Dinner is a late affair, and your part is summoned to the dining hall a few minutes after the eight bell tolls. The dining hall is one of the massive rooms you witnessed from out-side, and a long table is set near one wall. You are guided to the far side of it, your two lizardfolk on your left, Asha and her children to your right, and the rest of your entourage past her. You are neither amused nor pleased at having to wait on your hostess, but play along impassively, ignoring the murmurs of your cohorts.

Seffestranias arrives what you suppose would be called 'fashionably late'. A billow of air, the beat of invisible wings, and suddenly she stands before you, occupying the massive room. Huge and red, you distantly find yourself sympathizing with humanoids confronted with dragons- you know she isn't that much larger than you are, but the fact that she is terrifically large while you are small and un-scaled is brought painfully to mind. You shunt it away, though, and stand. Reminded by your actions, you group follows suit.

“Ah.. Greetings to the great Queen of Beren. Your beauty is surpassed only by your majesty.” you say levelly, nodding your head. Scinnari makes a similar motion, while those around you bow fully.

“And greetings to you, Lord Varian, Lady Katya.” Seffestranias replies, voice a titanic purr. “I was told you'd be arriving today. It is nice to meet a... sorcerer of your power.”

“And an honor to meet a dragon of your stature.” you reply. “Allow me to introduce my party... My wife you seem to already know, as well as her servant, Asha. Asha's children... Master Engineer Badran, Tradesmith Dorran, and Overseer Ranglin, and guards, emissaries of the dwarven enclave on Mza. Guild officials Stephens, Valeria, and Esthen, and guards, emissaries of the trade interests of Mza. Finally, Zaxis and Kzessa, personal retainers.” you say, introducing the important names of those with you, skipping over their minions.

“I see... A comprehensive group. I look forward to making all your acquaintances...” Seffestranias says, gaze passing among the group. The humans quail under it, the dwarves meet her eyes, though you notice their hands turning white as the grip the table. Asha looks down, Scinnari meets her eyes, as do you, ostensibly unimpressed. Her sweep slows towards the end, lingering on you and the lizardfolk, Zaxis and his sister.

“Perhaps we can continue over dinner.” Seffestranias says, a signal, apparently. Dozens of servant swarm into the room, setting the table, from where her wingbeats blew it into disarray, and bringing dishes and trays of food. Seffestranias merely sits, watching you eat. Presumably, what is served is a bit too small in size to be much for her. You watch her in return, as you eat, sizing her up.

A bit larger than you, she ripples with muscle. And scars- You are surprised at quite how many she has. On barely misses her left eye, her forelegs and chest are striated at random, and her wings are almost a patchwork, the maze of healed scar-tissue resembling a street map. Obviously an experienced combatant, you suppose, and her invisible entrance would suggest that she has at least some spell-casting ability, or magical devices that can offer a facsimile of such.

“While I would not wish to press, nor to I wish to question the excellent hospitality you provide...” you say loudly, voice carrying, “I must confess to being mildly curious as to why you desire my acquaintance, and extended such an invitation.”

“Ah... You may not know, oh Sorcerer-King, but your fame has spread rapidly. Few can single handedly force nations to grind to a halt on their doorstep.” Seffestrainas replies. “And a powerful trade partner who has no designs on the region is always a useful ally.”

“Yes, great Queen.” one of the guild representatives pipes up, obviously terrified, but plunging ahead anyway. “The Antarry Guild is interested in opening up relations with you-r city. Ah... My superiors believe.. they.. That is to say, they they believe other merchants to have foolishly written off Beren as too hazardous, giving in to their fears...”

“And do you think those fears entirely unjustified?” Seffestranias asks, head swinging to face the merchant, Stephens. He seems on the verge of fainting, but perhaps too terrified to do so.

“I think his personal opinions have very little bearing on what he has been ordered to profess.” you observe drily.

“In that case, perhaps yourself. Surely no one orders a mage as mighty as yourself? Excepting, perhaps, the Lady Katya?” Seffestranias replies. You allow a faint smile, albeit one that bares your teeth, at her words.

“I came to find out whether such fears would be justified. I have known enough... creatures, be they fellow mortals or dragons like your self... to avoid making broad assumptions.” you reply. “I assume you are interested in your own benefit, as are we all. My question would only be how you intend to pursue that noble objective.”

“I see...” the dragon replies. “And you are confident enough that you feel safe finding out by walking into the dragons proverbial den?”

“Not so proverbial.” you agree neutrally, holding out your wine glass for a servant to refill it. “However, I should hope I did not come all this way to trade barbs with you, no matter how worthy an opponent you would be. If you were to tell me what you desire, I might be of more immediate assistance.”

“Bold. I see. Very well.” she replies, sounding pleased with your un-intimidated responses. “Master Engineer Badran.” she says, causing the dwarf to freeze, “I am interested in hiring out the services of.. your kind. Beren has had a history of routinely being conquered, despite all it's inhabitants could do... I would like to hire someone... some competent assistance in fortifying this city.”

Badran doesn't seem particularly enthused, but does seem emminently professional. “It can happen. Lord Prestor did the same, way back. We can do it, but it'll be expensive, and we.. ah, require favorable working conditions.” the dwarf says, evidently searching for a polite way to state his requirements.

Fuck yes Dragon Quest!

“I assure you, dwarves taste terrible- And eating my servants makes it quite difficult to get anything done.” Seffestranias replies. She doesn't wait for an answer before turning to the guildsmen. “Sir... Stephen.” He gulps at his name. “You might be surprised at how many merchants in the area refuse to do business here, or refuse to sell certain.. items. I suspect significant pressure from my fellow rulers in the neighborhood to be responsible. Can the Antarry Guild provide what they refuse?”

“I.. My... Lady, without a doubt. We- ah, would never presume to differentiate based on... on... groundless prejudice.” he stammers. You suspect she's enjoying his terror more than you are.

“Fabulous.... And you, Lord Prestor. I am interested in working with your vassals, those who would be protected from local interference by your name. I believe this would require you to make some local demonstrations, to keep my neighbors sufficiently cowed, but I would be willing to compensate you most excellently, should you accede.”

“A generous offer.” you say, agreeing to nothing.

“Indeed, and one that need not be answered immediately. Feel free to sleep upon it, if you so desire.” she replies.

Agree, and after dinner present the gift as one head of state to another. Say that from the other dragons we have known through the years we we hope that she will likewise enjoy the rubies.

Then let our tradesmen go back to their rooms while we set out implications that we would like to speak with her in a less formal setting.

What do the scars appear to be from? And how does she stack up to our dragon's eye? Comely? How old, roughly? Any odd features? Things like that. As a dragon ourselves I imagine we should be able to pick out many small things that only a dragon would know to look for.

>>13632801
And by less formal I mean a den or library of some sort. Somewhere we can discuss matters away from the lessers in general.

>>13632819

Second this
But when meeting with we should do everything in our power to keep who really are a secret

>>13632819
Comely or not would be subject to personal preference. She seems slightly older than you, but nothing terribly significant. A decade or two, perhaps.

The scars you would assume are from combat or some sort, though some of them look large enough that it can't all have been conflict with the lesser races. Perhaps giants, demons, or other dragons, perhaps? Either way, she looks an experience combatant, one you wouldn't relish fighting yourself. (Particularly not in close quarters.)

Beyond her liberal scars and more muscular build, the oddest thing you notice is a patch of scales on her left shoulder that seem warped, almost half-melted... Totally ridiculous for a Red dragon, of course, and very strange.

>>13632703
Agreeing that we should say that it's a matter which certainly warrants careful thought, and that we would like to discuss its details in a less formal setting.

If what she says is true and her neighbors have been effectively embargoing it, by sending in our merchants we'll be breaking a blockade and prompting retaliation. We can indeed shut them down, hard, if they attempt to mess without our people- but that would be effectively agreeing to what she asks regardless. So basically what I'm saying is that we should speak for all our people here, and after we've gotten a good assessment of the situation either everyone trades with Beren and we go all in to protect them while they do so, or no one trades at all. No sense sending out our merchants to suffer convenient piracy and have our economy weakened.

And, of course, protecting our people includes protecting them from her. If we make this deal, we make sure that we'll benefit from it greatly, and that our people will be glad of our taking a hand in making it happen.

>>13632988
Hellfire would do that. It burns but is pure damage, uncounterable by anything including fire immunity.

We could ask Scinnari about that, she almost certainly has experience with hellfire.

>>13632994
seconded this sounds like a sound plan

The dinner proceeds without significant event. Your hostess keeps up a steady stream of talk, singling out members of your group. Scinnari and you remain as serene as ever, and Zaxis and Kzessa seem calm, if not quite as confident as they usually are. As the meal concludes, you stand, holding out a hand to Asha. She immediately produces the gift you brought along for Seffestranias, and you pass it to a servant.

"Your gracious hospitality is appreciated. As a token of... respect, I have brought a small gift. Judging by other dragons I have known, I hope it will prove satisfactory." you state, watching as the servant takes it up to her. He opens the casket, and you see her eyes almost glow as she sees what it contains.

"A princely gift... You are most generous, Lord Prestor." she replies, pleasure evident in her voice. She damn well better be happy, it felt like pulling teeth to give those rubies up.

"Thank you. Perhaps we might continue your discussion somewhere else tonight. Your offer, as presented, was quite appealing."

"Of course." she says, turning her attention back to you. "Please escort his... followers back to their rooms." she says, to which the servants jump to obey. "If you would care to accompany me to another room? Perhaps your wife or retainers, as well, or just us?"

>>13633118
Either alone or with just Scinnari I think.

>>13633118
Just Scinnari with us, but I would be fine with alone also.

>>13633118
Only bring the Lady Katya.

>>13633180
Ia it just the two of us in here oh well we seem to agree for now Us and Scinnari is best

>>13633227
>>13633219
>>13633203
>>13633180
Scinnari it is.

"My lady?" you say quietly, offering Scinnari your hand.

"Thank you." she replies, rising.

"Escort them to my... library." Seffestranias orders to no one in particular. A guard moves forward, greeting you politely as the rest of your minions are lead away.

"This way, lord, lady." he says, leading you through a hall. Behind you, you feel wingbeats as Seffestranias rises into the air, and through the 'skylight'.

A brief walk through a nearby corridor, past a few guards, and around a corner leads you into a massive chamber. Faintly reminiscent of the palace of Azar, the domed chamber is walled with bookshelves, and where they don't cover, the walls and cieling are tiled to resemble a cavern, although a very regular one. In the center, Seffestranias lounges upon a sea of gold, though you notice a few lesser denominations mixed in. A few racks around the room hold weapons or armors, fit for various humanoids, and of various makes. All of them look extremely well-crafted, presumably just more of her hoard.

Her hoard, you are disheartened to find, seems larger than yours. Understandable- she's just been making money, you suppose where as you have been investing it in other matters, but still a blow to your pride. The room feels permeated with magic, you suspect some illusion enhancements, perhaps hiding or enhancing parts of her hoard, as well as the dweomers residing upon the items and bookshelves around the room.

"Welcome to my... humble abode." Sefestrainias greets, sounding quite aware of the incongruity of her statement. "Take a seat, if you desire." she offers, gesturing at a few chairs, rich with inlay and carvings. You take her up on her invitation, leaning close to Scinnari as she passes you.

"The gold is illusory." she whispers as you pass, "The items and books-" she tries to add, but you pull away from her too quickly, unable to keep up appearances. Ah, well. It softens the blow of the display, at least.

>>13633569
"You are an interesting figure, Varian." Seffestranias says as you sit. "Most of your position would not deign to consort with lizardmen or... pirates, I suspect. Which is essentially what your city was, before you took control?"

"Essentially, yes." you agree, nodding with her. "Still, one does what one can. You, however, have an advantage on me- I know less about the Angevis states than you do about Mza, apparently. Your neighbors have you under an... embargo, you said?"

"I did not say, but you are correct. They seem... singularly reluctant to assist any of their fellow rulers, and even more reluctant to allow me any concessions. Some times I think they all fancy themselves Angevis the second. Sadly, they've also been singularly devoted in opposing me. I cannot purchase construction materials, for instance, or weapons. They seem to be hoping that this will make it easier for some intrepid... adventurers... to depose of me."

"That sounds remarkably foolish." you observe with a tone suggesting potential sympathy. You look around the room, eying the weaponry and armour. "Still, you seem to have an... extravagant armoury here."

>>13633577
She gives a quiet, hissing laugh. "Ah... my personal... trinkets. The robes of Mallan the Grey... I'm afraid his body didn't survive." she says, gesturing at rack upon which the robes hang. "The shield of lord Tamman. He... left it behind, as he fled the field of battle. Along with his sword. Trinkets, trophies... My neighbors were much more pro-active in their opposition when I was a more recent arrival."

"And you personally discouraged it?" you reply. "Few can single-handedly force nations to grind to a halt on their doorstep." you observe, echoing her earlier words.

"Yes." she purrs, practically preening. "Crushing the first few was all that was necessary, especially when the found out how... little their common humanity means." she adds.

"Ah... their neighbors turned upon them once they'd weakened themselves against you." you guess, correctly, it seems. "I don't suppose you encouraged any of that?"

"I'm sure I have no /idea/ to what you refer, Lord Prestor." Seffestranias replies blandly, somehow managing to suggest exactly the opposite.

IRC discussion composing a proper plan. Will post finalized soon.

>>13633723
Incidentally, this IRC that they speak of is IRChighway.net, Channel of #dragonquest.

Feel free to carry on discussions in thread, too.

>>13633601
Here's the plan.

Given what we now know of her desires and needs, we want to propose an exclusive trade deal with her- she makes it so that the only legal imports of whatever goods are currently embargoed by the nations around her are those which are marked by having been created in or shipped through Mza, indefinitely. She loses nothing at the moment by doing this, since she can't get them elsewhere anyway.

We proceed to ship her them, importing through wherever is most convenient to us.

Of course, as Beren is not coastal, we'll need to ship these goods through one of her current political rivals, which should require a modest display of power on both our parts and possibly a few demonstrations that interference will not be tolerated. To determine where our new trade route would be most effectively placed, Seffestranias (hereafter "Seffy", out of character) should provide us with her extensive knowledge of the nations/city-states between herself and the coast which might take it upon themselves to interfere. We can then hash out who is weakest and most easily browbeaten/intimidated.

>>13633830

This sounds like a sound plan chaps seconded

>>13633830
Might also be worth investigating if her country has anything of value we might want access to since it seems we'll be one of the few people trading with her. Based on which of the weaker neighbours there are, we might want to look into setting up our own trading company there similar to what Cygnis did or finding a way to infiltrate that nation for our own needs.

>>13633830
We should also see if we can be a "front" for any goods produced in her city. One of our persistent problems has been we don't produce anything and therefore are reliant on location and service industry as well as being a trade nexus for our wealth and power.

We can use this opportunity to secure a supplier that peddles their goods through Mza.

"Regardless of whether or not Mza is providing the goods, your neighbors are unlikely to be very willing to let them through." you observe, inviting her to comment.

"But there is little they can do, without risking both your and my wrath." she reasons.

"If you will pardon my highlighting the obvious, they already risk that. The only difference will be me, and I do not wish to be occupied with... business trips, very frequently." you say with a hint of annoyance. She nods.

"Threat of my wrath alone is less effective. They would... unite against me, if they thought I was becoming too bold." she admits. "You, however, have a navy capable taking any two or three of the independent ports on the route, and have a reputation to be feared... some of your Rhasverian captives ended up among them, after you released them. Their tales of horror and terror are... quite imaginative." she says. Ah...

"Not quite as imaginative as you might think." Scinnari says from beside you, confident and self-satisfied. "So the only major opponents would be whatever cities are on the road between the ports and Beren. Your thoughts on them?"

Seffestranias stares Scinnari down for a moment, then nods. "Weak. Even more disparate than most Angevin successor-states. A competent merchant would be able to play them off against each other. You presence," she says, turning back to you, "Would only be necessary for a few... initial demonstrations, I think, before they would learn."

"A competent overseer could play them off against each other..." Scinnari repeats speculatively. "Are you suggesting that you have none? Otherwise, why have you not done so yet?"

You shoot a glare at Scinnari. She may be correct, but there's no real point in baiting Seffestranias.

"The refuse interaction with me... Perhaps something about too many of their sons and husbands burning in the pass." she says coldly. "You, aiding me, they would not like, but would not have the same... unity, in opposing and refusing."

"That seems reasonable." you interject, eyes roving among the standards, suits of armor, and weapons on display around the room. A couple of the standards to seem fairly singed, you notice. "In exchange... How about exclusive provider status? Only sell goods that were made on Mza, or have shipped through the island."

"You ask much.... But it is still more than I am getting currently." she concedes. "But only upon goods that goods that are not being provided by my.. neighbors.".

>>13634069

"I can reluctantly accede to that." you reply. "Perhaps Mza can also serve as a hub for distributing what you produce... The finer details are probably something best left in the hands of my guild representatives." you say with an air of magnanimous concession.

"That would probably be best. That is, after all, what we suffer them for." she replies with an amused tone. "Very well. Unless there is anything else, we can resume tomorrow?"

>>13634094
Seems fine for now. No need to say anything else, I imagine.

>>13634136
Indeed. Curious to see what Scinarri has to say. If the gold IS fake, this red dragon might be in a more desperate situation in terms of gold than she wants us to think.

>>13634159
Dunno about that. It could just be she doesn't want people coming and stealing it, but still wants to impress.

>>13634094
Ask that she have one of her representatives/spymasters give your people documents detailing the locations we're discussing and their believed capabilities for our review. Not that we don't believe her assessment is entirely correct, but such endeavors should be entered into with both eyes open and all information possible.

Aside from that, I think we're fine at concluding for the day. When we retire to our room, switch languages to something that we and Scinnari speak but most spies wouldn't, and discuss what she was able to see with her truesight. Also warn her that few reds are as generous as we and antagonizing Seffy unnecessarily, while amusing, could cast aside the potential for vast profit.

>>13634180
I'm not sure we have a common language other than Draconic and Common.

>>13634170
The room sounded magical and if it really is her horde, she would have protection there. But you are correct, perhaps she's just hiding her true horde else where. Something to keep in mind in our side investigations that I imagine might be worth pursuing. Regardless, it seems like this red isn't as stupid as some people initially thought when we first heard about her.

>>13634202
If we've had a devil as our lover for fifteen years and don't speak Infernal yet, I am very disappointed in us.

>>13634202
I asked WD. He agreed that we're a polyglot, being a dragon and all, but the thing is, Seff is also a dragon. So, she may understand more languages than us.

>>13634180
I don't think we have any languages that Seffy wouldn't know. Best to phrase it in a way that doesn't reveal what we are.

>>13634221
We should get on that if we don't.

>>13634224
>>13634225
But I doubt that Seffy is personally spying on us. She might be, sure, but it's more likely that she's got minions listening in. They're much less likely to be as multilingual as we.

>>13634244
Why not think up of an excuse to get paper and a quill and then write what we need to find out from each other while having a random conversation out loud? Then just dispose of the written conversation.

>>13634242

I'd get right on her if you know what I mean.

>>13634244
I think they'd transcribe and report to the Seff.

A few quick questions, what chapter is this, and where can I find the particulars for this quest?

>>13634282
32 I think, and it's in the archive. Dragon Quest.

I think we're discussing minutiae at this point. The important thing is, have a private conversation with Scinnari. Hell, she's telepathic, isn't she? Just use that.

>>13634282
This is Dragon Quest, chapter... what, 31? 32? Something like that. Check sup/tg/ tags to find (almost) all the threads.

>>13634282
32
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=dragon%20quest
Though one of the chapters isn't on that list, it's under just "dragon" I think.

And chapter 1 has been MIA for a long time.

You talk shifts to less formal matters, and shortly you excuse yourself. Or are dismissed, possibly. You suppose it would depend on who you ask. Either way, you are escorted back to your rooms, guards handing you off to the next pair as you change sections of the palace.

"Please, in the future, do not be quite as confrontational with her. Not all dragons are as... understanding, as those you have been exposed to in the past." you say to Scinnari as you enter your room.

"Ah... sorry, milord." Scinnari replies, not totally contritely.

"It may be in your best interest not to get eaten, yes?" you add dryly, pouring a glass of wine from the bottle left on your table. You exit the room, onto the balcony, and enjoy the cool night breeze. And the view- the room gives the impression of looking from a mountaintop, city and land dropping away from you.

>>13634282
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=dragon+quest

The first one isn't archived, but not a whole lot happened in the first thread, as far as I can tell.

>>13634323
"Are you coming to bed?" Scinnari asks from behind you.

"In a bit. Perhaps it would be best not to use this bed anyway." you reply, paranoia speaking in your mind.

"I- You may be right." Scinnari replies, sounding odd. You turn.

"Under your pillow, as it happens. I trust you did not leave it there?" she says mildly, waving a folded piece of parchment.

"Correctly, as it happens." you remark, accepting it from her. You unfold it, and begin to read.

"Lord Prestor.
Should you receive this, know that I wish to speak to you. Potentially concerning our self-styled 'Queen', it may also involve other matters of import. If you can find a way to excuse yourself sometime tonight or tomorrow, I or an agent of mine will be waiting for you within the Battered Helm, a tavern of reasonable quality on the northern side of town. I do hope you will be willing, or at least curious enough, to meet with me. Come alone."

"Unsigned." you mutter in somewhat tenuous infernal, offering it to Scinnari.

"So I see..." she replies in the same language. "What do you intend to do about it? I assume you don't intend to go alone?"

>>13634318
>>13634312
>>13634311

>>13634353
Meant to say thanks, stupid Captcha

>>13634337
Go, but not alone. Take Scinnari and Asha?

>>13634337
Let's use telepathy for private communication from here on out, yes?

Now, we can shapeshift but Scinnari can not. We should probably handle this alone, she will be spotted and she can keep an eye on things here while we are gone.

>>13634382
No Asha. Maybe Scinnari.

>>13634337
Get some telepathy up in this. Top notch security, that.

I see no reason not to go, and less reason to actually go alone. Bring Asha and Scinnari as invisible backup, naturally.

Actually, tomorrow a fair chunk of our entourage should be dispersing through the city carrying out their various tasks, making trade connections, assessing potential construction needs, what have you. Teaching her children the basics of what assassins need to know in an urban setting and making them less terrible at crowds and social stuff. Have one or more of them stop by the tavern in advance, seemingly at random, and do a decent assessment before we go in.

Scinnari is never more than a standard action away, so we should be fairly secure.

We should go, but shapeshifted. Scinnari and Asha follow invisibly.

This whole thing could be a set up, of course.

>>13634433
When we shapeshift do it inside a rope trick, just in case there are eyes watching normally rather than scrying. We don't want anything about us revealed, and it's possible that we could be revealed as a dragon if someone saw how we change.

>>13634489
We're a known sorcerer. I don't think shapeshifting is too out of the ordinary given our reputation.

>>13634525
It's the way we do it, without casting spells and such. Scinnari immediately noticed our shapeshifting was odd and nonhuman when we used it the first time around her.

>>13634489
Ima second the be careful to conceal our true method of shapeshifting.

>>13634416
###############################
"Asha's son came back. The tavern's mostly empty, there's a group that looks like adventurers, though, as well as a few random individuals." Scinnari informs you.

"Right. Follow me in, and request that Asha stay on hand, but cloaked." you think back, heading down the street. There's a brief lag while Scinnari presumably obeys you, and then you 'hear' her confirmation. You pause to observe the building: old, but not run down, and with a relatively new coat of paint. A rather elderly looking pot helm, battered, scuffed, and dented, as the name would suggest, hangs from a beam outside the door. No other sign signals the inn's presence, though something about the building seems to say 'tavern' to all who see it.

"I'm heading in. Please accompany me." you do your best to broadcast,

"Of course." Scinnari replies mentally, and you feel her behind you as you open the door and glance about the interior before stepping inside.

The interior is somewhat gloomy, despite the day outside. Perhaps the innkeeper only puts out lights when it's dark, who knows. In one corner, a group of individuals huddle around a table, presumably the adventurers reported, and a few others sit around the room. One of them calls you quietly.

"Prestor? Ah, so glad of you to come." a human... no, half-elf in the corner says. "Kind of you to show."

>>13634670

>>13634670
>>13634680
>Goddamnit.
#############
"And you would be...?" you say, ignoring the proffered chair and pulling out a different one. "More importantly, you would want...?"

"Want? Well, to the point, at least. First, I was wondering if I could ask you your impression on our dear queen. I dare say you met with her last night."

"Large. Scaly. A dragon." you reply. "What do you mean, my impression? She's a red dragon."

"Ah, well, sorry about that, it's just some feel all... polarized about that kind of thing." he replies. "Driven to crusade, or all agog simply because she happens to be a winged lizard. Some people. Anyway, may I ask-"

"Not until you tell me who you are, and what you want." you state with irritation. "I have other things to be doing."

"Ah. Right, fair enough. I'm... Well, I don't really matter, but I happen to be currently employed by a minor nobility type. Didn't get a name. Safe to say, though, he thinks it'd all be very much nicer if he or a fellow human were in charge of this city. Dragons are less susceptible to bribes, I think that's his problem."

"Really."

"Yeah, yeah. As for what I want... it's more what they want." the half-elf says, gesturing at the group of adventurers in the corner. "My employer wonders if you could be convinced to assist them, either personally, or just with information. I don't actually know what they want, but it doesn't take an archmagi to guess." he says, nodding at the group.

HELL NO!!!!!!!

>>13634687
"Of course I could be convinced to assist them. Whether you're going to put forth the amount of persuasion needed to accomplish that feat is an entirely separate matter, however."

>>13634687
Help them.

Into a grave. We'll see what they want to know and give them bad info in exchange for information we make up off the top of our head. We then go report this to the dragoness afterward, because really... we don't like dragon slayers at all.

>>13634748
Err, that is, they will pay us for bad info then we will go to Seffy and inform her of this threat.

>>13634765
Let me correct you: we will send one of our agents to warn seffy of this threat. Don't want to look like we had a direct hand in betraying them just in case they succeed against the odds or in case we need plausible denyability for future dealings with this treasonous noble

>>13634828
How about we deliver the message face to face rather than through a servant, because otherwise it can either be intercepted or repeated what happened at a later date.

I think the overall consensus here is "Play along for now, but plan to betray these guys to their deaths later." We can get a lot more information and possibly some profit out of this if we keep cool.

I would oppose lying or or making any firm commitments now. We'll be here for a while; we can spend some time stringing them along until we can set a proper trap.

>>13634687
> Dragons are less susceptible to bribes

...

Wat.

>>13634881
Yeah, he's just trying to snow us. These guys are probably dragonslayers hired to nobly crusade against the red beast dominating the poor humans.

>>13634881
Small ones most likely

>>13634891
Or the noble in question simply wants all the power for himself.

"Why? Has she not provoded safety, security, and prosperity? I see no rioting masses, I see no Terrorized peasants; for a land know to be rife with struggles, she's provided a more secure land for her people than has been in this regeon for centuries. What justification have you?"

We - of course - will kill them when it suits us. Fucking dragon killers. Don't like that lot. Not one bit.

>>13634687

Bait them for the time being. Find a way to get them to be one of the local "displays" that our fellow red dragon has asked us to perform in the near future. Also getting out of them a large list of anyone supporting them would be an extra bonus to our potential trade plans.

>>13634968

Me thinks this is best

>>13634968

As a further add on to my original post. We tell Seffy in advance we're "assisting" them for the time being since she seems to be the direct confrontation type and we don't want to cause an issue. Good idea might be to have them lead us to their employer(s) and then do. Only problem is killing them in a manner that suggests it was in opposition against the dragon would create an more united front to our trade advances. So I think we should intentionally cause some public aggravation with their employer about our trade practices so it looks like their are getting dealt with for those reasons. Bonus points if we use that potential dispute to be the reason we go to the noble's house as a guise to actually meet with him from the adventurer's prospective so they believe it is us trying to simply be subtle about the situation.

And as always, we do the invisible crystal trick interrogation method while their sleeping as needed. (Anyone else seeing this being too abusable AND repeatable with little effort in the future. I guess as a DM it bugs me of the potential of the PCs having such an tool of easy abuse.)

"And can you offer compensation worth the information?" you ask.

"Well, they're adventurers. They're idea of compensation is to not cut you up and leave you in a ditch." the half-elf whispers conspiratorially to you. "However, my boss has told me he can promise a few hundred gold-" you stare levelly at him, and he corrects himself. "Alright, a few thousand gold. Can't blame a guy for trying to make a cut. Anyway, two thousand gold," he says, producing a pair of beautiful, well-cut sapphires from his sleeve, "in exchange for chatting with the kind mercenaries for a bit. What do you say?"

You say nothing, reaching out to take one of the sapphires and examine it. Real, solid, and extremely nice. The color of a cloudless sky... You suppose these will do. You hold out your hand for the other one, and he offers it to you.

"Scinnari, please... be ready." you think, standing.

"Of course. I heard what he said. You'd be surprised how many 'noble adventurers' end up on the rocks of Styx..." she thinks back, and you approach the so-called 'dragon hunters'.

"I am told you wanted to talk to me?" you ask.

"Yes, as it happens." a blond elf agrees. "We're interested in what you know about dragons. One dragon, in particular, since it's a reference we all know."

"He doesn't look like much." a human woman in a green cloak says from across the table. "This is our 'sorcerer king'?"

>>13635187


"Quiet, Varra. At least try some semblance of politeness. Please, don't mind her." the elf says, apologizing. He seems to be the elected face of the group. "First of all... Do you consider dear Seffes- Seffy, our queen, to be.. not honorable, but reliable? If we performed a task for her, could we trust her to pay off, once it was done? Or to behave reasonable in the face of failure, or partial success?"

Alright, that wasn't quite the question you were prepared for. You buy time.

"And what am I being paid for this information?" you ask.

"I was under the impression that you'd already been paid, mage." the woman, Varra, snaps out from across you.

"Please, Varra, we can't blame him for trying to get paid twice. We've done it plenty of times. Here... How about... what do you suggest?"

"A hundred gold an answer. Or equivalent value." you say. "I am willing to quibble, depending on the quality of the answer."

"I... see..." the blond elf replies, though you suspect he's hiding his distress. "We can manage that, I think. Knowledge is power, after all, isn't it Maln?" A bald human across from the elf nods silently. A wizard of some sort, at a guess.

"In that case, I can tell you that I do not have very much to go on for the question you've already asked." you reply truthfully. It may be best to avoid telling straight lies, you suspect. "I believe she would be honorable so long as she was in a good mood, or stood to lose significantly by proving dishonorable. If she was displeased with your results, though, and especially if it stood to save her significant gold, I don't think you can trust her."

>>13635199


That answer is actually probably true, but not something you could easily lie about. If anything, they were probably estimating your reliability with it.

"Twenty five gold." you demand.

"Hardly worth a-" Varra starts, but the elf cuts her off.

"Twenty five is a bit much, but you are at least reasonable. Twenty. Varra, let /me/ do the talking." he says, snapping at her with the last part. You nod and wordlessly accept the gold.

"Red dragons... can they take on human guise? Shape shift, or polymorph? Correction, what dragons can do that?" he says, voicing a second question. Scinnari's laughter dances in your mind.

"Not at all." you reply seriously. "Only metallic dragons can. Golds, Silvers, and possibly Bronze, I do believe. One hundred."

"I see." the elf replies, giving Varra a warning glance as he counts out ten platinum pieces. "And... let's see..." he says, "Seffy... She lives in the palace?"

"Almost exclusively, as far as I know." you reply. "She was there when I arrived, and I have not seen her leave. You'd see her leave, after all. Red dragons in the sky are hard to miss." you point out. Your words are reasonable, he nods.

"Eighty, Eighty five, then." he says, offering you a gemstone. You hold it up to the light leaking through the wall, and scowl, passing it back. He makes apologetic noises, and offers you another one as well. Much better.

"More... broadly speaking... do you know what other dragons are in the vicinity?" he asks. You pause, feigning thought.

"I know of a few, actually, though I am relatively new to this location. I knew of two in Freeport, and there are several south, in or near Tashz." you say. Technically true. "Seffestranias, however, may have a mate." you caution. Not technically a lie.

>>13635209
"Really?" he says, somewhat startled.

"Indeed. You've seen her scars?" you ask, bluffing and weaving around actually saying anything. "Some of them came from combat, sure. But let's just say that dragons are.... not quite as gentle with each other as you might think. Certainly won't be to you, if you're planning to fight her." Your blatant lies skirt carefully around outright statements, and you hear Scinnari's amusement in your mind. Truth be told, you're having to work to keep a straight face. "Beyond that, though, I do not know of any other dragons in the region."

"Oh, no, no, perish the thought." The elf says, drawn aback. "No, we, ah... Are just looking for information. Thinking here. We have no plans as of yet, whatever your- our contact may have told you. We mislead him so that he would arrange this meeting." he says. "I- Alright. And... dragons are not typically devout. Are they? For instance, they don't erect temples or shrines, and don't... pray? They have no organized religion?"

"They do. Some devote themselves to the Platinum Dragon, or the Five-Headed Goddess. They do not congregate, or anything of the sort, but some declare themselves clerics, and lead lives as crusading paladins, for their gods." Not strictly false, but a serious exaggeration. And the draconic equivalent of a paladin is without a doubt different in motives than a mortal one.

"I see..." the elf replies, "You've given us much to think about. Might I offer you.. Ah, this?" he says, holding forth a dagger. It's unadorned and very simple-looking, though you detect some magic on it.

>>13635216
Cast identify on the dagger before accepting it.

>>13635216
Smells like a trap. Maybe an enchantment to let them spy on us or something along those lines... I don't see why they'd offer us this blade when they were so stingy with money. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

No this reeks of trap, most likely a bug of some sort do not accept

>>13635247
Identify, detect magic, then throw it away - you don't want anything tracing you back to the hunters

>>13635294
Might as well try to sell it under a guise.

>>13635294
throwing dagger away later in the night I mean.
just give it to a peasant

>>13635339
What a waste. If we magically identify it and it's clean why would we do that? Sell it instead.

OFFER TO PAY THEM FOR SOME CANDID ANSWERS OF THEIR OWN.

1 HAVE THEY BEEN CONTRACTED BY SEFFY TO DO SOMETHING? OR ARE THEY PLANNING TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

2 WHY THE INTEREST IN THE DRACONIC POLITICS IN THE AREA?

BOTH ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO LORD WHATEVER-OUR-PSEUDONYM-IS GIVEN THAT WE MAY HAVE BUSINESS DEALING WITH SEFFY AFFECTED BY THIS.

"I'd prefer more fungible material." you reply, refraining from touching the dagger. For all you know, they enchanted it just to look enchanted, not to actually do anything. And that's one of the nicer things it could be. "Something more easily traded." you reply when the elf looks confused for a moment.

"Ah. Right, ah... A hundred?"

"Two hundred." you reply, "I have given you two answers."

"Right. Right, fair enough." he replies hurriedly. "Ah.. Two hundred gold. Right." What he offers you is a mish-mash of platinum, silver, and gold, but it does add up to the desired two hundred.

"Very well, then. If that is all..?" you ask.

"I'd like to request that you keep silent, but short of indulging Varra, there's little we can do on the subject, beyond ask." the elf says. "Thank you for your time, lord. We- well, I wish you well with your negotiations." he adds, as you rise to leave.

Guys, guys, he's offering us free stuff. Just have him put it in our bag without having us touch it, we'll analyze it for curses later. And if it's clean, then it goes on the hoard.

I am not displeased with this conversation. We are a colossal troll, and while at least one of our statements is a fairly obvious lie- there are dozens of people who can tell them that Seffy can cast spells and invisibility is one of them- we did get paid quite well, and they don't seem like particularly rabid dragonslayers.

I'd thank them, and as a consideration for their final gift before we leave add that a dragon Seffy's size has nontrivial spellcasting abilities (which is like a DC 15 knowledge check, easy to know, and costs us nothing).

After we leave, have Scinarri/Asha stalk the adventurers and the half-elf, respectively, to find out where they go if anywhere.

Time for some stealth based shenanigans. Find out their plans. Maybe get scinari to pass by them with the Sage Spinel in tow and then find out whats really going on? Or just bust out some old-timey spying?

>I'll be sad if Prestor isn't a black dragon in disguise

>>13635415
Part of me wants to deal with these adventurers ourselves. Varra needs to learn respect. Also, how did they know we were here for negotiations? I suppose it might be obvious but was our arrival even announced and all? The Queen didn't really make much of an announcement of it it seems. Just the soldier escort.

>>13635415
"Very well, but I would advise against indulging Varra to keep me quiet. I would rather not wipe out half this city in a fit of petulance, to ensure you were dead. It would seriously hamper future trips abroad."

Anyone else think this felt more like we were being tested?

I'm just thinking we should check over everything we just got for hidden magic, just in case.

>>13635517
We'd have smelled the magic on it.

>>13635481
Those are visible. I'm more interested in their questions- It seems like they're not actually hunting her, but may be after something else dragon-related. I'm moderately interested.


Also, has any conclusion been reached in the chat regarding Seffy? I mean, roughly our age and a (dirty) red to boot... At the very least, I'm wondering why she's such a scarred broad.

>>13635537
Who knows, everyone has a past. It could just be she was young and brash a long time ago and has finally started to wise up. Or perhaps those adventurers who have been hampering her efforts were more trouble than she led us to believe.

>>13635537
It's easy enough to draw a conclusion on that- where we've spent years finessing our way into ever more power, she brute forced it. It's been basically openly stated that she's burned armies; you don't do that even as a dragon without taking some hits.

Even with our relatively few combats in dragon form, we've probably picked up a few rather nasty scars. When she's been personally fending off assassination attempts by the dozen and meeting armies in the field by the handful... it's amazing that she's not one giant mass of scar tissue.

>>13635589
I don't know about that. We've been careful to heal immediately to avoid scars so far, whenever possible. We're vain like that.

"i put on my trenchcoat and detective hat"

Its sleuthing time.

"Scinnari, get Asha. I want one of you tailing each group." you mentally order. You can't see her nod, but she accepts, and you feel her brush out the door just ahead of you.

"And see what you can learn about that Varra woman. If the opportunity presents itself, I owe her a lesson in manners." you add with some venom. Noting it, you forcibly calm yourself; she pissed you off, but you shouldn't be revealing it.

"Of course, mi'lord." Scinnari replies sweetly, "I hope we both receive that opportunity."

You're on your way back to the palace when Scinnari contacts you again. Her news is not good. "I'm following them, but Varra is not present. I suspect she may be following you- they would have an interest in that, and they may be lying about being unwilling to kill you to silence you." she warns. "Asha is tailing the half-elf, though. She thinks he's heading for a jeweler; I think you could have held out for more from him."

"I see...." you mutter. "My interest is in who his master is. Once I know that, everything can be put to rights and paid back as owed." you think back at her. With annoyance, you add "Please don't lose any more of them, though, alright?"

"Noted." she replies shortly.

[dice 3d100]

rolled 81, 9, 86 = 176

>>13635731
Well, time to keep an eye out.

rolled 9, 26, 82 = 117

>>13635731
Apologies in advance if I fuck this up.

rolled 84, 72, 40 = 196

and dice

Cast True Strike in preparation.

>>13635778
Haste, too.

Cast raise death on thread

>>13636029

OP is probably writing the next entry.

>>13636029
God damn it, would you stop that.

WD takes a long time to post. This is well known. Thread does not need bumps, it lives.

>>13635778
Hey! No meta-gaming.
>>13635746
>>13635762
>81, 26, 86
################

With increasing irritation, you head back. You're almost certain Varra is tailing you, and are only hoping that she doesn't intend to attack you, though that's a fairly slim hope, you suspect. You exhale a puff of faint smoke in irritation. If you have to revert because of that human, she had better /hope/ she forces you to kill her.

Scinnari does not report, presumably taken beyond her telepathic range. Still you have other methods to keep in contact. Your hand brushes one of your rings, the one attuned to her collar, and you focus on her mind.

"Scinnari?"

"Yes!" she answers, startled. "Ah, what is it, lord?"

Oh dear. Taking a shot in the dark, you ask, "What happened?"

"Ah.. They- I was detected. Had to dodge a lightning bolt, and then they used a transport spell. I can't follow them, lord."

"You lost them." you growl out. "Fix this. Please. Failing that, find Varra. Get me a report on Asha, as well." you add.

"I... Asha reports having determined the half-elf's contact, a petty lordling named Arctus." Scinnari replies, "She disabled him on the way out, and awaits your instructions. I can relay them-"

"Tell me where she is and I'll do it myself. /You/ find the adventurers." you order.

>>13636079

"I- Of course, mi'lord." she replies, and you break connection. If Varra is hunting you, your safest option would be to return to the palace, return to the protection of Seffestrainas- or as the elf had called her, 'Seffy''s guards. Hmm...

Glancing up, you orient yourself based on the palace. Turning, you choose a likely alley and turn into it... Not a dead end, but narrow and dark. Decent enough, though. Making passes in the air in front of you, you mutter a few words of magic, granting yourself additional speed. Whatever is convenient. You consider cloaking yourself, too, but decide against it. You /want/ this.

'This' comes shortly enough- something moves int he corner of your vision, and you dodge. You heightened speed allows you do so flawlessly, and an arrow buries itself in the wall where your back had been. You glance about, tracing it's flight- she's on the rooftops, overlooking this alley. Damn. You instead begin casting a spell of invisibility while searching for her next position. Another flicker of warning grants you enough time to dodge a second arrow, which buries itself in the other wall.

A string of muffled curses erupt a few moments after you vanish from sight- Very careless of her, really, though you'd probably not have heard them had you truly been a mere humanoid. You catch her, peeking over the edge, and begin casting another spell...

She detects your casting just before you finish, and you see her leap up, trying to cross the gap and get out of sight. You cast your spell a moment later, though, and a black ray shoots from your finger tips, stabbing through her chest. She spasms and twitches mid-leap, as you drain her very life and soul away, dispersing it to the air around you. A waste, you feel, wishing you could devour it yourself, as some creatures or wizards are reputed to be able to do, but satisfyingly unpleasant nevertheless. Even more when she misses her jump due to her twitching, scrabbling at the edge of the roof before falling twenty feet to the ground. You calmly walk towards her, observing with some satisfaction the way she has to lean on the wall to rise. And is definitely favoring one foot over the other.

>>13636107
We shouldn't finish her off. She's a warning to all those who think they can oppose us, and she's either crippled for life or will cost her group a hefty sum to restore. We can also complain to Seffy about the security in her city.

>>13636130
That depends. We should interrogate her at this point and then teach her some manners. Depending on how that goes, perhaps she'll live. Maybe she'll be insolent enough that she deserves a greater punishment than she's got so far.

>>13636130
Take her to Seffy then. It's not like we actually betrayed any information about Seffy that would really compromise her. This way we get answers, and Vassa gets punished.

>>13636107
I say give her to Scinnari.

>>13636130
Uh, no, we shouldn't finish her off. But that's a bad reason.

We should keep her alive for interrogation purposes. Dispel magic on her to get rid of any enchantments, and enervation is not effected by it. Then I suggest we break her legs or something and begin the interrogation.

>>13636162
More of break her leg. One's probably already broken. Keep in mind that if we do break her legs, she may die of internal bleeding.

>>13636162
We HAVE her legs broken. There are aappearances to uphold.

>>13636130
>>13636146
>>13636156
I say we cripple her for life, starting with the fingers. Never can she wield a weapon again. Get some answers too. Better warning than simple killing.

>>13636107
We need to incapacitate her and store her somewhere for later interrogation. Use something to knock her out, then teleport to the palace and put her in the competent care of our retinue guards. Presumably we brought the best that fifteen years of training and throwing money at our military have produced, so even an adventurer shouldn't be able to escape easily.

Then pick up the lizardmen to serve as combat escort, get a report from Scinnari on Asha's location, and go meet up with her.

>>13636107
Teach her some manners and paaaainfully extract information from her. I imagine we've learned some interesting things after living with Scinnari for so long and watching her work.

>>13636187
Not the palace. We don't want her anywhere near the palace yet. Seffy likely has eyes all through that thing.

IRC it was said we could teleport her to our ship.

>>13636203
Plan:

Knock her out to prevent making a save and teleport her to our ship. We then interrogate her and teach her some manners after stripping her down completely, since it was noted that rouges will likely be decked out in all kinds of magic gear and we don't want her escaping. Rapine is of course beneath us, just regular interrogation and torture is fine.

Then after Scinnari is done with her mission we can get HER to interrogate the girl as well, she might be able to get answers we could not.

Finally, when we return to Mza this rouge/assassin will make for an excellent new mindbreak subject since Asha is getting up there in years and we need to practice. She will also, after broken, be able to enhance our deathcult's assassination skills.

>>13636266
Was also said that we should periodically check up on Scinnari and Asha to make sure they are okay.

>>13636266
This.

An enchantment to deal with whatever she might have upon her... You disjunct her, hoping your spell was sufficient to remove whatever she has, for the moment at least. She spits something at you in another language, which you calmly ignore. She draws a dagger, one on the verge of being a short sword. You ignore her, and continue approaching. She swings at you and you use your enhanced speed to catch her wrist, pulling her away from the wall. She lets out a yelp of pain as you draw her weight down onto her injured leg, and then a louder one as you smash you foot into her knee. For good measure, you punch her in the stomach, winding her. She wheezes quietly in pain as you wrest the blade from her unresponsive fingers, then slap her upside the head with the flat of the blade. She doesn't go down, but is at least thoroughly disoriented, which you consider sufficient. Knocking her down, you hold her hands behind her back with one hand, and cast a teleportation spell with the other. A moment later, you're in your quarters on the one-Rhasverian flagship that your navy rechristened 'Hard Lesson'. A few more blows keep her disoriented while you restrain her, then you sit down on the edge of the bed, and wait for the ringing to clear.

"So." you say at length, enjoying the way her eyes dart around slowly, head probably still ringing. "I believe we can both agree that you have failed.". You look on non-plussed as she spews something indecipherable at you, and shake your head. "Please, I heard you speaking back in the tavern. That isn't going to fly, unlike other things. For instance, the intensity, proximity, and amount of pain in your immediate future is soaring. First, you're going to tell me why you went after me.".

>>13636562


She stares defiantly at you, and you sigh aloud, hefting her shortsword, and beginning to remove her items. A belt with several patches, her torn cloak, a boot knife, her bow... You sense some significant magic on it, though aren't too impressed, considering how poorly she used it. That done, you double check her restraints, and start removing her armor and clothing, cutting it away where the restraints impede your progress. While you don't look directly at her face, you are thoroughly enjoying the way her fear slowly starts to grow, snowballing as you cut away her clothes.

"Would you care to start answering, or shall I continue removing things?" you ask, once you are finished.

"Go to hell." she replies. A pity.

"Fair enough." you reply, grabbing her hair. "You've still got some that wouldn't necessitate bleeding." Roughly, you draw it out, then cut it. The dagger-come-short sword is hardly the proper tool for it, but it's sharp, and functions. Uneven and ugly, you don't fancy your odds as a barber, but it's enough for the moment.

"So... Let's try something else. Your group, why did they send you?" you ask.

"They didn't send me." she whispers back venomously.

"I see, and why did you come?" you ask. She only glares back, eyes occasionally flickering around the cabin. "Very well, we can continue. Let's see, you're right handed, yes? That means your bow hand would be..." you say, putting her sword down and drawing your much more reasonably sized dagger. She tries to kick at you as you lean over, even bite, but she really doesn't have a hell of a lot she can do. You put the the knife to her fingers and start pressing, slowly. She finally caves, and you relent.

"I wanted to shut you up." she admits, something you could have guessed for yourself.

"I see. And why?"

"Because they were /fools/ to trust you not to speak to the dragon!" she shouts back. "And you'd taken our money for your... worthless help!"

>>13636575


"I see. And if they didn't send you after me, then where did they think you had gone?" you ask calmly, flipping the dagger in your hands. Idly, you examine her fingers, occasionally inserting the tip of the dagger under her nails. Not far enough to do damage, but...

"They... probably knew. Unspoken approval." she jeers at you, doing her best to studiously ignore your actions. You continue anyway.

"I see... And what /did/ you need the information for?" you ask.

"What do you think? We're planning to kill the dragon!" she replies, taking refuge in belligerence. You ignore it.

"I'm not sure I believe that." you say conversationally, fingering the edge of the cut you started. "On the other hand, I can't prove you're lying. So what am I to do?"

"Let me go. Or else they'll come for you They'll find me-" she begins, and you nod knowingly. "Ah, yes, the camaraderie of adventurers everywhere. That curious manner in which they'll put up with the most obnoxious, socially maladjusted, or down right psychotic people, and stand by them to the end. Tell me, you strike me as an observant person, the last time you spoke to the elf, did he seem particularly enthused with you? Happy enough to come get you? Well, probably, as mentioned, but happy enough to put that as a top priority?" You smile wanly as her eyes flicker. You guessed right. "Fine, one other thing. Do you happen to notice anything about where we are?" you ask, gesturing at the room about you. "Where's the nearest body of water to Beren? The nearest large enough for a ship..?" You see it in her eyes when it clicks.

"Well, Tough and Mighty, tell you what. I'll arrange to have you taken care of, locked in the brig, most likely. Perhaps even unbound, if you behave, or perhaps not. I'll head back to Beren, perhaps offer my regards to your compatriots, and then send a devil, a real honest-to-hells devil, to keep you company tonight. I suspect she'll be able to get some answers from you..."

###############################

You teleport back to Beren, Varra secured. Most satisfying. You consider calling Scinnari, but decide to wait. Let her chase Varra, or the other adventurers for a bit. You thought her competent enough that they shouldn't have gotten away, but... Ah, well. Asha, though, is still waiting for you, and you greet her. She took down the half-elf in his quarters in an inn, and has him bound on the bed.

"...so, you know, if there was something a pretty woman like you wanted, it'd really help if you'd go ahead and tell me. I really can't help you much at the moment. Unless I know what you want. I should hope you aren't planning to sit here and watch me starve?" The half-elf, while not totally calm, is keeping up a stream of affable banter. when you enter, Asha rises, and steps forward, out of his sight, to greet you.

"Someone here, then? I don't suppose you're willing to let me go? Or to tell me what's up? It's surprisingly boring, being tied to a bed. Boring and terrifying, something I didn't know was too possible. This really isn't supposed to happen when your tied to a bed by a beautiful middle-aged woman..." he trails off into silence, nervous and worried.

>>13636594
Oh god, I do hope we secured her very WELL in the brig, and made sure she was under very very heavy guard. She's an adventurer.

Anyway, I suggest we pull up a chair and have a nice civil talk with him. He seems to be ready to do so. Also, congratulate Asha and give her a kiss on the forehead. Tell her she did good. Positive reinforcement.

>>13636594
When Scinnari gets back I suggest we not be too hard on her. She was found out, but they are clearly pretty decent adventurers. Tell her it's fine, they aren't really our problem anyway. Just remember where she screwed up for next time and treat it like a learning experience.

>>13636594
She's an adventurer. I trust that we took then entirely under consideration when having her secured. The highest quality of restraints, multiple well-trained guards with eyes on her at all times who know that they will be slowly tortured to death if she should escape due to their laxity. Preferably we're also keeping her drugged into unconsciousness on principle.


Anyway, the guy. We have an excellent reason to talk with him. His adventurers just tried to kill us. We should have a seat, congratulate Asha on a job well done, and calmly explain that because it appears his offer was conducted under hostile pretenses, you regrettably have to take no chances whatsoever in utterly destroying, root and branch, what has now turned from an innocent consultation into an assassination attempt. We trust that he understands and will tell us absolutely everything that he knows about anything we ask with no further persuasion, or his fate will be comparable to that which the adventurers have now suffered.

Do the whole "I'm being cheerfully incredibly threatening/ominous" thing. If he resists, crank up our fear aura and explain that we CAN TEAR EVERYTHING HE KNOWS FROM HIS WRETCHED MIND SHOULD HE FAIL TO BE COOPERTIVE but of course that's inconvenient and unfriendly. *grin*

>>13636670
I approve of this. No need to be a dick about it. These things happen. We almost lost a fight with an inanimate object and drowned once, after all. Tell her it's fine and not to worry about it, we were just grumpy at the time due to being targeted for death.

"I suppose that's true." you agree. "On the other hand, when hired to sell adventurers information, them coming after me and trying to kill me generally isn't what's suppose to happen." you reply.

"Ah... You'd be Prestor, then?" he says, still unable to see you. You step into view and nod sadly.

"I'm afraid so."

"I see... Well, I did warn you about them, you know, being adventurers. I mean, it's not like /I/ sent them after you. Your wonderful henchm-woman here must have seen to that. I assume she's been following me since I left?"

"Quite possibly." you reply. "You'll understand if I'm a reluctant to answer questions."

"Yeah, yeah, I suppose I might. Alright, what can I do for you?"

"First of all, I'd like to know who your employer was." you reply.

"Ah, like I told the gentle woman here, he's master Arctus, a.. I'd call him a little lordling, but it's hardly my place to comment. He's not tied to a bed, is he? Well he might be. Anyway, he's a scion of a merchant house, noble house, use to be nobles back under Angevis, but it's been a while. First their empire fell, now they actually have to work, poor darlings. I think he's being funded by some of his neighbors, pers'nally, but I couldn't tell you for sure. Ah... for what it's worth, I have no stake in what he's doing beyond the money."

"I see...." you say, standing and moving out of his sight, towards Asha. "Excellent work." you whisper in her ear, "You have done very well."

"I... aim to please, master." she replies quietly, and you smile.

"And please you have. Wonderful work." you repeat quietly, kissing her forehead. She shivers in your arms, nods.

Stepping back into the half-elf's field of view, you resume.

"So, what am I to do with you, ah...?" you ask.

"Alari. I don't suppose fifty gold, a pat on the back, and being released are likely? Well, I didn't really expect it, I have to admit. I'm personally pretty interested in anything that keeps me alive, really. Is there any chance of that?"

>>13636803
Tell him we're a reasonable man, and that his chances of being released are directly proportional to how much of the gold he took from what was supposed to be our fee he can first produce, and then add to.

Tell him that we expect him to report back to his lordling the mission was a success and try to find out as much about the operation as possible. Then suggest to him that he could do this of his own accord, or under magical influence... it all depends on how loyal he thinks he can be to us.

Honestly, I would like to see if we can turn him into a double agent. We can then either hand him off to Seffy in an act or kindness or choose to dip our own hand into this region's politics.

>lordship. Hipsiond

I think capcha votes for trying our hand, but we'll see.

>>13636852
double agent sound likes a great idea.

"Of course you're going to live, after all you now work for me. >:)"

>>13636803
Get everything he knows about those adventurers and their plans, what he's done in the past for this lord, any other agents that he knows of or suspects.

Then go with >>13636852.

>>13636893
I like that idea, I really do, but he may be too nervous of a person to pull that off.

>>13636913
I don't know, he seems pretty smooth to me. He's calmly bargaining for his life while tied to a bed by a man he knows to be a powerful sorcerer and king. Say what you will, the man has composure.

>>13636852
Captcha's kind of difficult to interpret. Downright oracular, some times, but also totally incomprehensible most of the time.
################

"Well, I try to be a reasonable man." you offer. Technically true, when you try to be a man. Well, usually. "I think the likelihood of getting out alive is related to how much of what was supposed to be my fee you can turn up."

"Ah...That's how things are, huh? Well, the thing is, it was supposed to be mine, too.." he says. "I was told my cut could be whatever I didn't need to pay you. Kind of cutthroat, that, I blame Arctus. But, uh, I kind of do value my life, so if you open the drawer over there, you can find what I got for the other gems.I mean, I did give you the majority, those sapphires were the best..." he trails off as you open the drawer. To your surprise, no trap springs out at you, and your opinion of him rises somewhat.

"I see." you say, offering the bag to Asha. She wordlessly takes it and begins counting.

"I don't really have that much on me, besides that. Why I was so greedy, I don't work against dragons unless I'm really desperate." he offers.

"I see. In that case, I can offer you a chance to work for the dragon. Repay the harm you've done, as it were." you say, practically purring. You had to resist saying 'a dragon' instead of 'the dragon', as that would have been too risky, but it was a near thing.

"Oh... Great." he says deadpanned, evidently not much impressed with the offer. You suppose you can see why.

"Head back to Arctus, report your mission a success, and see what else you can find out about his operations. If you can produce answers, I will be much more understanding." you reply. "Ah, one more thing. What do you know of the adventurers?"

"Not much. Outlanders, come from the north. Haven't heard much about them. That woman, though, V-something? She's a cold, cold woman. Cruel bitch, too, but I wouldn't know for sure. They're supposed to be competent. Arctus went after them since they happened to be in town. I think he told them our dear queen was significantly smaller than she actually is." he adds, "to try and get them to come. They certainly didn't really seem eager to go after her. He had to pay them almost as much as you."

"I see..." you reply, leaning down over him. Drawing the dagger from his belt, you cut the rope tying his right hand, and press the dagger into his palm. "I trust you can take care of the rest."

"Oh. Aye. Thanks." he says, waiting until you stand to start cutting at the ropes. Gesturing to Asha, you stand and depart.

[What next?]

>>13636983
Check on Scinnari.

>>13636983

Also make sure he knows he will be rewarded for good information. You can always trust people like that to think with their pockets.

>>13636983
Figure out how Scinnari's doing and if she's found the adventurers again. If she needs support in confronting/bushwhacking them, us and Asha can drop by. If she hasn't found them in a reasonable amount of time, she might use our scrying devices- I doubt they're all warded effectively.

I'm not inclined to leave adventurers who might think of us as hostile or come to rescue their last party member running around. That's loose ends that we don't need. They need to die, I think.

Also they have many magic items and thousands of gold in loot and approved of our assassination, so fuck 'em.

>>13637031
Agreed with this. Also:
>>13636702
>>13636670

>>13637031
Welel, you know, I'm probably alone, but I feel like she was the token neutral evil party member on the team, and she went after us hoping to do 'what those good pansies don't have the guts to do', and hoping to get the money for herself.

On the other hand, I suppose she could be feeding us that, but she didn't seem like much of a team player.

>>13637052
Uh, so? I really don't care if she was the only evil one. That has no bearing on it. We kill them all just to be safe.

rolled =

WE should probably check in with - I dunno - the bitch that fucking tried to kill us. Make sure that she hasn't tried anything. Increase the guard around her, then we should team up with Scinarri and make sure things go down well.

Also, it might be prudent to find out when their employer expected them to check in with him. If he's as poor a noble as he's been made out to be, we might be able to deal with him directly and immediately provided we have the element of surprise.

>>13637075
You know we only have THREE teleports per day, yes? And we've already used two?

>>13637075
We were literally with her ten minutes ago. If our guards can't hold her for ten minutes, I'm fucking embarrassed of the military that we've spent fifteen long years building.

Once we've dealt with the rest, we can have Scinnari take that chick in hand, make sure she's thoroughly bound and drugged against transportation home. I don't think Scinarri needs to sleep, anyway.

Outside, you decide you've let Scinnari stew for long enough.

"Scinnari. Have you found them?" you ask.

"I.. No, lord. They've vanished. I don't know where they teleported to..." she says. She obviously doesn't expect to find them. Hells, she's served you loyally for years... It would be poorest of form to hold this one little incident against her.

"I got Varra. Meet me back at the palace, I'll fill you in." you reply, leading Asha there as well.

"Right. Of course, lord." she replies, and you break connection.

###############

Back in your quarters, you bring both Scinnari and Asha in to talk.

"First of all, Varra tried to kill me. I disabled her, and she's currently sitting in the brig of our ship, down near Artursh. I promised her I'd send you along presently to keep her company, and I intend to keep that one." you reply. "Perhaps even join you for it."

"I see. And, ah, the crew? Should they ask questions?"

"I may accompany you, and we can shift her to Mza, if necessary." you reply. "For the moment, do what you can. Promise her the wonders of your special care. Make sure to order the guard returned, if I call you away, though."

"Of course." she nods, and vanishes.

"Asha, please fetch me my crystal ball." you order. It's a few moments as she retrieves it from your luggage, which you use to relax, enjoying the luxurious bed Seffy- Damn, you've started to use that name. Seffestranias provided.

When Asha returns with the ball, you put a hand on her arm, and she pauses.

"I'd like to repeat, you did extremely well today. I'm very pleased." you say, patting her arm. "Excellent work. You are dismissed."

Your caution is probably unnecessary, but you wait until she leaves and the door is shut before turning your attention to the crystal ball.

>>13637167
Oh, uh, roll to scry, and all that. Forgot to add that part.

rolled 100 = 100

>>13637196
dice

rolled 94 = 94

>>13637196
Rollan.

rolled 90 = 90

>>13637167
We should probably make it clear to Scinnari we don't hold it against her or anything, and it's all cool since she's so paranoid by default.

>>13637206
Seconding and what are the rolls for?

>>13637220
Scrying.

>>13637203
>>13637204
>>13637206
Hell Yes!

>>13637220
Scrying, which we just owned the FUCK out of.

>>13637229
No, I mean who and what do we want to scry.

rolled =

>>13637203
>>13637204
>>13637206


>"You can see forever."

>>13637277
The adventurers, the ones that got away from Scinnari.

>>13637229
Now that I think about it who and what exactly do we want to scry?

>>13637302
>>13637277
Adventurers, of course.

>>13637299
Yeah, need to find out where they are. If possible, also scry this Arctus guy. And if we can get to it, scrying around the palace, though that might be a bit much.

>>13637204
>>13637203
>100
###########

You find them a few dozen miles to the east, high in the mountain range. Trudging along in silence, for the most part. It takes a few minutes to work past whatever wards their wizard put in place, but you do so with skill, and suspect he doesn't even know he's been bypassed.

"And Varra still hasn't contacted you?"

"No. You know how she is." the bald wizard-type replies.

"Sadly, yes...." the sun-elf agrees. She'll probably call tomorrow morning, demand to be teleported, and answer no questions about what she was up to. Sometimes I just wish she would just vanish, you know?"

"She's a good tracker. Rangers of her skill are harder to find than you might think." the fourth member, en elf or half-elf with grey skin replies. His words don't seem to really be in defense of her.

"Yeah, there's that. Look, let's just camp and give her a few hours to do whatever she's doing. I don't want to start out final approach without her. Unless we have to." The air the sun elf has for the last part suggests that they've been forced to proceed without her before.

"Look, there's nothing to worry about. We can take what's up there, and you heard the sorcerer-type. Seffas- Seffestra- Seffestra won't be interested in this, even if she happens to notice us. She was no 'crusading paladin', was she?"

"No, no, look, let's just drop it. Let's find a campsite before nightfall, if you want you can contact her then." the sun elf replies, and the segue into silence.

>>13637313
But shouldn't we also look in on Seffy or the castles of the lords around here.

Is there some place I can find the other Dragon Quests?

>>13637341
Yes. Here http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=dragon+quest
all but the first.

>>13637368
Oh thanks. Was the first thread lost ?

>>13637387
As far as I can tell.
The first thread was before my time.

>"Look, there's nothing to worry about. We can take what's up there,
>We can take what's up there,
>what's up there

Scry on whatever is up there!

>>13637368
30 is also missing from that list, though due to being improperly tagged. It's just under "dragon".

Speaking of which, whoever archived this installment is an idiot.

>>13637329
Wait for them to camp and then drop in on them with Asha and Scinnari after they go to bed.

See if Scinnari can teleport back to Mza and get any magical items that will allow us to disable them quickly, like wands of hold person and such. Sleeping subjects will get held automatically I think, no save?

Huh, looks like they're after something else for the time being.

>>13637339
We obsessively scry all kinds of things. It's one of our primary methods for gathering intelligence. That said, none of the other stuff is quite as pressing at the moment.

>>13637329
A couple interesting things to learn here. Firstly, we could probably get away with not killing these guys, at least for a while. Secondly, they're going after something else- possibly a remote lair of Seffy's? Possibly something entirely different. I'm not sure what we'd have said that would have given them the impression that they could take something in battle.

Regardless, I still think that we need to kill them. When they camp we can take them as they sleep, I think, for capture and interrogation before we finish them off.

>>13637418
Or purposefully trying to be an ass, it happens.

>>13637434
>>13637422
Seconding these. Jump them when they are in camp and do the whole, "I am displeased with your compatriot's actions. VERY displeased." routine.

And kill them after interrogation, just in case.

>>13637434
>I'm not sure what we'd have said that would have given them the impression that they could take something in battle.
Nah, see this is how it is: They were worried about the dragon being a cleric or something and trying to stop them from taking it, or getting revenge if they did. It's apparently a holy relic or something?

>>13637407

'up there' is a tenuous bit of information to base you scrying off of, so instead you change to the mountain itself, expanding your view to take it all in. It's difficult, but you manage to keep track of the adventurers, all still without tripping their wards. Judging by the path of their ascent, you start magnifying, shifting your focus to a few locations that look to be of note.

Nothing. But... they seemed to think days of travel were ahead of them. You're not scrying far enough afield.

It almost an hour of painstaking concentration, scrying the nearest mountain peaks, but you finally locate what must be their objective: An overgrown temple, sitting on a lonely mountain top. Unadorned and long abandoned, as far as you can tell, and not terribly large. A huge shrine, rather than a full on temple. Strange.

Further analysis bears fruit, though. It turns out impossible to scry within the temple itself, totally. You feel you could press it, try and force your spell through, but you also feel that your crystal ball could shatter, if you failed. Asking to borrow one of Seffestraina's is something you'd rather not do. Instead, you divert your focus to testing the boundaries of the field.

A hundred feet from the shrine itself, in every direction. Every direction except down. Below, several hundred feet, the scrying extends, spreading out below it. A dungeon, or underground complex for the shrine....

And the shrine itself is to Taimat, the Five-Headed Goddess. A massive statue inhabits the center of the shrine, visible even from a hundred feet away where you had to view from. That explains much; the adventurer's questions make sense, now, in context. They truly did mean that they didn't intend to fight Seffestranias.

Their destination located, you turn your attention to Arctus, the 'petty lordling' responsible for this. His wards are complex and powerful, and sadly, are enough to halt you. Temporarily. They seem to have faded with his houses' glory-days, and with some difficulty, you manage to bypass them.

Arctus is currently entertaining guests. Guests from beyond Beren, you quickly determine.

"Lord Arctus, you can hardly expect us to be... impressed with this. Adventurers. They have tried and failed before." one of the guests says, a gray-haired man. Ex-soldier, by the look of it.

"But not /these/ ones, Lord Ash. They have proven themselves capable, and have an impressive record. I /researched/ them." Arctus replies.

"I am afraid we're simply unconvinced. As I've said, they are an... unpleasant risk. And not terribly reliable, on the whole." the other says, a middle-aged lady, of more extravagant dress.

"I... see. Very well." says Lord Arctus, the youngest member present. "Very well. Give them- me another two months. If it fails, then I will try your methods."

"One month." the lady counters.

"Very well, mi'lady." Arctus sighs. "If that is all...?"

"For the moment, I believe." Lord Ash says. A few more niceties, and the break up; only the tail end of that conversation, sadly. You try another tack, merely locating Arctus' estate. Near the palace, as it happens, though on the other side. Once proud, but now starting to show that it's being maintained on a more meager budget. How sad-

You are interrupted by a knock on the door. Covering you crystal ball, you stand and answer it.

"What is it?"

"My lord. Queen Seffestranias has requested the honor of your company for dinner. If you are ready...?"

Well, let's go to dinner, then. We can regal Seffy with tales of treachery and double-dealing within her own city, (After all, that note had to get to us somehow,), impress her with our power, perhaps gain some trust here, and all that.

>>13637613
Let us go dine with the queen and ask her about any temples to Tiamat in the area. If she then questions, which she will, inform her that we have located a multi-pronged plot to dethrone her. Give her the details on the noble and the guests he is meeting, but tell her the adventurers are something we wish to deal with, as they personally tried to kill us.

I wonder if this is an dinner in the scale

>>13637613
Well, off to dinner then. Contact Scinnari, see what's gone on with our captive and if she feels that she can secure the bitch and freshen up to attend dinner in our company.

>>13637692
What.

>>13637655
>>13637649
These, but ask Seffy to give us trade concessions after we inform her of the plot.

>>13637747
...unspecified considerations might be better to ask for than trade concessions. Trade concessions are kind of a big thing.

>>13637791
So is a multi-national plot to kill her.

>>13637805
Nah, she foils those all the time.

>>13637823
And look how scarred and shit she is. She probably has been almost killed several times. This time they have decent mid level adventurers and multiple nations, as well as an unspecified plot.

>>13637713
I wonder if seffy is inviting us to have dinner with us in dragon form.

>>13637868
I sincerely hope not, since it's not meant to be common knowlege we are one.

>>13637897
Not common knowledge but she dose know. Said right in the invitation.

>>13637920
No, it didn't. Stop making things up.

The dinner you are invited to turns out the be a private one. You are lead to a well-appointed room far too small for Seffestrainas to appear herself, and a similarly small but well-appointed table. One with exactly two places. You are mildly confused, but it is becomes evident shortly.

Seffestranias arrives shortly, in the form of a human female. While it might otherwise cause confusion, her dress is the same color as her scales, in her natural form. Her eyes, though, are the primary hint; blazing red. Practically glowing.

Quick on the uptake, you rise and perform a half-bow. "Greetings my lady. I understand, then that this is to be just us?"

"Indeed. I decided we'd be... better off without your entourage. As amusing as their terror and cringing was." she says with a soft laugh.

"Indeed." you agree. And they might not make the best of company for what I wish to mention; I have had a most /interesting/ day."

That grabs her attention, and you are waited on as you relate to her the tale of Arctus' contact, the Battered Helm, Varra's adventurers, their destination, and what you heard of Arctus discussion. Naturally, you edit out certain portions, like Varra's survival, and Scinnari and Asha's personal details, but it still grabs her attention.

"A shrine to the east you say... How interesting. I fear I will simply have to investigate these bold humanoids. And 'lord' Arctus... will be feeling my displeasure, I suspect. Sooner than he knows. You have my thanks for this information."

>>13637959
"If I might ask a boon in exchange, I would request that you leave the adventurers to me." you reply. "The did attempt to kill me, after all... I desire to see such debts repaid in full."

"I thought you killed the killer? But, I can hardly say no to such a reasonable request. Their weapons and equipment, however..." Seffestrainas replies, "I think I must ask for that. They are... my domain, I think."

"Your domain, yes, but if I am to deal with them, I desire everything of theirs- their lives, and their possessions." you reply. "Surely I have proved myself acting in good faith? I believe you owe me this much, at least."

"Bold. You ask much." Seffestranias says, a hint of danger in her voice. "Do you believe yourself safe, should you ask too much?"

"I believe you wise in your own best interest, and myself wise in what is too much." you reply blandly. "I am aware that I could be wrong. But I am at peace with the possibility. In all seriousness, though, I do not believe that what I ask is such a huge imposition." your voice is hard but reasonable. You stair down Seffestranias over the table, until she relents with a laugh.

"On one condition, then," she says with a smile, "The lizardfolk in your retinue. Zaxis. I desire him in exchange. Is that reasonable?"

>>13637977
Completely out of the question, he knows what we are.

Phrase it as nicely as possible, of course, and use a different reason.

>>13637977
No. Phrased as nicely as possible. But no. We're not handing him over.

>>13637977
fuck that, hand him over. its a reasonable price
just alter his memory

>>13637994
"Far, far to valuable. I'm afraid. Another Lizardman perhaps, but he plays for too vital a role within my retainers to give up. Another lizardman (provided some don't know we're a dragon), and I'd be more than happy, but Not him."

If that doesn't work, graciously acquiesce to her demand. And then keep careful tabs on the Lizardman in question. No need for a sexy reptilian redhead to seduce him and learn our secrets when we're not watching.

>>13637977
Tell her that we would be fine with others, but our wife, servant, servant's children, and personal retinue consisting of the two lizardfolk could be privy to sensitive information. Giving them up would be extremely foolish, and we simply cannot do it.

She can not seriously think that giving us the adventurers requires something in return, after we gave her this plot. Ridiculous.

>>13637977
Argh. She's trying to take our shit. In the future, we don't tell her shit- the adventurers' gear was ours anyway, as soon as we took them out. That's not a boon of any kind. And now she wants our lizardfolk. No. He's ours.

Be polite, but refuse. We're not giving her another gift in exchange for not being robbed because we gave her a gift of information. That's fucking ridiculous.

>>13638028
>>13638029
>>13638034
We're not giving her anyone, no matter how worthless, in exchange for what she's laid out. Her price is a fucking joke, and if we accept it as 'reasonable' then we're setting the stage for our future relationship as "you can rampantly rob me and my nation blind; I will let you".

here's the thing - refusing too many things might endanger us, worst, hint her toward deep secrets

Point out that she has an enormous pile of gold and treasures already, quite the biggest you have ever seen, and that she never would have even known about all this had we not told her. Demanding things in return for people doing you favors is a good way to not have favors done in the future.

I mean, it's not like she will just say "oh all that gold was an illusion" or anything. Draconic pride.

Giving up our lizardmen is ridiculous.

>>13638029
Clarification; By "giving into her demand" I meant the loot, not the lizardman.

We give not an inch. This is ridiculous demand. If she pushes it we pack up and take our ball home, killing the adventurers ourselves after we are out of the city with our retainers.

Either way we should be rolling Diplomacy for this

>>13638142
No, we shouldn't.

Stop that. He will ask if he wants a roll.

>>13638028
Don't really have that option, unless I'm really forgetting something.
######################

"Zaxis? A simple lizardfolk is a low price to require for this, I concede, but a valued retainer? I'm afraid I simply cannot agree to such an exchange." you reply sadly. "He has done nothing but serve me faithfully, and I cannot respond to such loyalty by... trading him away."

"'Simple lizardfolk' do not generally have dragon blood in sizable amounts." she replies, watching intently. You nod in admission and she continues. "As you desire. In that case, I must claim the adventurers as mine. After all, they have attacked my guests, in my city. I cannot allow such deeds to go unanswered." she replies.

"I disagree. Allow me to answer it for you; you get to claim that you delegated the task to me." you reply, "Something your reputation would support, and which would allow us both what we desire."

"And you get to claim that you had your way with queen Seffestranias?" she asks. You laugh.

"Had my way against Seffestranias, in her own city." you correct. "I deal with those who attempted to harm me. I deal with those who impinged your honor and word. I reveal an assassination attempt against you, and am rewarded for it. You have the lamentably foolish Lord Arctus to hang, and his estate to claim. It seems..." you pause, as if searching for a proper word. "Reasonable."

>>13638217


"Hmm.... I confess, it seems to be. And if I were to say no?" she asks. Her tone is amiable, but there's a hint of danger underneath.

"I suspect someone would greatly regret the results." you say calmly with an air of speculation. You glance about the room in appraisal while taking a sip from your wine goblet. "Probably me. If you were to... take on your form, I don't think this room would survive. Falling masonry, I have learned, is surprisingly dangerous, though perhaps not for dragons." you remark. "If it was I who greatly regretted it, I think you would find that Mza would fall apart rapidly, and you would no longer have the trade partner you desired. If it was you greatly regretted this, I suspect I would mourn the loss of a peer on the world stage, and perhaps I would mourn the loss of the profit our relationship represents." you meet her eyes again, but instead of taking the challenge, you return to your meal. "But it is just a guess."

"Eminently reasonable, as you suggest." she replies. "I can accede to your request. However... the temple remains an issue. I do not wish them to plunder it, and I cannot allow you to do so either."

"And you require and insurance against such an outcome?" you prompt.

"Indeed... I think your retinue should stay here. At the very least, your valued retainers. If you believe in rewarding their loyalty, you will not abandon them."

>>13638227
She's gonna dragon-seduce Zaxis. This bitch is giving us trouble at EVERY TURN!

Fuckin' dragons!

>>13638227
Point out that we have no reason to make enemies of a god, and even if we did we wouldn't need our retainers to loot it... they are just for show.

But agree that they will stay here until we depart for Mza again. Permanent hostages would be exactly the same as giving them to her, surely she knows this.

>>13638227
Keeping them as temporary hostages is reasonable, we won't be looting the temple anyway.

>>13638227
Point out, wryly, that we would likewise be somewhat annoyed were we to find one of our retainers magically ensorcelled or suddenly wish to stay of his own 'complete free will'.

>>13638245
Those wacky lizards. Actually, this is alright. If her favorite boy-toy is our minion, it's a hold on her, however tenuous.

Really, though, I'm somewhat worried about taking on the adventurers. By ourselves, I don't think we stand a chance as 'Lord Prestor', if we summon Scinnari to assist, that may reveal some of her information. (Teleport at will, infenral,) and if we curb-stomp them all in dragon form, well, we only THINK that Seffy (Seffestra?) is dragon-seducing Zaxis. She could be watching us, and hip-flask or not, it might raise awkward questions should she be scrying us when we turn into a dragon.

>>13638227
Fine. It hardly matters; we have no intention of looting the temple, and we have no intention of failing to dispose of the adventurers. Whether our retainers stay here or not makes no difference.

The matter will be concluded in a day or so regardless.

>>13638293
>if we summon Scinnari to assist, that may reveal some of her information. (Teleport at will, infenral,)
Ridiculous. She knows that we and Scinnari are both sorcerers. It wouldn't seem out of place at all.

>>13638307
The matter will be concluded TONIGHT actually, as we need to hit them when they are asleep to minimize their abilities. Teleport into camp and fuck some shit up with Hold Person on sleeping (and therefore no save) people, then either nullify the ones on watch duty either through death or other means.

>>13638293
Scinarri isn't just our retainer. She's our dang wife. She comes.

>>13638245
We should probably drop Zaxis a warning that she has her eye on him thanks to his heritage and he should be wary. That should be enough, as I believe that the lizardfolk legends are quite explicit that the last dragon to mate with them all the time as exceptionally fickle and brutal about it.

>>13638293
Attack while they're sleeping, bring Scinnari and Asha, and it should go smoothly. I wouldn't want to risk a stand-up fight, but that just means we have to stack the deck.

>>13638341
I agree with this and fully support it, as it echos my thoughts. Inform Zax, and club the adventurers while they are down. We can do evil monologues once we get back to Mza and have them in secure holding pens under anti-scry.

"Your terms are unnecessary, I assure you, but acceptable. I have no intentions of angering the Five-Headed Goddess without good reason, reason that I do not have." you reply. "My retainers would stay here in any event; I'm hardly going to be teleporting the dwarves and guildmembers out to help me avenge myself." you add, "Still, I am glad we could reach an accord. It is good to generate no more enemies than necessary."

"So the wise men say." she replies, neither agreeing nor arguing. "Very well. I shall leave the matter in your hands, and we may leave the subject behind us."

"As a warning, though, I will be most disappointed if I return to find any of my retainers permanently damaged, or magically persuaded that they be better off here." you remark dryly

"You wound me! I would certainly not need magic, if that was what I desired." she laughs, "Still, I shall take care not to change anyone's mind suddenly, if that is what you desire."

"It is. I shall deal with them tonight, as agreed upon, and we can shift to... less charged subjects, I hope, for the remainder of the evening."


[Anything else to do, or preparations to make. Evidently next thread, we're going to go stomp some adventurers. Or get stomped, one way or another. Either way, I need sleep.]

>>13638407
Wand of Hold Person. As I said in IRC, no casting, no vocal components to wake up the sleepers, and it's cheap as dirt. The sleepers will therefore be completely out of the fight, provided we disable the mage and any other potential ways to dispel magic.

Whelp. Quite a buildup for this Seffy lady.

At a guess, we're more like what red dragons (or jsut Dragon, capital D,) are meant to be, but she's more like what they're usually written as. Or I'm just being stupid. For all we knew, she just grew up on the wrong side of the block, or something.

"Interesting, potentially pleasant/valuable/useful, but ultimately too risky for anything more than a short-term dalliance." is my opinion. But I'm just one person, I could be wrong. Can't wait until the next thread.

>>13638430
Wand of Hold Person is a good call. Really, I think that as long as we hit the adventurers fast and hard when they're not expecting it, we should be fine. Our scrying revealed that they're expecting to be able to contact our captive, so bear in mind that she might have warned them- keep an eye on her if we can't block divinations or contact spells somehow.

>>13638512
>"Interesting, potentially pleasant/valuable/useful, but ultimately too risky for anything more than a short-term dalliance."
Yeah, she's a lot more the stereotypical red. And it's really making me despise and loathe her.

I would probably derive more joy from utterly breaking and enslaving her than I would Cygnis, at this point, simply because Seffy is so much more arrogant and bitchy. Her latest set of requests were completely beyond the pale. It would be utterly delicious to destroy her and make her squirm at our mercy.

Let's put it on our to-do list. The day this trade agreement falls through and stops making us money, we take her. Preferably our spies will have located her actual hoard by then so we'll be able to loot it.

>>13638512
I'd have to agree: there's potential for profit here but also a lot of risk.

We should plan to deal with her as indirectly as possible, through expendable couriers and diplomats. She has an abundance of the classic "Red" tendancy to snap up anything of value she sees, so to insure a good working relationship we should simply not send any of our possetions or personel we'd care about losing.

Completely unsuitable as a mate. All power with no wisdom, and there is no fool worse than a powerful one.

>>13638615
The trade route has a lot of potential though, don't let your thirst to crush those who deserve crushing get in the way of profits!

This kind of a web of trade contracts is something that can be leveraged. What if we don't simply trans-ship the finished goods, but use our monopoly on their shipment to fund the creation of value added industries at home? Buy iron, sell swords. There are many oportunities.

This thread still needs to be archived

>>13638842
It has been, just very, very poorly by some idiot who didn't know what the hell he was doing.

>>13638842
i fucking lol'd at how terrible it was archived
Beren quest? really?

we could get information by allow any red to do what it likes to do talk about itself. We could ask of her exploits of her past and her history. Of course it may lead the conversation to questions about us which we prefer to remain hidden.

as for the adventurers we want them alive i like the idea of using a sleep like spell while they are camping.


We could have Scinnari pretend to be Varra; her personality should be very easy to imitate. she can then try to get the guy on watch to go to bead and we got them. assuming everything goes right.

>>13639187
i do agree it is funny. i wonder if the archivist knows we are a dragon. :P

>>13638615
You should really, really curb that streak. You're sounding chaotic evil yourself.

>>13640029
CE done right. And I agree with him. Enslaving her would be a dream.

Still need an archive.

>>13640439
For some reason, this installment of Dragon Quest was archived as " Beren Quest - A city ruled by a great red wyrm... the quest begins".

>>13640467
Because People Are Stupid. Seriously, though, the past TWO threads? Dayum. Ought to be letting experienced people do this.

>>13640359
CE done stupid. He jumps at every single NPC we meet screaming ENSLAVE ENSLAVE.

No, we're not going to do that to every fucking NPC.

I do agree that we should dethrone her and take her country for ourselves though. I propose the following:

1. Use fleet as planned to take some of those costal city-state ports, as we would anyway for the trade agreement.

2. Either negotiate, intimidate, or conquer the city states on the way to Beren, as planned also.

3. Contact the powerful city-states around Beren, the ones we saw the envoys of during our scrying on the merchant-noble. Arrange secret meetings with the leaders and say that we will take care of their dragon problem if they will back us as the new ruler of Beren afterwards. They will of course agree because Humanoid rule is what they want anyway, and this would be a chance to avenge the many many dead sons, fathers, brothers, ect. that Seffy has created.

5. Kill Seffy and take over Beren with the approval and support of the surrounding neighbors and leverage the fact that we already have a strong connection between it, the intermediary ports, and Mza.

6. Profit and laugh evilly.

7. (optional) Conquer Freeport.

>>13640933
Errr. I skipped 4.

It should be:

4. Infiltrate Seffy's city and build up both support and gather lots of information on how best to take her down as she clearly does not have a very strong hold on the city, even after 15 years. A sign of incompetence.

>>13638615
You know, I did find it funny to note that that Cygnis, who has been polite, nice, and friendly, is the target of so many of our evil intentions. What on earth did /she/ ever do to deserve such hate? (Or, in this case, I guess it could be 'love'. Evil, evil, love.)

newfag here, sorry for the bad archiving, wont happen again!

It was a major derp moment for me

>>13640933
>CE done stupid. He jumps at every single NPC we meet screaming ENSLAVE ENSLAVE.
This is false and I take some small offense at it. Since our earlier decision to learn how to effectively mind-break people, in preparation for use on Cygnis later, I have been alert for opportunities to gain practice subjects more challenging than random people off the street upon which we might test our skills. If that alertness has opened my eyes to certain other opportunities- i.e. the possibility of enslaving this wizard guy and having him endlessly craft items for us while locked up in a shielded room somewhere; the delight that could be had by torturing Seffy into submission- then I would consider that both coincidental and fortuitous. And I do not scream about it.

Ultimately, killing someone gives us their stuff, while breaking someone requires more work and is slightly riskier but hones our skills in reshaping others' personalities, gives us their stuff, AND gives us a new and most valuable possession in the form of a loyal slave. The choice to do so or not should be approached on an individual basis grounded firmly in cost-benefit analysis.

>>13641361
Well, Cygnis is a gold dragon, so we kind of have to go after her by default. And there is a certain extremely evil joy in making someone love you and then turning it all to ash as you reveal that you've been utterly playing them from the start- the look of horror and betrayal in their eyes, shock and despair; it's basically an extremely sophisticated version of the lolevil thrill that lesser evil people get from killing random people on the street who can't stop them. Basically, Cygnis didn't do anything to deserve it- she just showed should weakness and trust if we put in the required effort, we could do something ruthlessly and delightfully cruel to her, and was exactly the sort of target (gold dragon slightly stronger than us) that we would consider worthy of the effort required to do so.

>>13641361
Nothing. It's just that we are kinda, well. . . Evil. The smart evil, not the kill everything type of evil. Think of us like the Practical Incarnation.

We are not going to go out of our way to make Cygnis suffer, but she is weak enough to be a target and strong enough to be useful to us.

The thing that makes us evil is that we don't hate her at all. In fact, we may actually like her to a degree. We are still going to enslave her when we can, because that's how we roll.

>>13644705
It seems like we're holding a double standard here. You're going, "Well, we're a red, we have to do horrible things to a gold, if given the opportunity!", but you're also going "Hey, just because we're a red doesn't mean we have to be Always Chaotic Evil!". Make up your mind.

I will admit, though, it's no serious attack or complaint. Perhaps I've just fallen for Cygnis.