Zeroth Velkyrr The Hill Dwarf

Grimbli's Knowledge

Resting on the airship, Zeroth drifted into his thoughts, the absence of Vulcanix's turbulent essence within him leaving a peculiar void. He recognized the potential of wielding such divine power, yet it was an unwieldy tool—one that would undoubtedly alter his path. As slumber beckoned, Zeroth slipped into a state that hovered between wakefulness and dreams. It was a liminal space, a stasis of the mind where deities lingered, beyond the need for sleep. A jolt of realization coursed through him as his eyes opened not to the open skies of the airship, but to the imposing darkness of the coliseum from his visions.Here he stood, cloaked in his familiar dwarf form, yet the arena was filled with an unnerving stillness—the torches that once blazed were now dark sentinels to his solitude. "Hello?" Zeroth's voice echoed into the expanse, half-desiring silence in return. The oppressive silence seemed to weigh on him, a test of resolve in the face of the unknown. As his gaze pierced the gloom, he braced for what might emerge from the shadows of this spectral amphitheater.In the distance, Zeroth saw an ethereal form beginning to take shape, as if in response to his call. As he observed the form cautiously, one hand behind his back gripping his battle axe, Zeroth realized the form was familiar as it shaped into a star-speckled dwarven form. "Grimbli! Where the hells have you been?" Zeroth shouted as the spectral form of Grimbli Stoneforge solidified in front of him. Zeroth rushed over to his friend, grinning widely as Grimbli looked at him hesitantly. "My apologies Zeroth. With the Godswar beginning, Aeonis required my services once again." Grimbli began. "If you didn't know, the gods revered me for my architectural proclivity and used my knowledge of such to create... This." He gestured around at the coliseum. Zeroth took a step backward at that and gapped at Grimbli. "You- You constructed all of this? How?"Zeroth's astonishment was palpable as he took in the enormity of Grimbli's revelation. The ancient dwarf's ghostly form shimmered with a faint glow under the coliseum's dark sky, his eyes reflecting a time-worn pride. "Yes, Zeroth. It was many ages past, a time when the gods found themselves at an impasse. They needed a place where their chosen could clash without affecting the mortal coil," Grimbli explained, his voice echoing slightly in the vast emptiness. "But, build an entire coliseum? Just how powerful were you?" Zeroth asked, still struggling to comprehend the scale of Grimbli's craftsmanship. Grimbli chuckled, a sound that seemed to stir the dormant torches, igniting them with a soft glow. "Power is a relative term, my friend. The gods granted me access to the raw energies of creation itself, temporarily. With it, I shaped this coliseum, block by ethereal block. It was designed to be the focal point of the Godswar, a neutral ground where champions fight and fates are decided."He walked slowly along the sandy floor, his spectral feet leaving no trace. "It took quite some time, even with the assistance of the gods. I poured my very soul into every stone, every rune that you see. In the end, it was my masterpiece and, sadly, my final work before I was trapped within that stone you carry." Zeroth followed quietly, absorbing every word. "Then, this coliseum... it's a part of you," Zeroth said, a newfound respect lacing his words. "Aye," Grimbli replied, stopping to gaze up at the towering stands that stretched into darkness. "This is my legacy. In these walls lies the culmination of my life's work. And now, you and your friends will be part of its ongoing story." Zeroth ran his fingers through his beard as he took in everything. "And to think I believed you were just some soul in a stone. Boy was I wrong." Zeroth stated. "It seems you forgot when I told you I was an ancient architect." Grimbli began. "That's alright though. We dwarves don't have the best memory. Anyway, that's all I wanted to speak to you about. Good luck with the Godswar, you know I'll always be at your side."As Grimbli's form began to wane, Zeroth remembered to share his recent encounter. "Grimbli, before you go, there's something you should know about Vulcanix and Aeonis," he said, urgency lending weight to his voice. Grimbli's fading stopped momentarily, his interest piqued. "Oh? Speak swiftly, Zeroth." Zeroth recounted the events of the ritual, the summoning of Aeonis, and the severing of Vulcanix's tether to the mortal realm. Grimbli listened intently, his expression grave. "Aeonis stepping in directly is rare indeed. Vulcanix may be weakened, but as you say, he is now free. Free to return to his domain, free to rebuild his power," Grimbli mused, his spectral eyes darkening with concern. Zeroth's grip on his axe tightened. "So, we've only delayed the inevitable?" Grimbli's form flickered like a candle in the wind, "In a manner of speaking, yes. But remember, you hold a majority of what was his power and this fracture... it is an aberration in the tapestry of the divine. It disrupts, it diminishes, but it also offers... opportunities." Zeroth felt a mixture of fear and anticipation churn within him. "Opportunities?"Grimbli nodded. "The Fracture is going to allow Vulcanix to gather power once again but since you have the power of a god already, you should be able to directly challenge Vulcanix if he tries something." The ethereal starlight cast a warm glow on Zeroth's face, mirroring the burning determination in his heart. "Then we'll prepare. We'll grow stronger. And when Vulcanix returns, we'll be ready." A smile, proud and tragic, crossed Grimbli's face as he gave a final nod of approval. "That's the spirit, Zeroth. You've already proven your worth. Just keep forging ahead." With those parting words, Grimbli Stoneforge, architect of the Crucible of Fates, vanished into the ether, leaving behind a legacy of stone and a dwarf determined to defend it. Zeroth, now alone within his thoughts, knew the road ahead was fraught with peril.In the next moment, Zeroth was shaken awake by Varic and Ardirc informing him of their arrival at Alderbrook. Stretching as he stood up, Zeroth was still going over what Grimbli informed him. "Did you sleep well, Zeroth?" Varic asked as he leaned over the airship's railing. Zeroth shot Varic a glance then responded, "Oh, yeah. Didn't actually dream of anything this time." Varic looked at him with one eyebrow raised. "Are you sure? You were mumbling to yourself nonstop. Kept me up all night so I had to sit with Tingle." Zeroth flinched slightly and replied, "That's strange. You'd think I would remember something. Either way, let's be off to meet with Mira and her companions." With a nod, Zeroth watched Varic as he went to help Ardric gather their belongings.Once Zeroth made sure everyone was ready, he led his group through Alderbrook's guarded entrance, the guards nodding in recognition as they passed. As they traversed the now-familiar streets of Alderbrook, Zeroth led the way with a purposeful stride, his thoughts a whirlwind of the night's revelations. They arrived at Elara's quaint shop, the scent of herbs and magic heavy in the air. Inside, Mira and her companions awaited, their expressions a blend of curiosity and concern. Zeroth didn't waste time with pleasantries. "We need to talk," he said as they gathered around a sturdy oak table at the back of the shop. "Last night, we performed the ritual Thround told us about to address the Vulcanix problem."Mira leaned forward, her green eyes sharp. "And? What transpired?" Kael shuffled closer to Zeroth as well, a look of expectation in his eyes. "Yes, Zeroth. What has happened? Did it work?" Zeroth took a deep breath, recalling Grimbli's spectral form and the Godswar architect's wise words. "Vulcanix attempted to take over, but thanks to Ardric and Luminara, we managed to... negotiate with Aeonis." Kael, with his usual stoic demeanor, asked, "Negotiate? How?" "We forced Vulcanix to call upon Aeonis, and the prime god intervened," Ardric added, his voice steady and confident from his divine communion. "Now, Vulcanix is no longer able to steal Zeroth's being and essence and was sent back to his realm."Drex's grunt signaled his approval, while Sylvana's eyes were wide with disbelief. "So, the threat is gone?" "Not exactly," Zeroth said, locking eyes with each of them. "Vulcanix is still a player in the Godswar, just not as powerful. We've bought time and gained an edge, but the real fight is still ahead. Remember," he continued, "I'm still Vulcanix's champion, just with power within me innately versus having to create a link." Mira nodded, processing the information. "Then we must use this time wisely. Train harder, plan better. If Vulcanix is gathering strength, so should we."As the group murmured in agreement, Zeroth felt the weight of leadership settle on his shoulders. The path forward was fraught with unknowns, but with allies like these, the coming Godswar was a challenge they would meet head-on. Amid their strategic discussion, Zeroth saw Tingle's eyes light up with a curious gleam as he turned towards Mira with an eager bounce. "Hey, Mira, why don't you and your friends come with us back to the Mage Guild? We have a training room and plenty of magic to spar with!" Mira exchanged a look with her companions, and Kael nodded solemnly. "That's a generous offer, Tingle. Training with a wider variety of skills and spells might give us all an edge," he said.Drex folded his massive arms, his half-orc features breaking into a rare smile. "I'm always up for a good sparring match. Count me in." Sylvana, quiet as ever, simply nodded, her red hair catching the light as she moved. "It would be an honor to train among such esteemed company," she added softly. "Fantastic!" Tingle clapped his hands, the sound echoing slightly in the cozy space. "We'll take Tingle's airship! Varic, you won't mind some company, will you?" Varic, who had been leaning against a shelf lined with various potions, raised his eyebrows. "The more the merrier," he replied with a half-smile. "Just no talking my ear off on the journey back, Tingle." Ardric chuckled and stated. "I look forward to seeing what tactics you all bring to the table. Luminara's light shines on all who seek to uphold justice."With a nod, Zeroth spoke up. "Then it's settled. We'll all travel to the Mage Guild for some rest and additional training. Tingle, go ahead and lead the way when our friends are ready to go." As the groups prepared to leave, the air seemed to crackle with potential. After Zeroth waited with his companions outside Elara's shop for Mira and her group, he saw them round a corner nearby and hail them as they approached the shop. "We are ready. Please lead the way to your ship Tingle." Mira stated with a slight bow of her head. "Of course! Tingle knows the way!" Tingle replied grinning widely.As the group approached the airship, Tingle was bouncing on his toes with excitement. "Welcome to the first airship of its kind! Compact, yet efficient and powered by Archmage Thalamar's enchantments," he boasted, gesturing proudly at the vessel. Zeroth chuckled at Tingle's excitement and shook his head slightly. "I'll let him be captain for now." He thought to himself. Mira's group looked on with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "Remarkable," murmured Sylvana, her eyes scanning the magical runes etched along the hull. Zeroth watched as Sylvana ran her fingers along the engraved runes, a subtle aura of druidic magic flitting from her touch, as if communing with the ship itself. Drex let out a low whistle, his gaze following the sleek lines of the airship. "This'll beat marching through the wilderness any day," he remarked.As everyone settled in, Varic couldn't resist the urge to poke fun at Tingle's enthusiasm. "Just remember, Tingle, don't get too carried away. We don't want a repeat of your 'experimental propulsion' incident," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. Tingle huffed, a playful glint in his eye. "Tingle has improved much since then. You'll see, it'll be smooth flying." The journey was indeed smooth, and as the landscape below them passed by in a blur, Kael took the opportunity to lean over to Zeroth. "You know, after absorbing Vulcanix's power, you're on the cusp of divinity yourself," he said, his voice low and serious. Zeroth turned to face Kael, his expression thoughtful. "It's a strange feeling, being filled with so much power. It's... overwhelming," Zeroth confessed, his fingers unconsciously tracing the grain of his axe handle. Kael nodded in understanding. "It's a rare path to walk, Zeroth. But it's also an opportunity—a chance to shape your fate and potentially the outcome of the Godswar." The journey continued with the group sharing tales and strategies, forging bonds not just of necessity, but of mutual respect and understanding. As the airship descended toward the Mage Guild, it was clear that these champions were ready to face whatever the Godswar would throw at them—together.