Brannty

*You step onto the hardwood of the dock. Finally, after such a long journey, you have made it to this island of refuge. As you make your way up with wooden walkway toward town, the symbol of the hammer catches your eye. It is emblazoned on a note nailed to a dock post, you begin to read... "Brothers, If you are reading this you have no doubt made the trip safely, and I thank The Builder for that. As you know, the ship I was on became separated from the main fleet during a storm. We were set adrift, and stayed that way for some time. In fact, I lost track of how long it actually was. Men began to succumb to hunger. One by one we lost them until, it was just I that remained. I came to terms with my situation, and began to let myself go. As I faded off, I was startled back to reality by a large crash. Somehow, by the grace of The Builder, my ship had run aground on this new island. As I made my way onto land, a passing stranger took note of my condition and offered me food and drink. I gladly accepted and soon had regained my strength. Once I was able, I set off on foot looking for the rest of you. It soon became apparent that I may be the first here. Thankfully, during my travel, I came across the Dwarven settlement, where I was welcomed with the hospitality that the Dwarves are so famous for. I have since been residing within their mountain keep, and continuing my search for the rest of you. After reading this, please send a bird to me... I pray that you all have made it in better fashion than myself. - Brannty Brunwin"

Stone grinds on stone as the hidden stairway slowly reveals itself. Brannty emerges up the stairs from the Engineering shop deep within the earth. He makes his way around Ironstone Keep, and towards the Cathedral build site. As he walks through the large open doors, he catches the tail end of a conversation between Elder N'duvius and Lock'eed "Nope, tis how the builder showed me in my dreams" Lock'eed says to N'duvius not noticing Brannty's entrance. "Aye, you and your dreams. I wish I had dreams to cover up my botched improvisations," Brannty says with a chuckle. "What is this word of the tomes erasing themselves? I just received this knowledge from one of the novices and came straight here. You don't think..." Brannty shudders at the thought, "the Void is returning, do you?" Brannty stares at the intricate stonework of the floor, his mind being flooded with thoughts. Although he did not directly encounter the Void, he had studied it intently. The histories told of a past world, swallowed up by corruption and emptiness. The Hammerite Order had survived, but many members had perished... consumed by the darkness. "If this truly happening... what are we to do? Should we not prepare in some manner?"

((Thanks Gabriel, stellar job.))

*Brannty stands on the temple steps addressing his brothers. "While High Priest Lock'eed is laid up from his itching herb encounter, I want to stress that progress must continue to move forward. Most of you should have projects you are handling, and it is my hope that we can have these completed by the time Lock'eed returns from his sick leave. If there is anyone without a task at the moment, especially the new pledges, please speak to me and I will assign you one. Furthermore, if there are any issues or hold ups with current builds, please report them to me so we may sort out the problem. May The Builder guide your hammers." *With this, the members disperse to finish their respective projects.

*Smiles as he reads Halvard's note "Ironrock will benefit greatly from having its lead architect back."

*A notice is nailed over Locke's warning. - Citizens of Ironrock - It has come to our attention that the mines are experiencing an elevated level of activity. Monsters have been running rampant. Because of this, we have decided to install new protocol for the miners' safety. Until further notice, all mining shifts are to be accompanied by a member of the town guard. The ratio of miners to guard shall be set at 5:1. We will not allow these abominations to deter our momentum. In a non related matter. All magma pools are to be left as found. We are current in the process of developing a safe and secure way to transport magma to our furnaces as we have recently found it to be very effective in the smelting process. Specific members of the mining team are being trained on the process, and are the only ones who should be handling the transportation. We are pleased with the recent progress on the city. There is no doubt the Master Builder smiles upon every brick we have laid. Continue to work with diligence knowing that our works go beyond us all. - The High Council