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        Narra, the Dale Representative of High Dale has called you to the Hall of Heroes in the High Castle. She pauses a while to allow you to look around. There are four faces at the table, including your own.

        The first, sitting to the right of Narra, is an attractive female, and part elven, by the look of her. She wears the vestments of a traveling cleric of Lathander except for the weapons on her belt and the armor underneath. The weapons are a pair of silver maces, and the armor is even a brighter colored silver. She keeps her black hair up in a ponytail and wears her holy symbol proudly. She is short compared to the average human, and appear to be young and vibrant.

        To her right is a younger and taller man who is obviously strong and is also part elven. He wears a golden patch on his left eye which is decorated with a feline eye. A faint white light seems to leak from around the edges. He is still quite attractive. He is clean-shaven and has nicely trimmed dark brown hair. There is a perceptible feel of good will to him. He is dressed in plate armor up to his neck, with a forest-green cloak around him. A long sword is readily apparent at his side.

Across from Narra is a robust youth with a pretty grin on her face. She is about as tall as the man, and quite obviously capable. Her blonde hair is cut short so that it doesn’t fall down to her shoulders, and her green eyes and attractive features sparkle with a youthful energy. She has wrapped a green scarf around her neck, which falls down against the studded leather armor she wears above a green sweater. Her armor only protects her torso, however, allowing free movement of her arms and legs, in which are appropriately clothed for the season. Worn on top her pants are her leather boots that extend a couple inches above her knees and on her hands are a pair of fingerless, leather gloves. She holds a quartestaff in her hand, and a longbow on her back.

Across from the half-elven man is a young dwarf standing just under four feet tall, with gray eyes, slightly leathery skin, and long, brown hair tied in a braid. Although a bit thin for a dwarf, she is obviously a miner who works long hours. She wears a sturdy suit of mining gear, including a lantern helmet, one gear belt strapped across her chest and two across her hips, reinforced cotton pants with kneepads, a cotton shirt with rolled up sleeves, leather work gloves, and a brown fur cloak. A hooded lantern hangs from one end of a seven-foot pole, which closer examination reveals is an upside-down spear, and she carries a large pickaxe and a duffel bag in the other hand.

To the left of Narra is a man of moderate height and build. He still shows some signs of youth. His skin is very deeply tanned. His hair is platinum blonde, but is shaved down to stubble. He wears long robes that are cut off at the shoulders to reveal his arms. He has tribal-like tattoos on his biceps and shoulders that stretch to his back. His ears are both pierced with silver studs. He has a small tuft of hair on his chin. His eyes are a gray blue.

        After the pause, Narra begins to speak. "Please, sit down. As you may have heard, one of the old Dwarven holds has been reestablished somewhere in the Earthfast Mountains. It is called Kharjoras, and it is still only a shadow of its former glory. Still the strategic and economic importance of trade with them cannot be overstated. You know the state of the Dales today: We are weak and our enemies close around us. We need this treaty and alliance with these dwarves for mutual benefit."

        "The peace of the Dales is more in danger than in any time since its establishment. The evil forces of Zhentil Keep are a constant threat, which we have held off in the past. And Sembia has always eyed our lands, and those of Cormyr beyond. They have seldom openly fought with us, but their armies are training. They may seek to take High Dale in preparation for an Invasion of Cormyr. Some argue that we would be stronger under Sembian rule, but most think that such occupation would weaken both of us to the point where we would fall to evil forces."

        "More insidious and dangerous are the Drow of Cormanthor. Even they raid and battle, gradually taking away lands previously held. Caught between enemies without and within, the Dales are in trouble. Finally, there is a mysterious force which has appeared in Anauroch. No one, not even Elminster knows much about these people, except that most people who venture there now never return. The few who do report large floating cities which and strange dark people who seem to be moving further toward us."

        "If the Dales are to survive such trials, we need that which we have always lacked--metal, weapons, and armor. With almost no local mines and dwarven communities, we are forced to import such things from elsewhere. The shipments are often captured by hostile forces. As such, we are at a critical juncture. We must obtain these supplies from a safe source and route."

        "We learned that the gnomes of Hidden Vale have been getting metal for their machines and devices from a secret source. We were able to learn more from a gnome named Gyro Winchback, who seemed happy to help. He told us of the secret trade that the gnomes have engaged with the dwarves of Khajoras."

        "These dwarves have learned well from the mistakes of of their past. In the past, they opened their doors to outside races, eventually inviting wars with their neighbors, orcs, and ogres, the dwarves of that region have long been scattered and lost their homelands."

        "Gyro the gnome told us how, 5 years ago, the great dwarven hero Stycas Hammerblade has reestablished the dwarven stronghold of Kharjoras and reopened the mines. They have sealed all entrances to their domain, except for the secret ways through which dwarves now come and go unseen. No one now knows where the stronghold is or how to enter, except the dwarves."

        "Your mission is to act as emissaries of the Dales to theses dwarves. Go first to the Hidden Vale and try to learn how to get to Kharjoras.”

        "We are supplying you with horses and a purse of 200 gp for traveling expenses. Any other equipment is you responsibility to obtain. Also, I will have a rider accompany you, should you need to send message back to us. His name is Sethum. If you complete the mission, We will reward you with 2,000 gp. Is this acceptable?"

(Please feel free to respond, and also to introduce yourselves.))

Narra turns to Rosella and speaks "That's the deal, but it's not so simple. It will be hard to convince the dwarves to give up some of their secrecy." She looksat Sylphia "No offense intended, but they can be quite stubborn. You may leave as soon as you are ready."

((Ahh. One of my players is awol. So in the interest of keeping things moving, I'll post an introduction for Alena))

The half-elven female wearing the vestments of a traveling cleric of Lathander stands up to introduce herself. "I am Alena Blueleaf, assistant to Mistress Gallowell. To my right is my recent associate Cout Endl. You are welcome. We should make immediate preparations to leave. We will have to visit the stables before we leave to get our horses."

With the agreement of the group, Narra nods and wishes the party Tymora's luck and farewell.

Alena, Cout, and Sethum know the way to the stables. They lead the others down out through the castle gates to a stable inside the outer wall for use by the castle's minions.

Alena beckons to Rosella and introduces her to a black horse with brown patches. "This is Nightcaller. I think you'll get along fine with him." She points out a strong prancing pony of yellowish and light brown colors. "This is Buttercup. You'll be riding her, Sylphia. The others wil ride their own horses, and my mount is the big white mare over there. Her name is Misty."

Sethum is waiting at the stables for you. ALena introduces everyone again.

Sethum is a somewhat ordinary young man who is slightly handsome. He is average size and build. He has the brown hair and brown eyes typical of the Dalelands. His hair is not groomed and is currently shoulder length. His skin is fair, but tanned due to the time he spends outdoors. He is slightly athletic and very agile, as he is used to riding his horse, Windmare.

Sethum dresses in riding leathers and leather armor which are not fancy, but serviceable. A dark brown hooded cloak is worn over these, and he has a handaxe at his side for close encounters. He looks a little rough and wild, due to his job.