Barcus immediately sympathizes, nodding his understanding. "Same, more or less. My village was in the Underdark, close to a very prolific mine. The terrain is a little rough around us, so we were isolated and well-hidden. That made the place quite prosperous, but in order to stay well-hidden, you can't have but so many people living there, so a number of us leave for greener pastures when we come of age and send money and goods back to our families."

"Nothing so grand as a quest or mission, but I think I've done right by the family I left behind."

He chuckles softly. "Well, when I first came to Baldur's Gate for my apprenticeship, I was the only deep gnome around, and it was the halflings at the textile worker's guild that befriended me. So, rest assured, if you'll have me, I'll pay the friendship forward."