Session 309 - The Kingdom of Kuzjera
General Summary
12th to 30th of Agrazhar (Summer) 726TR
The Story So Far
The rugged bounty hunter Cassius and his sidekick Salvador, a wandering priest of Ilvir, are acting as guards for Berda, a young dwarven woman from a wealthy family, on a quest to find a husband in the faraway dwarven Kingdom of Kuzjera.
This is the continuation of Session 305 - A Bloody Vendetta.
Location - Wilderness in the Kingdom of Kuzjera.
Part 1 – The Hills Are Dangerous
Cassius, his pet bear, Salvador, and Berda continue their trip through the cold, hilly Kingdom of Kuzjera. At a trading post, they battle a brutal giant and wolves. Further on, they cross paths with monstrous-sized lizards.
Eventually, they befriend the Salmi clan of Yarili reindeer herders led by Taavetti Salmi. They happily escort them to the Dwarven city of Kondasgel. This trip through the rocky hills is not without dangers: giant angry goats with impressive spiked horns guard an old bridge, and later, the entire clan is attacked by gargoyles intent on snatching children, likely for a meal or sacrifice.
The heroes are taught to ski on the way. Cassius learns the skill fast and wins a race against some of the clans' older children and Berda. Salvador is not so talented, and his efforts end amusingly bad.
Part 2 - The Fortress of Kondasgel
Soon, a large settlement comes into view, a town of around 500 Yarili living in dwarven-made stone structures shaped like huge tents. The Yarili use these as houses; many are attached to walled reindeer pens. The settlement is busy, a center of trading and basic industry, and soon, a mighty structure comes into view in the distance up a hill. The fortress of Kondasgel is the entrance to a much larger underground city.
At the great gatehouse, somewhat baffled Dwarves in heavy armor greet the characters, and Berda enthusiastically speaks to them in their language but with a slightly different accent. They seem surprised but very respectful. The characters are allowed entry and are led to a warm waiting room, where they are given excellent food and drink. Berda explains the guards have contacted the King, who will decide what happens next. Soon, word comes back, and a reception is planned. Berda has insisted that Cassius and Salvador be granted guest rights, something not given to humans for decades.
Part 3 - The Throne Room
A young dwarf called Tharac approaches Cassius and offers his services as a translator. He is one of the kingdom's scouts and speaks Ivinian well. He explains, "King Inknar and Princess Berda are introducing themselves and their genealogy going back ten generations. This will take some time," he quips. "Princess Bedra," Cassius is stunned; she only told him that she is the daughter of a rich Dwarf, not the daughter of King Hazmadul Tarazakh III, King of Azadmere. She kept this a secret all this time, explaining many odd interactions during their journey.
Next, Berda introduces Cassius and Salvador and recounts many of their heroic deeds. The bear is allowed to dance before the court, which delights the King's' granddaughter, Estryd.
King Inkanar grants his human guests rights and a place to stay in the city over winter; however, they must always travel with an escort. Tharac volunteers. Over the next few months, the dwarves treat the humans well, more as a novelty, and the slightly bored guests are on their best behavior in return.
Berda spends much of her time getting to know the Kuzjerans. She apologizes to Cassius for keeping her identity secret. She also confides that her travels have convinced her that the Dwarven kingdoms must open to and be a part of the human world; this is also a view her brother, the heir to the Kingdom of Azadmere, shares. Otherwise, the Dwarven people will fade from the world, disappearing into legend. A starting point would be direct trade with Kuzjera's neighbors and with her dwarven homeland. This will be a monumental task to persuade the Kuzjerans to change the way they have been doing things for centuries. Fortunately, King Inknar appears somewhat open-minded in a stubborn, dwarven way.
To be continued.NPC Interactions
Taavetti and Usko Salmi - Yarili Hunters.
King Inknar Zynahul and Princess Estryd.
Tharac Grazak - Geokineticist.
Challenges Overcome
Giant Lizards.
Cave Giants and Wolfs.
Rosethorn Goats
Gargoyles.
Rewards
Nothing this week.
Created Content
Nothing this week.
Related Reports
Nothing this week.
Player Characters
Cassius - Human - L6 Ranger - Background Bounty Hunter - Archetype Fighter.
Salvador - Human - L6 Cloistered Cleric of Ilvir (Change) - Background Artist - Archetype Eldritch Researcher.
NPC Character Status
Berda - Dwarf - L6 Fighter - Background Noble - Archetype Sentinel.
Tharac- Dwarf - L6 Kineticist (Earth) - Background Magical Misfit- Archetype Wizard.
