[HQ Ignorance] Scene Nine: Bad Deal

[Lev Lafayette]

Scene Nine: Bad Deal

The barbarian High Llama riders and their Grotaron
mercenaries escorted the party through the pass and to
Bad Deal. The Mostal Dwarves are notoriously insular,
believing that only they are the true race of the
World Machine, and others are grime that ruins what
would be otherwise perfectly functionality.

But it is not so at Bad Deal; here the heresy of
openhandism has gained a convinient stronghold. To be
sure, the Dwarves still consider the other races to be
inferior: "But all machines need both grit and oil",
as one heretic states.

Bad Deal is one of the few places in Glorantha where
the Dwarves will trade with anyone, even racial
enemies like Elves and Trolls, for many of their most
extraordinary items. The entrance is a great wall
built across the narrowest and most central location
of the pass. Kalen gave introductions to the guards,
iron-clad dwarves with axe, what appears to be spears,
and the strange gourds which you have seen used by
Kalen in Dilis Swamp.

The unemotional Dwarves allow entrance to Bad Deal the
group and Kalen asks for his old friend [Erica, what
was the name of Kalen's old Dwarf-sage contact?] to
explain the circumstances and nature of their quest.
Kalen is made to swear that he will account for any
actions by the plant-growth that accompanies the group
and even then the fellowship, except Kalen, is
forbidden to enter into the Dwarf-realms itself.

The sage instead meets the fellowship in a huge
underground public hall, which the processed culinary
delights of the Dwarves are served, straight from the
tin. There are some three hundred people in the hall
with long tables. About half the people present are
Dwarves, and there are numerous humans from Railos and
Fronela, a small party of Elves from Ballid and even,
in a far dark corner, some Trolls who are eyed
suspiciously. Dwarven guards keep a very close eye on
all present.

Snippets of conversation can be heard; of the most
disturbing news is allegations of the return of Arkat
in Railos, of which there are five different versions;
one appearance is of a troll and another of a chaos
monster, and at least one of a human warrior. An army
has began marching from Safelester, supported by
Arolant and Nolos, to conquer the Kingdom of Seshnela
in the far south-west. Aalmon notices two Mostal (they
appear to be twins) playing chess. 

The Dwarf-sage, with a long-flowing beard and wearing
items of glass and metal balanced on his nose, and
carrying several books and scrolls. He greets Kalen
warmly and gives formal greetings to all present, and
even to the Aldryami. Truly a Dwarf of liberal
disposition. 

Great concern is expressed with the predictions of the
Nameless Man, for this does not accord with ancient
Dwarven prophecies, let alone the Greatway heresy
prevalent in Nidan. "It could destroy all the work
that we Mostal have been conducting this Age", the
Sage says solemnly.

He says that he is required to do further research on
the location of the Axe of Talor, but he is certain he
can locate said object. He shall meet the fellowship
tomorrow at the same time.

[This is an opportunity to purchase goods, engage with
any Bad Deal dwarves and so forth]



 
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