Test day

The next couple days go quickly, between assembling the prototype and seeing the construction on your home. Then it’s time to give the weapon a test fire, and everyone at the workshop is a bit nervous. Helja gives you a nervous smile as you and Marin position the crystal ballista. “I hope we got it right this time. It’s embarrassing to see things go wrong in front of the Forgefather.”

As you settle your side of the device, you turn to her. “How did he react when the first try exploded?”

She shrugs. “He just laughed it off. He told us these things happen. It’s not that he’s upset, it’s more that I want to impress him!”

Hayley nods, adding, “He’s more than just a leader to us. He’s a father figure.”

Marin chuckles. “They get mad at me when I call him forgedaddy.”

You laugh, and Helja and Hayley roll their eyes. Sanni grins. “That’s amusing, but Hayley is right. The Forgefather is a strong leader, but also a kind teacher, and a forgiving god. It’s hard not to like him, even as a non-dwarf.”

A voice comes from the doorway. “My ears are burning, I think someone’s talking about me.”

You all turn to see Forgefather Unir standing in the entrance, smiling. “I thank you for the compliments. Although no one has called me daddy in centuries.”

Everyone laughs, and Marin actually blushes. He gives you a wink. “I see you’re all set up here. It’s just me today, so don’t worry about the formalities.”

Helja nods. “O-of course! We’re all ready, we should just move over here, j-just in case…”

The Forgefather laughs. “A wise precaution, although I’m guessing that it won’t be as dramatic as last time.”

Sanni nods. “I tuned the power down considerably. It should not overwhelm the crystal.”

Hayley hands the Forgefather a small piece of metal with a large rune engraved upon it. “Simply press the rune to fire, whenever you are ready.”

He chuckles. “No reason to wait! Here we go.”

There’s a short pause after he activated the rune, and a hum comes from the crystal, which glows a faint red. The glow builds, focusing at the tip, when suddenly a crimson beam leaps from the machine to strike the far wall, a good distance away. A large crimson orb appears at the point of impact. However, you also hear a grinding sound, as the machine slides backwards hard from recoil, smashing against the back wall.

The crystal shatters, and the framework crumples. No explosions, but the ballista is destroyed. However, so is the far wall, a massive chunk of the thick stone simply disintegrated. While the five of you panic at your destroyed prototype, the Forgefather walks over to inspect the results. “I have to say, this is very impressive! Do you know the range it works at?”

Helja looks up from the wreckage. “N-no, we’ve never done a range test.”

He smiles. “Well, it seems to me that all you need is some bracing for the recoil, correct? When you get the next one built, we’ll haul it outside to see how far it can fire. Good work, all of you.”

With that, he pats Helja on the shoulder and heads for the door. As he passes you, he pauses. “I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but, be good to them. They’re good people, and deserve to be happy.”

You look at him in surprise. “Wha…how did you…”

He laughs. “It’s a poor excuse for a leader, not to mention a god, that doesn’t know what’s going on with their people. Just treat them well, Greg.”

You nod. “Of course, sir.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “As always, just Unir. And good luck, you’ve got your hands full. I’m a bit jealous.”

With a chuckle, he heads out the door, leaving you dumbfounded. In a bit of a daze, you help clean up the mess.