"I do. Within the mines beneath us, I placed a pair of magical gloves. They can withstand tremendous heat, even that of molten lava. I hid them so that perhaps one day, the anvil could be removed. But, now I wish it destroyed as its dark purpose was revealed."
Morric will have followed everyone and seeing and hearing the dwarf speak will perk up excitedly. He will mention his dwarven friends from Zengris and some of ghe stories he remembers them telling.
"Ah, Zengris, the City of Wares. It is good that you have friends who are dwarven. I once dated a beautiful woman from Zengris. Unfortunately, I discovered she was married. Her husband hired some rather dangerous individuals, assassins, really, to end my existence. Part of a group called the Zengian Ultras."
To the group
"Would someone in your group be willing to bring my hammer to Stonebridge? My clan would gladly reward you for such an endeavor. He shows them the symbol on his armor.
Also, any news of King Gillibran Ironhelm, the second?"
NOTE: It is common knowledge amongst all in the group that the current Dwarven King of Stonebridge is King Gillibran Ironhelm, the third. Also, reread (THE TALE OF MALBORDUS).
"Depends how long you've been here. He succeeded in helping to defeat a great evil... And in destroying other artifacts. Is this anvil related to his deeds?"
Iólinder answers almost absentmindedly, his mind still split between his surroundings and his inner turmoil. But he does find himself something at the possible directions between lore and their current path.
“I do not know how long I have been here. But I do believe the anvil can break this magic holding me. My curse was to see all that I loved, all my friends, perish while I stood helpless.
“This hammer can destroy the anvil. Once the spell is broken, I will die here and join my brothers and sisters. Then it must be returned to the king and not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.”
Amdaeng looked up, " Zengian Ultras? Thats....some serious stuff. Some of the Families in Fang hired them on occasion to settle disputes. Very professional ladies with a variety of assassination methods."
“Indeed. I believe I upset the wrong husband! Coming to these mines was a way to escape. Didnt know I’d be stuck here. Perhaps being poisoned or stabbed in the heart would have been a better fate." The old dwarf smiles, his face betraying his bitterness at his situation.
“No one should have to carry a curse like that forever. If breaking the anvil will set you free…then that’s what we’ll do.” Her gaze shifts to the hammer, then back to the dwarf. “You’ll rest, and I promise—this hammer won’t end up in the wrong hands.”
The dwarf looks at Lira and smiles. "I am gladdened by this, as the hammer is one of three powerful artifacts. They were created in a partnership between Throff (Patron goddess of dwarves) and Telak. (God of Courage) Its twin should be in the hands of King Gillibran Ironhelm, the second. This one will go to King Kurad Dragonhelm, first of his name.
Lev is taken aback when the dwarf strikes the barrier... he blinks, frowning and glancing at his companions as if wondering they'd seen the same thing. Gauging their reactions, he comes to the conclusion they did not and falls silent once again for the duration of the conversation. At least until the group decides to follow through with this mission and ensure that the anvil is broken and the hammer is given to the right individual.
He opens his mouth as if to say something, but then simply lets out a breath instead, lowering his chin and shutting his eyes for a moment as unwanted thoughts run through his mind. His hand strays to the pendant of libra at his neck, but quickly falls again as he shakes his head and steels himself.
"We will ensure it reaches him,"he says to the dwarf.
Just as Vydar realizes who this dwarf is, the dwarf himself confirms his suspicions. He'd heard of Thalagar before, the dwarven smith said to have forged weapons for the gods. He'd also heard of the anvil as well. A shame that such a grand artifact had been tainted by dark magics. He understands why it should be destroyed. He frowns when the dwarf mentions Malbordus. To think this dwarf has been around for that long.
"Is there anything else you can tell us about Malbordus?" He asks.
"Our list of tasks grows ever longer. I'm not complaining, mind you...I could no more refuse a task involving Telak than a snake could resist swallowing a rodent falling within it's coils."
"We are however in need of prioritizing. Our very health and lives depends on acting with prudent efficiency. With that said, I would ask that you provide all pertinent information you can... Including exactly what you told the coven of kobold witches whom you beseeched for help ahead of us."
"I mean no disrespect, but our help would not be you sending us on an "errand". It would be us doing what's right... And fixing the mistake you just made. You do understand that telling evil witches where to find powerful artifacts is a mistake on your part? Or are you so desperate for your imprisonment to end that you care nothing for those you've endangered?"
"I tire of niceties. Speak Dwarf, for time runs short. And if you fall to give appropriate information I'll have no choice but to presume you an enemy... And not the Force e for good you proclaim yourself to be."
Iólinder is feeling uneasy and the mention of Telak reminds him that they are something akin to pawns In a game being played by gods... And he determines that if this dwarf did give information to the kobolds (as he stated he sent them on the same "errand") he may have just made their tasks that much harder.
He also realizes may be overreacting but is feeling the pressure of fighting this fight.
His eyes never leave the exit though as he doesn't bother sparing even a single glance at the dwarf as he speaks.
The dwarf smiles at Iolinder, his eyes showing pity and patience for the young man. He looks back at Vydar. “I do know a few things about Malbordus but it seems your time is short. Mine, well I have been here for ages it seems.”
”A group of kobolds came in not long ago. They were seeking something. Something hidden here by Malbordus and the snake demon Myurr. I know what they seek for I am trapped inside this prison with it.” He pulls out a small gold statuette. (The 4th artifact)
They agreed to bring me the anvil, in exchange for the location of the item. I have not told them I have it. I feel they would use it for bad purposes, though I know not what for.” He looks them over. “If you want what they seek, please bring me the anvil. I will destroy the anvil with my hammer and give it to you to return to the king.” He looks back at Iolinder. “If this is not to your liking or you good intentions, good luck to you in the mines but I suggest you just leave this place.”
(Iolinder saw a small passage at the back of chamber. Lira takes a quick peek. It appears to be a 10x10 stone shaft that goes straight down. Attached to the ceiling, she notes a strange pully system with a very thick rope going around it going from the ceiling down out of sight. (Similar to a bucket of water in a well (from cache 3 but much larger) goes down as far as she can see into the darkness below. It looks dangerous, and not very climbable for the majority of the group.
Both are disturbed by the clerics abrupt and almost rude demand on the dwarf. Although he was quite talkative, he seems to have stopped talking and glumly sits back down, resigned to his fate perhaps.
At the same time, they both have the same thought. It is very troubling and perhaps this is for another time, but Lira notes that the dwarf holds the artifact with his bare hands. Lira touched an artifact in the pyramid and immediately had a strong flashback of a sacrifice. Vydar scarcely toughed the claw of Myurr. Both sensed the strong evil magic within and note that the dwarf has been trapped with this artifact for a very long time.
Vydar is rather surprised at Iolinder's harsh treatment of the dwarf. He agrees with the half-elf's words, they do need to hurry this up... he just never expected to hear that tone from the cleric before.
He listen's to the dwarf's words, and his eyes widen slightly upon seeing him hold the artifact bare handed. Knowing what the claw had done to him, and knowing that the artifact from the pyramid had done the same to Lira, he can't help but feel suspicious towards the dwarf. Though this suspicion fades a bit at seeing the dwarf's reaction to Iolinder's words. Perhaps, the dwarf had grown immune to the item's effects? Much like taking small doses of poison could grant resistance? Or perhaps that item just isn't as powerful as the others... His eyes narrow, not that it matters now. He really doesn't want to risk touching any of the items again.
A thought hits him. "Thalagar, that item is indeed why we are here. I'd say having you destroy one evil object in return for you giving us that artifact is a pretty fair trade. Though I have to say we want to destroy that item, along with several others. If your hammer is capable of breaking the anvil, could it be used to dispose of that item you hold as well?"
Also Insight on Thalagar. Vydar is still a bit concerned that the dwarf might be playing them. Maybe even bewitched by the artifact or even the anvil. Insight: 20
The trapped dwarf smiles at Vydar. "Ah my elvin friend. A very interesting question, which also reveals your groups goals. You would wish me to destroy not only the anvil but also this cursed artifact." He places it back in his pocket. "Thus, your goals are to destroy this thing, not bring it to your master." The man is very perceptive. "This is a good thing and aligns with my goals. You see, Malbordus was an elf, actually a dark elf." He looks at Vydar. "Like you, friend. When I saw a group of mostly elves enter, one being a dark elf, I assumed your goals were that of power, like the kobolds before you and Malbordus long ago.
He looks at the entire group again. ""If you're still in a hurry and feel you must rush to complete your tasks, and if you believe you are capable of doing this all on your own, I will wish you the best of luck. However, perhaps you could choose to be civil. Please tell me your names, why you are here, and then, perhaps, I will choose to assist you with some knowledge of the mines before you go in and get yourselves killed." He glances back at Iolinder and looks at Lira as she looks down the gaping dark mine shaft. "I wouldn't suggest climbing that. It's quite dangerous."
“I’m Lira Evenfall,” the rogue turns and introduces herself, obviously keen on getting the dwarf's help. Who would know better about this place's layout and any traps that awaited them? “We didn’t come here for power. We came because others are using these artifacts for something terrible, and we’re trying to stop them before it’s too late."
"I do. Within the mines beneath us, I placed a pair of magical gloves. They can withstand tremendous heat, even that of molten lava. I hid them so that perhaps one day, the anvil could be removed. But, now I wish it destroyed as its dark purpose was revealed."
Morric will have followed everyone and seeing and hearing the dwarf speak will perk up excitedly. He will mention his dwarven friends from Zengris and some of ghe stories he remembers them telling.
The caged dwarf looks at Morric.
Morric
In Dwarvish: "Do you speak Dwarvish friend?"
"Ah, Zengris, the City of Wares. It is good that you have friends who are dwarven. I once dated a beautiful woman from Zengris. Unfortunately, I discovered she was married. Her husband hired some rather dangerous individuals, assassins, really, to end my existence. Part of a group called the Zengian Ultras."
To the group
"Would someone in your group be willing to bring my hammer to Stonebridge? My clan would gladly reward you for such an endeavor. He shows them the symbol on his armor.
Also, any news of King Gillibran Ironhelm, the second?"
NOTE: It is common knowledge amongst all in the group that the current Dwarven King of Stonebridge is King Gillibran Ironhelm, the third. Also, reread (THE TALE OF MALBORDUS).
"Depends how long you've been here. He succeeded in helping to defeat a great evil... And in destroying other artifacts. Is this anvil related to his deeds?"
Iólinder answers almost absentmindedly, his mind still split between his surroundings and his inner turmoil. But he does find himself something at the possible directions between lore and their current path.
“I do not know how long I have been here. But I do believe the anvil can break this magic holding me. My curse was to see all that I loved, all my friends, perish while I stood helpless.
“This hammer can destroy the anvil. Once the spell is broken, I will die here and join my brothers and sisters. Then it must be returned to the king and not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.”
Amdaeng looked up, " Zengian Ultras? Thats....some serious stuff. Some of the Families in Fang hired them on occasion to settle disputes. Very professional ladies with a variety of assassination methods."
“Indeed. I believe I upset the wrong husband! Coming to these mines was a way to escape. Didnt know I’d be stuck here. Perhaps being poisoned or stabbed in the heart would have been a better fate." The old dwarf smiles, his face betraying his bitterness at his situation.
“No one should have to carry a curse like that forever. If breaking the anvil will set you free…then that’s what we’ll do.” Her gaze shifts to the hammer, then back to the dwarf. “You’ll rest, and I promise—this hammer won’t end up in the wrong hands.”
The dwarf looks at Lira and smiles. "I am gladdened by this, as the hammer is one of three powerful artifacts. They were created in a partnership between Throff (Patron goddess of dwarves) and Telak. (God of Courage) Its twin should be in the hands of King Gillibran Ironhelm, the second. This one will go to King Kurad Dragonhelm, first of his name.
Lev is taken aback when the dwarf strikes the barrier... he blinks, frowning and glancing at his companions as if wondering they'd seen the same thing. Gauging their reactions, he comes to the conclusion they did not and falls silent once again for the duration of the conversation. At least until the group decides to follow through with this mission and ensure that the anvil is broken and the hammer is given to the right individual.
He opens his mouth as if to say something, but then simply lets out a breath instead, lowering his chin and shutting his eyes for a moment as unwanted thoughts run through his mind. His hand strays to the pendant of libra at his neck, but quickly falls again as he shakes his head and steels himself.
"We will ensure it reaches him," he says to the dwarf.
Just as Vydar realizes who this dwarf is, the dwarf himself confirms his suspicions. He'd heard of Thalagar before, the dwarven smith said to have forged weapons for the gods. He'd also heard of the anvil as well. A shame that such a grand artifact had been tainted by dark magics. He understands why it should be destroyed. He frowns when the dwarf mentions Malbordus. To think this dwarf has been around for that long.
"Is there anything else you can tell us about Malbordus?" He asks.
"Our list of tasks grows ever longer. I'm not complaining, mind you...I could no more refuse a task involving Telak than a snake could resist swallowing a rodent falling within it's coils."
"We are however in need of prioritizing. Our very health and lives depends on acting with prudent efficiency. With that said, I would ask that you provide all pertinent information you can... Including exactly what you told the coven of kobold witches whom you beseeched for help ahead of us."
"I mean no disrespect, but our help would not be you sending us on an "errand". It would be us doing what's right... And fixing the mistake you just made. You do understand that telling evil witches where to find powerful artifacts is a mistake on your part? Or are you so desperate for your imprisonment to end that you care nothing for those you've endangered?"
"I tire of niceties. Speak Dwarf, for time runs short. And if you fall to give appropriate information I'll have no choice but to presume you an enemy... And not the Force e for good you proclaim yourself to be."
Iólinder is feeling uneasy and the mention of Telak reminds him that they are something akin to pawns In a game being played by gods... And he determines that if this dwarf did give information to the kobolds (as he stated he sent them on the same "errand") he may have just made their tasks that much harder.
He also realizes may be overreacting but is feeling the pressure of fighting this fight.
His eyes never leave the exit though as he doesn't bother sparing even a single glance at the dwarf as he speaks.
The dwarf smiles at Iolinder, his eyes showing pity and patience for the young man. He looks back at Vydar. “I do know a few things about Malbordus but it seems your time is short. Mine, well I have been here for ages it seems.”
”A group of kobolds came in not long ago. They were seeking something. Something hidden here by Malbordus and the snake demon Myurr. I know what they seek for I am trapped inside this prison with it.” He pulls out a small gold statuette. (The 4th artifact)
They agreed to bring me the anvil, in exchange for the location of the item. I have not told them I have it. I feel they would use it for bad purposes, though I know not what for.” He looks them over. “If you want what they seek, please bring me the anvil. I will destroy the anvil with my hammer and give it to you to return to the king.” He looks back at Iolinder. “If this is not to your liking or you good intentions, good luck to you in the mines but I suggest you just leave this place.”
Amdaeng chuckles, " Then we still have the same task we started with, lets get to it. Lira, lead on."
Lira nods. Seeing no other passage leading from the chamber, she heads back out and down the main hallway, keeping an eye out for traps.
Stealth: nat 20 + 8, Perception: 25
(Iolinder saw a small passage at the back of chamber. Lira takes a quick peek. It appears to be a 10x10 stone shaft that goes straight down. Attached to the ceiling, she notes a strange pully system with a very thick rope going around it going from the ceiling down out of sight. (Similar to a bucket of water in a well (from cache 3 but much larger) goes down as far as she can see into the darkness below. It looks dangerous, and not very climbable for the majority of the group.
Vydar/ Lira
Both are disturbed by the clerics abrupt and almost rude demand on the dwarf. Although he was quite talkative, he seems to have stopped talking and glumly sits back down, resigned to his fate perhaps.
At the same time, they both have the same thought. It is very troubling and perhaps this is for another time, but Lira notes that the dwarf holds the artifact with his bare hands. Lira touched an artifact in the pyramid and immediately had a strong flashback of a sacrifice. Vydar scarcely toughed the claw of Myurr. Both sensed the strong evil magic within and note that the dwarf has been trapped with this artifact for a very long time.
Vydar is rather surprised at Iolinder's harsh treatment of the dwarf. He agrees with the half-elf's words, they do need to hurry this up... he just never expected to hear that tone from the cleric before.
He listen's to the dwarf's words, and his eyes widen slightly upon seeing him hold the artifact bare handed. Knowing what the claw had done to him, and knowing that the artifact from the pyramid had done the same to Lira, he can't help but feel suspicious towards the dwarf. Though this suspicion fades a bit at seeing the dwarf's reaction to Iolinder's words. Perhaps, the dwarf had grown immune to the item's effects? Much like taking small doses of poison could grant resistance? Or perhaps that item just isn't as powerful as the others... His eyes narrow, not that it matters now. He really doesn't want to risk touching any of the items again.
A thought hits him. "Thalagar, that item is indeed why we are here. I'd say having you destroy one evil object in return for you giving us that artifact is a pretty fair trade. Though I have to say we want to destroy that item, along with several others. If your hammer is capable of breaking the anvil, could it be used to dispose of that item you hold as well?"
Also Insight on Thalagar. Vydar is still a bit concerned that the dwarf might be playing them. Maybe even bewitched by the artifact or even the anvil.
Insight: 20
The trapped dwarf smiles at Vydar. "Ah my elvin friend. A very interesting question, which also reveals your groups goals. You would wish me to destroy not only the anvil but also this cursed artifact." He places it back in his pocket. "Thus, your goals are to destroy this thing, not bring it to your master." The man is very perceptive. "This is a good thing and aligns with my goals. You see, Malbordus was an elf, actually a dark elf." He looks at Vydar. "Like you, friend. When I saw a group of mostly elves enter, one being a dark elf, I assumed your goals were that of power, like the kobolds before you and Malbordus long ago.
He looks at the entire group again. ""If you're still in a hurry and feel you must rush to complete your tasks, and if you believe you are capable of doing this all on your own, I will wish you the best of luck. However, perhaps you could choose to be civil. Please tell me your names, why you are here, and then, perhaps, I will choose to assist you with some knowledge of the mines before you go in and get yourselves killed." He glances back at Iolinder and looks at Lira as she looks down the gaping dark mine shaft. "I wouldn't suggest climbing that. It's quite dangerous."
“I’m Lira Evenfall,” the rogue turns and introduces herself, obviously keen on getting the dwarf's help. Who would know better about this place's layout and any traps that awaited them? “We didn’t come here for power. We came because others are using these artifacts for something terrible, and we’re trying to stop them before it’s too late."