The filth that dares to tread these stones need to be made to pay
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Azral
Mercenary
Posts: 139
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Post by Azral on Jun 10, 2018 21:11:11 GMT
Azral smiles warmly at Kat with understanding in his eyes. Idley playing with the Mithril rings in his braided beard he turns to the Ironlord.
"Well If it's a deal you wish to make with other Dwarven kingdoms I have passed all the trials of the Morndinsamman in the once lost city of Xothrine. If you forfil any oaths you are required to uphold made by your bloodline I will gladly assist. If you give me some time and a place to make familiar I can use the gifts given to me by the Morndinsamman to Recall myself and up to 4 others back to my home. From there we can speak directly to those that are gathering there. As Kat has earned a mark of Dwarf Friend and for other reasons I won't explain here, I know that she too will be heard".
Removing the glasses from his head to place them on his face Azral stares briefly at the sceptre.
"I suggest you bring that with you to. That will bring you favour and allow you to put your own claim for when they are all brought together with the throne".
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Jun 13, 2018 20:08:47 GMT
The Iron Lord's eyes flare with anger that he obviously struggles to keep in check. He grips the sceptre tightly, speaks firmly, his deep voice almost a rumble.
"NO! The business of dwarves does not fall to Dwarf Friends, it falls to DWARVES! the half human is allowed to stay, and you can seek her counsel as you see fit as she is a cannae lass and part dragon, part dwarf to boot, but she has no voice in this hall! Perhaps I should brig my council to this table, but I know the bickering trouts will only argue and get nowhere." He looks to Katalina, "you weep for my city, I know you would die for it, you have earned that mark, you have earned my hospitality and my etrnal gratitude, but what you did in the eastern tunnels, that was but one whisker on Clangeddin's chin, one day here does not qualify you to give voice at a meeting where the future of the dwarves of the north is in the balance. You are dragon, but you are also human, and very young, angry, impulsive, not a politician or a diplomat."
He turns back to Azral and speaks grimly, "now know this, paragon... Results! Promises! Pacts! are what I need, not holidays in Iltkazar! Ye wish to use yer magic to remove me from my duty here! That will not happen until ye have sent men enough to take back the Western Barracks and parts of Earthfast that matter! I cannae leave the mountain until I am without doubt that it will still be here when I return, the green bastards must be wiped out! Their nests burned and their altars destroyed. Nae, I'm going nowhere. "If ye wish, ye can bring to me the people you need me to speak with and I will summon my counsel afore they discover this unexpected meet. I respect what you did in the name of the Mordinsaman and what gift you found, but I know of no paragons, nor do the others of our faiths so Xotherin can fuck its ma! It's nothing but ruins and soon Earthfast will be too! Your gifts were used to fortify Iltkazar whilst the dwarves of the north were left to rot! We look after our homes first, that is true, but with all yer fancy powers and this mark and that, you still need to earn the right to drag me about. Kat brought ye here to hear MY people's demands, not take me to your halls to throw the sceptre at your king's feet. The half human told me that YOU can forge us a new future, not some dusty greybeards of the south! And I would thank ye to remember that my father died honouring the oaths of elves and humans on THEIR battle fields! And now we are expected to open our doors and charge into fallen Impiltur!? How many human and elf fathers have died for US? "Oh, and one other thing... There are some dwarves that still respect the old ways; the Mordinsaman were crafted by Moradin as many, not one, so this idea of serving all of them? To some it is stupidity, how can one drink from 14 tankards or fuck 14 wives?" He furrows his brow, swigs from his tankard and wipes his whiskers with the back of his hand. He then levels Azral with a steel look that ripples with resolution, determination, and a little greed. "When you leave here, you will either return with an army, take back the sceptre to your precious dragon skull throne and deal with the Derro when they crawl up from the depths to live alongside your children. And then, when the Earthfast Dwarves can sleep again, we shall discuss my father's pact with the elves and humans. "If you return to Iltkazar to seek permission to send the soldiers I ask, you do so without the sceptre. And if you return with no army, then it stays here and the doors remain closed! Impiltur and elves be damned!" He settles back into his throne, almost worn out by his own words. |
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Azral
Mercenary
Posts: 139
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Post by Azral on Jun 14, 2018 19:10:28 GMT
"Ironlord, You know of no Paragons because I am the first. If you tip all the tankards into one barrel you can drink from that! Now enough of your petty boistering and demanding. Don't talk to me like one of your pups, my physical body is as old as yours yet my soul as seen 4 lifetimes spanning 1000's of years".
Azral stands defiant with a fire burning in his eyes yet sorrow seems to take the edge from them at the same time.
"If it's help you want from me, ask! I will assist how I can. If it's help from Iltkazar you want, ask! I'll seek council with them. If you want to throw your demands around, strong arm me into giving you everything you want and to insult Xotherin and the position placed upon me by the Morndinsamman then I won't stand for it"
Reaching into his bag he pulls out a finely carved eagle bone pipe. As he fills it with backy from one of his pouches.
"Now what say you?"
Looking over his pipe as he lights it he waits for a reply.
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Jun 14, 2018 20:28:41 GMT
For a moment, the Iron Lord's eyes matched Azral's own fire, his cheeks turned crimson and his beard almost bristled. Then his belly wobbled, his eyes glistened with tears of mirth, he spat out his ale with a roar of laughter which echoed about the chamber.
"At last!" he bellowed turning to Kat with a strange satisfaction, "a real dwarf with balls of mithril no doubt! Aye, you did well bringing this one here, one who holds his convictions, stands by his principles and risks death for them! Just the dwarf I need to bring my voice to Iltkazar!"
His laughter died away and his voice took on a deep menacing edge filled with warning, "but call me petty again and the conversation ends here and you can drown in that barrel of ale for all I care," he said as he rose and filled Azral's tankard, never taking his gaze from him.
"Ye are indeed the only one, Mithril Balls, to take my plight to the Southrons, and tell them that an alliance can be had, friendship forged anew... I would rather drink from that afore mentioned barrel than drown in it." He stoods as straight as he can, his dark eyes seemed to sink even deeper into his skull; a flicker of rage returned there but also sadness, exhaustion, pain, anguish, and perhaps a sliver of insanity, infatuation that others might have recognised as determination.
"But know this above all else, above gods, sceptres, thrones, fucking dragon wars, above flying fucking cities of shadow and yes, above Xotherin... my city will not fall! That which was taken is taken back, when Iltkazar answers the call, then we talk of the scepter and what troubles it will bring ye. My father died defending other lands, I will not make the same mistake!" He shouted, "this city will not fall!" slamming the ewer down on the table spilling ale, but his eyes still remained on Azral, fierce and proud. His voice took on an almost humble tone, and Azral couldn't tell if it was sincerity or sarcasm, "so, as you wish, I ask... no, I beg of thee, oh Paragon, voice of Shanatar, hand of the Mordinsaman, he of Mithril Balls, take my plea to Iltkazar, have them send an army to help us. Please." his eyes widened to almost impossible size, he bowed his head low, and returned to his notched and dusty throne.
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Azral
Mercenary
Posts: 139
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Post by Azral on Jun 14, 2018 21:04:33 GMT
Azral sighs and smiles as he visually seems to become slightly older as the exhaustion overcomes him. Taking a large mouthful from the tankard before wiping the foam away with his sleeve.
"Ai, fair enough I accept yer warning. You don't know how it pleases me to see a dwarf care more about his people and home than about titles, wealth and power. I'll take your call to the southrons. I won't make promises on what they will do but I will make sure your plea is heard"
Smoking on his pipe and blowing out a few clouds he seems lost in thought for a few moments.
"So Ironlord Cindarm. Please explain what by the hells is happening and tell me what it is that you need. Once I have familiarised myself with somewhere here I can travel back and fore with your blessing. You have my word as a Paragon, as a member of the Fated Heart and of a fellow dwarf that I'll make the old bastards listen".
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Post by Cindarm mac Faern on Jun 15, 2018 10:43:22 GMT
He seemed to flit between grim and pleased, but looking long and hard into Azral's eyes he could see the conviction there and that Azral was true to his word. He hoped he wasnt making a mistake, there was still a side of him that didnt trust adventurers - they're the ones to wake up evil things in the caverns below and drag curses and worse into people's homes. No man should ever see the hells, let alone walk in them. And no man should ever bring them back with him.
For the first time since meeting the Iron Lord, Azral saw him relax a little, his brow betrayed the relief that he sought so hard to hide behind his fierce pride... and hubris.
"The people of the Earthfast thank ye, Azral. There is a chamber ye can use for your purposes."
*The Iron Lord recounts the history that is presented in the first post and also adds the following*
"We heard that the elves of the forests to the south turned on anything that wasnt elf. 'Non Tel Quisir' they called them," he said with a sneer. "Aye, us of the Earthfast may be distant, but we do not turn our steel on old friends unless they wrong us in some way.
"Then we heard of the hordes invading Impiltur from the Northern wastes. And our human allies fell, they were beyond our help, and besides, our halls were being overrun, we could not spare any men or craft."
Azral could tell that the Ironlord's regret was not as sincere as it could have been.
"My father and most of our standing army marched against the wishes of most of the council to aid Cormyr's king Azoun in his time of need. His daughter Alusair came here, she also said pretty words and made grandiouse promises. She also fought alongside our tunnel-guardians and helped clear out a few goblins here and there. She even taught our commanders how to use long spears!"
"A fat lot of good it did Azoun, felled by assassins on a boar hunt! And now Alusair sits on their throne until the heir apparent is old enough to wipe his own arse!
"So they forgot about returning the favour you see, and they helped build my father's cairn, then went home leaving us to mourn and crumble."
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