Another Dragon at Icespire Peak - IC Thread

"Oh, good idea, that would prevent the odds of a nasty fall." Rhok tries to see if he can notice any lights inside

Perception check for lights if needed: 22

"And we aren't storming the place." Lia reminds them.  "Let's try to at least use the normal approach prior to making ourselves a nuisance..." 

"Alright, lets announce our presence then...." Rhok says and announces their arrival to any gnomes who may be listening

You follow to easy path up to one of the entrances to the caves. You see 7 foot high tunnels, illuminated by oil lanterns that hang from a complicated rope and pulley system.

There are no gnomes in sight and no response to Rhok's greeting. The tunnel goes straight to meet another corridor 25 feet away, forming a T intersection. Five feet from the entrance, there is a different corridor going left, you can hear some noise coming from that direction.

Lia heads towards the noise.

Lia walks into the tunnel going left, 15 feet in she arrives at a dinnning room. There are several tables and chairs, all of them sized for gnomes. The room is empty, and the noise comes from a hallway going north.

This new hallway goes for 20 feet and ends in a closed door, from where the noise comes. Lia hears voices on the other side, talking fast among themselves in what she assumes is gnomish. There was another tunnel going east from this second hallway, but it was silent.

Xarroth keeps to himself after helping repair Lia's bolts with Mending, as well as maintaining his clothing. Orcs are usually nothing but dolts, but they still managed to land a meaty hit... Next time they will not be so lucky.
Short Rest: 6

The dragonborn carries with his curiosity leading the way, following behind Lia.

All the tunnels and rooms are illuminated with oil lamps.

Rhok follows the group in marveling at the contraptions

Lia knocks smartly on the door.  "Hello! Anyone in there?"

The first knock on the door got no response. A second the door to open inwards into what should be a kitchen. You see a gnome holding the door, surprised to see you, and four other gnomes engaged in various activities. One is stoking the fire, other is suhing and pulling levers on a strange contraption and collecting a red liquid that oozes from the bottom in large jars. Two of them are engaged with a green dough, one uses a mechanical rolling pin to knead it and the other forming it into loaves of bread with mathematical precision.

The gnome holding the door looks at your group up and down and speaks rapidly "I was not aware that we were expecting visitiors. My name is Tervaround. Now we will need to cook even faster than before. I hope the new automatic wine fermenter is up to the task".

Lothlién looks over his companions' shoulders, entertained by the different kinds of machinery the gnomes use. "Well, I'm actually very curious to taste such wine! " he says, unsure if he'll be heard being the last in line.

(EDIT: I posted exaactly after the DM, so it didn't make much sense.)

"I am sure you have it well under control."  Lia says with a smile for the gnome.  "The Townmaster of Phandalin sent us to talk to your inventors.  Would you be able to help us find one of them to speak with?"

"I would also be interested in this wine!" Rhok emphatically states

Xarroth clears his throat and bows, "Excuse my companions who are afflicted with the human way of being a guest. In the name of... us, we humbly thank you Tervaround in taking the time to receive us. If the call for making more flavoursome items of sustenance, we are only in your debt for causing you more strain on your... tools and workers. I am Xarroth, a breeze of His wings for us to meet." The dragonborn turns to Rhok next in gesture to speak next.

"Ah yes, many thanks for reminding me Xarroth, my name is Rhok, and it is my pleasure to meet you. These pulleys and machines are quite impressive!"

Tervaround says something in gnomish to her companions and turns back to face you. "So you were not expected here. That makes it easier for me." She talks to Xarroth first "now that is a proper introduction. I assure you that our mechanized kitchen here will be up to the task."

Turning to Lia she adds "our inventors are quite busy at the time, but you can find them in their workshop. It's on the other side of our dwelling, it may be easier for you to go out the nearest entrance, cross the stream and enter the caves from the other side through the sleeping quarters."

Finally she addresses Rhok and Lothlién's inquiry about the wine "I'm sure you would enjoy our wine. But I'm afraid we only serve it during supper. You'll have to talk to one of our kings if you want to have a seat with us."

"Thanks." Lia says with a nod to the gnomes.  She glances to the others.  "Shall we go and talk to these inventors then?" She would lead the way back around, following the directions from the cook.

"Oh, sorry for my rudeness" Lothlién says, blushing. "I didn't mean to sound harsh, and I fully understand it. My name is Lothlién, by the way, very glad to meet you and this amazing place. How and where could I talk to one of the kings?"

After listening to the answer, Lothlién will say goodbye politely, and follow Lia to try and find the inventors.

Quote from ffMecca >>

"Oh, sorry for my rudeness" Lothlién says, blushing. "I didn't mean to sound harsh, and I fully understand it. My name is Lothlién, by the way, very glad to meet you and this amazing place. How and where could I talk to one of the kings?"

"Their highnesses, Gnerkli and Korboz, are ususally found in the throne room, just past the inventors' workshop" replies Tervaround.