Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #229

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #229 

August 18th, 2023 

• Number: 229 

• Name:  Deep Dive on a Site of Interest: Among the Taodean Hills and Dales – Part 5 

• Location: In the Tuton Maug along the border with Noldrune 

• Population (approx.): 50 (crew of the TSV Skyscraper) 

• Brief: There’s an expression, “if it is underground, Dwarves want to know about it. If it is above ground, not so much.” Explorers, Dwarven or otherwise, have searched the peaks of Tuton Maug and have discovered unusual magical places such as this one, known as the “Murasa” (anchor). After driving off all others, and cloaking the site from normal view, over the years the Dwarves have carefully excavated a hollow in the flank of a mountain. 

• At the bottom they found a wide stone platform, adorned with mysterious runes above the heat of the earth below. The Dwarves believe it is either a ward or seal but frankly they are not quite sure whether it is to keep something in, nearby or out. At this time, they do not have the means, and some don't have the will to divine or test the nature of this ancient stone-like structure. 

• Nara Redgem, 46, Human female is the Air Marshall of the Tuton Maug. She is tall and plump, with auburn hair and blue eyes. Her kind smile and thoughtful manner have led her to her current position. Nara wears bright blue hose and a deep red tailored uniform jacket with medals and embroidery. She carries a short sword around her waist that is mostly for show. 

• Nara is here to inspect the Murasa for the Dwarven Lords of the four Cantons and other officials. A group of Dwarves uncovered it years ago and decided to leave the spot alone. Recently, large belching noises have come from underneath the central runes, and mini earthquakes have occurred. Several scholars, engineers, and knowledgeable Dwarves have evaluated the site and are still determining what is happening.  

• Concerned, the Dwarven Lords sent word to Blackstone Fortress (#15) which passed it to Weatherton (#19). Nara boarded the Taodean Sky Vessel (TSV) Skyscraper and headed north. She has a complement of Earthwardens on board to see what they can determine. 

• Nara is going through a problematic separation from her husband of eleven years. Nara caught him cheating on her and doesn't want the news to affect her politically. Her husband, Cole, 52, Human, does not like her having any government position. They have two children, Nash, 12, and Merla, 10. Nara also worries about the children and wants them to feel secure in their love for her. 

• Geography: Murasa can be found about 25 miles west of the citadel of the Highpeak Dwarves and about 15 miles south of the border with Noldrune. The rune-carved seal is at the bottom of a 50-foot wide and 30-foot-deep opening excavated in the site of a mountain peak. Narrow steps climb the slope of the mountain until they reach the ridge above the anchor, cut through and then descend to where the anchor was uncovered. The floor of Murasa vibrates and a faint red light shines from vents (?) or openings at all 4 compass points.