Oidi Grandhunter
The dark, dank smell filled the courier's nostrils, he had just entered an massive cavern known as the Bilden Mine. After he passed the first set of guards he walked through a golden archway; crafted perfectly by the master blacksmiths. The cave spread out like a spiderweb, many caverns jetted out from the main torch-lit tunnel. As the courier came upon a grand golden wall he stood perplexed, he had no where to continue. A bell at the top of the wall took him out of his confusion when it rang and echoed loudly through the entire cave. Suddenly the seemingly solid wall opened like a door, making the courier have to run backwards so he would not be crushed. The enormous gold door slammed against the mine wall and the dust settled. The human courier wiped some dirt off of his mailbag when he saw hundreds and grey-skinned dwarves marching towards him. All of the dwarves' faces were covered in dirt and had all looked as though they were exhausted. The average height human could easily see over the small army but he had no way to push through them. He waited for a few minutes until the group had cleared out then finally walked in. The innards of the fort were much more spectacular than the cave itself. Every piece of stone was carved by dwarven artisans, jewel-encrusted metal pillars stood towering over the courier. Many hallways led through the cave and all looked equally magnificent. As the courier continued towards the main hall he was greeted by a strong voice.
"How may I help you?" the dwarf asked.
"Huh? Oh right, I'm here to deliver a letter to the fort leader." The courier said while looking down at the helpful mine dwarf.
"Well, I can get you there, ya wouldn't want to get lost down here, some of these hallways lead to goblins tunnels, you'd be best to avoid those. My name's Orm by the way."
"Thanks Orm, I'm Nathan, Nathan Notchen,"
The two carried on down the golden hallways, Nathan seemed to be very interested in Orm's tales.
Orm enjoyed talking about his home. "When the mine was founded, generations ago, the dwarfs got real lucky, this mine alone connects to a gold reservoir, a diamond reservoir and many a precious stone has been dug up: rubies, sapphires, emeralds and even some kinalite."
"Kinalite?" Nathan questioned.
"Kinelite is a rare rock that can absorb and store energy, those gnomes from Teslite are rumoured to have a whole mound of the stuff, which they use for all their tinkering and inventions. You looked a little bewildered when you walked in, that storm of dwarves you got caught in the middle of was the end of today's shift. Hundreds of mine dwarves who live in Rockmead; the town above, come and work in this mine every single day. In return for their labour, they are offered protection, a home and a hearty meal everyday for them and their families." Orm took a right and walked up to the most fancy set of doors Nathan had seen yet.
"How much do these dwarfs make?" Nathan inquired as the two entered the throne room, suddenly a thundering voice was heard from across the room.
"Hah! you humans and your petty wages." The voice came from a stout dwarf who sat atop a golden throne with steps to get up, his armour was shimmering and his beard was full, his metal armour had the same intricate dwarf artistry as the decorative pillars. the fort leader continued speaking.
"Here in the Bilden Mine we work for the benefit of the mine, not for coin, no dwarf is better than any other and all are treated greatly. Dwarves work in here during the day mining precious metals and gems, then at the end of the day they return to Rockmead where they spend time with their family. The loot they mine is then sold to the greedy humans for food and material to provide the best shelter for our citizens." The fort leader finished his triumphant speech. Nathan stood their for a moment, thinking about what the large dwarf had said.
"Money has complicated a lot in my life, I've worked every day delivering mail all over Galfin, sometimes I go so far that I don't even get to sleep in my own bed that night, and even then, my own bed is in the slums of Skygarde, hardly worth the amount of money I've put into it. I completely understand why this appeals to you and your kind." Nathan admitted.
"It's not just for my kind, young courier." The fort leader explained as he rose from his throne and walked towards Nathan and Orm
"If you are willing to help, I will gladly take another miner. We could find you a bed, some food and you wouldn't have to worry about your poor wages anymore."
Nathan looked to Orm who smiled and nodded. He remembered his small lonely home in the middle of the poorest part of Skygarde and decided that the Bilden Mine could be his new home.
"I'll do it!" Nathan said enthusiastically. He reached into his bag and pulled out the letter which read "Fort Leader: Oidi Grandhunter" and handed it to the dwarf in front of him. "This must be you."
"Why yes, yes it is" Oidi chuckled.
The large bell atop the front wall could be heard through the hallways. Nathan looked confused as Oidi walked over to the chest and pulled out three pickaxes, he tossed one over to Orm who caught it and started walking away. Oidi walked up to Nathan and reached out his arm, presenting one pickax and keeping the other to himself.
"For those of us who do not have family's to go home to; we get the night shift. Like I said, all dwarfs are equal, even I have to help the benefit of the mine. Come with me, I'll show you where we are currently digging, and I'll show where to not go, the goblin tunnels for instance." Oidi laughed as he continued to explain how to properly mine to Nathan.
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Run his mine like a protected stronghold.
His armour is some of the masterwork dwarf armour the Bilden Mine puts out.
Ancestor of the mine's founder Bilden Grandhunter. Originally called Bilden's Mine.
Wounded by the Killcrow Demon.
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Male
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