| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 06 Jul 2004 : 15:45:01
Guaygrek Mineshadow
The relatively peaceful duergar city of Darzalstaukh, beneath the Sunrise Mountains of Rashemen, was a better place than many for young Guaygrek to grow up. Clan Mineshadow had long been a dominating force in the city, though, and they were not so gentle. The Mineshadows, led by Guaygrek’s grandmother Helgort, had a long tradition of arcane might that put the city’s psions to shame. And they used their magic to control and to expand.
Guaygrek was taught from an early age the need for goals and for focus. He excelled in his magical tutorage, to his Clan’s delight. Guaygrek didn’t possess the passion for cruelty and power of his kin, his nature more inclined to the rest of the city’s stoic obeying. But the passion for magic ran thick in his veins, and he was more than willing to work for his Clan, with its nefarious schemes, in order to further his own lot.
When he had gained enough magical training, Guaygrek was sent to be apprentice to his second cousin Orkarxon, a slave driver of the city’s mining enterprises. This job was the traditional post of the Mineshadows – overseeing the mining, and using magical force to keep the miners in line and effective. In particular Mineshadows tended to have master over summoning magic, and would summon creatures with which they could enforce their will on the miners. Guaygrek found the work to be quite entertaining – he began to discover a more sadistic side to his personality, all the while trying to advance in magic. Orkarxon was pleased with his apprentice and trusted him with many family and city secrets. Guaygrek hoarded them greedily. But there was one secret Guaygrek had to find out himself.
After many hours of ‘overseeing’ the slaves, Guaygrek went to find his master, whom he hadn’t seen during his shift. With no success in tracking Orkarxon, Guaygrek, curious, resorted to magic. His locator spell led him to a cavern far to the south of the city, lit by far more luminescence than is natural so far into the wilds of the Underdark. In the cavern were all the leaders of Clan Mineshadow – his father, his grandmother, and Orkarxon among them. And with them were four hideous, tentacled creatures – illithids. Appalled at the relaxed nature of the meeting, Guaygrek listened to the discussion, including the forbidding mind-speech of the mind flayers.
His family and the illithids, one of whom was a noble of its kind, had struck an alliance. The duergar had been providing the illithid over many months information about the city and its various ruling clans. The deal was that the illithids would serve as a strike force that the Mineshadows could use to eliminate key deurgar of Darzalstaukh, until only Clan Mineshadow possessed any power in the city. The information being given to the illithids in meetings such as the one Guaygrek was witnessing, was so that they would prove effective in their task. In exchange, once Clan Mineshadow had the power they sought, the mind flayers would be allowed the full resources of the city, with which they would mount an attack on the nearest duergar city – Fraaszummdin.
Guaygrek was appalled at the casualness with which his kin dealt with their sworn racial enemies. He could not imagine so full a betrayal of his people. Unluckily for him, Guayrek would never be given time to try to understand. The ulitharid in the meeting suddenly levitated over to where the deurgar was hidden, apparently having been aware of his presence from the start.
The illithids refused to let Guaygrek in on the plan, deeming him weak in his conviction that he would not betray them. However Clan Mineshadow, despite its vices, maintained a strong sense of family ties. Like an item to trade, Guaygrek’s life was bartered over by his various relatives. Eventually the illithids acceded to not eating his brain, and coldly Helgort and Orkarxon related to Guaygrek the terms of his banishment.
He would leave the area of the Underdark known as the Earthroot – in fact he would leave the Underdark entirely if he knew what was good for him; he never again speak to a citizen of Darzalstaukh, City of Dreams, or the Steederhome, Fraaszummdin; he would never mention what he had beheld that day to any living creature; and most of all, he would never return to his Clan. To reinforce these points, spells were cast upon him that would harm him if he broke the decrees.
Exiled, Guaygrek became horribly bitter. At first he traversed the dangerous Underdark alone, but after one too many close calls, he submitted to travelling to the surface. For many years he simply spent all his effort on finding his way as far west as possible, earning coin in any way he could. He just wanted to be as far from his home as is possible. His few encounters with fellow deurgar on the way showed him how much he had been affected – he could barely keep himself from spitting on the folk he once would have called brothers.
Eventually Guaygrek came to the Sword Coast, and beholding the Sea of Swords he felt an enormous burden lift. But he soon became unsure about what to do with his life next. He desperately needed an income, but as a duergar he had trouble enough surviving, let alone finding a customer base. Not to mention his seething bitterness, coupled with a superiority complex regarding humans and elves, being a bit of a customer relations hindrance. It was around this time that the idea of joining a mercenary company turned into the most appealing course of action. |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 08 Jul 2004 : 15:01:29
Guaygrek's Mental Diary (1), Day 1015 on the Surface World:
This has been a progressive few hours here in the city known as Sundabar. Following my ploy to enter the city I ended up here - in the quarters of a clergyman of Laduguer's Foe. If I were as blind as my pathetic cousins no doubt I'd be praying that the Exile does not rain bad luck and more labour upon me right about now - 'tis a good thing that those days are passed and I can begin to look for the justices that suit me rather than some god's selfish priest. In this I look to this Lendys - the deity of the strange dragons. For who knew that there were more of the foul but beautiful creatures living under the Great Orb? I hope to view one of the creatures during my the trial that is my lifetime.
But back to the matters at hand - I am surrounded at present by a group whom I apparantly will be sharing the spoils with, and I find myself disgusted and ashamed. They are akin to the miniature circuses that drow slavers would bring past our city - filled with assorted surface creatures. In this case, only my surface kin.
I begin to see how my cowardly deep brothers were spawned from the ranks of these pathetic Sunland-dwellers. There are two quiet ones with brown skin who I assume must be the hated gold dwarves, and two with white hair and blueish skin of a variety that I have never seen or heard of before. There is also a wild, barbaric one - with too much tongue on him - and lastly a female of the primary Sunlander dwarves. She could prove a problem - it was her alone that spoke against me, trying to get me to make some sort of spoken promise that I'd not 'dishonor' her feeble excuse for a deity. She is terribly naïve, and has accepted my 'oath' on Laduguer readily.
However this female does seem... odd. Metti is nervous around her, and I see why. She inspired in me some very alien feelings that were difficult to understand. I believe it might be a form of magic, but what sort of magic would be used for such irrelevent results? This surface world gets stranger by the day. I am intrigued by this female, as equally as I am intrigued (and horrified) by the ancient dwarf's mention of my family. I do not know what he knows, but I am fearful to find out. For the moment I will focus on the task at hand. |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 08 Jul 2004 : 14:35:09
Post confrontation:
Guaygrek snorts - both to shake off the odd, alien and quite discomforting feeling that had washed over him, and in response to any commentary about honor in his veins - and turns to the Talhund.
"How much will you be paying us and where do you think we should be starting our little search, then?" |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 07 Jul 2004 : 14:14:43
Guaygrek vs. Joylin:
Guaygrek tries to appear relaxed, given the tension that has erupted around Joylin's confrontation, and his own surprise at the Talhund's words.
"As a rule of thumb I don't make oaths on the heathen gods that condemned my people - in fact I tend not to make promises that I can't keep in general. However I don't intend to harm anyone here, so I hereby swear - with the Gray Protector as witness - that my intention is only to complete this task, and not 'dishonor' the quest."
This suited Guaygrek well-enough - as his devotion to Laduguer was naught but lip-service at best, and he'd have no qualms about betraying the oath if need be. On the other hand, Guaygrek really had no intention of disrupting what could prove to be a profitable venture. He looked at Joylin intently.
"Now how about you? I believe it is within my right to expect a similar vow from you."
Guaygrek really was quite petty. However, the question was almost as much as a distraction as it was a small revenge - he almost didn't dare turn back to the Talhund. When he did, he managed to keep some control on the quiver in his gruff voice.
"Information regarding... my family? I'm afraid you must be sorely mistaken, forgiving my impertinence. I will indeed speak to you, but for now let us leave this subject be." |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 06 Jul 2004 : 16:39:01
Guaygrek's reaction:
Stood at the back of the room, Guaygrek passed no comment (though his eyes gleamed at the mention of Blingdenstone) - he didn't care about this ancinet dwarf's lost son, but it woulnd't do to insult his employer. He would go, but his reward would be in coin. It intrigued him, seeing the motley collection of dwarves who would accompany him - but it equally annoyed him. He'd be travelling with surface dwarves. At least he had Metti, if he got lonely or sick of his company. |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 06 Jul 2004 : 16:25:46
Pre-campaign:
Guaygrek mused over his predicament. Locked out of the city, he might starve to death. He'd come this far looking for coin, and he didn't appreciate his welcome by the militia of Sundabar. All the surrounding towns and villages were likely just as, if not more, afraid and angry at duergar - he could be killed if he wandered around looking for food. Oh for the curse of his skin - he sighed and found himself drifting into slumber where he sat.
***
An hour or so later, Guaygrek awoke and trying to open his eyes he was greeted by the familiar but unwelcome glare of the sun. Dazzled and feeling ill, Guaygrek decided it was time to move on from Sundabar, and take his chances elsewhere. As he packed up his possessions he overheard the gruff barks that made for dwarven conversation. Oh, how he hated these surface dwarves. He concede they were better than the frail vermin humans, or the frailer hangers-on in the world - elves. Guaygrek listened to the conversation.
As he listened to these dwarves speak of a call to arms by the church of Moradin, plans formulated in his mind. He wasn't a powerful enough wizard to disguise his dwarven features, but there were simpler ways to fool humans. As these dwarves settled, Guaygrek spoke to his sometimes-demure, sometimes-too loud, familiar Metti. Like a silent shadow she flitted into the camplight of the dwarves, who were beginning to get too drunk to notice such things. Metti returned with a rolled up sheet of parchment. Guaygrek smiled.
***
Guaygrek smiled again - the human's face had been quite the picture. A mere guard wasn't about to risk angering the church of Moradin - even surface dwarves were renown for their short tempers. So it was that with the help of this foul surface dwarf god Moradin, Guaygrek came into Sundabar. He needed to find shelter, and quickly - people gave him all sorts of nasty looks - and he had only one link to this strange city. Looking at the parchment the grey dwarf realised that his search for coin and his need to be away from accusing eyes could be dealt with in one action. Afterall, Guaygrek really had little dedication to Laduguer these days. |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 06 Jul 2004 : 15:59:05
These are reposted from ‘PbEM with the hammer’ - new stuff follows.
It should be noted that Darzalstaukh was mentioned in Unapproachable East, and nowhere else (not even Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark) - hence my inclination to use it. |
| Sarelle |
Posted - 06 Jul 2004 : 15:47:34
Guaygrek Mineshadow: Male gray dwarf Conjurer 2; ECL 3 (CR 3); Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 2d4+8; hp 14; Init +2 [+2 Dex]; Spd 20 ft.; AC 13, touch 12, flat-footed 11; Base Atk +1; Grp +1; Atk +2 melee (1d6/19-20, masterwork dagger) or +1 melee touch, or +4 ranged (1d10/19-20, masterwork heavy crossbow) or +3 ranged touch; Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SA duergar traits, spells (prohibited schools Enchantment and Illusion), spell-like abilities; SQ darkvision 120 ft., duergar traits, familiar benefits; AL LN; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 10 (+0), Dex 14 (+2), Con 18 [16 +2 racial] (+4), Int 17 (+3), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 8 [12 –4 racial] (+0). Age 66, height 4 ft. 4 in., weight 186 lb.; Hair bald (grey beard only recently grown back), Eyes black; Region Underdark (Northdark*); Patron Deity Laduguer (actually pays more homage to the dragon deity Lendys – introduced to him by a half-dragon merchant – these days).
Skills and Feats: Concentration +8 [4 ranks, +4 Con], Craft (alchemy) +5 [4 ranks, +3 Int], Craft (weaponsmithing) +7 [2 ranks, +3 Int, +2 duergar traits bonus], Knowledge (arcana) +8 [5 ranks, +3 Int], Knowledge (geography) +5 [2 ranks, +3 Int], Move Silently +8 [2 ranks, +4 racial +2 Dex], Profession (slave driver) +2 [2 ranks], Spellcraft +9 [4 ranks, +3 Int, +2 knowledge (arcana) synergy]; Alertness [bonus familiar feat], Daylight Adaption [bonus regional feat], Magical Aptitude [bonus skills feat; 1st], Scribe ScrollB [bonus wizard feat; 1st] Spell Focus (conjuration) [1st].
Languages: Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Orc, Terran, Undercommon.
Duergar Traits (Ex): +2 Con, -4 Cha; stonecunning (+2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework, active Search, intuit depth); stability (+4 bonus to resist bull rush or trip when standing on ground); +4 dodge bonus to armor class against creatures of the giant type; +2 racial bonus to Appraise and Craft checks related to stone or metal items; darkvision 120 ft.; immunity to paralysis, phantasms, and poison; +2 racial bonus on saves against spells and spell-like abilities; spell-like abilities (see below); light sensitivity negated by Daylight Adaption feat; +4 racial bonus on Move Silently checks; +1 racial bonus on Listen and Spot checks; level adjustment +1.
Spell-like Abilities: 1/day – enlarge person, invisibility. Caster level 4th.
Wizard Spells Prepared (4/3; save DC 12 + spell level): 0 – acid splash [bonus Conjuration], detect magic (x2), open/close, read magic; 1st – mage armor [bonus Conjuration], magic missile, sleep, summon monster I.
Spellbook: 0 - acid splash, arcane mark, dancing lights, detect magic, detect poison, disrupt undead, electric jolt, flare, Horizikaul’s cough, launch bolt, light, mage hand, mending, message, open/close, prestidigitation, ray of frost, read magic, resistance, stick, touch of fatigue; 1st – mage armor, magic missile, sleep, summon monster I, unseen servant.
Possessions: MW dagger [bonus regional equipment**], MW heavy crossbow, 30 bolts (20 + 10 bolts [bonus regional equipment]), bracers of armor +1, cold weather outfit, wand of cure light wounds (50 charges), alchemist’s fire x5, candle, common daily rations x10, firewood x4, oil flask x3, parchment sheet x5, potion of cure light wounds x4, scrolls (identify x2), sealing wax x2, smokestick x2, thunderstone x3, artisan’s tools, bedroll, clay jug, flint and steel, ink vial, inkpen, pole (10 ft.), spell components pouch , sack, wizard’s spellbook; 16gp, 1 sp.
Metti: Female bat familiar; CR --; Diminutive magical beast; HD 1/4d8 (effective 2d8); hp 7; Init +2 [+2 Dex]; Spd 5 ft., fly 40 ft. (good); AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp -17; Atk -; Space/Reach 1 ft./0 ft.; SQ blindsense 20 ft., empathic link, improved evasion, low-light vision, share spells; AL LN; SV Fort +2, Ref +4 [+2 Dex], Will +2 [+2 Wis]; Str 1 (-5), Dex 15 (+2), Con 10 (+0), Int 6 (-2), Wis 14 (+2), Cha 4 (–3).
Skills and Feats: Concentration +4 [4 ranks shared by Guaygrek], Craft (alchemy) +2 [2 ranks shared by Guaygrek, -2 Int], Hide +14 [animal base], Knowledge (arcana) +3 [5 ranks shared by Guaygrek, -2 Int], Listen +8 [animal base – +2 Dex, +4 racial], Move Silently +6 [animal base – +2 Dex], Profession (slave driver) +4 [2 ranks shared by Guaygrek, +2 Wis], Spellcraft +4 [4 ranks shared by Guaygrek, -2 Int, +2 knowledge (arcana) synergy], Spot +8 [animal base – +2 Dex, +4 racial]; Alertness.
Blindsense (Ex): Metti notices and locates creatures within 20 feet.
Improved Evasion (Ex): When subjected to an attack that normally allows a Reflex saving throw for half damage. Metti takes no damage if she makes a successful saving throw and half damage even if the saving throw fails.
*Nearest I could get to Earthroot.
**Switched MW chain shirt (400 gp) for MW dagger (302 gp) and (98) extra gp. |
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