Divided Loyalties

Speak with 4 citizens in the Great Hall regarding the divide between the Flamehammers and the Thunderaxes. - Citizens Interviewed (0/4)

Kahz says gravely, "You need to truly understand what we are up against. Go out and speak with a few of the citizens here in the Great Hall, and you should be able to sense the great divide. There are many who remain loyal to our monarchs, the Flamehammers, but there are many others who seek an opportunistic gain by siding with the wealthy Thunderaxes. I do not even attempt to disguise where my loyalties lie. It is not the time for political upheaval. We have too much on our hands."

Kahz
You need to truly understand what we are up against. Go out and speak with a few of the citizens here in the Great Hall, and you should be able to sense the great divide. There are many who remain loyal to our monarchs, the Flamehammers, but there are many others who seek an opportunistic gain by siding with the wealthy Thunderaxes. I do not even attempt to disguise where my loyalties lie. It is not the time for political upheaval. We have too much on our hands.

Kahz Oilbard
Kahz says gravely, "You need to truly understand what we are up against. Go out and speak with a few of the citizens here in the Great Hall, and you should be able to sense the great divide. There are many who remain loyal to our monarchs, the Flamehammers, but there are many others who seek an opportunistic gain by siding with the wealthy Thunderaxes. I do not even attempt to disguise where my loyalties lie. It is not the time for political upheaval. We have too much on our hands."

Kahz Oilbard
Quest Offering Kahz says gravely, "You need to truly understand what we are up against. Go out and speak with a few of the citizens here in the Great Hall, and you should be able to sense the great divide. There are many who remain loyal to our monarchs, the Flamehammers, but there are many others who seek an opportunistic gain by siding with the wealthy Thunderaxes. I do not even attempt to disguise where my loyalties lie. It is not the time for political upheaval. We have too much on our hands." NPC #1 "<NPC #1>," you say, "what are your feelings on the Flamehammers?" "The Flamehammers?" says <NPC #1>. "They're our sovereigns, to start." "And you think that entitles them to obedience?" you ask. "Why," says <NPC #1>, looking a bit startled, "I would suppose it does, yes." "Without question?" you ask. "Look," says <NPC #1>, "I don't know what trouble you're trying to stir here..." "I'm not," you say, "if anything, I'm testing your loyalty, but what I really want to know is what you think." "We owe our lives to King Bordinar Flamehammer," says <NPC #1>, "we owe our race to it." "His descendants deserve our respect and admiration," continues <NPC #1>. "His blood flows in their veins." "King Mithdor has done a good job keeping us fortified," says <NPC #1>, "and his son will no doubt do the same." "Some might argue that blood does not necessarily mean virtue," you say. "And I would argue against them," snaps <NPC #1>. NPC #2 "What do you think of the Flamehammers, <NPC #2>?" you ask. "I think they're shrewd," says <NPC #2>, "and effective. How do you think they got so rich?" "I don't know," you say, "but I think more than a little deception and price scalping probably went into it." "The Thunderaxes are not the pinnacle of noble, no," says <NPC #2>, "but their methods get results." "Do you think being noble stands in the way of 'getting results'?" you ask. "Sometimes," says <NPC #2> with a small shrug, "after all, look where it's gotte us with the Flamehammers." "So you think the Flamehammers are not succeeding as rulers?" you ask. <NPC #2> barks a laugh. "Just look at us!" says <NPC #2>. "Retreating back into the mountain with our tail between our legs. We are not meant to flee." "Prince Dargand has made a few offenses," says <NPC #2>, "but his father will have none of it." "You think Prince Dargand will rule differntly thank his father?" you ask. "Not... entirely differently," admits <NPC #2>, "but I think it will be an improvement. Especially since he is marrying Gwealla Thunderaxe." "I approve of that union," says <NPC #2> matter-of-factly. "King Mithdor needs to pass on before they would actually rule," you say. "Ah but that will happen any day now," says <NPC #2>. "The man is older than any dwarf who ever lived... that longetivity's bound to run out soon." NPC #3 "What do you think about the divide between the Flamehammers and the Thunderaxes, <NPC #3>?" you ask. "What do I think?" asks <NPC #3>. "I think that we need to stop focusing on that and start focusing on the threats to our people." "I blame the Thunderaxes far more for the trouble," <NPC #3> continues. "Making a bid for power at a time like this!" "But the Flamehammers should be willing to make a few more compromises," says <NPC #3>. "Then maybe others wouldn't challenge their rule." "When it comes down to it though, you'd rather this whole feud were just over," you say. "Yes," says <NPC #3> emphatically. "This is not what we need right now." "What do you think about the wedding?" you ask. "What wedding?" asks <NPC #3>. "I'll believe it when I see it. Those two have been engaged for twenty years, and they haven't married yet." "Do you think it might repair some of the rift though?" you ask. "I hope so," says <NPC #3>. "If not, then it's a waste to do it now. We need to focus on fighting, not fripperies." "Do you really think it's a good idea for a Thunderaxe to sit on the throne?" you ask. "She won't be sitting on it, just next to it," says <NPC #3>. "Of course, their heir will be of both bloods..." <NPC #3> looks thoughtful. Suddenly, <NPC #3>'s face skews. "Bah! What am I thinking about the future for? We have a hare's chance in a wolves' den to survive the present." "Stop talking to me about the future," says <NPC #3> with a scowl. "I'd rather get today done before I worry about tomorrow." NPC #4 "What do you think about this wedding business?" you ask. "Between Prince Dargand and Gwealla Thunderaxe." "I think that it's clever on the Thunderaxe's part," says <NPC #4>, "and complete foolishness on the Flamehammers'." "But this will repair a divide centuries old," you say, "at a time when our people need to come together." "This is true," says <NPC #4>, "I didn't say that I thought it was bad for the Cleft, no, just the Flamehammers." "I think you're right in that we need unity right now," says <NPC #4>, "and if these families can settle their differences, hopefully the people of the Cleft will follow." "But you think it's disadvantageous for the Flamehammers?" you ask. "Aye," says <NPC #4>. "Disadvantageous for the better, dangerous for the worse." "The Thunderaxes want the throne," says <NPC #4>. "And they will do what they need to in order to grab it." "So you think Gwealla will try to wrest as much power as she can from her husband?" you ask. "At the least," says <NPC #4>. "At the worst, well, I worry for Prince Dargand and I'm sure Kafus Thunderaxe will rule through his daughter." "Ah," you say, "yes, I can definitely see your point..." "Well, the Flamehammers might understand all of this," says <NPC #4> with a shrug, "and just understand that it is what is needed for the Cleft." "Do you think they're really that noble?" you ask. "Is anyone really that noble." "I don't know for sure," says <NPC #4>, "but, aye, I like to sometimes think it's possible." Quest Completion Khaz says, "The motives of both families in agreeing to this marriage are not quite clear." "I would not put it past the Flamehammers to do what they think is necessary for the survival of our people," says Khaz, "but I can't imagine that putting our fate in the hands of the Thunderaxes is our only option. I suppose living under crooked, power-hungry thieves is preferable to death... but not much. Sometimes a good, clean death is the best one can hope for." "Not that I imagine the undead would give us such a courtesy."

Kahz Oilbard
Kahz says, "You may hear tell, though, of the wedding between our Prince and Gwealla Thunderaxe. This may help unite us, but I cannot be sure."