Page 38 - Critical Role: Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting

tal’dorei campaign guide

relationships

Kraghammer culture fosters distrust of most non-
dwarves, especially among the dwarven elite. In this
society, the only thing stronger than overt racism is
greed. As such, Kraghammer is quick to set aside such
prejudice if they sense profit. There is a healthy trade of
metals, weapons, and armor with Emon and Westruun,
and House Thunderbrand has a good standing with the
Council of Tal’Dorei, allowing Kraghammer to utilize
the Skyport there to expand their trade reach. Many
members of House Thunderbrand also have ties to the
Arcana Pansophical.
After the Scattered War, the Houses of Kraghammer
refused to apologize or make reparations for allying with
the Drassig regime. Instead, they have worked toward
opening and strengthening trade and commercial alli-
ances as a silent means of conciliation. The Wardens of
Syngorn look down upon the dwarves’ spineless ges-
ture, and the two cultures have gone centuries without
major contact.
goals
figures of interest
The Golden Grin (or simply the Grin) exists to enlighten
and inspire, keeping ears and eyes out for the murmurs
ironkeeper gradim greySpine
of tyranny and cruelty, seeking to stamp them out. The
Dwarf Ironkeeper of House Greyspine. Having held his position
idea that each person is capable of great things perme-
of Ironkeeper for 3 consecutive terms, he is beloved amongst
ates the mantras and beliefs of the Golden Grin, and
the people of Kraghammer. A worldly war hero, he is known
many who join are less about acting to change fortune,
to be just to his people and tolerant of outsiders.
and more about cultivating the downtrodden to rise and
improve themselves.
lord noStoc greySpine
Dwarf Overseer of House Greyspine. The grim overseer of relationships
Keenstone Quarry, Nostoc makes up for his unpleasant
The Golden Grin claims no formal allies and nor will its
personality by being a formidable businessman.
members reveal themselves as such outside of extenuating
elementaliSt drake thunderbrand circumstances. They approve and elevate groups that work
with the people’s best interests at heart. Some members do
Dwarf Evoker of House Thunderbrand. One of the eldest of his
occasionally find their way into higher government, grant-
House, Drake is known for his surprising empathy and fierce
ing a higher vantage point and platform to disseminate
temper. He is also a member of the Arcana Pansophical.
the ideals behind their cause. While some may not agree
with their rather anarchistic views, Grinners are generally
the golden grin regarded as good and just when revealed.
Enemies of the Golden Grin are those who oppress and
abuse free expression and living. They also have a general
During dark times, the need for distraction, inspira-
mistrust of powers that tend to control or regulate the
tion, and solace grows ever necessary. It was Drassig’s
population too heavily, even with the seemingly best of
rule that drove a group of bards, dancers, and storytell-
intentions.
ers to come together and weave the fleeting joy from
the local populace and give hope. This band took the
figures of interest
name “The Golden Grin” as their secret faction and
traveled across the realm to offer escapism and enter- theona balmhand
tainment, all while planting the seeds of discontent,
Gnome Cleric of the Lawbearer. A wandering healer hailing
rebellion, and heroism.
from Kymal, Theona lives on donations and perpetually
Since the fall of Drassig, the Golden Grin has been
travels from place to place, seeking to aid whomever she
ever present, if happily in the background, watching and
can, and learn whatever the people whisper.
guiding along society, and the power of the individual,
however it can. Members, or “Grinners,” have included
doctor dranzel
spiritual leaders, artists, musicians, innkeepers, even the
Half-Orc Traveling Bard. A jovial and rather lackadaisical
White Duke himself. Little is publicly known about the
performer, his disposition is exaggerated to distract from
Golden Grin besides myths and rumors, and the members
his identity as a spy for the Grin.
only perpetuate these misnomers.
chapter 1: campaigns in tal'dorei 37