"It doesn't look like we have much of a choice if we're to continue."  Vera commented, agreeing to go back and speak with the chief.

"Works for me." Jhazaal says to Miles. "Jhazaal no care if go back speak with other chief." He nods quite excitedly though, clearly wanting any optiont hat tkaes them back away from danger rather than towards it.

Miles:

”Very well, we are agreed.  We will take your message to the  Diggermattocks,” says Miles.  “Anything else you wish us to tell them?” he adds before he starts heading back to the main tunnels.

(Will update Tuesday—sorry for the wait.  Exam coming up and family coming up this weekend.)

Chipgrin shrugs.

"I'd tell him to shove his pickaxe up his arse, but I dinnae think that'd be well received.  I'll tell my men to not bother ye on yer way out."

He nods in dismissal.

(Are you just heading back the way you came?)

Miles:

Heading back out the way they came, Miles looks for their guide to take them back to the gnome leaders.

Vera followed, keeping an eye on their surroundings to make sure there were no surprises as returned to the gnomes.

The party (somewhat surprisingly) manages to make it back to the Diggermattocks' hall with no further complications.  The guards usher you in quickly, and Dorbo stands up when he sees you.

"Back so soon?  What news?"

Miles:

”Greetings, Speakers Diggermattock.  We went to the tunnels to fight the oozes, but found Wererats instead.  Though their sentries attacked without negotiation, Chief Chipgrin was willing to speak with us,” begins Miles, looking to the others to help with the discussion.

"Yes, and they're willing to share any information they know about the oozes, in return for some assurances that they will be left alone by your peoples..." Vera added.

Dorbo growls, but Senni elbows him sharply.

"Hmm.  I may not like it, but those bastards are at least part deep gnome.  Tell them we're at least open to talking, but don't make any promises beyond that."

Miles:

”Understood,” responds Miles, asking, “Is there some token of parley or at least free passage you would like me to pass on to Chief Chipgrin as we return?  He may want more proof than just our word.”

Dorbo scowls.

"If he wants more, he can come and get it himself."

"Well now that we've settled this matter, we should continue our investigation.  Is everyone ready to continue?"  Vera asked the group.

Miles:

”As you wish,” Miles responds to the taciturn gnome.  Turning to Vera, he agrees, “Let us proceed,” though he looks around and their small group seems even smaller…

OOC:  Do we have anyone else still with us, Vera?  I thought this game had died…

(No Idea.  I honestly missed the update notification and forgot to check on the game.  That's my bad)  

(i've just kind of been letting it run its course, I've been quite busy lately and people didn't seem to be responding too much.)

Jhazaal stays in the background, uninterested in this discussion.

Miles:

“So it would seem only the three of us are left,” the halfling says, looking at Vera and Jhazzal.  “If you are still with me, let us go and find ourselves a way back to the surface!” He calls, turning and moving off to go speak again with Chief Chipgrin.

Miles:

Disappearing down the dark tunnel, Miles continues to seek a passage back to the surface.  Hoping his companions join him, he continues along his journey.