Sceptre of Fire story

A Bargain Is Struck

King Haldric II needs the Ruby of Fire controlled and enhanced. The only people who can handle this task are the legendary dwarvish craftsmen. Haldric and the dwarves settle on a price of ten thousand pieces of silver for the work, which will take many years. Before they can complete the transaction, greedy elves claim that the road along which the caravans of silver travel is an elvish road. No treasure may pass without their consent. Rugnur, the dwarvish leader, and Haldric team up to drive the elves off. With the Ruby and the payment safely in dwarvish hands, Rugnur goes to tell the tribal leaders of their task.

Closing The Gates

Haldric departs after the gold and the Ruby are transferred to the dwarves. The elves do not. Rugnur sends Alanin, the King's aide, to warn the council that the elves are attacking. A retired warrior, Baglur, tells Rugnur that they can seal the cave with the aid of six magical glyphs. Rugnur is able to hold the elves off for long enough to defeat some trolls and seal the cave. The elves know that eventually the dwarves will have to leave the safety of their cave. They vow to wait and capture the Ruby then.

Searching for the Runecrafter

Rugnur reaches the council and tells his clan chief, Durstorn, about the arrangement with Haldric. Durstorn is not impressed by Rugnur's bargaining ability. As there is little to be gained in fulfilling the contract for only ten thousand silver, Durstorn puts Rugnur in charge of the project. A master smith will be needed to do the work. The only one capable of doing the work is Thursagan, who has gone to live in the far north and is possibly insane. Rugnur sets off to find Thursagan.

Rugnur and party journey through the northlands trying their best to avoid trolls and ogres. Eventually, with the help of a gryphon named Krawg, they find Thursagan. Initially reluctant, Thursagan agrees to craft the Sceptre as it will be a true test of his ability. Together they journey back south.

When they arrive at the dwarvish city, Thursagan inspects the Ruby of Fire and is impressed by its magical power. He says he will need the finest gems, gold and coal to fashion the Sceptre. Rugnur, Thursagan and some of his apprentice runesmiths journey to the Eastern Mines to gather the needed coal and gold.