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Hon takes all this in and wonders aloud "....why we did not come here in the first place, potentially avoiding so much drama and the Brask/SOS incident....nor sell certain sensitive parts of my anatomy to return us in a probationary good grace. Piss lot a good that did." Shaking himself out of downward spiral of self-recrimination, clapping his hands "Would love a grand tour, and I imagine, might even have a message or two waiting. Left a sweetheart dontchaknow?"
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Hon visibly delights in the mandatory audience masquarading as escorts. He launches into a rehash and embellishment of all the stories as he is led to the mailroom, library, galley, stables, quarters etc. you know to get his bearings... And yes, he repeats himself constantly, unless he is reading aloud from some obscure historical tome in the library or cornering a wizened teacher to talk about how conjuctives vary from Frost Giant to Fire Giant dialects.
Magnum handles the questions of why he planned to go straight to town.
"The dwarf enclave has a very limited selection. My plan was to get into town, make a big trade while maintaining a low profile, and get out. Plus I had a black market contact too. Chris, how did you know to look for us in town?"
The mage looks at Magnum and burst out laughing: "You brought dwarves to the largest human city on this side of the world, and the only prerequisite to success was having them keep a low profile? The lower level Society guys pulled a minor revenue scheme, and I mean like under 200 gold pieces, and they were threatened by armed dwarves. Word got to the top quickly."
Thumper chimes in. "Anyone coming into our compound is watched. If they are not known as part of our clan or wearing our colors, there would have been problems. I need to hear this story about piking out on a low level revenue scheme. You can also tell me why we had to pull the emergency golem ritual. Rock's agent was supposed to arrange an honorable duel to make those duergar back down and let you out. Talk that puffed up dark dwarf to fight it out one on one. He said reports showed you had two artifacts with you, with either one he thought the fight would have been one you could have won."
When Thumper starts in on Kragg, the remarks are not taken very well at all. Actually, before I start knocking any heads or berating anyone I need a couple of answers first. Namely who exactly are you and what faction is it that you support. Then I guess I need to know what factions you don't support and why. Once those are answered then maybe I can give you a reson for my actions and the actions of those under me. You see I am tired of getting half answers to our questions. We get grudging support when we do ask questions and when we don't ask the questions we find that people are switching sides without us knowing. Now, any problem you may have with one of mine needs to be explained before matters are handled. As far as Rock's orders to us, we had no information before heading intot he mines. We heard some of our good dwarves went to claim the mines so we went in for support. If you got orders from Rock to the contrary then let's have them so we know where we stand.
If you must know, our objective was to go to the ice caves to claim the ships rumored to be there. Once we have those, one of our many liabilities will be helped. Namely mobility. As it stands, we have four major liabilities that we need to overcome. Mobility, knowledge, supplies, and allies. Now if you have word from Rock stating which area he wants us to focus on then say so and how to accomplish it. Until then we are doing what we can for the dwarf nation. So either help us, or not.
You also mentioned going to the Forbidden Forest. If that is needed first to garner supplies then tell us what information you have on the place. We aren't enemies yet Kragg thinks to himself. The way this is progressing it might come soon though. so let's assume we are on the same side and both give out what knowledge we can. Hmmm?
Joan opens her mouth but quickly shuts it as Kragg begins to return the verbal assault with one that left little room for wiggling.
I hope you know what you're doin'.
Thumper gets a little hot, evidenced by his face turning red.
"I had no idea there was a dwarf agent in the mines until he found us. He only found us after talking with one of your guys. How the duergar knew we were in the mines, I have no idea. Had we known about this Rock superspy from the beginning, we could have planned better."
He tugs on his beard: "As for what faction I am with, that is for humans. I have a clan, and as clanchief, that is who I serve. And yes, this clan has humans in it. That is why hardcore dwarfs like Durnak won't let my clan have any official status."
"Now, factions I don't support and will find a way to have my vengeance without endangering my clan, those are those Secret Society guys that run everything. After finding one of their top guys running an operation with the duergar and running us out, that is it. I know they encourage their top guys to be independent operators and creatively grow their business interests, but this duergar thing is too much for me. They will not spill the blood of my clan for petty profits."
Thumper adds, "The lighters, I like 'em. They got that arrogant hobbit boy that reminds me of a dwarf. They also trade fair and have that old wizard who saved the world once. We trade and share information, but they have no claim on me and mine. They must have been worried when I went in and didn't come out for a while."
"Mobility, that is overrated. With the mines a bust now, we need to raid the quality ore from Forbidden Forest under those Society noses. When I get that lode of adamantite and mithral and buy out the rest, I will have cornered the entire market. Won't be any left outside this keep and I plan on making it pretty expensive then. You in on that or out?"
As Kibblepep listens to the ornery Dwarf go on at first he gets a bit hot himself, but the feeling soon turns to grudging respect and then something close to admiration, especially when Thumper makes clear how much he hates the Society and plans to get vengeance on them.
Looking to Kragg, he nods his head one, as if to give his approval of both the Dwarf and his plan to steal the adamantite mine from the Society.
Gallak shrugs, sharpening his axe with an interminable -shhhhhk, shhhhhk-
Mobility is far from overrated, but, I'm good with clonkin' just about anything over the head.
Mildly interested, Gallak asks a couple of questions, but is pointedly stoic at any mention of Durnak.
How are you moving all this ore, by the way?
Aye, it was sir hobbit that mentioned we go looking for you. As far as politics go, Thumper, I am new to this game. I am trying to learn what faction stands for what and how they interact. I am trying to stay neutral until I know more. That being said, I sympathize with your position and have come to the realization that humans are much like dwarves in certain areas. You have your good ones and bad ones but can't judge the entire race on a few. My aim is still to further the dwarves under Rock, but not to the extent of eliminating humans or others.
What if we do a joint venture to the forest to claim these minerals. We help secure them in exchange for some of the minerals themselves and future trading rights as well. Those future trading rights are free from price hikes, inflation, or taxes. We both win and hopefully our sides grow stronger together to a point where there isn't the mistrust there is now.
Thumper looks at Kragg.
"Ye ask me about the factions I support. I have to take the factions you support by the apparel your boys wear."
He asks for the chief engineer to come in, a gnome in his late years. The gnome enters bearing four charts covered with engineering diagrams.
The gnome explains:
"We are taking a crew of five hundred by mule and cart through the mountains. The plan is to set up on the mining site within a day and strip the forest bare using some wizardry and our magic shovel. I have added difficult parts to the construction the golem will be handling. With Colossus and Chris on the job we clean it out in two weeks."
Thumper adds, "There is no long term game. I'm stripping it to the bone. A lotta trees fall and a few dryads find a different home. Maybe an ent or two pops out, I don't know. As you are just augmenting security, you get 10% of the net. Estimates show your end is about 5k platinum in minerals by current market prices. Chris thinks there may be some fairy magic in the area--could add to the treasure."
One of the dwarves has the magic shovel. It looks exactly like an item stolen from you in the warehouse by 'the Feather'.
The logistics calculations made on a single sheet by the gnome are staggering. He has provided for a two week trip there, two weeks on site, two weeks back along with provisions for 500. He has two large pieces of mining equipment disassembled and hauled on twenty mules. In the margins the adjustments for another 6-10 are added, maybe to include your presence.
Fey magic, you say? Gallak seems suddenly interested.
Well that's a cut I can get behind. I've no compunctions knockin down a forest, either.
Sounds about right except for two things. What I meant about future trading rights was after the minerals are gone you are going to have the majority of what is available. If in the future we require further minerals we can purchase them from you at the rate you are giving us now. That is we are getting about 10% which is equivalent to 5k worth of minerals. In three months if we wish to purchase more then that same amount is sold to us for 5k.
Second, I want to know where you came by that shovel and if we can take a look at it. THere is a striking remblance to one that belonged to me. It was stolen and If that is my shovel then I want it back.
Last I will talk to the team about the factions involved and find out what is going on.
Diplomacy as asked for
The gnome looks aghast and looks at Thumper. Thumper is about to respond, and thinks better of it as his face turns red. He turns to his gnome and talks in gnome and storms out.
As Thumper leaves, the gnome steps forward.
"Clanchief Alspane is know for his temper. It appears he wants me to continue for him. Hand them the digger."
The dwarf hands over the magic digging device. It is well worn and has seen much activity, and it could easily be the one you found in the dwarf hold.
"We are a mining community. The best miners there are in the lands. We suppport a smithing community, the best in the land, if our customers are right. Thumper is a poor negotiator, he offered 10% to you when that was all he is getting--that is his share as our leader. Our council didn't approve of you getting any more than the share we give the 500 coming along, which was determined to be about 1000 gold per person."
"Anyway, it appears you had plans to go elsewhere. Very good plans I hear. And we can handle this ourselves. So let us do what we do best and mine, while you do what you do best and sail your ships."
The gnomes proposal sounds quite reasonable.
"I hate to bring this up, but that digger is clan property. I think the chief was upset that you thought you had the right to take it."
Gallak doesn't take well to the insinuated insult, that a dwarf was best at sailing ships.
Look here, half-pint. Kragg will decide where we go, and you're a bit too high up yer own backside claiming that you and yours are best at mining when you're using a dwarven mattock. Now I reckon there aren't a lot of those, so even if it isn't my friend's, you'll show some respect. Some understand?
Gallak settles down with some difficulty.
We've suffered enough politics and nonsense, you understand. Now we'll be happy to help, but I think with the dwarves, you ought to consider dropping the double-talk.
Thanks Gallak for you vote of confidence but this is again a case of people not giving the right information. He offered 10% making it sound like he was in charge of the finances of the expedition. Now he never mentioned that was all he had and it was his personal share he was giving up. That changes matters. Second, I never said I was taking this 'digger'. I said I had one that was taken and if I could prove it was mine, I want it back. I am not calling him a thief but I would like to know how he got it. He may have purchased it fair and square for your faction. If so then I want the name and location of the individual who he got it from as there were others items as well that were stolen. The debt will be settled then with that individual and Thumper won't have to worry about it anymore. Is this reasonable or have I jumped to too many conclusions. [\b]
[b]I told Thumper already that politics is foreign to me and I prefer straight talk. I am telling him how it is. Now will you go tell him this so we can continue talking about our plans and wether we take your (the gnome) advice and get the ships or his (Thumper's) and get the minerals first. Both options have merit but the minerals seem more pressing as you are leaving soon. The ships have waited this long and should hopefully be there in a month when we are finished with you.
Kragg waits for the response from the gnomes befo continuing. If the gnome does not reply and turns to leave, Kragg will add a final note. In the sake of sharing information, tell Thmper that I have been known to have vivid dreams tht foretell of events tht may happen. Tell him that my last vision was of giants walking the earth again. Don't know if they will bother you but thought you should know.
Diplomacy
Gallak finishes his say, and the gnome decides to withdraw, obviously intimidated by Gallak. He withdraws from the room before Kragg has a chance to continue. That leaves a few of Thumpers dwarves behind shifting awkwardly from foot to foot.
Chris, the mage, enters a few minutes later to hear the response of Kragg. Obviously he is entering in the middle of the conversation.
He looks around in exasperation. "I guess dwarven diplomacy is at work again. One look at Thumper's face was enough for me to see how things ended."
He looks at Magnum: "By joining Thumper I didn't know we would be on different sides again. You know where we got the shovel can't be talked about. Remember your oaths."
Chris talks to Kragg and Gallak. "It appears we are at an impasse. I have been around dwarves long enough now to know when things are not going to be resolved. Thumper will not retreat an inch one he has set his mind. The Alpsbanes are not know for being flexible."
Magnum reminds Kragg:
Chris informs them: "I am authorized to feed you a grand farewell banquet. We have some solid dwarven fare here."
Second, there was no time time to catch the gnome before he left for Kragg to talk to him at all?
Thumper looks at Kragg.
"Ye ask me about the factions I support. I have to take the factions you support by the apparel your boys wear."
This statement was left at face value and nothing said about it after Thumper explained how he felt about the Society. He also let you handle the Hon issue as he was obviously upset and clearly stated it even earlier in the conversation. Kragg never once stated his position on the Society of Secrets, so Thumper does not know how he feels. Then he was asked about the digging tool. Although I know the visit with you and Magnum to the black market was a long time ago, Magnum clearly stated that knowing the location and the identity of those running it put their lives in Kragg's hands. Now the request to reveal his source (the black market you saw) put him in a difficult position with Hon in the room and no idea of your thoughts on the Society of Secrets. Finally, Hon was assigned two dwarf guides and ran them around on a wild goose chase and made fun of them. Although I found that extremely funny (I mean laughing out loud funny), it seriously hampered diplomacy. Hon was not rebuked about his behaviour in any way.
Gallak rolled a 29 intimidate on a gnome engineer already scared to stand in for the autocratic Thumper to talk--a dangerous situation as it was. He would rush from the room as fast as his legs could carry him after Gallak's speech.
Joan spends most of the meeting trying to be invisible.
Fortunately it seemed to have work.
** spoiler omitted **
I am not trying to undo what Gallak did with his intimidate to the gnome, just trying to still talk to Thumper so we can get this whole faction thing settled. Kragg does not want to close doors on allies ask that is one of the things that he know he needs.
You are right about the market being a long time ago. I don't remember at all that the black market was affiliated with the 'lighters' even. I do remember that Magnum said it would be death if this was found out, but that is about it.
I agree being tackled after being raised was somewhat a tough one. The reason it happened is no one stopped Hon from giving the dwarves the run around--the dwarves seemed leaderless. Thumper wanted it handled right away--so he assumed he had to go to the leader. He quickly updated Kragg on the situation and wanted a decision. He was more mad at the Society paying duergar to kill dwarves than Hon running his boys around. Finally, the offer of 10% when the dwarves contribute 500 people, the supplies, and have done all the planning seemed quite generous. Having being offered 10% of the material that is invaluable to a mining community when you contribute less than 2% of the manpower was all that Thumper could do. The counter that asked for the right to buy more (with no upper limit) at current prices when they were going to get much higher was a significant change--one Thumper had no chance of getting any support for with his clan. Buying out the material out there was going to take more than current market value, especially when word of the mine running dry got out.
Anyway, it appears Chris still has power in the organization. He is still around to talk.
The mage sets up a wonderful banquet. It appears some five dwarves with bagpipes are on hand to play before a heavy protein and carb dinner. With the clan chief and gnome absent from the proceedings, it is obvious Chris has moved up fairly high in the organization. Maybe commanding a adamantite golem does that in a dwarf hold.
"I propose a toast. To Kragg, returned to us after falling in battle. May his beard grow ever long."
As the wonderful dinner is served, Chris confides: "You know, dwarven pride is great thing, especially in battle. I think the jury is out on its value in negotiations."
He wanders over and talks to Magnum. It appears they had talked before. Magnum confesses, "I woulda stopped some actions of our group, but I am not the leader. As you know, dwarves are not easy to sway from a chosen path. Some can forget that their actions are being judged from the moment they enter another clanhold."
Say, Kragg, mayhap from now on you let me do the talking? Gallak says playfully, but seriously, before going off to compete with the bagpipers.
Ach, Ah really need me a better pair o' pipes, he complains jovially in his thick accent.
As the group gets together for the farewell dinner, Kragg is too gloomy to enjoy the meal. He doesn't say much until Chris starts in on his toast and then converses with him directly. Hoping that Chris will be an avenue of open communication. Thanks for the toast Chris. I agree that our stubbornness is great, but it has it's drawbacks. We have persevered through the ages like the rocks themselves. Slow and steady progress without jumping into conclusions. Yet since we left Rock, it seems that the world is moving too fast. People want action while we deliberate. I tell you this now in hopes that the future will be better for the both of us. We are not enemies regardless of what some may think. Perhaps after you get your ore and we get our ships we will be able to talk again to foster positive reactions. By then I hope to know more about the Society and the Lightbringers as my knowledge of each is woefully little. Let Thumper know about the giants as I do to with to see dwarves killed at all unless they are the foul dark dwarves of the abyss. Fair well for we leave in the morning.
Kragg takes his leave after the meal to prepare for the journey to the ice cove. On the move, Kragg will drill Magnum about what he knows about the Society, the Lightbringers and any other factions that he knows about. Once the information is obtained he will have a long discussion with the rest of the group to decide which faction we will support.
If you want to do the talking Gallak then know that what you say will affect all of the dwarves. Thus be careful of how what you say to who. I agree that the gnome was pompous and needed some stern words, but we are in a precarious place: needing allies yet not compromising ourselves in the process.
Ho there, I'm not saying I'm keen on taking up your mantle of authority, but you've got a bit o' gruffness about ye.
Gallak lets go of his bagpipes, letting the insubstantial instrument fall like mist to dissipate against the slate.
Mayhap pretend you only speak dwarf, and I'll "translate". Mayhap have one o' the spellslingers like stuffyforge o'er there, or the little one, keep us in contact, 'neath the rock? Not one for air quotes, Gallak gesticulates nonetheless to get his point across, even hooking a thumb at Redgrave as he says "stuffyforge".
As any good dwarf knows,' neath the rock means "On the down and low".
Gallak is talking about staying connected via a message spell.
I don't think pretending to speak only dwarf will do much when we are in the hall surrounded by and talking to dwarves. I get your point though and by all means feel free to talk and smooth things over.
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Hon keeps his distance from his peers, gladhanding the residents of Thumper clan. He loves himself the outreach, waxing poetically regarding thier wares. "Why good sir! You've a gift. Thats fine-workmanship. I shall recommend Rock put an order for import. Were you classically trained or do I detect a bit of freelancing genius in your performance? Why sure I am most certainly the one, the only Low Blow. Care for a friendly spar? Could've used this when we battled those icecave bugs up north. Let me tell you how it happened... Been meaning to purchase a noble steed. Dwarf legs only move so fast. He gently inquires whether any new apprentices have emigrated from Rock's clan, asking for names and directions so he may catch up. He’ll not claim any friendship as, apparently, his current alias is persona non grata.
He does do some minor spending from his personal funds (10gp, 7sp, 8cp). Replenishing his caltrops(2 sets), bolts for his repeating crossbow, a set of new threads to parade around in, buying a few trinkets and treats to brighten up some of the younger ignored folk working the thankless jobs.
At the Feast, a gregarious Hon eats and drinks like there will be no tomorrow, constantly offering delectables and frothy brews to his minders, cheering the bagpipers and asking for stirring hymns. He even manages to dance a bit to the jig.
Joan spends most of the day prior to the farewell feast looking around. She does sell her shortsword and uses the funds to get her hands on some arrows and a hunting knife (read: dagger).
At the feast, she mostly keeps to herself, but is polite enough to respond to any dwarves that come over and introduce themselves.
Kib joins in on the festivities, but is still uncharacteristically quiet. At one point though he does speak quietly aside to Kragg, saying "I figure it'd be smart to stop by the Clan for a tik, check in, get any updates from Rock and give our report. And as well, I'd like to get the staff back in my hands, now that I have my magicky sack ta carry it in. I sure know it woulda come in handy back in them druegar mins and I'd hate ta need it and be without it again."
Thumper Alpsbane, the clanchief of a mixed clan of 2500 humans and dwarves, pushed Kragg for quick answers after having him returned to life and restored by the human cleric of Torag from the Coalition of Light. Hoping to secure Kragg's immediate cooperation, he pushes Kragg to commit to a business venture and answer for having a member of the society that financed a duergar expedition to oust the dwarves from the mines and monopolize production.
Kragg is trying to piece together the lost time and orient himself as the clanchief relentlessly questions him and asks him where Thumper's clan fit in. It is quickly obvious he has sworn vengeance on the Society of Secrets, and quite friendly with the Coalition of Light. The appearance of a magic shovel similar to one stolen appears in one of Thumper's dwarves hands significantly complicates issues as Kragg demands to know where it was obtained. Thumper explains that he will offer 10% of the net for helping him with security on a 500-man(dwarf) expedition with multiple mules and carts. He makes a comment that he judges Kragg's faction support by the apparel that his followers wear. The counter offer by Kragg for future purchasing rights of minerals and the source of Thumper's shovel drive Thumper to leave the room in frustration leaving his gnome engineer to talk to the dwarves.
As the gnome explains that Thumper was cornered by foolishly offering all he was empowered to offer right away leaving him no room for a counter offer, he expounds on the mining genius of his clan. It takes a few intimidating words from Gallak to convince the gnome he needs to retreat from an already dangerous position, and he quickly leaves the room. Chris the mage enters shortly later to fix things as best he can. He realizes how much of an impasse there is, especially with the source of the shovel's origins required by Kragg and Gallak (it appears that Chris and Magnum have intimate knowledge of a black market outside the reach of Society at the moment). Magnum later confirms that the location of the source of the shovel's purchase, if revealed, could make it back to Chris' former employers and they would not be understanding in the least.
Chris notices that all but Hon seem to be quiet at the banquet, and tries to help out with some of his philisophical observations. "Nondwarves assume that all dwarves are stubborn and tend to see them through a common, narrow, prejudiced viewpoint. It is curious to us that dwarves fail to see this trait in themselves and the race as a whole. It is now clear how grudges in clans can be held for many years."
He also points out, "Having met you guys led by a stubborn Alpsbane, it is curious you couldn't get along with an alpha-Alpsbane. I have brought mama Alpsbane to meet you."
The dwarf female with the surly disposition and the helmet with horns in full mail seems anything but the motherly type. It appears she knows how to use the two two-handed hammers looped in her belts and has thirty or more pounds on most of you. She obviously had a head start on the festivities, but still manages to help tap a huge keg of 'Low Blow the Man Down Ale'. After draining the first tankard you have seen her drink, she wipes her mouth and looks you in the eyes.
"Stop moping around. We set a nice table."
Gallak seeks out Thumper to get to know him better, without talking politics.
"Yes ma'am." Joan manages to squeak out before downing half a tankard of ale.
Turning to the stout matron of the clan, Kragg swallows hard on the ale before responding. No disrespect tot he food or the ale as both are the best since I left home. What sours me is the parting of Thumper before I could give him my warning. I was hoping that gnome...what's his.name...I don't remember, never mind ....anyways, he ran out before I could give him the message. The giants are awake and moving against the dwarves. Beware on your jour ey and take precautions for them.
Next time we come through I hope to speak more openly to him about what we discussed earlier, sides and all. In the meantime, good luck on your expedition and may everything you touch turn to platinum and may your husband's beard never tangle or shorten.
At least trying to be sociable and not slam doors on the way out.
diplomacy -1 if Kragg or +7 if Gallak is there to smooth the ridges
If Gallak then diplomacy assist from Kragg total 23 hopefully.
Khazad was dumbstruck during the heated exchange between Kragg and Gallak and Thumper and the gnome. As much as he was glad to see Kragg alive again, he couldn't shake off the feeling that the whole experience didn't leave him unscathed.
"Guys, I understand you have every reason to be suspicious after what we've been through, but we are guests at this party, and that probably means we shouldn't be shouting at the hosts like that."
As Chris remarks on the dwarven stubborness, Khazad adds. "I wouldn't say we fail to notice it in ourselves. Rather, we consider it a virtue, while other races and factions see it as a flaw. But we always want to remain who we are, even if it means not getting the most profit at every given moment."
He clumsily apologizes to the Mama Alpsbane and praises her hospitality, adding "And may your clan always carry forth the glory of the Alpsbane name. Incidentally, the leader of the Dwarven purists is dead, and you may have an easier time getting your clan officially recognized now. We can speak to Rock Stonecrusher about this on your behalf, or maybe you could send one of your own along with us."
As Gallak leaves the banquet, he notices the keep is somewhat quiet. Following the steam of traffic, he comes to a large underground chamber the size of a large auditorium. There Thumper and his gnome second are directing the final packing of the provisions and equipment for the journey. Over fifty combined humans, gnomes, and dwarves are testing packs and inspecting pack animals.
As packs are being lightened and two ballistas are being added to the mule train, it is obvious that they are adjusting to a Plan B, which is no Kragg's company along.
Meanwhile, at the party......
A guest arrives with unkempt hair and beard. He is the druid that originally delivered Gallak to the group--known for his ability to shapechange into birds. He confers hastily with Mama Alpsbane and approaches Kragg.
"Rock didn't know you would be at the Superstition Mines. We need to find the Agent In Place that was assigned there. He had limited contact with Thumper and his crew."
The druid is mostly interested in drinking and eating rather than talking at the moment, and fills his plate and mug first.
Mama Alpsbane looks at Khazad with an appraising eye. "I have to disagree. The falling out occurred over material possessions and money--Not honor, status, or law. So profit margin was the sole cause of the disagreement. And, as dwarves often associate status with money, 'profit leads to pride', as I often say."
Those are some well-stocked donkeys, Gallak states plainly as his introduction.
Not getting a response from Kragg regarding a possible stop-over at their home-clan hold, Kib becomes even more quiet and withdrawn at the party.
While Kibblepep considers himself a Dwarf in almost all respects, he is not actually crazy, and so therefore does know that he is indeed, at least outwardly, a Gnome. As such, although it doesn't happen often, he does on the rare occasion, desire the company of other Gnomes.
This evening does happen to be just such an occasion. Not particularly feeling the party at the moment, he gives a polite greeting and farewell to Mama Alpsbane and goes to seek out Thumper's Gnome second.
He arrives in the big underground room shortly after Gallak. While the bard engages Thumper, Kib approaches the other Gnome. Sticking out his hand he says quietly with a grin "Name's Kib. What's yours? N' also, just wanted tae say, don' be minding Big Mouth over there" as he hooks his thumb towards Gallak "His bark is worse than his bite, but not worse than his breath! Haha!"
Dimplomacy:
he is not actually crazy
Kib If our path takes us that direction it would be good to check in with Rock and get his advice.
Waiting forthe Druid to finish before Kragg inquires further about identities, information, and area to search, Kragg likewise goes to gather more food and drink. Once the Druid is done, Kragg will go off to a corner and converse with him plying him with questions.
The gnome is immersed in his work. He seems to be checking things off a large checklist.
Thumper is inspecting packs, but staying away from the disassembled mining equipment. Seeing Gallak he nods and continues to encourage the mining team to make sure they have everthing they need.
The gnome puts one of his slate boards with attached chalk in Kib's left hand so they can shake as both his hands were full.
"Names Knocklebur, Gizmo Knocklebur. Most dwarves think they can order gnomes around. You may be able to insult my clan, and you may be able to insult the chief, and you may be able to do it in my hold, but you don't insult our skills. The boys didn't like it, didn't like it at all. Now Thumper can't meet Kragg again without beating the crap out of him--and we know that is no good. He didn't get the name Thumper from the sound of his mining instruments."
The gnome delays the three instances of may (maaay) to emphasize the unlikelihood of each of the three events.
"Well Kib, I guess we just back the plays of our clan chiefs. And I always told Thumper never give your best offer first, especially to dwarves. Though I do admit, it got us that mage from the city. But that proves my point, he wasn't a dwarf."
Mama Alpsbane smiles at Khazad's words.
"If we can't get along with your mixed group of dwarves, humans, and a gnome that has seen much of the world now, I don't think we can convince Rock and his cronies. I think it is time to start our own nation. Dwarves and gnomes need an alternative to the old ways."
She absently fingers her hammer. "Thank you for the warning. I would love to meet some giants again. Now I return the favor. The goblin threat is not extinct. The white wizard has learned that goblins studied necromancy to harvest the dead left from their horrible losses in the last big war. Three mass goblin graves are missing dead. It is amazing what that old man knows."
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Meanwhile, back at the festivities...
Hon gets wind of newly tapped Low-Blow Me Down Keg. "Aha! A brew of my own namesake! " He captures two draughts. One for him, another for that fine female with the horned helm. Sidling up to Khazad, Hon with a twinkle in his eye, speaks into the natural pause of conversation, "Giants, Goblins, Wizards and undead. Bah, You set a nice table but the conversation is dreary, save it for the hangover. Khazad, pls introduce me to this Horned Wonder of a Woman, so that I may ask her to dance!" Hon waggles his eyebrows with an overly dramatic flourish towards the barren space in front of the musicians and an offering of fresh frothy brew.
The gnome is immersed in his work. He seems to be checking things off a large checklist.
Thumper is inspecting packs, but staying away from the disassembled mining equipment. Seeing Gallak he nods and continues to encourage the mining team to make sure they have everthing they need.
The gnome puts one of his slate boards with attached chalk in Kib's left hand so they can shake as both his hands were full.
"Names Knocklebur, Gizmo Knocklebur. Most dwarves think they can order gnomes around. You may be able to insult my clan, and you may be able to insult the chief, and you may be able to do it in my hold, but you don't insult our skills. The boys didn't like it, didn't like it at all. Now Thumper can't meet Kragg again without beating the crap out of him--and we know that is no good. He didn't get the name Thumper from the sound of his mining instruments."
The gnome delays the three instances of may (maaay) to emphasize the unlikelihood of each of the three events.
"Well Kib, I guess we just back the plays of our clan chiefs. And I always told Thumper never give your best offer first, especially to dwarves. Though I do admit, it got us that mage from the city. But that proves my point, he wasn't a dwarf."
Kib shakes with a firm but non-challenging grip, his smile genuine as he chooses to ignore any tricky territory for now and replies "Well, you know how we Dwar...I mean them Dwarves are. Heads as thick as the stone they mine and even more stubborn."
Kib glances down casually at the slate in his hand, seeing what's on it, then hops up on one of the crates, making himself comfortable. "So you think there's really no chance of us joining you all on the mining expedition any more eh? Nothing that can be done to patch things up? Maybe a friendly wrestling competition or something? Winner gets an apology from the looser maybe? We could make it into a little Event, drinks and betting an everything!"
Khazad sighs loudly at Hon's offer, but his eyes are smiling.
"Mistress Alpsbane, I give you Hon Semparatus, the fabled inventor of the Low Blow Me Down ale, a pole fighting vice-champion and a jig dancer like no other."
Gallak makes mental note of the supplies they're taking, instinctually looking for anything strange or missing, but decides not to get in the way with conversation, and retreats back to the party proper, conjuring his bagpipes and picking up a lively tune.
Gizmo responds to Kib's question.
"No hard feelings on my end--business is business. Some times an agreement can't be reached. We probably can't afford your rates. My assessment is your group is fairly well off, much better than the average clanholder here. Rumor is you're packing two great artifacts. The boys would be grumbling as it is to know your share is over 5x theirs. The last operation left little of value when the wizard turned our motherlode into a golem."
Mama Alpsbane manages to stay up and dance a lively jig to the percussion and horns accompanying the stomping and clapping of dwarves while downing strong ale.
Even the quiet druid is drawn into the festivities. He may be light in the air, but he is quite awkward on his feet, especially after drinking three mugs of ale.
Magnum somehow produces a minikeg of Giant's Tears from his pack. After tapping it and sampling it himself he stays on his feet and pronounces it fit to drink.
Khazad grabs a mug and shoves it under Magnum's minikeg. Once it's sufficiently full of GT, he loudly proclaims: "For the dwarven kinship above any disagreements!", and empties the mug in three big gulps.
After a night of merrymaking, the Druid calls you into a private meeting in a remote storeroom. Hon finds himself unescorted.
The Druid realizes there are great opportunities here, but Rock is pushing for a move to the iceships.
"Who is going on this dangerous mission?"