The City of Hylar

Diplomatic action

The party explores the city and arranges a time to talk to the Council of Thanes. Whilst waiting, they encounter a strange pile of rocks with a crudely drawn smiley face - it introduces itself as Bryk, who's filled with life and wanting money. He asks to join the party and Alphy immediately distrusts him, claiming that this was dodgy. The party ignores Alphy and Bryk joins the party.
  They discuss the situation with the refugees and one of the council members goes on a rant about humans and hill dwarves - Alphy notes that this dwarf talks exactly like Verminaard, however can't conclude why that is. The party also shows the council the helm of Grallen, and the dwarves thank them for its return.
 
  The dwarves come to the conclusion that there is a safe land on the otherside of Thorbardin that the refugees will be safe in, however they need to pass through Hylar. The dwarves do not like non-dwarves due to the actions of the wizard and the cataclysm, however, if the party could recover the hammer of Kharas, then they could pass through. Additionally, the party were instructed to return the helm to the Valley of Thanes on the way. The party agreed, however the council also demanded a hostage to ensure the party wouldn't take the hammer - Tika volunteered to be the hostage, and the party headed off. The remaining party members are led to the Valley of Thanes where the hammer lies.