Crockta received a medal of honor from the mayor of Quantes for his work in resolving the Demon’s Mouth situation. He refused to have an ostentatious award ceremony, so the event was held modestly in the main building of the gnomes’ garrison.0

Quantes’ mayor wore a monocle and had the air of an intellectual. He looked up at Crockta, who was much taller than him.4

“Orc Crockta!” the mayor yelled.0

“Yes,” replied Crockta.0

“The city of Quantes is presenting you with a medal of honor for your contributions in resolving this incident.”0

The members of the garrison clapped enthusiastically as the mayor tip-toed, struggling to reach Crockta’s chest and pin it on his leather armor. As the mayor lowered his gaze, he saw the Demon’s Mouth on Crockta’s waist and flinched.0

“Ah!” he screamed in surprise.1

After regaining his composure, the mayor self-consciously eyed his surroundings and then let out a dry cough as he fixed his monocle.1

“Hmph! Ahem! Crockta! The citizens of Quantes will remember your heroic deeds,” the mayor stated.0

“Thank you,” replied Crockta with a nod.0

The mayor took a last glance at the Demon’s Mouth and then left the podium.0

There was a lot of talk about Crockta’s possession of the Demon's Mouth. Some gnome researchers argued that they should confiscate the Demon's Mouth from him, but the Demon's Mouth refused to leave Crockta. Whenever someone other than Crockta tried to touch the Demon’s Mouth, it bared its steel teeth and tried to bite everything and everyone in sight. Even when Crockta tried to take off the belt, it would...8