Nooblius

Upon hearing of the announcement, a certain elder dwarf reminisces his last trial with Alaric Grimgold.

Under the dim light of the moon, a dilapidated sloop slowly slinks across the waves towards Almaris. Darek III was almost home.

[Music] THE HEART OF THE WORLD ᚱᚺᚨᛞᚨᚡ’ᚴᚨᚱᚨᚨᛞ-ᚨᛗᛟᚱᚢᚴ'ᚢᚱ'ᚱᚺᚢᚾ The Epic of Urguan Apprentice of the Outvoker In those ancient days where the four brothers lived in a world still full of mystery, Urguan, the progenitor of dwarfdom explored the lands in search of inspiration and purpose. Before the carving of vast stone halls under the mountains, he perceived the world he walked as crafted work of many parts. He pondered its form and determined that it held a deliberate design, and began to attribute themes and names to the world around him. So inspired was he by the natural beauty of the world, that he swore to worship its very shape and the parts he perceived within it, and bound himself in honor everafter to oaths of supreme craftsmanship and artisanry. Urguan knew this design as the Rhun, and its Gods the Brathmordakin; though outside of his stubborn kin few would pay mind to the traditions of the dwarves. That is not to say nobody noticed; for the dwarves were so zealous in their crafts that songs were sung and odes weaved into the hearts of travelers about their art. Far past the chasms of Khaz’Urguan, past the mountains and valleys of Athera, far beyond even the lands of mortals to the stars and realms of deities; ears were enchanted by myth of supreme craftsmanship. One such audience was that of the Outvoker, a caring entity who often concerned himself with the dealings of descendents. The legends of dwarven arts inspired the Outvoker to journey to the Halls of Urguan disguised as a simple traveler and meet with the Under King. He was shown the mighty crafts of the dwarves and bore witness to their devotion to creating even greater works. Among the detailed engravings of stone and metal and surrounded by hoards of gems with light caught perfectly in them, the Outvoker concluded they would tutor the master of the dwarves. The Outvoker would show the dwarf how to craft with the secrets of the Materium so that he too may lead his kindred to greater heights in their pursuit of industry and craftsmanship. The Outvoker revealed himself as a nameless powerful artificer to Urguan, and offered him an apprenticeship. Urguan was hesitant to accept help from an unidentified stranger, but after witnessing the capabilities of the Outvoker his greed softened his heart and he accepted, determining that the magician must be some envoy of the Gods. Firstly the Outvoker instructed Urguan on the knowledge of the Materium and its secrets, the functions of mana within all things and especially that essence which composes the soul; anima. Thereafter, the Outvoker forged a pair of great tools for his student, enchanted by his great power and focused with Thanhium. With the tools, Urguan was able to give purpose to the subtle energies of the world. Into each of his crafts he poured a little anima, a living engine at the heart of his works. Then, with the finer skills taught by the Outvoker, he laced webs of mana into being fuelled by that anima. Just as a mage crafts intricate spells with their will, Urguan could use his steady hand to bend mana into novel shapes with the help of the Magic Materium. Content with spreading his secrets and hopeful that it might be used for the protection and prosperity of descendents, the Outvoker retired from his instruction of the progenitor dwarf and returned to his business across the cosmos. Though gracious (as a dwarf can be) for the donations of the Outvoker, the dwarf heart was stubborn by nature. All that Urguan witnessed did not challenge his zealous beliefs of the world’s design, but rather hardened his heart as stone. The dwarf reframed all great insights granted to him as further revelations to confirm his worldview. When he did go on to spread the story of his apprenticeship, he spoke of the glorious visitation of a direct envoy of Yemekar and of prophetic powers. [Explanation] The Wealth of the Dwarves Urguan and the Early Runes Now armed with an arsenal of otherworldly – or perhaps in a sense particularly worldly tools, Urguan began to craft relics of unmatchable proportion. First he decorated the pillars of his halls, intricate runes running up and spiraling around their heights and across their arches, creating an impenetrable fortress of the mountain and cavern system. The many corridors branching forth from the central chasms and down into the depths were each enchanted in unique manners, creating an elaborate labyrinth that spread across the deepest darkness. Content with his imbued halls, he led an expedition across the valleys and ranges of his homeland. From the cliff sides he had his workers carve out great statues which he struck with runes that forged potent souls. He raised the crags to life, and sent them to patrol his halls and obey the Under-King; the Runic Behemoths. On his journey back to his throne, he erected many great enchanted shrines both high above the mountain’s peaks and far below the caverns. His Underkingdom began to swell in prosperity far beyond the imaginations of his already wealthy folk. The coffers of the greed-cursed king ran deep with relics and riches unimaginable as his reign endured and his beard turned silver with age. Urguan knew that soon his reign would come to an end. Due to his paranoia he never had passed on the gifts of the Outvoker, and there was a legitimate risk that they would end. Thus Urguan Silverbeard determined he would teach successors, not just the next Underking nor the leaders but all passionate crafts-folk. The issue became that Urguan himself did not carry the capacity to make tools equal to his own to pass to his inheritors. Furthermore he could not appoint a sole dwarf for throughout the graying of his beard he had developed a wealth of experience and Urguan knew that his sons were ambitious and their rivalries deep. No single son could be his inheritor in the arts he had learned, else in their greed they would use it to benefit their clan solely. [Explanation] The Heart of the World Beacon of the Later Runes Urguan began the quest into the depths of stone and darkness for inspiration and resources to replicate the tools bestowed by the Outvoker. He ventured immeasurable depths, far beneath the mountains and through twisting tunnels, beyond his own barriers constructed to keep his sons from danger. Hidden under shadow and stone, perhaps due to a Glimmerpoint or otherwise a focal point of the magical energies of the wider realm (or perhaps for no reason at all, who could possibly know the machinations of the dwarf brain?); Urguan was determined to create an intricate temple to serve as a foundation for his endeavor. In perfect shadows he found a natural spire at the center of the chasm, and carved into it the runes of terrible power as taught by the Outvoker, though complimented with new runes. A daughter script to the Material Alphabet, inspired by the language he had made with his sons; Urguan created the Rhun Script. Over the course of time, the dwarf enchanted vast quantities of mana and meaning into his runes with the Outvoker’s tools. The stone was brought to life as it shifted in composition and constitution, creating a greater measure of soul that would haunt the animated stone. Its central spire would crack and shape itself into shining gemstones, the runes carved into it enduring and flaring with multi-colored light. Pillared halls rose from the chasm’s walls and carved into themselves, intricate depictions which mirrored Urguan’s heart; murals of the Brathmordakin. A labyrinthine temple bound with a mighty soul forged by Urguan, the beacon to a new script of runes and host of many of the progenitor dwarf’s workshops at the Heart of the World. Here in the Heart of the World, Urguan remained for a full year and with runes of his own design twisted into tools and techniques a magic of the Materium; the ancient art of Runecraft. The Rhun Script of Urguan Silverbeard acted not as a simple replica of the Material Alphabet but served a specific purpose. Firstly, it was secretive if nothing else. It did not share the same characteristic of universal comprehension that the runes of the Material Alphabet did, though they did maintain an intrinsic meaning within them. Once carved the runes also required technique beyond just possession of the tools to properly enchant. For instance, a Rune of Magma would have to be either carved in the presence of intense heat, displayed to a volcano or likewise some process that helped teach the anima bound within the Runes of what meaning to then call out to the Heart of the World with. This acted as a safety that one could not activate runes without knowing their meaning, but as well a method of forcing his worldview onto his successors; each craft mandated a level of focus and effort. [Explanation] Rune Lore of the Ages The History of the Runes All that is known amongst the descendants is that in those far-off days of ancient kings, the folk of Khaz’Urguan were fueled by their greed and reached great heights of industry to expand their craft, and in their quest they encountered the Ancient Art of Runecraft. Longbeards within the modern dwarves will not hesitate to tell glorious myths on how Urguan was gifted the magic by the Brathmordakin and lords of all Creation, but in truth the only potential knowledge on the art’s true origins was lost in the Great Collapse of the Ironborn Blood Age. During this catastrophe, the Triumvirate of Runesmiths and the ruthless Ironborn both tried to keep the magic from the other’s grasp, resulting in the destruction of the ancient runic guild, most of its knowledge, and the desecration of the art by the Ironborn as they tried to piece it back together with what stolen secrets they had. After the rebellion of Simppa against the Ironborn, the damned clan took all remaining knowledge of Rhuncraft with them and the dwarves were deprived of their greatest blessing for centuries. Throughout dwarven history there would be multiple attempts at rekindling the hidden flame of the Ancient Art but few would last until the discovery of the Khaz’Rhun in Athera, where a golem taught a triumvirate of Runelords secrets of Runecraft, though the means of doing so were through a blood altar of Ironborn design, a patchwork version of runic techniques composed by Pherrax Ironborn to continue the art past the Great Collapse. This bastard iteration remained in practice for many ages under the leadership of many Runelords until one day suddenly the runes failed to work, and all acting Runesmiths found their tools inert. The reason for this second collapse is unknown, perhaps divine intervention of dissatisfied deities or perhaps a scheme of the fragmented Ironborn Clan to weaken the might of its nemesis, the united clans of Urguan. Golemancy early on became an often separated discipline of Runecraft, for it did not rouse as much interest as the capacity of great weaponry amongst dwarven craftsmen. Instead, golemancy was an artistic discipline of Runecraft created by Gotrek Starbreaker in imitation of the great Runic Behemoths that Urguan made through greater powers, focused on enabling the anima within all relics forged of Runecraft to be animated with life. Due to discrepancies in ancient and modern golemancy, it is theorized that similar to Atheran Runesmiths using Ironborn techniques, that Aegisian Starbreakers or perhaps later on were forced to replicate the tools given to them. With each iteration of Golem Anvil, it seemed less and less powerful and more reliant on the common mana of the golemancer, resulting in far weaker golems. [Explanation] Credits:

Can I interest you in Crumena of Kamsees?

Yemekar laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

A golem is dispatched with a message to Danzen. "My master has no need of Thanhium, but will pay top minae for the so called Worthless Equipment of Starmetal and Ironwood. If minae is of no value, he has relics worthy of a museum to trade with, surely one shall interest you."

קורות החיים שלך מרשימים

i am terrified of the deceptive werewolf post because the formatting is so beautiful that it's hard to tell if the lore is amazing or just disguised... +1

THE RHUN REDEMPTION ᚴᚨᚡᛁᚱ'ᚢᚱ'ᚴᚺᛟᚱᚡᚨᛞ-ᚨᚴᚱᚨᚴᛏᚺᚱᛖᛁᚾ'ᚢᚱ'ᚱᚺᚢᚾ At the attempted recapture of Khron’Hundmar, it became quickly apparent that the circumstances of the ruins were far more dire. Terrifying creatures flooded into the deeproad the company attempted to control, and a great fight ensued with several monsters at once- the great host split into fighting parties. It was a dedicated fight, but despair entered the chasm when after defeating the foes, more terrible ones yet followed, and beyond them roars of horrific magnitude echoed that shook the very iron mountain. A retreat was called, though two young dwarves were stuck in the melee far from escape; Meylis Frostbeard and Durin Hammerforge. As Rhun Prophet, I could not bear to let them fall and insisted we stay to rescue them despite the dire situation. My apprentices forbade the decision, fearing for my life, and dragged me against my will out of the cavern whilst some honorable humans saved Meylis; but Durin was left behind with the monsters, his screams matched by my own at the horror of it. Durin was condemned, for the beast-slaves of Khorvad had seized him. In my pride I led him into that chasm to try and redeem the memory of Khron’Hundmar- my own failed experiment. I weeped, calling out that I would meet him again in the palace of Yemekar, and mourned his death. Often the hallowed hosts of Khaz’A’Dentrumm are subtle, working their miracles not through the arrogant displays expected of dragons and aenguldaemons, but instead through the mysteries of the Rhun and its intricate form. However, there are few times that they speak beyond omens, and act decisively to alter history. These are the sacred moments we must fondly remember as Prophecy. Not metaphorical, but in the absolute meaning of the word- the Brathmordakin directly acting their will onto mortal creation in accordance with the Rhun. There is no miracle more revealing of their truth save perhaps the pillars of Khaz’A’Dentrumm themselves. The surviving dwarves lingering there at the collapsing entry after the departure of the many foreign hosts were witness to such a moment, for out of the clutches of Khorvad on the eclipse of the infinite black expanse of Vuur’dor, Durin Hammerforge was reborn by Prophecy and returned to his kindred. It was not a lucky escape nor a bloody battle for Durin returned with the damned knowledge of Vuur’dor, witnessed the machinations of Khorvad, horrorstruck at the schemes of the betrayer God. There could be no mistake of such an omen, even if the more obstinate, suspicious Norli of formative years had witnessed it. Durin was redeemed by the Rhun for greater purpose, and a wiser elder Norli was able to recognize the greater designs of the Gods. For this fact, I declared Durin “Akrakthrein” –Luckborn– and Prophet to the absolute meaning of the word, before I discussed an important matter with them. TRIUMPH The Brathmordakin are not bureaucrats; the right to authority is earned through leadership and honor. It is not bestowed upon an organization by merit of its title and history but by its works and works alone. These were the words I spoke to Axel Ireheart, then newly elected High Prophet of the freshly reformed Kirkja Dverga at the onset of our departure to Khron’Hundmar. I spoke to him that the Grand Kingdom did not by its mere existence deserve absolute cult-like devotion to its elected authorities, and likewise that religious authority is earned out of triumph. By merit of success in honorable endeavors, the Brathmordakin elect one as correct in their assertions. Thus did I maintain myself as the Rhun Prophet (not to mention my many witnesses to legitimate prophecies), and offered myself before the Gods to determine such matters. In this context, after Durin was proclaimed a Prophet I admitted to the company, and do so again now, an irrefutable truth; I have failed. The age of Norli Starbreaker was one of great prosperity, cultural development and mentorship that was unrivaled by peers. All dwarves were humbled before me, and in turn I was humbled before the Gods. In the end, I grew bitter and failed to teach others to be as I was, to the extent in rejection of the very Grand Kingdom whose Articles I fathered, thrones reigned, powers wielded, ballads composed, students taught, scriptures written, culture crafted and enemies defeated– that kingdom whose life and folk I sacrificed everything to– I abandoned it, started my own mission in effort to change the culture with the Rhun as focus and I failed. I am dead. I cannot in good faith claim to be Rhun Prophet when by the Brathmordakin’s designs I am failing whilst others are blessed; such would be brazen rejection of the Gods’ omens and principles of the Rhun. Therefore, in recognition of his Prophecy and years of service and loyalty to the mission, as well as genuine faith that he may do great deeds by the Rhun I relinquish the title of RHUN PROPHET to DURIN AKRAKTHREIN HAMMERFORGE. This dwarf showed sole devotion to the Rhun before any other dwarf, and I know shall be the one to spread that faith to more. Let any who question such authority be recognized as doubters of the Rhun and its intricate form, as well as deniers of the great works of Yemekar as according to Norli Norvarsson Starbreaker. The Rhun Prophet is dead. Glory to the Rhun Prophet.

Any travelers in the North might harken a low singing voice amidst the snow. It sang in a harsh language, though was self-evidently a somber song of despair and vulnerability. Screaming from the Deep From the disarrayed desk of the Rhun Prophet; A dread lingers over the Iron Hills with the disappearance of many founding members of the expedition. Some fell to plague, others sought solitude of a hermit life in the expanses beyond the fortress. Certainly, there were doomsayers who prayed for the dissolution of the company and its endeavors. Perhaps their ire was deserved- certainly at least in part have I acted in ways to provoke our old compatriots. Enough maybe that the Gods saw fit to humble me, for the forges have become cold and only silence echoes within the sturdy cliffs Khron’Hundmar is named after; the song of the hills has fallen silent, our fortress forsaken. I cannot reject the clear omens of the Gods, especially regarding the principle that we set out from our fatherland on; service to the fortress is earned, and I have failed to earn it. I am too weary and sick to continue on like this, and the Gods rightfully have led my folk to rest from their work. The time for our mission is not yet at hand. But the stillness is disturbed, and from the mines of immeasurable darkness I can sense movement. I ventured out into the caverns, wondering what omens Grimdugan offered and was met with glimmers of treasures hidden far below. I tried to map out the layer so as to lead an expedition, excited at the chance to rejuvenate the mission before I was challenged with the terrible wails of a creature. A strange glow emerged from the far end of the cavern, and I hid in the darkness as it approached. I could not make out its shape beyond a few faint glowing features, but it carried a stench of despair that I could not endure. I fled back to my dilapidated quarters where I write this last plea to my folk; There is a final challenge of the Brathmordakin heralded by Grimdugan’s omens. A forgotten beast of Khorvad’s designs stands in the way, and threatens to desecrate our retired fortress. I summon all servants of the Rhun, all honorable hunters for a rally against this abomination, and offer what untapped treasures hidden below as reward.

"But Yemekar laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming," the Rhun Prophet comments upon reading current events.

Go bigger bro. Tinkering Feat, includes Animii, Smoggers, and also theoretically other engineering that isn't necessarily alchemy related. The feat then serves as a way of tracking engineer archetype, with specific skillsets within it that aren't mutually guaranteed but grouped together on feat for ease of tracking (most people that have one will have another). Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but I think Alchemy is a great example that not all feats have to be magical related, and organizing tinkering beyond alchemy into a feat would give us a better way of tracking and writing redlines for the type of Engineer RP that people often do beyond Animii and Smoggers and did beforehand for years. That would be a big project though, but one that ultimately I think would be really good for server. :)

I know it's unchanged, I think I even wrote as much in my vote- it was still an issue that I noticed. The fact that it's already in there doesn't mean it's safe from criticism.

You may be referring to me, though I'm not positive. I made a comment about this: 3 meters radius is 6 meters diameter, that's a lot bigger than realized I think for a ball of solid fire summoned in 3 emotes, and should just be measured down a bit. 3 meters diameter already is a lot, all things considered, but to the credit of Azdrazi they are meant to be fearsome, hard-hitting.

cool

this is my vote count rot in resubmission hell

Two known terrorists are appointed to the Moderation team and people are screaming about Tabby because he made fun of someone once (after they probably made fun of him). I for one am most confident in Nooblius43's ability as a moderator.

Are you going back to the Orcs or making a new character? How has life been since you last were on this server?