Chapter One: The Road to Gnometon

[ybn1197]

Grim feels humbled both by Unther's words and trust in him. At Striborg's words, Grim turns and scowls slightly at the man, but he does bring a real concern to the forefront of Grim's mind. Was this a setup to ensure the two of them kept their end of the deal? He would have to keep his ears and eyes open for any trickery, both on the part of the gnomes as well as the part of the military among them.

[Keehnelf]

Captain Barrowsalve presents the dwarf volunteers for inspection by the gnome chaplain, indistinguishable from the rest of the Knights in his individualized and ornate heavy armor, though he wears a mace at his side rather than the distinctive hooked hammer worn as a sidearm by the rest of the knights.

The chaplain lifts the visor of his greathelm and peers intently into the eyes of the dwarves one by one, raising a spread hand before his face and intoning words in his native tongue to whatever god is in favor among the knights. He pronounces all of the volunteers free from dangerous intent and the captain nods, happy that his recommended compromise has borne fruit.

After a brief conference among the entire party, half of the dwarves fall into line among the knights and accompany them along the road, headed the rest of the distance to Gnometon and leaving the others behind alongside the road to await their return with news or assistance.

---

The low sandstone walls of the gnomish city appear just before sunset, and the sun has just passed below the horizon in the west when the party reaches the massive block-stone gate opening on to the King's Highway from the interior of the city. The gate opens at a command from the captain, teams of gnomish laborers turning massive wheels to lift the twenty-ton block upward ten feet along a series of stout chains. The stone falls back into place once they have entered with a low grating sound and the noises of a peaceful winter evening arise around the group.

The settlement itself is circular, with a number of narrow roadways winding out from a central plaza that surrounds a conical tower made of red sandstone. The roadways are lined with a wide range of single-story domiciles and other structures, dome-roofed and made of mud bricks or sandstone. The gnomes are known as industrious people, but not renowned for their stoneworking abilities. The comparative majesty of the red conical tower is significant in this landscape, and the pinnacle of the structure, soaring fifty feet into the air, dominates the skyline from any point in the city. It is toward this building that the dwarves are led, the soft and friendly greetings of passers-by in the dim of twilight turning to suspicious stares as they realize who the travelers are (or are not).

Finally, the group reaches the tower, its outer wall pierced many times with tall, narrow windows like arrow-slits, and access appears to be limited to a single narrow arch-topped door of fine golden-hued wood on street level. Hung across the stone above the doorway is the traditional heraldry of the gnomes of the hills, a rampant black boar on a white background. The gentle wind stirs the heavy cloth just slightly as a footman opens the door for the group. Captain Barrowsalve dismounts and removes his helmet to accompany the party within.

The ground floor of the tower is dominated by a single circular chamber perhaps forty feet in diameter, with a staircase carved into the exterior wall windings its way up to the ceiling twenty feet above. The center of the chamber's ceiling is open, and a balcony lines the floor above, offering viewing for whoever might reside there. At present, the balcony appears empty.

On the far side of the chamber, a stout throne of carved wood topped with a gargantuan set of stag's antlers houses a withered gnome in voluminous robes upon whose head sits a golden crown studded with a variety of precious gems. To either side, two more footmen stand ready with sword and shield, and another gnome, this one younger and hale, dressed in pristine sky-blue robes fringed in forest green, stands at the king's left hand awaiting word from the new arrivals.

Captain Barrowsalve introduces the party as travelers from the Great Mountain who have embarked on a quest to slay the mad druid Mangore at the behest of the dwarf King. The ancient gnome simply nods until long after the captain has ceased speaking, then brushes one dessicated hand across his face before addressing the party directly.

"So. You seek to undo the madness of the age, to usher in the new era he holds at bay with one clawed and bloody hand. Tell me, what do you seek in my halls as part of your quest? Do you expect to find his agents here?"

[hedgeknight]

Dell takes a knee in the presence of the gnome king and when the aged leader asks, Dell says, "I am Dell Redsword, o' King. We are but passing through your lands. We did not journey here to accuse your people of evil allegiance."

[Sol]

The stonework in this place is modest, but to Unther, the redstone tower appears all the more impressive by contrast. As they enter the King's chamber, Unther tries not to be conspicuous as he admires the gemwork. At this point, he resolves to keep an extra eye on Striborg while they are in the gnomish kingdom.

Unther takes a cue from the Captain as to the proper way to address the King.

Unther steps forward, bending onto one knee before addressing the King, and motions the others to do the same. "Majesty," says Unther, "We are here in pursuit of your wisdom, for this devil-of-the-woods is our common enemy. It is the belief of our king that the Druid cannot be defeated by a military assault, but must be brought down by a smaller and more agile force. It is we who have been tasked with this mission.

"On behalf of our peoples, we ask merely for a place to spend the night and, if you can so provide it, any intelligence or aid you might lend to us on our mission. We do not have any reason to believe that the enemy has infiltrated your kingdom, wise Sire, yet if you hold such a suspicion yourself, then do know that we are at your disposal in opposition to the Black Druid's forces."

Unther raises up his forearm, displaying his fine bracer, which, though a work-in-progress, has been inlaid with various gems of fine quality. "Upon these bracers is written the tale of my family and the honor they have brought to the Dwarven People. It is my hope to refine this masterwork and, through attention and time and an investment of faith and effort, I believe that one day this work will be worthy of the time spent upon it - that one day, it will stand as a testament to great deeds and courage and bravery and honor.

"So it is with the bond between our peoples. It is a great masterwork, wrought by many hands. In your wisdom, Majesty, I believe you can see that its potential is much greater, and that its true beauty is yet to be shone. If you can see this, Sire, then know that I do see it also, and pledge to protect and continue this great work which is our great alliance. In honor of this, I offer you an acknowledgement of a promise made by our peoples long ago." Unther stands up, and then, with care, he elects and removes the most precious, perfect stone from the bracer. It is a middle-sized diamond of fine quality, which he holds high that it may catch the light. He gives a nod to one of the King's attendants who he bids come forward in order to retrieve the gift for the gnomish king.

"Our story is one story," says Unther then, "Today we complete a chapter and together, begin the next."

[ybn1197]

Grim goes down to one knee when Unther motions everyone to follow but the expression on his face shows he is not thrilled by this act of subservience. His eyes do enlarge at the sight of the gems and it is all he can do to maintain himself and stay where he is.

[KingOfCowards]

Gideon also goes to one knee as Unther addresses the king, and bows his head, not wishing to stand out. Though it damages his pride slightly to bow to another king, certain formalities must be paid.

[Zorroroaster]

Nai Tnam drops to a knee and bows low. He grabs young Lorik by the hem of his tunic and yanks the boy down towards the floor to adopt a similar posture.

[Zhym]

Fjirn bends a knee according to protocol, marveling again at Unther's gift of language. He waits for the Gnome King's response.

[Keehnelf]

The gnome king seems pleased both by the attitude of deference, mirrored by all present (including, significantly, Striborg, who even refrains from muttering obscenities under his breath as he does so), and the gift of the gem. The gnome standing beside the throne approaches and accepts the gem gingerly, holding it up to the lantern-light and watching the play of shadows and glimmers on its surface. "It is of exceptional quality, your grace," he demurrs, before returning it to Unther with a deep bow. As Unther hesitates, the King smiles. "The riches of the Great Mountain are not what they once were--all know this. The intent of your gift is enough to satisfy my aged pride and your resolution in the face of this dark adversity is heartening. You are welcome as guests here in Gnometon for as long as your purpose requires."

His face darkens a bit.

"Mangore and his servants are vicious adversaries of ours, and quite active in our few remaining holdings to the south. We manage a small farming and sand-harvesting operation to the northwest of Eisenloch, and that settlement has seen a number of attacks over the past year. One of my captains of the guard, Jillian Flaxwhittler, is a manager of that operation and a gifted scout. After a recent attack by Mangore on the outskirts of that operation, she managed to track the druid to a haven in the south. She debriefed me via letter, but was unable to complete a map to this haven before she was captured by the Eisenloch elves in a raid on that same settlement that came a few weeks later. The only concrete lead I can give you in your quest is the existence of Jillian Flaxwhittle, who bears first-hand knowledge of your destination. If you can free her, I am glad to send a writ along commanding her to lead you to the druid's haven."

[Sol]

"Thank you, Majesty," says Unther graciously, before returning the diamond to his pocket. "It seems as if Captain Jillian is exactly the gnome we need if we are to track this Druid and put paid to his plans."

He is silent for a moment, saddened by the King's comment about the riches of the Great Mountain not being what they once were. Judging the King's comment to be true, however, he continues.

"The Eisenloch elves are not well known to us, though it sounds as if we may soon become better acquainted with them through the course of our journey. We are most appreciative of your offer to provide a writ. How long ago did Captain Jillian vanish and what more may you tell us, Sire, of the situation?"

[hedgeknight]

First gnomes and now elves...
Dell thinks to himself. He crosses his arms and scratches his beard as he listens.

[ybn1197]

Grim maintains his silence during the exchange. Given his treatment by the gnomes and the apparent hostilities between the gnomes and elves he figures it best to keep his mouth shut instead of making the situation worse.

[Zorroroaster]

Nai Tnam asks for the party's map to be brought out.

"It would seem our best course of action would be to visit this camp and track the Elves from there. Sire, if we can ask for the location of the settlement to be noted on our map, it would speed us along greatly."

[KingOfCowards]

Gideon punches his hand for emphasis, having never been friendly elves. "I agree. If these elves have raided our allies, they have marked themselves as our enemies. We should rescue this Captain, in order to obtain the information we need to stage an attack against the Black Druid."

[Keehnelf]

The King stands and bows graciously to the group. "Very well. I shall have the writ produced, provide you with the information desired on your map and send a guide along to be sure you are able to find your way. You may rest here tonight and then I shall speed you along on your journey in the hope that you might recover my servant Jillian before great harm may come to her."

He dismisses the group and the adviser leads them to guest quarters in a nearby building. It is not ornately-constructed, like many of the ancient edifices of the great mountain, but the rooms are capacious and comfortable, with downy beds and rich velvet blankets to protect against the cold of the large shuttered but glassless windows that line the party's chambers. The group spends some time in discussion of their next task that afternoon and night before settling in to sleep, and they wake well-rested in the morning.

Summoned to the King's audience chamber, they do not see the King himself again but the adviser presents them with an updated map (it includes the camp, along the southeastern edge of the forest fairly near Southwatch's ruins). The adviser also presents the group with an opaline ring that he explains will instantly transport the wearer to Gnometon when worn, the stone is touched, and the command word "Haven" is spoken. It should be given to Jillian for her use once the terms of the writ have been completed and the adviser takes great pains to note that it is a very valuable item and great care should be taken with it, as though the party were not headed immediately into danger and strife.

Further, the group receives the writ which exhorts Jillian, in the name of the King and all the history of their people, to aid the party in identifying and traveling to the home of the Black Druid.

Finally, the group is introduced to Buckman Clearwater, a halfling scout who is a member of the King's Reserve. He greets the group bashfully, a green felt cap squashed firmly and awkwardly onto his round and shining head above a tunic of heavy gray linen and wool. He wears a long knife at his belt and is accompanied by a sable-furred monkey about half his height that stares impudently at the party as it chitters and picks at stray fibers on its master's wool pants. "I'll be glad to take you to the camp, your excellencies. It's no more than three days' travel along the old post-road. Bit overgrown, but the landscape's nice at least." He grins, somewhat foolishly, and then realizes the gravity of the situation he's involved in and becomes bashful once again.

Buckman and the pack animals are ready to move--does anyone have inquiries they would like to make in Gnometon before the party continues on?

[hedgeknight]

Dell shakes his head in disbelief and it is all he can do not to voice his opinion of a "half-wit and a dirty stinking ape" leading them along. Instead, he just grunts and spits...in the direction of the monkey and turns to check his gear in preparation for the group's departure.

[Zorroroaster]

Nai Tnam looks to his young ward and, finding him ready to travel, turns back to the group and nods his assent.

"We are ready for travel, however I wish some time...alone before we set off.". Nai Tnam finds a quiet place away from both dwarves and gnomes and spends some time in contemplation.

Spells for the day:

Level 1
Command
Cure Light Wounds
Cure Light Wounds
Detect Magic
Sanctuary

Level 2
Chant
Hold Person
Hold Person
Silence 15' Radius
Speak with Animals

Level 3
Prayer

[KingOfCowards]

Gideon frowns at the guide's estimation of travel. "Very well, best get moving then. Our supplies won't last forever."

[Sol]

Unther is likewise somber at the Halfling's levity. His interest is piqued by the small primate, however, for he has not ever before seen the like. "Mr. Clearwater," nods Unther, "Tell us more of what you know. And are you familiar with the elves we might encounter?"

[Zhym]

Fjirn bows to the halfling. "Greetings, Buckman. Your assistance will be most welcome." Turning to his fellow dwarves, he says, "Let us tarry no longer on our mission. We now have a Dark Druid to defeat and a lass to rescue!"

Fjirn will take custody of the ring for now.

A dozen dwarves and a halfling. Why does this seem familiar?