- Location
- Belgium
[X] Option 1: Become a student of Maldor and become an apprentice wizard using the Lifestone (learn healing and defence magic)
The Objects of Power - A High Elf Warhammer Fantasy Quest
- Thread starter Fenderstat
- Start date
- Fantasy
Location Info - The Bay of Knives
Location Info - The Bay of Knives
The Bay of Knives is located in Southern Araby, in relative close proximity to the Imperial colony Sudenberg. The people and the history of the Bay of Knives varies over thousands of years; however in it's current format it is populated almost exclusively by humans.
The largest power in the region is the Sultanate of El-Bagda who is ruled by Sultan Mustafa Aturk. The Sultanate encompasses the major sea port of Hadi, and stretches from Sandy Mountain to the Desert Gate and all of the settlements which exist between . Sultan Mustafa also lays claim to all of the Sandy Desert and as far north to the Blue Mountain however this claim is debatable as the Sandy Desert has been the domain of the fearsome Orc Warboss Lawrunz of Araby for the past decade.
With the establishment of Orc supremacy in the region the native desert nomads have been forced out of the desert territory and now encroach upon the eastern borders of the Sultanate, with large numbers of them settling around Sandy Mountain. This has caused significant border tensions between the people and regular "small wars" erupt as the Sultanate see the nomads as trespassers.
West of Deserts Gate is the Free Cities, a collection of individual city states that include the major trading ports of Qatar, Sala-Beq and Freetown. While individually not as powerful as the El-Bagda Sultanate, if they united they would rival or eclipse the mighty Sultanate. Fortunately for Sultan Aturk the Free Cities oppose each other as much as they do the Sultanate and therefore will never rival his power.
To the North of Bay of Knives, up the Golden River sits a mighty mountain range, within it's peaks sits Gold Mountain where a Dwarven Mining Expedition resides who trade with the traders of the major river town El-Nasir's Folly.
To the west of there is a region known as the Steaming Jungles, a place where many venture in search of treasures and gold but few return.
West of the Steaming Jungles sits a blighted wasteland. It is said the folk that live within are twisted, mutated and followers of the dark powers. The peoples of the Free Cities are quick to deny this fact as they are often known to trade with the people who live on the fringes of the Waste as they share a common community with each other.
Within the Bay of Knives itself sits the Slavers and Corsair Isles. These are lawless lands where pirates and other rogues ply their trade on shipping lanes of the region, these pirates can be bought or sold by the major powers of the Bay of Knives and who the pirate lords target is dependent on who is paying the required amount of coin at the time.
The Bay of Knives is located in Southern Araby, in relative close proximity to the Imperial colony Sudenberg. The people and the history of the Bay of Knives varies over thousands of years; however in it's current format it is populated almost exclusively by humans.
The largest power in the region is the Sultanate of El-Bagda who is ruled by Sultan Mustafa Aturk. The Sultanate encompasses the major sea port of Hadi, and stretches from Sandy Mountain to the Desert Gate and all of the settlements which exist between . Sultan Mustafa also lays claim to all of the Sandy Desert and as far north to the Blue Mountain however this claim is debatable as the Sandy Desert has been the domain of the fearsome Orc Warboss Lawrunz of Araby for the past decade.
With the establishment of Orc supremacy in the region the native desert nomads have been forced out of the desert territory and now encroach upon the eastern borders of the Sultanate, with large numbers of them settling around Sandy Mountain. This has caused significant border tensions between the people and regular "small wars" erupt as the Sultanate see the nomads as trespassers.
West of Deserts Gate is the Free Cities, a collection of individual city states that include the major trading ports of Qatar, Sala-Beq and Freetown. While individually not as powerful as the El-Bagda Sultanate, if they united they would rival or eclipse the mighty Sultanate. Fortunately for Sultan Aturk the Free Cities oppose each other as much as they do the Sultanate and therefore will never rival his power.
To the North of Bay of Knives, up the Golden River sits a mighty mountain range, within it's peaks sits Gold Mountain where a Dwarven Mining Expedition resides who trade with the traders of the major river town El-Nasir's Folly.
To the west of there is a region known as the Steaming Jungles, a place where many venture in search of treasures and gold but few return.
West of the Steaming Jungles sits a blighted wasteland. It is said the folk that live within are twisted, mutated and followers of the dark powers. The peoples of the Free Cities are quick to deny this fact as they are often known to trade with the people who live on the fringes of the Waste as they share a common community with each other.
Within the Bay of Knives itself sits the Slavers and Corsair Isles. These are lawless lands where pirates and other rogues ply their trade on shipping lanes of the region, these pirates can be bought or sold by the major powers of the Bay of Knives and who the pirate lords target is dependent on who is paying the required amount of coin at the time.
The Blighted Wastes, the Steaming Jungle, and the Blazing Desert...oh, almost forgot the Slaver Isles. Sounds like such an inviting place. Boy, I'm glad I'm not a real estate agent down there.
"You're going to love this charming little bungalow! It's almost in the Steaming Jungle, but legally it's in the Blighted Wastes and the taxes are so much lower there--hey, wait, come back! Really, there are far fewer slavers in the Isles than there used to be!"
Nicely done map, though.
"You're going to love this charming little bungalow! It's almost in the Steaming Jungle, but legally it's in the Blighted Wastes and the taxes are so much lower there--hey, wait, come back! Really, there are far fewer slavers in the Isles than there used to be!"
Nicely done map, though.
- Location
- Temporally? Now.
[x] Option 2: Become a student of Maldor and become an apprentice wizard using the shadow stone (learn illusions and misdirection magic)
Thanks, I drew it over a year ago and we have only been to two places on it!
Voting Closed.
Results from voting including tallies from Facebook.
Option 1 - 6 votes (wins)
Option 2 - 2 votes
Option 3 - 5 votes
Story to follow in the next few days.
Results from voting including tallies from Facebook.
Option 1 - 6 votes (wins)
Option 2 - 2 votes
Option 3 - 5 votes
Story to follow in the next few days.
Episode 63 - The King of the Dwarves
Episode 63 - The King of the Dwarves
Results from the Last Episode - Become a student of Maldor and learn Life Magic
You laid in bed sleepless and staring at the ceiling. You were still wary of sleep due to your prolific nightmares during the siege. Yesterday was the first good night sleep you had in weeks, it was also the day of the death of the Shadow Orc. Knowing what you did about the lore of shadows, was it likely your nightmares were as a result of the malevolent energies of the Shadow Orc?
You thought about Telar and Maldor. Both were valid choices. Becoming a wizard would free you of your family responsibilities and allow you to be your own person. The choice of what school of magic to study was only temporary, you would of course learn all of them in time, this choice was more on what would be concentrated on initially.
Becoming a warrior would not free you of your family obligations but it would definitely increase your survivability. Elves had a natural killer instinct and delighted in war, it is said the Asur revel in battle and gain strength and enjoyment from it. This feeds off the inherent cruelty that lurked in the psyche of your entire race.You however did not think you possessed this trait.
You could train to defend yourself sure enough but you would never reach the level of Telar or Sir Herron without the killer instinct that is necessary to willingly take a life. If you became a warrior you would never reach your full potential.
Your decision was made, you would study the lore of life. This was the only way you could realistically be of use and help others, you would just try not to be so reckless in the future. "Easier said than done," you said to yourself quietly.
Eventually you calmed your thoughts and for the second night in a row after the Shadow Orc's death, you slept peacefully.
The next day the dwarf king arrived.
Two thousand dwarves marched into the White Tower, with King Hadrir Oakenshield at their head.
The king of the dwarves was old, even older than Throd and dressed in plain unadorned armour. The king was bald at the top and his beard was grey, unlike most other dwarves it was not ornately braided or decorated. In fact the only embellishment of note was the gold crown atop his head, if it wasn't for that it was entirely possible you would mistake him for any other minor dwarven warrior.
You stood at the head of your assembled forces who were assembled in lines for the parade. Skoren stood at your side, as your appointed translator and possibly the only helpful dwarf you had ever met.
"Do not speak directly to the king, your grace. You will talk to me and I will talk to his aid and he will then talk to the king. This is how we will communicate," said Skoren quietly.
"Why?" you replied.
"Because you are an elf," said Skoren.
You fumed silently. You were done with the ingratitude of the dwarves but for diplomacy's sake, you would heed Skoren's words.
Throd met the king in the town square and knelt on one knee, the king regarded the thane without expression. They spoke in their own language before Throd stood and escorted King Hadrir through the rows of the dwarven dead who were lined up from the previous day's battle.
The king walked through the rows of his fallen warriors and when he reached Gutri Oakenshield, Throds brother, he lingered a moment before continuing on.
You entered the town hall, where you had held your initial meeting with Throd and his brothers, and discussed the siege.
The siege was relayed entirely via Throd and Skoren relayed his words to you. To Throd's credit he recounted a truthful rendition of the events of the siege with almost no bias, both the highs and lows and even the times when the dwarves resolved failed. Throd offered no opinion during his account of facts and for perhaps the only time you had ever known him, did not make a single snide backhanded comment about your race.
The entire time Throd was speaking king Hadrir was staring at you, his face masked in a perpetual frown.
The treasures of the battle were brought in and displayed before the king, including the crown of Lawrunz of Araby. The king regarded it quietly and thanked Throd for his tale.
King Hadri and yourself spoke to each other, of sorts. You spoke Reikspiel to Skoren, who spoke Khazalid to the king's aid, who then spoke Khazalid to the king and vice versa. It was completely ridiculous but you still persisted with it. The tone of the room was cold, dozens of dwarves glared angrily from across the table and you were only accompanied by Sir Herron of Istor and Telar, whom stood behind you with their arms behind their back in a military pose.
King Hadri intended to stay for five days before leaving once again, during this time he agreed to assist in the excavation of the White Tower and the repairing of the walls and the gatehouse.
By the time the meeting was concluded it was early evening and you returned to your quarters after dinner.
There was a knock at your door, your bodyguards hailed you and said it was Skoren and the dwarven king. You permitted them entry and dismissed your Silver Helms, they hesitated briefly before doing what was asked.
The king looked at Skoren who bowed his head and left. You were now alone with him.
King Hadrir produced two mugs from a bag he was carrying and poured liquid from a flask into them. He Picked up a mug and inclined for you to do the same, you did so, Hadrir took a swill and looked at you, you followed and you coughed and sputtered as the vile liquid burned out your throat.
"It be strange times when a king of the dawi shares a drink with a princess of the elves." said King Hadrir in Reikspiel. He raised his mug and said, "to victory."
"To victory," you replied, still coughing.
You indicated for him to sit and the two of you sat across from each other at your small table.
"I apologise for the show, we Dawi are what we are. It is tradition in my clan that we spoke the way that we did, I am the king, I must follow it. Now we are alone without my clan, we can talk as others do. We have matters to discuss without pomp and circumstance" said Hadrir.
"Such as," you replied.
"Together we have won a great victory, of which has not been seen in decades. Your kin have taken great losses and I am sorry for that." said Hadrir.
"Thank you," you replied.
"I scarcely believed what had passed when I read the message. That Throd, the most thick headed of all of my thane's, had signed an alliance with an elven princess to destroy that accursed Urk? By Grungi I thought someone had sent me a prank letter. Yet I come here and find just that and the entire Ork army had been crushed and ye survived?" said Hadrir.
"Well it wasn't as simple as that but I suppose you could summarise it so" you replied.
King Hadrir took another swig of his drink and his frown lifted, "you are not like the other elves I have met Princess Elaine. You keep to your word, you fight hard and you are generous too. Not even Throd has a bad thing to say about you, of course that old clod doesn't have anything good to say about you either. That is as much praise as anyone gets from my brother."
Throd was Hadrir's brother? You thought of the battle the day previous, then that meant.. "Gutri…he was your brother too? I am sorry for your loss." you said genuinely, it was your plan after all that got him killed.
The king took another swig from his mug, a tear welled in the corner of eye. "Aye, it cannot be helped. He died a warrior's death, it was all I could have asked of him." He raised his mug and took another swill in Gutri's name. You followed and coughed and sputtered again but Hadrir did not seem to mind.
King Hadrir fascinated you, he was like no Dwarf you had ever met. The way he spoke without malice or hatred was completely at odds with the king you had met earlier in the day or any dwarf at all really, other than Skoren. Hadrir was treating you in a manner that the soldiers of your expedition treated each other, as equals sharing stories amongst their brothers in arms. There was something truly honest and charismatic about the dwarf king and you couldn't help but like him.
"As I age I think of my family often. Gutri is gone now, Gottri I had mourned long ago when he took the slayer's oath. My wife is gone and my daughters. I only have Throd and Skoren, my boy, left. I thank you for keeping them safe."
Your eyes widened slightly. Skoren was the king's son? Why didn't any of them tell you any of this over the past month?
"Skoren, he be my bastard, born out of wedlock though but I don't mind. He is still my boy and the only one I have." said Hadrir as he took another swill and refilled his drink.
"I have learnt of yer quest, to gather these magical stones. Now let me tell ye of my quest. Clan Oakenshield is landless, we be forced out of our home in the Misty Mountains generations ago by the Urks. I be a king without a hold, in name only. So be my father and his father before him. I discovered I had an ancestor who was king of Karak Kurz, an ancient abandoned hold in these very lands, high up in the mountains west of here. I took me clan on an expedition sixty years ago to claim it as me own, to give our clan a home and give it purpose. A future for my children.
We found it too aye, and we occupied it. For a time. It was beset by the Skaven, those miserable rats are even down here. There is no escaping them. We fought them and eventually, we lost. We lost many during the war, including most of my family and half of the clan. Many entries were made in the book of grudges and we retreated to Gold Mountain and set a claim. We sent word out to the dwarven kingdoms about our noble quest and many have come to bolster our ranks again. Soon we will try again, to claim Karak Kurz for our own, it will be the final time. We will win or we will be destroyed." said Hadrir solemnly.
You listened intently.
"While we held it, some of the things we managed to save were the journals, entries and records of Karak Kurz. Their list of kings, deeds and occurrences. A mighty treasure. I learnt I am indeed related to these ancient Dawi but I learned another thing that may interest you. Long ago, my predecessor, King Dimzad Stonemanson lived in these lands. He was allied with a great human King, Khalfani of Nehekhara. He spoke about defeating the elves of this land along with Khalfani here at this very tower and later being given a mighty magical stone by the human as recompense" said Hadrir.
You recognised this story, it was the one which Runihara told you. Khalfani was the king who laid siege to the White Tower, separated the amulet of the eight and spread the gems throughout the land.
"The records say the stone was buried with king Dimzad so he may watch over it. This be the stone ye seek?" asked Hadrir.
"It is," you replied.
"Then it is yours. Ye have shown ye are generous to yer allies, by not talking more than yer owed and offering more than then what is asked of you. The crown of the Urk will be a mighty trophy that will restore the hearts of many clansmen who lost friends and family to it's evil ways. We will remember how it was won and who gifted it to us without greed or selfishness. Yer stone still be in Karak Kurz and soon we will march on it, if we win we shall give ye the stone, if we lose it may be lost forever. Ye have stood beside us before, yer under no obligation to do so again but would ye come with us to claim our home? I will send you a missive when it be time, ye come if ye can but either way I will promise the stone will be yours." said Hadrir.
"I would like that," you replied.
"I also come for another purpose. The men of this land are different from the ones in the Empire. They are cruel, more evil and desire only coin and power. We made mistakes in the past dealing with them and aside from a trader family we deal with in El-Nsair's Folly we have not spoken to them in forty years. Aside from the blunder of a contract with that snake Aturk about purchasing this place.
A lot can change in humans during such a short time. My son Skoren wants to explore the human lands again, he wants to see who can be trusted and foster new trade agreements for our people. Skoren is young, like you, and does not yet know his place in the world. I would caution against it but once I tried to control my family in the past and now they be dead as a result of it. Skoren needs to learn what is right and wrong for himself and experience the highs and lows that come with it.
The boy has taken a liking to you, as a friend. I admit it be unorthodox but I wouldn't have believed it had I not heard yer tale and met ye myself. He said ye be steadfast and reliable, traits I would not associate with an elf but so be it. He wants to travel with you, and despite my worries I would permit it. With a small bodyguard of course, If ye would have him. But truly I ask of ye, if he does go please keep him safe. I don't know what I would do if i lost my last child so.
Think of my request, ye have another four days to decide. I will await yer response. I enjoyed yer company but we cannot make a habit of it. I am afraid I must continue the charade of tradition tomorrow. Do not take it personally, it is simply the way we must speak." said Hadrir.
"I understand." you replied and with that you bid King Hadrir farewell.
So Skoren wanted to travel with you? He would be using your movements to identify trading partners and allies for his people while doing so.
Skoren was likeable, for a dwarf at least, and he had shown courage, initiative and a willingness to listen to you where none of his kin had during the siege. There was the problem however of keeping the young Dwarf safe. You could barely keep yourself alive, let alone Skoren, and what would happen if he dies under your watch.
How would King Hadrir view you then? His last child killed while in the custody of the Elves? By accepting Skoren into your expedition you would gain great favour with the king, but was that worth losing everything if Skoren was killed?
What do you do?
…………..
Choices
[] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
[] Option 2: Refuse Skoren Oakenshield joining your expedition
Notes: The bodyguard would be small, probably no more than 10 dwarves and would not count towards your army roster.
Pics: King Hadrir Oakenshield
Results from the Last Episode - Become a student of Maldor and learn Life Magic
You laid in bed sleepless and staring at the ceiling. You were still wary of sleep due to your prolific nightmares during the siege. Yesterday was the first good night sleep you had in weeks, it was also the day of the death of the Shadow Orc. Knowing what you did about the lore of shadows, was it likely your nightmares were as a result of the malevolent energies of the Shadow Orc?
You thought about Telar and Maldor. Both were valid choices. Becoming a wizard would free you of your family responsibilities and allow you to be your own person. The choice of what school of magic to study was only temporary, you would of course learn all of them in time, this choice was more on what would be concentrated on initially.
Becoming a warrior would not free you of your family obligations but it would definitely increase your survivability. Elves had a natural killer instinct and delighted in war, it is said the Asur revel in battle and gain strength and enjoyment from it. This feeds off the inherent cruelty that lurked in the psyche of your entire race.You however did not think you possessed this trait.
You could train to defend yourself sure enough but you would never reach the level of Telar or Sir Herron without the killer instinct that is necessary to willingly take a life. If you became a warrior you would never reach your full potential.
Your decision was made, you would study the lore of life. This was the only way you could realistically be of use and help others, you would just try not to be so reckless in the future. "Easier said than done," you said to yourself quietly.
Eventually you calmed your thoughts and for the second night in a row after the Shadow Orc's death, you slept peacefully.
The next day the dwarf king arrived.
Two thousand dwarves marched into the White Tower, with King Hadrir Oakenshield at their head.
The king of the dwarves was old, even older than Throd and dressed in plain unadorned armour. The king was bald at the top and his beard was grey, unlike most other dwarves it was not ornately braided or decorated. In fact the only embellishment of note was the gold crown atop his head, if it wasn't for that it was entirely possible you would mistake him for any other minor dwarven warrior.
You stood at the head of your assembled forces who were assembled in lines for the parade. Skoren stood at your side, as your appointed translator and possibly the only helpful dwarf you had ever met.
"Do not speak directly to the king, your grace. You will talk to me and I will talk to his aid and he will then talk to the king. This is how we will communicate," said Skoren quietly.
"Why?" you replied.
"Because you are an elf," said Skoren.
You fumed silently. You were done with the ingratitude of the dwarves but for diplomacy's sake, you would heed Skoren's words.
Throd met the king in the town square and knelt on one knee, the king regarded the thane without expression. They spoke in their own language before Throd stood and escorted King Hadrir through the rows of the dwarven dead who were lined up from the previous day's battle.
The king walked through the rows of his fallen warriors and when he reached Gutri Oakenshield, Throds brother, he lingered a moment before continuing on.
You entered the town hall, where you had held your initial meeting with Throd and his brothers, and discussed the siege.
The siege was relayed entirely via Throd and Skoren relayed his words to you. To Throd's credit he recounted a truthful rendition of the events of the siege with almost no bias, both the highs and lows and even the times when the dwarves resolved failed. Throd offered no opinion during his account of facts and for perhaps the only time you had ever known him, did not make a single snide backhanded comment about your race.
The entire time Throd was speaking king Hadrir was staring at you, his face masked in a perpetual frown.
The treasures of the battle were brought in and displayed before the king, including the crown of Lawrunz of Araby. The king regarded it quietly and thanked Throd for his tale.
King Hadri and yourself spoke to each other, of sorts. You spoke Reikspiel to Skoren, who spoke Khazalid to the king's aid, who then spoke Khazalid to the king and vice versa. It was completely ridiculous but you still persisted with it. The tone of the room was cold, dozens of dwarves glared angrily from across the table and you were only accompanied by Sir Herron of Istor and Telar, whom stood behind you with their arms behind their back in a military pose.
King Hadri intended to stay for five days before leaving once again, during this time he agreed to assist in the excavation of the White Tower and the repairing of the walls and the gatehouse.
By the time the meeting was concluded it was early evening and you returned to your quarters after dinner.
There was a knock at your door, your bodyguards hailed you and said it was Skoren and the dwarven king. You permitted them entry and dismissed your Silver Helms, they hesitated briefly before doing what was asked.
The king looked at Skoren who bowed his head and left. You were now alone with him.
King Hadrir produced two mugs from a bag he was carrying and poured liquid from a flask into them. He Picked up a mug and inclined for you to do the same, you did so, Hadrir took a swill and looked at you, you followed and you coughed and sputtered as the vile liquid burned out your throat.
"It be strange times when a king of the dawi shares a drink with a princess of the elves." said King Hadrir in Reikspiel. He raised his mug and said, "to victory."
"To victory," you replied, still coughing.
You indicated for him to sit and the two of you sat across from each other at your small table.
"I apologise for the show, we Dawi are what we are. It is tradition in my clan that we spoke the way that we did, I am the king, I must follow it. Now we are alone without my clan, we can talk as others do. We have matters to discuss without pomp and circumstance" said Hadrir.
"Such as," you replied.
"Together we have won a great victory, of which has not been seen in decades. Your kin have taken great losses and I am sorry for that." said Hadrir.
"Thank you," you replied.
"I scarcely believed what had passed when I read the message. That Throd, the most thick headed of all of my thane's, had signed an alliance with an elven princess to destroy that accursed Urk? By Grungi I thought someone had sent me a prank letter. Yet I come here and find just that and the entire Ork army had been crushed and ye survived?" said Hadrir.
"Well it wasn't as simple as that but I suppose you could summarise it so" you replied.
King Hadrir took another swig of his drink and his frown lifted, "you are not like the other elves I have met Princess Elaine. You keep to your word, you fight hard and you are generous too. Not even Throd has a bad thing to say about you, of course that old clod doesn't have anything good to say about you either. That is as much praise as anyone gets from my brother."
Throd was Hadrir's brother? You thought of the battle the day previous, then that meant.. "Gutri…he was your brother too? I am sorry for your loss." you said genuinely, it was your plan after all that got him killed.
The king took another swig from his mug, a tear welled in the corner of eye. "Aye, it cannot be helped. He died a warrior's death, it was all I could have asked of him." He raised his mug and took another swill in Gutri's name. You followed and coughed and sputtered again but Hadrir did not seem to mind.
King Hadrir fascinated you, he was like no Dwarf you had ever met. The way he spoke without malice or hatred was completely at odds with the king you had met earlier in the day or any dwarf at all really, other than Skoren. Hadrir was treating you in a manner that the soldiers of your expedition treated each other, as equals sharing stories amongst their brothers in arms. There was something truly honest and charismatic about the dwarf king and you couldn't help but like him.
"As I age I think of my family often. Gutri is gone now, Gottri I had mourned long ago when he took the slayer's oath. My wife is gone and my daughters. I only have Throd and Skoren, my boy, left. I thank you for keeping them safe."
Your eyes widened slightly. Skoren was the king's son? Why didn't any of them tell you any of this over the past month?
"Skoren, he be my bastard, born out of wedlock though but I don't mind. He is still my boy and the only one I have." said Hadrir as he took another swill and refilled his drink.
"I have learnt of yer quest, to gather these magical stones. Now let me tell ye of my quest. Clan Oakenshield is landless, we be forced out of our home in the Misty Mountains generations ago by the Urks. I be a king without a hold, in name only. So be my father and his father before him. I discovered I had an ancestor who was king of Karak Kurz, an ancient abandoned hold in these very lands, high up in the mountains west of here. I took me clan on an expedition sixty years ago to claim it as me own, to give our clan a home and give it purpose. A future for my children.
We found it too aye, and we occupied it. For a time. It was beset by the Skaven, those miserable rats are even down here. There is no escaping them. We fought them and eventually, we lost. We lost many during the war, including most of my family and half of the clan. Many entries were made in the book of grudges and we retreated to Gold Mountain and set a claim. We sent word out to the dwarven kingdoms about our noble quest and many have come to bolster our ranks again. Soon we will try again, to claim Karak Kurz for our own, it will be the final time. We will win or we will be destroyed." said Hadrir solemnly.
You listened intently.
"While we held it, some of the things we managed to save were the journals, entries and records of Karak Kurz. Their list of kings, deeds and occurrences. A mighty treasure. I learnt I am indeed related to these ancient Dawi but I learned another thing that may interest you. Long ago, my predecessor, King Dimzad Stonemanson lived in these lands. He was allied with a great human King, Khalfani of Nehekhara. He spoke about defeating the elves of this land along with Khalfani here at this very tower and later being given a mighty magical stone by the human as recompense" said Hadrir.
You recognised this story, it was the one which Runihara told you. Khalfani was the king who laid siege to the White Tower, separated the amulet of the eight and spread the gems throughout the land.
"The records say the stone was buried with king Dimzad so he may watch over it. This be the stone ye seek?" asked Hadrir.
"It is," you replied.
"Then it is yours. Ye have shown ye are generous to yer allies, by not talking more than yer owed and offering more than then what is asked of you. The crown of the Urk will be a mighty trophy that will restore the hearts of many clansmen who lost friends and family to it's evil ways. We will remember how it was won and who gifted it to us without greed or selfishness. Yer stone still be in Karak Kurz and soon we will march on it, if we win we shall give ye the stone, if we lose it may be lost forever. Ye have stood beside us before, yer under no obligation to do so again but would ye come with us to claim our home? I will send you a missive when it be time, ye come if ye can but either way I will promise the stone will be yours." said Hadrir.
"I would like that," you replied.
"I also come for another purpose. The men of this land are different from the ones in the Empire. They are cruel, more evil and desire only coin and power. We made mistakes in the past dealing with them and aside from a trader family we deal with in El-Nsair's Folly we have not spoken to them in forty years. Aside from the blunder of a contract with that snake Aturk about purchasing this place.
A lot can change in humans during such a short time. My son Skoren wants to explore the human lands again, he wants to see who can be trusted and foster new trade agreements for our people. Skoren is young, like you, and does not yet know his place in the world. I would caution against it but once I tried to control my family in the past and now they be dead as a result of it. Skoren needs to learn what is right and wrong for himself and experience the highs and lows that come with it.
The boy has taken a liking to you, as a friend. I admit it be unorthodox but I wouldn't have believed it had I not heard yer tale and met ye myself. He said ye be steadfast and reliable, traits I would not associate with an elf but so be it. He wants to travel with you, and despite my worries I would permit it. With a small bodyguard of course, If ye would have him. But truly I ask of ye, if he does go please keep him safe. I don't know what I would do if i lost my last child so.
Think of my request, ye have another four days to decide. I will await yer response. I enjoyed yer company but we cannot make a habit of it. I am afraid I must continue the charade of tradition tomorrow. Do not take it personally, it is simply the way we must speak." said Hadrir.
"I understand." you replied and with that you bid King Hadrir farewell.
So Skoren wanted to travel with you? He would be using your movements to identify trading partners and allies for his people while doing so.
Skoren was likeable, for a dwarf at least, and he had shown courage, initiative and a willingness to listen to you where none of his kin had during the siege. There was the problem however of keeping the young Dwarf safe. You could barely keep yourself alive, let alone Skoren, and what would happen if he dies under your watch.
How would King Hadrir view you then? His last child killed while in the custody of the Elves? By accepting Skoren into your expedition you would gain great favour with the king, but was that worth losing everything if Skoren was killed?
What do you do?
…………..
Choices
[] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
[] Option 2: Refuse Skoren Oakenshield joining your expedition
Notes: The bodyguard would be small, probably no more than 10 dwarves and would not count towards your army roster.
Pics: King Hadrir Oakenshield
- Location
- Belgium
[] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
Hmm, I don't see a reason to disagree except that some elves may not like having dwarfs marching with them. On the other hand we gain a favor from the dwarf faction in the region and a friend to learn from.
[X] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
[X] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
- Location
- Temporally? Now.
[X] Option 1: Allow Skoren Oakenshield to join your expedition
Might be a risk, but should be fun to read.
Might be a risk, but should be fun to read.
Character Info - Throd Oakenshield
Character Info - Throd Oakenshield
Age: Around three hundred years.
Status: Alive
Known Family: Hadrir Oakenshield (elder borther)
Gotrri Oakenshield and Gutri Oakenshield (younger brothers)
Skoren Oakenshield (nephew)
Throd is the second child of the Oakenshield clan and is a thane in the service to his elder brother King Hadrir. Throd is very stubborn, suspicious of others and never has anything positive to say about anyone. He is a powerful warrior and a strong leader and although his temper often gets in the way of rational judgement. Despite his short temper he very rarely lets it impede matters involving the benefit and well being of his clan.
Like most of Clan Oakenshield, Throd has a personal grudge against the Greenskins and will do whatever needs to be done to see their eradication.
Sixty years previous to current events he relocated with his clan to attempt to retake the lost hold of Karak Kurz. Clan Oakenshield was defeated at the hands of the Skaven and Throd retreated to Gold Mountain and laid a mining claim their with the rest of the clan.
Throd mainly oversaw the day to day mining operations of the clan before relocating to the White Tower which was where he was first encountered by the elves of the Bay of Knives Expedition.
Throd signed an alliance with High Elves in order to alleviate the Dwarves from their financial debt of the White Tower and to use the High Elves to destroy the region's Orc Warboss, Lawrunz of Araby.
The Elves and Dwarves were successful in defeating Lawrunz of Araby and with that Throd withdrew his mining expedition at the White Tower and returned to Gold Mountain to prepare for the retaking of Karak Kurz once again.
Notable Feats so far
Signed the initial alliance with the High Elves
Commanded the Dwarves during the siege of the White Tower
Killed Lawrunz of Araby in personal combat along with Gottri Oakenshield and Sir Herron of Istor.
Pics: Throd Oakenshield
Age: Around three hundred years.
Status: Alive
Known Family: Hadrir Oakenshield (elder borther)
Gotrri Oakenshield and Gutri Oakenshield (younger brothers)
Skoren Oakenshield (nephew)
Throd is the second child of the Oakenshield clan and is a thane in the service to his elder brother King Hadrir. Throd is very stubborn, suspicious of others and never has anything positive to say about anyone. He is a powerful warrior and a strong leader and although his temper often gets in the way of rational judgement. Despite his short temper he very rarely lets it impede matters involving the benefit and well being of his clan.
Like most of Clan Oakenshield, Throd has a personal grudge against the Greenskins and will do whatever needs to be done to see their eradication.
Sixty years previous to current events he relocated with his clan to attempt to retake the lost hold of Karak Kurz. Clan Oakenshield was defeated at the hands of the Skaven and Throd retreated to Gold Mountain and laid a mining claim their with the rest of the clan.
Throd mainly oversaw the day to day mining operations of the clan before relocating to the White Tower which was where he was first encountered by the elves of the Bay of Knives Expedition.
Throd signed an alliance with High Elves in order to alleviate the Dwarves from their financial debt of the White Tower and to use the High Elves to destroy the region's Orc Warboss, Lawrunz of Araby.
The Elves and Dwarves were successful in defeating Lawrunz of Araby and with that Throd withdrew his mining expedition at the White Tower and returned to Gold Mountain to prepare for the retaking of Karak Kurz once again.
Notable Feats so far
Signed the initial alliance with the High Elves
Commanded the Dwarves during the siege of the White Tower
Killed Lawrunz of Araby in personal combat along with Gottri Oakenshield and Sir Herron of Istor.
Pics: Throd Oakenshield
Voting Closed.
Results from voting including tallies from Facebook.
Option 1 - 10 votes (wins)
Option 2 - 0 votes
Story to follow in the next few days.
Results from voting including tallies from Facebook.
Option 1 - 10 votes (wins)
Option 2 - 0 votes
Story to follow in the next few days.
Episode 64 - The Ritual
Episode 64 - The Ritual
Results from Last Episode - Allow Skoren Oakenshield to Join Your expedition
The next four days passed without incident, you gave King Hadrir the news and Skoren organised to join your expedition. He was to be accompanied by heavily armoured warriors known as ironbreakers and, unfortunately for you, Gottri Oakenshield.
Gottri was the bear dwarf, the slayer and was the most rude and belligerent of all of the Oakenshields and quite possibly, the Dwarves as a whole. Upon hearing the news that he was accompanying Skoren, and therefore you, Gottri called you a "beard clipper" before storming out of the room swearing and cursing. At least you determined he could speak Reikspiel and could be spoken to in an emergency.
The White Tower was excavated in short order and the Dwarves repaired the walls to a significant degree, it truly was amazing what two thousand of them could achieve in short order.
The Dwarven expedition bid farewell and you were certain they were as relieved as you were.
You gave the news to Maldor that you will be studying under him and were pleased to see his vision and magical power returning.
After the Dwarves left the White Tower you finally were able to explore inside. The main living areas of the Tower were completely stripped and abandoned, everything of remote interest of value, either financially and culturally, had gone from long ago and all that was inside was simple storage and rough living quarters from the races that inhabited the tower since.
Beneath the tower was a large cave and was where the real objects of interest lay. Behind a spell of illusion sat an ornate door intricately woven with elven runes and inscriptions. Maldor stated the doors were last sealed when he left the White Tower, some two thousand years ago. At the time he was only a new apprentice and was not permitted entry to this secret location, so aside from an armoury he had no idea what was here.
The doors revealed several large chambers, the first being the armoury. Hundreds of swords, shields, armour, arrows and other weapons were stored here. There were several weapons that had been enchanted too, you allocated them to your various officers and you took a relatively short sword that matched your size for yourself.
A magical staff was located, Maldor gave it to you saying it was likely left over by one of the apprentices from the previous expedition. Maldor didn't seem particularly interested in the staff so whatever it was it was likely low powered. You swung it around briefly like a child would, you felt very wizardly when you did so and looked forward to your new career.
Of note located were three eagle claw bolt throwers stored in the armoury along with a massive payload of ammunition. Telar stated the bolt throwers could be crewed by the Lothern Seaguard as they were trained in it's use and he would start a program training for other elves. Three artillery pieces such as these could turn the tide of any battle and it was important that as many elves as possible were trained in their use.
An arcane forge was found, it was likely it was here that the magic items were made, perhaps even the Amulet of the Eight itself. Your surviving smith from your supply train was assigned to the forge to repair as much existing equipment as possible, he seemed pleased with the arrangement.
You located a secret passage that led outside to the base of the mountain which the White Tower sat upon. Had you known about this secret exit during the siege you wondered if it would have changed your mindset knowing there was a way out? Would you have abandoned the Dwarves just to try and stay alive had you known there was another option?
A library was located however it had been entirely stripped, Maldor said the contents was taken back to Ulthuan during his time here, Maldor said the armoury was stocked and left as it was before the withdrawal in case the Elves returned to claim the Tower once again. You were fortunate that your predecessors had the foresight to think of you in such a matter.
Finally the ritual chamber was located. The room was small and circular and contained a magical well which filtered the colours of magic around it. Ancient runes and diagrams were written on the walls, it was truly magnificent.
Maldor stated the ritual of scrying would take about a week to complete in it's entirety during this time he needed to be alone and requested his sleeping and food arrangements be relocated to the underchambers, you agreed.
The next week passed slowly, it felt oddly quiet without the Orcs but you hardly missed them. As the ritual was cast you spent your time with your guide, Bakrat Bin Qatar, who somehow survived the siege despite being an active participant in it. You had now more or less learnt the basics of Arabyan and could converse with Bakrat in a mundane fashion. Further study would be needed but you were now confident speaking to the humans of this land without the need of translator. Regardless, Bakrat was astonished that you managed to learn his language to a fluent level in less than two months.
Now that you spoke Arabyan you started a class teaching key officers and figures in your expedition the language too. Human mercenaries will be needed, at least for a time, to bolster your forces and it was important that your officers could communicate with them when necessary.
You spoke with Bakrat about where to hire mercenaries in the region. Bakrat stated there were four main areas where men could be hired for war. The first were the nomads near Sandy Mountain, they possessed excellent light and missile cavalry but were poor in other options. The second was the Sultanate, within the major cities of El-Basra, Hadiq. They possessed excellent heavy cavalry, heavy infantry and foot archers.
Third was the Free Cities of El-Nasir's Folly, FreeTown, Qatar and Sala-Beq. The soldiers vary from city to city however all troops could theoretically be available, and at the same time none could be. Since the Free Cities militaries operate nearly entirely on mercenaries their availability would depend on if they are under contract and what city they are in. The Free Cities also have several foreign mercenary companies that are known to reside in their area as well so the options of choice could be huge, that is if you can find them and if they are not currently unemployed.
After a few days the ritual was complete and Maldor emerged with interesting information. He stated there were eight objects of power in the region and you possessed two, this confirmed without a shadow of a doubt that it was the magical stones and therefore the Amulet of the Eight, that was your objective.
Maldor couldn't say exactly where the stones were but he knew the direction that they were in. There were two to the south, with one of them being relatively close by somewhere in the Blazing Desert. One of them to the southwest and three more to the west. You already knew one of the stones in the west lay within Karak Kurz.
Your stay was now nearing completion at the White Tower.
You had plenty of supplies and could last weeks in the desert if necessary, especially with your low troop count. In terms of soldiers you only had one hundred and sixty two battle ready elves but you had more than enough funds to hire whoever you wanted from the humans.
What do you do?
Choices
[]Option 1: Try and find the closest magical stone in the Blazing Desert.
OR....
Option 2: Seek mercenaries first at….
[] O2a) The Sandy Mountain nomads
[] O2b) The Sultanate of El-Basra
[] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
Pics: The Elves assisting in the White Tower Excavation
Results from Last Episode - Allow Skoren Oakenshield to Join Your expedition
The next four days passed without incident, you gave King Hadrir the news and Skoren organised to join your expedition. He was to be accompanied by heavily armoured warriors known as ironbreakers and, unfortunately for you, Gottri Oakenshield.
Gottri was the bear dwarf, the slayer and was the most rude and belligerent of all of the Oakenshields and quite possibly, the Dwarves as a whole. Upon hearing the news that he was accompanying Skoren, and therefore you, Gottri called you a "beard clipper" before storming out of the room swearing and cursing. At least you determined he could speak Reikspiel and could be spoken to in an emergency.
The White Tower was excavated in short order and the Dwarves repaired the walls to a significant degree, it truly was amazing what two thousand of them could achieve in short order.
The Dwarven expedition bid farewell and you were certain they were as relieved as you were.
You gave the news to Maldor that you will be studying under him and were pleased to see his vision and magical power returning.
After the Dwarves left the White Tower you finally were able to explore inside. The main living areas of the Tower were completely stripped and abandoned, everything of remote interest of value, either financially and culturally, had gone from long ago and all that was inside was simple storage and rough living quarters from the races that inhabited the tower since.
Beneath the tower was a large cave and was where the real objects of interest lay. Behind a spell of illusion sat an ornate door intricately woven with elven runes and inscriptions. Maldor stated the doors were last sealed when he left the White Tower, some two thousand years ago. At the time he was only a new apprentice and was not permitted entry to this secret location, so aside from an armoury he had no idea what was here.
The doors revealed several large chambers, the first being the armoury. Hundreds of swords, shields, armour, arrows and other weapons were stored here. There were several weapons that had been enchanted too, you allocated them to your various officers and you took a relatively short sword that matched your size for yourself.
A magical staff was located, Maldor gave it to you saying it was likely left over by one of the apprentices from the previous expedition. Maldor didn't seem particularly interested in the staff so whatever it was it was likely low powered. You swung it around briefly like a child would, you felt very wizardly when you did so and looked forward to your new career.
Of note located were three eagle claw bolt throwers stored in the armoury along with a massive payload of ammunition. Telar stated the bolt throwers could be crewed by the Lothern Seaguard as they were trained in it's use and he would start a program training for other elves. Three artillery pieces such as these could turn the tide of any battle and it was important that as many elves as possible were trained in their use.
An arcane forge was found, it was likely it was here that the magic items were made, perhaps even the Amulet of the Eight itself. Your surviving smith from your supply train was assigned to the forge to repair as much existing equipment as possible, he seemed pleased with the arrangement.
You located a secret passage that led outside to the base of the mountain which the White Tower sat upon. Had you known about this secret exit during the siege you wondered if it would have changed your mindset knowing there was a way out? Would you have abandoned the Dwarves just to try and stay alive had you known there was another option?
A library was located however it had been entirely stripped, Maldor said the contents was taken back to Ulthuan during his time here, Maldor said the armoury was stocked and left as it was before the withdrawal in case the Elves returned to claim the Tower once again. You were fortunate that your predecessors had the foresight to think of you in such a matter.
Finally the ritual chamber was located. The room was small and circular and contained a magical well which filtered the colours of magic around it. Ancient runes and diagrams were written on the walls, it was truly magnificent.
Maldor stated the ritual of scrying would take about a week to complete in it's entirety during this time he needed to be alone and requested his sleeping and food arrangements be relocated to the underchambers, you agreed.
The next week passed slowly, it felt oddly quiet without the Orcs but you hardly missed them. As the ritual was cast you spent your time with your guide, Bakrat Bin Qatar, who somehow survived the siege despite being an active participant in it. You had now more or less learnt the basics of Arabyan and could converse with Bakrat in a mundane fashion. Further study would be needed but you were now confident speaking to the humans of this land without the need of translator. Regardless, Bakrat was astonished that you managed to learn his language to a fluent level in less than two months.
Now that you spoke Arabyan you started a class teaching key officers and figures in your expedition the language too. Human mercenaries will be needed, at least for a time, to bolster your forces and it was important that your officers could communicate with them when necessary.
You spoke with Bakrat about where to hire mercenaries in the region. Bakrat stated there were four main areas where men could be hired for war. The first were the nomads near Sandy Mountain, they possessed excellent light and missile cavalry but were poor in other options. The second was the Sultanate, within the major cities of El-Basra, Hadiq. They possessed excellent heavy cavalry, heavy infantry and foot archers.
Third was the Free Cities of El-Nasir's Folly, FreeTown, Qatar and Sala-Beq. The soldiers vary from city to city however all troops could theoretically be available, and at the same time none could be. Since the Free Cities militaries operate nearly entirely on mercenaries their availability would depend on if they are under contract and what city they are in. The Free Cities also have several foreign mercenary companies that are known to reside in their area as well so the options of choice could be huge, that is if you can find them and if they are not currently unemployed.
After a few days the ritual was complete and Maldor emerged with interesting information. He stated there were eight objects of power in the region and you possessed two, this confirmed without a shadow of a doubt that it was the magical stones and therefore the Amulet of the Eight, that was your objective.
Maldor couldn't say exactly where the stones were but he knew the direction that they were in. There were two to the south, with one of them being relatively close by somewhere in the Blazing Desert. One of them to the southwest and three more to the west. You already knew one of the stones in the west lay within Karak Kurz.
Your stay was now nearing completion at the White Tower.
You had plenty of supplies and could last weeks in the desert if necessary, especially with your low troop count. In terms of soldiers you only had one hundred and sixty two battle ready elves but you had more than enough funds to hire whoever you wanted from the humans.
What do you do?
Choices
[]Option 1: Try and find the closest magical stone in the Blazing Desert.
OR....
Option 2: Seek mercenaries first at….
[] O2a) The Sandy Mountain nomads
[] O2b) The Sultanate of El-Basra
[] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
Pics: The Elves assisting in the White Tower Excavation
That elf hauling a boulder doesn't look particularly buff, but...damn, son! He must hit like a freight train in a bar fight.
It's practically our duty as the leader of the expedition to go find some canon fodder. We've taken enough losses, let's go find someone else stand behind. Lacking much knowledge of the various cultures and histories involved, I can't really judge who's the best choice to go recruit from, so let's try the one that looks closest on the map.
[X] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
It's practically our duty as the leader of the expedition to go find some canon fodder. We've taken enough losses, let's go find someone else stand behind. Lacking much knowledge of the various cultures and histories involved, I can't really judge who's the best choice to go recruit from, so let's try the one that looks closest on the map.
[X] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
I agree with finding fodder for our troops. However I think we could best be helped with Light Calvary screen to help scout.
[X] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
[X] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
King Arthur
The Once and Future King
[] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
I want mercs, don't particularly care which type.
I want mercs, don't particularly care which type.
Last edited:
- Pronouns
- He
[X] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
- Location
- Temporally? Now.
Well, I definitely think we need option 2, but from there...
@Fenderstat
As far as military options go, what are we missing? Has most of our heavy infantry died? I think we still have archers.
[x] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
Mostly as a way to have access to whatever we want, though I think if we knew what we needed, one of the other options would probably be better.
@Fenderstat
As far as military options go, what are we missing? Has most of our heavy infantry died? I think we still have archers.
[x] O2c) The Free Cities, beginning at El-Nasir's Folly
Mostly as a way to have access to whatever we want, though I think if we knew what we needed, one of the other options would probably be better.
@JustForThis
You don't have much.
This is what is left
Twelve silver helms, forty Ellyrian Reavers, twenty six spear militia, twenty two Lothern Seagaurd, twenty Shadow Warriors, thirty archers. 3 Eagle Claw Bolt Throwers (crewed by 12 Lothern Seagaurd).
so 12 Heavy Cavalry, 40 light/skirmish cavalry, 48 spear infantry, 50 archers, 12 artillery crewman.
You could do with everything but I would say infantry is where you are weakest, you definitely don't have enough of them to protect all of your archers and new artillery pieces in a pitched battle.
You don't have much.
This is what is left
Twelve silver helms, forty Ellyrian Reavers, twenty six spear militia, twenty two Lothern Seagaurd, twenty Shadow Warriors, thirty archers. 3 Eagle Claw Bolt Throwers (crewed by 12 Lothern Seagaurd).
so 12 Heavy Cavalry, 40 light/skirmish cavalry, 48 spear infantry, 50 archers, 12 artillery crewman.
You could do with everything but I would say infantry is where you are weakest, you definitely don't have enough of them to protect all of your archers and new artillery pieces in a pitched battle.
King Arthur
The Once and Future King
In that case
[X] O2b) The Sultanate of El-Basra
It's got the Heavy Infantry we need, plus more calvary and archers are never amiss.
[X] O2b) The Sultanate of El-Basra
It's got the Heavy Infantry we need, plus more calvary and archers are never amiss.