Post by DM on Feb 25, 2014 19:12:39 GMT
From the Journal of The Merchant Nalard Flinthall son of Marbor of Clan Hardshield, 45566 (about -6000DR.)
...A great bridge that cleared the water and took me to a spiral stair that spiralled a central pillar of stone hundreds of feet in diameter. Truly astounding was the entrance to Gottenhall and the dwarves who had lead me here seemed to pause as if giving me moment to enjoy their work – proud they were, and so they should have been.
The top was lost in the green and blue glow of the mosses that lit the great cathedral and as my eyes were averted, a rumble came from the great doors stretched between two statues, each one of Dumathoin and both over fifty feet tall.
I had no time to wonder how the door was opened as a greater sight met my eyes beyond; On the other side of the doors, the inside of the pillar was carved hollow, its stone walls covered in stout ramps, archways and walkways that linked buildings built into the inner wall itself. Such heights the dwarves lived at would have turned the stomach of an outsider, higher than any cliff or tower I had seen before now.
I would guess the walls towered some 500 feet above. Some bridges even crossed the great span at this height linking one side of the shaft to the other. To see, the dwarves have keen eyes in the dark but magical orbs of soft glowing lights flitted about and gave the place a warm glow. The city was hot and stifled by the ringing of forges, constant and loud yet the dwarves paid no heed to them. And dwarves a plenty there were here – craftsmen and women all busy with the working of stone and metal, an abundance of silver it seemed.
I turned to my guide and asked “How is this possible? By what craft was it caused; Magic?” He laughed until he was red and uttered that the city was a gift from the Mordinsaman themselves. Surely the dwarves of Xothaerin would indeed be heirs to Shanatar if the Gods favour them in this way!
We proceeded a short ways to the very center, my eyes were fixed upwards; all of their homes and workshops and forges overlooked the Grand Plaza that I had heard so much about.
Studded with gems and threaded with gold and silver veins the place took my breath away with its scope and grandeur. My kin would look upon it as fanciful and flighty but the pride of my Shanataran kin shone brighter than any of the stones set into the walls.
Here was where I meant to find my miracle; the ten temples of the Mordinsaman but I was underwhelmed. All I saw was a pagoda of shrines, still a well crafted sculpture but still, not the ten temples of gold I had heard tale of.
Again, my guide laughed at my foolishness and it was then that I saw the true miracle – The temples were hidden beneath the plaza! Ten hidden temples, each grand in scope and a fitting edifice to the gods that gifted them. Masters and mistresses of stone and metal, hidden beneath the very stones beneath my feet. Without a sound or rumble, they rose into position after the nine gathered priests of the Dwarven gods performed secret rituals to reveal the hidden temples.
I asked what these rituals were but was only replied by riddles and whispers from behind grinning beards and masked words.
They spoke thusly:
Lady of Life and Mercy, The Shining Dancer
“This can be given and shared, shown and enjoyed without ever parting with anything”
Merchant King, The Short Father, The Laughing Dwarf
“The way should be paid for”
The Soul Forger, Dwarffather, All Father
“What can you give? Something bought, fetched or found? Nay!”
The Revered Mother, Mother of Safety
“The mother wants for nothing, only for your warmth, loved children and a full belly.”
Father of Battle, Lord of the Twin Axes, Rock of Battle
“Give that which is between you and your enemy”
The Gleam in the Eye, The Errant Explorer
“A gift beyond most means and beyond the forge’s power”
Fire Eyes, Lord of The Bronze Mask, The Eternally Vigilant
“Only the patient and vigilant shall see behind the mask”
Lady of The Fray, Luckmaiden
“One of the mountain’s gifts, placed by the lucky”
Finder of Trails, Watcher over Wanderers, The Watchful Eye
“You should not ask, for you should show me the way instead”
As I said; Riddles and whispers!
But I was not to dwell to hard on these secrets for before me now stood nine temples – the tenth; The Temple of Dumathoin himself was still missing from my eyes – “And it shall from now onwards traveller” My guide then mumbled as if he had read my mind.
“The first thing you seek is the last thing you find, if all you desire weights constant on the mind” Was the answer to my protests.
THE TEMPLE OF SHARINDLAR
The pleasant Thalomor played music for me and regaled me with dancing that was soothing and fanciful.
I found that my woes of the day and the bruises of the dark roads behind me had been healed through art.
THE TEMLPE OF VERGADAIN
I had to provide a golden tithe for the demonstration to continue where I was blindfolded and lead to a chamber by the Humdors where I played games of chance and stealth of which I was no competition but even blindfolded, the Hurndor were able to best me at all these past times.
With my pride damaged, I was lead to the next temple.
TEMPLE OF MORADIN
The sturdy Sonnilor tended this cathedral where demonstrations of anvil craft and smithing were beheld.
The heat of the forges was unbearable, even for this old dwarf, but the craft was beyond belief.
They told a tale of how an ancient temple of Moradin was once attacked by goblins when the women and children of the town were paying tribute. Their warriors had been called away and it was down to the Sonnilor and the civilians of the town to defend the temple. Without pause, they pulled the very unfinished weapons from the fires of the forge and slew every goblin to the last.
The scars they carried upon their palms after this deed were widely recognised throughout the 8 kingdoms and the warriors of Moradin to this day carry scars upon their palms in recognition.
TEMPLE OF BERRONAR TRUESILVER
The Faenor of this temple greeted me in unison and carried me through to a chamber where a display of giant skulls was beheld.
I noticed that the Faenor all moved together and very rarely was one left alone.
I was gifted with a white flower that had magical abilities; I could now understand the languages of others (Which I didn’t discover until I had left Xothaerin!)
TEMPLE OF CLANGEDDIN SILVERBEARD
Known as 'Alaghor' (those who demonstrate valor in battle), the priests here are well armed and proud and the sound of the hymns of Clangeddin resounded throughout the temple.
I almost could hear the sound of the battles they sang of, so much so that I feared that some kind of battle was about to occur at this very moment! The stories and songs of valorous dwarven warriors in battle went on for some time yet I was transfixed by the tales and words.
Some of the heroes spoke of would remain with me for the rest of my days though I never met any of them, I felt as if I had fought shoulder to shoulder with these men.
Vonak Lostmark of Clan Tunnelhall, Balkor Belauk son of Thororic, Heldor Anerl, Argan Emeraldgauntlet, Bofarn Erand son of Ordku of Clan Crownkin, Arfurt Splitfoe were some of the names written and sung of.
TEMPLE OF DUGMAREN BRIGHTMANTLE
Less impressive than the other temples but still grander than any I had seen beyond Gottenhall, 'Xothor' (those who seek knowledge) were forever tinkering and fixing. The place is strewn with half built machines and experiments and devices I have no idea of what they do.
TEMPLE OF GORM GULTHYN
The ‘Barakor' (those who shield) are well armed and watched me cautiously.
These guardians spoke to me about their strength of faith and how they would willingly suffer in the stead of others. They hated that I compared them to the Ilmatran faith of the Humans. I made no friends here thanks to my foolish words!
They did tell me of the four tenets of the martyr: The Tongue, Fall, Eyes and Shield which related to the Pain and Loss one should suffer to discover Vigilance and Resilience.
TEMPLE OF HAELA BRIGHTAXE
I have heard that at least one huge trap is known to be hidden somewhere in Haela’s temples but before me stood a simple abbey where ritually scarred ‘female Kaxanar' (Bloodmaidens) tended the temple and displayed total trust in me but forbade me under oath to write what they had told me into my journal. Alas, those secrets shall only remain in my mind and heart.
TEMPLE OF MARTHAMMOR DUIN
The priests are known as the 'Volamtar' (blazers of fresh trails) lead me through a misty shrine, I could see no way onwards and even the walls and ceiling were lost in the fog.
I have heard that magic can cause this effect in order to confuse intruders but I was told that some trails lie beyond our eyes, and not to trust our senses.
...A great bridge that cleared the water and took me to a spiral stair that spiralled a central pillar of stone hundreds of feet in diameter. Truly astounding was the entrance to Gottenhall and the dwarves who had lead me here seemed to pause as if giving me moment to enjoy their work – proud they were, and so they should have been.
The top was lost in the green and blue glow of the mosses that lit the great cathedral and as my eyes were averted, a rumble came from the great doors stretched between two statues, each one of Dumathoin and both over fifty feet tall.
I had no time to wonder how the door was opened as a greater sight met my eyes beyond; On the other side of the doors, the inside of the pillar was carved hollow, its stone walls covered in stout ramps, archways and walkways that linked buildings built into the inner wall itself. Such heights the dwarves lived at would have turned the stomach of an outsider, higher than any cliff or tower I had seen before now.
I would guess the walls towered some 500 feet above. Some bridges even crossed the great span at this height linking one side of the shaft to the other. To see, the dwarves have keen eyes in the dark but magical orbs of soft glowing lights flitted about and gave the place a warm glow. The city was hot and stifled by the ringing of forges, constant and loud yet the dwarves paid no heed to them. And dwarves a plenty there were here – craftsmen and women all busy with the working of stone and metal, an abundance of silver it seemed.
I turned to my guide and asked “How is this possible? By what craft was it caused; Magic?” He laughed until he was red and uttered that the city was a gift from the Mordinsaman themselves. Surely the dwarves of Xothaerin would indeed be heirs to Shanatar if the Gods favour them in this way!
We proceeded a short ways to the very center, my eyes were fixed upwards; all of their homes and workshops and forges overlooked the Grand Plaza that I had heard so much about.
Studded with gems and threaded with gold and silver veins the place took my breath away with its scope and grandeur. My kin would look upon it as fanciful and flighty but the pride of my Shanataran kin shone brighter than any of the stones set into the walls.
Here was where I meant to find my miracle; the ten temples of the Mordinsaman but I was underwhelmed. All I saw was a pagoda of shrines, still a well crafted sculpture but still, not the ten temples of gold I had heard tale of.
Again, my guide laughed at my foolishness and it was then that I saw the true miracle – The temples were hidden beneath the plaza! Ten hidden temples, each grand in scope and a fitting edifice to the gods that gifted them. Masters and mistresses of stone and metal, hidden beneath the very stones beneath my feet. Without a sound or rumble, they rose into position after the nine gathered priests of the Dwarven gods performed secret rituals to reveal the hidden temples.
I asked what these rituals were but was only replied by riddles and whispers from behind grinning beards and masked words.
They spoke thusly:
Lady of Life and Mercy, The Shining Dancer
“This can be given and shared, shown and enjoyed without ever parting with anything”
Merchant King, The Short Father, The Laughing Dwarf
“The way should be paid for”
The Soul Forger, Dwarffather, All Father
“What can you give? Something bought, fetched or found? Nay!”
The Revered Mother, Mother of Safety
“The mother wants for nothing, only for your warmth, loved children and a full belly.”
Father of Battle, Lord of the Twin Axes, Rock of Battle
“Give that which is between you and your enemy”
The Gleam in the Eye, The Errant Explorer
“A gift beyond most means and beyond the forge’s power”
Fire Eyes, Lord of The Bronze Mask, The Eternally Vigilant
“Only the patient and vigilant shall see behind the mask”
Lady of The Fray, Luckmaiden
“One of the mountain’s gifts, placed by the lucky”
Finder of Trails, Watcher over Wanderers, The Watchful Eye
“You should not ask, for you should show me the way instead”
As I said; Riddles and whispers!
But I was not to dwell to hard on these secrets for before me now stood nine temples – the tenth; The Temple of Dumathoin himself was still missing from my eyes – “And it shall from now onwards traveller” My guide then mumbled as if he had read my mind.
“The first thing you seek is the last thing you find, if all you desire weights constant on the mind” Was the answer to my protests.
THE TEMPLE OF SHARINDLAR
The pleasant Thalomor played music for me and regaled me with dancing that was soothing and fanciful.
I found that my woes of the day and the bruises of the dark roads behind me had been healed through art.
THE TEMLPE OF VERGADAIN
I had to provide a golden tithe for the demonstration to continue where I was blindfolded and lead to a chamber by the Humdors where I played games of chance and stealth of which I was no competition but even blindfolded, the Hurndor were able to best me at all these past times.
With my pride damaged, I was lead to the next temple.
TEMPLE OF MORADIN
The sturdy Sonnilor tended this cathedral where demonstrations of anvil craft and smithing were beheld.
The heat of the forges was unbearable, even for this old dwarf, but the craft was beyond belief.
They told a tale of how an ancient temple of Moradin was once attacked by goblins when the women and children of the town were paying tribute. Their warriors had been called away and it was down to the Sonnilor and the civilians of the town to defend the temple. Without pause, they pulled the very unfinished weapons from the fires of the forge and slew every goblin to the last.
The scars they carried upon their palms after this deed were widely recognised throughout the 8 kingdoms and the warriors of Moradin to this day carry scars upon their palms in recognition.
TEMPLE OF BERRONAR TRUESILVER
The Faenor of this temple greeted me in unison and carried me through to a chamber where a display of giant skulls was beheld.
I noticed that the Faenor all moved together and very rarely was one left alone.
I was gifted with a white flower that had magical abilities; I could now understand the languages of others (Which I didn’t discover until I had left Xothaerin!)
TEMPLE OF CLANGEDDIN SILVERBEARD
Known as 'Alaghor' (those who demonstrate valor in battle), the priests here are well armed and proud and the sound of the hymns of Clangeddin resounded throughout the temple.
I almost could hear the sound of the battles they sang of, so much so that I feared that some kind of battle was about to occur at this very moment! The stories and songs of valorous dwarven warriors in battle went on for some time yet I was transfixed by the tales and words.
Some of the heroes spoke of would remain with me for the rest of my days though I never met any of them, I felt as if I had fought shoulder to shoulder with these men.
Vonak Lostmark of Clan Tunnelhall, Balkor Belauk son of Thororic, Heldor Anerl, Argan Emeraldgauntlet, Bofarn Erand son of Ordku of Clan Crownkin, Arfurt Splitfoe were some of the names written and sung of.
TEMPLE OF DUGMAREN BRIGHTMANTLE
Less impressive than the other temples but still grander than any I had seen beyond Gottenhall, 'Xothor' (those who seek knowledge) were forever tinkering and fixing. The place is strewn with half built machines and experiments and devices I have no idea of what they do.
TEMPLE OF GORM GULTHYN
The ‘Barakor' (those who shield) are well armed and watched me cautiously.
These guardians spoke to me about their strength of faith and how they would willingly suffer in the stead of others. They hated that I compared them to the Ilmatran faith of the Humans. I made no friends here thanks to my foolish words!
They did tell me of the four tenets of the martyr: The Tongue, Fall, Eyes and Shield which related to the Pain and Loss one should suffer to discover Vigilance and Resilience.
TEMPLE OF HAELA BRIGHTAXE
I have heard that at least one huge trap is known to be hidden somewhere in Haela’s temples but before me stood a simple abbey where ritually scarred ‘female Kaxanar' (Bloodmaidens) tended the temple and displayed total trust in me but forbade me under oath to write what they had told me into my journal. Alas, those secrets shall only remain in my mind and heart.
TEMPLE OF MARTHAMMOR DUIN
The priests are known as the 'Volamtar' (blazers of fresh trails) lead me through a misty shrine, I could see no way onwards and even the walls and ceiling were lost in the fog.
I have heard that magic can cause this effect in order to confuse intruders but I was told that some trails lie beyond our eyes, and not to trust our senses.