Emerging from the Round Table Hall, Aaron glanced at the newly completed building. With the release of chaos power, the emblem of the Chaos Star had begun to appear faintly on its main entrance.
This would be the starting point for everything.
Early autumn in the Sunset Lands was still rather hot. Nearby, the Dwarf Engineering Corps continued its feverish work on Aaron's viscount's castle and Mama Selûne's chapel. Seeing Aaron emerge, the white-bearded dwarf Kimgon Firepattern greeted him. "My lord?"
Aaron knew Jimgong was asking whether he was satisfied with the quality of the work. But dwarves were awkward like that. They disliked asking directly, because a negative answer would hurt their feelings.
In that respect, they were different from elves. Lately, Aaron had been getting a little tired of Barrel's questions. The fellow had buried himself in studying astral magic and came to Aaron whenever he had a question.
I'm a sorcerer, and you're asking me?
I'm a sorcerer...
Aaron could only do his best to answer.
"Very good. Excellent. I love it." Aaron smiled at Kimgon Firepattern. It was unclear whether he meant the quality of the construction or the outcome of his meeting with the Chaos Gods.
"Mm, good to hear." Kimgon Firepattern stroked his beard smugly. Of course, he thought. Aside from the elves, dwarven construction was surely the best.
The dwarven master clapped his hands. "Oh, right, my lord. You mentioned wanting samples of our firearms?"
"That's right." Aaron nodded.
Firearms did exist in the Realms, though they were not as powerful as one might imagine. From Elminster's books, Aaron had learned that the ancient empire of Imaskar had possessed firearms long ago. There had even been a profession specifically associated with them-artificers.
"Then you'd best pay Fujal a visit." Jimgong gestured. "He's gotten