Sam looked around the room, from person to person. "And what of your friends who just left? Will they be okay with you speaking for them? This is sensitive information, and I won't be spreading it if you are just going to leave." His gaze landed on Perrin. "I'm temped to take you up on your offer. Things are... tense."
Zamar considers this for a moment. "Each of us speaks for themselves, but I have yet to see a cause that has fractured our fellowship, and we have had some tense moments. Perrin has just found his father. Regardless of our other obligations, none of us would try to pull him from your side. Likewise, none of us would turn away from him while he was helping family. The decision is yours. If you want me to call them back, I can."
Sam thought a moment, frowning slightly. "I want to be very clear here. I'm not going to give you details unless you all agree to help. If word of us or our mission leaves this cave, the lives of those people out there will be in danger." He turned toward Koll. "The Winter Wolves are no more, and they had no associations beyond this area. For a long time, they were regarded as simple bandits. But since having come into their company, I have discovered the truth behind their organization, whatever remained of it. The last of the Winter Wolves joined with myself and my people, which leads us into the reason why we are all here. If you agree to help... all of you, I will explain."
“I’ll get the other two. You guys can discuss if you want to help but, Pa I’m here now if you need me.” Perrin says before he begins to look for Lera and Shanolia.
"Mr. Cherrycheeks, it is very nice to meet you. My name is Woe Norvyre. I would very much like to help Perrin and you, his father, but unfortunately we are all here in the service for the Scarlet Dawn. Mr. Grapip Lanfan is our employer for this trip and we will have to ask for his understanding and support before we can help you. But I know he is very grateful for your rescue, so he might not mind us taking some time out. Mr. Cherrycheeks, do you have an idea how long our involvement might be needed for?" Woe looks at Grasalfan. "What is your opinion in this?"
"Well," Grasalafan says. "All that's left for us is to go home. If helping each other lets us get home quicker, I don't see any reason why we shouldn't!" He tugs on his armor, trying to get it back into the fitted position around his belly. "Of course, I think a rest is in order..." he smacks his lips together. "Do ye have any food?" He asks, eyeing the halfling.
"Soo..." Shanolia starts awkwardly. "I know why I needed to leave, but I'm a bit curious as to your reasoning."
“They needed a moment alone,” Lera shrugged. “And when I stand still too long, I remember how much everything hurts.”
"That's a fair point." They walk in silence for a moment. "So... Anything on your mind, or are we just gonna walk around aimlessly?"
“I was content to walk around aimlessly until I found something cool,” Lera smiled. “Do you have anything on your mind?”
Her breath catches audibly, as if she was going to speak, but she doesn't. After another moment, she speaks, watching her words carefully. "Their reunion... Bothers me a bit... Not in the sense that something's wrong, but- you know what nevermind, it'd be selfish to even bring up. He deserves this."
“You’ll get your happy ending, even if it doesn’t involve tear-filled reunions.”
Her hand goes back to her dagger and her tone gets angrier. "Those Dernky will drown in their own blood. Only then will I feel happiness."
“We’ll be there with you when you get your revenge. Although, I think you could do with finding a little happiness in the moment.”
"Emotion is weakness." She says simply, her monotone returning. "I will find happiness when it's done."
“If your whole goal is to find an emotion, that implies that you don’t see it as an actual weakness. It’s a prize to you, something you don’t think you’ve earned yet. If it was really a weakness, why bother with it at all?” Lera said smugly. “Xanathar’s favorite eyeball, you’re allowed to feel things Shanny.”
"I've already gotten one group killed because I let my emotions control me. I lost a gang of friends that I could trust, safety from the council, and the love of my life, because I showed a faint hint of emotion. I will not lose you lot the same way."
“Well that’s... dark," the aasimar replied after a moment, at a loss for words. Shanolia didn't respond, so Lera began to ramble. “I don’t know if I could live like that. I mean, I know the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but if you look for the good in things, it’s never that hard to find it.”
"I tried. For fourteen years I tried. It gets hard to see the good when you can't even walk into an Elven tavern without seeing your face plastered on the walls." She sighs. "I'm not saying I will not feel anything, Lolth knows that's impossible. It's just... Going to take a lot before I feel comfortable enough to open again."
Well, this is awkward, Lera thought to herself, looking around for something cool to focus on. There were a bunch of holes, about a foot in diameter, that were filled with boiling water. Lera didn't feel like getting burned, so she decided against poking one. Just in time, she caught sight of Perrin.
"Oh look, there's Perrin," Lera began to walk toward him, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'm sure he is bringing with him a different conversation."
“Hey gals.” Perrin says. “We kind of need you back there. My Pa needs some help before he can help us. But he wants all of us to agree first and I came to get you so you could give him your answer.” Perrin explains.
Just as Sam was about to reply, a couple of teenage boys entered, carrying trays of salted meats and cheeses, along with steaming mugs of hot tea. "Ah yes, here we are," Sam said in response. "I'm afraid our stores of food are getting a little low. No offence meant, but we have been rationing the fresh foods for the little ones. Sheema and Brod went out to do some hunting, but never came back. Figured Nydhi had gotten them." Taking a mug of tea, he sat back in his seat, sipping. "Once Perrin gets back, I'll explain everything. For now, tell me of this... what did you say... flying machine?"
"Ho ho ho.." Grasalfan says, waddling up to the platter of meats and cheeses. He eyes the cheese, then scrunches up his face and instead grabs two handfuls of meat. "Well," grasalfan starts, small pieces of half-chewed meat expelling from his mouth, "The flying machine is... er... was the prototype of something much bigger. It wasn't meant to travel for more than a day, and we've been stuffed in there for nearly four!" He laughs a loud guffaw, a pieces of meat shooting across the table. Biting another, he continues, "The machine itself is a series of mechanical devices that power the rotors built within them. The way they get the energy is through a delicate balance between elemental entities. It's a marvel to behold! Er... was. Was a marvel. From the look of it, the thing was far beyond repair..." He eats the rest of the meat in silence.
Sam nodded as his son entered the hut, followed by the other two who had been absent. He motioned to the table where meats, cheeses, and hot tea were waiting for them. "Thank you for joining us. I wanted to make sure everyone heard what I'm about to say, and lend their voices to the conversation. This is a matter of importance, and I need to know you all will agree to help." He paused, looking at each of them for a moment before continuing. "We are going to overthrow a government." He left the sentence hanging in the air, and watched, judging reactions.
Dapple, perhaps not grasping the full implication of this statement in civilized society, responds first. "To what end? The people are always unhappy with the rules of their clan and tribe councils, or the way their chief rules. Can you not discuss tour differences with them?"
“Which government? Why are we overthrowing them in particular? And do you have any baby pictures of Perrin?”
Sam blinked at the... odd question. Then he turned and looked at Perrin. "You haven't told your friends?"
"I'm assuming it is Lord Embree." Zamar says
“I told them. Doesn’t mean they remember. Remember I told you about Lord Embree and his forced Militia and unfair laws and taxes. When we were all sharing why we joined the Scarlet Dawn and our past.” Perrin says to the group.
"Yes, you did mention that." Shanolia speaks up, looking to Sam. "I cannot speak for the rest, but I will gladly help tear down a tyrant."
"And I have no love for him." He turns to Lera, "None of Waterdeep society would have anything to do with him. That's why you have never seen his lands. When we left, we had no contacts there. He's a vile, contemptible man who treats his subjects poorly."
“I was just double checking,” Lera nodded. “And you still haven’t answered my last question.”
“No” Perrin buts in before his Pa has a chance to answer
"No," Sam said, giving Lera an odd look. "You all misunderstand. I'm not asking *you* to overthrow Lord Embree." He regards the room again. "We're being terrorized by this dragon, Nydhi. Turns out, her lair is in these caves. We didn't know when we made our home here. She regularly sends her minions to flush us out, prevents us from bringing in fresh food and water, and basically has us trapped. While there are a few fighters, we have families here who we cannot send into battle against a dragon." Sitting back in his chair, he paused a moment, again gauging their reactions. "We want *you* to handle her."
"I never really got a good look at her. What size dragon are we talking about here?" Zamar says
"She's not huge, compared to ancient dragons." Sam thought a moment. "She could definitely fit into this cavern if she wanted."
"Oh..." *Shanolia's disappointment is partially hidden by the shadow of her hood.* "Well, what all can you tell us about this beast?"
“I’ll help Pa. We can’t just leave you here at her mercy. Although we’ll need a plan to take her down. And I’ll need either a smith or some new armor. Oh....ummmm.... yeah Pa, sorry. I kind of borrowed your old adventuring gear when I couldn’t find you and your armor got really tore up in our last fight.” Perrin says realizing that he accidentally destroyed his fathers equipment.
“I’m in.” Says Lera “That’s if my dad says it okay.”
"And you're alive, which means the armor did what it was designed to do." Sam sighed. "We have no smithy. But, we've been able to procure some things from the smithy in town. We might be able to find something that would work." Hearing Lera's words, Sam quickly looked at her. "Thank you, lass. I appreciate it."
"I'd be dead without your help, so I'm in. As is my daughter." Zamar says
Dapple looks from one face to the next, somewhat confused. If his new clan is committed to this, then so be it. "I will do what I can to help as well. The families here, the young. They must be kept safe."
Sam nodded, waiting for more replies.
Singe is trembling.
Sam gives Singe a concerned look. "Are you okay, young man?"
“Yes,” Singe says, “Just a little cold.”
"Drink your tea," Sam said, an air of authority in his voice.
*Are you scared?* Lera messages Singe.
Singe shakes his head.
*Are you excited to make a dragontooth necklace?* Lera messages
Singe stares at Lera like a deer in headlights.
*Alright, so just me then,* Lera rambled in his head. *I can’t help but feel like you don’t want to fight a dragon.*
"Wait..." Grasalfan butts in. "I thought I saw a workshop back there." Grasalfan gestures towards the entrance they came from.
"Well, yes," Sam said. "We just haven't been able to get anyone in it yet. Dragon, you know."
Songe drinks his tea.
Grasalfan pats his breastplate and snatches up another pile of meat. "I could work it, if only to get the young halfling suited up."
*Shanolia clears her throat.* "Before we go rushing headlong to our demise; What can you tell us of this beast?
*I’m just going to keep talking in your head until you tell me what’s wrong.* Lera messages Singe
Sam raised an eyebrow, looking the gnome over. "This could be arranged." Turning his attention to Shanolia, he said, "She was here first, and she's quite upset that we've taken some of her caves from her. She's harassed us almost daily. What more do you want to know?"
"Weaknesses to exploit, things to look out for, any possible lore or information you can spare could be the difference between her death and ours." Shanolia says
Singe looks at Lera. "We're going to die." He whispers aloud.
"An idea of how many kobolds there are, or a map of the caves would help," Dapple adds.
*Well, with that attitude we will,* Lera replied. *Come on, you can’t tell me that you’ve never wanted to slay a dragon?*
"What do you know about dragons," Sam asked Shanolia. To Dapple, he said, "We don't know their numbers. They just keep coming. As for a map, no. We have not mapped the caves for good reason. It could be used against us. We do have our own ways of getting around the caves, however. Sheema can show you."
*No*, Singe messages back.
"Next to nothing; I know they're big, they're angry, and - like anyone on this bloody continent that has had the misfortune of meeting me - they probably want me dead."
"Them we will hunt them in the dark and kill them one by one until only their mistress remains." Dapple smiles, relishing the thought of stalking them in their own territory. "I don't want you dead yet, Shan."
*Really? Never thought about how cool it would be? Or how the bards would write stories calling you Dragonslayer?* Lera messages
Singe looks wide eyed at Dapple and then at Lera.
"Yet. That's the key word there, innit?" Shanolia says
*That sounds like a good way to die.* Singe responds.
*You’re totally scared,* Lera replied.
*We are __all__ going to die.* Singe replies
He gives her a toothy grin and shrugs.
Singe stares wide-eyed at Dapple.
*I bet you’re fun at parties.* Lera says
"What? She said herself everyone wants to. I don't, but it hasn't been long." Dapple responds when he notices Singe giving him the look.
"I believe, she was exaggerating." Singe says
"It's not a problem, Hothead. To be completely honest, I wouldn't be surprised if each and every one of you wanted me dead. Except Perrin and Woe." Shanolia says
*Look, Singe, I trust in your intelligence. If you really think this is going to go that badly, maybe we can run,* Lera tried again. *But maybe it’s time you trust in the abilities of the Scarlet Dawn. Come on, we’ve been cooped up in a tin can for days, and I for one, am itching to kill something.*
"If we're going to kill a dragon, we should do it tomorrow" Singe says, trying to get the conversation back on track, "The most harmful thing I can do today is throw handfuls of fire."
"What of you," Sam asked, looking at Koll and Woe, awaiting their response.
Cocking his head at Singe, Dapple looks from him to Shanolia and frowns. "Why does no one just say what they mean anymore. Life was simple in the jungle. I just want to hunt something. That, I understand."
"If you knew why I wear this mask, Daps, you'd realize I wasn't exaggerating. And I, at least, do say what I mean, feelings be damned." Shanolia says
“I’m surrounded by bloody edgelords,” Lera mutters to herself.
"Dragons," says Koll, "are greedy and vain. It didn't attack us, which suggests to me that it doesn't like to get its claws dirty; I think there's plenty of weakness to exploit. I saw the malice in its eyes, though, and I'm more than willing to help take such a beast down."
Woe has listened in silence so far. Fighting a dragon. Something she has sung about in her stories, in inns around this area. She looks at Sam. "I would much prefer to fight Lord Embree, if we overthrow him, then you don't need to hide out in these mountains anymore. And the dragon can stay in her original habitat and live on these mountains. Would that not be more helpful?"
“That may be true but...just looking around I don’t think there is enough man power here to overthrow Lord Embree. Sure we might be able to kill him but he does have an entire army to protect him. An army where we can’t kill most of them because they don’t want to be there. It’s either be there or put your family at risk.” Perrin's voice gets softer at that last sentence.
“Even if we want to kill Lord Embree, we can’t get to him until we take care of this dragon. She took out our airship, and I doubt we could outrun her on foot. If we want to leave, and we want these people to be able to leave, we have to kill the dragon.” Lera adds.
"Well, I do feel that we have intruded into the dragons territory and it is her right to defend it. Also, she let us live when she took down the flying machine. But I do see how she probably knew we wouldn't get far and if we have a good plan, I am happy to attack her." Woe says.
Sam interjects, "She did not start attacking us until a couple months ago."
Singe leans forward, "What happened a few months ago?"
"We've had minor skirmishes with the kobolds in the past... nothing major. They were easily dealt with whenever we went..." Sam coughs, "On our missions. One in particular though, we decided to take a captive."
Singe looks not surprised, "And then it began?"
Sam nods.
"Who was the captive and what happened to them?"
"We've kept her here. Meant to use her as a bargaining chip, like the Lords do during wars. It's Embree's daughter," Sam responds. "She's kept safe here, is let out of her cell often, fed and all that. She's an amazing cook, surprisingly..."
Singe arches an eyebrow, "Why would the dragon begin harassing you when a lord's daughter is here?"
"The kobolds got their fancy weapons and armor around that time too," Sam comments. "Not a coincidence."
Singe sits back and sips his tea, "Definitely not."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Woe wonders aloud, "So, this dragon could it be working for the Lord? Is that even possible? For a dragon to take orders? And again, I feel you have started to worsen your situation yourself first. You have been the aggressors by taking the Lord's daughter. Have you been negotiating with him?"
"We can't even get a few miles from these caves without being attacked... there's been no way to start negotiations," Sam replies. "We've gotten a few messages through, but no reply."
"This appears to be a quid pro quo for the dragon, not necessarily taking orders from a lord." Singe sips his tea, "Lord Embree probably thinks he does have some sway with the dragon..." Singe drinks more tea, "If we're going to kill a dragon, we can't do it blindly. A dragon is a series of small challenges that come together to create one giant killing machine. It can fly, trample us, and freeze us; we can keep it from doing two of those things, we'll probably have a chance." Singe sips his tea, "Or we could try to hit two birds with one dragon shaped stone... It's probably harder than just killing the dragon but it would wipe Lord Embree off the map, leaving us to deal with a dragon. Perhaps, if we act quickly, trapping her in her own lair."
Woe adds, "Well, generally speaking, we should be safe in here. All I know is they breath elemental energy from their mouths. In this case frost you think, Singe? And the white ones are typically dumber than the others and they prefer the cold. And... it's extremely warm in here... How would you go about wiping Lord Embree out at the same time?"
"Convince the dragon that Lord Embree is plotting an attack against the dragon and it requires her immediate attention." Singe looks at his mug and furrows his brow, "Can we get more tea?"
"Ohhhh" Woe says, "I very much like this idea! We'll just have to fake some proof!"
Grasalfan waves a piece of meat at Singe, "Ye couldn't even talk to 'er earlier." Singe doesn't say anything.
"Maybe someone here can speak the right language?" Woe looks expectantly at Sam.
Sam shrugs, "Never had dragons on the farm." He winks to Perrin. "Except for that one time..."
Sam nods at Singe and stands, walking to the entrance and sticking his head out the flap. After a few moments he returns to the table and sat. "We'll have more tea soon."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"I can understand Draconic with the aid of a spell, but I can't speak it." Singe says
"Yeah, if we cannot speak to her, it will be difficult, to say the least. Maybe we can subdue her/find a way to shackle her, and then offer her freedom again in exchange for the attack on Lord Embree. And I am pretty sure she at least understood some common. So if Singe can understand draconic, and she can understand common, we might be able to talk..."
"How far is Lord Embree's residence?" Singe asks
"It's a few days travel on foot," Sam said as the flap opened and one of the teenaged boys entered with a steaming kettle of tea.
Singe thanks the boy as his mug is filled, “We need something faster than this level of subterfuge, isolating the dragon underground is our best bet.”
Perrin is happy that nobody said anything about that dragon on the farm incident and also glad that his friends want to help. “We have to deal with more than just the dragon.” Perrin chimes in. “She also has all those Kobolds to deal with. Regardless we are in no state to take her on right now. I think we have time to plan and prepare. Personally, I’d rather not fight a dragon without some proper armor. Now, why don’t we rest and get our strength back for now. I saw a pool of hot water earlier and I can say that we all desesperatly need to take a nice long bath.” Perrin says with a chuckle.
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Sam looked around the room, from person to person. "And what of your friends who just left? Will they be okay with you speaking for them? This is sensitive information, and I won't be spreading it if you are just going to leave." His gaze landed on Perrin. "I'm temped to take you up on your offer. Things are... tense."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Zamar considers this for a moment. "Each of us speaks for themselves, but I have yet to see a cause that has fractured our fellowship, and we have had some tense moments. Perrin has just found his father. Regardless of our other obligations, none of us would try to pull him from your side. Likewise, none of us would turn away from him while he was helping family. The decision is yours. If you want me to call them back, I can."
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Sam thought a moment, frowning slightly. "I want to be very clear here. I'm not going to give you details unless you all agree to help. If word of us or our mission leaves this cave, the lives of those people out there will be in danger." He turned toward Koll. "The Winter Wolves are no more, and they had no associations beyond this area. For a long time, they were regarded as simple bandits. But since having come into their company, I have discovered the truth behind their organization, whatever remained of it. The last of the Winter Wolves joined with myself and my people, which leads us into the reason why we are all here. If you agree to help... all of you, I will explain."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
“I’ll get the other two. You guys can discuss if you want to help but, Pa I’m here now if you need me.” Perrin says before he begins to look for Lera and Shanolia.
"Mr. Cherrycheeks, it is very nice to meet you. My name is Woe Norvyre. I would very much like to help Perrin and you, his father, but unfortunately we are all here in the service for the Scarlet Dawn. Mr. Grapip Lanfan is our employer for this trip and we will have to ask for his understanding and support before we can help you. But I know he is very grateful for your rescue, so he might not mind us taking some time out. Mr. Cherrycheeks, do you have an idea how long our involvement might be needed for?" Woe looks at Grasalfan. "What is your opinion in this?"
"Well," Grasalafan says. "All that's left for us is to go home. If helping each other lets us get home quicker, I don't see any reason why we shouldn't!" He tugs on his armor, trying to get it back into the fitted position around his belly. "Of course, I think a rest is in order..." he smacks his lips together. "Do ye have any food?" He asks, eyeing the halfling.
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"Soo..." Shanolia starts awkwardly. "I know why I needed to leave, but I'm a bit curious as to your reasoning."
“They needed a moment alone,” Lera shrugged. “And when I stand still too long, I remember how much everything hurts.”
"That's a fair point." They walk in silence for a moment. "So... Anything on your mind, or are we just gonna walk around aimlessly?"
“I was content to walk around aimlessly until I found something cool,” Lera smiled. “Do you have anything on your mind?”
Her breath catches audibly, as if she was going to speak, but she doesn't. After another moment, she speaks, watching her words carefully. "Their reunion... Bothers me a bit... Not in the sense that something's wrong, but- you know what nevermind, it'd be selfish to even bring up. He deserves this."
“You’ll get your happy ending, even if it doesn’t involve tear-filled reunions.”
Her hand goes back to her dagger and her tone gets angrier. "Those Dernky will drown in their own blood. Only then will I feel happiness."
“We’ll be there with you when you get your revenge. Although, I think you could do with finding a little happiness in the moment.”
"Emotion is weakness." She says simply, her monotone returning. "I will find happiness when it's done."
“If your whole goal is to find an emotion, that implies that you don’t see it as an actual weakness. It’s a prize to you, something you don’t think you’ve earned yet. If it was really a weakness, why bother with it at all?” Lera said smugly. “Xanathar’s favorite eyeball, you’re allowed to feel things Shanny.”
"I've already gotten one group killed because I let my emotions control me. I lost a gang of friends that I could trust, safety from the council, and the love of my life, because I showed a faint hint of emotion. I will not lose you lot the same way."
“Well that’s... dark," the aasimar replied after a moment, at a loss for words. Shanolia didn't respond, so Lera began to ramble. “I don’t know if I could live like that. I mean, I know the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but if you look for the good in things, it’s never that hard to find it.”
"I tried. For fourteen years I tried. It gets hard to see the good when you can't even walk into an Elven tavern without seeing your face plastered on the walls." She sighs. "I'm not saying I will not feel anything, Lolth knows that's impossible. It's just... Going to take a lot before I feel comfortable enough to open again."
Well, this is awkward, Lera thought to herself, looking around for something cool to focus on. There were a bunch of holes, about a foot in diameter, that were filled with boiling water. Lera didn't feel like getting burned, so she decided against poking one. Just in time, she caught sight of Perrin.
"Oh look, there's Perrin," Lera began to walk toward him, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'm sure he is bringing with him a different conversation."
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“Hey gals.” Perrin says. “We kind of need you back there. My Pa needs some help before he can help us. But he wants all of us to agree first and I came to get you so you could give him your answer.” Perrin explains.
Just as Sam was about to reply, a couple of teenage boys entered, carrying trays of salted meats and cheeses, along with steaming mugs of hot tea. "Ah yes, here we are," Sam said in response. "I'm afraid our stores of food are getting a little low. No offence meant, but we have been rationing the fresh foods for the little ones. Sheema and Brod went out to do some hunting, but never came back. Figured Nydhi had gotten them." Taking a mug of tea, he sat back in his seat, sipping. "Once Perrin gets back, I'll explain everything. For now, tell me of this... what did you say... flying machine?"
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"Ho ho ho.." Grasalfan says, waddling up to the platter of meats and cheeses. He eyes the cheese, then scrunches up his face and instead grabs two handfuls of meat. "Well," grasalfan starts, small pieces of half-chewed meat expelling from his mouth, "The flying machine is... er... was the prototype of something much bigger. It wasn't meant to travel for more than a day, and we've been stuffed in there for nearly four!" He laughs a loud guffaw, a pieces of meat shooting across the table. Biting another, he continues, "The machine itself is a series of mechanical devices that power the rotors built within them. The way they get the energy is through a delicate balance between elemental entities. It's a marvel to behold! Er... was. Was a marvel. From the look of it, the thing was far beyond repair..." He eats the rest of the meat in silence.
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“Well that sounds serious,” Lera said softly as she followed Perrin back into the hut with their assembled party.
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Shanolia simply nods, glad to be done with the awkward conversation, and follows Perrin back to the others.
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Sam nodded as his son entered the hut, followed by the other two who had been absent. He motioned to the table where meats, cheeses, and hot tea were waiting for them. "Thank you for joining us. I wanted to make sure everyone heard what I'm about to say, and lend their voices to the conversation. This is a matter of importance, and I need to know you all will agree to help." He paused, looking at each of them for a moment before continuing. "We are going to overthrow a government." He left the sentence hanging in the air, and watched, judging reactions.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Shanolia has no reaction, hearing his words but too busy staring intently at the mass of food, afraid to remove her mask before their kind host.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Dapple, perhaps not grasping the full implication of this statement in civilized society, responds first. "To what end? The people are always unhappy with the rules of their clan and tribe councils, or the way their chief rules. Can you not discuss tour differences with them?"
Lera raises her hand with a question.
Sam raises an eyebrow and nods. "Yes?"
“Which government? Why are we overthrowing them in particular? And do you have any baby pictures of Perrin?”
Sam blinked at the... odd question. Then he turned and looked at Perrin. "You haven't told your friends?"
"I'm assuming it is Lord Embree." Zamar says
“I told them. Doesn’t mean they remember. Remember I told you about Lord Embree and his forced Militia and unfair laws and taxes. When we were all sharing why we joined the Scarlet Dawn and our past.” Perrin says to the group.
"Yes, you did mention that." Shanolia speaks up, looking to Sam. "I cannot speak for the rest, but I will gladly help tear down a tyrant."
"And I have no love for him." He turns to Lera, "None of Waterdeep society would have anything to do with him. That's why you have never seen his lands. When we left, we had no contacts there. He's a vile, contemptible man who treats his subjects poorly."
“I was just double checking,” Lera nodded. “And you still haven’t answered my last question.”
“No” Perrin buts in before his Pa has a chance to answer
"No," Sam said, giving Lera an odd look. "You all misunderstand. I'm not asking *you* to overthrow Lord Embree." He regards the room again. "We're being terrorized by this dragon, Nydhi. Turns out, her lair is in these caves. We didn't know when we made our home here. She regularly sends her minions to flush us out, prevents us from bringing in fresh food and water, and basically has us trapped. While there are a few fighters, we have families here who we cannot send into battle against a dragon." Sitting back in his chair, he paused a moment, again gauging their reactions. "We want *you* to handle her."
"I never really got a good look at her. What size dragon are we talking about here?" Zamar says
"She's not huge, compared to ancient dragons." Sam thought a moment. "She could definitely fit into this cavern if she wanted."
"Oh..." *Shanolia's disappointment is partially hidden by the shadow of her hood.* "Well, what all can you tell us about this beast?"
“I’ll help Pa. We can’t just leave you here at her mercy. Although we’ll need a plan to take her down. And I’ll need either a smith or some new armor. Oh....ummmm.... yeah Pa, sorry. I kind of borrowed your old adventuring gear when I couldn’t find you and your armor got really tore up in our last fight.” Perrin says realizing that he accidentally destroyed his fathers equipment.
“I’m in.” Says Lera “That’s if my dad says it okay.”
"And you're alive, which means the armor did what it was designed to do." Sam sighed. "We have no smithy. But, we've been able to procure some things from the smithy in town. We might be able to find something that would work." Hearing Lera's words, Sam quickly looked at her. "Thank you, lass. I appreciate it."
"I'd be dead without your help, so I'm in. As is my daughter." Zamar says
Dapple looks from one face to the next, somewhat confused. If his new clan is committed to this, then so be it. "I will do what I can to help as well. The families here, the young. They must be kept safe."
Sam nodded, waiting for more replies.
Singe is trembling.
Sam gives Singe a concerned look. "Are you okay, young man?"
“Yes,” Singe says, “Just a little cold.”
"Drink your tea," Sam said, an air of authority in his voice.
*Are you scared?* Lera messages Singe.
Singe shakes his head.
*Are you excited to make a dragontooth necklace?* Lera messages
Singe stares at Lera like a deer in headlights.
*Alright, so just me then,* Lera rambled in his head. *I can’t help but feel like you don’t want to fight a dragon.*
"Wait..." Grasalfan butts in. "I thought I saw a workshop back there." Grasalfan gestures towards the entrance they came from.
"Well, yes," Sam said. "We just haven't been able to get anyone in it yet. Dragon, you know."
Songe drinks his tea.
Grasalfan pats his breastplate and snatches up another pile of meat. "I could work it, if only to get the young halfling suited up."
*Shanolia clears her throat.* "Before we go rushing headlong to our demise; What can you tell us of this beast?
*I’m just going to keep talking in your head until you tell me what’s wrong.* Lera messages Singe
Sam raised an eyebrow, looking the gnome over. "This could be arranged." Turning his attention to Shanolia, he said, "She was here first, and she's quite upset that we've taken some of her caves from her. She's harassed us almost daily. What more do you want to know?"
"Weaknesses to exploit, things to look out for, any possible lore or information you can spare could be the difference between her death and ours." Shanolia says
Singe looks at Lera. "We're going to die." He whispers aloud.
"An idea of how many kobolds there are, or a map of the caves would help," Dapple adds.
*Well, with that attitude we will,* Lera replied. *Come on, you can’t tell me that you’ve never wanted to slay a dragon?*
"What do you know about dragons," Sam asked Shanolia. To Dapple, he said, "We don't know their numbers. They just keep coming. As for a map, no. We have not mapped the caves for good reason. It could be used against us. We do have our own ways of getting around the caves, however. Sheema can show you."
*No*, Singe messages back.
"Next to nothing; I know they're big, they're angry, and - like anyone on this bloody continent that has had the misfortune of meeting me - they probably want me dead."
"Them we will hunt them in the dark and kill them one by one until only their mistress remains." Dapple smiles, relishing the thought of stalking them in their own territory. "I don't want you dead yet, Shan."
*Really? Never thought about how cool it would be? Or how the bards would write stories calling you Dragonslayer?* Lera messages
Singe looks wide eyed at Dapple and then at Lera.
"Yet. That's the key word there, innit?" Shanolia says
*That sounds like a good way to die.* Singe responds.
*You’re totally scared,* Lera replied.
*We are __all__ going to die.* Singe replies
He gives her a toothy grin and shrugs.
Singe stares wide-eyed at Dapple.
*I bet you’re fun at parties.* Lera says
"What? She said herself everyone wants to. I don't, but it hasn't been long." Dapple responds when he notices Singe giving him the look.
"I believe, she was exaggerating." Singe says
"It's not a problem, Hothead. To be completely honest, I wouldn't be surprised if each and every one of you wanted me dead. Except Perrin and Woe." Shanolia says
*Look, Singe, I trust in your intelligence. If you really think this is going to go that badly, maybe we can run,* Lera tried again. *But maybe it’s time you trust in the abilities of the Scarlet Dawn. Come on, we’ve been cooped up in a tin can for days, and I for one, am itching to kill something.*
"If we're going to kill a dragon, we should do it tomorrow" Singe says, trying to get the conversation back on track, "The most harmful thing I can do today is throw handfuls of fire."
"What of you," Sam asked, looking at Koll and Woe, awaiting their response.
Cocking his head at Singe, Dapple looks from him to Shanolia and frowns. "Why does no one just say what they mean anymore. Life was simple in the jungle. I just want to hunt something. That, I understand."
"If you knew why I wear this mask, Daps, you'd realize I wasn't exaggerating. And I, at least, do say what I mean, feelings be damned." Shanolia says
“I’m surrounded by bloody edgelords,” Lera mutters to herself.
"Dragons," says Koll, "are greedy and vain. It didn't attack us, which suggests to me that it doesn't like to get its claws dirty; I think there's plenty of weakness to exploit. I saw the malice in its eyes, though, and I'm more than willing to help take such a beast down."
Woe has listened in silence so far. Fighting a dragon. Something she has sung about in her stories, in inns around this area. She looks at Sam. "I would much prefer to fight Lord Embree, if we overthrow him, then you don't need to hide out in these mountains anymore. And the dragon can stay in her original habitat and live on these mountains. Would that not be more helpful?"
“That may be true but...just looking around I don’t think there is enough man power here to overthrow Lord Embree. Sure we might be able to kill him but he does have an entire army to protect him. An army where we can’t kill most of them because they don’t want to be there. It’s either be there or put your family at risk.” Perrin's voice gets softer at that last sentence.
“Even if we want to kill Lord Embree, we can’t get to him until we take care of this dragon. She took out our airship, and I doubt we could outrun her on foot. If we want to leave, and we want these people to be able to leave, we have to kill the dragon.” Lera adds.
"Well, I do feel that we have intruded into the dragons territory and it is her right to defend it. Also, she let us live when she took down the flying machine. But I do see how she probably knew we wouldn't get far and if we have a good plan, I am happy to attack her." Woe says.
Sam interjects, "She did not start attacking us until a couple months ago."
Singe leans forward, "What happened a few months ago?"
"We've had minor skirmishes with the kobolds in the past... nothing major. They were easily dealt with whenever we went..." Sam coughs, "On our missions. One in particular though, we decided to take a captive."
Singe looks not surprised, "And then it began?"
Sam nods.
"Who was the captive and what happened to them?"
"We've kept her here. Meant to use her as a bargaining chip, like the Lords do during wars. It's Embree's daughter," Sam responds. "She's kept safe here, is let out of her cell often, fed and all that. She's an amazing cook, surprisingly..."
Singe arches an eyebrow, "Why would the dragon begin harassing you when a lord's daughter is here?"
"The kobolds got their fancy weapons and armor around that time too," Sam comments. "Not a coincidence."
Singe sits back and sips his tea, "Definitely not."
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Lera gets up and leaves.
Woe wonders aloud, "So, this dragon could it be working for the Lord? Is that even possible? For a dragon to take orders? And again, I feel you have started to worsen your situation yourself first. You have been the aggressors by taking the Lord's daughter. Have you been negotiating with him?"
"We can't even get a few miles from these caves without being attacked... there's been no way to start negotiations," Sam replies. "We've gotten a few messages through, but no reply."
"This appears to be a quid pro quo for the dragon, not necessarily taking orders from a lord." Singe sips his tea, "Lord Embree probably thinks he does have some sway with the dragon..."
Singe drinks more tea, "If we're going to kill a dragon, we can't do it blindly. A dragon is a series of small challenges that come together to create one giant killing machine. It can fly, trample us, and freeze us; we can keep it from doing two of those things, we'll probably have a chance." Singe sips his tea, "Or we could try to hit two birds with one dragon shaped stone... It's probably harder than just killing the dragon but it would wipe Lord Embree off the map, leaving us to deal with a dragon. Perhaps, if we act quickly, trapping her in her own lair."
Woe adds, "Well, generally speaking, we should be safe in here. All I know is they breath elemental energy from their mouths. In this case frost you think, Singe? And the white ones are typically dumber than the others and they prefer the cold. And... it's extremely warm in here... How would you go about wiping Lord Embree out at the same time?"
"Convince the dragon that Lord Embree is plotting an attack against the dragon and it requires her immediate attention." Singe looks at his mug and furrows his brow, "Can we get more tea?"
"Ohhhh" Woe says, "I very much like this idea! We'll just have to fake some proof!"
Grasalfan waves a piece of meat at Singe, "Ye couldn't even talk to 'er earlier." Singe doesn't say anything.
"Maybe someone here can speak the right language?" Woe looks expectantly at Sam.
Sam shrugs, "Never had dragons on the farm." He winks to Perrin. "Except for that one time..."
Sam nods at Singe and stands, walking to the entrance and sticking his head out the flap. After a few moments he returns to the table and sat. "We'll have more tea soon."
Singe bows his head in gratitude.
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"I can understand Draconic with the aid of a spell, but I can't speak it." Singe says
"Yeah, if we cannot speak to her, it will be difficult, to say the least. Maybe we can subdue her/find a way to shackle her, and then offer her freedom again in exchange for the attack on Lord Embree. And I am pretty sure she at least understood some common. So if Singe can understand draconic, and she can understand common, we might be able to talk..."
"How far is Lord Embree's residence?" Singe asks
"It's a few days travel on foot," Sam said as the flap opened and one of the teenaged boys entered with a steaming kettle of tea.
Singe thanks the boy as his mug is filled, “We need something faster than this level of subterfuge, isolating the dragon underground is our best bet.”
Perrin is happy that nobody said anything about that dragon on the farm incident and also glad that his friends want to help. “We have to deal with more than just the dragon.” Perrin chimes in. “She also has all those Kobolds to deal with. Regardless we are in no state to take her on right now. I think we have time to plan and prepare. Personally, I’d rather not fight a dragon without some proper armor. Now, why don’t we rest and get our strength back for now. I saw a pool of hot water earlier and I can say that we all desesperatly need to take a nice long bath.” Perrin says with a chuckle.