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From the journal of Chandler McKullah, human swordmaster:

It wasn't the first time a fight had been started in the bar, but I had a feeling that the dwarf who was drawn into this engagement was very different from the other drunken brawlers I'd seen in their before. His cold eyes tried to hide something, but I could tell the bulky dwarf was intent on fighting as though it was his purpose that night. I cannot say, though, that he came in looking for a fight, because he didn't start anything that evening. It was more as if he knew what was to come. As though the fight were part of some unstoppable routine.

I remember the most frightful fact about the brute dwarf was his total lack of emotion. He showed no signs of hatred, fear, or even anger towards the ridicules he received from the antagonists around him. He looked as though his basic ability to feel had been washed away by some great unknown currents. I also remember his eyes were far away, as a dreaming man's eyes would appear as he thought of far away places. Not that he wasn't aware of his surroundings, because he was, but his gaze fell on all of us in that bar as though he were a ghost watching us from dark corners.

Another strange dwarf was also there, only a few bar stools down from me. I had noticed the dwarf because of his robes. I recognized the garments as those often worn by members of the great library in Throal. I remember seeing him scan the bar as an artist would scan their subject for a painting. This dwarf was served a stout beer, and a bowl of steaming stew, but the beer grew flat and the stew was cold because all of the dwarf's attention was concentrated on the book he had. The book was a massive volume, and he constantly scribbled in it at a frantic pace. He appeared weak, and undernourished for a dwarf, and the book looked to be a great burden to his small frame.

Hallard, the kind but overworked barkeep, was not going to permit a fight to destroy his place again that night, so with his persuasion, and the persuasion of the other patrons, the fight moved out into the street. Now I use the word fight here as though I were not an actual witness to the event, because all those present would agree with me in that it was not really a fight at all, only a short fury of fists and muscle. The bulky dwarf beat down his adversaries in a few heartbeats. Two healthy humans, and two brute orks were overcome in the batting of an eye. I had never been, nor will I ever be witness to such skill and savagery mixed in one man.

The entire event was inspiring to me, and yet I do not actually recall any of the exact maneuvers. Nor, do I remember who exactly hit who, but I do remember the dwarf, who upon entering the fight, instinctively removed his shirt revealing hundreds of scars that covered his body. I remember the scars much more clearly than the fight itself, and have actually had a hard time forgetting them. The torment the dwarf must have had been through was incredible to me. I was immediately drawn to him and ached to know more about him.

Unfortunately, I never did have the chance to even shake the dwarf's hand, or even give him a reassuring look, because as soon as he had overpowered those men, he tossed Hallard a gold crown, offered his apologies, and left. Quickly the lean dwarf followed him, but I was unable to keep up through traffic. I have not seen either of them since.

Is it strange for one man to wish another well even if they're strangers? I wish you all the best, scarred traveler.

Doomchaser & Loreteller

The dwarf renamed as Doomchaser was whipped hundreds of times for his crimes. He was brought back to health, but the whip left scars over his entire body. Then he was banished, and told he could only return if he did a honorable or courageous deed for every scar he had received. Doomchaser can only receive redemption by accomplishing this strange task.

The story of the dwarf renamed Loreteller is the story of Doomchaser, for Loreteller's punishment was to follow Doomchaser and record his every action. As well as giving him a new name, the court gave the renamed Loreteller a book in which to write nothing but truth. The dwarf must recognize and record these truths in Doomchaser's life, and he must keep track of all the honorable and courageous deeds accomplished by Doomchaser. Only when Doomchaser has reached redemption will Loreteller be able to reveal his writings to the court, and be forgiven himself.

Adventure Hooks

1. Doomchaser, in an effort to show his courage, wishes to travel with the characters in their next dangerous quest. Loreteller approaches the characters and offers their services, even saying they'll work for no pay. If the characters agree the two dwarves follow and help the characters on their quest. If the characters disagree, the dwarves, by chance will show up to save the characters from some ill fate in their next adventure.
2. The ill fated dwarves have found out that the accusations against them from the dwarven court are fake. A dwarf named Khalak Nodor framed them both. The dwarves need the characters help to shed light on the vile Khalak, and to change the ruling of the court.
3. Doomchaser and Loreteller are desperate, and they will fall to any means to end their curse. They believe their tortured state can be lifted if they destroy all those who passed judgment upon them. The two have gathered wealth, and made a strong base from which they hire assassins and informants so they can carry out their plot to kill the remaining four council members, including King Varulus III. The characters slowly learn of the plot as several members of the court die in mysterious circumstances.

Statistics

Doomchaser
Seventh Circle Dwarf Warrior
 

DEX: (17):7/d12 STR: (18):7/d12 TOU: (17):7/d12  PER: (11):5/d8 WIL: (9):4/d6 CHA: (7):4/d6
Initiative: 4/1d6	Physical Defense: 10
Number of Attacks: see below	Spell Defense: 7
Attack: 14/D20+d4	Social Defense: 5
Damage: (two-hand axe) 13/ d12+d10	Armor: (chain) 7
Number of Spells: 0	Mystic Armor: 0
Spellcasting: 0	Knockdown: 11
Effect: 0	Recovery Tests: 4/d12
Death Rating: 103	Combat Movement: 40
Wound Threshold: 11	Full Movement: 80
Unconsciousness Rating: 81	Legend Points: ??
Karma Points: 12	Karma Dice: d6
Equipment: Battle axe, crossbow with 10 bolts, dwarf sword, coins worth 150 silver, adventurers pack, heavy boots, light clothes
Loot: None
Talents:  I-Acrobatic Strike 7(14/d20+d4); Air Dance 6(13/d12+d10); Karma Ritual 7; Melee Weapon 7(14/d20+d4); Unarmed Combat 7(14/d20+d4); Wood skin 6(13/d12+d10)  II-Anticipate Blow 7(12/2d10); Durability 7(63/49); Throwing Weapons 6 (13/d12+d10)  III-Avoid Blow 7(14/d20+d4); Tiger Spring 5  IV-Down Strike 5(15/d20+d6); Thread Weaving 7(12/2d10)  V-Gliding Stride 5(12/2d10); Swift Kick 7(14/d20+d4)  VI-Life Check 7(14/d20+d4); Missile Weapons 4(11/d10+d8)  VII-Earth Skin 3; Second Attack 4(11/d10+d8)
Special: Heat sight(250 yards), can spend karma on any action using willpower

Doomchaser's scarred body reflects his tough countenance. He reveals very little in any conversation, and never brags or boasts. He does listen well, however, and usually turns his stony gaze attentively on anyone telling stories of brave deeds or honorable actions.

Loreteller
Fifth Circle Dwarf Traveled Scholar
 

DEX: (12):5/d8 STR: (7):4/d6 TOU: (8):4/d6  PER: (18):7/d12 WIL: (14):6/d10 CHA: (12):5/d8
Initiative: 5/1d8	Physical Defense: 7
Number of Attacks: 1	Spell Defense: 8
Attack: 10/d10+d6	Social Defense: 7
Damage: (dwarf sword) 7/d12	Armor: (cloth) 2
Number of Spells: 0	Mystic Armor: 2
Spellcasting: 0	Knockdown: 7
Effect: 0	Recovery Tests: 2/d6
Death Rating: 52	Combat Movement: 29
Wound Threshold: 7	Full Movement: 57
Unconsciousness Rating: 39	Legend Points: ??
Karma Points: 20	Karma Dice: d6
Equipment: dwarf sword, robes, gems worth total of 200 silver, book, quills and ink wells, spectacles
Loot: None
Talents:  I -Karma Ritual 5;Melee Weapons 5(10/d10+d6);Read/Write Languages 5 (12/2d10) Elvish,Human,Ork,Troll,T'skrang;Read/Write Magic 5 (12/2d10);Steel Thought 4(10/d10+d6); Weapon History 5(12/2d10)  II -Durability 4(24/20);Item History 4(11/d10+d8);Speak Language 5 (12/2d10) Elvish,Human,Ork,Troll,T'skrang  III-Astral Sight 3(10/d10+d6);Book Memory 5(11/d10+d8)  IV -Book Recall 5(12/2d10);Thread Weaving 4(11/d10+d8)  V -Empathic Sense 4(9/d8+d6) attuned to Doomchaser; Evidence Analysis 3(10/d10+d6)
Special: Heat Sight (250 yards), can use karma on tests involving perception

It's difficult to get his attention, but when you finally get Loreteller away from his writing you find him to be friendly, and warm. He speaks in a constant rhythm without hesitations. His voice is rich and seems inappropriate for his slender physique. Loreteller will always be found following Doomchaser.