"I see no problem. He got his goods, after all. In any case, we have concluded that business. I concur that we should leave warning with their leadership, even if that has fallen on deaf ears elsewhere that we tried."
Before leaving the gnome..
"Have the oozes been the only issue you have seen as of late?"
Well, that was quick and simple.
Kazook overhears you and raises an eyebrow. "I'm not sure what you lot are talking about but Dorbo Diggermattock is the leader of the miners. Maybe you should talk to him." He gives you directions to Diggermattock Hall where you could find the Diggermattock couple, leaders of Blingdenstone's provisional government.
Sounds like a good place to start, thanks for the help!
Head that way..
Kanzen nods after Irdril and begins following her towards Diggermattock Hall.
An excellent idea. Let us go there, Galenus declares, even after people start moving out to head to the Hall.
You head through several winding tunnels until you reach a cavern with official-looking stone carvings around its entrance.
Two dozen or so svirfneblin occupy this well-lit cavern, some moving briskly with messenger pouches in hand while others huddle around several stone tables covered in maps and other papers, talking in hushed, serious tones. The back of the room is dominated by a dais carved from the rock of the cavern, atop which rest two stone desks facing each other. Two svirfneblin — one male, one female — sit behind the desks, conferring with advisers and each other. They turn their attention to you as you enter.
The male calls out "Who are you, strangers? I've heard tell of you but know little of detail."
"Greetings. We have had a harrowing journey through the Underdark, even by the reckoning of these tunnels. Demon princes are on the loose, and we think it best to bring ye warning. You have larger problems than a few oozes looming."
The two deep gnomes seem deeply engrossed by what you are saying. "Well you're welcome here if you cause no trouble. We have too much trouble already. Go on, go on! Tell us more of what you've seen." the male deep gnome encourages.
"Sloobludop was infiltrated by Demogorgon cultists - who managed to draw its attention. The settlement is now gone. Zuggtmoy warped the minds of many myconids of Neverlight before slaughtering more. Madness and terror are stalking the Underdark, much more so than usual."
It would not surprise me if there is a demon lord of oozes that is causing the increase in ooze activity.. I am Irdril and what my companions say is a vast understatement of what we have seen.. The Underdark and potentially the surface is in real trouble..
Irdril is right. Even Gracklstugh was showing signs of being affected. Cults of demogorgon were sprouting up. And lesser demons are showing up throughout the Underdark.
Irdril considers demon lords but they are somewhat above her pay grade. But she does manage to recall the gray ooze right outside their prison which shouted telepathically [i]"Flesh for the Faceless Lord"[/b] right into their minds as they fled their imprisonment.
The male, Dorbo Diggermattock, considers what you say. "Sounds like trouble indeed. Might be related to some of the trouble we've been having. Some monster or magic in the northwestern part of the settlement might be responsible for the growing number of oozes in Blingdenstone. If you can help us with that, we'd pay you in return."
"The Faceless Lord maybe? I can't recall.. Anyways help getting to the surface could certainly count as payment.. If you all have that ability that is."
"We will help you. A means to the surface is our desire."
Not just the surface; but home for anyone of us who lives in the Underdark.
The two Diggermattocks become very serious. "Blingdenstone faces serious problems. More than you understand. If you help us get things settled, then we can organize. And we know ways to the surface. A guide could be spared for true friends of Blingdenstone."
Sensing Zoltan’s gaze, Odak looks to the others for a translation for some context. Upon receiving one, ”Tell em that aye we can help but that they need to be takin this much more serious.” He looks back to the gnomes with a shrug. As an after thought though he adds, ”Some magics would be pretty nice fer payment too.”
Like Zoltan, Kanzen is reluctant to speak to the leaders of the gnome settlement, but for different reasons; he cannot see how the words of a drow could improve the standing of the party. However, he does keep a keen eye on the gnomes, particularly Dorbo and his wife.
Some folks in the market said these oozes came from some place called the Goldwhisker Warrens. What's there?
"Any information you can offer could make a difference."
Dorbo Diggermattock nods. "Right to business. I like that. We have heard reports the oozes seem to be coming especially from the northwest edge of town. Maybe something out there is responsible. Let us know."
His wife, Senni, nods. "And we have a problem with Wererats in what they call the Goldwhisker Warrens. Talk to them. We need to stop the hostility and occasional fighting."
Her husband harumphs. "Sure. Talk to them. The maybe Senni will listen when I say those infectious squatters need to be driven out!"
"Understood. Companions, the north-west first?"
"Sounds good to me.."
Kanzen cocks his head at Galinndan in a bird-like manner. "I don't know why, but I have a feeling deep in my gut that says we should go to the Goldwhisker Warrens first. I have no logical reasoning behind that feeling, so..." his mouth twists wryly, "take that as you will. If you all still wish to go put a stop to the oozes first, I won't argue."
I agree with Kanzen; let's go to the Warrens first. See what they know.
Galinndan shrugs.
"Both tasks need to be attended to. I am willing to go to the warrens then."
Dorbo and Senni Diggermattock nod in agreement. "Alright then. Go." states the male Diggermattock. "Report back when you have something on those two items." The couple then return to their fastidious matters in the affairs of Blingdenstone. You can tell from their well-kept hall and the general state of Blingdenstone that "a well-oiled machine" and "a place for everything and everything in its place" are oft-quoted mottoes here.
As you leave the hall, Topsy opens up to you, albeit far from the listening ears of the residents of Blingdenstone. "I want to see these Goldwhisker Warrens. If there are gnome wererats like us there, maybe we can make a home."
As you approach the edge of the reclaimed portions of the settlement, you see a set of large strong double doors barred from this side. It seems the deep gnomes did not want any wererat intrusions. A guard stands nearby the door and challenges you briefly but then raises no objection when you tell of your official business.
"Hopefully they will be worth your while joining with.", Galinndan replies to the twins.
Whoever wants a silver weapon can have one; I can afford three.
"I am already equipped with such. They are a very good idea."