The Halls of Talamh Domhain

Features:

Introduction:
After years of brutal warfare and devastation to the lands, the most terrible war Man has ever wrought is finally at an end.  As is becoming custom, the proud Dwarves of the Mountains did not concern themselves with the conflict nor proclaim allegiance to any faction, preferring to avoid the squabbles of the surface folk.

However, the time has come for Dwarven King Cian to reestablish his treaty and trade agreement with King Eerikki, the newly-crowned victor of this gruesome conflict.  With characteristic amusement, King Cian bestowed this task to his two sons, Colvan and Lorcan.  Although initially obstinate, their responsibility to the kingdom of Talamh Domhain and respect for their father quickly swayed their hearts.

It is often proclaimed that Prince Colvan is as stalwart and enduring as the finest war hammer or mace the master Dwarven smiths have ever forged.  Tireless in labor as well as leisure, he often prefers to let his commanding stature speak for him.  As the heir apparent to King Cian, Colvan extols and strictly adheres to the ancient Dwarven ways.

Prince Lorcan, although not as physically imposing as his older brother, is in no way diminutive.  While average in height and build, he is extraordinarily insightful, perceptive, and inventive.  Studying and advancing metallurgy with the master Dwarven smiths eventually led to his fascination with wizardry.  Wary of the unseemly opinions concerning alchemy, King Cian allowed these pursuits to continue only under absolute secrecy.

The voyage to King Eerikki’s remote capital and their political dealings were successful and remarkably uneventful, which relieved Colvan, especially due to Lorcan’s insistence on gazing into the night sky for hours on end instead of preparing for the following day’s demands.  With their mundane yet taxing journey nearly complete, the dread in the air is suddenly unmistakable even to the weary brothers.

Just outside the magnificent entrance to their idyllic kingdom, Colvan and Lorcan are aghast to find the foothills teeming with their Dwarven kin, many suffering grievous injuries.  King Cian surveys the scene with the weight of the mountains on his shoulders.  He explains that appalling monstrosities from the depths had murdered countless Dwarves and forced the survivors to take refuge in the shallowest levels of the realm.

The princes no longer feel the lingering fatigue of their travels, immediately readying themselves for the impending counterattack.  Their father’s bellowing, imploring them to turn back from certain death, fades as they venture into abandoned halls.
Unbeknownst to all, an unexpected ally has sensed the disharmony from deep within the earth and will soon unlock the princes’ true potential.  Talamh Domhain is ravaged and unrecognizable, but Colvan and Lorcan will atone for their absence by decimating whatever evils lurk below, avenging their fallen brethren, and reclaiming the kingdom for their people!

Welcome… to the Halls of Talamh Domhain!