Bohrhorgen knocks on the door, three booming thuds reverberate through the thick wood. A moment later an older dwarf with a long white beard opens the door, slowly swinging open due to its heavy mass.  He walks with a limp and has a perpetual frown on his face. In a querulous tone he addresses Bohrhorgen. “Well there you are finally, took you long enough to get here. Your uncles waiting, bring your... associates with you. And stomp your boots before you come inside!  He turns and walks deeper inside, grumbling about young people nowadays, lack of sense or skill, always in to trouble. The interior is plush, much nicer than the austere exterior would imply. Dark wood paneling with veined marble floors, arching entry’s and scrollwork on the trim give the impression of tasteful luxury and wealth. “This way, this way.” The grouchy dwarf leads you down the main hallway, doorways on either side, to the last door on the right. A female Dwarven servant comes through the door, carrying a large silver platter with the remnants of smoked sausages and cheese.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Mon 06 Apr 2020.

"Many thanks as always Torin."
Bohrhorgen motions with his head towards the door and after attempting to clean his boots walks in that direction.

Torin just scowls a little harder, he harumphs a little and walks back the way you all just came.

“Come in lad! Come in!” The voice is deep but smooth, a definite burr in the pronunciations. As you enter the room, you see it is a study, or an office. A large mahogany desk dominates the back half of the room, bookshelves on both side walls, leather bound tomes adorning the shelves. A tapestry hangs behind the desk, a Dwarven Forge on one half, three gears interconnected on the other half. (The religious symbols for Valund, the Smith, and Rava, the Gear Goddess.) A round table four feet in diameter is in the front half, chairs strewn about it.
 A large burly dwarf with rosy cheeks stands at the table, facing the door with a large grin on his face. A large silver stein in his hand with froth spilling over the side.“Horgen! It’s good to see you lad!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Tue 07 Apr 2020.

"And you, good uncle!"  Bohrhorgen shuffles over to embrace Dugan, pausing a few steps short to sniff at his mug "Did you receive our gift then?"
With a flourish, he waves at the party: "some introductions: you may remember my stories about the scoundrel Nic, this tall drink of water that you get a racial plus one bonus to hit is Rowan, and my newest acquaintance, who is most certainly not a Gnome, is Mantle.  This, gentlebeings, is Herr Dugan Kegdrainer, grandmeister smith, honored elder of my line and all around upstanding Dwarf."

"I have quite a story for you old man,one that will certainly dry my throat.  What do you have to drink around this dungeon?"

Bohrhorgen will launch into a tale of camaraderie, adventure and steel on steel, leaving no detail out and with special emphasis on the hall the rat king was found in and the lore so far discovered and recalled about the tapestry, keg and their historical significance.  The meeting with Tymon and threat from the ghoul empire will need to be explained.  Perhaps he recognizes a description of our assailants from earlier as well?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Fri 10 Apr 2020.

As Bohrhorgen mentions drink, the serving lady enters carrying 4 large silver mugs full of amber liquid. She hands one to each of you and leaves the room. As you try the ale, it’s just like a dwarf, strong and bitter, with earthy undertones.

After listening attentively to Bohrhorgens accounting of previous exploits, Dugan nods his understanding. “Your two friends were just here and left rather than risk meeting Silence. Yes, I know about the clockwork killer. I helped create it as an apprentice. Thank you for the Blackaxe Stout, it’s been decades since I’ve tasted this particular ale, most wonderful my boy. Dugan beams at Bohrhorgen, you can see he is truly proud of his nephew.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:18, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

Nic quietly remains attentive to the revelry and conversation amidst the dwarves. He takes a celebratory swig of the ale upon each instance of joy and heroism that is emphasized in the story telling. I've always found family bonding and the sharing of stories to be an extraordinary transferrence of emotion and sharing of fellowship. It far supersedes that of any tale spun in a tavern.

Dugan waves expansively, “In my younger days, I’d be strapping on me armor and setting out with you to lay low this undead menace. “   His expression turns regretful as he continues. “Now I’m old and fear I would just slow you down. But I do have a way to be useful.” He steps over to the tapestry and pulls a tasseled rope you hadn’t noticed before. “I have the perfect accoutrements for this fine ale you’ve brought me Horgan.” Dugan has already finished the ale and looks pointedly at anyone who hasn’t finished theirs yet. “In the house of Kegdrainer, we live by our name.” As he speaks, another round of ale is brought in, also a platter with smoked sausage, cheeses, and bread, much like the empty tray you saw removed as you arrived. “Now, let me do what little I can to help ensure my nephews safe return.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:44, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

"That would be just the sight to put the fear into our foes!  Get them shaking in their little undead booties!  Har har har!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:08, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

As Bohrhorg pulls me in and points to Meister Sterhammer I feel myself trying to step forward like I have to get a little closer to this burly dwarf.  Mantle looks over and says
“Bohrhorg the forges are amazing!! When are they going to make me some new toys I like new toys!! Especially things that go bang!!” 
Just about as he finishes this statement and starts to look towards the forges once again smiling, he feels Nic arms route them towards the door. Brining his focus back to the sky as quickly remembers the bee that got away.
Whispers under his breath “It won’t happen again.”
“In answer to your question Bohrhorg yes I have an idea how Stella got Kiara away but as for where they went or whether I can negotiate for her that would be a big fat NO!! Obviously I’m not on the in with my sister anymore than anyone else is……”


I look to Nic “Yes Dwarven Ale would be good right about now!”

As I enter I’m blown away by the size and beauty to be held within I was expecting a bit more rough and practical to be honest. Stomping my feet off at the door and following the grumpy old dwarf down the hall as we approach the door and the dwarven maiden comes by with the tray of scraps food my bellies rumbles and I realize that I’m quite hungry too.


Winking at Bohrhorg as I bow “Pleased to meet You Herr Dugan, I heard a rumor you have Dwarven Ale….. (Beaming smile crosses my face)”


Mantle gets a look of shock on his face as Dugan says our friends were here and just left. Also the fact that he had a part in making the clockwork killer.  “Excuse me not to be rude and interrupt you Herr Dugan but did my sister say where they were heading to before they left or did she leave anything for us?”  Then with a little look of what could only be disgust, “You helped build that metal abomination!! Any idea who it belongs to these days??”


As he looks over his empty stein at us I raise mine and finish it down as I pull it down and see the food come in my bellies rumbles loudly again, “Now were talking that’s what me bellies really needing!”

This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

"See?  Definitely a Halfling, not a Gnome!"
"Any help would be appreciated.  You have always treated me right and there's little I could ever do to repay you properly.  This is quite important to me and I will see it through and make you proud."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

As the night goes on listening to Dugan and Bohrhorgen chat back and forth about the past and present times. My mind keeps coming back to Silence the Clockwork Killer and his Bee.

When I see there's a momentary pause between subjects I ask Dugan "So I can't stop thinking about Silence you said you helped build it long ago do you know if it has any weaknesses cause it healed up quite quickly from my magic missiles and I'm quite certain had it actually wanted to kill the rest of us we would all be dead right now. So when our paths cross again I'd like to know I have a better chance than this last time. Any information is better than no information."

Dugan gives Mantle a tight smile. “As an apprentice, I wasn’t allowed to pick my tasks. I also wasn’t included in the planning, I only manufactured parts that were used later. The only weakness I know Silence has is it only follows the orders given. No deviation. “ He takes another pull on the stein and says “your sister is having some things delivered later tonight”Dugan then gestures expansively, "Now let's get down to some serious drinking!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:37, Fri 10 Apr 2020.

"I told you he was a genius."

Bashful smile crosses my face "Herr Dugan I meant no offence and yes the fact you were an apprentice at the time would make sense that weren't really part of the discussion of the creation of this piece of clockwork. Also as an apprentice I can understand the fact of being part of something like that was on the brink of discovery...(sly smile crosses his face).....since you've been around for so long that is!!"

Giggling "Teeheehee!!"

"Agreed we do have some drinking to do since this is the House of Kegdrainer!! I wouldn't want to bring shame to that fine name!"

Nic raises his emptay tankard, "No shame to the name!" he interjects, proffering his tankard overhead for a refill. Nic continues to listen intently to Dugan, paying heed to his mentioning of past exploits. Finally, he interrupts as if he just discovered something, "Herr Dugan! I have a question you may find difficulty answering, but I must ask. Do you know who originally purchased the clockwork assassin, this ... Silence, or who lays claim to him now?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:56, Sun 12 Apr 2020.

As the night goes by, Dugan moves to another room, one much larger with a hearth, a bar, and comfortable chairs. A musical group is playing music from a corner stage. As Nic asks about the ownership of Silence, Herr Dugan,who has been, up to now fairly inebriated, suddenly looks stone cold sober. “Silence hasn’t been seen for several decades. Perhaps 40 years or more. He was created for the family Stross, the once noble family who ruled this city before they were thrown down in revolt. I would surmise that it would take a noble offspring of the house to be capable of commanding him. How you came to be at odds with a family that no longer exists, as far as anyone knows, is a very disturbing question to me.” A knock at the door interrupts your suddenly serious discussion as several porters bring in bundles that they place at the bar your sitting at before bowing to Herr Dugan and leaving. Dugan brightens, “Enough of what we cannot change. Time for gifts and rewards!” Dugan then starts passing out packages. First he hands everyone except Nic a well worn backpack. “Stella  commissioned these for you and had them sent here when she left. Handy haversacks for all of you. “ He then turns to Nic and hands him a smaller package, it looks like a folded cloak but as Nic accepts it, it feels heavier. Since you already carry a haversack for the group, Stella sent this for you.”  He then explains what each item does, and how to activate it, if necessary. To Rowan, he hands a headband made out of fox fur. May this help you on your path to greater understanding.” He then hands leather strips to Mantle, then shows him how to wrap them around his feet, keeping his halfling feet bare.  “Sometimes the most devastating effects are when your opponents don’t see it coming,” Then he hands a cloak to Nic, flashy on one side, completely unnoticeable on the other. I hope you can reconcile both of your natures, may this assist you in your path.”I Finally, he turns to Bohrhorgen, his Nephew. My Nephew, I treasure you as the son I never had. This Axe was your fathers, may you carry it with the honor that he embodied, and lift up the Name of our house in the same manner as he did.”   In addition, Journeyman Sternhammer is finishing a set of armor as we speak, it will be done before the morning sun.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:58, Sun 12 Apr 2020.

I...will honor the legacy of this weapon and our clan."

..."got to remember I'm not a dwarf just cause I have this beard!!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:24, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

Nic addresses Dugan, "Sir, I can't thank you enough for all that you've done. You honor me with your nephew as my friend, and this is more than I could ever hope to repay your generosity with. I am humbled by these offerings. Upon our return, if I can somehow repay this great favor, I will seek to do so. I thank you again with sincerity." Nic unclasps a spider clasp from around his neck (placing it in a haversack), dons the chain mail and shimmering cloak while beaming gratuitously. The cloak shimmers with heavy gold and silver embroidery against richly colored silk, matching Nic's smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

You drink into the wee hours of the morning, Herr Dugan matching drink for drink with you. Truly good and drunk, Dwarven style, you start to think of sleep when Stella walks in to the room. Shaking her head bemusedly she motions you all to follow her. She bows to Herr Dugan who returns her bow. She leads you to a hallway with sleeping rooms and casts a spell, one your familiar with, nap stack. “See you in a couple hours, you’ll be rested but no guarantee you’ll be recovered.” The morning comes early, heads pounding, you make your way to the great hall, led by Bohrhorgen. Breakfast is served to you, stacks of cakes, large greasy sausages, 5 egg omelettes, large loaves of bread with butter, milk and coffee. After eating, you feel much better, ( like going to Sals Diner after the Maverick). Afterwards you wander a bit, checking out the large manor and all the wonders it presents. As you check the stables, you see a coach being readied, Stella is directing the loading of several sacks of supplies and 3 small kegs. “Ready for it? Kiara is waiting for us.”

Nic does his best to shrug the effects from the night before, and visually inspects the carriage before climbing aboard. "Good to see you again Stella, and thank you." giving her a wink and a tug at the cloak he now wears. "I'm glad you spirited Kiara out of harms way from that creature. I'm curious to know why it attacked her, and who it was that sent it. Perhaps we will uncover some answers soon. Onto the Nymph then I take it?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:09, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

“On to the Nymph, I agree. I sense that time is of urgency, we must hurry lest we lose our quarry.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:14, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

After recieving the gift from Dugan "I'm always a bit hesitant about shoes I like the feels of the air between my toes!! But these are great!!"

"Hmm food!! I'll be taking a bit extra with me time to put this pack to use you see!!"

"Glad to see you sis....." (filled with heavy sarcasm)

Stella looks abashed,“I’m sorry Mantle, it seems like I go from one damage control situation to the next. I promise I will catch you up on the big picture as soon as I can. I’ll tell you this, I’m not working towards greater profits, war is coming, and we aren’t prepared.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:29, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

'Thank you Herr Dugan for your fine hospitality and generous gifts"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

OOP: Ok, I’ll start another thread. I think one night partying with Uncle Dugan is enough.