The Continuing Adventure of Zasit Hardywall
After gaining entry to Gemclod through its extensive waterworks, I pause for some time to orient myself. Looking around, I seem to be on one of the upper levels of what must be the settlement's central atrium. In the depths below me, I can just make out what must be the storied Great Hall! Before heading down the nearby stairways, however, I pause to inspect a nearby statue.
The statue depicts the figure of a goblin being brutally struck through the head with a bolt. Keen-eyed Repelex is brilliantly crafted to appear distant, firing his crossbow. Apparently, the shooting occurred during a siege some eight years ago.
I find another statue nearby, crafted in tribute to Minty. He raises ballista components. It is apparent to me that this is yet another work exhorting and honoring the defense of Gemclod by any means.
I continue about the upper level of the hall, peaking into several rooms. The walls are rough, stones still litter the floor, and the furnishings are extremely sparse where they are not entirely nonexistent. It is clear that this level was never fully completed. Even under duress, the dwarves of Gemclod continued to build.
I hurry back to the stairs near my entry point and head down to the bottom level of what must be the Great Hall. The tables, chairs, pillars, statues, and engravings are all still in place. The place is ready to seat an entire city of dwarves for feasting. I can almost imagine them standing about the hall, drinking, eating, offering their hospitality. Alas, I am now certain that such times have fully passed for Gemclod. In places the floor is already worn, and fungus springs from the ground. The air is cool and damp, and without maintenance the water will work its way fully into this place. For now, though, the majesty of this place is largely preserved.
I find another tribute to one of Gemclod's many defenders. This one is an engraving of nimby, and depicts the slaying of one of the Arrogant Ones. I cannot help but grin at the sight of it.
Heading down to the end of the Great Hall I come across what I hope is the way to the guardhouse and front gate. Before I continue, however, I notice with some surprise that I am flanked by two wondrous pieces of handiwork.
Artifacts! One armor stand of obsidian, the other of tower cap great those entering the Great Hall. I take some time to absorb their splendor before moving on.
After taking my time to fully ponder two of the great works of Gemclod, my attention is caught by some nearby engravings. The first, titled "The Keys of Flight," depicts two tall crosses, the symbol of Gemclod's founding government, The Curled Wall. Any deeper meaning of the symbol is beyond me.
I also find a stylized engraving of a sweet pod, the symbol of The Famous Palisade. Though embroiled in war as far as memory goes back, the dwarven civilization that founded Gemclod was once known for its fine sweets and luxuries. Whether this tradition was revived in Gemclod is something I may yet learn.
I stumble upon another rendition of "The Keys of Flight." It seems that every engraving of the symbol of Gemclod's founders is thus named. Flight is not a concept much celebrated by us dwarves, but perhaps the escape from their enemies was of such paramount importance that it became a founding value. Again, I can only begin to speculate.
I head through one of the many double-doors and am surprised to see tendrils of light making their way down to me.
The entrance hall is fitted with five statues, each depicting Deg, a god of trade, in various situations. It seems he was exalted by at least one of Gemclod's early inhabitants. The statues seem to be welcoming trade and commerce, but there is no trade depot here. Perhaps it was moved to some other, safer part of the fort at some point, or simply removed after Gemclod sealed herself off from the world.
I head up the ramps leading toward the surface. I come across signs of battle- broken arrows and bolts strewn across the landing. A wall of green glass holds back a massive tank of water. I suspect it was one of the artificial ponds that I took a dive in earlier.
At last, I find what must be the inside of Gemclod's real entryway!
Rather than making straight for the gate, I head up one of the nearby, accessible towers. It is good to look out over the marsh from a place of power and stability.
I note that daylight is just beginning to wane. I will not be heading back to some human settlement to beg for shelter. Tonight, I will sleep soundly in the last stronghold of dwarfkind.
From the tower, I head up a set of stairs into a strange, enclosed hallway. I know as I walk down this hanging tunnel that I am suspended a great height above the ground. It troubles me.
From there, I find a small room with a stairway upward. I follow the stairs past a couple of simple rooms. Who would live in such a condition, high above the protecting earth? Continuing, I come across an incredibly ornate dwelling. Most of the furnishings are made of pure platinum. There is a table of what appears to be find rose gold. And... is that?
A chair crafted of pure adamantine! The dwarf who lived here must have been as wealthy as he or she was crazy. To sit upon adamantine! Such luxury, such waste! Only a king would dare justify such expenditure, and no king ever stood in Gemclod, according to the tales. I begin to wonder whether all was well in this place, even before its disastrous decline..
Looking in a nearby cabinet (again, of pure platinum!) I find some strange garments. I.. hesitate to describe them. One piece is clearly a loincloth of some sort, though it seems exceptionally small and delicate. There is a short, frilly skirt of unusual design as well, and a dress garment crafted of rather less material than is the standard. In addition, there is a very light, see-through silk.. I will call it a coat. It appears to have suffered some tearing. These.. items have no place in what is certainly meant to be an office. I dare not speculate as to what this clothing was used for, but the master of this dwelling was likely some corrupt dwarf of great power and status. Perhaps Gemclod's collapse was sparked from within.
I head further up the stairs to clear my head. I succeed in making my way to the top of the massive structure that rests atop the fortress walls, the Great Keg of Gemclod. According to legend, it flows with the finest ale when opened. Perhaps there is some way in?
Back down another couple levels, I find a locked door that is clearly intended to hold back some liquid. I cannot resist the temptation.
I pick the door's mechanism as any dwarf might, take a breath, and prepare to open it.
Forcing the door open, I am overcome with a mighty wave... of mere water. I am able to close the door once more, but must admit that I am disappointed that the tale of the Keg is only half true.
I carefully make my way all the way back down to the gatehouse where I emerged from the depths. I sight a lone lever, and know it is the one I have been searching for.
Without hesitation, I pull it! There is a heavy clanging from the direction of the front gate.
I enter into the front bailey to confirm- the drawbridge is indeed lowered! Gemclod is open to the world once more, and a fighting dwarf stands within, ready to defend it against all who would come! With this portion of my quest complete, I prepare myself for what comes next: delving the depths of this place. There may yet be survivors, and, given what I have seen so far, there is almost certainly treasure beyond the imagination of all but the most gem-eyed dwares. There may also still be fearsome creatures haunting the depths, endless tunnels, engulfing flames, and endless flooded halls between me and whatever my ultimate goal may be. Let it be so. I am adamant, and I am now a citizen of Gemclod. Once more, this stronghold Endures.
