With Ivo agreeing to show the deep gnomes where their fallen companion's bodies lie, the bearded deep gnome points to himself and says "Thulwar." Pointing to the other deep gnome that will be joining you, Thulwar says, "Firble." He then points to each of you and follows the gesture with a shrug.
"Tha mi Thulwar de Chlann Onyxbhrannraidh. Mo cho-ogha a tha Firble. Tha an dà thar an sin fhathast ag obair tha mo mhic, agus Brecnur Ghirdru. Dè a bu chòir dhuinn a ghairm sibh uile?"
Following introductions, you lead Thulwar and Firble back up the narrow pass to the chamber where you discovered the bodies. Obviously distraught by the sight of their fallen companions, you hear Thulwar say, "
Oh chan eil, nach bochd Gritun. Bha e fada ro òg airson a bhith far fhaicinn Nivi seo a dh'aithghearr."
Taking note of who the other deep gnome is, Thulwar says while shaking his head, "Carson nach eil mi a 'gabhail iongnadh. Dh'innis mi Wudlul gun robh e air a bhith a 'fàs ionnsaigheach ann an càr aige gu uachdar."
Firble spits on the body of the Derro before giving a kick. "Truagh, chuthach creutairean."
Gathering their kin, Thulwar and Firble begin to move back toward the passage back down. Pausing a moment Thulwar asks, "Tapadh leat, mo charaidean. Bheil rud sam bith as urrainn dhuinn a dhèanamh gus fabhar dhut?"
I look back and forth as different tongues are being passed back and forth, "Maybe I should dedicate some time to learning a new tongue. All the better to create strong alliances." I look a little confused at all the speaking but bow once my name is mentioned.
Turning to his companions, Raz tells them what Thulwar says about repaying us "I think it would be a good idea to build a relationship with these deep gnomes, maybe give us a place to buy items we need and sell items we don't, and extend our legs on this exploration without having to head all the way back to Oleg's everytime we need supplies."
Turning to his companions, Raz tells them what Thulwar says about repaying us "I think it would be a good idea to build a relationship with these deep gnomes, maybe give us a place to buy items we need and sell items we don't, and extend our legs on this exploration without having to head all the way back to Oleg's everytime we need supplies."
The Abadar in him surfaces and Jacobus tells Raz, "That's a great idea and we should totally do it. However, were these gnomes thinking of some other sort of repayment? Ask them what they are offering?"
"A good open might just be for local news and maps. Don't start off demanding coin just because we stumbled across a body."
"I agree with Ivo, we shouldn't ask for too much, but I wonder how much useful information these denizens of the deep can tell us about the surface world."
"I agree with Ivo, we shouldn't ask for too much, but I wonder how much useful information these denizens of the deep can tell us about the surface world."
Jacobus excused himself, "I agree. I'm not saying asking them but if they offer..."
"Doesn't matter. In the long run, if we want to keep peace in these lands - as per the charter - what happens below can affect what happens above."
"If nothing else I should like to know more about these derro. Are they a danger to we dwellers in the sun, or will they stay here in the dark?" Torsten worries.
Thulwar and Grimble wait patiently as the party discusses how they will respond the Thulwar's question.
"We should... say something to them, probably."
"what do you guys think? I think a relationship with all friendly entities is beneficial if not just for trade but also keeping peace as well."
I stand and listen to everyones opinion of trade and notice the smile on the dark gnomes face, "What sort of alliance would you be willing to create with us, I know you can understand us, so you can drop the ruse. Although I suppose it is our mistake for not asking if you understood our tongue initially."
Thulwar's lips curl into a broad grin. "You'll forgive me if I had chosen to see if you're words were the same in your native tongue as they were when you spoke to me in mine."
"Not all was a ruse, my companions truly do not understand your language. I sought to put their minds at ease by communicating in a language that they understand."
Stroking his beard, Thulwar says, "While I am not opposed to an alliance between our peoples, and see no harm in such, I question what use could come of it. You live above the ground, and we below. I suppose there could be a trade arrangement."
I bow my head to the Gnomes Wisdom, "A very wise decision, alas I do not know your tongue. Although if an alliance were formed, then that would be something I would like to remedy. A trade agreement would be beneficial, we have a for on the surface as well and any help in defeating him would be very much appreciated. Of course in return we can help you with your foes down here, these creatures that you seem to be at war with. Does that sound fair?"
Now knowing that they did speak common allowed Jacobus to ply his trade as a merchant, "Ah, much better. So yes, a trade agreement would be an excellent way to start a lasting relationship. We could also offer shipping services and get your goods to other markets. I guess it all depends on what your ambition is."
"The location of these bodies also raises the question: What were the derro doing so close to the surface? Are they sneaking out at night for some reason? I think both of us would be well-served by preventing any further mischief from them, both above and below, and working together would be helpful in that regard."
"I think we can come to an agreement."
Thulwar thinks for a moment before responding, "The Derro have long sought to return the surface and make a habit of capturing surface dwellers at night and conducting experiments in hopes of once again living on the surface."
"Indeed, I think we can mutually benefit from holding them in check. I only wish I knew where their encampment was at so that they could be wiped out."
Turing his attention to Jacobus, Thulwar says, "Most of our goods are fashioned from stones or metals. I assume there is a market for such things on the surface. As to what we may interested in from the surface world, it is hard for me to say."
"We can trade in surface materials like wood, and of course foods that are unusual to you, such as fruit and wine," offers Ivo. "I am likewise interested in making sure that the derro never manage to plague us. They must have a camp either through some other passageway down here, or else via some crossing made over the surface at night."
"It would seem we have at least the framework of an agreement then." Thulwar says with a smile on his face.
His mood grows darker as he returns to the subject of the Derro. "It would seem logical that if Wudlul and Gritun ran across the Derro here, that their camp would be down that passage." Thulwar says pointing to the path yet to be taken.
Turning to his companions, "Shall we scout this path and look for the derro camp? I'm sure we could use your help as well should we actually encounter any derro" Raz adds as he inclines his head towards thulwar and grimble.
Turning to his companions, "Shall we scout this path and look for the derro camp? I'm sure we could use your help as well should we actually encounter any derro" Raz adds as he inclines his head towards thulwar and grimble.
Jacobus nodded, "We might as well since we are already here for exploration and this counts, right?"
He turned to the gnomes, "Your assistance would be welcomed. You don't need to fight them if you are not comfortable but your guidance wold surely be an asset. Will you come with us?"
"Of course, but please allow me time to see to my dead first."
"We should allow some time for Thulwar and his people to complete their burial rituals. Perhaps we could finish surveying the area above and return here tonight?"
I nod at Toves suggestion before turning my attention back to the chief, "How long do your honoured burial rites take, if we were to return this evening would you be finished?"
"Aye, we should be done by then. If you are wanting to come back, I'll be waiting for you in the cave near the gold vein."
"Aye, we should be done by then. If you are wanting to come back, I'll be waiting for you in the cave near the gold vein."
Jacobus spoke slowly trying to honor the gnome's deceased, "We would like to come back, yes. But I also offer my help in honoring your fallen brethren. I mean no disrespect but is there something that you could use our help with?"
He added, "I do not pretend to know your rites but I am a quick learner and, if nothing else, I have a strong back and do not shy away from manual labor if that is the only thing I am suited for."
He breathed out, "I have time and willingness to help if you accept."
"I thank you for the offer, friend, but the majority of my people are suspicious of surface dwellers. Perhaps another time." Thulwar says, politely declining the offer.
"Before we go, do you make any claims to the land on the surface around here?" asks Torsten, "and would you have maps or knowledge of the surface lands you might trade?
"what should we do while we wait for tonight? Scout some in the area above ground?" Raz asks to his companions.
"No claims to, nor any real useful knowledge of the surface at all." Thulwar says with a grin. "Below, that may be a different situation. As that gold vein touches the surface world I suspect we could work out an agreement to share it."
"what should we do while we wait for tonight? Scout some in the area above ground?" Raz asks to his companions.
Jacobus nodded, "Seems a good use of time. We are already here and our new allies have passed on our offer to help."
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Tove is glad when the group returns to the surface but the time below ground and the prospect of returning ttp the cold caverns after dark has her unsettled and distracted.
She isn't much help as the group finishes exploring the area and turns up empty handed after foraging for food.
Jacobus sets himself to exploring and finding game to avoid depleting the party's resources.
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Ivo seems quite bemused by the whole series of events. "I never really expected to meet any deep gnomes," he says. "I mean they are supposed to live really far below! This has been a gold mine both literal and figurative."
Torsten just whistles as he rides, pleased to be out in the open air again.
While continuing their exploration of the area surrounding the cave, Ivo and Torsten both notice a set of tracks. It appears to be a lone bipedal humanoid creature, but very large with toes that end in long claws.
Based on their examination, Ivo guesses that the tracks are at least three days old and are head off to the south.
While foraging and hunting for food, Strauch stumbles across a small patch of iceberries, a regional, early baring variety of raspberries, known for their sweet taste and pale blue coloration.
Ivo, apparently invigorated by his meeting with his "cousins", the deep gnomes, is even more perceptive than usual and manages to bag three rabbits to add to the night's meal. Razarak contributes by managing to track down and capture a pheasant.
As you return to the cave for the evening, having completed the day's exploration, you find Thulwar waiting for you. He has built a small fire and has some manner of food cooking away in a iron pot.
"Welcome back, my new friends."
Jacobus frowned as he studied the footprints, "Troll footsteps. I guess it's good that it's three days old. We should be careful when heading south..."
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With deep gnomes
Jacobus' voice was somber, "I hope everything went well with your brethren. The Lady makes cradles for us all."
"Have you made any headway in tracking your enemies or are we starting now?"
"Not now Jacobus. Let the man finish his dinner" laughs Torsten. "Oh, and ware trolls if you spend much more time out here. We found some tracks."
Tove takes a place by the side of the small fire and warms herself.
"What's cooking Thulwar? We've managed to forage some meat, or at least my friends have. This looks good though."
Tove tries to make a good impression on the deep dweller after remaining mostly quiet during their last encounter.
I don't speak much while exploring the area, deep in thought about the upcoming battles. I keep on glancing at Jacobus but don't approach or say anything.
Once down with the Gnomes I try to put on a brave face and enjoy the smell of the food. But I am clearly a little quieter than the party is used to.
"Can not say that I have started to track them yet, friend." Thulwar says to Jacobus's question. "We should eat first, assuming you have not yet."
"Just a few root vegetables and mushrooms." the deep gnome says with a smile. "Not a lot of meat down here unless you enjoy bat or lizard. You are welcome to use the fire to cook what you brought down.
Perhaps we might even try a bit of each other's meals."
Jacobus shrugs, "Well, we thought we were coming here to go after the derro. And so we ate before coming."
He added, "I wouldn't trying what you are cooking. It smells good but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to try some of our food."
He then remembered, "Wait, we have some dry rations you could try but I warn you that it's not our best cuisine by any means."
"I'm happy to share," says Ivo. "It's good to make some friends from a distant branch of the family!"