The Stand of Gravish Talonrider

Written by Salen

Gravish Talonrider was the Thane of the dwarven city of Rhanmar, located in the westernmost edge of The Black Mountains This city was the first city built and as such was the pride of Nagar at the time. During the First War, the dwarves retreated into their mountain stronghold and pulled the tunnels in after them. Unfortunately, the elves followed them. The Fall of Rhanmar was the last of the dwarven participation in this war, and the events of this massive conflict had been lost to time until recently.

Early Life

Gravish Talonrider was your typical dwarf, studying smithing at an early age and learning his clan's business. he entered the military in his fortieth year and quickly rose in the ranks. He was appointed to the city of Rhanmar in 62 SR as Thane and ruled that city until its fall. He was cited as a fair ruler, if a little enthusiastic, and his stubbornness was legendary before the The First War

Death

Though there is no witnesses to the Thane's death, the Accounts of the Fall of Rhanmar tell of the fall of this city and give clues as to how this great dwarf died. He is known to have lost his arm and the last we see in these books is that some of the force made it out into the mountain range...only to run afoul of both a dragon and the harrying elves. It is known that these books were found in the ruins of the city, next to a one armed skeleton, surrounded by elven bones. Speculation of events leads scientists to believe that he followed the elves back down and killed them with his last breath. the surviving elves have offered no comment.

His Legend

Because these events have only recently come to light (within the last ten years or so) the legend of Gravish has sparked a resurgence in young dwarves entering the military. Youngsters are singing songs of glory and plays are being done to commemorate the fall. His name is now sung throughout Nagar as a hero and legend, fighting the magic of the elves with pure iron will.

Summary

The legend of Gravish Talonrider is one of heroics and bravery. He is known now for his unwillingness to give up, or give in, and his name is synonymous with holding the line in battle. These days his name is even used in situations that call upon stubborness and tenacity. Phrases like "You're being rather Gravish about the whole thing" or I'll be Gravish before I give in to that man" have spread far and wide.

Spread

The legend of Gravish Talonrider has spread, now that the books have been made public, to most human and dwarven peoples throughout Tamia.

Variations & Mutation

Some variations of the story have gone on to say that Gravish took the dragon on by himself as the other dwarves ambushed the attacking elves, losing his arm in the titanic battle, but this is directly opposed by the books that were recovered. Still the story continues to spread, as the young embellish the story in taverns.

Cultural Reception

The humans and half-elves of Tamia love a good hero, and this legend delivers. The elves, however, have renounced the story as false and have released no statements on the subject. The four elves that supposedly survived have not come forth at this time.

In Literature

So far the only written accounts are the Accounts of the Fall of Rhanmar

by Paul Mafayon

Related Species

• Dwarves

Related Locations

• Ruins of Rhanmar

Rememberance

Gravish Talonrider is remembered every year during the dwarven High Forge. This celebration is for the freedom gained after the The First War War and the peace that came about that conflict. Since finding out about the death of those heroic dwarves, the celebration has extended to that heroic conflict as well.