(OOC NOTE: This is Eberron. Entirely not set in any of the other worlds in Mittens Dungeon. If a character appears in this story, they have nothing to do with the other stories. So if Mittens were here, for instance, she is not the same Mittens as the one in Unity. That said, if anyone desires to have their character make a cameo as an NPC, feel free to do so. I know I will. ;) Other than that, if you don't understand something, please refer to either the Eberron Campaign Guide or Eberron Player's Guide. If you still don't understand, chances are it's on purpose... or my grammar decided to suck again. ^_^ Have fun!)


The sunrise is especially beautiful today. The sparkling gold band in the sky seems to decorate the multi-colored clouds. Sunbeams peak through lower clouds to shine upward at the clouds above them. This same sky is contrasted by the magical vehicles and such flying through it and the incredible towers reaching up into it. The towers are so tall, the upper area of the city almost touch the clouds with their highest tips. Each tower is a town or two in it's own right, but there are a couple hundred of these towers.

To Alexis, this city seems so very very alien. She smiles as she takes in the sunset, her most recent purchase resting on her chest from around her neck. The shiny necklace seems to portray the dagger river and "the Hilt". The river part is blue stained glass encased inside a copper outline. A kindly human woman had persuaded Alexis that it would look nice on her and the saleswoman needed the money. Alexis thought to herself how she would enjoy the necklace for a time and eventually give it to someone she cared about since possessions aren't that important to her.

Alexis looked down from where she stood, holding on to a railing as the wind blew through her hair. She was up so high and standing to have the perfect view of the dagger river, it's hilt, and the buildings way down below that hugged the river. Her smile became a sad smile as she briefly imagined this being the last beautiful day on Eberron. Not wanting to think such things, she banishes the thought from her mind and enjoys the scenery for a few extra minutes. She had already been standing there for half an hour watching the sun rise. And she knew she could always come back to this spot if she wanted. The sight was so spectacular, she really hesitated to go back to exploring the city, but eventually curiousity of other sights and possible needs drew her back towards the inside of the city.


(OOC: Sharr, aka the City of Towers is the location in case the skyscrapers weren't a hint. Sharr is located along the dagger river which is located in the nation of Breland. The regional benefit listed for that is: Choose Diplomacy or Insight as your associated skill. This means you can either take a +2 bonus to those skills or add one of them to your class skill list.)

  Up from the depths, six feet high, not Godzilla not Godzilla not Godzilla.  Sorry, cartoon song reference moment.  Eletor however was indeed recently up from The Depths (and six feet tall).  Old habits and new habits had come together to charge people for medical services, but at affordable (sometimes 'oh I forgot to ask them for money' affordable) rates.  Besides, everyone knew that despite potentially costing more to provide, you charge less for mundane medical services than the Divine and Arcane sort.

  Regardless, some time at the opposite end of the high situation was well suited for a moment of self reflection.  And wondering if Dol Dorn approved of stitching up the arm of a possibly too stupid to live homeless person trying to mug the healer with an obvious broadsword.

OOC: Ah yes, I really should fill out Eletor's BG bit sometime.  But some heads upness are that he is the 'Marked recently but still unknown to house' Variety of Sentinel Mark (Human mercenaries are us House Canith).  A good chunk of his life until semi recently he was a Combat Medic for House Jorasco, Halfling marked rent a medic and hospitals house.

PS.  It's Sharn  <.<

Also in the not-so-high situation strolled a stout and well armored dwarf who was frequently referencing a map.

"Tangled beards!" he grumbles, "You mean to tell me they landed me in the wrong station!?  Confounded impossible city..."

He spots a nearby person rendering aid to another, and infers they're more helpful than not.

"Excuse me sir, but could you direct me to the nearest Kundarak office?"

  Eletor looked over to the Dwarf requesting aid, large amounts of time spent working with Halflings enabling them to avoid awkwardly looking too high initially.  "Of course.  This is the lower western edge of the Menthis Plateau.  The Kundark offices are in the Upper Centre Plateau just north and up from here."  Yes, the Dwarven House establishments are in one of the highest points of Sharn.  Go figure.

  "Did you figure you could manage on your own, or would you prefer to be shown the way?"

"Obliged," Beldal answers with a nod to the uniquely armed human, "If you're offering, I'm accepting.  Name's Beldal.  Warlord.  Yourself?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 22 Dec 2009.

The Kundarak office is just up ahead. And as fate would have it, Alexis happens to be stopping by there if just to see how they are represented so far from home. It's natural to adopt the culture you live in, but Alexis can't help wonder if the representatives here were BORN in Sharn... or sent from the Mror Holds.

Alexis finds a seat, watches and listens. All kinds go through here and all kinds of conversations could happen. What she doesn't know is that her future companions will be holding conversations before her very eyes in short order.

  Lots of people had broadswords, it was a quality of weapon you'd find a match for with Hammers, Axes, and a selection of polearms (Not to mention was the biggest sword a Halfling could manage without going into specialty gear, but that's a different matter).  However Eletor's was admittedly kept in a Scabbard with a ruby inset in it's locket (or whatever term you use for the bit surrounding the open edge).  That and, you know.  Warsmith.  Dwarven Warsmith.  The enforcement of stereotype meant Beldal could easily tell from the handle that Eletor's sword was better than twenty gold's worth.

  "Eletor, humble servant of Dol Dorn offering my assistance.  Directions given have an unfortunate tendency to mostly consist of 'by that tower', and I'm sure you can see how that could lead to inevitable confusion in this city."  It was a fortunately short trip, so far as countless (well, not really but raise your hand if you know) stories straight up and a block to the right are short.  "So far as I know, they haven't lost the bit of money I've left with them yet."

  Shortchanging someone who works for the guys patching up your gaping torso wounds was not good long term business.  However Eletor was still working for House Jorasco when he had made that deposit, not so much the case now.

OOC: I love how some in descriptions, A longsword, Broadsword, and Bastard sword are all pretty much the same thing.  Broadsword? See Longsword.  Longsword? See Bastard Sword. Bastard Sword? See Longsword.  Thank you for such clarity here Mr. Wikipedia.  But I suppose this is the case with most swords in general.  And yes, difficult to come across as 'merely a humble servant of Dol Dorn' sometimes when Magical gear consists of Precious gem blinged Scabbards, Golden bladed swords, and badges made of charred flesh and bone in the visage of a screaming face.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:00, Wed 23 Dec 2009.

Yes, ruby scabbards do tend to speak of more wealth than your typical NPC.  Especially on the lower levels of the city.  But the funny thing about Magical Items^TM is that a +2 looks exactly like a +1.  The one doesn't glow any brighter than the other or bear a convenient numerical mark on it.  Probably.  Fortunately that snag can be overcome by simply holding the item for 5 minutes of not much exertion.  If Beldal had a head for cash value, which, amazingly, beyond being able to spot superior craftsmanship* he does not, it would be the waxy shoes that are the most obviously valuable item the helpful human is wearing.  Level 10 and all that.

Be that as it may, paladins don't usually walk about armed with a broadsword in cloth armor.  Heck, neither do clerics.  Must be an aveng...heeey.  Aren't they WIS type beheaders as opposed to the brawny variety?  Isn't Dol Dorn all about arm wrestling when compared to nature appreciation or noticing traps?  Dol Dorn must have been in a particularly ironic mood when they commissioned a wise-guy to punish deserters who pride themselves in their physical prowess...  Actually, come to think of it, a WIS type avenger would be PERFECT for that job!

"An honor," Beldal answers remarkably quickly considering all the OOC banter, "Good to hear they live up to their reputation in your experience.  I had in mind to repay your help with coin, but now that I've got a better look at you, I'm guessing you're pretty well off.  So perhaps I could repay your favor for with a future favor should you ever have need of a skilled craftsman who could make a bit of magical gear worth 50 platinum or less, given the proper components of course, or resize one of any value to fit you better.  I'm also kind of handy with the hammer in combat, but I suspect you'd have less use for that."

*((More OOC: Githweave is the first of the masterwork options in cloth armor.  So a +3 does in fact look visibly different from a +2.  I suppose even though Beldal's background is in hammering metal, the difference would be noticeable enough to someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, but since the player couldn't tell if Eletor was wearing +3, I'll assume the character can't either, not that Beldal mentioned anything about it specifically.

Even yet more banter:  I suppose one could disguise most magical items readily enough with long strips of cloth or duct tape if one were inclined to hide all those rubies and screaming faces.  Or even wear a mundane robe over everything.  Of course a duct tape covered cloak of distortion would still make you look blurry, so that wouldn't work so well in that case.  Never mind jem-shaped hunk of duct tape floating around my head.  Or the fact that my duct tape shoes don't touch the ground....))
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Wed 23 Dec 2009.

Alexis watches the two with their exchange and likes the dwarf already. Offering such services just because someone pointed the way to some place. On the other hand, it IS Sharn.

A dwarf (Say it ain't so) representative of Kundarak, complete with dragonmark on his face, walks over to the two. "Can I help you with anything?"

  "My aid is hardly worth such effort in return, though I admit that I won't turn down such an offer if you truly feel it's fair."  Eletor said to the so far more than kind Dwarf.

  Eletor turned to face the more recently arrived Dwarf,  "Merely directing someone to this fine establishment.  I'm sure Beldal can sate his business better than I can."  Obviously the case when Beldal hasn't told Eletor what business that is, but still a valid comment.

"Consider my services a tithe to the church of Dol Dorn," Beldal answers Eletor with a polite nod, "Should you enlist them."

He then answers the marked Dwarf, "I was looking for a particular business, and was apparently sent to the wrong place.  I figured this would be a good place to find better directions to businesses.  Besides, my dealings with them would probably inevitably wind up involving the Kundarak, so I figured I may as well get myself assigned an agent or representative or whatever-you-call-'em while I was asking for directions."

He gives a sidewards glance to the strange looking Elf? woman seated nearby.  Sure is different from most elves in many ways.  But he only allows himself a very brief glance.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Fri 25 Dec 2009.

The dwarf rep nods to Beldal. "Alright then. Ask away! If I can't help you out, I can find someone who can." his eyes follow Beldal's glance. He asides to Beldal, "A traveler, I recon... probably from a far away land."

He decides not to concern himself with Alexis, though and says, "Well out with it! What's the place that's so hard to find?"

Alexis listens intently, hoping she might be helpful. She doubts it since this place is so very alien and complicated, but there's always that chance. However, if it's a place she would like to visit, she may as well join Beldal also.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Sat 26 Dec 2009.

  As Beldal seems to have the more informed assistance they need, Eletor focused their attention on the Elven girl as well.  Although while they too had comments to make, they were less aside and more direct as they walked over to Alexis.

  "Excuse me, did you require assistance with anything?  Or are you merely waiting for something already dealt with?  I would hate to think my actions have caused you a longer wait."  Not like there was a line or anything, but still.

Beldal clears his throat.  He then takes a pen and piece of paper from the desk and writes the following message to the representative:

"My employers ask that any business I conduct be kept as secret as possible.  If you are to be my representative, any verbal exchanges must be conducted in a private room.  I have a confidentiality agreement handy.  If you're willing to get started, answer by saying 'Not the easiest to find.  Right this way.'  If not, 'I don't know.  I'll ask for someone who can better help you.'"

"I'm sure you can see now why the difficulty," Beldal says out loud.

The representative says, "Not the easiest to find.  Right this way." and leads the way to another room.

Alexis turns her attention to Eletor and looks up at him from the seat she is sitting in. "Hm? Oh, no, there's no bother at all... I came here to check on a few things and listen in on what's going on." she gives Eletor a smile. "Thank you for checking. Although, depending on where you or your companion wish to go, I may follow. I'm not from this city, so it would be easier to stick with a group than to try to find my own way."

Beldal would be happy to know one can't simply recognize a clan by looks alone since Alexis knows Anvilbreakers well. Enough that the legend is coming to her mind when she watches Beldal. But for now, she says nothing and looks back at Eletor. "If there is something I can do for you, however, do let me know. In the meantime, maybe you wouldn't mind sharing your faith with me? Such as how you came to favor Dol Dorn over the others and why you are on the path you are on."

It crosses her mind to quietly offer a tithe to Dol Dorn if she should happen across a temple or altar for said deity. Not that she worships any of the gods, but she does see the not-evil ones as heroes worthy of respect and some homage.

((OOC: Asked Chris what the DC checks were for the two aspects of Beldal's history and he told me to go by the DC chart listed in the DMG update. For levels 10 to 12, easy is 10, moderate is 16 and hard is 21. Chris then said to go ahead and make the Anvilbreaker legend hard while the attack from his character's background would be moderate.))
((DC 21: Rolled 20 Success! Critical! Alexis heard the best possible account of the Anvilbreaker legend during her time spent in the Mror Holds and remembers it with crystal clarity.))
((DC 16: Rolled 12 Success! From half level alone, I would get a total of 17. Alexis was at the Dwarven settlement where Beldal had been stationed. While she was there, she heard that there was an attack on it years ago that took many lives, warrior and civilian alike.))

  Eletor nodded, "The ancient buddy system has it's many uses indeed.  And Thank you, the opportunity to spread the faith of Dol Dorn where it is desired is more than enough.  Dol Dorn like their Sister Deity Dol Arrah, is a God of War.  Their demand for courage and duty is widely known, as is their link with the soldiers and warrior themselves beyond the broader concept of Military Strategy utilizing them his sister embodies.  However, less acknowledge their demand of self sacrifice in the pursuit of what is right, thinking only of Dol Arrah who also requires this of their servants.  As well as the humble desire one cares for their body and ensure it is healthy and strong."  Dol Arrah would probably get stuck with the Unaligned label as well, and slightly more impersonal at that if not for the fact they had 'Oh, right. Evil is bad' tacked on to their tenets.

  Eletor stopped to consider for a moment, then shrugged.  "As for myself, a man once told me that 'Dol Dorn doesn't do subtle'.  Circumstances at the time lead me to believe this to be true, and to follow their path as best I can."

  A freshly decapitated body at your feet from the first time you have held a sword in your life, the dead's Dol Dorn pendant hanging from your blade unblemished did lack a certain degree of subtle, yes.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Mon 28 Dec 2009.

Once in a private room with the rep, Beldal takes out the apparently rudimentary and generic confidentiality agreement, fills out a few blanks, and hands it over.



((*The date given here isn't entirely arbitrary.  The month and day are, but given that it's been about 103 years since the end of the empire, the current year would be 1111 unless I'm reading the player's guide wrong.

Further OOC: "The Black Hand" I imagined as a secret pro-Dwarven-independence, pro-maintain-the-peace-lest-we-risk-losing-our-independence organization who is not well known in the Mror Holds, much less in Sharn.))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Mon 28 Dec 2009.

The dwarf asks, "Before I sign this, do you have any spare copies of this document? You will need them..."

Alexis smiles at Eletor, listening to his story and asks, "Which circumstances? I'm always delighted to hear about the gods, especially someone as un-subtle as Dol Dorn."

She takes the flower crown off her head and fiddles with it, making sure the crown is looking good and is not coming loose at the weaves.