Thorgist Frostgrip: Marching with The Father of Battle

[eltalstroneves]

Name: Thorgist Frostgrip
Race: Dwarf
Age: 155 years at Dragon Summoning
Class: Cleric
Alignment: Lawful good
Deity: Vorax
Domains: war and protection

Thorgist Frostgrip runs a hand over the scar across his shoulders. A clear recollection fills his mind with his youth and what lead him along the path of Vorax. Thorgist was brought up near the village of Lar. His Father Thain and mother Hildra are working folk of no great consequence. His mother is a tailor and his father a smith specializing in the production of quality gauntlets, but also making all manner of things from rudimentary weapons and tools to armour and horseshoes. Thorgist spent some time hovering about his father’s forge and anvil as a youngster and earned his keep by stoking the forge and operating the bellows. While his mother’s trade earned some gold it was the heat of the furnace that helped the family to live a modest but respectable existence.

Thorgist also became a fighter of some repute amongst the local Dwarven lads (especially whilst drinking). Though he took his share of drubbings (as most fighters do) he won more scraps than he lost and gained the reputation of not being one to be idly taunted. His skill as a fighter was not appreciated by his mother and therefore not condoned by his father. “Now keep your hands to yourself boy. Your mother gets embarrassed by them carryings on.” This did make some impression and Thorgist learned little of the skills of weaponry as a result and stuck to what he dismissed as “play fights” to his mother.

Karturz his younger brother by 15 years took his turn as he grew older to help keep the furnace hot and advance the fortunes of the family. As the two brothers grew older they became entrusted with taking goods to market and buying supplies in Hlint and Fort Llast. In this way the boys became better acquainted with the countryside and learned a bit about the common languages and customs of the humans that did abide in the lowlands. “Don’t you two be spending our profits at the inn mind lads.” Would be their gruff but loving father’s warning each time they headed out on their journey.

The boys had on occasion skimmed a bit off the top for a pint or two (or a dozen) and had one day been discovered by Thain at the inn. He had come down to Fort Llast himself just to check up on the boys as this canny fellow had thought the profits had seemed a little thin lately. Thain reminded them with some sharp kicks to the backside all the way back to the Grey peaks why it was wrong to steel and especially to dishonour your family by steeling and telling lies. “You two should be greatly ashamed and must make amends!” Thain bellowed at them “you’ll not be getting a share of the profits for the next three market trips understand?!”

On the next market trip the boys had been given word after selling their wares that there were bandits of a most malevolent nature on the highway. The Hlint quartermaster informed them that they had best stay put until the threat had been eliminated. “I’ll not be keen to catch father’s wrath if we’re home late. He’ll not be happy that we’ve spent money at the inn again.” proclaimed Karturz. Thorgist weighed up the situation and ruefully thought back to his sore backside on the last trip home. “I believe your right, I’d rather catch the bandits ill temper than father’s Karturz.” The two headed out wary of trouble down the now foreboding road home. There was nothing more for their defence than a pair of new smith’s hammers that the two had purchased for their father.

As they neared the pass into the Grey Peaks they were most certainly ambushed by a group of thieves who seemed to be demanding both their money and their lives. In the ensuing melee the two put their hammers to good use but were overwhelmed by the superior numbers of the filthy brigands. Thorgist received a slashing blow across his shoulders and cried out in pain. As all hope was leaving the two another Dwarven traveller came upon the fight having heard the skirmish. Seeing that the two were outnumbered and knowing well the goings on of late, the traveller ensued to help the two. Verily they found themselves strengthened and emboldened while the bandits began to waver and cower. They felt the tide of the fight turn and started striking blows as if hitting hammer upon anvil. The stranger then entered the fray and the bandits were soon routed screaming and wailing as they went.

It turned out that upon conversing with this stranger that he was a religious man and in fact a priest. My name is Glono Swiftaxe and I am a battle priest of Vorax “I’ve never seen a priest who can fight like that!” Was Thorgist’s flabbergasted reply. The boys were still most excited by the heat of the fight and became most enamoured with the strangers abilities in combat. They asked him all manner of questions about the way of arms. “What race be the best fighters” they asked? “What are the most bandits you’ve defeated on your own” they questioned? “What be the best of all weapons?” To this the stranger firmly replied “My axe has never failed me!” “But…” He continued. “You lads seem to have a talent for using them hammers and The Father of Battle asks only that you be prepared at all times to defend the just and righteous of the world. That is why I did help the two of you.”

The two decided then and there that this was their new calling. Glono agreed to accompany them to their home and was welcomed by Thain and Hildra for saving their boys. Their mother was not however, hearing of her boys becoming warriors. Thain, seeing the anguish on the two boys faces and knowing the lawful and upright tenants of the order made an interjection. “Well hold on me little gem. I agree, Karturz be too young yet to leave home and I do yet need help with the forge. But it is high time that Thorgist was off to see the world and make a Dwarf of himself.” Karturz protested vehemently but Thorgist promised to return home at regular intervals to teach his brother what he had learned. Thus he wandered the lands for a time learning the philosophies of Vorax and the ways of fighting.

[eltalstroneves]

Thorgist sits in the Temple of Vorax with quill on parchment.

Dear Mother Farder and Karturz,

I done been t' Hlint many times afore but dis as been da most eventful boi far. Since Master Swiftaxe did leave me to foind me way along da path o' Vorax I has seen some amazin things! I been wit a nice human lady t' milk some cows *chuckles heartily*. I ave been down t' da crypts full of da foul an evil Ghouls that did need t' be purged. In dis endeavour I was elped boi a fists floin' monk name o' Muggins! We pummeled dem ghouls bac t'ell! But de most astoundin news, and dis be o' great honour to d' name o' Frostgrip, As I writes I be sittin in da Temple o' Vorax heself!

One day I were investigatin da forges at da smithy in Hlint. I did bump int'y a good master Steele (Follower o' Dorand like of da temple in Lar) and a koind master Thangahaz'a. Dese were fine folk 'oo did arsk me t' come wit' em t' da temple o' Vorax

*puts his pen down and looks around the Temple in wonder*

I were about t' burst fer da joy of it all! We set out from Hlint wit a pack ox and along da road me companions did spot a demon o' some sorts. We moved t' Fort Valensk an informed da town gaurds. Nuttin more were t' come of it doh an we den met wit a figure whom I can'y bring words t' describe. Master Craggenhilt. He be da greatest fighter I ever saw and a most powerful member of da order o' Vorax!!!

We went to 'is house an it were almost as nice as bein below ground I tell ye! Dey took all manner o' things for da temple an loaded em on da ox an den we edded for da temple. I can't be revealin where it be in case dis be intercepted by da minions o' Corath but I can tell ye there be great perils on da way and I were almost killed fer me own foolishness in attackin a mightily powerful foe. Bein much emboldened by da powers bestowed upon me by Da Farder o' Battle I waded inta da fray! I were thinkin I would prove meself and caught a series o' nasty blows to da head. Me blood did flow forth like a torrent. No, no, do not worry Ma. Dese stout heroes did bring me back from da brink o' death! Dere powers be great and I be happy t' march beside em in service t' Vorax. They did give t' me a banner which I might wave in da faces o' dose dat oppose the righteous! I av stayed at da Temple t' pray an meditate on me future path. I do ope dat I can one day become a mighty priest of battle and that one day I'll be able to protect da road to our temple as dese stout fellars did fer me.

Yer lovin kin,
Thorgist

[eltalstroneves]

Thorgist thoughtfully records some events in his journal while sipping on an Iron Hammer at the Wild Surge.

Well I finished me time in da Temple and I learned a great deal o' da way of Vorax. I have been firmly prompted t' take up the axe against the enemies of the Temple. I were challenged by a great number o' giants leavin th' Temple but made it back in good shape thanks to a mighty Dwarf o' Vorax by da name o' Thrain Ironwind. He were another great and powerful Dwarf in arms of a most generous nature. He weilded his axe like he were cuttin up a boar fer cookin. I wants to be able to weild an axe now more dan anything to please da Farther o' Battle. I done bought an Iron great axe froma Luvly lass by da name o' Tyrian. I'll be practicin with me best vigour in holdin and weildin da axe so I might cleave the enemies o' Vorax clean in two! I wants t' emulate da great feats o' combat by strong fighters that I av bared witness to.

Speakin o' which, I ran across good master Wanark outside of the smithy in Hlint today. We discussed a few things and da subject o' craftin came up. Well to be sure I would like t' craft suits of armour impervious t' the foul enemies that abound in da world. I may hav t' be satisfied with craftin lesser quality items dan farder at first.  I found out from Wanark dat der be copper in some caves nearby t' Hlint. Upon investigatin I found the caves t' be infested wit filthy goblins *dark frown crosses his face* While purgin the undead be no trouble for me now, me feats in combat be sorely lackin. I can but practice in th' weildin of da Axe and pray to Vorax to guide me hand. *He closes his journal with a clap, puts it away and gets out his axe*

[eltalstroneves]

Thorgist stands stoutly in front of the forge under the watchful eye of Thrain Ironwind, fighter of Vorax. The heat of the forge and the smell of molten steel feels comforting to him and he is reminded of his younger days in his father's work shop. "Now don't be puttin all a dem slabs of Copper in there at once lad. Yer not skilled enough yet" comes Thrain's boisterous voice over Thorgist's shoulder. The sweat pours down off Thorgist's face into his beard and down onto his newly acquired half plate glistening on the steel in a pleasing way. His body is tired but urged on by the call to produce arms and armour for the temple.

As he stares into the red heart of the furnace and feels the blast of heat pour over him he thinks of Vorax. It seems his every thought is consumed with advancing the interests of the faith and at each turn he feels the influence of The Ever Vigilant. The brother's that he has encountered thus far have been more than generous and Thorgist think's while he works. "How moight I repay dese great champions, me bein of such meager ability? Thrain did venture many leagues to escort me from da temple And it was also by Thrain's protection dat I was able t' acquire dese seven slabs of ore not t' mention da countless other favours he has done me."

He stares into the intense core of the furnace and feels the heat rising as the bellows fan the coal. The fires reflect from his armour mingling with the sweat from his toil and sending him deeper into thought "I must do all dat I can ta serve Da Farther o' Battle. If I do toil righteously in dis smithy I'll soon be makin armour and arms'll be fine as da best in Mistone and maybe one day da whole o' da werld. If I do pray ta Vorax fer da proper skills e'll be sure t' answer me prayers so as I can make worthy tithes at da Temple".

Thorgist is pulled abruptly form his meditative state by the urgency of Thrain's voice. "Careful boy! Ye'll lose the lot if ye' don't pay attention!" Despite his fervour and desire to please Vorax he is only able to procure one ingot from seven whole slabs of copper. His shoulders slump and he looks dejected. "Thats good fer a first try here lad". Come Thrain's comforting words. "Tis a hard road the crafting road and I be no good at meself so don't worry now." He perks up and wipes the sweat from his brow and the two head down to the inn.

"When will I be able to fight like you sir?" Come Thorgists words. "Practice lad and ye'll get there." Replies the Burly Voraxite. "Practice is what it takes."

[eltalstroneves]

Well dis mornin I woke up in da garden outside da Leilon Arms. Me head were throbin like as if a hundred smiths were workin hard on da anvils in dar. Aye it were none to good ta hav fergotten most a what 'appened dere last night. I do remember gettin thar an den talkin ta Mr Tempest an da luverly hostess. I thinks dat Thrain were dere too. I needs ta go an get another ale. *gets up and staggers off heavily*

[eltalstroneves]

"Well ye can't expect t' be a master smith within a year Thorgist. Ya need t' learn a bit of patience me boy. Ya always were a wee bit clumsy an yer not yet as strong as ye'll one day be. Ya needs great strength in yer hands an arms boy afore ya can bend da steel t' yer will." Thain sneakily grabs Thorgist by his thigh just above the knee with a large knarled hand and squeezes tight. "Argghhh!!! Now don't be doin dat farther!!!" The younger dwarf exclaims grumpily, wriggling his leg free of Thrain's iron grasp.

"I knows da trade do take many years t' perfect but I be gettin mighty impatient. An dem Blinkin Kobolds be such a nuisance! Deys been killin a fair few o me oxen lately!" Thorgist takes a swig of ale and nibbles on some rye bread as the fire crackles away. "Don't be gettin yerself inta such a hurry t' do everything at once. Jes keeps workin honestly and pray t' Vorax morning an night an ye'll gradually get there lad. Ye can't help but get there."

"Anyway I be sick o' shop talk lad, tell me about what else be happenin down dere in dat silly town o' Hlint." Thorgist chuckles and thinks a moment about where to start. "Well It be a long story father." He looks to Thain for some further encouragement which the older Dwarf provides. "Oh, jes spit it out lad, we got all night. Yer mother be fast asleep an yer brothers gone out wit da lads." Thorgist thinks a moment. "Well I guess I should be startin with me meetin with Wanark an our trip t' da temple. That were an amazin event. I wandered into da smith out o' curiosity an started speakin wit two Dwarves, Wanark Thangahaz'a an Nossyla Steele.

"As a Paladin o' Vorax Wanark recognised dat I were seekin t' join da clergy. Luckily fer me he took me under his wing so t' speak. He an Nossyla, he be a hammer o' Dorand, they asked me along on a pilgrimage t' da temple. I were jes about struck dumb fer me amazement at me good fortune!" Thain chuckles heartily, his beard wagging in the fire light, and motions for Thorgist to carry on. "Well we headed out t' fort Valensk, an on da way dere were a sightin of a Balrog, some demon or other, but I didn't be seein it. I were too engrossed in me thoughts as dis spot were where Karturz an I were set upon by dem bandits an Glono did save us. Anyway dere were a Balrog Wanark reckoned. We got t' fort Valensk an met dere a great priest o' Vorax, Master Hargranar Craggenhilt. He were a kindly fellar an we continued to his house in Leilon."

"We gathered dere many great offerings fer Vorax an took dem wit us. Dat road father, to da temple be dangerous." Thrain nods in agreement having trod that path himself once as a youth. "It be more dangerous than walkin through the Grey Peaks." The older Dwarf acknowledges. "Well up dere I did a fool thing an tried t' helps in da fightin against some huge rock creatures. I did nearly gets me brains spilled out all over da cold stone o' dem mountains"

Thain looks grimly at his son. "Dat were a silly thing t' do lad." "Aye dat it were father, but luckily fer me I were saved from certain death by Master Craggenhilt's healin skills. We made it through alright an after makin it past some rotten giants we got t' Ulgrids. Wanark did take his oaths as a Paladin wit Hargraanr as a witness an I were all in a state o' shock at da wonder o' da temple. I were so happy t' be gettin da chance t' visit da temple I asked if I could be stayin dere fer awhile. Da party agreed t' let me stay dere but let me know it'd be a long wait fer da next escort. Well it weren't as long as I'd been thinkin it would be fer an escort through dem perilous mountains." Thorgist yawns and Thrain looks about to nod off as the fire burns low. "Well father it be late an I thinks dis story can waits to be finished tomorrow eh?" Thain smiles, his wrinkled face in the fire light looking now very much older than Thorgist had ever noticed. " Aye lad." the old Dwarf replies sleepily. "I be proud o' you Thor."

[eltalstroneves]

A putrid red hue lingers beneath the thick swathe of the Gloomwood. A Dwarf clad all in silver and red staggers dejectedly through the murky depths of this corrupt and vile place. Tired yet unafraid Thorgist plods on determinedly under the weight of his equipment. "Bloody undead filth!" he mutters in his guttural common speech lamenting the loss of Mu the ox. "Let em tries t' has another go at me an they'll gets more o' da same! By the beard o the ever Vigilant I tinks dis filthy forest needs a good clean out!"

After countless grueling hours hiking his way through the Gloomwood and on to Ulgrids, the forlorn little fella finally rests making camp with some mercenaries deep in the wood. Too tired to converse Thorgist eats a meager meal and downs some ale provided to him by a lovely Dwarven lass named Grenna. Having some time for respite the little priest practises his rituals and then settles into his journal.

In neat Dwarven script the following entry makes its way onto the pages:

"Agorin , Cold-Steel  7, 1455  

Under the weight of this terrible place I begin to wonder if I shall ever make it to Ulgrids. Each morning I arise to find the same dull red hue engulfing everything around me. The woods simply crawl with undead. I have dispatched huge numbers of these abominations, these crimes against the will of Vorax, but still they appear in seemingly greater numbers than before.

I am sure that if I keep my faith strong I shall be rewarded, but even then, what of the Mountain pass? Even when I was young and strong I was never up to the challenge of that pass on my own. It was always a strong party of Dwarves that hacked its way through that daunting path. Stout Dwarves such as Hargranar Craggenhilt, and Varka Cleaveson leading the way."

Thorgist looks out at the woods hopelessly and sighs.

"So it has come to pass that the great Varka Cleaveson stands petrified, a living statue, guarding the halls of Bloody Gate."

He sighs again at this

"I remember well the days of planning for the Dwarven settlement at the Bloody Gate. Wanark was busily organising the Dwarves of Vorax and their allies to produce arms in aid of founding a Dwarven settlement. Why I remember as if it were yesterday, accompanying Varka Deep into troll infested caves to mine platinum for that very purpose. By Vorax could he swing that axe!

Speaking of which, that very same axe now rests in the most competant hands of a lovely Dwarven maid of Vorax named Grenna. It was with her and another stout Dwarf by name of Az'ka that I did behold the sight of Varka Cleaveson, frozen at the side of King Rory. I must ask more of how this came to be when next I see Grenna.

Perhaps also I could ask Grohin Silveraxe more of this as well. I met Grohin again briefly with Grenna and he seems, in the brief measure that I had of him, to have been granted great power by the ever vigilant over the last fifty years. I must also consult with Grohin as to what the state of the clergy is.

Perhaps I will need to seek the help of other kin in getting to Ulgrids and paying my penance. If our giant smashing exploits in Alindor were anything to go by a group of us would be right at home hacking a trail to the temple of Vorax.

By the will of The Eternally Vigilant I shall persevere.