event and the characrers' initial impressions of the
faction representatives, before their later e fforts to
negotiate with those representatives for the factions· aid.
If you want ro add some intrigue or action, consider
having one of rhe options from "Enemies Among Us~
interrupt the feast, giving the characters an opportunity
to demonstrate their abilities in front of their potential
patron and allies. Rogue fire elementals roaring out
of the hearth or a disguised assassin poisoning one
or more of the representatives can completely change
the scene.
BRUENOR'S PLAN
Once the feast winds down, Bruenor e xc uses himself as
the guests depart. Shortly thereafter, a servant comes
to collect the characters and takes them to a private
chamber where the king ofGauntlgrym awaits them.
His previously friendly manner has turned grave."I've told the allies ye met tonight what ye told me," he
says. "I invited them here to learn what is happening, to
share what we know, and to get thetr backing for what it
is I propose. Ye have braved the Underdark and lived to
tell the tale. Ye know, better than anyone, what tt is we
face, but we need to know more.
"The Zhentarim have a stake in a secret Underdark
trading post called Mantoi-Derith. If ye can get them on
our side, they'll guide ye there, where ye can meet with
one of their agents, Ghazrim Du Loc. He can provide
ye with a map to Graven hollow. It's a legendary place
built by the stone giants long ago. said to contain all the
knowledge of the depths. If there's answers to be found
for what has happened, ye mtght find them there. If ye
are wtlling to go back, that is.
"I don't propose to send ye into the dark unprepared,
and I hope ye make an impression on those gathered
here so they'll support our cause and your mission. From
all I've seen and heard, there's no one better to do what
needs be done.
"So, what say ye?"Paraphrase Bruenor's speech as needed to handle
interjections by the characters. The king provides
honest answers to any questions. He truly does believe
the characters represent the best option to find out more
about the demonic threat, unless they've given him any
reason to think otherwise.
Bruenor assures the adventurers they will have
his gratitude and rhat of all Gauntlgrym-indeed,
of all FaerQn- if they are successful. If the
characters press for details or try to negotiate
compensation for their service. the king points
out that Gauntlgrym has considerable space.
and he can offer them titles, property. and the
products of the Great Forge as rewards. Such
mercenary negotiation lowers Bruenor's opinion of the
adventurers a bit, but he never loses his genial manner.BRUENOR BATTLEHAMMER
The legendary Bruenor Battlehammer is a good dwarf and
king, and always has the best interests of his people and
home at heart. He is drawn to help characters who follow
a strong moral and ethical code, and often seeks their help
in return. Use his good humor and folksy demeanor to
help endear him to the players. The more the players grow
to like him, the easier it is for them to respect his advice
and request-and to gain more resources and assistance
from h1m 1n turn.If the characters are agreeable, the king tells them
the next step is to bring the various factions on board.
One of the reasons he is looking to the adventurers to
lead a new mission into the Underdark, apart from their
experience. is that they can serve as brokers among all
the various parties with a n interest in the mission. They
need to meet with the different faction representatives,
emphasizin g the importance of getting the Zhentarim
to agree to grant access to Mantoi-Derith. Otherwise.6RUENOR 6ATTLE,..IIMMERC.:HAPTER 8 I AUOIFNCt'. I N OAUNTLGRYM
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