The Curious Story of Dordleton Grumplestout

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The stony gate hidden so carefully within the stonework of the mountain would not have been visible to anyone passing, but Snobwinkle Shingleparts had done his research. It had been almost a year now of research into the ancient dwarven civilization that had been destroyed by the invading Black Drake known only as the Lord of Decay. The loathsome and terrible creature had been using this domain as a base to pillage the local cities and towns, but none dared enter the place through the gaping mouth of the cave.

But Snob had found himself another way, and he had the means to enter unseen. Removing a well crafted key which appeared to be more like a complex device than an actual key. Inserting it into the hole, he twisted a crank and struggled for a short while until the satisfying click harkened the opening of low set of double doors. The treasure would soon be his...

[nickbeat]

So far his intelligence had been accurate, a testament to the years of painstaking research in the Neverwinter libraries. This entrance would lead into a tunnel 100 stone long followed by a great tube descending straight down twice that distance. Of course he was well prepared as always, the metal spider like machination carried everything that was necessary for the journey. Additionally, the construct would provide an early warning should danger present itself.

As the artificer and his construct companion approached the great pit, Snob found a sturdy stalagmite where a long silk rope could be attached it to the crank attached to the things rear, and it began to descend. It found the floor as predicted, assuring Snob that he would be safe to follow with a sunstone. If only he had the eyes of his under dwelling kin the Svirvneblin, he could avoid such an impractical solution.

As he came near to the base of the climb still 20 feet up, Snob stopped suddenly at the site of his precious invention cut neatly in half at the base of the thorax. There was no sign of anyone, and certainly no dragon could have done this. "Who is there?" Snob requested indignantly as he drew the wand from its sheath. Suddenly a whirling blade came flying toward him, missing him by a long shot but neatly slicing the rope that held him aloft. The little man hit the ground with a thud, his pack thankfully taking the brunt of the impact.

Struggling to right himself he looked upon the incredible site of a dwarf covered in self crafted set of leathers cobbled together with chain and iron plates. He held a hefty axe in his hand and stood over the now helpless gnome menacingly...

[nickbeat]

The light of the sunstone shed clearly upon the form of the disgusting dwarf. The stench was awful, as though he had yet to bathe for an entrire lifetime. His skin appeared brown at first, but with closer inspection he could see that years of mud and grime had collected all over him. What beast was this?

With a quick flash, the tiny explorer pulled his arm up to his mouth. He wore a metal bracer designed to hold 3 doses of liquid to be easily accessed in emergency. Now seemed the right time for the invisibility potion, which took effect instantly as the dwarven axe came down on the floor where he once lay. The nimble Snob rolled away just in time to avoid the strike and get clear of him and away.

"What sort of man was this? he had heard of the dwarves of the underdark, but this one was different. Perhaps he was some lost son of an ancient race? Could he be all that remained of the great Dwarven City of Crag Keep?" His mind raced as he considered this discovery, and he decided that he would spend some time following and studying him. Perhaps he would lead him to the treasure?