"My friends, I may have a commission for you. Bram Ironfell, is a wealthy and influential member of the Elsir Consortium, a powerful merchant group in these parts. He has asked me make an introduction with you. Are you available to meet with him at Pollivers this evening?".
After several weeks of civilian living and the prospect of a profitable venture, the group agreed that the least they could do was hear out Bram Ironfell's offer. It was common knowledge that Pollivers was a renowned and exclusive eatery catering for the higher echelons of Overlook society, at the very least it would be an opportunity to sample how the other half lived.
When the Company of the Free arrived at Pollivers they were ushered into a private banqueting suite which Bram Ironfell had reserved for the meeting. Strewn on the table was a fabulous selection of the finest food from every corner of the realms. Not to mention half a dozen bottles of expensive wine. On their entry, Bram stood and beckoned the party to sit.“Greetings, Heroes of Overlook. I am Bram Ironfell of the
Clan Ironfell and representative of the Elsir Consortium.
Your reputations precede you, and for your actions, you
have my personal thanks in addition to that of the city. I
have a tale I wish to share with you, over dinner and drinks
of course.”
After several minutes of polite conversation the dwarf steered the talk toward the business in hand. "What do you know of the Karak Lode?" he asked. Ben had heard tales of the place and knew something of its history and he began to recount the tale
"Several centuries ago, the Ironfell clan—made forays in search of mineral wealth in the deserts beyond the Stonelands to the northwest of the Vale. There, they established a mine they called the Karak Lode, after the first dwarf of Clan Ironfell to fall in its defence. Over long years, Karak became a legendary source of wealth as its folk pulled rich deposits of gold, silver, and other precious metals from beneath the desert sands. A supply depot was established at the desert’s
edge to service the caravans traveling between the mine and Elsir Vale, but the location of the Karak Lode was kept a closely guarded secret. Only oathsworn members of Clan Ironfell ever made the final leg of the journey across the sands. This secrecy was to become the dwarves downfall at contact was lost with the mines, and none of the dwarves returned to tell the tell. Over time the Karak Lode dissappeared from history".
Bram complimented Ben's knowledge of dwarven history and continued. “The location of the Karak Lode was known to few even within the clan, and it was thought that all who had such
knowledge were lost when the mines were reclaimed by the desert. Even within the clan, Karak is all but forgotten. However, recent events might change that. “The destruction of Sarshan’s operations in Overlook saw the shadar-kai’s many warehouses and transit points raided. In one of those raids, the watch uncovered documents connected to Sarshan’s operations, including an ancient fragment of parchment. On it was written a list of landmarks and bearings for a journey, along with the name of Clan Ironfell. I had never seen this parchment before. However, at the watch’s request, I undertook a bit of research into my family’s archives. If what I discovered there holds true, this parchment holds the directions to the Karak Lode.”
“Discovering what became of my kin would end a sad chapter in Ironfell history, but that is not my primary motive in seeking your aid. If the Karak Lode can be found, its wealth offers the means to shore up the defenses of Overlook and the Elsir Vale. However, it is anyone’s guess
what manner of creatures might lair there, or what defenses the last of the clan left to guard the mines. This is not a job for the city watch, I fear.”
"Indeed, such a dangerous mission, would require serious remuneration" interjected Nalklyr.
Bram responded by throwing a heavy pouch on to the table. I'm prepared to offer 1000 gold for successful completion of this task, half of it is in that pouch. The other half I will give to you on your return with proof the task is complete. Do we have an agreement, gentlemen?"
The party readily agreed to the dwarves terms and Bram handed over the parchment with the directions. After finishing the exquisite meal they bade Bram goodnight and returned to their lodgings at Belden's Rest, for in the morning they would embark on the perilous journey to the Lost Mines of Karak.
No comments:
Post a Comment