Duri Sundersson

Lord of the Mountain

If Ghal Ankhar is to survive then we need to be opportunists. Look at what we did with the Tengu. We moved quickly, sold to safety to the birds in exchange for exclusivity and suddenly our halls are rich again with gold, foreign interest and relevance. The New Sanctuary Expedition is the key to the west and if we ignore this opportunity than we tell the world what we've always told the world... we don't care about anything that doesn't happen under the mountain. That creed pushed us to the brink of ruin. It's time to change. Let's seize this opportunity and take a chance on brighter dwarven future than the course we're on now.
— Duri Sundersson in his plea for support from the dwarven clans of Ghal Ankhar

To the old clan lords of Ghal Ankhar Duri Sundersson represents all of the things they find incredibly annoying and threatening. He's young by dwarven standards. He's vocal and highly opinionated. He believes the future of the mountain dwarves lies in embracing the outside world. And, he's usually right.

Many on the Council of Lords suspect that Duri is positioning himself for a potential claim on the throne once Arrat passes. The Merchant Barons find Duri's plans to be cumbersome and not dwarven like. He advocates for exploration, new ideas and foreign trade. The current Urin King, Arrat, has taken to favoring the young merchant though. It was Duri who pushed relentlessly against the rest of the Council of Lords in order to seize upon the vulnerability of the newly arrived Tengu and offer them protection in exchange for their Manacite. He was able to forge an alliance when the dwarves wanted nothing to do with the Tengu due to their strange funeral practices.

Duri knows the deal with the Tengu is not enough to save Ghal Ankhar though. He's bought his homeland time though and he's changed a few minds and opened a few eyes to the opportunities that exist outside the mountain. He wants to capitalize on that renoun while he has it and the New Sanctuary Expedition seems like just the opportunity Ghal Anhkar needs.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Duri is very healthy and able-bodied

Facial Features

Very proud and well cared for beard

Special abilities

Dark Vision

Apparel & Accessories

Manacite necklace in the shape of the symbol of Thatur The Ledger Lord. Large gold ring that belonged to his Grandfather

Specialized Equipment

Linguistics. Duri is very good at translations and learninhg languages. He finds languages fascinating.

Mental characteristics

Gender Identity

Male

Education

Duri's early education was handled within the Sundersson Clan, as is common for most dwarves. Rather than continue on to a trade school, temple, military school or library he joined with the Merchant Barons and explored the rest of the mountains. He even set off on his own to see Ghal Ankhar, Frostmere and Homestead.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Pushing for the alliance with the Tengu and bringing fresh new stores of manacite back to Ghal Ankhar

Failures & Embarrassments

Failed to convince the Council of Lords to treat with the Stormlanders

Intellectual Characteristics

Very diplomatic, considerate of foreign cultures

Morality & Philosophy

Ghal Anhkar's survival is paramount and every opportunity should be seized upon to save it. Cooperation is preferred but subtle coercion (as was the case with the Tengu) can serve as well.

Personality Characteristics

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Excellent at learning languages

Hygiene

Rather fond of exotic perfumes. Usually applied to his beard and hair

Social

Contacts & Relations

Norghri Cragheart This is Duri's bodyguard. Norghri would give his life for Duri because Duri risked his life many years ago to rescue him and several other dwarves from the clutches of a Dueragar slaver. Norghri is a dedicated soldier who favors his heavy hammer in battle.

The TenguMost Tengu know who Duri is. He was present during a great deal of the negotiations between the dwarves and the Tengu and they believe his terms were fair. Many Tengu will offer Duri favorable assistance in small projects or bits of information for a very fair price. There is a small number of Tengu that resent Duri's treaty with their people and for some that resentment can turn violent. Though, for the most part he is some what of a celebrity among the Tengu.

Religious Views

Duri has always had a healthy respect for the gods but detests the way that worship can sometimes turn to cultural stagnation. He's seen it happen with many of his people back home. That being said he does consider himself a follower of Thatur The Ledger Lord.

Wealth & Financial state

The Sundersson Clan is very wealthy by all standards.

Species

Dwarves

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Lord of the Mountain (all members of the Council of Lords hold this title)

Birthplace

Ghal Ankhar

Children

Gender