A band of Duergar surged out beside the ruins, illuminated by the flames of the Mind Ripper.
There were a dozen or so of them, their formation loose, but their grips on their weapons were tight.
The Duergar's equipment varied wildly. Some wore full suits of fine steel plate armor covered in spikes; others had only ragged leather garments to keep out the cold, their exposed skin covered in scars.
Their faces were weary but vicious, their eyes bloodshot.
Renato scanned them. Their weapons were stained not only with the silvery blood of Mind Flayers, but also dripped with scarlet liquid.
The old Dwarf stepped forward and declared in a booming voice:
"I am Balin Rockshield! You should know me!"
A flurry of whispers rose from the Duergar ranks. After a brief exchange, a warrior in plate armor stepped out of the crowd.
Scars and wrinkles covered his face, and a thick gray beard hung from his chin. He carried a halberd.
"I recognize you, Softskin." His voice was coarse and probing. "I am a Stone Guard. Where is Overlord Deepforge now?"
"The old Overlord is dead." Balin was as blunt as ever, without the slightest attempt to soften his words. "Madra built New Rolling Stone City."
At that, the Duergar immediately erupted into turmoil, their voices clamoring over one another.
"How did the Overlord die?"
"How long has it been? Where is New Rolling Stone City?"
"Liar! Coward!"
Seeing that Balin was about to argue with them, Renato hurried forward and interjected:
"Everyone! As the last Deepforge, His Highness Madra has never abandoned you."
"In fact, it was entirely his plan that freed you from mind control."
Meeting the Duergar's skeptical gazes, Renato said calmly:
"He currently commands an army and is fighting the Mind Flayers head-on."
The Duergar