The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: stragen on February 08, 2007, 10:00:43 PM
-
The Road to Hlint
{The following are notes in Jacrum’s little black notebook, written in Dwarven}
I heard a rumour that there is a dark cult in the town of Hlint. I am not sure if this is the same cult that is responsible for the disappearance of Clari and Haldamir, but it is a start. I wrote a letter to my brother Gothim and asked him to meet me there. I expect his skills as a Priest would come in handy if there truly are dark cults on Mistone.
I arrived in Hlint without a penny to spare. All I had were a few true, some cheap leather armour, my shield and my axe. The first task will be to save enough true to buy a suit of Dwarven made metal armour.
My brother and I have been doing chores to help out the locals; delivering letters, skinning rats for the pelts, and goblins for their ears, helping balance the accounts tax-books. In our spare time we have taken to working the local copper mines. It seems that my brother Gothim is becoming skilled in the smelting of ore. Perhaps he will be able to make me a new suit of armour.
I have had much success in finding any leads on the location of Clari and Haldamir. There is however a strange undertaker by the name of Erag. I wonder if he is involved with the cultists? Perhaps if I retrieve the Darksoul Essence for him he will tell me what he knows. Either that or I show him my axe.
I though Leilon was a multi-cultural cesspool; Hlint is worse. There was a half-giant by the name of Pig selling booze on the streets. I don’t think is such a bad thing, but it is a crime that he doesn’t offer samples. Worse there are Drow roaming the streets pretending to be elves. I must take care to watch all hooded figure that past by. There was a female Drow who fooled me into thinking she was an elf. The evil truth was revealed when she removed her hood. She drove me into a terrible anger with her insults. She vanished soon enough when I rushed her with my axe. A pity she got away, next time I will get her dark ear for my belt.
-
Varka Warleader of The Bloody Gate
It started with a letter that my brother received.
*As you open the letter from Varka you read the following in dwarvish*
[INDENT]Dear Kinsman
Now time has come to prove that our blood is thicker than even dark syrup ale.
On behalf of my King, Rory Rockfist, I Varka Cleaveson, Warlord of the United Clans of Bloody Gate hereby invite you to aid in the rebuilding of Bloody Gate.
All dwarven hands are needed for this task. Maybe it be the hands of a miner, a smith or a alchemist. The talent to build and create lies deep within us.
May you have interest in aiding your kinsmen in such an honourful task? Please send me word as quick as you can draw you axe.
I will ask you to bring miners picks, shovels, hammer, rope, chisels tool belts etc.
further we need building materials.
Depending on your skills and strength I ask you personal bring what you can carry along. A list below shows what different materials can be chosen to bring along:
Timber:
Oak (not treaded)
Machogany (not treaded)
Medium clay molds (bricks)
Iron ingots
Bronze ingots
If you decide to bring more, I will be most honoured and so will the King and citizens of Bloody Gate
May I hear words from you and our kinsman as soon possibly.
Vorax bless you
*Signed*
Varka Cleaveson, Warlord of the United Clans of Bloody[/INDENT]
Gothim and I agreed to aid this effort of kinsmen. I have seen too many ventures of commerce fail through the misdeeds of criminals and thugs to realise if Varka wanted to rebuild the Gate, then there would be someone who want to tear it down.
Then she arrived in Hlint. She was cute, but fay and secretive; a lovely young Dwarven lass. At first she wouldn’t tell me her. But she followed me into the Forge as I was smelting some copper ingots. She kept asking question about all the dwarves in Hlint, wanting know who we were. Then she asked me to follow her to a remote location of Hlint, where she told me her name, Nola. I asked where she was from, she answered, Rilara. “Where in Rilara” I asked, “near the Bloody Gate” she answered. It was like pulling teeth from a mule. Finally we went to the tavern, for a few drinks. I suspected she was a spy for Milara, or worse. She wouldn’t reveal her clan name. In the end she retired to a room in the inn that I purchased for her. I had lost patience with gentle tactics. I stepped into the room and proceeded to scare the information out of her. I finally got her clan name, Tudor. But the stubborn girl wouldn’t tell me what she was hiding.
We arrived in the Bloody Gate with construction going smoothly. With the extra influx of dwarves and materials we set about bringing the construction to completion. I was placed in a team negotiating with the merchants who had arrived from Karthy; a shifty group who used both magical and mundane means to spy on our supplies and the construction work. I quickly realised that my talents would be better spent in organising the store and movement of the building materials. Having worked in Dar’s warehouses in both Leilon and Ravenswatch this was a trade that I knew well.
Varka himself was an interesting character. Not once can I recall him removing his helm. However he was easily recognisable by the fine set of tattoos on his arms and legs. He moved quickly and restlessly from one job to another, overseeing the entire construction process. His endurance and foot speed reminded me, of the tribes’ people from Krashin; as did his temperament and booming voice.
At one stage the gate came under attack from Giants. These assaulted our position, setting fire to one of the Gates. We retaliated with a quick sally out into the mountains. Varka and the Axes of Vorax made quick work of the giants. I must ask Varka where he learnt his fighting technique. He is a vision of speed, rage and destruction.
I met many kin and non-kin at the Gate. I saw a large Cyclops by name of Hundir, who came to aid the construction of the gate. It was Hundir who many decades ago initiated the vision of restoring the Gate to its former glory. Nola Tudor was at the gate as well. She only had eyes for Gilshem, a master stonemason, who did much of the actual construction work with Kobal. Finally we had the honor to meet King Rory. He congratulated us on our work in completing the construction and fending off the giants, demons and spies. At which point he mention his niece... Nola Tudor. I nearly choked in shame when I found out that I had scared the wits out of the Kings niece. I knew she was hiding something, it turns out she was hiding her royal heritage!
-
Merisa - Arena Hostess: Jacrum Shieldbreaker!!!
Grohin Silveraxe: 'llo
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *swing his axe with little control*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi, just practicing.
Grohin Silveraxe: better practice wit someon den
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *looks him over*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi that be a good idea, how yer been Grohin?
Grohin Silveraxe: Am foine
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *tries a big swing*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *roars and cuts air*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grins* Recon I got em.
Grohin Silveraxe: *waits for Jacrum to finish warming up*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: So what yer got in mind Grohim?
Grohin Silveraxe: *pokes Jacrum teasingly with his spear* yer jus' a ninny
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 1 + 2 = 3
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *goes into a rage an attacks*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker enters rage.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: No quarter!
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Initiative Roll : 14 : (12 + 2 = 14)
Sneak Attack : Jacrum Shieldbreaker attacks Grohin Silveraxe : *hit* : (11 + 13 = 24)
Grohin Silveraxe attacks Jacrum Shieldbreaker : *hit* : (16 + 20 = 36)
Jacrum Shieldbreaker damages Grohin Silveraxe: 20 (20 Physical)
Grohin Silveraxe : Damage Immunity absorbs 1 point(s) of Physical
Grohin Silveraxe damages Jacrum Shieldbreaker: 15 (11 Physical 4 Electrical)
****
Jacrum and Grohin spar. Jacrum weilds his axe and shield. Grohim his spear. Both score powerful hits. However, clearly Grohin is the more experinced warrior. The sparing ends with Jacrum near collapse. Grohin heals Jacrum then immediately begins to taunt him again.
****
Grohin Silveraxe uses Athus' Touch
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Healed 39 hit points.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 6 + 4 = 10
Grohin Silveraxe: *taunt check*
Grohin Silveraxe: Taunt Check: 18 + -1 = 17
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 14 + 4 = 18
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *roars*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Initiative Roll : 13 : (11 + 2 = 13)
***
Another short bout of sparing. Jacrum does collapse this time.
***
You are bleeding to death.
Grohin Silveraxe uses Athus' Touch
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Healed 26 hit points.
You have stopped bleeding.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *gets to his knees*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi what yer call that stick?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi yer got me good with it.
Grohin Silveraxe: It be a weapon forged bah Hargranar Craggenhilt ta defend da town ov Lyn from an' orcish invasion... it be made ta kill da orc god avatar himself
Grohin Silveraxe: It be given ta me bah Warlord Varka
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Why not an axe? (looks confused)
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs* don' ask me.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi don't understand.
Grohin Silveraxe: ya hit gud, ya 'now
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: The warlord said he cant make it.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Another time then.
Grohin Silveraxe: ta bad... but ah don' hav much toime eider
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: And me brudda is on temple duties.
Grohin Silveraxe: les try dat again *grins*
***
After the first sparing session they rest, chat and recover.
In the second session Grohin uses his axe, but no shield. Jacrum with Axe and sheild.
***
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Axe eh?
Grohin Silveraxe: but no shield *grins*
Grohin Silveraxe casting unknown spell
Grohin Silveraxe casts unknown spell
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi *looks him over looks for a weak spot*
Grohin Silveraxe: Ya afraid *taunt check*?
Grohin Silveraxe: Taunt Check: 1 + -1 = 0
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 13 + 2 = 15
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi be seeing yer weakness.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Initiative Roll : 22 : (20 + 2 = 22)
***
Jacrum manages to get the first blow in by skirting round to Grohin weakside, where his shield normally would be. Neverthe less Grohin is clearly the better fighter with axes.
***
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer were open without yer shield.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: But yer fast!
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs* attackin' from me weakside is nay very honorable lad
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye *grins*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Me brudda won't be proud
***
Again Jacrum ends up on the floor. Again the rest and recover. Grohin suggests a fist fight with no armour for the next session
***
Grohin Silveraxe: *gets ready for a brawl*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Rioght then.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi closer, yer be better with weapons *looks him over*
Grohin Silveraxe: *grins and holds a hand for jac*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 19 + 2 = 21
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *takes the hand, and doesn't pull him to the floor*
Grohin Silveraxe: roight *laughs* how about jus' bare hand an' no armor?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye then.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *changes*
Grohin Silveraxe: when ya want
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grimaces then roars*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker enters rage.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: No quarter!
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Initiative Roll : 17 : (15 + 2 = 17)
*the two burly dwarves pound each other with their fists. This fight is much closer. Jacrum's misspent youth, getting into many bar-brawls appeared to be standing him in good stead here. *
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer taking a pounding!
Grohin Silveraxe damages Jacrum Shieldbreaker: 11 (11 Physical)
Jacrum Shieldbreaker : Damage Resistance absorbs 5 damage
Jacrum Shieldbreaker attacks Grohin Silveraxe : *hit* : (17 + 7 = 24)
Jacrum Shieldbreaker damages Grohin Silveraxe: 7 (7 Physical)
Grohin Silveraxe attacks Jacrum Shieldbreaker : *hit* : (9 + 13 = 22)
Grohin Silveraxe damages Jacrum Shieldbreaker: 2 (2 Physical)
*** The sound of thud smack thud, continues for many minutes ***
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *steps into a punch*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker attacks Grohin Silveraxe : *critical hit* : (20 + 5 = 25 : Threat Roll: 16 + 5 = 21)
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grunts*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker damages Grohin Silveraxe: 12 (12 Physical)
Grohin Silveraxe is bleeding to death.
*** Jacrum knocks Grohin to the floor with one final punch ***
Grohin Silveraxe: *shakes head* och
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Thank yer fer that.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: yer be beyond me skill but twas nice ter deck yer honorable cleric.
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs*
Grohin Silveraxe: *coughs and spits some blood*
Grohin Silveraxe uses Athus' Touch
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *sits on the floor laughing and spitting blood*
Grohin Silveraxe uses Athus' Touch
Grohin Silveraxe: a gud brawl
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *chuckles* *checks his teeth and face*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: How do I look?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *cha check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Charisma Check: 6 + -2 = 4
Grohin Silveraxe: loike a dwarf... who took a beatin' bah anoder
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Ya think the king niece still fancies muh?
Grohin Silveraxe: Nola?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *laughs at his own joke*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye, coldforge, I though she was a spy.
Grohin Silveraxe: Ya beder stay away from her... or ya moight get inta trouble wit me friend
Grohin Silveraxe: *sits*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye be staying far away honorable one.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *kneels*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *stands*
Grohin Silveraxe: *washes his head under the water tap and drink some*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: So yer think I'll still go ter the halls of Vorax if I hit muh enemies in their weak spots?
Grohin Silveraxe: *grins* ahm nay too sure about dat, lad
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oh well can't worry about that when yer fioghting
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grins* Oh and make sure yer don't drop hold yer axe ter far ter the right when yer don't have a shield.
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs* don' worry.... ahm nay foightin' witout me shield
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Way I see it I'll fight with all me energy and skill.
Grohin Silveraxe: dats da way
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi be an idiot ter not strike the foe where they be weak.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *shrugs* I'll have ter get me brudda ter say sum extra
prayers fer me.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grins*
Grohin Silveraxe: stroike 'em on der strong soide... den dey be hittin' ya less
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: How does that work?
Grohin Silveraxe: If ah hit yer arm dat is holdin' da axe... den ya got hard ta hit me
Grohin Silveraxe: An' if ya can hit da shield stron' enough... dey moight jus' drop it
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *pulls his beard*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi never seen that happen.
Grohin Silveraxe: *grins*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi usualy just hamstring giants.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Kneecaps are good to.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi seen some who trip em up.
Grohin Silveraxe: Well... gionts be anoder ting... we cannae hit 'em on der stron' point... so we be left wit der 'neecap *laughs*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Figure then the be easier to cave der back of der skull in then.
Grohin Silveraxe: Ah try ta da dat... den ah can get a clean hit on der neck
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye, that be a weak point
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Now yer thinking lioke me!
Grohin Silveraxe: *laughs*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Then all yer have to do is collect the head
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Saves an axe stroke
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Me thanks fer the work out and the advice holy one
Grohin Silveraxe: Yer welcome lad
-
"Wealth dies. Friends die. One day you too will die. But the thing that never will die is the judgement on how you spent your life."
"I make the judgement of my life."
"I walk the path of the kuldjargh."
Varka Cleaveson: 'annur Jacrum
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi Warlord *looks awed*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: My Lord *clasps hand on chest*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *then absently pulls his beard*
Varka Cleaveson: oi 'ear ye wanted to learn de way oi foight, mate
Varka Cleaveson: *knocks on his plate three times*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi be intersted in learning, I taught meself ter fight
Varka Cleaveson: ye know wha ye be askin fer is somethin many young dwarves 'ave asked me fer lately..
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Oi didn't know that. Oi never got no formaly training
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:*looks interested* There be a path? Oi just hit muh enemies
Varka Cleaveson: de reason why many young dwarves 'ave asked is cause dey know a Axe Idiot is nauw a WarLord
Varka Cleaveson: and nothin has anythin' to do wit de odders
Varka Cleaveson: so...wha' is it wha' ye want Jacrum Shoildbreaker?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I be no idot, but I think your not an idot either
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Well I never really spent much time with my kin.
Varka Cleaveson: *folds his arms*
Varka Cleaveson: dat yw 'ave to change
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Aye I spend most me time on the wharfs
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I was wondering if yer could use a fella like me
Varka Cleaveson: De Clan, the bonds of our blood, de teachin of our ancestors and Elders, our pride is what makes us dwaves
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:And perhaps me Dah would be proud of me
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *nods a bit*
Varka Cleaveson: kinsmen and kin-lasses are always welcome so far dey walk de path of our ancestors
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:What is the path? I ain't no priest like my brother
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *mutters he is Dah's favorite*
Varka Cleaveson: ye guts is wha ye need to follow, ye instinct and de 'ead...Ye know wha is roight an' wron by 'eart
Varka Cleaveson: foinlly de proist are good fer guidence in 'ard toimes.. oi tend to use 'em meself
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Oi roight that been fine then, me brother is me conscience, he keeps me outta trouble
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:A good brother he is
Varka Cleaveson: listen to ye brudder nauw and den. It is only good if we 'elp each other
Varka Cleaveson: never go fer de easy coin or road,,ye become a cut throat or killer den
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Then there be Grohin, he be helping me too
Varka Cleaveson: Ye brudder be a proist of who? If oi may ask
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Me brudda Gothim, cleric of Vorax
Varka Cleaveson: den ye are mere lucky den most kin.. Ye 'ave two proist close to ye..
Varka Cleaveson: nay many git dat
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:*chuckles* I think muh Dar thought I mioght get into trouble
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Aye. I tried ter make me Dar happy but me brudda was the favorite
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:So I though perhaps if I join yer Warband I could make me Dar proud of me
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Oi don't mean ter find trouble it finds me
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:It started when I got back to Leringard
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:My old friends were missing... dissapeared.
Varka Cleaveson: oi listen kinsman
Varka Cleaveson: a dark cult? drauw?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: But the trail went cold, Corathites most like
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Me dah through I was getting involved with the wrong crowd, so he threw me out
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *shrugs*
Varka Cleaveson: and ye fadders still thinks dat ye are on de wrong path?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Aye think I need ter make him proud some how
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:He sent me brudda to be a priest of Vorax since he was young. I just learnt how ter brawl on the docks
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:figured I might best learn how ter fioght proper like, perhaps join a dwarven warband....
Varka Cleaveson: *holds up his hand shortly and lowers it again*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *watches the hand*
Varka Cleaveson: Nauw Jacrum Shieldbreaker...ye ned to listen
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *nods*
Varka Cleaveson: First ye will need to confront ye Dah, tell who ye are really
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 20 + 2 = 22
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: * looks confident! *
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi know I can do that.
Varka Cleaveson: Enterin' a Warband will never fullfil totalyy dat ye want to achive
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: It's time I spoke ter him without loosing me temper
Varka Cleaveson: Come clear wit ye Dah, bu of course ye can tell 'im of de path ye take
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Yes Warlord
Varka Cleaveson: Tell me, Are ye 'eart felt with envy, doubt, dispute? Cuae of de Dah favor ye brudder?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:No warlord
Varka Cleaveson: Do ye think dat de skills ye learned on de docks are less of value dan de skills ye brudder learned?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Aye liked the wharves, lots ter drink and plenty of brawls. Aye woudln't have made a good priest
Varka Cleaveson: aye or nay kinsman
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:My skills are different then me brudda. But I know yer will find me of value
Varka Cleaveson: do ye foind yeself of value?
Varka Cleaveson: *varka looks most serious and examens the look on your face*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I never asked meself that... Give me a moment.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I was too late ter save me friends from the cult
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:But I did help me Dar run his office in Ravenswatch
Varka Cleaveson: aye or nay kinsman
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:And I did the same for yerself at the bloody gate, I know how ter handle goods
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *hangs his head*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi have value ter others, but little ter meself. I just know how ter help other Warlord.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *growls at himself, yanking the beard* Nay
Varka Cleaveson: *walks forth and graps his shoulder with the left arm, with the right hand varka kncoks hard three times on his plate and one time on your chest*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *str check* *tries to hold firm*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Strength Check: 8 + 4 = 12
Varka Cleaveson: *in a strong and hard voice he says* Never.. do Never doubt ye "inner strenght"... Never think anything is impossible fer ye. There is always a way....... Doubt is worse than loosing a battle..Oi rather die wit me moral high sdan win wit a felling of hesitation
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye, I ain't afraid of death, aye have done it many times now *stands firm*
Varka Cleaveson: everyone of us is special.. We 'elp and aid each other. Warlord, Kight, Priest or figther...Elder..in the end we are all kin. And dats wha' matters
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye Warlord.
Varka Cleaveson: in me young days oi 'eard a rime oi will give ye nauw...
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *stands stills*
Varka Cleaveson: Der answer fer it ye foind in ye "inner" knocks at his chest...
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *looks surprised*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *remains still*
Varka Cleaveson: "Wealth doies. Friends dioe. One day ye too will doie. Bu' de thin' dat never will doie is de judgement on how ye spent your loife."...
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *listens solemly*
Varka Cleaveson: Do ye understand the question in dis?
Varka Cleaveson: *still has his hand placed on his shoulder*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: I see no question warlord
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I follow the life of Vorax. Warlord. I see no question.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *minutes passes and Jacrum starts to looks a bit fustrated*
Varka Cleaveson: De judgement of ye loife. Who makes it ye...or ye Dah?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I do... *pauses* then Vorax is the final judge.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *clenches his muscles in his hand hoping to have found the answer*
Varka Cleaveson: har! *with his right arm he graps the other shoulder of Jacrum* dats ye spirit lad
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: enters rage.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *LETS OUT A MIGHTY CHEER*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *grins*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: I think I was gonna burst then.
Varka Cleaveson: *lets go of jacrum after a while*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi this be harder then fighting with me axe.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *calms down a little after a while is breathing becomes normal*
Varka Cleaveson: remember de fraise and de answer..Dats why oim wha' oi am nauw
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Warlord, I have a question.
Varka Cleaveson: De warband? Den ye should try to Gate as oi dont 'ave a Warband unless dere be war
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: No, it was about me temper.
Varka Cleaveson: oi listen
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: But I think yer might have given me the answer
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: meself
Varka Cleaveson: den it be good...
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: I control my temper, is the answer
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *waits a moment*
Varka Cleaveson: Dat be one way of de Ragers...The Rager within ye is reflected in ye face..
Varka Cleaveson: *looks at Jacrum* We are different
Varka Cleaveson: When oi was young oi simply let it go, and I coudlnt control it..Dere is nay shame in it and oi still do it
Varka Cleaveson: ye "temper", "inner strenght" or wha ye call it...listen to it
Varka Cleaveson: dere is nay answer to dat. It depends from kinman to kinsman. If dat wha ye be askin fer?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye, that be what I ask fer now that yer have shown me the answer.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: I don't need ter make me Dah happy. I be needing ter do it fer meself.
Varka Cleaveson: oi can only guide ye. Ye 'ave to foind it within yeself
Varka Cleaveson: *nods agreeing*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *kneels and offer his axe handle*
Varka Cleaveson: *accepts the axe*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:Varka, not as warlord but as yerself, will yer guide me on this path, fer meself
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *holds still*
Varka Cleaveson: it be an 'onor to do dat, Jacrum
Varka Cleaveson: *place his hand on his shoulder and mumbles a few words*
Varka Cleaveson: uses Necklace of Prayer Beads I
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *a small smile, before he stands*
Varka Cleaveson: *hands him the axe back*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Me thanks Varka *he uses his name not his title*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: What axe do yer use? Battleaxe or Dwarven Waraxe?
Varka Cleaveson: oi use a heavy dwarven waraxe..
Varka Cleaveson: nauw..
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *nods determinedly*
Varka Cleaveson: many will nay understand ye use of me name...but
Varka Cleaveson: as long oi do....den nothin else matters..
Varka Cleaveson: remember though one thin'..
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *listens*
Varka Cleaveson: ye judge ye own liofe...Fer ye Dah oi would come clean...Bu' it will be ye judgement
Varka Cleaveson: nay all see it simple and clear as...ye and oi do
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:I will talk ter me Dah. I won't loose me temper Varka. *looks determined*
Varka Cleaveson: dat is good to 'ear
Varka Cleaveson: nauw Jacrum, if ye be needin' me again or oi ye,,,den we meet again
Jacrum Shieldbreaker:My thanks for your time Varka, I will return to my practice
Varka Cleaveson: and oi to da Gates
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi got me inner temper ter find.
Varka Cleaveson: *walks out of the door*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *returns to his practice and chops at imaginary opponents*
-
Jacrum Shieldbreaker returns to the large house overlooking the warehouses in the port district of Leringard; the Shieldbreaker family home, and the main office of Shieldbreaker exports. Jacrum stops at the door to the shop front and unlocks it without thought, letting himself in, and then relocking behind him. He stands tall, holding himself erect to his full 4’8”; he is a large imposing figure for a dwarf.
He reaches the door to his father’s office. Knocking, three times he waits for an answer.
“Elral have ye got de lastest accounts?” Darhim Shieldbreaker asks.
“Dar, it’s me Jacrum. I’ve come to talk to you about me life.”
“Ye back from hanging with ye no-good friend?” Darhim snaps, already rising to anger at the thought of his youngest son and his friends.
“Dar, Clari and Haldimar died decades ago. Oi have been looking for them; I think they fell victim to a cult of Corathites.”
Jacrum proceeds to tell his father about his friends, and his life on the wharves. He explains later finding out that they had vanished, and then following the rumors of a dark cult to Hlint.
Finally Jacrum speaks to his father about his future, about his path in life.
“Dar, Oi have found me path. I have made my judgment about my life. I will walk the path of the Rager. I follow the Warlord Varka Cleavson.”
After some tears, emotions of anger, pride and reconciliation, Jacrum and his father Darhim open a shipment of Rum from Dregar. They drink long into the night, talking about the past and the future.
Darhim Shieldbreaker’s forgotten son has found his path in life.
-
I left my Father’s house, saying good bye to both Mother and Father with out any feeling of guilt. My father noticed me for who I am. I return to the life of the road and the axe to find my inner temper, the path of the Kuldjargh. The name, originally an insult, is worn with pride and honour by the Warlord, as will I.
For the first time in my life I have focused consciously on my anger, my rage. While battling Kobolds in a cave, I notice that my strength and stamina are greatly increased. My mind is consumed by the rage of my axe; I can ignore the tricks of the kobold shaman’s while enraged. But this comes at a cost, I forget my footwork and shield work; so focused am I on the destruction of my enemies and the cleaving of my axe. The little blows matter not. Is it possible to enter this state rage without neglecting my footwork and shield work? This is the path I seek now.
-
Shak Xer: Jacrum first met the 'familar' of this goblin feeding on the horse of a local merchant in hempstead. He Jacrum does not like the goblin and considers him evil. If he had encountered him in a cave and not a city he would have not hesitated in killing the goblin.
-
16th Skirmishers
{ A 16th Skirmishers quest, Quest by Mixafix}
http://www.layonara.com/rumour-has/114842-wayfare-wolfswood.html
To continue my training with my axe I joined the 16th Patrol of Skirmishers at Fort Wayfare. The Captain, Devon, seemed cocky for a human, I hope he was speaking from experince. There were a mixed bunch, with both Orcs and Aeridinite’s in the group of prospective recruits; I didn’t hold very high hopes for our performance in battle. I hesitated for a time before joining. However, the cause was noble and the battle just so I signed up for three seasons.
We were given a task to protect the Tribesfolk of Ill from a small band of Giants. Our goal was to scare the Giants out of the forest. There was an army of giants, not a small band.
My rage was great and my axe sharp. As we battled our way through the horde, trying to link up with the other companies, my skill and prowess grew.
** Jacrum gained another level in barbarian, midway through the quest **
In the end we reached Captain Devon’s company, he had fallen heroically in battle. However, the nomads were slaughtered to the last women and child. The giants appeared to have been aided by a darker evil, perhaps vampires. They were looking for a specific item, and took something from the nomads locked chests.
I should speak to this “Quantum” that Captain Devon mentioned.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *looks the group over considering*
Captain Devon: Okay, settle down!
Captain Devon: Heres where its going
Captain Devon: There is routine pay, covers shelter food and drink *eyes Dwarf* of a reasonable nature
Captain Devon: The attraction is succees, the bonus country
Angela Swann: *chuckles*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi be a reasonable dwarf.
James Hearth: *wispers to Jacrum* In other words do not drink like usual
James Hearth: *grins*
Kalin Sundar: Whats reasonable to a dwarf might kill me *grins*
Captain Devon: Out first, training mission will have 2000 gold for each
Erugor Baridon: Awh shinies!
Alleina Shiante: *She murmurs for herself more than for someone else.* Why are people always talking about the pay first... as though that's something interesting us at all.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye! That the spirt lass *to Allei*. Tis be the battle and fighting we be here for
Captain Devon: Need you to go down Wolfswood country....trailing some stray giants been tracking some nomads down that way
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: For Glory!
Alleina Shiante: ...
-
Death and Bravery
I have been traveling with both Thak (Sasha) and G’ork to the Dragon Isles.
My feelings on the adventures are mixed. With Sasha we battle cow-men in a cavern system. We were headed out when we were amushed by hordes of the cow-men. One of the shamans cast blindness on me. I ran around slashing wildly with my axe, unable to see. My vision has always been good, even in the darkest caverns, so to loose it was disconcerting. In the end I fell to unseen axes.
My body was called to life again by Vorax to battle once more. I left the bindstone to seek out my grave. Alone in the cave once more, weakened but not yet without hope I tried to battle my way to my companions and to my grave. Once again I fell. I felt the price of my death, I lost hard won lessens and experiences about battle.
There is a fine line between bravery and foolishness. I decided that a third attempt to reach my grave stone would be foolish.
Vorax give me strength so that I may be both, fearless and wise.
-
Anger and Control
Never go fer de easy coin or road, ye become a cut throat or killer den. - Varka Cleaveson
I had just met two kinsman newly arrived in Port Hempstead Stumpy a young sailor and Gumar an older dwarven warrior. I had helped them deal with the kobold threat outside of Port Hempstead when a strange goblin camp past. It saw that we were splitting the loot from the adventure, and gleaned to demand some of the treasures. Its rude mannerisms and filthy self angered me with its demands. My dwarven companions Gumar and Stumpy were similarly angered by its demands. I contemplated killing it, a simple motion to ends its life with a single stroke of my axe. As I watched the goblin caper and demand, stumpy said a comment that jarred with the lessons I had been taught, and my inner nature. He said killing the goblin was worth the sport. In an instant I had control of my temper. I would not slide down the slippery slope of becoming a cutthroat. I follow the path of the battle rager, and my rage is reserve for the enemies of Vorax. This pitiful creature had done nothing that warranted me attacking and killing it. My rage burnt hot and controlled within me. I scared it off with a few words.
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Gurmar can yer divide the loot.
Gurmar Rockhelm: Aye.
Feefty One Ear: *jumps about as if to get attention*
Feefty One Ear: *makes a snatching motion at the air* mine!
Feefty One Ear: gimme gimme!
Feefty One Ear: *a short unkempt goblin, his hunched back causes him to have to crane his neck up crookedly. a scar mars the right side of his head where his ear is now missing*
Feefty One Ear: *makes a snatching motion at the air* mine!
Gurmar Rockhelm: begone, filthy stump, or oi make ye more of a stump
Feefty One Ear: magic papers!
Feefty One Ear: *reaches out, making a grabbing motion at nothing in particular, his eyes squinting*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Aye gobbo, yer looking ter cut ter bits?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Magic papers?
Feefty One Ear: *slaps a hand over left ear* not steal! feefty for one ear!
Feefty One Ear: magic! strong magic! *makes a snatching motion*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer nay be getting magic from muh yer gobbo.
Gurmar Rockhelm: nay from me either
Feefty One Ear: get magic! *nods enthusiasticaly*
Feefty One Ear: *reaches out, grasping at air with bony hand* gimme! gimme!
Feefty One Ear: *dressed in naught but a loin cloth, feefty's looks to be the epitomy of a dirty goblin. a tattered cloth rucksack slung over his shoulder seems to be the extent of his worldly possessions*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker says in Dwarven: I'll circle around it eh?
Gurmar Rockhelm says in Ear for Dwarven Language: aye, you do that
Feefty One Ear: *looks to each of the dwarves*
Stumpy: what ya want ????
Feefty One Ear: want magic! strong magics!
Feefty One Ear: *scratches absently at the scar on right side of head where his ear once was*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker says in Dwarven: should we kill it?
Stumpy says in Ear for Dwarven Language: Aye, sounds good
Stumpy says in Ear for Dwarven Language: It's worth the sport
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi there gobbo, where did yer get yer magics from?
Gurmar Rockhelm: *spits on the ground before the goblin* we nay have any magics fer ya
Feefty One Ear: magic papers! *stuffs crumpled scroll back into bag*
Feefty One Ear: gimme gimme!
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *looks at the goblin as it deciding it's fate*
Feefty One Ear: *scratches absently at the scar on right side of head where his ear once was*
Gurmar Rockhelm: *eyes the goblin with anger* begone!
Feefty One Ear: *looks at the dwarves*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer best run gobbo, I don't know why yer still alive, but yer life hangs in the balance.
Gurmar Rockhelm: Aye.
Feefty One Ear: balance? *jumps about* no balance, strong magics!
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer nay be getting any magics from us
Feefty One Ear: *looks to be pouting and scampers away into the barley field*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Trickery is nay the way of Vorax
Gurmar Rockhelm says in Ear for Dwarven Language: aye, if it won't go, I'll not suffer it's presence for long
Gurmar Rockhelm: azoa, awa ak zhurr'k kur, A'nn rurk th'wawaah ak'th rhhatharzia waurh nurrk
Stumpy says in Ear for Dwarven Language: whats he hinting at
Jacrum Shieldbreaker says in Dwarven: he wan'ts magic spells, don't give the foul thing anything
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Yer still here gobbo?
Stumpy: whats yo got for us goobo ??
Feefty One Ear: *looks confused as to why he cannot move*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Nothing it's already lost it's ear, so no bounty fer killing it.
Gurmar Rockhelm: aye, an' dere it goes
Gurmar Rockhelm: run away little gobbo!
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Roight let split our true.
Feefty One Ear: *jumps around at edge of barley field*
Stumpy: Rrrazza my... son of a... rrghr!
-
Bloodkin
[INDENT]The clan,
the bond of our blood,
the teachings of our ancestors and elders,
our pride,
this is what makes us dwarves.
-Varka Cleavson[/INDENT]
My brother Gothim had returned from his retreat to meet with me. He was in search of the mineral topaz. Having been unable to locate the mineral in Mistone, we set off for the far lands of Dregar. Remembering the words of kinship I was grateful for the chance to aid my brother in this endeavor. The sea journey didn’t bother me, having worked loading and unloading merchant ship for most of my life I knew enough to keep out of trouble, and stop from spilling my breakfast overboard. We arrived, two dwarves in the rather unwelcoming town of Hurm. Hurm was a rough port town as expected. The kinsman Stumpy who I met a few weeks back is from Hurm. We quickly headed out of town and were ambushed by pirates. I fell defending my brother. It was a glorious death, but I was ready for vengeance on the pirates. Fortunately, we met up with a local of sorts, the famous brownie Bumblebee. We were also joined by a halfling named Jack. The four of us were more then a match for the pirates. We the blessing of Vorax we were able to break through their ambushes. Unexpectedly, one of the rough mercenaries hailed us instead of attacking; it was the tribeswoman Karim. She joined our group, with the promise that she could lead us to topaz. She was as good as her word. We entered the desert, plagued with ant and giants. Karim knew the location of a cave, in it was more topaz then we could carry, and plenty of giants to battle against. With the might of Vorax the giants fell before us. Their tricks and fireballs merely inflamed my battle rage. I was able to keep the fire of my rage in tightly disciplined. Every axe stroke was delivered with precision and controlled anger. I tried to practice the method of knee capping giants I had seen Varka use at the bloody gate. With a little more training I should be able to use this technique with success to bring the enemies of Vorax to their knees. My brother left the desert with a full load of Topaz. Battling giants and mining rocks was the least I could do to aid my blood kin.
-
Brunhilde
[INDENT]Kinsmen and kin-lasses are always welcome, so far as they walk in the path of our ancestors. -Varka Cleavson[/INDENT]
I met dwarf lass last week, Brunhilde. When I saw her something happened. Suddenly I could not speak, and when I did my words came out in an incoherent jumble. My heart started to beat faster, but not with anger or rage. I introduced myself to her at the fountain in Hempstead, and made a fool of myself. I felt the heat rise to my face, I am sure it went the same colour of my beard. Suddenly I needed to be anywhere but the fountain. I raced off with the feeble excuse that I needed to work some metal at the forge. I quickly found that I had run out of copper. I returned to the fountain and asked Savon Strongarm to join me to mine the copper. All of sudden Brunhilde had joined us. The battle to mine the copper went smoothly until we were ambushed by mercenaries, Savon fell, but we pressed on grimly. We managed a few nuggets of copper and Savon was able to reach his gravestone. I couldn’t help but look and not look at Brunhilde. I fought with the utmost of my strength skill and rage, for Vorax and her. In the end I couldn’t endure my fumbling embarrassment any longer and as soon as we were safe I ran off to the forge. I have found a new way to bring strength and endurance into my limbs and it’s not anger or hatred. It is Brunhilde.
-
The Kiss.
I was headed into the mines in gloom wood today when I ran into Brunhilde and her friend Drexia. I think I made a fool of myself once again. It is strange, I can speak five languages, but when Brunhilde is around the common tongue escapes me. But somehow I told her. I told her that she is beautiful. She must have seen something in me despite my tied tongue. For later she kissed me on my nose. My heart is aglow with a bright fire. We easily managed to defeat the dark creatures of the gloom wood, and mine the copper from the cave..
** Jacrum is speaking to Drexila when Brunhilde arrives **
Brunhilde: Sorry i took slo long
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *smiles* Brun is ... *pauses*
Brunhilde: brun is what jacrum? smiling
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi Brun I was saying um .. yer look .. Lioke well... *suddenly he can't speak again*
Brunhilde: *smiles
Brunhilde: uh huh
Brunhilde: cat got it agin?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Muh tounge ?
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *nods his head*
Brunhilde: *smiles
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *looks at Brun, then smiles and blushes*
Brunhilde: umm...alroight
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi was saying .. that . Oi think that Oi was saying.
Brunhilde: *arches her eyebrow
Brunhilde: what were ya sayin
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *tries hard to spit it out*
Brunhilde: *pts him on the back
Brunhilde: ou twit it
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *Jumps*
Brunhilde: oi swear yer like a kid in school lookin trying to answer da teacher
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Beauty Lioke an Axe!
Brunhilde: *eyes widen*
Brunhilde: *she blushes a bit
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Oi mean not lioke and axe, but lioke how an Axe is.
Brunhilde: *nods with her eyes still wide
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *yanks his beard unable to talk*
Brunhilde says in Dwarven: thank you jacrum
** Later while they are outside the Gloom Wood cave **
Brunhilde: ya wanna kiss?
Brunhilde: *kisses his nose*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *will check*
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Will Check: 16 + 2 = 18
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: *stays standing but wobbles woozily*
Brunhilde: *giggles*
-
Battle and War.
[INDENT]I use a heavy Dwarven Waraxe... Now... -Varka Cleavson[/INDENT]
I have been training with my axe. The axe I use is a common iron Battleaxe. It was forged by a human smith, Xandrian Mor. My mentor, Varka, uses the Dwarven Waraxe. It is heavier then the common Battleaxe. It requires both strength and skill and training to wield it. The difference between the axes is the difference between Battle and War; Battle is what happens around me, War is the larger struggle. Following the path of the Rager, I am required to be always ready for Battle. Following the path of Vorax I must treat War as sacred, an act that must be never entered into lightly. I train hard with my Battleaxe, seeking the skill of battle. Yet also I know I must also learn the art of war. One day soon I will put down the Battleaxe and take up the Dwarven Waraxe.
On of the battle skills of the Kuldjargh is the ability to knockdown their enemies. I have been practicing this battle technique with the priest of Vorax Grohin. Grohin showed me some of the methods that will work to cut the enemies of Vorax down to size.
First he took me to a coal mine, where creatures of the earth lurked. For earth elementals the technique is a powerful side swing to weaken the monsters legs. Hit hard and they will topple over.
Next he showed me where Giants hide amongst the tall trees of the forest. He instructed me to aim for the kneecaps and hit hard. It is amazingly difficult to hit a kneecap. If only Giants stood as still as trees. I found I had much more success if I called upon my temper, my inner strength as Varka called it. I managed to knock the Giant down. I found that it was already dead by then. My wayward axe had stuck it a mortal blow to the artery of its left leg. My kneecapping technique needed more practice.
Finally Grohin took me to plain where a large Griffon prayed on buffalo and cows. Here Grohin explained the technique was to hook the beast with your axe, then pull it down towards you. This advanced version of the technique was difficult; even Grohin had trouble demonstrating it. Nevertheless, I found this instruction in battle technique very useful training on my path.
-
Waraxe
My brother Gothim (a battle-priest of Vorax) and I were mining topaz and then silver from the desert mines in Dregar. In those mines we were fortunate to meet with Kurgin Stormbrow a priest of Dorand. The honourable dwarf was gracious and hospitable. He was able to grind Gothim's topaz stone into topaz dust. Topaz dust is an important component in the blessing of stone that Gothim uses. The two priest's of Vorax and Dorand got along quickly, with two priests the blessings from the Gods were flowing freely. Kurgin showed us his house and gave us gifts, boots for myself and gloves for Gothim. We gave him our silver ore in return, he even offered to pay us fair price for it. I asked Kurgin about purchasing a Flaming Dwarven Waraxe made from iron. Kurgin offered to make me one. But as he was part of a trade guild I would need to purchase it through them. The guild was called 'Orc Bashers', truly an honourable name.
I picked up the completed axe a few days later for the sum of 6000 true. I have not used it yet. I am hoping to have Varka's blessing before I take up the Waraxe. It will need a name.
-
Packages, Puzzles and a Lich
{Quest: An opportunity or two, Mixafix}
I was on the road heading North through Fort Wayfare with my brother Gothim, when we decided to stop in the Inn to wet our throats. There was a good crowd in the inn, with adventures and commons folk from all parts of the land. We overheard a merchant requiring help to deliver a package to the Gulf of Bagira. He mentioned a Beholder had taken to patrolling the path through the desert. I recalled that there had been mention of a beholder in the spirit dunes at Port Hempstead. I quick word to my brother and I dashed back to Port Hempstead, here I found that a reward for the removal of the Beholder had been placed. Returning to the tavern I found the same group still squabbling over helping the merchant. A mysterious box had been found by the inn-keeper and sold to one of the adventurers. Eventually we made our way across the desert. The beholder was gone, slayed by another group of adventurers and the reward already collected. Emboldened we proceeded at pace and were ambushed by a group of giants with fiery blades. My brother Gothim was killed in action, may Vorax honour his soul. When we reached the Gulf we found a priest of Beryl who was able to raise our dead, including by brother for a fee. It was there that we discovered a riddle. There was a parchment in the box that Clover bought. The riddle was:
Unless I am here I am in my tomb
Now you must my diary find and riches yours then for
Dive into the drink of the strongest if you dare
Evoke fire in the dark beyond less undeath tough be toxic
Reach no under yonder obelisk and wait for the lich.
The answer is UNDER BRECH, the first and last letter of each line respectively.
We sailed to Vehl then marched to Hempstead. There we spoke to Quantum Windword about his knowledge of the puzzle. He told us a story about the Lich Mechild. Quantum fears that the Lich may be escaping it's prison. The grim tale he told would put fear into the hearts of many stout warriors. I have fought undead before, in storan's crypt. I am ashamed to say that I ran from the mummines in fear. Each time I charged they put the fear into my heart and I ran. The experienced battle-rager is immune to such fears. I ask for Vorax's strength, to drive the fear from my heart, so that I may battle this foul Undead.
Our next investigation lies under the Brech Mountains.
I will not run in fear.
-
Krandor Crypts.
I met my brother Gothim outside Krandor Crypts. The little human lass Nikki had lost her grand fathers ashes in the crypts. To stop her crying we offered to retrieve them. In the crypt we found that the dead walked again. With my brother’s blessings the trip into the crypt wet smoothly. Till we reached the acid laden undead that held the ashes in its clutches. It aim was surely to lure unsuspecting adventurers or little girls to their death. Alas my brother fell, and I was grieviously wounded. With the rage of Vorax I gained new strength and was able to defeat the creature despite my fatal wounds. After the fight I quickly quaffed a healing potion before the adrenaline left my limbs and my heart stopped from the loss of blood. Narrow success, at the loss of my brother; the soul mother had touched him once again, may Vorax Honour his soul.
-
Fort Vehl to Ulgrid
I met a bard of war by the name of Farros Galdor outside of the Storm Crest Hut a few days ago. I encountered him again as I waited to meet my brother outside the town of Fort Vehl. I spoke to him at some length and he mentioned a story about a Dwarven Axe Rager.
[INDENT]Farros Galdor: Aye! axeragers, the ultimate giant slayers
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Axe rager? Yer be knowing any tales?
Farros Galdor: Rek the Troll Reaver. Was a dwarf long back who cleared the swamps around these part of all the trolls. One day he just had enough and kept hacking and hacking until all the pieces stopped twitching
Farros Galdor: let's see, other than him... no, none I've known personally
Farros Galdor: they seem to be secretive and live way up in the mountains near old Shoufal
Jacrum Shieldbreaker: Rek der Troll Reaver oi be looking in fer his tales den.
[/INDENT]
When my brother recovered from his passing we decided on a trip to Ulgrid and the temple of Vorax there. I wished to bring my new Dwarven Waraxe to the temple there that I may have the weapon blessed in the holy fortress. Many years ago my brother’s holy words and Varka’s faith had moved me to wanting to take a holy pilgrimage there. The journey was a glorious battle through the yeti and ogre filled mountains. Farros, Gothim, and Hotaru made a strong team. We decided to stop to gather some crystalline spirit essesnce and explore a nearby cave on the way. Inside the cave we found giants and precious minerals, topaz and platinum. The trip went well with no serious injuries to the party members. Secretly, I was searching for the evidence of the Lich’s Lair under the Brech Mountain. Of the Lich’s Lair I found no sign.
Once at Ulgrid we were honored to see the king. Then my brother led us to the temple of Vorax deep within the mountain. Here I prayed with my Dwarven Waraxe in my hand, asking for the blessing of Vorax, that I may find the heart of the battle rager within me. My Brother blessed the axe. Then he bid me farewell as he took the time to have a longer holy retreat at his old home.
I found the axe performed well on the journey back to Fort Vehl. The blessing of my brother sped my journey home. The enemies of Ulgrid fell before the Dwarven Waraxe. I now have the skill and the Axe. In my mind I have a name for the Axe, but I will wait till it is formally named before I write that name on paper.
-
Merchant Greed
{One-off-Quest, Shadow}
I was at the Storm Crest hut looking for a drink to wet my throat. There was large gathering of adventures and story tellers. We must have appeared to be a formidable group as we were approached by a merchant to remove an Orc menace from his friend’s farm. Something was not right when we got there. The Farmer and his wife were missing with no sign of a struggle, no Orc sign around the farm at all. I have been involved in enough unsavory deals in my youth to spot that there was something amiss here. We find a recently constructed mine shaft. It was a narrow sloped affair. It lead into a cavern system. I recalled from my time working with the Shield-breakers shipping and export that several companies had successful prospected for gold in this area. This was a gold mine. We encountered the local Orcs. By Vorax I wanted to do battle with them. But clearly they were not the culprits in this case. The Orcs it seems had got along with the farmer and his wife; the farmer trading food for gold from the mine. I explain my discovers and reasoning to the group as best they can. I had to drag Thak (Sasha) back from slaying the Orcs as she believed they were in the wrong. We returned to the merchant who hired us. With a few choice words he broke down and confessed to 'buying’ the farm off the farmer at a 'cheap’ price. The merchant stood trial and the end the farmer and his wife were able to buy back the their farm at the 'cheap’ price.
Darkness comes in many guises it seems, greedy merchants are commonplace. But it was a shock to meet a tribe of Orcs that happily trades and coexists with humans. Perhaps we are not entering such dark times.
*Jacrum looks down to his yet unnamed Dwarven Waraxe*
If darkness does come, my Axe is ready to serve the Father of Battles.
-
A Name for an Axe
Jacrum waits outside the gates of the temple of Vorax until Varka passes on his way out. In his hand he holds a dwarven waraxe, faint flames can be seen glowing from it.
"Oi Varka. Der Father O Battles with ya"
Jacrum salutes with his dwarven axe in hand to the approaching warlord. He appears to hold the waraxe competently.
"Aye kinsman" Varka responds.
"Oi got muh a new axe, a dwarven one. Kurgin Stormbrow made it fer muh. Oi be wanting ter name it. Oi got sum idea's fer a name. But oi would be honoured if yer were ter name it fer me."
"It be an 'onour fer me to name ye axe bu'.."
Varkas pauses in mid sentence and a grin crosses his face. A glimpse of half wisdom and half madness is seen in his eyes. Varka looks to Jacrum and then to the Waraxe strapped to his belt.
"When battle is at his 'igest peak and the air be so thick ye can taste Vorax presence and feel 'is moight. Listen to 'er."
He nods once more to his axe.
"When "she" cuts de air in ye rage of madness. Deir she will tell ye 'er true name.. "
The warlord grins.
"Maybe "she" already done dat Jacrum"
Varka claps Jacrum on his shoulder proudly and walks out into the mountains alone.
Jacrum looks down at the flame-red axe in his hand. He stares at it for a while in silent communication.
"Listen to ye "inner strength". Remember lad!" Varka calls back.
Jacrum looks up to the distant figure. Jacrum's reverie is broken and determined look appears on his face.
-
The Flame of Sharlin
http://www.layonara.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=111005&ppuser=3683
// More coming //
-
Alone
It was cooler here than out in the desert sun. There had been giant sign at the entrance to the cave system. Their foot prints unmistakable in the desert sand. The scent of giant wafted down the corridor. Jacrum looked at the sweat cooling on his scarred forearms. He probably didn’t smell much better, not that it bothered him. It would just take a warm draught of air from the cave entrance for the giants to notice him. Undoubtedly their noses were keener than his.
Walking forward alone he saw them. The two giants were arguing over the spoils of the recent raid, poor picking from the ant like creatures the roamed the desert. Only two giants, they would be wary of other tribes, bandits and adventures seeking to relieve them of their spoils. They would be paranoid. That gave him an idea.
ROARING like a hoard of stout Dwarven adventurers he charged the giants with the battle cry “For Vorax lads!” The startled giants immediately turned to flee, expecting a descending horde of their dire foes. The ploy work allowing the canny dwarf to extract the first blow to the slower of the two giants. “Never turn ye back in battle lad,” Jacrum taunted the brute as he pulled his axe out of the giants broad back. The dim witted brute turned back expecting to be overwhelmed, but seeing only a single dwarf it called to its fleeter footed companion for aid.
Jacrum darted back down the passage to a narrow alcove filled with low hanging stalactites and protruding stalagmites resembling a stony maw. As the first of the two giants approached he barreled forward out of the alcove his axe up and his chin down, slamming into the giants legs. The tough dwarf bounced back from the impact, but the giant faired much worse. Jacrum had been trying to trip it up, but somehow the giant held its footing. However, it was another telling blow and the giants had yet to return a counter blow.
They approached the dwarf cautiously now, the narrow opening of the alcove restricted them to facing the furious dwarf one at a time. “Never tackle a dwarf with his back to stone” Jacrum called to the giant goading it on. From this strong defensive position he was able to fend off the prods of the lead giants spear on his sturdy iron shield, and then dart forward to return sapping counterblows. The small gap at the rear of the alcove had been Jacrum’s exit route, but now the lead giant spotted it.
The lead giant was fading fast. It urged its companion to circle around and try to poke its spear through the jumble of stalactites and stalagmites that formed rear of the alcove. Its companion seeing the benefit of the plan, and eager to get involved in the fight turned to circle around the alcove. Knowing it would be difficult to use his shield to his advantage with giants prodding spears at him from front and rear, Jacrum leap forward past the lead giant. The unexpected move scored a vicious blow to the side of the second giant. However, the move left Jacrum’s back exposed and the lead giant obliging plunged his spear through the iron links of the Jacrum chain shirt and deep into the hard flesh of dwarven muscle. A short, sharp grunt of pain escaped the dwarfs lips, the knotted muscle of his back spasmed tight around the embedded spear. Jacrum twisted hard to the left tearing the spear from the giants grasp. Completing the turn, Jacrum drove the full force of his momentum through the head of his iron waraxe and deep within the now unarmed giant’s chest. The dwarven wrought iron bit deep and true, the fiery enchantment in the axe head flaring in a blast of heat. The Flame of Sharlin taking the giant.
With his companion felled the second giant screamed in fear and anger. It too had taken a grievous wound and it knew it could no-longer match the fury of its axe wielding foe. The screams of the giant echoed down the caverns as the firey waraxe beat past its weak attempts to fend off the fierce dwarf. On the second stroke of the axe the giant stumbled. At the third stroke the dwarven axe cleaved through the giants skull. The Flame of Sharlin taking another giant’s life.
The Giant fell with a thud, as its screams faded into echoes. Then Jacrum heard the heavy thud of footsteps, another giant was coming to investigate the noise. He turned to see a third giant, a Duneleaper, bearing down on him. Jacrum was fatigued now, the spear embedded in the back of his left shoulder was affecting the strength of his shield arm, sending waves of pain spasming down his back. With determination he turned to evaluate this new foe. Larger and more cunning then the Sandunner tribe, the Duneleapers shunned the use of the spear; their stone hard fists and feet being enough of a weapon for this martial tribe of brawlers.
The chant of Vorax on his lips, the thought of Brunhilde in his heart, and the Flame of Sharlin in his hands, Jacrum called upon the reservoir of strength deep within him. New strength and vitality flowed to his limbs, the fatigue of battle left and pain of the embedded-spear faded as the drum like pounding of his heart filled his ears. The memory of Varka’s words came to him 'Listen to ye 'inner strength’. Remember lad, this is the music of battle, the drums of war sounding within his blood; the prescience of the Father of Battle is flowing within.
Stepping backwards, Jacrum jammed the shaft of the spear into a wedge created by two of teeth-like stalagmites that formed the mouth of the alcove. Twisting powerfully once more he managed to wrench the spear free of his back. The pain of the crude operation, unnoticed within the rage of battle flowing in his veins. The spreading patch of blood was scarcely visible against the red mail-links of his chain shirt.
'FOR VORAX’ Jacrum roared as he raced forwards to meet the charging Duneleaper. Dwarven muscle and enchanted iron clashed with Giants stone hard fists. Jacrum took the first blow on his shield and returned with a powerful cut to the brute’s hip. The second blow he caught with his jaw, the skin split and Dwarven blood splattered into the dim light of the cavern. Jacrum’s counter blow was a wicked axe cut to the giants forearm as it carried through with the punch. With the strength of rage coursing through his blood he felt no pain. The hammering of blow for blow matched the beat of the war drums in his ears. With the presence of Vorax within him he would be victorious, even in death. The pounding rhythm of the fight was a hymn to the glory of the Father of Battles.
Then pounding stopped, the battle hymn had run its course, the giant was dead. Victory! The war drums in his ears started to fade. A mischievous thought flashed through his mind, did he remember his foot work? Looking at his battered body the answer was clearly no. A more sobering thought reached him. He needed to stitch his wounds before his 'inner strength’ faded completely. The loss of blood could be fatal. With a feverish grin he began the task of stitching and binding his wounds.
-
Memories on the Path
As Jacrum sat in the gloom recovering from the recent fight, his wounds stitched and bound, he thought back to his past. As very young dwarves, he and his twin brother Gothim had been inseparable. They had been a fistful of mischief and good-natured trouble for his mother and father. In the blurred memories of distant childhood it was hard to distinguish which pranks had been his ideas and which had been his brother's. Then one day his brother was gone. Sent away to the temple of Vorax deep within the Brech Mountains, Gothim had been removed from Jacrum's life for the next five decades.
Jacrum's childhood was spent in the multi-cultural port city of Leringard. He was ignored by his industrious father Darhim and spoilt by his mother Laila. As a lonely youth with too much time on his hands in the port city he had mixed with non-dwarven youths. The docks were a rough initiation into realities of Layonara. He became part of the street-gang culture of the docks. It was there that he made some close friends with other minority youths; his friends, Clari the lovely Halfling rogue, and the sly witted Elven youth Haldamir. From these two he learnt much about, lock-picks, pranks, loyalty, brawling and friendship.
The thoughts of his misspent childhood flew forward to the confrontation with his Father. Being sent away from the influence of his friends and the coddling of his mother. He thought of the years spent in the northern port-town of Ravenswatch on the island of Krashin. These years brought both responsibilities, in working in the family trade office, and freedom from the pressures of the city. His anger and frustration had found an outlet in the simple lifestyles of the local tribes' people. It was here that he learnt the style of axe fighting favored by the tribal warriors. With his rough manners and fiery temper he was a natural with the axe.
Jacrum returned to Leringard to find his friends missing. His investigations into their disappearance led him into the dark recesses of Leningrad's under city. Again he clashed with his father, who believed Jacrum was mixing with the wrong crowd. Fiery tempers flared, and stubborn pride prevented reconciliation. Jacrum left for Hlint to search for his friends. Instead he was found by his brother. The brothers Gothim and Jarcum were once more reunited, and instantly functioned as a unit, as if the missing decades had never occurred. Jacrum wished his brother was here now. The wound in his back was starting to throb. Putting the pain out of his mind he recalled their first few days in Hlint. A smile crossed his thickly bearded face as he recalled one of their first adventures.
The brothers Gothim and Jacrum had just returned from an outing into the Hlint Crypts. Gothim had been practicing the art of enchanting, and skeleton knuckles were a vital component of this. They had been talking to a few other adventurers, about the problems with rats and goblins plaguing the town, when the Elven lady speaking to Alleina removed her hood. Jacrum was the first to notice her black skin. DARK-ELF! He cried to his brother. The dwarves scrambled for their axes and shields. Quickly Jacrum confronted the evil. Insults were hurled, Baby-Eater, Demon Spawn, Dark-Elf, while the others, who would call themselves heros did nothing. The dark-elf Alantha taunted Jacrum, assuming the dwarf was of little threat. Rage filled him and Jacrum roared and charged the incarnation of fury, fearless of the deadly Dark-Elven foe. Gothim leaped in from behind. Unnerved by the ferocity of the dwarves Alantha vanished, fleeing the town. The two brothers tumbled to a stop as their axes found only empty space. Satisifed, with their work the twin brothers rewarded themselves and their companions with a round of ales at the Wildsurge Inn. Tales of the dreadful deeds of the dark-elves were told in the warmth of the tavern; the evil that lurked in wait in the underdark could be forgotten.
Jacrum recalled that the early deeds of the brothers did not go unnoticed. A few months later, Gothim, the elder of the twins, received a letter from Varka Cleaveson, Warlord of the United Clans of bloody. The two brothers had been invited to contribute to the construction efforts, the rebuilding of the bloody gate. Months followed of work mining and gathering materials for the reconstruction. This was Jacrum's first experience of the wider Dwarven community. The reconstruction itself went smoothly, Jacrum's decades of experience in the shipping and transportation of wood, ore and metals being put to good use. As did his knack for spotting trouble makers and rogues. The warlord made a strong impression on young Jacrum. Here was strong dwarven icon, fearless and different, yet respected and well loved by his men. Varka was everywhere during the construction, offering support and encouragement to each of the differently tasked groups of dwarves. Varka paused for a small word of thanks on a job well done, and he gained the impressionable young dwarf's loyalty and admiration. Having been ignored by his father here was a figure he could look up to. Far grander in his mind was the fierce Warlord of the Bloody Gate then king Rory who sat upon the throne.
The ground of the cave was hard and cool under Jacrum's stiffening limbs. Streching his axe arm, his eye caught the flames of his enchanted iron waraxe. Jacrum recalled the hours of practice with his old battleaxe. After seeing the warlord in battle he had trained daily in the quiet of the old arena in fort Vehl. The battle priest Grohin had helped him with his training. They had met regularly in the practice grounds, to spar and discuss the Father of Battles. During one session Jacrum had even managed to knock the tough old priest to the ground in a friendly brawl. Grohin was undoubtedly impressed with the young dwarf, yet troubled by his style of fighting. Jacrum was wild and undisciplined, his methods and axe technique unsporting in honorable combat. Grohin saw potential in the big hearted Jacrum, his methods were effective if sometimes not Voraxian. He needed guidance, there will little else a formally trained warrior-priest could do.
Jacrum remembered his surprise when Warlord Varka Cleaveon appeared during one of his regular practice sessions. Varka interviewed Jacrum about his past, the relationship with his brother, his father, and his friends. It was clear to Varka that Jacrum needed to take responsibility for his own life, to stop trying to please his father, to stop walking in the shadow of his battle-priest brother. Jacrum needed to see his own worth for what he was. The canny and fierce warlord devised a test for Jacrum. 'Wealth dies. Friends die. One day you too will die. But the thing that never will die is the judgment on how you spent your life. Do you understand the question in this?' The riddle and the search for the answer allowed Jacrum to see his own worth and to take responsibility for his life. 'I make the judgement on my life.' This answer was also the answer to controlling his temper Jacrum realised. It had been a momentous day in his life when Varka accepted Jacrum as his student, to mentor him in the ways of the Battle Rager. The Kuldjargh, the Axe Idiots, it was a designation that was intended as an insult, but was now worn with pride and respect. Jacrum recalled how he had a taken responsibility for his life that day. He had made the decision to walk the path of the Kuldjargh.
The first step on the path had been the reconciliation with his Father. Knocking on his father's door had at one time seemed the hardest thing to do in the world. The Dwarven patriarch expected respect, order and efficient delivery times. His view of the world did not include affection or frivolity spent on an unexpected youngest son. Nevertheless, the decision once made had been firmly held to by Jacrum. Humbling his pride Jacrum had stepped into his fathers study and opened his heart. One bottle of Dregar whiskey later and Father and Son were reconciled; their lost years and misunderstandings melting in the warmth of their conversation.
The second step on the path was to gain some true battle experience more then just adventuring with his brother. Jacrum had signed up to the 16th Skirmishers of Fort Wayfare for three seasons. Gothim followed to keep his brother alive. Soon the call to arms came and the 16th had been sent to Alindor to boost the Wolfswoods rangers who were under-siege from increased giant activity in the forest. The numbers sent were not enough, giants overran the command unit of the 16th, slaughtering the local tribes people of the forest. Yet somehow the brothers' unit had survived in spite of the over whelming odds. Experience had been gained; the massacre of peaceful tribe-folk by the giant hordes would never be erased from Jacrum's memory. Slaughter of the weak was not glorious to the Father of Battle.
The third step had been the control of his anger. The enemies of Vorax had been simple to identify in the childish ideals of the past, goblins, orcs, bugbears, and giants. Quick to anger, at one stage Jacrum would have entertained the slaughter of these without thought, his rage burning without restraint. Then Jacrum met a goblin that didn't attack on sight, a pitiful creature with only a single ear. It had capered, groveled and begged for scraps of magic. Despite the rage burning within him at the sight of the creature Jacrum had controlled his inner flame from exploding forth. Compassion and pity for the weak had stayed his vengeful rage.
An unexpected twist in the path was the shock of love. Brunhilde. The name sparked fires deep within Jacrum's stout Dwarven heart. His memories of their first meeting flooded to his mind, relieving the pain of his throbbing shoulder. He had been a tongue tied fool on their first meeting. Yet somehow he hadn't driven her off. He remembered battling beside her, the joy within him. His inner strength had burn't far brighter that day. The passion of joy not anger had given his limbs their strength and vitality. It was still the flame of his inner strength, but its colour was different.
Jacrum stopped staring at the flames on his axe, and noticed the axe itself, The Flame of Sharlin. He had commissioned the axe from Kurgin Stormbrow, a kinsman and priest of Dorand. Six thousand true Jacrum paid for the flame enchanted iron waraxe. An entire year of regular practice enabled him to wield the waraxe with the same skill he had previously used his battleaxe with. It was an accomplishment he was proud of, it was a Dwarven axe, and it was gratifying to hold a Dwarven weapon. His quest to name the axe had not been a simple one. Again his mentor Varka had posed him a riddle to find the name for the axe, 'when she cuts the air in the rage of madness, then she will tell you her true name.' However, the answer had come from an unexpected direction.
Jacrum recalled what he knew of the story. Sharlin had been a human woman, a herbalist and mother. With her daughter she had been collecting garlic deep within the Silkwood, past the Vale of Folian. There she had been ambushed by Gnolls. She was murdered and her daughter captured and sold to slavers. Sharlin's rage had reached from beyond the grave in her quest for vengeance. For justice for those who had harmed her daughter. The enormity of her thunderous rage had stunned Jacrum. Here was the essence of the battlerager in the form of a dead human woman. With the righteousness of vengeance Sharlin's murders received bloody justice, her daughter was rescued, her spirit finding rest. Jacrum's talent for investigation had lead to the slave-bounty money being recovered and donated to the young girl's family. The story of Sharlin was etched into Jacrum's memory and her name into his waraxe. The Flame of Sharlin. The axe was named in memory of her Sharlin's passion, the love for her child, and her rage at those who did harm her child.
Rested now, Jacrum's sturdy frame had healed enough to continue. He rose looking into the depths of the cave undaunted by the path ahead. He had entered the cave eight hours ago. But he had chosen this path two years ago.
I walk the path of the kuldjargh Jacrum though to himself.
-
Creatures of the Dark
The mines and caverns of Mistone and Dregar are not as safe as they used to be. There are creatures lurking in the dark. It started when my Brother Gothim and I were making our way out of the desert in mine in Dregar. We were met by the brownie bumblebee. Bee was concerned that there was someone following us. Heading out we stumbled into traps set by a foxed face bounty hunter. The trickster gave us a hard fight but eventually we captured it. We tried to question it as to why it attacked us. It just howled. Then the dark came, a dark that even Dwarven eyes can't pierce. In the dark moved a creature foul and unknown. The fox face bounty hunter howled in fear. We retreated from the darkness, taking a few wounds. We barricaded ourselves in North Fort to question the fox creature. It escaped its bonds and ran out into the unnatural dark of the desert night. There it did battle with the creature of the dark. Gothim, Bee and I entered the fray. I was knocked to the ground and something tore my innards out. The beast was grabbling limbs and razor sharp teeth in the guise of shadow. Bee used its own shadow to daze it, then fire deadly enchanted arrows. My brother stunned it with the hammer of Vorax. Then the bounty hunter set to work with his twin blades of acid, while I hacked it its limbs with the Flame of Sharlin. Eventually it stopped twitching. That was the first of the beasts. The bounty hunter told us that two more demons of shadow had escaped their abysmal home plane.
The second beast I encountered in the swamps outside of Fort Vehl. I was travelling with kinsman Kuguar Deepvein, and a mage known as Sein. We were on the trail of a jewel thief who had fled to the swamps when it struck us. The fool mage didn't understand tactics and didn't follow for a retreat. Kuguar and I went back for it. I tried to use some fresh cougar meat as bait. It preferred live dwarf. Somehow I made it out of the dark and back to Fort Vehl. There the thief was also waiting wounded. The foolish thief charged me. I survived and the thief lay dead. The jewels recovered and returned. We decided to head back for a second attempt. Our aim was to make contact with the local woodsmen and bandits to recruit them in an attempt to defeat the beast. We never made it that far. The darkness appeared and so did the beast. I charged it scoring powerful hits that only scratched its thick hide. Then lights flashed and I was dead, killed by the mage Sein. Kugaur's prayers to Dorand brought me back from the dead. The mage I scared near to death for his foolish trickery. The demon escaped
The Third encounter was in the Brech Mountains. Gothim, Kuguar and I were returning from a trip to the temple of Vorax when we heard the terrible screech of the beast, and the sounds of battle. Finding a crack in the walls we entered the belly of the mountain and were plunged into the terrible dark. There were men, elves and dwarves and there were spiders and beasts of the dark. I swung my axe hoping I hit only the beasts. I was terribly wounded. We raced down the twisted passages, in defence and attack. Eventually we killed the beast. Hack to bits under the hordes of heroes. Then three more of the same appeared. Many heroes died. We dragged our fallen into the safety of a small room and barred the door. Eventually the noises stopped and we managed to clamber out of the cave system into the safety of the light.
Light, fire, and the touch of the Gods, these are the only things the beasts respect or fear.
-
Demons and Duergar
{Character Development Quest, Makashi}
{Battlerager PrC attained}
My Brother had left me a note to meet him at the temple of Vorax in Ulgrids. We had both been busy preparing for the coming battle with the shadow beasts. The preparations had been hard on him and he had fallen four times and each time the soul mother had taken a piece of him. Each time he had been alone; I had not been there for him. The undead that lurked the crypts are vital component in the enchanting of healing potions. However they do not return to the grave without a deadly fight.
I traveled to Ulgrid with three other kinfolk, Kuguar the Hammer of Dorand, the lovely Brunhilde, and Vlanin another battlemage that Brunhilde had taken under her wing. The trip to Ulgrid was uneventful, the yeti and ogres fell to our axes and the tricks of Brunhilde. When she uses magic it doesn?t seem dishonorable at all. She is fierce in her code and the purpose of her magic. Brunhilde left before we entered the temple, she wasn?t ready to face the priests of Vorax.
My brother wasn't there. However, the temple priest told us that we were needed in Berhelm. The shadow beasts had been attacking the city. We were told to meet Gammli one of the guard captain in the city to find out more about the attacks. Gammli has lost some men, including his son to the attacks. The dwarven scout party had headed down the hole, where the shadow demons had been coming out of, and never returned.
We had a plan, a decent supply of healing potions to throw at the demons and we knew how to move as a unit and to stand motionless to avoid detection by the shadow demons. The plan worked. There were hundred of the creatures down the hole. It was tough fighting but the potions evened the odds. We reached a gate where the shadow demons had come from, someone, or something was letting the out of the gate. I heard the cry of one of the missing dwarves scream in pain. Righteous anger filled me. Strength and vitality raged through my limbs. The beating war drum of my heart pounded in my ears. The gate and the area around it were trapped, but I cared not. In my rage I hacked my way through the obstacles and shrugged off the traps as gnat bites.
On the other side of the gate a horde of spiders was waiting. I hacked for many long minutes. My hardy frame was nearly resistant to the poison of the spiders. Kuguar wasn?t so lucky and the poison flowed into his veins. Kuguar fell twice; twice I revived him with healing potions. On the third time the potion had no affect the poison was too deep into his heart. The mage was also flagging and had to retreat. We noticed a light being shone at us from across an underground lake. The light was directing the spiders. With quick thinking I threw a dust of Shadon at the light, and darkness obscured it. Fighting grimily on I managed to defeat the last of the spiders, the poison had just started to affect me. Quickly we turned our attention to Kuguar. The poison had almost stopped his heart and left him in a state of death-like paralysis. With rough measures I was able to get the his heart beating stronger again and keep him alive while the last of the healing magic was used on him. It appeared we were finished. We needed to rest.
Then my brother arrived. With renewed hope and the prayers of Vorax we were able to press on. Skirting the lake we found a fortress, a Duergar fortress. There were bodies of the Dwarven scouting party outside. It was time for vengeance. We cleaved our way in. The first gray-dwarf we met was a cleric. She fell fast to the Flame of Sharlin. We found a prison and torture chamber. There was one prisoner left alive, Grishin a priest of Vorax. His hands had been horrible mutilated, the fingers smashed off with a hammer. Grishin told of the enemies that lay ahead, some priests and a mad Duergar with a hammer. They were summoning the Shadow-Beast from the abyss through a portal in the fortress.
The first priestess we encountered gave a fierce battle before she fled. We reached the Hammer wielder and found that he indeed was mad, and immensely powerful. He struck at us and taunted us. He moved fast, hit hard and was as tough as iron. He was toying with us, trying to anger us. It was then that I had the realization. The anger within me was a cold-flame strong and fierce. It gave me strength, but through faith and will I could control it, I was able to keep my wits about me during the battle. Then his weakness showed in his mad eyes. He was blind! He was sensing us with his keen ears. As one we screamed and roared to the dwarven Gods of Battle, Vorax and Dorand. The noise blinded his strange sight. With the three axes of Kuguar, Gothim and I we were able to defeat him.
However the battle wasn't over. A priest entered the room and summoned a demon on that didn?t fall to healing magic. I ran to fell the priest while Kuguar and Gothim and Vlanin held off the demon. The priest ran through locked doors, but I held my concentration and was able to pick the locks. In ran at him while he was chanting a spell at a portal. The Flame of Sharlin took him in the back disrupting the spell. The priest imploded. In the other room the demon vanished. However, both Vlanin and Gothim had fallen to it. Kuguar fetched the priest Grishin who was able to revive my brother and the trainee battle-mage.
Grishin showed us a secret room where the Duergar kept magical torches that they used to control the Shadow Demons. We took their entire store then set fire to the fortress. Grishin urging us along before the wizard whose minions we had just slaughter returned. We return to Gammli to report our success. We were treated to a fine meal. Gothim and I were happy to be alive. Kuguar was happy to be able to talk the ear off one of the Dwarven Defenders. I think Vlanin was still in a state of shock at the accomplishment he had just been part of.
I have mastered my anger in battle. I am kuldjargh.
-
Criminal Activity
{Stand Alone Quest: Thespians at the Scamps Mug, Shadow}
I watched a roaring good play at the Scamps Mug last month. A few of my friends were in the play, Vlanin, Pendar, Alleina and a few others did some fine performances. I made good sales on some nice juicy tomatoes to the audience. Almost enough to cover my drinking money,
The bully Gork made off with the till from behind the bar. I took the innkeeper up on a private contract and located the crook to the disreputable town of Fort Vehl. A report of the thief was given to the local Rofirein Temple/Barracks.
{Stand Alone Quest: The Book of Ancient Corathite Evil, Shadow}
A book of ancient evil had been stolen while transported between the temple of Toran and Aeridin. Never back the pansies in a fight. We, Sasha, Allei, Vlanin, Pyyran, Kalin, Daralith and Lucas (Alandic) traced the stolen book to dungeon of a Lich. Daralith is an evil spider worshipping Dark-Elf and wanted criminal. For some reason I was not allowed to cleave the Dark-Elf fiend in twain where he stood. The mage Kalin used his foul trickery to possess my mind. I focused my anger at Daralith and his allies in my cleaving of the undead in our path. We reached a locked room where a Dark-Elf priestess was trapped inside. I immediately attacked the Dark-Elf, but she spoke and again the group urged me to stay my axe. She and Daralith conversed in their foul language. She accused Daralith of being the traitor, while he accused her likewise. In the end she tried of the games and attacked. The Flame of Sharlin sunk into her body with a satisfying crunch. The book I recovered from her body was evil incarnate. As I threatened to burn it with my enchanted torch I noted the face of those who wished to preserve it, Lucas, Kalin and Daralith, possible friends of the Mad God. My investigation to uncover the dark-cult on Mistone may be finding new leads. Alleina plunged her flaming dagger into the book destroying it. The book of Corath is dead. His minions will follow soon.
-
Dinner at the Shieldbreakers
Looking from the kitchen doorway Laila Shieldbreaker watched her husband Darhim and her three sons, Elral the heir, Gothim the priest and Jacrum the youngest, sitting around the dinner table. Darhim had been lecturing on the best wholesalers and miner for ore purchases. The Shieldbreaker family business was a busy as ever. Recently Jacrum and Gothim had started their own small shipping company under the famous Shieldbreaker name. She worried about the boys Gothim and Jacrum. Unlike Darhim they worked in the mines, deep and remote mines, filled with Giants, Trolls and Ogres.
Laila smiled, she had not seen Darhim this involved in the twins. Shipping was his passion, and now that they were involved he had become involved and proud. Darhim would give the twins plenty of advice, lectures actually, but not a single true or an inch of warehouse space. Still he was proud of their achievement. Laila was just happy that he and Jacrum had reconciled. She just hoped he didn’t alienate Jacrum again with his overbearing lectures. Her youngest son had a strong rebellious streak and was likely to do the opposite of what Darhim said if he pushed to hard. He tended to get in trouble, but surprisingly almost always came out unscathed
Her gaze turned to Gothim, her lost son, the battle priest. He was always looking out for his younger brother, getting him out of trouble. But he almost always paid the price. She had heard the talk; the soul mother had visited him over five times. Vorax asked a high price of his battle priests.
-
Investigations
I have been conducting an investigation into some missing artifacts. My clients are wealthy. The pay is in proportion to the danger. My contacts through the shipping and mining business have been useful. So far my leads have led me to the heart of evil, the city that hates the righteous axe with a passion. However they love coin and commerce. All I have to do is bow my head and pretend to be a good little citizen. I try to spend as little time doing so as possible. If I were to loose my temper then all would be lost.
Shipping
Gothim, I have finally found and purchased a warehouse for the business. We have invited Kuguar, Buddy and Vlanin to join us in this Endeavour. The warehouse is centrally located in the Capital of Dregar. I haven’t been able to spend as much time on the business as in the past as my other activities have taken precedence. I still have some outstanding deliveries to make. I had best get moving.
-
Te'Thalus
In Jacrum's notebook a detailed sketch is drawn. The robed figure carries a flaming sword, and wears a crown upon it skeletal head. Under the figure a name is inscribed.
(http://forums.layonara.com/photopost/data/100651/Te_Thalus.JPG)
Te'Thalus
A copy of the sketch is sent to Battlepriest of Vorax at the Ulgrid's Fortress along with a hand delivered letter.
High Priest of Vorax
Honorable Sir,
I have discovered the source of the Shadow Beasts that caused the trouble in the mountains several years ago. The wizard who sent the Gray Dwarf minions against the kinfolk. It is called Te'Thalus a lich of ancient power. I will keep ye informed.
Axe of Vorax,
Jacrum Shieldbreaker
-
The Leaning Tower of Last
Passing through Fort Last Jacrum notices that the tower is starting to lean. He suspects that ground water, from the source that feeds the nearby well, is causing the foundations to sag.
(http://forums.layonara.com/photopost/data/100651/thumbs/Leaning_Tower_of_Last.jpg)
Jacrum stops to write a brief note for the resident. He also slips the note and a parchment advertising his services under the door.
(http://forums.layonara.com/photopost/data/100651/thumbs/Leaning_Tower_of_Last_2.jpg)
-
Quotation 117 Fort Last
Reinforce Tower
Repair Foundations
Material | Qnty | Each | Total | Grand Total
Iron Bars | 40 | 400 | 16,000 | -
Oak Planks | 20 | 100 | 2000 | -
Cash Discount| (20%) | - | -3800 | -
Granite | at cost | - | 1000 | - |
Labour | 8 | 1875 per Dwarf-Week | 15000 | -
Grand Total | - | - | - | 31200
[/table]
-
A dream of twins
From the mountain height he could see a vast army gathering on the field below. A horde of warriors had risen from the grave in a twisted parody of life. The undead horde was lead by a humanoid figure with a golden crown, a flaming great sword and wreathed in a flowing cloak of darkness. Te'Thalus.
He watched Te’Thalus as the lich surveyed the battlefield. An army of heros had formed to challenge the undead horde. Te’Thalus gaze swept the field of battle and settled on a Dwarven warrior with flame red beard, a mighty war axe and the symbol of Vorax on his shield. Brother!
He watched as the Dwarven warrior locked gaze with Te’Thalus. The two figures, Lich and Dwarf charged for each other. They met with a clash of blades. The flaming great sword severed the dwarfs head. His brother’s body was lost in the stampede of the undead horde.
Jacrum awoke with a roar from the recurring nightmare. The madness of battle fever upon him. He swung the ever near Flame of Sharlin at the two flickering orbs of flame. His axe connected with the glowing embers of his campfire, sending a shower of dust into the air. Swearing fiercely he focused his thoughts waiting for the battle rage to pass.
His brother, Gothim, was no longer speaking to him. He has told him of the dream. He had seen it as a possible future event. The soul mother had her claws deep into his brother’s life force. He had asked him to forsake the life of the battle-priest for that of the scholar. They had argued with raised tempers. In the end his brother had returned to temple at Ulgrids. But the rift between them was great, both twins too subborn to seek forgiveness. The loss of his brothers company had torn a hole in his soul, far greater then the soul mother ever could.
Jacrum looked down at his axe then listen to the sounds of a forest. His waking roar had attracted some of the forest giants, a fight was coming, something to take his mind from his troubled thoughts.