"Brokk, what do you have to report," King Otrekk asks the Ranger.
"Griffon work has hit a snag, Rikki. Beast is capable of basic communication and probably smarter than an 18-year-old, but any more in-depth discussion is gonna need the Rhunrikki's work to complete. As for the more important news,
He's about a week out now. Maybe less if He feels the throng's taking too long," the dwarf replies, taking a swig from his flask right after.
He, of course, being Grimnir and a throng well into its hundreds of thousands. A marching column long enough to reach past the horizon, a wagon train that could feed every hold in the north twice over, consisted of some of the deadliest warriors, and the noblest of princes and princesses, with even the odd king or queen. Most importantly for you, the throng has the oldest and most belligerent Runesmiths and Runelords marching with it. It is the largest assemblage of dwarfs the world over with Grimnir the Valiant at its head; a throng for the Ages led by the greatest warrior and general of your entire race.
It almost makes you want to cry.
Almost.
"Moira, are we ready to receive them?" Otrek asks.
"We can host the noble caste of the Great Throng here for decades if need be. If you're asking for the main body, I will say no. The hold is too young and the throng too large for anything short of Karaz a Karak or the larger southern holds to supply. Thankfully, from what the Thane of Ravnsvake noted the throng can keep itself fed, at least until our connection to the Underway is complete. We'd have had to tighten our belts a bit to host them properly had Snorri here not pushed our timetable forward by decades," she says, raising her mug in one of the universal toasts of your people.
The room grunts, tugging their beards and plaits.
You simply nod.
"I suppose we'll be as ready as we can be logistically. We'll keep up the drills, it wouldn't do to look worse than expected in front of the Valiant. I'll call the meeting now unless anyone has something they want to bring up now?" King Otrek asks, glancing around the room.
None say anything.
"Alright then, dismissed," The king announces, getting out of his seat and walking out with his Huskarls in tow.
...
You walk through the caverns of Kraka Drakk, simply doing your daily business. All around you dwarfs make way as you pass them by. Deep bows and honoured words heaped upon you, the fact that every dwarf here bears some work of yours is remembered with stark clarity.
It is a sign of respect usually reserved for Kings or dwarfs of legend.
It is humbling that these dawi consider you among those storied individuals of legend, only fueling your desire to prove them right. To fail now would not only be shaming yourself but making these many dwarfs look foolish for believing in you.
And that wouldn't do.
All the bowing does, however, make buying a loaf of Stonebread a rather protracted and drawn-out affair. You appreciate the feeling, yes, but there are days where you simply want a loaf of warm stonebread and a cold tankard of ale.
Still, doesn't look good to complain about being appreciated for doing good work.
You continue your walk, making your way through the market district and towards the first of your two important stops today.
...
(Roll, Dolgi: 67)
You catch sight of Dolgi, quietly conversing with an engineer. Your ears picking up the smallest hints of their conversation.
It seems Dolgi was trying to convince the engineer about the benefits of a Rune of Fire on his commission rather than a Rune of Penetrating. From the looks of things, your young charge has it well in hand, though his technique could use some work. If he kept it up he could turn his frequent presence in the Foundry district into a good business decision, taking commissions from the Smiths and Engineers Guild respectively. Boy certainly had the natural charm to get the average dwarf to like him at least, not that he realized it yet. You've taught him enough that he'll figure out the situation eventually though. The one about making deals with the guilds, not the charm part, the lad will never figure that out.
Best to keep an eye on them while they're still in the hold proper though. Both Dolgi and Fjolla were doing commission work and building up the funds to go off on their trial proper.
Speaking of, you grunt quietly to yourself and move on to your next destination, not satisfied but certainly not disappointed in the lad's work so far.
Now to see how Fjolla was doing.
…
(Roll, Fjolla: 99)
You watch, far enough away as to not be seen of course, as Fjolla converses with yet another Jeweller. Her 20th client today from when you arrived, so perhaps even more as well. You've been tracking her progress just as you have Dolgi's, noting how she's making her way through the hold's Jewellers to do commissions and build connections purposefully compared to Dolgi's more natural flow. Made a good bit of sense, she had a good eye for intricate detail work and Runes on talismans and Jewelry needed that level of finesse to pull off. Work paid well, and she could use the funds for her trial in the future too. Likely she thought far enough ahead to realize that building support now would perhaps help her in trying to come to a more official accommodation with the Jewellers Guild in the future when she became a master in her own right.
Good effort, you had many critiques of course but perhaps the largest was her decision to not approach as many silversmiths as she did Jewellers. They paid a bit less, but the work was steadier and in your opinion a bit less gaudy. Would do her good to make sure her reputation didn't slide too far into one spectrum in your opinion, but such things were out of your hands now.
It was up to them now.
…
The week ends quickly, the past three days especially have been nothing short of anxiety-inducing.
First a messenger, a Longbeard well into his fifth century, announced the incoming arrival of the Great Throng in a few days' time. This prompted the entire hold into a frenzy of preparation, the King roused the Throng of Kraka Drakk to readiness and drilled them all the harder for the next two days.
On the final day, all throughout the hold, a rumbling was felt through the stone of the mountain, growing louder and louder. Its a kick in the gruntaz for many, the King called the Throng to assemble and prepare to receive their guests while he called for the most prominent members of the Elders Council to come with him, the royal family and the Throng in its totality, to meet the Ancestor outside the opened gates of the hold.
It is perhaps halfway through the morning when you catch sight of the Great Throng peak over the horizon and enter the Valley proper. For the next several hours the Throng of Kraka Drakk watches as it stands outside the hold in parade formation. The hold's throng is a sight to see, their Gromril weaponry gleaming in the daylight, their Runic standards fluttering proudly in the wind.
But it pales in comparison to the might that dominates your vision. A mass of wood, steel and Gromril that actually does reach beyond the horizon, lords and clans of arguably greater lineage and prestige taking the Van, entire regiments of dwarfs in Runic Gromril more ornate than the Huskarls of King Otrek, though not by much.
But even that, falls away as the leader, the head of this mighty beast, becomes clearer to your vision.
A single Dwarf marches at the very fore, six truly ancient dwarf soldiers behind him one of whom held aloft a banner bearing his personal Rune, glowing a vibrant light blue.
He is unmistakable, in his Ancestor wrought armour glittering the silver of Adamant. Holding his two legendary axes in each hand. A third, longer, axe is strapped to his back, the wicked edge just barely visible behind the flowing red cloak on his back. His white, braided and richly decorated beard and forked mustache sticking out from his helmeted head.
As you get closer you can begin to make out ever more detail, the depictions of battle engraved on his chest plate, the sagas sung in his name etched so finely and such a small size that they appear like scales on him. The blurry form of the Runes, ones of such complexity and power that only Thungni himself could have crafted them, glowing on his equipment befuddle even you. Their might and intricacy make you feel like a beardling in comparison.
(Roll, Grimnir Looks at your Defences: 62 +20[A Honed Mind] =82. DC 70, 80, 90)
Eventually, he and his honour guard stop in front of the king, not two meters away from your party. Now so close you can see the glinting Gromril of his chainmail, actually read the stanzas of the sagas on his breastplate, witness the immaculate state of his beard, behold the fine weaving of his cloak, and better make out the indecipherable Runes adorning every piece of his equipment. Some you can make a fair guess as to their purpose, others like the Various Master Runes, one for each piece of equipment, are so beyond you that it is laughable to even try and attempt to decipher them.
He stands barely a head taller than you, but it feels like staring at, not a mountain, but one of THE mountains. A pillar of your people, the eldest of the elderly, the most skillful of the skilled. A dwarf whose stories take longer than a lifetime to tell in their totality.
An Ancestor.
Grimnir.
Grimnir the Valiant. Slayer of Urmskaladrak. Daemonbane. Mountain Breaker. The conquering Warrior King whose axes cleaved a clear path north that your ancestors followed. His ferocity defending your people as well as Grungni's walls or Valaya's lessons.
And He is here
.
Were you younger, you'd be frozen in shock and awe like Snerra doubtlessly is from her position in the far back of the delegation with the other young notables of the hold. As is, you are simply frozen through force of will. Can't have yourself look loose in front of Grimnir after all.
"Ancestor," King Otrek says, leading all of you to kneel and bow before Grimnir, "we are honoured to see you. Kraka Drakk is open to you."
"I hear you Young King, yet I will know your name, and your deeds," the dwarf rumbles, his voice like thunder.
"I am Otrek, of Clan Ironarm, King by appointment, whose blood runs true. King by deed, for I fought the Greedy One alongside the Gift Giver, and work even now to aid my brother kings of the North to safeguard our peoples," he replies.
"Hmmph," The Ancestor snorts before turning to Gormak.
"I remember your face, the Cleansing of Cragdane off the slopes of Azul," the Ancestor says.
"Aye Lord, the left flank." Gormak rumbles back respectfully.
Grimnir grunts.
The Ancestor turns his gaze then onto you. At that moment you feel the weight of the mountains bearing down on you, the inescapable gaze of Grimnir the Valiant boring into your very being. Tearing apart all your inadequacies and defences, to stare at the truest parts of yourself.
(Roll, Assessment: 47 +5[Gift Giver] +5[Greed Slayer] +5[Earth Mover] +5[Defence. In. Depth.] +5[Trollslayer] =72)
He grunts once again, pausing for a second before taking a deep sniff.
(Roll, Does he know?: 99 +50[Sight Beyond Reckoning] =149)
(Roll, Reassess: 72 +5[Gift Giver] +5[Greed Slayer] +5[Earth Mover] +5[Defence. In. Depth.] +5[Trollslayer]+10[The Rune Metal] =107)
He grunts a second time, the tone different to the keen ears of the dwarfs here.
The tiniest, imperceptible amount of approval.
You dare not breathe, dare not think, you are so euphoric you even hallucinate the Ancestor giving the tiniest nods at you.
Nothing can take this moment from you.
Nothing.
"We march," Grimnir says, even quiet his voice bellows for meters around, "Dreng them to the last. We will base ourselves here, use the Underway connection when it is complete for supply. Do you allow it, Young King?"
King Otrek nods.
The Valiant grunts once more, hefting his axe skyward and moving it in a specific pattern. Behind him the dwarfs roar in acknowledgement, and soon begin making camp.
"We will speak again," he says, before turning around and heading into the mass of bodies, his followers behind him.
Your own group stands there a few seconds longer as tradition dictates before making their way back into the hold. You stare at the sky, mind still reeling, and notice that the sun beams down on you, a clearing in the cloudy sky.
Well.
...
You have (5 -1) =4 actions and 1 apprentice actions this turn:
General:
[ ] Odd Places 3/10: Look on Master Yorri's map and try and discover one of his marked locations. The locations will certainly be odd, but whether they'll be useful will remain to be seen.
[Cost: 1 action] Roll for usefulness.
[ ] March: Grimnir the Valiant calls, who are you to not answer? Campaign with the Great Throng as it marches through the region. For the next ten years you will walk amongst the greatest examples of your people, partaking in the campaigns. Smiting enemies and perhaps even discussing things with a few dwarfs while you're at it.
[Cost: 4 actions] Interlude Turns. These are not battle turns, Interlude Turns will be a series of updates happening over the decade, you get one choice an interlude turn. The number of Interlude turns = your unaltered total actions (which is 5) So you get your actions worth of stuff over the interlude turns. Snerra teaching will be unaffected.
[ ] Apprentice Hunt: Go out and trawl through the local and regional populace to find a beardling or two worth your time. No stone unturned, no clan unchecked, no record unread, even the Foundling Wards!
[Cost: 1 Action] Apprentice Vote after Turn Results.
[X] Teach your apprentice.
[Cost: 1 Action] Locked in for 1 turn.
Requests: Denote which simple request will receive the Apprentice Action in your plan.
[ ] [Simple] The Underway: King Otrek does not mince words, he wants the connection to the Underway ready as soon as possible. The number of monsters that are appearing have not only forced the throng into ever increasing levels of conflict, but slowed overland travel and trade to a near standstill. The north is effectively being cut off from the rest of the Karaz Ankor inch by inch. He is calling any aid a dwarf can provide in excavating the connection south.
[Cost: variable normal and apprentice actions] Productivity Like No Other will proc. 2 Progress per action, 1 progress per apprentice action. 36 out of (25+ 15[Delayed South]) =40 Progress. 7 progress a turn regardless of input.
[ ] [Simple] Torques A Plenty: Elder Brokk has asked you specifically to create a set of Runic Torques, all meant to facilitate proper communication between what is clearly an avian and a dwarf. You remember Master Yorri told you about the time he bargained a few feathers off a Great Eagle. He never told you how, but you remember being taught a few odd runes in your past, just have to figure out which combination worked for Master Yorri. Maybe his book has something? Worst come to worst you could send a letter to the Dwarf.
[Cost: 3 Actions] Productivity Like No Other will proc.
[ ] [Simple] Apprentice work: your not
that young, but still young, charges are now of an age you feel it acceptable for them to do a bit of exploration. Send your apprentices out into the hold and pick up a few tasks from whoever offers it to them. Give them a bit of experience for their upcoming task as journeymen and let them build a reputation in the hold. You'll of course critique their work and use it as a learning experience as any good master ought to.
[Cost: variable apprentice actions.] Roll for usefulness. 1 Roll per apprentice action.
[ ] [Difficult] A Higher Standard Pt. 1: You've gazed upon the face of the Ancestors a lot in the past few years, especially when you were making your alchemical flame spitters, and it's inspired you. A banner to rally behind, something that dwarfs will look to and fight all the harder with it at their back. A banner worthy of the hold of Kraka Drakk to be held aloft with pride by an equally worthy standard-bearer.
[Cost: 1 action] If a rune you want requires special ingredients that you don't have access to I will alert you.
- [ ] Choose: choose three runes you want on the weapon.
- [ ] Theme: write in a theme for the weapon. (I will roll to see if you find a new combo)
- [ ] GM: Leave it to the GM. (I will roll to see if you find a new combo)
[ ] [Difficult] Write In Pt. 1:You've had an idea! This is the template for write in item request! Please put down the name, description and type of equipment/item you want made. Pt 2 of the item will cost differently depending on the number of items and potentially the size of it as well. A base guideline for Pt.2 costs will be at the bottom of the post.
[Cost: 1 action] If a rune you want requires special ingredients that you don't have access to I will alert you.
- [ ] Choose: choose three runes you want on the weapon.
- [ ] Theme: write in a theme for the weapon. (I will roll to see if you find a new combo)
- [ ] GM: Leave it to the GM. (I will roll to see if you find a new combo)
Research: Your career and your honour demand you hone your craft, and it's usually done through poking at runes and seeing what works.
[ ] Silverwood: An entire forest odd silvery Wutroth is now under your ownership. While a large profit driver as you are well aware, there's an odd feeling in your belly when you look at the stuff. Beautiful like nothing else, and stronger than regular Wutroth as well. You know a few runes that require Wutroth to make, but maybe this has something special to it as well?
[Cost: 4 actions] Student of the Odd will proc.
[ ] Fire Stones: This deep orange gem glows with never ending heat, never enough to boil water, but enough to sleep comfortably at night and keep a bowl of stew warm long after it's left the stove. You have a few theories about how useful the material will be, but you can't ever be sure. At least it's likely to be a profitable resource when you can get some actual production going though.
[Cost: 4 actions] Student of the Odd will proc.
[ ] The Secrets of Light?: That moment with the shield and sunray, the light of your torch glinting off the crystal, both sparked something in your mind. An ember that refused to be burned out. You've done permutations to the standard Rune of Light and a few on Master Yorri's Rune of Reflection, but maybe there could be more?
[Cost: (8 -2) =6 Actions] Student of the Odd will proc.
[ ] The Movement of things: The Rune of Waking or Animation as some would call it is a rare rune. How Master Yorri knows both the regular and Master Rune could be explained by either a harrowing adventure full of terror, beasties and treasure or by something as mundane as asking a friend, you could never be sure with the man. Still, this was a rune that, to your frustration, you haven't had much chance to tinker with. Maybe just a peak?
[Cost: 8 actions] Student of the Odd will proc.
[ ] The Rune Metal Pt. 4: You've made Adamant, a form of Gromril harder and stronger than any you've ever seen. The metal abhors magic, even that of Runes to some extent, making it difficult to inscribe on the metal itself. You need to find a way to make this in a less explosive fashion, and maybe figure out what exactly its properties are.
[Cost: 8 actions] Student of the Odd and Mind for Metal will proc.
[ ] Understand a Master Rune: The same idea as studying any rune in theory, in practice it takes a lot longer and there's often a large chance of explosions.
[Cost: 16 actions] Depending on the choice, Student of the Odd and/or Mind of Metal may proc.
Order: You can order 1 new item a turn, but can have as many orders ongoing as you want. Don't hoard mats.
[ ]Write-in:
- [ ] Kingly Authority: You may petition King Otrek to flex his political muscle to expedite the process.
[Cost: 5,10,15, Favour from King Otrek, depending on tier] -1 turn taken on order.
[ ] Kingly Authority: You may petition King Otrek to flex his political muscle to order something for your use.
[Cost: 5,10,15, Favour from King Otrek, depending on tier] +1 Order.
Write in Equipment Action Costs:
1 Action - 1 standard piece of equipment.
2 Actions - Multiple pieces of equipment or Large individual items
3 Actions - Very Large individual items or a full/near full set of items.
Remember to vote by plan. There will be a two-hour moratorium for discussion.
AN: Grimnir doesn't fuck about, hope I did him justice. GJ on the rolls, thanks for reading and dont forget to C&C. :^)
