"Yes...well. I was fine traveling alone from the Underdark to Baldur's Gate when I left home for my apprenticeship, but the roads got far more dangerous in the intervening years," he sighs. "Anyway, I didn't have anyone to accompany me. I suppose I could have hired, but I fear there aren't many mercenaries who would accompany a gnome to the Underdark, either."

He glances off to the side in that way people do when they're embarrassed and trying to make light of it. "As it turns out, that particular cadre of goblins had been ordered to capture any gnomes they found and bring them to their leaders for questioning. And I bit one, which was a mistake on many levels." Worst thing he's ever had in his mouth, bar none.

"Anyway, they tied me to the blade of a windmill and set it running. Fortunately, a group of adventurers showed up as the right time to intervene before I humiliated myself completely."