Whispers from Carnuticâ, Corroi and the Gobanios

One such story is that of the Corroi (Dwarfs). One can easily hear these stories around any of the anvils around the lands; you can even experience them if you wish.
Our Master Gobanios (Blacksmith) of Cenabum told us how his sons failed remarkably at listening to him as they went out into the mines of the Boiocasses tribe to gather some ore. He told his son to respect the Corroi as you go into their dominion.

His sons ventured into the lands of the Boiocasses to go to one of the mines that held a great treasure for forging great swords and spears. The Master Gobanios sons were so excited that they had forgotten all their father had told them before they left. As they came to the mines, the family dog would not go any further and kept barking at the entrance. The sons, in their lack of listening to the things around them, just went right into the mines, and on the way in, one of them smashed his head right at the entrance of the mines knocking him out eminently. Another was walking, not paying attention, and tripped and broke his leg. The remaining son went farther in and came to a great cavity of ore, and without hesitation, they went quickly to work and started to swing their tools, only for the land to begin to shake, trapping them inside. Luckily for them, the dog returned home to let the Master Gobanios know of the troubles. So the Master Gobanios had to venture out into the mines of the Boiocasses and make peace with the Corroi to get his ignorant sons back. Now what and how exactly did the Master Gobanios make peace with the Corroi? Well, that’s a secret that only the Gobanios know.

This is why it is imperative to give the Corroi offerings before entering their spaces, the Master Gobanios told us.

He then went on to tell us about the relationship of the Corroi and the Gobanioi, going back to the first smith Gobannos. But I’m sure you will hear those tales around separate fires around Gaul.

If you want good relations with the Corroi heed my words, said the Master Gobanios of Cenabum.

• Corroi are wise, knowledgeable, quiet, tricky, friendly, and at times unkind.
• They are protectors of their minerals and ores, so to not be tricked by them, one needs to give proper offerings if one goes into their domain looking for their treasure. Always give offerings before you enter their spaces, ensuring that your offerings are accepted before entering.
• They hold the secrets of shaping the treasures of their dominion.
• Always keep your smithy clean and in top shape, or you might find them moving your hammer around or even playing with the fire.
• They can help you, but you must let them know you have what it takes to swing the hammer.
• So if you pick up a hammer, remember what is around you.
• Building a healthy relationship is vital to learning the secrets they have.
• The most important is to understand the gifting cycle that is all around you, don’t be blind to the world that is always giving.

Note
These are my views and do not represent the whole Gaulish Realm.
Boiocasses was a tribe North Eastish of the Carnutes; iron mines have been found in the territory of the Boiocasses.