Out of the Abyss

CHAPTER 8: AUDIENCE IN GAUNTLGRYM

After their escape from the Underdark in chapter 7, the
adventurers have time to rest, recuperate, and reor ient
themselves back in the surface world from which they
were taken. Some three months after their return. they
receive a summons to the dwarf kingdom of Gauntlgrym
in the North. King Bruenor Battlehammer desires an
audience with them regarding their experiences in the
Underdark. Representatives of several factions with
an interest in what is happening in the Underdark
will also be in attendance. Following the audience,
Bruenor extends an offer to the characters, who are
tasked with returning to the Underdark once more on a
perilous mission.

S U MMONED BY BRUENOR

King Bruen or has learned of the characters' exploits
from dwarf merc hants and couriers recently returned
from the Underdark. (ff Eldeth Feldrun was part of the
adventurers' successful escape and returned safely
to Gauntlgrym, word of the party's heroics came to
Bruenor through her. See "Gauntlgryrn Connections.")
King Bruenor·s summons reaches the characters by

CHAPTF.R 8 I 1\Ut>ll NCf 1 N CAU~TLCRYM

whatever method best suits the story, depending on·

where they go and what they are doing following t~cir

return to the surface world. It can be in the form of a

messenger carrying a handwritten letter bearing the

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king's seal, or even an animal messenger or sending

spell focused on one or more of the adventurers.

Regardless of how it gets to them, the message is simple

and clear:

Come at once to Countlgrym for on audience with King

Bruenor Battlehammer, to discuss matters of grove

importan'e concerning your experiences in the Underdark.

Characters belonging to any of the factions involved in

the meeting at Gauntlgrym (see "Forging an Alliance~)

might receive a summons from their faction as well, and

could even travel with the representative of that faction

to the dwarf hold if circumstances permit. Otherwise,

the choice to make the journey is up to the characters,

although ignoring Bruenor's request leads the dwarf

king to send ever more insistent messages.