Gesdrek Delver, Loremaster of Erebor

Lets define Gesdrek by attempting to piece together fragments of his biography. 

Gesdrek according to Throdar, son of Ilkrik

There is more to Gesdrek than the eyes can see. I can't quite pin down anything substantial about his past other than he came from the Gray Mountain at the same time as Balin. Gesdrek made my sword, he is a keen smith and an erudite. Yet, his demeanour is very unassuming. When you talk to him, it does feel like he let you in only on the surface of things. 

Thordar, son of Ilkrik, the Viceroy's invisible hand

TA 2971 ( 63 years ago )

Thordar was the first born of Ilkrik "StoutHearth". Thordar was born in a long lineage of Kings' butlers. He grew in the muffled comfort of Dain II Ironfoot's personal quarters in Erebor.  At this time, Dain was going through a rough patch, and was drinking heavily. His brother, Bain StoneTongue was keeping a close eye on the sovereign to preserve the King's dark secret. Since Thordar could easily walk through the King's personal quarters, Bain took upon himself to train the child as a first line observer. Thordar grew fond of the King and his brother. Most notably, his quick thinking saved Dain II from death after a day of excessive drinking.

Gror, son of Bain.

TA 2930 - Gror is Born ( 119 years ago)

Gror was the first born of Bain, son of Nain III and Brother of Dain III Ironfoot, King of the Iron Hills. He was taught from the start that he was to behave like a King in case that the lineage of Dain II failed. This information never came from the mouth of his father, Bain Stonetongue, who never uttered out loud the possibility of such the failure. This rather came from his mother, who was a very pragmatic matriarch.

K04 - The vanguard leaves Erebor

Gates of Erebor, April 14th FA 15

Ten days of mobilization had turned Erebor upside down. The mines and workshops were now running at half speed as the dwarves from the Emerald Unit were outfitting, training and creating a nearly juvenile ruckus in the hallowed halls. Bain Stonetongue, son of Nain and Uncle to the King made sure that the event was tightly choreographed: banners unfurled, music echoing from the gates all the way to Dale. The King was to talk, then the viceroy and finally the Prime minister. The King was terse and mostly unarticulated, this didn't matter since his crowd working technique mainly consisted in getting people to cheer on at every punctuation mark. Then stepped forward Bain, viceroy of Khazad-dum, his voice penetrated the heart of all dwarves arrayed under the gates of the Lonely Mountain:

A week in the life of Erebor

Some 10 days have come and gone since King Thorin III decided to retake Khazad-dum. Here is a summary of publicly known event that have taken place since. 

April 4th FA 15

The council of Erebor was called. Thorin III, King under the moutains announced that he planned to lead a large contingent of soldiers and their families to Khazad-dum and reclaim the mountainhome. The King was caught off-guard by the resistance put up by his advisors. Drolf, hero of the Batte of the Five Armies sided with the King but relented. Bain, former chancellor and prime minister managed to convince Thorin III to remain in Khazad-dum while the Emerald Unit was to establish a foothold into the ancient complex. 

The Rise of the Gold Attack.

The Gold Attack of the Emerald unit began to respond to the call of the drums on the morning of April 7th, 15th year of the 4th Age (FA). Farin, son of Balin was named by the King as Attack-Lord of the Gold.  Farin engaged the growing Gold Attack members both professionally and socially. Farin just can't help but to party, maybe a bit more that he'd care to admit. However, there is nothing undwarvenlike to it. Getting a fine group of 343 dwarves to share war stories and brotherhood turned out to be for Farin a date with his Destiny. Farin, first of all, asserted his leadership over the growing posse with flying colors (rolled 9 vs Leadership-14). Asking the average dwarf of the Gold who was the coolest member of the royal family (other than the King), and you'll get a resounding "Farin".  Farin spent quite a bit of time brainstorming over ales. Each dwarf present was allowed to contribute to the discussion in a relaxed atmosphere Farin described his recollection of Khazad-dum. Plans are drawn, laughter echos in the halls as the members of the Gold were plotting their march to the heart of the mountain.

K00 - From Aglarond to Erebor

Khazek had just returned to the Glittering Halls from his trip accompanying some craftsdwarves who were to deliver a new Mithril and steel gate to King Elessar in Minas Tirith. While he enjoyed being out on the road, Khazek did not prefer the lands of Gondor. Too many roads, too much farmland. The years following the War of the Ring had been good years to Gondor. He was happy for this, but he prefered to be somewhere else. If he had to travel in the lands of Man, let it be Rohan at least. The rolling hills and forests of the land of the Horselords was much more to his liking. Plenty of places to be and enjoy the day.

K03 - The viceroy of Khazad-dum

April 5th FA 15

The evening wore off and all dwarves present in the council returned to their own dwellings. The King has yet to make further announcement, and is not expected to rouse from his quarters until late into the afternoon on the following day of April 6. The King hinted that he would let an Unit-sized expeditionary force leave. However, that he intended to follow once that a foothold was secured. The issue of leadership has not been even broached at this point.

In the morning, the armorers of Erebor held a fitting for the members of the Royal council. This was an occasion for all to informally meet, declare their positions and attempt to posture for the upcoming day.

K01 - An old bear and a young buck

April 4th FA 15, Erebor.

Things were busy in Erebor, the Kingdom under the Lonely Mountain.  The King, Thorin III, had been persuaded that now was the time for Dwarves to return to Khazad Dum.  Peace reigned across Middle Earth, Durin’s Bane was vanquished, and Thorin was looking for new conquests.  

Khazek walked the ramparts on the western spur, looking down on the road that led from the main gate southward to Dale and the Long Lake.  He often walked out here - surrounded by his kin, yet out under the sky he loved so much.

K02 - The council of April 4th FA 15

This is the play report of the campaign's sendoff and first social combat playtest. The issues are stake were previously described, and the outcome essentially decides what kind of campaign will be run: from dungeon crawl all the way to Dwarf fortress GURPS sandbox. My note taking was really bad, and it was my first G+/Roll20 game as a GM. Another post of the social combat mechanics will follow.

It was as fine day of spring in Erebor. The King had convened this council many months ago. It exceptionally included new faces from Aglarond and from Iron Hills. In pure dwarven tradition, the pre-council feast had seen plenty of food and ale flow over and under the large stone table. All players checked for inebriation: the King himself was tipsy as well as Khazek. Even Farin, a compulsive carouser, managed to succeed both of his check and let the good times rolls without embarrassing himself [tipsy folks get -1 IQ, which is a big deal in social combat].

Issues at stake for the Royal Council of April 4

Here is the draft tactical map for the council of April 4th. The outcome of this council will determine the flavor of the campaign. The issues are tricky, this post aims to explain its implications.

Halin Mithrilheart, Fatherless.

Biography
Birthday: 4 July

Early Life (age 0 to 50, year TA 2836 - 2886)

Halin was born son of Garad Anvilheart, descendent of a long line of master metallurgists in the mountain home of Iron hills. The gift that was to define the first half of his life was his inordinate physical strength. It must have been that his built and sheer strength overshadowed all of his other attributes because he soon was famous in the craftsmen circles as a the "strong one". This reputation caused a conflict as the guard wanted to recruit him while his family intended to make him their eldest son the new generation of master founder. As a result, a strange agreement was struck between the Captain of the Citadel where Halin would train a a militia member in order to pursue the family's traditional trade. This arrangement was unusual because very few of the dwarven nobility is member of the militia. 

skills:  Metallurgy [4], warhammer [4], brawler [4], Geology [2], tactics [1], first-aid [1], Politics [2], lifting [2], battle-axe [2], spear [2] 

Traits: Status 2 [10]

Life in the Iron hills (age 50 to 105, TA 2886 - 2941 )

Upon his coming of age, Halin had to make a decision as what his trade should be. He took on the extreme decision to break with the family trade and join the Army. He was then accepted as a ward in the royal family of Dain II, King under the Mountain of Iron Hills. To celebrate the adoption into the family, the King commissionned the royal weaponsmith to create a war hammer that only Halin could wield. Thus "Krorden" was created: a 45lb behemoth of masterwork quality which could not be wielded by more than a few of the strongest living dwarf in the land. Halin was then assigned as a private in the kingdom watch deep into the heart of the mountain. This turned out to be a sharp dissapointment as the only warfaring that Halin did for some 20 years was sparing with his peers and drink inordinate quantity of ale. 

Things turned up for the better in TA 2906 when, feeling forsaken by his adoptive family, he requested to be transferred to the royal guard. After the third and more forceful request, he was granted a position in the Keep Watch, still the least prestigious branch of the royal guard. Halin had the chance at this time to reunite with his original family: his brother Kren was now the family heir to the master founder position. Halin's bitterness did not receed.

Skills: soldier [4], tactics [2], leadership [2], cooking [2], singing [4], Musical Instrument (drum) [4], gambling [6], warhammer [4]

Trait:

Battle of the five armies (age 105 to 108, TA 2941 - 2944)

When Thorin Oakenshield begged Dain II for help to protect the lonely mountain, Halin ceased the opportunity to distinguish himself and regain the glamour that his legendary strength strength had gained him in his early life. As Halin was a member of the Royal Family, he was given a small command as a Captain. His unit distinguished themselves well enough during the battle, and he personally performed multiple feats of strength and bravery. After the Death of Thorin Oakenshield, Halin took on a command role as in the Watch of Erebor, where he performed with distinction in structuring the new defensive forces.

Skills: soldier [2], leadership [4], Warhammer [4], brawling [2], singing [2], administration [3], 

The Kingdom Dale ( age 108 to 141, TA 2944 -2977 )

By the time that Bard was crowned King of Dale, Halin was ready for a new challenge: the royal family, although it had adopted him formally some 50 years ago never warmed to him and he found himself on the sideline most of the time. Halin figured out that he stood a better chance to distinguish himself as a dwarf emissary to Dale. He put down his soldier's boots and donned fine fur and fancy robes and moved into Dale as a diplomat and advisor to the court of Dale. There, his knowledge of metallurgy was much sought by the reconstructing city. Halin became the link between the architect and engineers of Dale, and the metalsmith of Erebor. After about 20 years, he started his own small scale foundry where he refined formulae for high grade steel and quality bronze. 

skills: merchant [4], metallurgy [4], diplomacy [4], fast-talk [2], intimidation [2],

At Dain's table in the Kingdom under the Mountain ( age 141 to 182, TA 2977 - 3018 )

A minor plague decimated the royal family in Erebor. Dain II demanded Halin to leave Dale and rejoin his adoptive family in Erebor. Halin, reluctantly, passed the operation of his foundry to a human apprentice, but kept the ownership. Back at the court, Halin was asked to become the royal vice-accountant. He disliked the position with passion, but complied with the royal edict. During this time, Halin made contact with his old family and expanded his foundry in Dale further. His foundry was now the only supplier of steel and bronze for the Kingdom of Dale, a situation that caused tension with the business interest of Erebor. However, Halin masterfully pulled the royal familu card to maintain his monopoly. As the war of the ring was drawing near, the dwarves of Erebor were increasingly focus on building their own defenses.

Skills: Administration [2], accounting [3], merchant [3], warhammer [1], weaponsmithing [2], Politics [3]

War of the Ring (age 182 to 183, TA 3018 - 3019)

By the time that the Easterlings were drawing near Dale, Halin had shutdown his foundry and either moved or destroyed its infrastructure. He joined the King's personal guard as a family member and revive the legends of his notable strength. He was nearby when Dain II died in battle, but could not intervene. Thorin III, heir to the throne, rapidly takes over. A prophecy stipulates that Thorin III's eldest son will be the reincanation of Durin. The consequence of this prophecy is that Thorin III moves to "clean up" the family roll and push aside all relative not related by blood to the royal line. Halin is for the last time sidelined and is ordered to leave the family. 

skill: warhammer [1], tactics [1], brawl [1], siege engine [2], solider [1], 

The Quest for Mithril in Moria (age 183 to 185, year 3019 - 3021)

Abandoned, Halin volunteer for a folly of a quest where some 130 dwarves vow to bring back some mithril from the dept of Moria. Halin, returns to Krorden and his own steel boots. Once in Moria, the dwarves conduct a masterfully planned operation to force their way to the lower levels of the fortress and causing cave-ins to cut the pursuit by the orcs. They manage to reach the Mithril vein and extract a few kilogram over a period of a few months. When the ammunition and food stores ran low, they mined a series of shafts, exited Moria by a new exit and returned to Erebor. Thorin III rewarded each of the returning 88 dwarves with 1000 large silver pieces (equivalent of a Gondorian silver lord). Halin took the money and turned his back to Erebor, and has yet to set foot in the kingdom under the mountain yet.

skills: warhammer [2], engineering (mining) [3], singing [1], leadership [2]

Rebuilding Esgaroth (age 185 to 188, year TA 3021 - FA 3)

With lots of silver in his pocket, Halin decided to leave Erebor and try his chance in Esgaroth. The lake-city was then still in shamble from the war with the Easterlings. Unfortunately, Esgaroth by virtue of being on stilts was not a very good location to establish a foundry. With the wilderness around still teeming with brigands and Mirkwood creature, Halin decided nonetheless to spend a few years in Esgaroth, importing dwarven ware and selling them in bulk to to either importers from Gondor, or other commercial interest in lake-city. Halin vision also suddently plummeted: a genetic inheritance from a family that he has long forsaken. He now has to wear spectacles to cirrect his vision. All of the money got spent one way or another. These few years were a low point in Halin's life. 

Skills: merchant [4], Area Knowledge (Rhovanon) [2], Survival (prairies) [2], brawling [2], gambling [3],  streetwise [2]

Trait : Bad sight, Nearsighted [-25] (corrected with spectacles).

The Glittering Halls year (age 188 to 195, year FA 3 - 10 )

Gimli, son of Gloin and newly appointed Lord of Glittering Hall, was looking for companions to revive the lost Glittering Halls, located behind the Hornburg of Helm's deep. Gimli personally paid visit to Halin to ask him to join him in his quest. Halin accepted gladly and left Esgaroth. In the Glittering Hall, Halin took on the role of Captain of the Night watch of the deep halls, a position which called for more engineering than soldiering. Halin became enthralled with lore and history, which becoming a skilled architect and mining engineer. 

Skills: Geology [2], Engineering (fortifications) [6], engineering (mining) [4], leadership [3], History (Gondor) [2], research [2], literature [1], tactics [1] 

The Gate of Mina's Tirith (age 195 to 200, year FA 10 - 15 ) 

In FA 3, Halin was sent to Minas Tirith to contribute his fortification engineering skills to the reconstruction of the city defenses. Halin found in Minas Tirith an unlikely soulmate. He rapidly took on the beat of the city and made lots of new relations. One of which was with Arnadil Erwoen, an important Captain of the watch. Arnadil introduced him to the other members of the Palantiri Commission and encouraged Halin to participate as a "dwarven erudite".  Halin also deal in gemstones that he imports from the Glittering halls and for which he keeps a healthy percentage. 

Skills: Merchant [2], Engineering (fortifications) [4], History (Gondor) [4], research [4],