Durnalla

[kore]

Though the daughter of nobles of the Shanathane Court in the nation of Kelsier, Durnalla's parents reared her in such a way that she would have no expectation of preferential treatment, no sense of entitlement. However, this much may be said of most of the offspring of Shanathane nobles. Reputation is a virtue highly regarded by goliath society and it cannot be inherited. Testing the physical abilities of all of its inhabitants, including its nobles, is recognized as the only true way to prove one's worth to society.

At the age of sixteen, Durnalla chose to join the court's expeditionary force as a scout. After six years of service she had risen to the rank of captain. Though this accomplishment itself positioned Durnalla to be a likely successor to the offices her parents held, she chose to continue her service on the borders of the region under the jurisdiction of the Shanathane Court. She felt compelled to continually test herself and her brethren on the treacherous mountain cliffs. It was on those cliffs that she formed many strong friendships with other goliaths she deemed to best represent goliath virtues; prowess, boldness, and a daring heart.

Durnalla's service in the expeditionary force eventually led her to service as a scout at the site now known as the Iron Camp. When the treaty was established between Kelsier, Cainwyn, and Fal'Kith, Durnalla eagerly lent her expertise to units of mixed soldiers that patrolled the region surrounding the site of an ancient tomb found within a great crevasse caused by the Sundering. Upon returning from one particular patrol, she found the inhabitants of the site inflicted with a strange disease, the Iron Plague. She eventually became inflicted herself, turning into what are now called warforged.

Once Durnalla was permitted to return to her kin, her transformation was regarded with fear, contempt, or some mixture of both, as it was with most who were affected. Sensing the unease of others, she found that she still had a place among her brothers, though with some apprehension, and the mountains. Not long after her return, Durnalla was approached by a Goliath clad in hide armor, cradling on his shoulder a massive two-handed hammer encrusted with spiked studs, one hand cupping the pommel.

"I am Gauthiev of the Circle of the Mountain’s Aegis. It is strange that those of flesh and blood regard those of iron such as they do, for both are only a momentary flicker in an infinite sky. However, the spirit can never truly die, for even in death it is renewed. The primal spirits of these mountains recognize your spirit's call. For your entire life you have been drawn to the mountain wilderness and eagerly go to distant lands when others may hesitate. Do you not question what makes you different from your kin? I speak not of your material transformation but of your eternal spirit, which is today as it was before."

Durnalla replied, "Your words ring true. It wasn't until I was cursed as I am that I even began to consider such things. But if I am not goliath or this iron being as you say I'm not, then what am I?"

"Do you still not understand? I do not have all of the answers you seek, but know that the virtues you and your kin honor are part of what you are as well as your love of this mountain wilderness. Much will be revealed if you learn to commune with the primal spirits. I have been sent to request your fellowship in our warding circle. We all seek answers and it is through each other that the primal spirits often speak. As a warden of these mountains, and all other wonders of nature, your spirit will flourish and thrive as a defender of the wild. If you are prepared to join our circle, follow me into the canyon below and the discovery of your eternal spirit may begin."


Edit: Phil, I made a small formatting edit to make Gauthiev's question, "Do you still not understand?", part of the following paragraph. FYI, in case you want to edit the entry on the website for the campaign.

[reiphil]

Awaiting the rest. 400 xp, and your choice of ONE of the following: +2 Nature, +2 Endurance, +2 Dungeonering, +2 Diplomacy

[kore]

In the twilight of the following day, the forest opened to the clear sky where bright stars and a half-moon shined upon the canyon floor. From the forest’s edge Durnalla gazed upon a bonfire and beyond stood seven figures. Gauthiev moved into the open and took a position among the convocation.

Durnalla cautiously stepped out and approached the assembly. Two dwarves, one male and one female, appeared to be of middle age for their race. Next to them towered the goliaths, Gauthiev and an elderly female. To their other side stood a female eladrin, a male dragonborn and half-orc, and a female of a race Durnalla did not recognize. It was this stranger that spoke first.

“Welcome, Durnalla. We are the Circle of the Mountain’s Aegis. We serve as wardens of the surrounding mountains, protecting it from threats within and without. My name is Isla, and by the expression on your face I sense you have never encountered a deva before, I am the circle’s speaker. You have already met our messenger, Gauthiev.”

Isla continued to introduce the assembly: Flora and Foegar Frostfist, the dwarves; Glendis, the elder goliath and matron of the warding circle; Lindun'il, the eladrin; Torisar, the dragonborn; Gromgar, the half-orc.

“You, Durnalla, have been sought out by the spirits of this wilderness for a purpose that is not entirely known to us. You came here with questions, perhaps, but the truth is that we may have more questions than answers ourselves. It is your first-hand experience with the Iron Plague that interests the spirits and our circle. Though you are afflicted, your spirit seems to remain intact. And yet we are not without concern. What should become of the earth should the Iron Plague be left unabated? We have already encountered several aberrations under the Iron Plague that have attempted to scar the earth. To this end, you are merely an exception, but also a reason for hope.”

Durnalla interrupted, “These spirits of whom you speak, are they gods? I did not know the gods concerned themselves with such matters. I know of the Wild Storm Father but he is a god of strength, courage, and glory. These matters do not sound like they demand his attention.”

“No, the gods can be fickle and often interact with mortals only to serve their own good, sometimes to the detriment of those same mortals. The spirits are bound to the earth and wish to protect it from all manner of threat, which is their sole purpose. You speak of Kord and though the spirits do not despise your god, he is a patron of war and his followers do not always consider the consequences of their actions on the earth, much like the gods themselves. We are a warding circle, chosen by the spirits of this land to defend it and you have been chosen to join us.”

“Why have I been chosen?” Durnalla asked.

“Again, the reasons are not entirely known. But your love of the wilderness, the bond you have with the mountains you protect, has demonstrated your worthiness despite an affliction that might otherwise destroy its beauty. The spirits wish to honor you for staying true to your own spirit, that which doesn’t seem corrupted in the least. Thus, the Circle of the Mountain’s Aegis humbly requests your presence in our council.”

Durnalla replied, “I have learned to respect such unseen powers. If it is their will, then I will not attempt to resist it. But I must be honest, I am not familiar with these spirits, they have never spoken with me. If they have some purpose for me, surely they would tell me themselves.”

A knowing smile cracked at the corner of Isla’s mouth like that of a parent, proud of their child’s naïve foresight. “No truer words could have been spoken, my sister. The council has a quest, a spirit quest as it were. Through this trial your senses will be attuned to the spirits and your eternal spirit will begin to commune with them. So let us begin your discovery, together.”