From: JS Laslo
Date: Sat Nov 11, 2000 9:07 pm
Subject: Idea
Sol and Granite should get some sort of bonus for fighting together,
they've trained for an extremely long time to do it. Also I think this
group should be open to anyone who is willing to take orders from Me and Chuck, we're royalty after all.
From: JS Laslo
Date: Sat Nov 11, 2000 9:22 pm
Subject: Dming
Davis you had better play a fairly active role or there will be a
genocide on orcs.
From: "Sol Blackstar"
Date: Sat Nov 11, 2000 9:39 pm
Subject: Genocide on Orcs
Well Sol isn't completely against that idea, hell he's all for it, he
knows he needs the support of the entire Dwarven Confederation.
Even without that support, he has sworn to kill as many of those
bastards as possible.
From: adamdavis64@h...
Date: Sun Nov 12, 2000 10:46 am
Subject: Adam Davis
I'll be happy to be active in this campaign. However, you and Chuck need to provide me with some of this complex body of dwarf lore you've produced so I know where I'm coming from in terms of history, family members, and so forth.
As for fighting bonuses: there's a proficiency you should both take if you want to get bonuses for fighting together. It's called Paired Combat; it's on my list of things you can do with your weapon proficiency slots other than use them for weapons, and it reflects exactly what you describe, two individuals who have fought long together and have learned to work in conjunction. It allows several benefits in battle as long as the two of you are fairly close together. I'll describe it more fully when I get the chance.
Sure, anyone who feels inclined to play a dwarf is more than welcome. I'll advertise the e-group on the web site, as well as in the new Library of Highmoon e-group I'll be making shortly to replace the old
Kaerith Dreambook e-group. I'll also try to post some more dwarven information on the Library over the break.
------------------------
From: "Sol Blackstar"
Date: Sun Nov 12, 2000 9:53 pm
Subject: Past information
Adam, I'll sit down tomorrow or early this week and go through and put as much information as I can about Sol and Granite's past, including Dol Geldar information that probably Laz doesn't know much about. We'll go from there.
About posting it on your website, let everyone know they should contact us to get an idea of what is actually going on before they decide to join.
About the paired combat, Looks like that will be both of our next weapon proficiencies Laz. We should be heading up in level shortly so it will work out for us.
From: adamdavis64@h...
Date: Mon Nov 13, 2000 1:24 am
Subject: Getting started
Well, I'm currently in the midst of finals, so don't expect much from me till Thursday. Once I get that mess cleared up and have some time to look at any info you guys have, we can begin from there. I'll be sure to explain the nature of the dwarven situation on the page and list you guys as the contacts for that.
From: "Sol Blackstar"
Date: Mon Nov 13, 2000 8:21 pm
Subject: history
Sol Blackstar:
As you know from previous experience, he is the prince of Dol Geldar. That is currently not in debate, but as to the status of Dol Geldar, that is another story completely. At the time of Lorgun's Attack (game date unknown), Dol Geldar was only three generations old. It had a modest population of 3500 dwarves. These dwarves were extremely close knit, descending from Geldar family line or being extremely close to the Geldar family.
This group of dwarves had left Copperwell to reclaim land that had been left centuries past. At Dol Geldar they discovered a large supply of Red Iron Ore. They had harvested that ore slowly since the inception of their thanedom. They had remained on good terms with the other thanedoms, trading their ore for items they needed.
That ended when Lorgun attacked. He attacked without warning and with no mercy. His band of orcs destroyed the thanedom and killed 2500 of the inhabitants. Those left surviving vowed to rebuild, refusing to let the orcs scare them from their lands.
Below is listed some NPC's(possible PC's if the time comes to use them):
Tycus Blackstar -Sol's father deceased. Died defending Dol
Belack Hammersmith -Sol's cousin currently Ruling Dol Geldar in Sol's name. At time of attack was the Churh in Copperwell(cleric of Deepflame. Had a premonition of Attack on Dol Geldar and returned immediately.
Any other info that is needed please let me know.
From: JS Laslo
Date: Mon Nov 13, 2000 8:39 pm
Subject: Dwarf Page
Here is the source information for the Dwarf Lifestyles (In Brief), so
you can just throw it up on the net in about 10 minutes Adam.
BSol Dwarven History
From: adamdavis64@h...
Date: Tue Nov 14, 2000 10:56 am
Subject: Re: Dwarf Page
Thanks, LAZ. I'll post this info as soon as I've had time to make a
few minor edits, probably tomorrow after my finals are over.
From: JS Laslo
Date: Tue Nov 14, 2000 8:33 pm
Subject: Beginnings
The gaurds at the gates of Copperwell were standing watch, late at night
as they usually do. Battle Axes at the ready, hammers also. From the
distance they see a small shrunken figure ambling up the pathway to the
Great Gates. One motions towards the figure and the other taking the
silent commands advances.
He walks up to the figure, who is hobbling along barely erect. He notes
with some concern that it is a Dwarven priest of Rorun Ethus
Keeperstone.
"Can I help you Father?" the gaurd says in the deep resonanting tones of
dwarven.
"Where...am..I?"
"You are outside of the Great Gates of Copperwell, Father, let me ease
your burden."
"Copperwell? Good."
"Let me lighten your load old one."
"Keep your hands off of me, I haven't crossed these many miles only to
be mollycoddled into the city."
"Very Well, ancient one."
"And cut out that old one crap. I am no older then you are."
The gaurd looked deep into the pale blue eyes of the dwarf, wondering
what horrors he has seen, and takes a few steps back to give the
troubled dwarf the respect he deserves.
"At least tell me your name."
"Wait until I get to the gate..."
The other gaurd looked up at his friend who is following the gnome sized
dwarf. He sighs and realizes that is going to be another long night of
gaurd duty.
"Indentify yourself."
"I am Granite Armstrong, of the Ruling Clan of Dol Geldar, Seneshcal of
Prince Sol Blackstar."
The two gaurds are taken aback.
"We are honored. How may we be of service?"
"Open the damn gates and let me in, I am expected, and I am expecting
someone."
The gaurds open the Great Gates of Copperwell, and allow the Seneschal
into Copperwell, without further instruction. Once inside the gates,
Granite sits down and rests. He is more weary then he should be, the
lack of food for the last forty days has burned off the fat that he once
held, and brought him close to the land of his god. He walked in a
fevered state between the realms of the living and the dead. He spoke to
the dead while sitting in Inns along the way, ignored by the living
people, and ignoring them in turn. He has seen Rorun Ethus Keeperstone's
books, and knows how things could go. To see such sights wearies a man
beyond his years, and takes its toll, physically, and mentally.
Spirtually though, Granite has never been stronger. He sits on the
inside of Copperwell, awaiting his Prince.
From: JS Laslo
Date: Sat Nov 25, 2000 8:15 pm
Subject: Granite
Granite looks up at his Prince.
"Sol, my liege. I have not eaten in forty days and forty nights, plus a
few more. Let us go to the Pub." says Granite getting up with a surprising energy for someone who hasn't eaten in so long. He leads his Lord down to a small pub that looks like it mainly caters to the human traders.
"We should be safe in here. No respectable dwarf would be in here, and I
have acclimated myself to humans. We can discuss with little or no fear
of being over heard."
From: "Sol Blackstar"
Date: Mon Nov 27, 2000 12:51 am
Subject: Re: Granite
Sol looks at Granite in surprise as he walks besides him. The famine is not something unheard of in Dwarven culture, but for 40 days and nights is something unusual.
After a few steps, Sol stops Granite and turns to face him. He asks, his voice lowered, "What will we be safe from? We belong here as much as any other dwarf. Unless something has happened to Copperwell and Steelbiter since the last news I heard which was some months ago."
From: JS Laslo
Date: Sat Dec 2, 2000 10:25 pm
Subject: Bar
"My liege, there are many ears in Copperwell, such as those from Silverwell. It would be best for us to be descreate." Granite says sitting down. He looks at the menu board and orders a sauteed mushroom platter and a small mug of goatsmilk, being that Rorun Ethus Keeperstone doesn't approve of alcohol consumption. "After all this is the first time in my recolation that the dwarven thanes are all meeting at one place. For all of our plans to become known, well, then counter arguements would be much, easier..."
From: cfrankert
Date: Sun Dec 3, 2000 3:06 am
Subject: Sol's response to Silverwell
Sol follows Granite to the pub and after they find a corner table away from the majority of the patrons. After sitting and ordering, Sol asks about what Granite has been doing in the past few months, his "quest", and for news from Dol Geldar. AFter getting caught up on everything that has transpired since Granite's return Sol looks at him and asks "So the unexpected has happened, Thane Axelord or a representative actually came from Silverwell for our
meeting?"
From: cfrankert@h...
Date: Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:52 pm
Subject: Leaving the Bar
After eating and a few mugs of Ale, Granite slumps in his seat. Apparently the trip and the ale were too much for him.
Sol sits watching his friend for some time pondering the implications of a Silverwell representative being in Copperwell. It would mean there is no possibility of a full war against Gagneria. Yes Granite was wrong...it is not a meeting of all Represenatives as several have already perished, their kingdoms with them.
Passerby's can see the look of depression in the road-weary dwarf. None are willing to guess his age or his status. He holds himself with pride and his weapons and armor are both of high craftsmanship and battle used. Most guess he is from one of the fallen kingdoms, yet none would guess of his real status.
While pondering the future, his mind wanders to the past, to lives lost, and to dreams. Some long dead, some still fresh and vivid. It was only a week past that he awoke from such a dream. One that left both mental and physical scars. His head will always bear the scar from that night. As he gets up his mind returns to Scorpion, the one with the power to influence minds. What role does Scorpion play in his life?
Sol stands, pushing the thoughts of his head with the last draught of ale in his mug. He sets his mind on the future, there will be time to reminiesce of the past later. He retrieves his belongings, pays his bills and hands a few extra gold pieces to the barkeep to make sure Granite gets to a room safely.
Sol sets out from the bar, determined to finish his quest and fulfill his destiny. He heads to the center of the Copperwell, towards the center of the remaining Dwarven power.
From: jjc232@p...
Date: Fri Nov 23, 2001 8:28 am
Subject: A new hope
Having arrived justly to Copperwell as the blanket of darkness covered the town, Flood Irongate, a young dwarven nobleman, immediately found refuge in a small pub. Sitting down to a warm meal in quiet solitude, Irongate began to ponder the events that had transpired, bringing him to this all-important annual council meeting, his first.
As he finished his dinner, Irongate was struck by the look of utter depression on the face of a road-weary dwarf at a table across the other side of the pub. He was dressed impressively; his armor and weapons were of superior craftsmanship. Truly this was a great warrior, Irongate thought to himself. He watched further as the dwarf stood up and paid the barkeep for his meal, and exited the pub.
As the warrior exited the pub, young Irongate quickly got to his feet and approached the barkeep. As he did so, Flood passed the table where the warrior had been sitting, noticing an older dwarf passed out in his chair. "If I may ask," Flood said to the barkeep, "who was that who just left?"
"That was Sol Blackstar, Prince of Dol Geldar," the barkeep replied gruffly.
"THE Dol Geldar?" Irongate said, surprised. "I thought that it was fallen."
"No," the barkeep replied. "It lives, but barely."
"Thank you, sir," Irongate said, producing some coins to pay for his
bill, and adding a few extra for tip.
Irongate exited the inn with haste, and stepped back out into the night streets of Copperwell. Up ahead in the distance, he could see the silhouette of Sol Blackstar pressed up against the moonlight.
As Irongate follwed the prince at a brisk pace, he recalled the stories of Dol Geldar, how it was ravaged by Orcs. He knew that if one kingdom could be destroyed, others would follow, possibly his, until all the dwarven lands were conquered. The Gagnerians had to be stopped. Additionally, Irongate was hungry for war, hungry for a chance to prove his skills in battle, to bring honor to himself and his kingdom.
Finally catching up to him, Irongate said, "Prince Blackstar," and the young dwarf bowed in reverence as Sol turned to see him. "I am Flood Irongate, and I pledge my support to you and the people of Dol Geldar."
From: cfrankert@h...
Date: Sat Nov 24, 2001 10:56 pm
Subject: Re: A new hope
Sol looks bewildered at the young dwarf kneeling in front of him, then looks around for anyone passing by. Gruffly he says, "Kid stand up, there is no need to kneel in front of one such as myself. If anyone knew that you had bowed to an honorless prince than you and your kingdom would likewise be dishonored."
As Flood stands up, Sol appraises his stature.
"Son what is your profession and position within your clan? You look
young enough to still be in training. Also where did you discover my
true identity as I haven't given my name to any except the guards at
the gate?"
From: "Adam"
Date: Tue Nov 27, 2001 7:44 am
Subject: The dwarf behind the bar
Morolon Slatefist polished a glass and watched as the young Arkan noble knelt and pledged his fealty to Sol Blackstar, the fallen Dolan prince. It was he who'd tipped off the younger dwarf to Sol's true status; not many recognized the Blackstars on sight. Morolon was one who did. He knew them very well.
Fealty to the dwarven prince was not an expected development, and if anything meant that Blackstar might well have more supporters than Morolon had previously anticipated. The prince's mad dream of restoring his fallen city-state might well be realized. Morlon's lips curled behind his beard in an unconscious grimace. Restoring Dol Geldar! Prouder cities had fallen, and just as recently....Anhold, Nod Geldar, Grayaxe Hold...and others, older and prouder still. Who had come to the rescue of ancient Goldwell, with its Mile-Deep Mine, lost to the Crumbling Plague a thousand years ago? Had the Council
favored the restoration of ancient Southwatch Hold, once the first line of defense aginst human aggression, abandoned these six hundred years? No. These great cities lay in ruin, as they had for centuries, and hardly a dwarf still lived who had ever known someone that called them home.
The barkeeper broke from his reverie. The young dwarf would tell Blackstar who had revealed his identity, and Morolon could not have that yet. It might lead to dangerous questions. He stepped into the back and beckoned to the youngster whom he'd taught the art of brewing dwarven ale.
"Caspar, I have to take a trip. An old...friend...has arrived in Copperwell, and I must...attend to him. It is a matter of sworn duty. While I am gone, the tavern is yours. Treat her well."
The young dwarf, his beard not even yet streaked with gray, nodded. No dwarf questioned the sworn duty of another. "Will you be long, Master?" he asked.
Morolon sighed. "I am uncertain, Caspar. But you are more than ready to fill my boots in my absence." He clapped the young one on the shoulder. "May Goldbeard fill your purse and Shatterstriker watch your back. Gods willing, I'll see you again someday."
Taking off his apron and hanging it from its accustomed hook, Morolon exited the tavern through its back entrance, and slipped into a tunnel in the side of a rock face out back. Most of Copperwell, like all dwarven cities, was below ground. Descending the stairs, still illuminated by moonlight until he'd made a few turns, his dwarven sight took over; the rock face here crawled with differing patters of heat, revealing their features as clearly to his eyes as in daylight. Eventually he stopped before an apparently ordinary bend in the tunnel which led to the city proper. Aged fingers traced the rock until they closed on a jutting spur, shaped with long wear into the
very mold of his grip. He held the spur briefly, and said the Earthword, a secret few dwarves knew as anything but a legend. And slipped through the wall as though it were not there.
Morolon proceeded down a long passage, much more polished than the one he'd just gone through, its floor worn with the tread of centuries. Ancient carvings covered the walls, and runes of a style not seen for many years. It was, in many ways, a temple to all Morolon had worked for, worked and hidden for all these long, long years.
Presently he exited the tunnel in a small chamber, a square room with slender pillars around its border. An eternal flame, blue in color, burned without smoke in its center. The floor was studded here and there with square bronze plaques, each covered in runes. Keeperstones-- the grave markers of dwarves. Beneath each resided the petrified body of a dead dwarf, standing upright in his tiny cubicle of a grave, axe on belt, malachite in one hand and gold in the other, as tradition demanded. Heroes, every one. Seldom were so many buried in one place. But this was a special place.
Along the way, Morolon had changed his clothing, adding a dark hood that covered all of his head but his mouth and beard, and spread out over his shoulders. He had donned a black belt bearing seven bronze studs, a symbol of his rank, and a single circular disk of iron bearing asymbole few alive would recognize. Around his neck hung a strange pendant, a closed black fist. Most dwarves' stomachs would lurch when they saw what it was made of, the one stone no dwarf would dare to work.
Others, similarly clad, drifted out from among the pillars over the next several minutes, arriving by mysterious ways from all over Copperwell. None had as many bronze studs on their belts as Morolon; a few had none. All of them also wore disks of metal on their belts, carved with other signs. And all wore that blasphemous pendant beneath his beard.
As one, the dwarves lifted their pendants and chanted softly, the words of invocation in ancient Dwarvish. As one, they ceased, and lowered their pendants. As one, they turned their hodded faces to Morolon.
"The Fallen One has arrived," Morolon said. "Our work begins."
The Clan of the Onyx Hand nodded. They had been waiting for far too
long.
From: Justin Cryder
Date: Mon Dec 3, 2001 8:03 pm
Subject: Re:
dwarfgroup Re: A new hope
Flood quickly rose to his feet at Sol's behest. "I'm sorry," the 4'3" 171-pound dwarf began, "forgive my impertenance. I am Flood Irongate, 2nd cousin to Thane Erik Torchbreaker, ruler of Nol Geldar. I am the duly appointed represantive to the dwarven council by my people."
It was evident that the young dwarf, who looked not a shade older than 95 at best, was scrambling to regain his footing after stepping off so poorly in his attempt to make a good first impression with Sol Blackstar. Now as opposed to being on solid ground, young Irongate felt as though he were wading in treacherous waters, as unsafe a place as there could be for his people.
Mindful of this, Irongate thought carefully to himself for a moment, and then continued, "I received your name from the bartender at the tavern." Then he added, "and yes, sir, I have completed my training in the ways of the warrior."
From: cfrankert@h...
Date: Tue Dec 4, 2001 4:49 pm
Subject: Re: A new hope
Quietly:"Well Flood it is good to know that there are still dwarves that foresee that danger of believing those damn orcs."
Looking Flood in the eyes and seeing his unease: "Son, relax. It is not I that you need to worry about. But there are some that believe I am dead and I'm surprised to learn that the bartender knows my true identity and it vexes me to a degree. I have told only two inside Copperwell my name, and those were the guards at the gate. "
Turning around, away from Flood: "Walk with me and listen, I still have people to meet before the day is over and time is of the essence. The Bar tender can be questioned later at my leisure...but with your information, I now know that my coming here is no longer a secret and neither is the existance of Dol Geldar. As for kneeling to me, it is not needed at this time, as many believe I have lost my honor with the fall of Dol Geldar. Time will tell if I am able to change that opion."
Adam this may come as a surprise, but after looking at all the information Sol has avaialable and taking Thane Deathhammer's last request very seriously. Taking a lower,more serious tone: "There is one point that many do have correct, Dol Geldar has fallen. Our lives, my life in particular, shall be sent honoring Thane Deathhammer. I will live defending our people and if need be die in that quest so others may live. You are the first to hear that from me, neither my cousin nor my senschal knows of my decision at this time. I'm not saying that Dol Geldar will never rise from its ashes, but the plans for resurrection will be delayed for some time. My primary concern at this time Cavecrest Ridge. If Cavecrest Ridge falls, the orcs will have our confederation split in half and that much easier to dismantle. And yes before you ask, I firmly believe that their plan is to dismantle and destroy the dwarven confederation."
"Unfortunately at this time, my most pressing issue is my presentation to Coros Steelbiter. Would you mind accompanying me?
Sol continues walking towards the political center of the hold, almost dragging Flood with him as Flood digests the news he has just heard.
From: Justin Cryder
Date: Tue Dec 4, 2001 5:52 pm
Subject: Re: [[dwarfgroup]] Re: A new hope
Irongate soaked up the drops of knowledge in what the elder dwarf had to say like a willing sponge, before finally speaking: "I meant no disrespect by kneeling before you, because as far as I am concerned your honor is still intact," the young Dwarf began, following quickly behind the Dwarven prince. "And, it would be a great honor to accompany you, sir."
The young Dwarf continued. "I did not mean to be so forthright back there," Flood said as the two walked. "As I ate in the tavern, I noticed that your
appearance was quite remarkable... for some reason it was as if I was compelled to find out who your identity, so I inquired of the bartender."
Inrongate paused briefly before adding, "I had not realized however that you had not given your name to him. But perhaps the word of your arrival has spread faster than you anticipated. A prince from a fallen kingdom is somewhat of a big deal.
"In my mind, your very being here is a symbol of hope in these times of darkness. The people of Nol Geldar are not very active in the political affairs of the Confederacy. But perhaps if they, and other Dwarves, were made aware of the plight of their brothers and sisters we could stand a chance against the Orcs.
"To that end, any assistance that I could aid to you, Sol Blackstar, I pledge whole-heartedly. I want to preserve our people, and our way of life, at all
costs. If that means fighting, which I am sure that does, count me in."
Young Irongate could sense the elder's dwarf's apprehension. "I know you may think I am too young and inexperienced for this task; even idealistic and
foolish. But I love my people and I would do anything to protect them."
From: "blacksol2001"
Date: Tue Dec 4, 2001 10:14 pm
Subject: Re: A new hope
Looking Troubled: "The news of my arrival has not spread otherwise there would have been others whose interests would have been piqued and I most likely would have been approached by one side or the other. The bartender...now he was the only one that knew my name or my position."
Brightening up a bit(as much as a dwarf can in these times):"I'm glad to hear that there are still some that believe my honor is intact when even I realize that I have quite a bit to re-gain after my abandonment of Dol Geldar after the attack."
Continuing onward while whisperin:"I pray that I may bring hope to many that have suffered through all of this and bring back our people's honor. I also pray that Shatterstriker will guide me along this journey, unfortunately War is the only answer Gagneria understands, otherwise they never would have attacked in the first place. Luckily I believe we'll have the upper hand when we go to take our lands back. I also believe that you are the right dwarf for the job...and the dwarven confederation could use more of your type in their ranks.
As for what it will take first to free Cavecrest...quite a large fighting force and a lot of info. The supplies to get that force equipped and to Cavecrest in one piece with the ability to kick some orcish ass. Many of us will not return from that battle, but that is our life. After Cavecrest is freed, it will need rebuilt and most of that force will remain there, possibly for the remainder of their lives. The orcs will most likely return and Cavecrest must be defended. I'm hoping that with those reinfocements, we can get the armaments back in place, increased and upgraded to the point where the orcs will be repelled without a problem in the future.
From there, who knows what will come? Alot of that depends on the orcs and what has already happened by that time."
From: "blacksol2001"
Date: Thu Dec 6, 2001 7:18 am
Subject: Dwarven Confederation
Adam, I created a Table of the Dwarven confederates...the same table
you sent me a yr or so ago. Just click the database link and than Dwarven Confederates Table. If you see anything that needs changed, feel free to change/update it as needed.
From: "adamdavis64"
Date: Sun Dec 9, 2001 4:35 pm
Subject: Campaign site change?
Hey, guys. Just wanted to run a potential problem past you. Laz has informed me that he is unable to access the Yahoo name her used to create this group, meaning that not only can he not get into it to play, but since he's the moderator, no changes of any kind can be made to it. I was thinking it might be best to shift its locale to either another Yahoo Group or a guestbook set up in the same way as the Dreambook, so that it mails each entry directly to everyone in the group as soon as it's posted as well as listing them all publicly in a guestbook. Obviously we'd have to archive all the old entries
and tables from this group and make them available somewhere. What do you guys think? Should we do that, or just go on with what we have?