Kragen, sharing other items of my recollection about this riddle.
A particular race being sweet blooded is possible. Although, I am not sure what that would be. Earlier we also considered the writer being a vampire writing to a thrall.
I am still curious if this is the relic Wayfinder sword the ranchers mentioned. If so,why is it locked away. And why was the Spider so eager for it. We know the level directly above this vault was full of animated furniture that Erbert thought could have come from some great magical surge.
The folks at the ranch were convinced that Earlier we were told by the bandits that the Spider 'is searching for something. It is something that he wants very much as far as I can tell from talking with him. He does not dissemble well. He seems to think it is a furnace or some kind of thing to make items of power with. I do not understand Undercommon well enough to be clear.'
I am still considering all of these things but it seems uncertain. Again, I welcome helping Belgger and perhaps learning more in our travels.
Trolkarl, great insights and additions. I was hoping others would add their perspective and takeaways so we could put a more complete picture of facts together and determine better hypothesis.
not sure how to do this however would be good to have a list of paths or clues with facts we know about those paths. Is there anything that would be better to help us organize ourselves? This should probably go into the OOC gaming thread. Add thoughts there.
Unless we have compelling reason to pull in the others , Belgger may lead to another clue? Will try and find out more.
You are able to find Belgger enjoying a bowl of stew and mug of ale at Jotrun’s.
He looks up from his focused attention on the bowl of pork stew in front of him, "Well met, again! I am so grateful to you for freeing me from that dragon. I was sure I was going to die there. Please sit and join me."
“Well met Cousin Belgger, how fares thee? It is good to see your appetite has returned!!” Slaps him on the shoulder. “Thank you, we would love to join you and have a chance to discuss business if amenable?” Sits down and request a mug of Dwarven stout for all and plates of roast lamb stew.
”it was fortunate that we found you and Henilen when we did, I fear it would not have needed well for you cousin.” Frowns heavily
”I understand Henilen has returned to waterdeep, hope his travels are swift and fruitful.”
”our understanding is you have need to return north, to the spine of the world.” “Where are you headed, my friend?”
pausing before engaging in more probing questions.
Questions for Belgger (getting on a flight and will be indisposed) post answer on destination.
Kragen intends to inquire in more depth on how he ended up in captivity? What was he doing? What transpired in the Dragons Lair? Was he exposed to the tower or observed the ritual slayings?
Kragen would like to have a light conversation on clan origin and discuss homeland and share his lineage and homeland origin. Sharing he is the “son of Anvil and Soniata of the Mountain Dwarves of Vaasa”, “after his parents had passed, he was indentured to the tyrant Warlock Knight Lord Thistlepig and forced to work in the reopened mines of Delhalls.”
Provides some brief context around the encounters with Craddick the Coward and the itsy bitsy Spider, the ruins of Elven folk north of shale cliff, seeking any info he might have about the history of the place and subsequent evil that inhabited it post demise.
Belgger finishes the ale in his flagon with a great draught and wiping his beard answers Kragen, "Well met, cousin. I am Belgger Granitethew, third cousin of clan lord Keldor Granitethew. Our clan lives to the north in the Spine of the World at Granitestead. There we have a great city, working mine and trade town to treat with the surface folk. I was working as a guard on one of the trade caravans when we were attacked by the dragon. It wiped us out and carried me off, unconscious, back to its lair. That was three months ago according to Bessia, the priestess here." He pauses for a moment, "With your heroism and her mercy I live still to enjoy good ale and hearty stews." One of the serving girls brings him another bowl of stew and refills his ale. "The dragon was trying to break my will, get me to turn on my own people. I think it hoped to take Granitestead as its own. Henilen was there. He helped keep me alive through the beatings by the orcs and the threats of being next in front of the tower," he shudders at this. "I expect those visions will not leave my sleep for a great time." He grows silent and just stares into his bowl for a long moment. With a shudder he continues, "They were awful, dark apparitions would come from behind the tower after dark. They were....emptiness. The people would scream as they drained the life from them and then fall limp, dead husks of bodies. The orcs would then throw them over the edge of the cliff. Even orcs would not eat their flesh after that. The apparitions would then return to where they came from behind the tower. The dragon would promise I was next, unless I worked with him." He stays silent for a longer time, "I was ready to do that....." Tears form in his eyes. He looks up, "Then you arrived. It was all a blur to me. Henilen described it to me. The dragon nearly won, but you ended it. Now, I just want to go back to Granitestead. I have nothing but the arms and armor of mine you rescued with me, I am quite thankful for that. I am sure my cousin would ransom me if you were to help me get back home." He looks to each of you hopefully.
"These other adventures of yours sound doughty. I know not of any Craddock or Black Spider, unfortunately. The elves of the mountains left many generations ago, driven out by orcs. Our people have fought the orcs since that time and before. There are tales of dwarven mines taken by the orcs as well."
He finishes his tale and takes another great drink from his flagon. Three dwarves enter Jotrun's around then and take seats near you. It is Cleggor and Magnar Stonejaw with another dwarf bearing a resemblance to the two of them. Cleggor and Magnar hail you with raised mugs as they sit to enjoy a meal.
“Thank you cousin, I know what you endured was horrifying and I apologize for having asked such haunting questions however we have been trying to piece together the origins of the evil there. You are safe and returning to health which is all that matters.”
Places 10gp and 1pp on the table in front of Belgger.
”here cousin, my share of what was recovered from the Dragon. You had much taken from you, this may start you back on your path.”
”I have not had the pleasure of meeting a Granitethew, it is well that your clan still thrives. My heart yearns to return to the Vaasa mountains however all that is there is pain for me and my people, one day I will return and remove the scourge that rules there!” Ponders thoughtfully brining justice to The Warlock Knight.
”my colleagues and I may have interest in heading North to continue to investigate our findings. If we do, would you be interested in joining us?”
seeing the Stonejaws, smiles fondly “well met Cleggor, Magnar?” “Come sup with us and tell us how trade fairs for you?” “Meet our Cousin from the Granitethew clan, Belgger Granitethew!” Slaps Belgger lightly on the back.
Belgger politely declines the coins, “Please offer this to the priestess, Bessia. If you can travel to Granitestead with me that is wonderful. She can use the coin to help others in need like myself. I am in all of your debts, cousin. Doubly if you assist me to get home. My axe is yours if you seek to avenge your clan against an evil oppressor.”
The Stonejaws gladly join you. More stew, bread and cheeses are brought to your table. Flagons and pitchers of ale follow these along with Jotrun stopping to greet all of you, “I see that the patrons here may appreciate some of my finer offerings.” He says this while setting a bottle of dwarven whiskey and small cups on the table. The Stonejaws introduce themselves to Belgger and Starker, as well as the third brother Gamlen.
One of the serving girls sets a small bowl of grapes on the table next to Starker. “He is so cute,” she says looking at Cyrus. “I thought he may like these.”
The Stonejaws are initially reluctant to discuss their business with new people. After your group vouching for Starker and Cyrus they relax a bit. They know of the Granitethew clan and readily accept Belgger.
”Cousin Kragen, we are challenged in our endeavors. The tunnels we found are accessory mines, not the Deep Wave Mine we seek,” Cleggor offers. Gamlin and Magnar nod in agreement. “Don’t leave out the harassment by the ogres,” Gamlen adds. “Ogres have been taking our pack animals as well. There is a clan of them nearby, unfortunately. We cannot find where they are living so it is hard to avoid them.” Magnar chimes in, “We know the mine is near. We are so close.”
Magnar smiles and thanks Kragen, “We can manage a few smelly ogres, cousin. Thank you. It is just slowing us down. And Gamlen protests more than the most stubborn mule when he has to carry the missing animal’s load,” he says clapping his brother on the back. Gamlen protests, then finishing his ale agrees, “I do.”
Chuckles at the jest “That would make any Dwarf complain! Fair thee well and good fortune to you and your Brothers. We look forward to hearing about what the Mountain provides, may Dumathion lay bare his treasures and keep you safe.” Nods to the all, with great respect.
Turning to Belgger “Master Belgger, we would be happy to accompany you north to the spine of the world and your home.” “We have some business north and seek additional information.” “Give us a day to close up our affairs here and we will be ready to head out.”
”do we need to secure you something that may be faster than your stumpy legs?” Smiles and chuckles
Belgger replies in thanks to Kragen and the rest of you, "You are too kind to assist me in this way. I cannot directly repay you for your efforts on my behalf. While I do expect for my cousin to offer you some kind of thanks, I do think you can find a way to profit from this journey on your own. It is about a week travel to Granitestead. When we trade with the towns of the tall-folk we offer iron, copper and gems in trade for grains, dried fruits and hard wood. If you were to obtain a cart and mule or ox, a load of such goods from here will certainly find a buyer in Granitestead." He lets that sink in before adding, "I am ready to leave when you are."
Cleggor listens to Belgger's suggestion and adds, "Even with a loaded up cart you would be looking at a 10 gold coin profit. Is that worth the trouble? Not to undercut you brother," he says to Belggor, "but these lot are not traders."
Starker, in an aside to the waitress: thank you, he does love small sweet things.
Cyrus takes three grapes and attempts to juggle. Regardless of success or failure, he whips off his hat, bows to her, and smiles a big spider monkey smile.
Cleggor listens to Belgger's suggestion and adds, "Even with a loaded up cart you would be looking at a 10 gold coin profit. Is that worth the trouble? Not to undercut you brother," he says to Belggor, "but these lot are not traders."
Kragen turns to Cleggor with a wry smile “What do you have in mind Cousin?” “My craft is not a tradesperson so your council would be welcome.”
Starker, laughing, “There is no way I can top the contribution Cyrus has just made to this evening’s festivities. I will head back to my inn and get some rest in preparation for our setting off tomorrow. For what little it is worth, I would prefer we not attract the attention of brigands by bringing tradegoods along in a slow moving wagon. Let’s get our new friend home safely.”
One last thing, perhaps to aide the concerns of someone who has never went to the Spine of the Worlld or so far north. Would we be advised to bring any cold weather gear for such travel this time of year? I’m more concerned with all of us arriving healthy than turning a profit for this trip.
Belgger responds, "The days will be warm, nights will be cool. Plan for fires at night or bring extra blankets. The cold weather will not be for another month or two."
"Bleggor, if you want to come with me we can check out what Mr. Hannol has to offer for mounts and get you something for the journey. He has quality animals and charges a fair price.
/OOC I bought the mule and related stuff. I've marked it to my inventory for now.
"What other gear do you need?
We'll also need to stock up on food and water. How many days journey is it?"
After getting Bleggors gear squared away Chadwick will make the rounds around town saying goodbye to the people he has gotten to know.
Trolkarl, great insights and additions. I was hoping others would add their perspective and takeaways so we could put a more complete picture of facts together and determine better hypothesis.
not sure how to do this however would be good to have a list of paths or clues with facts we know about those paths. Is there anything that would be better to help us organize ourselves? This should probably go into the OOC gaming thread. Add thoughts there.
Unless we have compelling reason to pull in the others , Belgger may lead to another clue? Will try and find out more.
“Well met Cousin Belgger, how fares thee? It is good to see your appetite has returned!!” Slaps him on the shoulder. “Thank you, we would love to join you and have a chance to discuss business if amenable?” Sits down and request a mug of Dwarven stout for all and plates of roast lamb stew.
”it was fortunate that we found you and Henilen when we did, I fear it would not have needed well for you cousin.” Frowns heavily
”I understand Henilen has returned to waterdeep, hope his travels are swift and fruitful.”
”our understanding is you have need to return north, to the spine of the world.” “Where are you headed, my friend?”
pausing before engaging in more probing questions.
Questions for Belgger (getting on a flight and will be indisposed) post answer on destination.
Kragen intends to inquire in more depth on how he ended up in captivity? What was he doing? What transpired in the Dragons Lair? Was he exposed to the tower or observed the ritual slayings?
Kragen would like to have a light conversation on clan origin and discuss homeland and share his lineage and homeland origin. Sharing he is the “son of Anvil and Soniata of the Mountain Dwarves of Vaasa”, “after his parents had passed, he was indentured to the tyrant Warlock Knight Lord Thistlepig and forced to work in the reopened mines of Delhalls.”
Provides some brief context around the encounters with Craddick the Coward and the itsy bitsy Spider, the ruins of Elven folk north of shale cliff, seeking any info he might have about the history of the place and subsequent evil that inhabited it post demise.
Belgger finishes the ale in his flagon with a great draught and wiping his beard answers Kragen, "Well met, cousin. I am Belgger Granitethew, third cousin of clan lord Keldor Granitethew. Our clan lives to the north in the Spine of the World at Granitestead. There we have a great city, working mine and trade town to treat with the surface folk. I was working as a guard on one of the trade caravans when we were attacked by the dragon. It wiped us out and carried me off, unconscious, back to its lair. That was three months ago according to Bessia, the priestess here." He pauses for a moment, "With your heroism and her mercy I live still to enjoy good ale and hearty stews." One of the serving girls brings him another bowl of stew and refills his ale. "The dragon was trying to break my will, get me to turn on my own people. I think it hoped to take Granitestead as its own. Henilen was there. He helped keep me alive through the beatings by the orcs and the threats of being next in front of the tower," he shudders at this. "I expect those visions will not leave my sleep for a great time." He grows silent and just stares into his bowl for a long moment. With a shudder he continues, "They were awful, dark apparitions would come from behind the tower after dark. They were....emptiness. The people would scream as they drained the life from them and then fall limp, dead husks of bodies. The orcs would then throw them over the edge of the cliff. Even orcs would not eat their flesh after that. The apparitions would then return to where they came from behind the tower. The dragon would promise I was next, unless I worked with him." He stays silent for a longer time, "I was ready to do that....." Tears form in his eyes. He looks up, "Then you arrived. It was all a blur to me. Henilen described it to me. The dragon nearly won, but you ended it. Now, I just want to go back to Granitestead. I have nothing but the arms and armor of mine you rescued with me, I am quite thankful for that. I am sure my cousin would ransom me if you were to help me get back home." He looks to each of you hopefully.
"These other adventures of yours sound doughty. I know not of any Craddock or Black Spider, unfortunately. The elves of the mountains left many generations ago, driven out by orcs. Our people have fought the orcs since that time and before. There are tales of dwarven mines taken by the orcs as well."
He finishes his tale and takes another great drink from his flagon. Three dwarves enter Jotrun's around then and take seats near you. It is Cleggor and Magnar Stonejaw with another dwarf bearing a resemblance to the two of them. Cleggor and Magnar hail you with raised mugs as they sit to enjoy a meal.
“Thank you cousin, I know what you endured was horrifying and I apologize for having asked such haunting questions however we have been trying to piece together the origins of the evil there. You are safe and returning to health which is all that matters.”
Places 10gp and 1pp on the table in front of Belgger.
”here cousin, my share of what was recovered from the Dragon. You had much taken from you, this may start you back on your path.”
”I have not had the pleasure of meeting a Granitethew, it is well that your clan still thrives. My heart yearns to return to the Vaasa mountains however all that is there is pain for me and my people, one day I will return and remove the scourge that rules there!” Ponders thoughtfully brining justice to The Warlock Knight.
”my colleagues and I may have interest in heading North to continue to investigate our findings. If we do, would you be interested in joining us?”
seeing the Stonejaws, smiles fondly “well met Cleggor, Magnar?” “Come sup with us and tell us how trade fairs for you?” “Meet our Cousin from the Granitethew clan, Belgger Granitethew!” Slaps Belgger lightly on the back.
Belgger politely declines the coins, “Please offer this to the priestess, Bessia. If you can travel to Granitestead with me that is wonderful. She can use the coin to help others in need like myself. I am in all of your debts, cousin. Doubly if you assist me to get home. My axe is yours if you seek to avenge your clan against an evil oppressor.”
The Stonejaws gladly join you. More stew, bread and cheeses are brought to your table. Flagons and pitchers of ale follow these along with Jotrun stopping to greet all of you, “I see that the patrons here may appreciate some of my finer offerings.” He says this while setting a bottle of dwarven whiskey and small cups on the table. The Stonejaws introduce themselves to Belgger and Starker, as well as the third brother Gamlen.
One of the serving girls sets a small bowl of grapes on the table next to Starker. “He is so cute,” she says looking at Cyrus. “I thought he may like these.”
The Stonejaws are initially reluctant to discuss their business with new people. After your group vouching for Starker and Cyrus they relax a bit. They know of the Granitethew clan and readily accept Belgger.
”Cousin Kragen, we are challenged in our endeavors. The tunnels we found are accessory mines, not the Deep Wave Mine we seek,” Cleggor offers. Gamlin and Magnar nod in agreement. “Don’t leave out the harassment by the ogres,” Gamlen adds. “Ogres have been taking our pack animals as well. There is a clan of them nearby, unfortunately. We cannot find where they are living so it is hard to avoid them.” Magnar chimes in, “We know the mine is near. We are so close.”
“Well met Gamlen Stonejaw! Kragen Gravelbeard of the Vaasa Mountain Dwarves, clan Delhalls.” Nods with respect and raises his mug
looks to Magnar “Ahh, Cousin, sounds as if you can smell the veins you seek. Fear not, fortune will smile upon you!”
”it’s Unfortunate to hear you have vile ogres plaguing your efforts! Are u in need of assistance or do you have it handled?”
”my compatriots and I may be escorting Cousin Belgger North back to Granitestead in the near future.”
Magnar smiles and thanks Kragen, “We can manage a few smelly ogres, cousin. Thank you. It is just slowing us down. And Gamlen protests more than the most stubborn mule when he has to carry the missing animal’s load,” he says clapping his brother on the back. Gamlen protests, then finishing his ale agrees, “I do.”
Chuckles at the jest “That would make any Dwarf complain! Fair thee well and good fortune to you and your Brothers. We look forward to hearing about what the Mountain provides, may Dumathion lay bare his treasures and keep you safe.” Nods to the all, with great respect.
Turning to Belgger “Master Belgger, we would be happy to accompany you north to the spine of the world and your home.” “We have some business north and seek additional information.” “Give us a day to close up our affairs here and we will be ready to head out.”
”do we need to secure you something that may be faster than your stumpy legs?” Smiles and chuckles
Belgger replies in thanks to Kragen and the rest of you, "You are too kind to assist me in this way. I cannot directly repay you for your efforts on my behalf. While I do expect for my cousin to offer you some kind of thanks, I do think you can find a way to profit from this journey on your own. It is about a week travel to Granitestead. When we trade with the towns of the tall-folk we offer iron, copper and gems in trade for grains, dried fruits and hard wood. If you were to obtain a cart and mule or ox, a load of such goods from here will certainly find a buyer in Granitestead." He lets that sink in before adding, "I am ready to leave when you are."
Cleggor listens to Belgger's suggestion and adds, "Even with a loaded up cart you would be looking at a 10 gold coin profit. Is that worth the trouble? Not to undercut you brother," he says to Belggor, "but these lot are not traders."
Starker, in an aside to the waitress: thank you, he does love small sweet things.
Cyrus takes three grapes and attempts to juggle. Regardless of success or failure, he whips off his hat, bows to her, and smiles a big spider monkey smile.
Cyrus starts juggling the grapes. He gets bold and takes a bite out of one. The grapes all scatter when he loses track as a result of his bravado.
The serving girl laughs in delight.
Kragen turns to Cleggor with a wry smile “What do you have in mind Cousin?” “My craft is not a tradesperson so your council would be welcome.”
Cleggor says, “Just ride north, leave the trading to the traders.”
Starker, laughing, “There is no way I can top the contribution Cyrus has just made to this evening’s festivities. I will head back to my inn and get some rest in preparation for our setting off tomorrow. For what little it is worth, I would prefer we not attract the attention of brigands by bringing tradegoods along in a slow moving wagon. Let’s get our new friend home safely.”
One last thing, perhaps to aide the concerns of someone who has never went to the Spine of the Worlld or so far north. Would we be advised to bring any cold weather gear for such travel this time of year? I’m more concerned with all of us arriving healthy than turning a profit for this trip.
Belgger responds, "The days will be warm, nights will be cool. Plan for fires at night or bring extra blankets. The cold weather will not be for another month or two."
"Bleggor, if you want to come with me we can check out what Mr. Hannol has to offer for mounts and get you something for the journey. He has quality animals and charges a fair price.
/OOC I bought the mule and related stuff. I've marked it to my inventory for now.
"What other gear do you need?
We'll also need to stock up on food and water. How many days journey is it?"
After getting Bleggors gear squared away Chadwick will make the rounds around town saying goodbye to the people he has gotten to know.