In the 125th year of the new age, the Mountainous Grasps sent seven of its own into the uttermost depths of goblin territory, bidding them found a mighty citadel from which they might destroy their enemies. The seven dug swift and dug deep, taking a red axe as their symbol, the word "Brokenspire" ever on their lips-- and the goblins paid no heed.
The year is now 130, and Brokenspire has become a true bastion of dwarven strength. Armored warriors of legendary skill spar amongst themselves, clad in gleaming steel of incomparable make. Strange and powerful machinery rumbles beneath the sand, drawing from the vast underground river below. Strong walls of diorite surround the central keep, growing ever taller as the dwarves ready themselves for war...
...and war has come to them. The goblins have discovered this grand impudence of the dwarves, and march innumerable against Brokenspire's walls. Thrice the goblins have come, and thrice the dwarves have beaten them back. The Red Axe lives yet, but suffers more casualties with each onslaught-- for skilled though its army may be, no one warrior can hold back a storm of arrows forever. Even a god among dwarves may yet tire, and thus perish.
In the last siege, Likot Bimlorbam died: Likot Slingstandards, commander of the Red Axe, slayer of sixteen, legend of the axe. With him also died six others of his own. Greatly aggrieved at this loss, Sibrek Bomrekbothon, Stonemaster, friend of Likot, conspired with Vutok the mechanic to render the goblins forever harmless with a device most terrible.
Before Vutok's open eyes, Sibrek laid forth his scheme: he would contrive to release the vampire Wimad, who four years ago slew Kel Morulunol in foulest murder, into a chamber of his own devising. This chamber, said Sibrek, he would fill with water, and line with cunning spikes that the vampire might bleed. Over this, said Sibrek, he would raise a well, that men might drink of the vampire's blood. Thus, said Sibrek, would he create gods untiring, and so destroy the goblins forever.
"Surely this is madness," cried Vutok. "Who are we to meddle in such magics?"
"We are dwarves, and so we are mad," replied Sibrek, "and by madness we shall conquer!" And so it was done.
Sibrek Stonemaster would never see the fruits of his labor, for when the dwarves released Wimad the vampire, Wimad escaped them and slew Sibrek as he slept. Nevertheless, under Vutok's guidance, Wimad was escorted into the chamber of Sibrek, and a stone grate raised behind him.
Vutok bid dwarves pull cunning levers over the aquifer
and a mechanical river began to flow
soon submerging Wimad completely.
Vutok bid dwarves pull cunning levers over the aquifer
and great floodgates raised, sealing Wimad in his chamber.
Vutok bid dwarves pull cunning levers over the aquifer
and ninety spikes of sharp glass assailed Wimad as he swam, tearing deep wounds in his flesh.
Such is the justice of Brokenspire. Soon the dwarves of the Red Axe shall see if Sibrek's dreams of gods will indeed come to pass.
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Topic: Brokenspire: The Blood-Dream of Sibrek (Read 6855 times)