Rakri was a dwarven miner who, prospecting near Dolgold with a couple of
companions in 1356, found a rich seam of gold. In return for half the value
of the gold for twenty years (not an excessive time for a dwarf) and 10%
thereafter Risten gave the dwarves the right to mine in perpetuity. Risten
used the money to rebuild Dolgold castle.
Rakri contacted all his friends and relations and
was soon the head of a thriving group of dwarven miners who all looked forward
to the time when the 20 years would be up and there was propspect of real wealth
for all. Rakri was therefore greatly angered when Baron Granek refused to lower
the tax on the gold citing first civic improvements in Starston Bridge and
then the war as reasons for not doing so. As a result of this betrayal Rakri
has a grudge against all humans and will not readily socialise with them. Unlike
some of his comrades he does not go drinking in Dolgold.
The Ristenby Thieves Guild, however, saw the business opportunity arising from
the dispute and soon an arrangement was made with local guild member Tarquin
the Locksmith to smuggle some of the gold out of the County. The dwarves have also
recently discovered azurite in the mine which they are keeping secret in case
Granek wants a share. Further they have broken through into the ancient Hold
of Dolgar which their priests are currently cleansing of evil. Rakri intends
to use the Hold for additional accomodation so that he can increase the
dwarven mining population (and hence output) without the Baron knowing.
Brinn, the castellan of Dolgold castle, knows about the azurite and the Hold
but has been heavily compromised himself. The Baron would probably execute
both Rakri and Brinn if he knew what was going on.
Rakri is called 'The Merciless' because he wields a cursed magical axe. The axe
will not let him stop fighting until the death of his opponent. Rakri is
honourable enough to warn all his opponents about the nature of the axe before
any blow is struck. He keeps it because he feels that it makes potential
enemies reluctant to melee him.