History
The Fortress of Kadrel Karaad found its wealth from the rich adamantine mines in what was known as the grey mountain. The master dwarven smiths were artisans of adamantine. Genearlly, you can melt adamantine down and under great effort, forge the plates into shape. But, cutting adamantine is nearly impossible, being that it is harder than diamond. But, the dwarves had a way to cut and grind into the metal. Making production faster and less labor intensive. Their adamantine weapons, armor, and goods filled their coffers and King Kheldan Klarth-zana, or Grimstone in common, was proud of the fortress he and his dwarves had build and bringing the clan into a new golden age.
In the year 116 CY the Pestilence ravaged West Valtara. Even after the fall of Highmar, and many began fleeing from the creatures that flooded from the mists, the dwarves of Kadrel Karaad held strong. King Kheldan wanted to leave the place, but Grand Surveryor Sharkaas the kings trusted advisor whispered in his ear. Sharkaas said that the dwarves could shut their doors and wade the tides. The king did that and for a time, the it seems that is what would happen. But the pestilence made it wasy through the vents to the adamantine forge, and the horrors spread. The king fled, leaving Grand Surveyor behind with a group of betrayers. And with only what they could carry, 10,000 dwarves made their way to their cousins at Agem Orshen where only 3000, of the 10,000 that left remained. King Kheldan never spoke of what he saw in the mists, but the corruption changed him. He passed the keys to his son, and his son to Kelda.
Status Quo
The party is in with Kelda. She offers them food and drink as a good host but she seems to be distant. She agrees to hear their pleas, but is meeting with her cousin shortly and doens't have time for chit chat.Diplomacy. When she finds that the players are wanting to go into Kadrel Karaad she is Unfriendly.
Read aloud"Kelda's brow furrows and she stands. Her stature is small, but her glare burns through you. "In my short time in having the keys to Kadrel Karaad, I get asked by those like you... theives and grave robbers... to give over the seal. What makes you any different?"
The party will need to make a Diplomacy check DC 25 for Kelda to become friendly with them. Once they establish that she tells them that she would love to help them. But, she can't give the keys to them. But, a familiar voice comes from the foyer as Alden Grimhammer enters "Kelda, me love!" the old dwarf enters and is surprised at who he sees. Remarking on this craftsman ship on Quinn's breastplate and the adamantine armor of Otto. Alden tells Kelda about the party and all the help they were to the Einmann family. A man that didn't deserve real kindness, but they helped anyway. Alden will go with them and open the seal. He contends that he is old and doesn't have many years ahead of him, he'd like to see his kins forge before he goes. Kelda can't refuse the old dwarf. She is leaving to get the key from the vaults. She will return shortly.