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IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Posted by DMFor group 0
Bugrem Stonesinger
player, 17 posts
Knighted Underdark Ranger
Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 21:51
  • msg #3

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Bugrem chewed on his pipe stem, whisps of smoke escaping from the corners of his mouth as Jothoun checked Brok's harness for the umpteenth time since Lord Rogar had called his shield dwarves together. In response, the broad-shouldered hound rumbled deep in his chest - not a growl, but a warning that a growl might be forth-coming. He slapped at the coarse black fur, feeling the taut muscles beneath and running his hand down Brok's shoulder, signet ring glinting in the day's light. Reassured his mount, even as he removed the pipe from his mouth and let a ring of bluish smoke escape to disperse, "Enough, old friend - Brok is ready, for when Lord Rogar calls upon his rangers to lead the way"

Behind the old dwarf, he could see Drogo and Vigo tightening the straps on their own packs, the two halfling brothers laden with pots and pans and rations whilst the jabbered to one another in their earthy native tongue. Even after these many years, he had a scant few words, but he thought it was something to do with bacon. Or maybe a pie.

"It won't do for you to fall flat on your face in front of the thane, young master", grumbled Jothoun, his voice like gravel and granite grinding against one another, even as hs words insisted on the older forms and named him a striping, forgetting they had marked his hundred-and-forty-third year this past midsummer, "We'll need to mind the smallest thing on this .. 'quest', mark my words!"

Chuckling, Bugrem noted his Lord's hearth-warriors making themselves ready and mounted up himself, checking his weapons and Brok's harness before he swung up. His eyes glittered black in light, a fell mood settling over his shoulders. Grasping the reins with one hand, he worried at the signet with the other, turning it over and over.

Glancing at the movement, Jothoun nodded sadly, near bowed by the weight of the Stonesinger battleaxe strapped to the back of his studded leathers, and Bugrem's mouth softened, but only a fraction, as he whispered a familiar prayer to their ancestors, lost to flame and fire

Today might be the start of something, or its end.
Lyesri Shadowforge
player, 11 posts
Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 22:13
  • msg #4

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

One of the quietest members of the group was also one that was avoided the most by most of them. She didn’t mind the solitude - she wasn’t here to make friends, but the way they looked at her was both disturbing and exhilarating.

Fear.

Rumours had spread of the dwarves women’s rise to power, questions from finding a dark magic ritual, to some inherent latent power. If the fools knew the truth, they would fear her more. She adjusted her meagre pack on the stout pony she rode, looking beside her to Joskar, the dwarf closest to her. Once, the two were close - could have passed as twins, but now both were different. Joskar was fighting to reclaim the glory of his family - she was fighting to prove to hers that she was worthy. The dwarf smiled a half smile, almost ironic at the thought. The family she fought to gain approval of, who thought her unworthy, she would show them

….she would show them all.

She looked at Joskar and spoke, her musical voice had a tinge of power in it. “Soon cousin….we will find our chance.” She pointed up, the dark oak staff in hand as she rode. This quest for dammerhall brought dwarves together for various reasons….glory, riches, home. For her, it was power. But whatever the reason, they worked as a team to succeed.


….they must succeed
Toramar Greymane
player, 6 posts
Ranger
Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 22:54
  • msg #5

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

An middle aged dwarven woman approached Bugrem. Her weathered face was crisscrossed with scars and her red hair with streaks of grey was tied back in an austere bun. She wore armor and was loaded down with weaponry. She had the obvious bearing of someone who knew what she was about and had seen a great deal in her time. This woman was known to any ranger worth their salt: Drika Greymane, who's exploits and adventures were beyond counting.

Behind her, hitching a pack up onto his back, was a younger looking dwarf. He shared Drika's red hair with the same grey streaks; a sign that the streaks were not in fact a product of age. This younger dwarf also wore armor, but he carried only two obvious weapons: a heavy crossbow and a sword that, while still clearly of dwarven make, teetered dangerously close to being considered a delicate weapon. Unlike Drika, who walked with the calm assuredness of experience, this younger dwarf almost looked nervous among the many hardened warriors of the expedition.

Drika raised a a hand in greeting to Bugrem. "Hail Bugrem Stonesigner. Thanks again for agreein' to take my boy into your tutelage during this expedition. I've taught him quite a bit, but there's no substitute for real experience and he won't learn with me there breathin' down his neck."

The younger dwarf, who looks distinctly uncomfortable after that introduction, holds out a hand to Bugrem with a confidence that belies his discomfort. "Well met Bugrem. I'm Toramar Greymane. I'm lookin' forward to the opportunity and I'm honored to be a part of something this historic."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Sat 10 July 2021.
Grenda Clawhammer
player, 5 posts
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 00:17
  • msg #6

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

While not so far forward in the overall convoy as the scouts, or even the front line of guards, Grenda is part of what would normally be considered the lead element.  Usually found in the navigators wagon she spends most of her time helping with one form or another of maintaining, making, or copying maps.  What little communication she has other than written information by messenger is with those responsible for finding new details to add to the maps, or those whom she gives the updated maps to.  The whole process is very organized, very dwarven, and far more intellectual than most of the others likely expect.

As the convoy starts making its final preparations to enter the underdark Grenda spends some time inspecting the entrance, the area around it, and just inside.  No doubt taking a last opportunity to search for any useful information about how it was concealed for so long before the thundering stampede of booted feet and wagons rolls over it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sun 11 July 2021.
Flint GoldHelm
player, 6 posts
Artificer
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 01:34
  • msg #7

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Flint whistled as he walked among the wagons and groups of dwarves huddled together as they prepared. How many dwarves were even here, there had to be dozens! Honestly the younger dwarf had never seen such a large group of dwarves and other small-folk. Come to think of it he couldn't recall spending much time in the mountains, he doubted that would be the last thing he would have to get used to. Speaking of, he adjusted the armor for maybe the hundredth time since he had put it on. No one had mentioned how stuffy the protective clothing felt. Flint ignored the fact that his own additions probably made it worse. Instead he moved from wagon to wagon, group to group. He found a new question for each one. "Why are we taking mastiffs? Where are we heading? Why are those supplies necessary? Why use that technique instead of a different one? Have you ever met a deep gnome, what are they like?" Some of the people he asked took the time to answer his questions, some simply scoffed at this questions and resumed their tasks. Neither response bothered the young artificer. He was used to the somewhat single-minded nature of his brethren.
Joskar Dunbeard
player, 14 posts
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 04:37
  • [deleted]
  • msg #8

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

This message was deleted by the player at 04:38, Sun 11 July 2021.
Bugrem Stonesinger
player, 19 posts
Knighted Underdark Ranger
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 05:44
  • msg #9

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

"Hail Drika Greymane", intoned the rider from atop Brok, forcing the scowl that had been forming to depart. His eyes studied young Toramar, weighing him like a newly cleaved capstone awaiting its placement, "Hail Toramar Greymane"

He reached down from where he sat atop the mastiff, clasped the boy's hand, "You'll do, from what your grandmother tells me of you in her letters. She tells me-" and one bushy eyebrow raised over his head to meet Drika's eyes "-that you've some skill in you, a feel for the Underdark? We'll test that, on Lord Rogar's expedition. Test that, and more"

Behind him there was more muttering about breakfast from the two halflings, and Bugrem's mouth quirked with a smile, gesturing to them and the ancient dwarf a few feet behind him, "Drogo and Vigo, they'll keep us fed in the breaks between scouting ahead. We'll be busier then you've seen. Jothoun, who'll patch us up and care for the weapons."

Gesturing to some few of the dwarves he knew, he pointed out those to Toramar that would be useful for the boy to know: Grenda, for her maps; Kroland and Braelig, to keep close in a fight; Ysgard and Flint for their tales, and others he knew
Toramar Greymane
player, 7 posts
Ranger
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 14:45
  • msg #10

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Drika nodded at the mention of testing and addressed the other ranger again: "Part of me wishes that I was comin' with you lot, but someone has to stay back and keep doin' real work while Lord Stoneaxe gallivants around the underdark with half of our best fighters. I expect my boy to come back with new scars Bugrem, so don't keep him safe." With that farewell done, she clapped Toramar on the shoulder, turned, and made her way back through the assembled expedition.

Toramar waved farewell as she departed. "Farewell mother." He turned back to Bugrem's companions and nodded a greeting to them. "Well met." He did his best to remember the names of the other members of the expedition.

When Bugrem was finished, Toramar addressed the older ranger. "Exploring the underdark is in my blood. I've had enough of practice." Perhaps the young dwarf was trying to convince himself, but he sounded confident.
Raseri Frostguard
player, 7 posts
AC 15/13|HP 14/14|Init +1
PPer 12| PInv 9| PIns 10
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 14:59
  • msg #11

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

With the Stoneaxe standard rising upwards to signal the beginning of the journey Raseri smiled widely as the group began to move. ”About time we got things moving. I thought I was going to die of boredom sitting here for the past month while waiting to delve into the depths.” With a laugh he pushed his way towards the front and unslung his shield. ”Alright, let’s see if a Stoneaxe can plop his butt on the Mithral Throne and gain the Totemic Warrior clans allegiance. I’ll stay right upfront to see the whole show.” Without any sort of reverence for the Stoneaxe clan Frostguard laughed wildly as he talked to himself. ”Hope it’s a good one!”

But such was the way of the Totemic Warriors of the North; they bent the knee to the Mithral Throne and respected those who earned it through deeds. Many had tried to claim the throne before, all had failed, not one soul had even returned from those ventures. So venturing beneath the mountains and seeking out a hidden way into Dammerhall if the previous ventures were taken into account this expedition seemed like it would fail as well. But perhaps because of youth and his clan’s way, the wild smile and laugh that bellowed forth from him stirred an urge to take up arms and fight! Even if every venture had failed before, Raseri didn’t seem to mind, but rather was happily looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Cracking his neck with a simple roll of his head and shrug of his broad shoulders he started walking forward as he pulled free his war-pick. ”I hope we run into goblins. Great way to get the blood flowing. “ He said while grinning and miming a couple of swings with his Pick as if braining a few goblins. ”Cowardly things though, always skittering about. They should just stand still and take the hit, make for less trouble for everyone involved.” The strange thought of Goblins lining up to be struck in the head was a curious picture, and to Frostguard, not an unpleasant one.

So Raseri continued forward with no other thought than to brain anything he came across that looked even slightly hostile towards him and the Dwarven expedition. Raseri Frostguard, did not seem like such a complicated fellow though he did look around for a moment and opened his mouth again. ”Could do with a bit of a marching song though.” He gave a sage like nod. ”Yep, a marching song would be nice. Maybe something about drinkin an killin.”
Kroland 'Ironleg' Rocksinger
player, 13 posts
AC:19 HP:13/13
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 15:41
  • msg #12

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

For the last few months Kroland had largely been with either the artisans or the warriors. Fixing and fighitng seemed to be all he had done for the years since the last expedition. He had worried the disaster of the last one had been the final nail in coffin as far recapturing Dammerhall in his lifetime was concerned. He mused that once his final days approached he might have had to venture forth alone and met his fate in the deep and the dark. He was much happier mucher to possibly the same fate with company. A soldier through and through he alwasys found himself more comfortable with other warriors.

He checked his equipment as he had done every day for the last 226 years. Once all was complete he stroked the insignia of Dammerhall on his shield and thought of home. The shield was chipped and scarred in a thousand places like a simulacrum of his own body. He stowed the shield and turned to his hammer and touched the same insignia and muttered a prayer to Braela to keep his shield arm strong and his hammer arm untiring. A small ritual that Kroland had never quite managed to shake since Dammerhall was lost.

Ritual complete, Kroland headed to the front calling out to those he recognised with words of encouragement or playful jibing. He passed by Bugrem and his entourage, scanning each in turn and quickly dismissing those without weapons and settling on the boy. "Finally setting off eh Stonesinger! Remember which end to hold your sword and keep your eyes sharp. You will likely be the first to find trouble i've no doubt!" His eyes turned once again to Toramar and his weapons, his scarred eyebrow raising as he looked him over. "Never met a dwarf that brings knitting needles to fight hah! Make sure to point that crossbow at the enemy. You hit any of my warriors and il be back to shave your beard! Stick with Bugrem and you won't be too far wrong, for all his faults he isn't the worst dwarf i've trained."
Joskar Dunbeard
player, 15 posts
AC 14, HP 08/08, Insp No
Pass-Ins12,Inv17,Pcn19
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 01:59
  • msg #13

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Lyesri Shadowforge:
She looked at Joskar and spoke, her musical voice had a tinge of power in it. “Soon cousin….we will find our chance.” She pointed up, the dark oak staff in hand as she rode. This quest for dammerhall brought dwarves together for various reasons….glory, riches, home. For her, it was power. But whatever the reason, they worked as a team to succeed.
….they must succeed

Joskar looks to Lyesri, hiding the concern he feels for her quest for power.  Of all the rumors, he is the one to whom she has told the truth.  Though not as close as they had once been, he is one of very few people she trusts.  Which, to him, is a good thing.  She is not yet lost to the dark power to whom she is attached.  For that he is glad.
He sits uncomfortably on the back of the large dog, more used to exploring on foot than aboard a riding animal.  He watches as everyone groups together, listens to Lord Rogar.  Definitely, he says in response.  He nods his head in the affirmative.  More than a chance, we should hope.
He looks at Lyesri.  They need my eyes with the other scouts to make sure the tunnels are safe.  We will see each other again, cousin.  With a smile and a wave, he moves to join the other scouts at the front of the formation.
He approaches the other Cavers functioning as scouts on the expedition.  As much as he would like to be in the background, his expertise, his Miner's Eye is needed up front to make sure the tunnels they are to pass through will hold up.  I suppose we are running the point, he says to the other Cavers/Rangers present.
Baldin Stonecrusher
player, 6 posts
HP: 12
AC: 18
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 07:23
  • msg #14

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Baldin prepares himself as the expedition readies to move out. Around him ring the last goodbyes and low murmurs wishing luck, speed and safe return. He moves through the throng of dwarves that are forming the main force, stopping every now and then to encourage or share a word or prayer with his dwarven kin.

A recognizable figure as a champion of Moradin, Baldin realizes that the success of the expedition depends on the portrayal of strength by those who lead, either by position or by example. Here now at the start he works hard to make sure everyone is focused and ready to go.
Lyesri Shadowforge
player, 12 posts
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 07:29
  • msg #15

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Lyesri couldn’t help but smile at her cousins outlook. He had always seen the good in her, something until recent years she held into. But the constant berating had beat the dwarf maiden down, pushing her forward. She had not the strength for physical combat, nor the eyes and aim of a hunter. She held no real faith, so healing was not her strong suit. Even the mind of a wizard eluded her, though she tried time and again. She was a quick thinker and quick talker when needed, and her new power gave her a mysterious charm.

It wasn’t until her master came, promising her what she wanted that she had real purpose. She had told her cousin about what happened - some anyway, and though he still believed in her good, he chose to ignore her darker side.

…two parts of the whole.

As he bid his farewell, she muttered. “Don’t worry cousin….we have your back.”

She felt the presence, the approval of her thoughts. She would protect him like he did her all those years ago.

She would show them her power.

She watched as a figure passed by, offering praise to the soul forge, and she just watched without emotion. Watching Baldin see to the troops, she wondered. Would he know his god will not save them all, if any of them. Would that thought shake his faith? No, probably not. As he approached her, she looked forward. “Save your prayers for those who believe champion - my fate is watched by someone else. Let’s get this group started, shall we?”
Gillifian Bristlebeard
player, 3 posts
There is no problem a
hammer cannot solve
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 12:11
  • msg #16

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Gilly breathed a sigh of relief. It looked like they were on the move, finally. After all the weeks of waiting, all the weeks of listening to boasts and gripes and idiot theories about why the world was the way it was. More than once he had been ready to chuck it. Go back to being a caravan guard and to hell with his heritage. Instead, he had stuck to it, waited it out, and now, at last, they looked as if the expedition was ready to push down into the hidden entrance to the ancient dwarf strong-hold of Dammerhall.

It was the one place he had never been able to search for clues to where his father might have gone. Not that he expected his dad to be down there. No. The ancient halls had been abandoned and sealed off long before even his father was born. But his family had a connection, a silver smithy, the stories told, on the lower levels, the forge fed by the mountain's inner fires. Perhaps there, if it still existed, he might find a clue about where his father would have gone.

Not that he expected to stroll down and just find it. Oh, no! There would be danger and enemies aplenty between here and there. And wasn't as if he knew exactly where there was -- just some old clues he had pieced together from half-remembered tales. Enough, he hoped, that he would be able to find the place -- when they had driven out whatever had settled there two centuries ago.

Yes. After that little detail had been taken care of!

As the others stirred around him and took up their arms and their packs, he stood and stamped his feet, stretched and used his great maul as a barbell to exercise in place. Get the blood flowing. Ready to go, take on whatever they found.

He glanced around at the others. Some of them seemed to know one another. He nodded at those who met his eye and smiled grimly.

Time to go!
Bugrem Stonesinger
player, 22 posts
Knighted Underdark Ranger
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 12:51
  • msg #17

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Bugrem watched Drika's retreating back, nodding comfortably to Toramar's confident claim as she left, his hands unconsciously tugging at the fur on Brok's back, where he sat, "Aye, lad, that you will"

He watched the Stoneaxe warriors begin to make ready, raising a fist in salute to Kroland as he passed, though he muttered to himself at the warriors words, "First to find it, first to handle it", before calling out, "We'll keep some for you, if you want Kroland. Stop your axe getting rusty, Rocksinger"

Smiling to himself, he nodded to Joskar as the Caver approached on his own mount, "Hail, Joskar! We're on point, as always. We're young Toramar with us, son of Drika"
Joskar Dunbeard
player, 16 posts
AC 14, HP 08/08, Insp No
Pass-Ins12,Inv17,Pcn19
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 20:59
  • msg #18

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Hearing his name called, Joskar turns to face the caller, whom he recognizes from training, but can not seem to remember his name just at the moment.  It takes him a moment to remember the proper response, not being used to being around others that much.  Hail, and well met, he calls back tentatively, with a wave.  He nods at the other, young dwarf indicated.  Again, name failing to attach to a face in regards to his sire.  Welcome, Toramar, to the trap-and ambush-finders of the expedition.
Reizzok Stoneaxe
player, 20 posts
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 21:24
  • msg #19

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Reizzok clinked through the ranks, his equipment stowed and packed tightly as his eyes ran over the assembled masses and supply trains.

His shield sported a newly embossed emblem of Tharmekhûl on the front of it that Bugrem, Kroland, and others would not have seen before on Reizzok's equipment, but it made sense as he was a smith born and raised.

"Bugrem," he said with a nod as he walked up. "Reizzok Stoneaxe at your service. Smith and servant of the Forge," he said to Toramar.

"The expedition is finally underway and I hope we can find some restoration for our people eh?"
Toramar Greymane
player, 8 posts
Ranger
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 22:13
  • msg #20

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Toramar resists the urge to rise to the baited comment about knitting needles though the red in his beard noticeably migrates to the rest of face as he bites his tongue. Through gritted teeth, he responds. "Toramar Greymane. Pleased to meet a friend of Bugrem. No one has to worry about getting shot in the back as long as they don't look to much like a goblin."

When another ranger approaches, Toramar takes the opportunity to disengage and greet the newcomer. "Thank you. It's an honor to be invited to the company."
Ysgard Rumnaheim
player, 10 posts
Scholar Bard
AC 13; HP 10/10; PP: 9
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 23:12
  • msg #21

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Sitting off to the side so as to not get in the way of the loading process, Ysgard was - once again - going over his supplies that he was bringing along on this journey. He had been to subterranean locations, but never more than a brief stay to see what was left of dwarven civilization. Grandma Skerri had walked him all across the region, having him meet her old friends, hearing the old stories, listening to the old songs, stirring the old blood that threatened to go out like a flickering flame in a storm.

At first, he would have admitted he did not feel much of anything like a dwarf. His family lived in a human city, had human neighbors, and worked alongside humans. Aside from the height differences, was there really a difference? He hadn't thought so.

But thirty-five years had passed since then. His journey of learning had brought him to his roots. Now he sought to nurture those roots until the great dwarven holds stood again. Dammerhall would rise and he would be there with the stories and songs that used to play there.
Eusebia Hearthwatcher Axegrinder
player, 8 posts
Tue 13 Jul 2021
at 15:36
  • msg #22

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Of all the people assembled and eager to go on, Eusebia Axegrinder, Hearthwatcher and now aspiring Hearthmother to the small army leaving, was likely the only one who was almost late. But it would not have done to miss one of her favorite cousin's (thrice removed) wedding,so she arrived just on the day they were already leaving.

In the chaos of the trek moving along, the motherly looking, but still very young, woman tried to spot the people described to her at the temple. Most of them she knew already, at least by sight, but right now it seemed hopeless to find anyone, though she could make out the voice of Bugrem Stonesinger somewhere - and the growl of his dog - but then there was time to get to know them all on the journey.

Eusebia also noted another female dwarf she had heard about before. Lyesri or something like that, wasn't it? She had been advised to stay away from her, but no one had told her why exactly. Certainly, the woman had never come to the temple but many people didn't come to her temple unless a family matter was at hand. There had been some talks about this Lyesri, but Eusebia detested rumors. It had been pointed out to her that there was truth in gossip, too, but to her knowledge and experience, it brought more grief and fake information than it was worth. You'd need to talk to a 1000 people to get a 100th of the truth, as her old great-grandmother always said.

In her excitement, she almost stumbled over a dwarf sitting at the side, who seemed to be checking his gear. "Apologies," she mumbled. Then she noticed his beard. It was the strangest thing, lots and lots of wooden beads woven in. Eusebia had never seen anything like it. "That's quite a beard!" she exclaimed in surprise.
Kildrak Fireforge
player, 9 posts
Searching the past
Looking to the future
Tue 13 Jul 2021
at 16:55
  • msg #23

Re: IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Kildrak was dressed in traveler's clothing, not his usual robes or whatever, and over that was a set of hide armor. He carried only an ornate and rune-covered staff, along with a dagger on his belt, no other visible weapons. A stuffed pack was on his back as well. His hair and bear were both brown and long, though he didn't look like he was past his first century by any means.

He was excited! He had been able to secure a place in the expedition to Dammerhall! He wanted to help reclaim it, of course, and that would be huge not only for him personally but for all Dwarves, which would be enough in and of itself. But he also hoped, though he knew it was an extremely remote chance, that he might find out what happened to his mentor as well that gone to find the city before.

It was a large group to be sure. He bounced up and down a bit on the balls of his feet as he waited for things to get moving. Some people were moving around, some talking, but he was just locked in place until they began moving, and then he had to firmly tell himself to walk, NOT RUN, since it would be a long journey, pacing was important.
Braelig Stonehammer
player, 19 posts
Knowledge is Power
AC 16 HP 10/10
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 01:29
  • msg #24

Re: IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

When the call came for a final expedition, Braelig was quick to answer. It would be likely be the final, not because they were giving up, but because by the time another chance could be taken, dwarves would either be no more, or lack the strength and numbers to accomplish it. It didn't matter that there were two hundred years of history recording failed attempts, what mattered was that Braelig had a chance to be a part of it, to put his knowledge and skills to use, and to have even the barest chance at actually finding an answer to even one of his questions. He had already dedicated his life to the research, if it claimed his life, then at worst he would come full circle.

Brealig could feel Lord Rogar's excitement, not to mention that of all the other many dwarves and halflings who had come to answer the very same call. ~This is it! We're here, and this is about to happen. Years of study and preparation, all coming together in this one moment. Our ancestral home, and the future foundation for all clans to rebuild and rise again.~ Braelig couldn't help but smile and cheer as Lord Rogar mounted the huge mastiff, lifting his free hand up into the air as let loose a cheer.

He looked around at others doing the same, as well as those simply going through their last minute preparations, adjusting straps on packs, fastening shields, preparing their weapons, and so on. Some of the faces he knew, others he did not. His studies kept him busy enough that he missed a good deal of social opportunities, but some he had worked with, taught, or even studied under himself. He hoped he could hold on to this feeling though, this closeness to the other dwarves, no matter what challenges they faced when they walked through that entrance.

Dwarves of all kinds milled about. Barbarians of the north, those of hill and mountain alike, and even those from the deep. These days you couldn't be picky, a dwarf was a dwarf, and today of all days, was a great day to be a dwarf!
Ysgard Rumnaheim
player, 13 posts
Scholar Bard
AC 13; HP 10/10; PP: 9
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 05:45
  • msg #25

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

In reply to Eusebia Hearthwatcher Axegrinder (msg # 22):

In such a large crowd with so much going on there was going to be no such thing as "out of the way". But having no better spot to make final checks it was only a matter of time until Ys was in someone's way. At least he was mostly complete with his check of his check at that point. He was about to reply to the quick apology when the jostler spoke up about his beard. There was no way he could be upset.

Grinning from ear to ear, Ysgard turned his head to face the lovely lady, causing his beard to cascade across his shoulder and arm and made a sound like rain from the numerous beads clattering together. "Ah thank yeh, missy," his low voice was full of energy and mirth. "Took me years to carve all'a these, but they's all special." He proffered up a few of the braided strands to show off each bead was indeed carved in some way.
Eusebia Hearthwatcher Axegrinder
player, 9 posts
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 08:39
  • msg #26

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

"I'll say!" Eusebia leaned in and studied the beads. "Very impressive. Takesa lot more dedication than just putting gems in, as so many young folks seem to do these days. Ah but how impolite of me." She pointed to her amulet, a holy symbol showing silver rings twisted together. "I'm Eusebia Hearthwatcher, of the Axgrinder Clan, from the Temple of the Revered Mother." Of course, she would not have needed to add the latter, every dwarf, even if following another go,would recognize the symbol unless he had lived outside a cave, as the saying went. "I'm going to be the Hearthmother of the group,at least that's the plan. Of course I know that's mostly symbolic as there are other clerics around, and I'm young yet, but I am excited to go along nonetheless."

At the moment, Eusebia looked nothing like a cleric asides from said holy symbol. She was wearing practical traveling clothes in browns and ochre and simple leather armor. Generally, clerics of the Mother blended in with whatever they were doing unless in the temple.
Milli Goldbrew
player, 11 posts
Sassy & Fiery Barmaid
Sorceress
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 22:27
  • msg #27

IC 5E Throne of Night Campaign - The Journey Begins

Milli was checking her backpacks, albeit she was offered mastiff she refused. She had seen the dogs and truth told she was a bit scared of them, not used to them nor used to riding one. So she depends on her much more reliable two feet thank you very much! Also, she was strong enough to carry her own supplies and gear just fine, including rations and tools of her trade as a brewer as well.

Milli was dressed in simple but nice clothing, wearing a worn pair of traveling boots and besides pair of daggers in her waist, she carried no obvious armor nor weapons. She had a large leather pouch where she carried the keepsake from her grandfather, which she keeps hidden for now or at least until her magic is needed. As the keepsake works as a focus for her arcane energies and makes using magic easier for her, easier concentrate.

She recognizes several dwarven faces, most of them have visited her family's famous tavern which does serve humans but it's a beacon of dwarven culture at one human capital city. Perhaps the last remaining true dwarven style taverns which served dwarven ale brewed by recipes founded since on Dammerhall. That's the primary reason she has told to Lord Rogar to take her; she presents Goldbrew's effort to reclaim their ancestral brewery in Dammerhall.

But another, more personal, is her grandfather's final wish to join the expedition and provide whatever aid she can. Giving his keepsake which by his words 'could be important in reclaiming Dammerhall' albeit in dead bed he had no time to reveal specifics. He would have joined the expedition for sure but he fell ill and died by the very advanced age of four hundred twenty-five. Older than most dwarves have ever lived.

As lord Rogar raises his hand, cheers are heard across the crowd and she cheers as well, but then sighs as she straightens her back and says; "Okay Milli Goldbrew, now starts your adventure like you had heard all other dwarves and human adventurers talk about!" Then she grimaces from cringe of her own words, this is not going be happy go lucky adventure, it may very well lead to her death and ruin of the dwarven race entirely! But she was raised in a dwarven family, values dwarven values and virtues and so she strongly embraces her dwarven pride and starts taking her first steps to enter to the underground and its dark depths.
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