Master Of None

The so called king looked at the party waiting for proof. They were feeling a mountainous aura coming from him. It was as if his very presence held the weight of all the stone on a mountain."No words to explain why I should trust you and allow you further entry? Do you doubt that I am king of the surface? Looking for the shiny jewels and luxurious fabrics your kings and queens adorn themselves with to appear important?" 

The so called king was rambling on about appearance and respect while standing in front of them. The pressure of their mana ever growing. Walker was not sure what to say that would give them proper access to the city. However, he was sure that there was something that would tempt the dwarves, something he could say to hook them. 

"I came here as an ambassador to foster peace between our people and the people of the newly formed Genesis alliance. This is an alliance crafting a city that welcomes all races to share knowledge. If you, a dwarven king, are not interested in the rune and forging knowledge of other races to add to your own to make you better forgers then I see no reason to go farther." 

Walker met the so called king head on. His words directly slapping the pride of a dwarf who would pursue the knowledge of crafting and forging above all else. He also knew that the dwarves were known to be strong willed and face many challenges with force. They were very used to stubbornly dealing with the heat of a forge and bashing on to a successful creation.

"So you would come here and throw fire at a dwarf? Tempt us with knowledge? Look for a way in to our city for more knowledge as well?" The so called king looked Walker in the eye as he stepped nearer to him. "Then I welcome you if you are so stubborn to argue against a dwarf. But I am indeed the king you search for. I just have no reason to hold grand court when I am busy with more important tasks." 

The pressure fell away from the party and the so called king returned to his table. "So you have come to look in to our standing with those pests because you are the heroes we have caught word about? And you also come representing that fancy new alliance. On the matter of the pests, you may join the extermination in the lower halves of the city. We can use less metallic manpower." 

The king of the surface observed a few documents then continues, "On the matter of forging knowledge, I doubt that you will be able to satisfy us. We have been blatantly banned from ever nearing the elves because they do not enjoy their elemental spirits being used to create works of art far superior to anything they can craft." 

"That is something I believe we can help solve. I have a feeling that there is more to this than we expect. If you allow us to do some digging around we may be able to find a middle ground. If I can not then I will not push any longer." Walker made this deal allowed and right in front of the so called king. He did not want there to be any room to go against this in an agreement. 

"Is that a bet? Are you betting with a dwarf? Fine, then revel in your own loss. I accept your bet. I the king of the surface will gladly aid my support to this new city and alliance if you are able to resolve the issues the elves and dwarves have with spirit crafting. Mark my words." The air seemed to shiver slightly as the system responded. 

' Alliance quest: spirit forging

The king of the surface had agreed to give their full support upon certain requirements. To garner the full support to the Genesis alliance the heroes must,

Requirements: 

Learn more about Spirit crafting

Find the middle ground between spirit crafting and spirit speaking

Rewards:

Unconditional support from the surface king of the dwarven kingdom

Unique effect on all spirit crafting systems.'

"Ha! Even the world wishes to test you. I see this quest visitors and I will await the answer. You are allowed to pass to the lower city. But know this. There is more danger down there than here. We have managed to move a lot up here for safety reasons, but those pests are still after anything clad in metal." The party felt this warning was more than sufficient. 

"I am sorry for doubting you as king. I was just very caught off guard by the appearance." Walker made sure to apologize for any rudeness since he was just shown that this was in fact the king before him.

"Here we do not dress elegantly like the other kingdoms. King is a title given by those pushing the dwarves forward. I control the surface and that means I control who comes in and out. If we send our soldier golems out, I make the final order. But I am not in charge of the entire city. I have gained this from my own accomplishments and can lose this title at any turn." 

This was an interesting way of choosing and king. It would explained why there were three kings. Due to the levels, there were different needs for each king and they had an equal chance to lose or gain their titles. It was a very large motivating factor for any who would like to rise to royalty. 

"Guards, guide them to the grand stairs we use for the larger merchant orders and deliveries. See that they reach the main city safely." The king of the surface called and five golems answered. "I expect to see this quest complete in a timely manner. A dwarf that can not keep up with the times is a dwarf forgotten in history." 

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