[Teregor Eltherian][Session 2 - Level 1][Part 3]

Teregor Eltherian and Bandlor sat down at a stone dining table, their butts were firmly planted on stumps, but they were too tall for the furniture. Both had their legs awkwardly sprawled out. Bandlor was leaning back against a wall while Teregor hunched forward.

Sitting up and down the table, and at other nearby tables, were dozens of kobolds. The warren was swarming with men, women, the elderly, and children. The two sat across from the kobold shaman with his green patches. To the side of Bandlor sat the kobold with red patches. To the side of Teregor sat the kobold with purple patches.

Food was brought out and served before them. A mixture of fried insect bits sprinkled atop finely seasoned venison and fried mushrooms. That and some alcohol made from a peculiar bulb the kobolds cultivated was passed around.

Bandlor took the whole pitcher of alcohol as it came around. Nursing the drink between bites of his food. Teregor dug into the food, finding the venison to be amazing, as he had rarely had it growing up.

“So why feed us?” Bandlor asked.

“Why fight for us?” The shaman asked.

“Easy, you’re little. They are big and pack a serious punch. And if you’re a true warrior you never punch down, you always punch up.” Bandlor puffed out his chest.

“Honestly, I didn’t ever feel bothered by you living so close to the village.” Teregor shrugged.

“You are from the village? Did you not hire the heroes to kill us?” The shaman squinted.

“I personally did not. Neither did anyone I know. The lord hired the rat catchers, most likely because of you hunting the deer in his forest.” Teregor tapped the venison with his fork.

“Do we look like rats?” The purple-spotted kobold held a dinner knife under El’s throat.

“It’s a figure of speech mate. Rat Catchers, as they call them, are scum who take jobs that real heroes would never.” Bandlor explained.

“Real heroes work for guilds that operate with high standards.” Teregor continued as the kobold next to him put the knife down.

“So these adventurers may not return with backup?” The shaman asked.

“It’s unlikely, but if they do then we need to be ready,” Bandlor said.

“We have our traps.” The shaman folded their arms.

“Alright, you teach me about your traps, and I’ll teach all of you how to punch up,” Bandlor said.

“Why, we can just stab them?” The purple-spotted one said.

“Or shoot them.” The red-spotted one grumbled.

“It’s a figure of speech.” Bandlor sighed.

“I don’t think that violence is the best path for us either way.” The shaman said.

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“Alright, what do you propose?” Bandlor asked.

“I think we need to forge stronger bonds with our neighbors. The village, and that lord.” The shaman folded their hands.

“Alright, well, those adventurers are on their way back to the lord.” Bandlor said.

“They will take the road. Through the woods we can be there first.” The red spotted kobold said.

“Then we should go that way.” The shaman said. “Try to strike a peace.”

“I will go with you to stand as a human ally,” Bandlor commented.

“I’d have to go home and grab some stuff,” Teregor said.

“No need, you’ll stay in the village until I get back.” Bandlor placed a hand on El’s shoulder. “I think the Shaman had a second part to his plan.”

“Yes, Kib here, one of my proteges, will join Teregor in the village to extend a helping hand to the humans. We must engage in trade with the village. Exchange culture if we have to. Anything to forge a stronger bond with our neighbors.” The shaman nods to the purple spotted kobold.

“I won’t let you down.” Kib stood from his seat.

“Then let's go to where all culture is exchanged,” Teregor said.

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Teregor Eltherian and Kib the purple spotted kobold clink tankards together, splashing ale, before Kib tilts his drink back. He downed it in seconds. After which Teregor passed him the untouched tankard he held.

“So this is one of those mole men from out of town?” Drigs asked with an eyebrow raised.

“More like little dragon men,” Teregor replied.

“We are mighty dragon men!” Kib stood up on his barstool.

The three-foot-tall kobold was not very impressive even when standing on the stool. But they pointed down at Drigs as their tail swished behind them.

“I am Kibs Foursnout!” Kib trembled as his stool became unsteady.

“Alright, buddy.” Teregor helped Kib back down to a sitting position.

“What do we do in a place like this?” Kib asked with a toothy smile.

“Darts, cards, or dice,” Drigs said.

The bartender usually had little interest in actually bartending. But he was leaning against the bar watching the kobold with great curiosity. Teregor noticed he wasn’t the only one gawking as some of the other villagers in the building were often distracted by Kib’s appearance.

“Elven darts is a game of dexterity and accuracy with small throwing darts,” Teregor explained. “Zaak is a card game where you use simple calculations and luck to win by reaching the number twenty or as close as you can to it. Bone Dice are usually used to determine one’s future, but here they use them to play Fiends Folley.”

“So why play these games?” Kibs asked.

“To earn money and bragging rights.” Teregor shrugged.

“You earn coins from these games?” Kib seemed shocked.

“Well, yeah.” Teregor motioned to behind the bar.

“I got you.” Drigs pulled out a dart board and six darts.

“I’ll bet you five gold on darts. If I win though, you owe me a tour of the warren.” Teregor said.

“Deal!” Kibs and Teregor shook on it.

Drigs set up the dart board on a wall as Teregor and Kib got ready.

El took the lead and threw a dart. He missed the board. He threw another, getting two points, and then threw another, getting four points.

Kib went next and threw a dart. He got two points, next dart was another two points, and his last dart got closer to the center getting six points. He won, but Teregor had to count out the points twice before he realized it.

“I am the winner?” Kib asked.

“Yeah, you did it fair and square.” Teregor handed over five gold to the kobold.

“I won!” Kib took the gold. “I have never been the victor of a skill based game!”

“Would you like to try one of the other games?” Teregor asked.

“Yes!” Kib responded. “Five gold bet on Bone Dice!”

“Alright, bone dice next.” Teregor smiled.

They played bone dice with Drigs and two other villagers. Everyone involved cheated in small ways to let Kib win. They’re excitement upon winning was unmatched and everyone involved felt a bit of their joy. Two more villagers jumped in when the group switched to cards. Drigs dealt for the game, but nobody held back this time. Several rounds and several drinks later, Teregor ended up carrying Kib back to his warren, and dropping him off with the sentries out front.