Chapter 5: Blingdenstone

Gurnik surrounds each of you with glowing radiance, settling the protective magics of the land around you, granting you the Blessing of Protection. Dustin quietly holds out his hand crossbow, keeping his words to himself, though he does bow his head in thanks. Another incantation and the weapon flares brightly before dulling back to its normal color.

Saying your thanks, you all head back to the Foaming Mug without incident, kind of a relaxing walk in general. When you get back, the barmaid smiles at you. Good to see you all in one piece still. What can I get for you lot? We just put up most of the normal mid-day meal things, but I'm sure the cook would be happy to prepare about anything for you lot.

I'll bring out the drink and food for you all. And lass, I'll make sure the cook has some strider legs for you. He was very appreciative of your enjoyment last time! It'll be just a moment while I get your things! Oh, and you lot ran out so quick last time, I forgot to give you your rope back. I've got it coiled up behind the bar if you'd like that back. she says with a wink.

True to her word, it's only a matter of a few minutes and a plate of roast beef with a bowl of greens and a giant plate of cheese and breads adorns your table, as well as two steins of dark ale for each of you. The meal is very tasty, and as you go about eating it a few different groups of deep gnomes float in and out, babbling in Undercommon about nothing much, for those that understand the language.

Heartboiler, you do hear something of note, however. It would seem that a deep gnome by the name are Jarlep just came back from a barricade in the past three or four where they were overrun by oozes. It would seem he was quite the hero, saving three or four other svirfneblin in the process. He's not left an area they are calling the Caves of Clatter in the few hours he's been back.

Bildaweer, you hear this as well and seem to recall that it was in the northeastern part of Blingdenstone, pretty close to where you lot had been dealing with the medusa.

The lot of you fill up, Dustin doing so quietly in the corner. It would seem that the weight of losing Stool has finally caught up with him after the shock and adrenaline and everything have fully worn down.

You all finish up your resting lunch and set off through the caverns, watching as the svirfneblin go about their day. They seem to look at you with a different kind of reverence to what was there before. A few of the children run up and look like they want to touch your legs a bit, but usually scamper away first, unless their guardians grab their collars to stop it before it starts!

It takes about twenty minutes to make your way to the Caves of Clatter. When you arrive, it would seem the previous insistence by some of the deep gnomes you've encountered, regarding the availability of arms and armor was a bit - um - incorrect. There are several vendors here, selling deep gnome-crafted weapons and armors. They don't seem to be nearly as reclusive as the smithy you've been working with. With any introspection at all, you likely figure that they weren't as forthcoming with information about what trade went on in this space because you were relatively unknown to them until after the foray into the Rockblight. You've garnered some level of trust with them, which is good.

Before too long, you do spot who can only be Jarlep talking to a pair of scarred svirfneblin, animatedly recreating a daring battle, complete with thrusting sword motions and all.