On the cliff face outside New Rolling Stone City, a group of Duergar were sorting out their equipment.
They carefully checked their harnesses, put on their helmets, and made sure their safety ropes were securely fastened.
Even for residents of the Underdark, exploration was a dangerous undertaking.
Aside from the countless varieties of monsters, the sheer rock faces and winding tunnels alone... one careless move, and they could be lost forever, forgotten by everyone.
Madra's tactic not only brought resources into New Rolling Stone City, but also culled its excess population.
Underground, the food needed to keep several hundred Dwarves fed and alive was clearly no small amount.
Renato was ready to go, equipped with a full set of climbing gear.
Beside him, Balin was tugging hard on a rope knot, testing whether the rock would hold.
Over twenty Duergar were present. They formed roughly six teams of three to five, checking one another's equipment.
But no one wanted to team up with Renato and Balin. In fact, the Duergar all steered clear of them, keeping their distance.
Had killing Kevora intimidated them that much? Renato wondered. He approached a Duergar carrying a crossbow, who was adjusting its string alone.
"Hello, Stone Son..."
"Spare me the nonsense, human," the Duergar interrupted impatiently. "Stop trying to speak the Dwarf language with that tongue of yours. You sound ridiculous."
"Relax. I just have a suggestion. Would you like to join my team?" Renato switched back to Common. "As you know, I'm a spellcaster, and a fairly capable one."
The Duergar gave a few derisive chuckles and shook his head.
"May Laduguer claim everything." He made a strange gesture before his chest. "Stick with that cursed one. I have no desire to die."
"Cursed one?" Renato glanced back at Balin. "What does that