The First Grudge

[Sanguine415]

High above the northern peaks of Meranthe, the camp of Clan Crownforge sits in a constant state of burgeoning industry. Smoke shafts rise high above as stone is worked, ore processed, lumber milled, and leather tanned. Yet, flames were set during the night, nearly conflagrating the small camp at its nascent beginnings. A message left in vulgarity.


Daggar Coaltooth, Sworn Hammer of Clan Crownforge, would spread the answer far and wide for the mysterious vandal.

"Ye' are the first name struck in the new book of grudges. That of these mountains we shant depart. Coward shall be yer label, for ye' lacked the guts to name yerself with yer threat. If ye' seek to banish Clan Crownforge, ye' will need to do better than a bit of petty flame. The Dwarves never forget a slight, hide while ye' can. An' may the ancestors grant ye' swift passage to our mallets."

Strong words, for a strong, bearded folk.

[tenias]

The quill's point drips with blood and hate, the wrath practically pours through to each letter penned down on the blank yet sturdy page... The pages before it were similar with the obvious and apparent list of names and deeds. These were not of commemoration, but rather to remember, as if a trip back-- Sinking their teeth back into that memory, remember every single little thing that had transpired. Every vivid detail, every inch of their body that felt emotion, a catalogue written in special dwarven runecraft. Their hands moved, but their hand did not move alone, for it was guided by their ancestors who've done the very same for generations and generations before them.

Scouts taking note of the Crownforge Encampment will have heard tale: The Snowlands had burst into flames, twicefold in a singular evening albeit with a slight delay between, for the Dwarven Colony had welcomed many visitors in pursuit of diplomacy, negotiation, and commerce. They spoke of an assassination, a draconic attack, and a visit from the dark and dastardly. Their grounds were caked in frost constructs, dragonfire, and shadowflame, though the details were yet lost.

Until the time had come where the dwarf had put down their pen, the latest addition to the Book of Grudges is introduced to every Dwarven soldier as an addition to their vendetta primer.

"For whosoever had sent their Goblin Sellsword against us, know that the day where your visage will be known is nigh; let your tongue rattle for now, we'll take your name out of his tongue and then take your tongue so that your mouth of silver will never speak of gold ever again.

For whosoever sides with the culprit of the Burned Message, Yurekasme the Drake, know that you will join the animal in their torment. Their scale ripped from them, their wings torn, and their claws taken... We shall leave your heart beating, your head intact, so that you can watch your remains be turned to weapons before your very eyes as life leaves you. You shall know no rest, you and your ilk of drakanites.

For whosoever sides with the dark beast, Aisenliche, you will know no victory just as you hadn't that night. You, who thought yourself above the world, will be cast down from it and we will bury you to live in your sad, pitiful sorrow underneath the earth. Your heart will beat, but you've been dead since long ago, lizard. Your tongue holds no sway, you thought it to move mountains but it will only ever move one heart-- Your heart's scars will die with you, sad and alone, just like you.

For whosoever sides with the past, the Nakanos, you will know just like your family had long ago, ye apparitions did not know victory and you will continue to be stranger to it. Wherever you claimed your ancestral homes to be, it is there no longer. You erected mighty walls, but I do not see them any longer, for these are your home no longer. Mito Nakano, die with your dream alongside your flesh and blood."

With the introduction of the Second, Third, and Fourth Grudge of Meranthe, the Book of Grudges closes as the quill is stayed.

The Fifth is pending, but the current targets are known.