“Interstingly enough,” you continue, walking past her and pretending you didn't hear her, “She seems to have been possessed at some point. He says she came to the temple one day, remembering no one, and acting strangely. She ended up expelled and disappearing for several years, before coming back. She swore she didn't remember anything of her time away, and only was re-accepted into the temple after a private conference with the High Priest. This seems to be relevant,” you continue, noticing with satisfaction that Scinnari is following you again. While you don't like the potential conflict her words suggested, you are pleased that you managed to bring her around without acknowledging it, “Because recently, it seems she's been having disturbed sleep, and asking questions about her lost time. Two days ago, she vanished, and the good Brother Arman wants us to find her.”

“I... will concede that's more interesting than I expected.” she says cautiously.

“Indeed.” you utter dryly. In your mind, you run through the things you now need to do today. Clothes, to replace your... somewhat-singed own, you would be mildly interested in seeing this 'Kazmiri the Red' arrive, and you must meet a pair at the Sunke Cask at sunset for payment on your previous job. Oh yes, and you've arranged to investigate the missing priestess' house.

Much to do today... Where to begin?

>>12246180
Clothes can wait, shapechange into a somewhat sickly human where no-one sees it and pose as a poor when watching the mage.

>>12246214
I second this idea. However we don't want to stay around too long, we have things to do.

Well that depends on what kind of clothes we want. If we want nice ones, we're likely going to need them fitted for our wings and all since we're winged elves at the moment. Regardless, I still agree that we should hit the port and watch this guy come in. If we're going to be betrayed, I imagine the guys would contact the wizard as he's coming in rather than at his tower.

>>12246307
I think we already went and fitted clothes for us, so they will be pretty nice. We're waiting for them to be done.

or did we want to do the betraying?
would it be more profitable for us to throw the humans into the gutter? or to wait and see?

>>12246214
"I think we could do with a less... exotic look." you decide, glancing around. Noticing some alleys, you move towards them, Scinnari following.

"Make sure no one's watching." you mutter to Scinnari. Walking down the empty alley, you duck behind a protrusion from the building on the left. Concentrating, you reshape your form. It feels... almost sickening, to do this, willing replace a better form with a weaker one, but it's all in your own interest.

When you are finished, you almost are glad you have no mirror; though you can't see yourself, you can know the twisted wreck of a form you now occupy is pitiful indeed.

"Your turn." you say to Scinnari, moving past her and out onto the docks.

"I.. think I shall refrain." Scinnari says, possibly somewhat disturbed, if you're any guess. "How do you manage such changes? A spell, or some innate ability?"

"Tread on dangerous ground." You respond cryptically, before leaving her, and moving into the crowd. Diseased as you look, people swing wider than usual, and you find yourself on the metaphorical front row as the red-sailed ship comes in.

Of note: It's also red-hulled. And looks as if it was painted by throwing fresh corpses at it.

>>12246513
As it becomes clear what pier it's heading for, people clear out. Old pirate city or not, people aren't interested in giving this one reason to take offense.

Docking seems fairly standard. The crew has some halfbreeds on the crew, but be it -orc or -elf, they seem to get along. Shortly, Kazmiri 'the Red' disembarks. A hulking bear of a man, tall, and looking like he could rip a man limb from limb. His first destination is... right past the crates your sitting on, in fact, a crude looking orc-made boat the next pier over.

" 'Captain' Roteye. Commander of this pitiful vessel. Come out." he calls, a voice loud and used to command. There's a small wait, until a rather grizzled orc or half orc comes out, bedecked in barbaric finery.

"What do you want?" the Roteye calls, glaring back down. Either unafraid, or a good pretender.

"You've hit the Mordan Courier. That was mine."

"Hah!" the orc laughs. Definitely unafraid. "Evidently not, since we got it!"

"So be it. No conflict in port, but I would be careful next time you put out to sea." Kazmiri says, turning his back. A cryptic series of hand-passes and esoteric phrases, and he vanishes with a thunderclap and a plume of dust.

Strange. Not quite what you expected. Rather short, too, for such a crowd. Ah, well. The lesser races have always been easily cowed and amazed.

[Sorry for such a long wait.]

All the people playing post by post are pathetic as fuck. E

>>12246521
to the ally-way, to shape change, then to the tavern!

>>12246554
Well fuck your shit. I'm having fun.

You're entitled to your opinion, though.

>>12246521
We liekly should tell Scinnari to change shape at some point soon. Someone in town knows she has that emerald we asked her to get identified and that might attract Kazmiri's attention. Unless we do decide to betray the humans to try to get on this wizards good side, it's probably best to avoid him all together.

>>12246604
>>12246572
Returning to the alley, your mildly irritated to not see Scinnari waiting. Making sure the alley is clear yourself, you duck behind the corner, and focus on shifting your form. It's a strain to do it so much so many times in such a short interval, but doable. Would probably be wise to do so no more today, or only once, if in dire need.

Turning around, Scinnari suddenly appears next to you. "An interesting technique." She says. For a moment, you could almost swear her eyes are glowing like flames, bu then it's gone.

"Practicing voyeurism now?" you ask with irritation.

"Only because you haven't answered my question." she responds, falling into step next to you as you exit the alley.

>Do we answer, if so, what, and anyway, where do we go from here?

We should check up on our kobold. One loyal servant is better than none, lizard-dog or not.

>>12246665
If she wants to know, let's have a trade of information. Before we consider telling her what we are, what is she?

At this point I recommend we get our clothing and investigate the woman's house. I believe we had that scheduled beforehand. If we still have lots of time, it might be worth looking into the tavern we're going to later tonight and see if our two friends might be trying a double crossing.

>>12246695
Come on! Kobolds are the traditional dragon-minions!

OP, can we come up with some excuse to avoid the question?

>>12246665
I think we should tell her what we are but only if she tells us what she is. We're nearly an adult red dragon, most demons are weaker then us so it's a good bet she'll be subservient to us. She could make a powerful and useful servant, especially if she's a devil. Demon however, not as much.

>>12246700
I love the paranoia that comes with being a powerful creature. I say we tell her:

"It is a bit of a stretch to think everyone is what they seem when you are definitely not what you may seem. Especially you."

This way she will be more intrigued and respectful because it shows we are willing to let her know that we aren't what we are but we know that she isn't able to sway us either. A little give and take if you will.

>>12246748
Also we should give Jerick or whatever his name his, our kobold, a reward of some kind for his good work. Loyalty is key if you wanna wield power.

>>12246754
It's more the paranoia of dealing with a demon. Sure we may be more powerful than her but who knows what kind of things she could do based on what she is. Hence why I rather not reveal any of our hand unless she's willing to reveal some of hers.

>>12246665
"I've picked up several tricks in my lifetime, some are magical and some are not. I suggest a trade. To ask a question of me will earn an answer about you in turn. Agreed?"

>>12246748
>>12246700

"I could ask the same of you." you growl, walking swiftly through the winding city streets.

"Well what do you think?" She says, enjoying this more than you are, apparently.

"A succubus, an erinyes, or something along those lines is certainly what you seem to want me to think."

"And which do you think?"

"Something else." you growl again, annoyed with how she's enjoying her games.

"And would you be willing to trade for the information you want?" she asks, playful tone still in her voice.

"It seems my only option." you reply.

"An erinyes. " She says happily. "You?"

"What do you think?" you respond grumpily.

"Hmm..." she responds. "A wizard or shifter of some sort. The later more likely, since you haven't exhibitted other magic. A demon or devil, perhaps? Of course, such resistances can be mimicked by magic, of course. A delightfully immoral adventurer? Possible; you haven't done much yet that couldn't be explained by an artifact. But you haven't insisted on possessing the emerald, which seems a blow against that..." she says, reasoning aloud. Her tone takes a turn for the mischievous when she finishes with "Well, at least I know one thing; you aren't a virgin anymore."

"I'm a dragon." you state flatly, a trickle of smoke begining to leak out of your mouth. At the very least, that shuts her up. She closes her mouth, and walks beside you silently for a ways.

"Red?" she finally asks. It's almost insulting to have to answer.

"Yes."

>>12246898
Well, that was a disgraceful experience in being verbally outmaneuvered by a petty extraplanar.

>>12246898
She says nothing else until you arrive at the tailor's. The clothes are that special kind of uncomfortable that comes with new garments, but exceedingly nice and well made.

Scinnari, of course, handles the payment. In less than a minute, the young tailor is melting in her hands, and babbling that, of course, for her, he can give them for free. 'Is there anything else the lady would like?'.

Leaving, you return to the street. Scinnari is quieter and seems to be adjusting her opinion. Jarrik is still no where to be found, though you feel certain hell turn up eventually.

>Next?

>>12246898
Just out of curiosity, exactly how old are we?

>>12246937
~80 ish. 83, as an offhand number, though it means little.

>>12246762
Possibly.

Question Scinnari on why she's so quiet. I imagine this might be the only time she won't be having her way with us verbally based on how she reacted.

In regards to more serious stuff though, I suppose we should go check out the woman's house for leads.

>>12246898
Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, how powerful do you estimate Kazmiri to be?

>>12246935
We still need to get paid don't we?

Also, verbally prod Scinnari while we have an advantage.

>>12246998
This would be fun. Ask her if perhaps she bit off more than she could chew with this particular attempt at corruption. Heh.

>>12246935
She is probably thinking in her head, why we have had such problems with things, like figuring out about how old we are.......I say we tell her that she is most likely not going to guess right. Also, that we should find out if she is a bit more willing to help us now that she knows what we are. I like power, but I also feel that knowledge is power more so than anything else.....if we can find out where she stands the more power we have over her.

>>12246935
Now that we're being honest with each other, let me propose a deal. Tell me, is there anything you desire on this plane?

Offer the basic deal, work together to accomplish goals whatever they may be. Naturally we're in charge.

>>12246935
"Why so quiet? I understand that there are probably more entertaining things you could be doing right now, but come on. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and the sea air and logical deduction of solving the disappearance and/or possibly possession and death of a religious worker should prove mildly entertaining, at least,"

>>12247025
Of course we should also keep her guessing about our age. We're young adult by the way so if it absolutely came down to it, we could take her. But only if we changed back to our regular form.

Should we check out the half orc?
maybe find a possible ally in him?

>>12247043
maybe, later though. We already have some things on our plate. Later though we can make some contact, pirates have a tendency to stumble across treasure.

>>12247042
It wouldn't be a hard fight if we changed back though. We could take two of her without dying, though it would be a tough fight.

>>12247139
More than two easily if we used spells, but we don't know any do we?

>>12247008
Yes.
>>12247017
>>12247023
>>12247025
>>12247030

"Feeling we bit of more than we could chew, are we?" you say, as you stop for a midday meal.

"Not at all. Just... adjusting my estimates." she says.

"Really? How so?"

"Well, I first thought you were a mortal, regardless. That would have meant fun, interesting times, for however long you survived, and perhaps the manipulation of you to avenge myself upon certain... entities. Or get you killed, should you grow boring." She replies candidly. "Now... The possibilities seem endless. An eternal empire on earth. Power, supreme. And... nights anything but normal." she finishes, an extremely pointed sensual tone.

"And do I have nay reason to believe this any more than I should have believed you initially?" you interject dryly, almost cutting her off.

"Well... No, but I can point out my interest. A consort of an emperor, a worthwhile position for anyone. Another might aspire to a throne, but enjoy such an... arrangement. Power, in it's own sake, is easier to acquire with assistance. Imagine, if you will, the remora and the shark. Both benefit, despite the remora riding free."

"You're persuasive and useful, I'll grant you that." you concede.

>go to investigate house?

>>12247219
Dohohohohoho, I love the remora and shark comment, makes me feel superior ',..,'

And, yes, head towards the house......Also, what if I propose a challenge to you all in this thread. What if we stopped breaking any laws or made sure that when we rise to power, we operate in the parameters set so that no one can legally complain about us. This stops any resistance short of an actual revolution or uprising which we shouldn't let happen in the first place. Think BBEG that operates perfectly well in the laws and parameters of a kingdom so is legally untouchable.

>>12247219
Heh, this women is likely still going to try to manipulate us if she can. We'll have to be doubly careful with this one and maybe find a way to get her real loyalty.

Assuming it won't interfere with us being paid, yes we shall go investigate the house.

>>12247219
Sure, if it's on the way of our payment.

>>12247290
Does that challenge include staying within the laws while getting into power or only do things legally from this point on in regards to getting power?

>>12247219
Yeah, let's go look into it. We need to be sure not to be late for our reward meeting, but knowledge is an excellent thing to have in our hoard and priests of knowledge are a good way to get it.

>>12247219
Yes: also, we may want to start putting out feelers in the beggar community, to see if any of the ignored saw anything, or noticed something unusual.

>>12247300
That question confuses me. If you mean, while in a position of power and gaining more, stay within legal laws and boundaries, then yes. If from this point on? No.

>>12247290
Sure, we only break laws when it's beneficial for us. Otherwise dealing with the humans would get annoying.

>>12247290
We are the law. Like, seriously, what are mayfly human lives and laws to us? We'll see the rise and fall of kingdoms.

Which is not to say we shouldn't have some sort of code. Even moreso with a Lawful Evil planar "ally" around. But it's ridiculous to be bound by the laws of such inferior beings, and while devils are big on law they also understand that the ones who make the laws can do whatever they want. It's a key component of devil society that ranking devils are only bound by the laws of those higher ranked than them.

>>12247322
Indeed, I like look at the big picture when it comes to balancing out the fact that we are Neutral Evil. First few decades in our rise to power might be neutral spread with a few chaotic moments, and then after that stay strict and lawful, but when something doesn't go our way I suggest we start changing the rules if we get enough power.

Also another thing that bothers me, we need to find out why we have no recollection of what happened before we ended up on that ship on its way here. This could be our pay for finding this priestess as well as the money he owes us.

>>12247339
I say yes for now, because we are in not in an ACTUAL true position of power. We don't even know magic that well for Baator's sake. We need to set up a domain now, then hopefully if OP allows us, make a timeskip......we are a bit underpowered in my honest opinion.

>>12247345
Eh, I don't know about that. I only joined the quest recently, I didn't see the beginning.

>>12247290
Sounds like fun!

The walk to the house is quick. There actually seem to be patrols and guards in the old city, something you didn't expect. Orderly...

The house is a tiny affair, crammed between two other buildings. You're a few minutes early, so wait for a few minutes. Brother Arman arrives shortly afterwards, and lets you in with the warning of "I understand you need to search, but please don't damage anything." He seems content to wait at the entrance, though.

Not that there's much to see. A small, cluttered livingroom/kitchen, and an even smaller loft with a cot jammed against the wall. Every available surface is covered in pots of ink, scrolls, or tomes. Judging from the cramped conditions, a job as a librarian does not pay well.

"Heh. Important, I'll have to remember that." you mutter as you search.

1d100

Glad to see some planning going on. Well, we're evil, so I guess it's called 'plotting' instead, right?

>>12247290
As the others have pointed out, obviously what she wanted... but true none the less.

rolled 33 = 33

>>12247399
I can't botch another roll, can I?

rolled 30 = 30

>>12247399
Look for valuable information and check into what she was researching specifically. Also look for hidden compartments.

Search Check I suppose

>>12247432
>>12247439
and the 30's have it......oh dear. It always seems to be when we are doing something based off of us finding something or seeing something when we roll badly as well.......so first it was captcha, now the dice are growing sentience?

>>12247474
Don't forget about our last fight. We got mauled so bad because the dice hate us. You'd think we were a mere human with the way we roll.

>>12247432
>>12247439
A scrawled list is found on the kitchen table, under a plate. It reads:

Things to do today:
Get some sleep.
Talk to Cpt. Roteye.
Turnips.
Update diary.
Get some more sleep.

You are distracted from the contemplation of what it means by Scinnari's call of "I found a trap door.", moments later followed by "Basement."

Grabbing it, you proceed down. Sure enough, there's a basement, curiously empty, despite being lined with shelves.

In fact, this basement might be larger than the house.

"Scholars, what strange creatures." Scinnari muses aloud. As you look closer, you realize all of the shelves and cases are empty, everything. "Can you smell that?"

"What?"

"These cases..." Scinnari says, tapping a nail on the glass, "These are new. No older than a year. Fresh wood. Empty, though..."

>>12247489
It's a well known fact /tg/ dice roll low, and the algorithm will never be fixed.

Ask the priest if anybody has come to the house recently. Or if anything seemed out of place. Or if any books are missing.

As well, we should see if we can find her diary. We should also aim to speak to this Cpt. Roteye and find out what he knows about the girl.

>>12247290
I don't know much about comics, so I may be thinking of the wrong thing, but that's really giving off a Lawful Evil Dr. Doom vibe here. I like it.

>>12247504
Really?

>>12247550
If there's one thing /tg/ hates it's /tg/.

>>12247550
I don't read comics much either, but I was actually thinking more Lex Luthor? He lobbies and laws get changed and has no "real" connection usually to not get put in jail I think is how it usually goes. Correct me if I am wrong?

Also I second the Diary and asking the priest, if he doesn't know, ask neighbors.....

>>12247493
Can't Erinyes's use True Sight at will? Ask Scinnari to use that if she can.

>>12247526
Roll for it. +40

.>>12247517
"What? No, I mean, yes. I came here to look for her, but didn't truly search the place, just checked each room, in case she'd passed out somewhere. And yes, her entire library is missing from the basement. I don't know where it's gone."

"And she couldn't have sold them, to disappear again?" Scinnari asks. You get the feeling she likes tormenting the priest, possibly too much.

"Well... I suppose. But it would be totally unliek her! She- Not even when she was... missing." He finishes.

Climbing back up to the loft, you search the desk. A few blank scrolls, a few scraps or inkstained crumples, but overall very empty. It looks like someone cleaner her out.

rolled 12 = 12

>>12247631
The dice won't hate me this time.

>>12247646
Well, you really deserved after saying that. Really what did you think was going to happen?

I dunno know how to roll. Soooo I'm just going to put a 1 d 100 in every field

1d100

>>12247656
Delicious diaries appearing everywhere?

>>12247624
Technically Erinyes have truesight on at all times.

>>12247689
dice+1d100 in the email field broseph

Look around for anything out of place or interesting. Does the basement have rafters? If so, try looking in them as there may be something hidden there. Also see if you can find her diary or anything relating to turnips.

Mmmph, thanks. Hopefully I'll roll better then that other guy.

rolled 52 = 52

>>12247734
Oops, forgot to roll

Wait, don't red dragons have Locate Object at will? Why are we searching?

rolled 69 = 69

Search for dat diary

>>12247738
Like dis

rolled 80 = 80

like this, I mean

rolled 46 = 46

>>12247752
Good idea. Lets locate that object.

We have to know what it looks like in order to use Locate Object.

>>12247752
1/day per age category actually, so 5/day for us.

>>12247781
LO can be used to search for the nearest instance of a generic object too, even if you don't know what it looks like. Not sure if "diary" qualifies there or it would just locate the nearest book though.

Writer dude? You there?

You know we ARE rolling pretty badly. I'm just going to accidentally miss >>12247646 's post.


>>12247747

Cracks in the bottom... Pressing down near the edge, the panel flips up. Indeed.... her diary.

Pulling it out, you skim through it. Most if it is extremely inane, but some is significant.

About six years ago...

"I awoke this morning, frightfully fatigued. I feel like I spent the night in combat, not sleeping. My head hurts, and I feel weak. I can't miss work at the temple, but I think I'll confine myself to light tasks today."

Five years hence:
"Gods help me! I woke today and found five years had passed. Arman told me I had been ejected from the temple four years ago for violating the sanctum! Surely this is madness!

>>12247912
Six months ago:
"Life has resumed a kind of normalcy. I have won admittance back into the temple. My reception was strange, but everyone seems relieved that I am "Back to my old self." I have so many questions about these missing years, but it seems best to simply move on.

Four months ago:
"Arman says that Eidomon was asking after me again, that he was worried about another 'episode'. Maybe he's simply concerned for the temple, but surely I have sufficiently proven myself by now. My life is mine again, and I'm not giving it up."

Two:
The dreams came again last night. I'm not sure if I'll ever get a good night's sleep again! I dreamt of cities as tall as the clouds, and creatures so alien in form that I can't describe them. Does this have something to do with my lost years or is this some fresh torment?"

A month:
It's clear to me now that I must find some answer if I'm ever to make the dreams stop. Thuron and Eidomon tried to discourage me-- I think they fear what might happen to their temple. A pity their compassion does not extend to living beings."

And a week ago;
"I have begun to feel like I'm being watched. I pray this is not a further milestone on the road to madness. I think I'll take my dagger with me in the morning. In a city like Freeport, you can't be too careful, especially with pirates in port these days."

Interesting. What do you think?

Still here, sorry. Finished dinner, had to move, and had to type that rather large update. Won't be leaving unexpectedly, I swear.

>>12247918
Mutter interesting.

Show the diary to the priest, see if he knows anything.

>>12247918
Hmmm. Extraplanar perhaps? Sigil? Ask the devil.

>>12247979
Yes, do this first. Then ask priest.

>>12247918
>>12247951
>>12247979

"Scinnari? What do you make of this?" you ask,, dropping down to the floor. She climbs out of the basement, and flips through it. You wait while she reads.

"I know nothing of it, I'm afraid." She says at length, "Thought it poses many questions."
"Yes, that's her diary, though.... I wouldn't want to read it." he says. "It's getting a bit late, and I must be back to the temple. Are you done?"

Glancing at Scinnari, she nods, and you respond, "Yeah, nothing more to find here."

Arman thanks you, and you leave. He locks the door behind you, and heads down the street.

>>12248001
Seconding; perhaps our devil-friend knows some Cthulu-esque happenings in this plane.

>>12248033
What else do we have to do, and how much time do we have before we have to do it? If we have a little time, follow him; he seemed a little suspicious about not wanting to read the diary.

If not, archive it away for a latter day.

Well, if we have time we should go question her coworkers in the temple. Also look for any missing books that she might have taken from it. We don't know what was in her private library, but if she took similar books from the temple there should be records of what they were.

If we don't have time we can do that tomorrow, we should be early to our payment meeting to ensure there are no traps.

>>12248033

Alright head to the tavern to get our payment. On the way discuss theories with Scinarri. Extraplaner perhaps? Cities as tall as clouds isn't much to go on. After we get paid we should go pay a visit to this Cpt. Roteye. Whoever he is.

>>12248033
If it's getting late, we have an appointment with our paycheck.

>>12248033
Just realized I seem to have missed a sentence or two there. As well as a line. [nothing important.]

>>12248067
We want to get our payment from the adventurers earlier. That's about it, unless you want to be doing things tonight. If you don't have any plans for the night, it seems likely that Scinnari will.

Part of me wonders if the priest knows more than he's letting on. I mean, when we were asking him if anyone had gone through her stuff and all he said he searched the house for her but he knew about the library in the basement, when we didn't even notice it due to the trap door. So either he knew about it in the first place or he did search the house... Or maybe I'm reading too deep into it.

>>12248119
Lets see if we can't find our kobold minion.

>>12248119
First thing's first; treasure.

Do we stand to benefit in anyway from helping the priest?

Also, has our dearest Kobold servant turned up yet?

>>12248172
300 gold and free healing. Not much. But he is a priest of the god of knowledge, so we might be able to pick up unforseen benefits from that aspect.

>>12248172
I concur, we're a dragon after all.
He's a priest to a god of knowledge, access to the library would be profitable, though all he's offered is 300gp. We can probably intimidate or persuade him for better though.

>>12248079
>>12248088
>>12248090
>>12248090

"Let's got to go. I want to be paid." you say, and Scinnari falls in step.

The bar seems normal as you approach, and you are ready to enter, when you notice something on the wall near the door.

"Reward: 10,000 Gold: Information on who broke into the tower in the old city-"

You skim it, and feel a small sinking feeling. That looks to be where you were last night.

Ignoring it, you enter the building, and assess the clientèle. Nobody seems particularly important, wealthy, nosy, or even interested. Most are clustered around the fight-pit in the center, as they were yesterday.

Sigmund is recognizable, sitting in the corner. He nods, but you don't see the human anywhere. You are early, of course, so that's probably it.


[dice 1d100]

rolled 26 = 26

>>12248206
Awwww hell, also, maybe our underling decided to go back to the room, or maybe he is still tailing us even...... we will see eventually. There is also the horrible option of him possibly being dead since we didn't see how he was doing I think.....

rolled 28 = 28

>>12248239
I'm so disappointed in my self, you should have like 2 chances thing or something OP, because this is seriously ridiculous

>>12248206
Consider the possibility of turning the other two for the reward. Only if we can get away scot free though.

>>12248244
>>12248239
I refuse to roll anymore in this thread. Sorry mates.

rolled 95 = 95

>>12248206
Before approaching, we tell Scinnari to keep the talking to a minimum. We're here for the gold, and nothing more.

rolled 45 = 45

>>12248245
Oh and rollan.

rolled 86 = 86

>>12248206
DICE! Failroll time again.

Ask Scinnari to step back outside, go invisible, and then come inside again. She sort of stands out and a wizard knows what an erinyes looks like. Having her walk around with black wings is like screaming HERE I AM.

What was our minion's name again?

>>12248260
Jarrik. He might be seriously wounded or captured as a slave.

>>12248260
Jarrick, or Jerrick whichever.

rolled 51 = 51

>>12248257
I agree with this guy, invisible backup would be quite useful. Also she can observe our surroundings, might pick up on something we don't.

>>12248239
You move to the bar, and order something that looks more tolerable than the rest. Moving to sit down across from Sigmund.

The door flies of it's hinges, spinning off someone, before resting on the floor. Standing in the doorway is the recognizeable figure of Kazmiri.

"Someone.... in this building... has information I require." Kazmiri shouts, in his best 'theatrical' voice, you're certain. "I offer no small sum in exchange for the information, it is in your best interests to come forward. Please do so." you can see that he's wearing several rings, and holding a thin, sinister-looking wand in his hand.

Naturally everyone is backing away from him.

>>12248300
We don't back away from some puny human.

Dunno what to say though. Some other anon come up with something badass.

>>12248300
OH SHIT

Also, uuuuh, what do we have available to us in our arsenal at the moment by the way........OP? I know we are a red, so we have a pretty powerful breath weapon.....but this just might get a little bit hairy.....

rolled 49 = 49

>>12248300
Ignore him and continue our meeting with the wizard. If Kazmiri comes to us about whatever, we're a fucking dragon; as if we give a fuck.

>>12248300
Casually glance at Sigmund. Is he cowering in fear or does it seem like he's considering selling us out. As well, see if we can spot his companion elsewhere in the bar.

>>12248300
"We might be wanting to make a rapid exit. He seems quite willing to question everyone in the bar." Scinnari whispers next to you. "Do you think we should... assume other forms right now?"

>>12248300
Fantastic. Well, stare daggers at Sigmund so he knows to stay quiet and act worried about the wizard with a chip on his shoulder.

For the love of god tell Scinnari to make herself less obvious. Maybe duck behind something and go invisible, but no quick movements.

>>12248328
Well, we can't really fight unless we transform back to true form, and we don't want to do that unless absolutely necessary.

>>12248344
>>12248341
I assume she is invisible, and keep in mind, she isn't in an actual Eryines form, at least I don't think she is. And yes, stare daggers at the dwarf.....

>>12248341
Quickly ask her if he knows her true name from memory. We don't need her turning on us. What is the layout and crowd status? Can we get away without being seen?

rolled 7 = 7

>>12248341
Try our best to get a message to the wizard to step outside; eye-contact, a small wave, a whisper, whatever works. After we're safely outside, we can find a more secure location to get our gold.

>>12248341
We only have one polymorph left here guys, might want to save it for true form just in case the wizard gets nasty.

>>12248328
Sword. Skill. We might have one polymorph, maybe two, left in us. Money, gems, Scinnari still has the invisibility gem.

"Very well." Kazmiri says. Gesturing with his off hand, he casts a spell. You detect little, but a shimmering silver circle is drawn on the ground, about ten feet around Kazmiri. "You. Come forward." A cowering human steps reluctantly forward. "Do you know anything about who or what broke into my tower last night?"

The human's mouth opens and closes silently, before he manages "N-no?", obviously expecting something painful.

"Indeed. You may leave. You,", Kazmiri says, "Next. I will question everyone in this building, if I have to."

>>12248341
Not unless we have no choice but to throw down. Being subtle is a more likely route to success here.

>>12248407
How likely are we to be able to resist this kind of spell? Dragons do have rather excellent Will saves, if I recall correctly. Though admittedly this guy is rather high-level.

>>12248407
"And what right do you have to bust into buildings at random and interrogate people? Surely such harassment cannot be legal."

rolled 71 = 71

>>12248407
Are there any back exits?

If we get called out, state that he has no right to interrogate us (act high and proper). If he persists (which he most likely will), kick his ass in two-versus-one.

>>12248407
Fffff.

How thick are the crowds? The building layout? I mean, how are we supposed to plan without knowing what is going on? There is a fighting pit in the center and an entrance door. What else? Can we slit Sigmund's throat and escape? Can we escape while Scinnari slits his throat and goes invisible to escape? Backdoor? Argh.

>>12248382
"I... do not think so. I destroyed the book I knew he had it written in, and we burned his library as well. He has no reason to think I'm still here; he probably thinks I returned to th-the Hells."

>>12248344

Sigmund locks eyes with you, and you glare back. He nods slightly, and leans back in his chair, resting his feet on the table. Worried or not, he's at least calm.

>>12248407
Perhaps we should attempt to signal him subtly that we know something. Then he can go through the place and later on we can go to him and say that the dwarf tried to hire us for a job, but we turned down his offer because it paid FAR too little. If he asks how much we were going to be paid, then say some small amount.

>>12248438
>>12248423
>>12248407
I say resist it, a wizard might be powerful, but one that is not powerful enough to just either divine who did it, or put in place defense powerful enough to stop us is sloppy and weak....... can we polymorph the dwarf?

Guys, we are a dragon but this is a high level wizard. For all we know he can polymorph into a dragon himself to kick our ass. And we really don't want to use our true form.

That rules out combat. Let's find a way to depart. Sigmund only knows us as an elf, so no worries if he is questioned. The only thing we need to do is get out without being noticed.

>>12248491
If Sigmund gets questioned and fails his will save, then he will spill about how we got the devil to sign on with us. Then the wizard will be looking out for either one of us, so that's twice the chance of being detected.

OK. Play the drunkard. We get up, act all tipsy, then we pretend to slump to our feet, but we pull a knife and shank the bastard.

>>12248438

http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/resources/systems/pennpaper/dnd35/soveliorsage/spellsTtoZ.ht
ml

One on the bottom, I think.

cause panic? pop some guys head off and yell: he's going to kill us all. Proceed to exit stage left while mass panic

>>12248485
That, however, would make us known to the Wizard. But if he believes us, we can get ourselves a large sum of gold. And perhaps he would then hire US. We might even be able to learn from him some magic, seeing as how dragons have a natural aptitude for it.

>>12248459
Murder would probably void our 'lawful' challenge from earlier... Perhaps we can exploit his spell? Lie to him, or mislead him?

>>12248522
He might be dumb, but I doubt he is dumb enough for that to work...... also, what if we kill the dwarf? It might be in our best interests, play it off as an on going argument that just resulted in us killing him......then again, I don't know the ACTUAL rules of the town.......

I say we just wait it out. If we get called up we try to resist. If resistance fails we can warp the truth, we're good at that.

Sorry, whatever you want, please roll 1d100. We'll see what happens.

>>12248459
could we exploit his question? did break something to get into his tower or did we simply manage to get in?

As a dragon we would be magically well versed enough to know this is some sort of truth zone spell. We could rely on our willpower to resist it.

Or... we could volunteer. Get 10k and rat out Leader. Resist when asked about Sigmund. I mean, 10k in gold is a lot and we are greedy.

I say we chance it.

rolled 3 = 3

>>12248557
I'm ret conning my statement, I want to have a good effect on this quest physically at least once ><

rolled 84 = 84

>>12248557
rolling DICE FOR THE DICE GOD

>>12248575
Jesus fucking Christ.........OP, ignore my rolls no matter what from now on.

rolled 92 = 92

Well, let's just sit tight unless we get called up. If we do then we lie. If we can't lie we twist the truth.

rolled 94 = 94

>>12248575
Hahaha. I think you and I need to stop rolling dice. Let's try my luck one more time just to see what I would of got...

>>12248575
you said you were not rolling anymore

>>12248575
Why do you keep doing this to us??

Ugh. Whatever, just kill us already. The dice are going to do it anyway. We're more like a polymorphed mouse than a polymorphed dragon.

>>12248600
>>12248596
>>12248594
I'm so sorry guys........T.T

>>12248575
thisiswhywecanthavenicethis.jpg

i dont think you should use stealthed rolls.

That's a good point. He nokoed that. Some people sabotage quests just for fun.

I wouldn't use rolls you can't see the dice on.

State that we are investigating a cleric who disappeared and has a tendancy to look into forbidden lore. She may need something he has. All true, and totally misleading.

>>12248630
>>12248634
Thank you for doubting the legitimacy of my rolls guys. I am only slightly offended, but it helps the quest thread I guess.

>>12248644
That's good.

1. State we might know something about who broke in.
2. State we are investigating a cleric who has been hoarding knowledge and seemed to be possessed.
3. State that she could have tried to break in.
4. State we don't know her whereabouts.

DELICOUS

>>12248661
And this helps because the wizard will start divining for her, helping complete that as well. We're so evil.

>>12248673
I like this.

>>12248589
[non-hidden roll]
The tavern filters out one by one. Once it is apparent that Kazmiri does not intend harm, people queue up to answer and exit as quickly as possible. Eventually, it seems right, and you advance.

"Do you know who or what broke into my tower?" Kazmiri says. You can feel the enchantment, constraining you voice, or trying to.

"What gives you any right to question people? Particularly under such.. conditions? " you demand, a haughty elf, arrogant and proud to the hilt.

"I am Captain Kazmiri the Red, High Captain of Freeport, member of the Captain's council. You will answer my questions."

"Why?" you ask. The simple question rings in the air. People around are watching, amazed at your impudence.

"Because. I am a High Captain, and if you refuse, I shall take that as admission of guilt. Unless you feel you can defeat me in a duel, I would recommend you answer my questions." His voice has gained a deadly quiet.

"Fine. No. I know nothing about you, your tower, or who broke into it. I arrived in this city yesterday, and am most offended at your accusations." you declare, flaunting the spells feeble constraints.

"Why didn't you say so? It would have saved so much trouble..." Standing aside, Kazmiri offers you the door.

OP needs to refresh before posting, we could have wrapped up two plot threads at once.

>>12248734
Hmmmm, now we wait for the dwarf from the window outside......hopefully this won't end badly. Also, you never said whether or not Scinnari was invisible or not. However, seeing that the dwarf seemed so nonchalant I think he thinks he will be alright?

>>12248657
[ its not that i doubted you, it's just that i needed a reason why he should use one of those 90's ]

We told Scinnari to go invisible, right? Like 4 people said it.

>>12248734
i know he is a high ranking member of the city but is he allowed to just give you the door like that

>>12248789
shhhh, that was what I was implying
>>12248794
Also, I hope so, he never really specified though.

Oops. Missed a bunch.

Either way, he's momentarily going to be questioning Sigmund, who is less likely to be as... independently minded.

>>12248794
What four? I seem to have missed it

.>>12248765
Sorry.

>>12248734
Decline the door. Suggest we'd rather stay. We were enjoying a meal with our wife before we were so rudely interrupted. [Scinnari, of course. We're both Avariels, right?]

>>12248291
>>12248257
He doubled it, but it was mentioned still

Okay, if he didn't notice her right away I'm assuming she just looks like a normal elf rather than a black winged erinyes.

Tell him that we would appreciate it if our wife could come with us, we don't trust this rough lot to be around her. She also arrived yesterday and doesn't know anything.

>>12248841
I agree. Maybe he will overlook her since she is with us. Unless she is invisible, in which case we just leave and wait for Sigmund and hope he lives up to the thick headedness that dwarves have when it comes to resisting things.....

Consensus needed. I missed it, but I'm willing to concede that Scinnari was invisible or not, which ever we end up finding convenient.

Invisible or not guys? I'm up for invisible and we just need to open the door longer than normal for her to slip out I guess. Perhaps go ahead and say to the wizard before we step out;

"We actually know some information on a woman that went missing a day ago. This might be who you are looking for due to the circumstances and details of her disappearance. She also had some kind of dealing with a Captain Roteye of some sort."

>>12248915
Let's not bring this up. If we can get away clean, make the demon invisible and let's.

Although actually, she can teleport, so there you go. She doesn't even need to slip out the back.

>>12248955
Well if it works according to the way I thought of it, it will prevent him from questioning our dwarf friend, puts even MORE hate towards Roteye since he already obviously doesn't like him, and gets pieces in the political area of this town moving. In our favor I might add, since A. We will already be eliminating competition slightly B. We will finish another job that furthers our reputation in this form, and C We can earn a wizards favor and trust......possibly

Not certain what's the most, but going with "Get out of dodge, don't make a fuss."

Pulling the door open, you consider taunting the wizard with your ability to flaunt his spell, but instead pause to glare back at him, door open. As you do, you feel hair brus under your arm. Scinnari has exited, you believe. In the back, Sigmund is starting to look worried, but seems, if not confident, aware of what he's going to have to try. Stepping out, you look around. To your surprise at the random chance, you see Leader, the human, walking up the street, towards the bar.

>>12249028
"We may have a problem." Directed towards leader.

>>12249028
Move up, intercept. "Kazmiri is inside, magically interrogating people. I believe I will take my pay immediately and wish you well in evading him."

Stop him and tell him what went down. Also tell him that we want our payment NOW, and half of the soon-to-be-dead Sigmund's share, and maybe a bonus for warning him. Say we're getting out of town immediately and suggest he do the same.

rolled 62 = 62

>>12249028
Get our money, warn him off, and if we can, leave him saddled with saving Sigmund.

The pop a wheelie, burn rubber, and ride off into the sunset with our devil-chick.

>>12249070
Addendum: We're actually not going to get out of town immediately of course.

Maybe we should ask who his boss was and why said boss ratted us out, too?

>>12249073
>>12249070
>>12249057

You move to intercept him. Scinnari has not reappeared, though you are certain she follows.

"You may want to halt there." You say conversationally, "Kazmiri's busy questioning everyone in there. Did you notice the bounty posters he's put up?" You say, gesturing vaguely over your shoulder, but not getting out of the way.

Leader goes slightly pale at your news. You continue heartlessly, taking pleasure in the terror you're evoking. "Anyway, I'd like my half of the share, immediately." While reluctant, he doesn't have much of a choice. "Remember, I think we agreed that we were all owed.... -significantly- more."

Wordlessly, leader hands you a brown leather bag. It's heavy, and you can practically smell the gold.

"Oh, and by the way, I suggest you help Sigmund, he may not be able to lie his way out of Kazmiri's truth spell." you say, as you stroll past leader.

Dice 1d100, please.

rolled 86 = 86

>>12249124
My last roll didn't go so bad.

>>12249124
Forgot name. I blame captcha, though it may not be it's fault.

rolled 92 = 92

>>12249124
I like our reaction is basically, I'm sorry. I'm to badass to care.

Well, looks like we may not need to immediately shapeshift.

Head back to the inn and read the magical primer book. We could stand to learn some spells.

>>12249147
>>12249131
This is why I leave the rolls up to you gentlemen, also. We should see if he requests any additional help, if he does, demand to know who hired us first.

>>12249167
This is a good idea. More magical poweris always good.

>>12249220
Can we even learn spells from books, I thought Dragons were technically sorcerers.

>>12249167
>>12249220
>>12249167

You return to the inn, taking a round-about route. At some point along the way, Scinnari is suddenly standing beside you. "Well done." she says, sounding impressed, "Payment, escape, and overpowering his spell. Everything you wanted, and you revealed nothing."

"Indeed." you say, mind elsewhere. The tome you left in your room seems like a good bet in terms of learning magic, And you certainly wish to; it's benefits and capabilities have been amply demonstrated.

"Perhaps you would be interested in further pursuits tonight?" Scinnari asks. You deliberately miss-understand.

"Of course." you say shortly, as you climb the steps of the inn. Sure enough, you room is as you left it. Scinnari immediately goes to disrobe; you immediately go to the desk, and appraise the book before you. Old. Well worn. For all you know, you just stole Kazmiri's favored magical tome. Perhaps one from when he was an apprentice... Opening the first page, you begin to read. Dry, but intelligent and, it seems, perfectly paced. Shortly Scinnari returns, leaning over your shoulder. Her bare... skin, is distracting, but you ignore it and keep reading, resolving that you won't speak first.

"You wish to learn magic? Perhaps I could be of assistance." She says after perhaps twenty seconds.

"Really?" you say, letting your interest color your voice. You say nothing more, though, certain that there are strings to be attached.

"But of course.. I would desire something in exchange." she says. Odd. She almost sounds nervous.

"What?" you say, turning another page. A pause, longer than you'd expect. She seems genuinely nervous.

"To... bear you a clutch." She says eventually. You turn slowly.

"You ask much." you respond, voice dark. "And presume much."

"Be that as it may..." she says, worried, but evidently ready to face whatever fate she may have sown.

>>12249319
I don't really know. I always assumed that dragons were creatures who could cast like sorcerers and learn spells like wizards.

Makes fights against dragons much more interesting, at any rate.

>>12249319
If that's the case, multi-classing is still legit.
Picture I forgot, though she doesn't look like this.

rolled 16 = 16

>>12249325
Woooah; sorry baby, but this blue-jay ain't ready to lay a net yet.

>>12249325
Recommended listening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o6Z2FC4R6U

>>12249356
I'd have to agree. We don't even have a lair or anything. That's a bit premature - why does she want to have our children anyways? Maybe I'm not fully keen on the lore but I'm not sure what exactly that would mean.

OP, I haven't managed to get on board during this quest's normal run times, but I just wanted to give you props for running a good game and writing well. I enjoy reading it after the fact (and am about to do so now).

>>12249325
Perhaps, sometime in the far future we will consider doing this. But certainly not now. We don't even have a proper horde, how can we already be willing to sire children. Let her know that the possibility exists, but it won't happen soon. She has to serve us faithfully for a good long while before we'll even consider it.

>>12249325
I think clutching can wait for after we get more established. We have hundreds of years, now is not the time to get in a hurry. Also, don't dragons mostly wait until they have a large zone of control before reproducing? At least with the intent to keep them.

More privately, I'm not sure that would be a good idea for all kinds of reasons. Spells and shit regarding bloodlines, half demon-dragons, ugh. Makes my head spin.

I say we tell her no for now but that the option is not off the table, she should ask again in a few decades.

rolled 50 = 50

>>12249356
>>12249385
It may be an 'eventually' kind of thing. Like agreeing that X gets your firstborn child, or something. I'm not sure. It seems reasonable to agree now, but if we end up finding a sweet female red between then and now, well, the choice is obvious.

And by 'sweet' I mean 'clever, cruel, powerful, strong, and intelligent, but all ever so slightly less than us.'.

>>12249325
Hah! The price for that is far higher than a bit of mere tutelage. Serve me faithfully in all ways for three decades, and at their end you may do so.

>>12249417
How does stuff like that even WORK? I mean, if she stays polymorphed-or-whatever as a dragon the whole time, would they even...?

Fuck it, I don't know, and it's making my head hurt.

>>12249428
Woah woah woah. I think we should refrain from setting reproductive contracts with demons at this point.

Let's leave it at "Maybe in a hundred years after I've established my domain and you've faithfully served to bring it about."

>>12249428
>>12249417

Decades? We're a young adult red dragon and she's a demon. I think we can afford to wait a bit longer then a few decades.

>>12249325
"Perhaps in good time my dear. We still don't really know how trustworthy you are. Though I might add, you have been doing well for yourself in that regard. We need a more powerful position in this realm before we even think about possible offspring or other.......variables...."

While the consensus is a refusal at the moment, I also think we should make her realize her place and the magnitude of what she asked. Can't let her off TOO easy for asking something like this so soon.

>>12249465
Also, aren't demons and devils immortal. As I recall from Elminster's foray into the abyss, if they die don't they just come back in some kind of blood vat or something. So they shouldn't age, she has all the time in the world, I don't think she would mind waiting a few more blinks in her life's timeline to bed with us and bear uber powerful loyal half demon/half dragon spawn.

>>12249389
Thank you very much, high praise indeed. [feelsgood.jpg]
>>12249356
>>12249385
>>12249416
>>12249417
>>12249428
>>12249449
>>12249458
>>12249465

"No. Not now, at the very least. Confident as I am in my capabilities, I do not expect to have this entire region brought to heel within a few years short of... Divine intervention." you say, standing up.

"Of course, but I did not mean now, I-" she begins, before you cut her off.

"Further, /magic lessons/ are in no way suitable compensation for such a... request." you state, voice hard as steel. "Maybe. Maybe, in a few, or several, decades, if I have a domain, lair, and hoard, /that you faithfully helped bring about/, that would be a possibility. Until then.... No." your voice drops into a growl for the last word.

"I- very well, then. I apologize for my presumption." Scinnari responds contritely.

"Now, if that is all, I wish to continue my studies." you say, turning your back on her.

"I.. I am sorry, and am willing to teach you what I can, anyway. If you will accept." Scinnari says from behind you.

>>12249536
Yeah, I'm pretty sure everyone is agreed that she is overreaching. But don't many dragons just go around planting little dragon seeds everywhere? It's quite different from bearing a clutch, of course, which I imagine has a lot of draconic social rules and instincts and such.

>>12249550
NO! That was her bargaining chip! We've already indicated that we hold nothing significant against her for asking. She wants to make sure she does this.

Sure, it could be something tame and benevolent, like she wants to hasten our rise to power, or maintain the illusion of faithfully aiding us, but I bet she wants to manipulate our education. Maybe make it so that she could take us in a magic fight, if it ever came down to it.

Remember! Multiple purposes, people!

>>12249341
finally found it, OP. This is the picture I've been sort-of imagining her like ever since you described her dress and veil.

>>12249550
Take and kiss her hand, show we will reward her for her faithfulness and we will take what we can get. However we imply that she needs to learn her place before she makes such a request.

"Indeed, now, what skills do you posses my dear that you may be able to impart upon us?"

Also guys, I'm thinking about possibly offering TRUE pact. You know, one that puts in the simulation of us being an actual first generation warlock. We need to find out what and if she has any capital value on her plane. She has been imprisoned, but she may still have some that is untouched.

>>12249580
Even if she could take us in a magic fight, we could just destroy her otherwise. Keep in mind a devil likes power. However, she stays within her boundaries and boundaries set by those above her. We are above her and we have made that clear.

>>12249550
Take lessons. Combining Infernal and Draconic magicks could lead to unbelievabl amounts of power. Also: what's wrong with spawning a few dragon/demons? I understand that like between dragon/dragon there's probably a whole lot of issues... but why would it be against a little foray here and there?

Also: how prominent is the 'draconic community'? As in, would we be shunned for even considering this roll in the hay? And if so, is the draconic community even that cohesive? Last I knew, dragons hated other dragons, even of the same colour... so the only thing holding us back is pride at this point?

Or maybe I'm just jonesing for some Demon/Dragon mage hybrids to help further our expansion.

p.s. - will Scinnari gain levels? What about us?

>>12249580
The way I see it, if she does challenge us in a magic fight in the future in the hopes of betraying us, we just don't go along with it and resort to our naturally superior physical skills.

>>12249550
Accept her help.

Also, I think we should use the whole punish/reward thing here. We just gave her the bad cop routine, now we should tell her that if she did help bring about a large empire she would indeed be a favored consort or perhaps even *gasp* mate. But such things are to be earned from decades of mutual aid, understanding, and perhaps even -- dare we say -- trust.

That reminder was excellent, but we shouldn't alienate her.

>>12249614
Problem being if she doesn't see us in power. What if she sees us as a mound of muscle, and powerful, but not necessarily in charge?

>>12249618
Well, she said clutch. Meaning eggs. Which I took to mean baby dragons, not hybrids or half dragons. Full dragonspawn is a completely different matter. Lots of dragons especially red ones have half-dragon byblows. Draconic mating rituals for the sake of new dragons, however... that's a different story.

>>12249660
I think clutch was just meant in that we are dragons, I think she would either lay eggs, oh thank god /d/ isn't here anymore thanks to the new mods, or she would just give live birth to the offspring

Let her help but keep in mind that everything she teaches might be tainted. The arcane tome we got from the raid will be our true teacher. She will just supplement.

>>12249536
Demons and devils are immortal only if killed in another plane. If they die in the hells they are right proper fucked. There are also other ways to completely obliterate them regardless of where they are.

"Your help is welcome, as are you." you state, "If the day comes when I refuse aid simply because I am too proud or angry, then I will truly have become unduly arrogant."

"Truly, your wisdom belies your years." she says, drawing up the second chair.

You go through many candles as the night burns away, pouring over the book. Shortly before sunrise, feeling you are too tired, and can learn no more, you retire to other pursuits, and then sleep.

[dice 1d10, please]

>>12249716
I got both chromatic and metallic right fucking here. What do you want to know?

>>12249550
Furthermore, Writer-dude, my highest praise has to be in your abilities to craft top-notch dialogue, and to provide consistent, high-verisimilitude NPC portrayal. Scinnari, especially, as a character has been excellently written. So has our protagonist--the banter between the two is very well done. The other NPCs haven't fallen short either, and every encounter with Leader is an entertaining one.

I'm not saying you're lagging in other areas, but that's where I have consistently noticed skill.

Have you done any quests before this?

rolled 5 = 5

>>12249716
ROLLAN FIRST TIME HERE WE GO LET'S DO THIS

rolled 9 = 9

>>12249716
Magic learning, ho!

rolled 4 = 4

>>12249716

On dragon mating according to the Draconomicon:

Althoguht the specifics of mating rites and relationships vary from one kind of dragon to another, several commonalities exist. Young dragons can mte, and might do so out of sheer biological urge - or even, at times, for love - but they are rarely prepared to rear young. They might abandon clutches of eggs wherever the eggs will have a decent chance of survival. Few eggs left in this way survive - and dragons that hatch from them might not learn to fend for themselves well enough before becoming prey.
By the time they reach adulthood, even evil or selfish dragons have developed a measure of parenting instinct. They keep their eggs in their lairs, watching over them to ensure safe incubation. Most mated pairs remain together until the eggs hatch, though at other times a single parent-often the female, but sometimes the male- cares for the eggs alone. Sometimes the adults stay together even after eggs hatch. A black dragon is most likely to leave a mate to care for the eggs alone, with white and gray dragons the least most likely. Other chromatics stay together until the hatchilings can fend for themselves, at which point the pair splits up.

I still think we should sic the Wizard in the cleric with half truths and speculation. We are Evil, but we don't want potential Lovecraftian Horrors running around our world. If she wasn't one, *shrug* . Her bad luck. This way the wizard could find her for us. We're a jerk that way.

>>12249762
lol there was more on the next page:

Elder dragons lay eggs less often than adults do, but treat them with the same care. Ancient dragons almost never produce offspring, but those that do are highly protective - more so even than adults.
A few chromatic dragon varieties are monogamous, mating with the same partner every cycle.
Greens, blues, and browns often display this behavior. Other chromatics have multiple partners throughout their lives and retain little emtotional attatchment to former mates.
Both male and female dragons become fertile roughly halfway through the young stage of life and remain so well into their ancient years. The urge to mate emerges at roughly the same time that fertility takes hold, grows to its height during the early adult stage, and fades - sometimes slightly, sometimes to nothing - at the late elder or early ancient stage.

>>12249726
Nothing, it's just been a while since I've read them, and I don't have them. You guys are mentioning 'draconic mating rituals', and all that, which, while they sound inanely obvious and simple, I realized I haven't thought of at all, and if they exist, I should probably be trying to look them up.

>>12249736
Thank you, very much. I'm occasionally feeling that I'm lagging in that, actually, that I'm using the same word too many times, or I can't think of the right one. And I haven't actually been using a thesaurus, or anything, so working around such instances has been interesting.

And as a matter of fact, yes. Two, plus a small one that died/was trolled to death the first one. Over the past ten or eleven months, I think.

>>12249776
well now im interested in what other quests you have run, are they perchance archived?

>>12249776
Indeed, I may have participated and etc. tell us about these quests. Also, we need to find out whether or not our dwarf buddy and our leader friend got into any trouble. When I say buddy and friend I mean pitiful reliabilities that should not be left hanging. Unless of course we do the hanging.

>>12249776
As far as I'm aware, nobody but the really creepy ERP'ers have actually written down specific mating rituals.

I did see a discovery channel special on mythical creatures though, suggesting they do so in the same manner as eagles: falling out of the sky.

>>12249883
Yes, this would be still an awesome idea. Unless of course we were kinky dragons and liked doing it in the form of......other creatures......

>>12249874
Well put.

>>12249776
>Nothing, it's just been a while since I've read them, and I don't have them. You guys are mentioning 'draconic mating rituals', and all that, which, while they sound inanely obvious and simple, I realized I haven't thought of at all, and if they exist, I should probably be trying to look them up.
I wouldn't worry about this at all.

>>12249893
But then that raises even more disturbing questions. Ones that I'm only willing to state under the guise of anonymity.

Like how will she carry? Will they come out as eggs? What effect will shape shifting have on them?

/These are things I do not care to think about in detail./

>>12249911
Watch that's why she wants our clutch in the first place. To find answers to these academic questions and then write a biography on it.

>>12249930
Truly the motives and mechanization behind such beings are beyond our comprehension.

Or willingness to comprehend for that matter.

>>12249776
Your word selection has been more than adequate.

I would enjoy getting the names of your other quests.

Finally, there may be a plot hook that our respective quests will share (I won't say at this point which). I was a little dismayed at seeing you take it and run with it so well, but now I figure if that ends up being the case, I will be quite interested to see how our players' actions differ.

>>12249893
>>12249937
>>12249930
>>12249911
GOD I don't know. I've always suspected that the more powerful and long-lived something was, the more decadent and hedonistic it was, be it kings, sultans, eldar, or dragons. (Who do, after all, sleep around enough to be responsible for many sorcerers, and all that.)

Anyway, had a post, but my browser ate it somehow. Re-typing...

Hey, we've been assuming clutch in the dragon sense. What if "clutch" is used just as handily in the devil terminology to denote children?

>>12249962
That's what I said. In a more complicated way I think.

>>12249955
YEAH, BUT WITH A DEMON?!

A /DEMON/???

>>12249962
Great, so we go from the mating and birthing rituals of dragons to that of demons.

I don't see how that's any better. A side step at best.

Nah, we need some boundaries. I think not siring offspring until established, if then, is a good point to stand on.

We barely even know her, after all. Demons have personalities too. We might like her, we might not. It all remains to be seen in the future.

>>12249962
My understanding has always been that devils give birth children purely to use them as tools or otherwise draw advantage from them. If she wants a clutch of dragon/devil hybrids, it's probably because she could sell them to a more powerful devil lord at a high price, or because she thinks she could raise them into useful tools.

>>12249986
Well it would mean, she just wanted little half-dragon/half-demons running around for her to control. To be honest, I think we are denying our dragon nature in denying to mate with her soon. Then again I don't know how long our young adulthood years last. Because according to the draconomicon we actually WANT to mate within those years. However, I could counter my own argument by saying we are unique because the fact of the matter is, we are a player character. One who controls his own fate. That is also quite ironic, since we are born into an alignment. Something I have always been fond of more explanation of in the DnD universe. So powerful and mythical, yet unable to control their own overall way of how they go about things.

>>12249976
Why the fuck not? She's a devil actually, which are lawful evil, and probably closer to our tastes than a chaotic evil demon, which seeks at all times the death of all things.

A devil, cunning and elementally tied to the idea of a power structure, would be helpful to us. And a creature like a devil is more powerful and prestigious than a lower race like a human or elf. I think we'd get more snickers for mating with a human than a devil.

But it's definitely something for the future when we have a nice lair and at least one room filled with gold.

And jewels. Bright shiny jewels that reflect the light onto and off of our scales...

>>12249986
Look, the only mating rituals discussed so far were "Don't do it with the intention to raise them unless you are sure about what is going on. And give the demoness who wants to jump your cock a hundred year trial run before making babies."

Don't make this weird, anon.

>>12249948
You know, I feel you wrote a completely clear and understandable post, but I read it twice and didn't get a thing.

Could you please explain in /small words/ because I'm feeling very tired and stupid right now? Thanks, that'd be great....

>>12249739
No worries. Perfect roll, in fact. As soon as I posted, I was thinking that 1d10 was a bit large. Any lower and I might have made you keep it, any higher, and I might have insisted on dividing it by two.
###########

You awake lazily in the early afternoon. If you recall correctly, your night was very productive.

"Do you remember? Can you do it again? That is, after all, the important test to whether you've learned." Scinnari asks. You ignore her, concentrating on what you remember.


Minor illusions; displays, changes of color, small tricks. That was a neat one; surprisingly large application for being as basic a spell as she claimed.
>Presdigitation!

The ability to leave a visible or invisible 'signature' or seal, a personal mark on items. You are skeptical as to it's use, but she claims invisible marks might help you identify items, prevent theft, or apprehend it after the fact. You concede, it could be useful.
>Arcane Mark

The ability to generate lumination from any source, one you are far more skeptical of, particularly considering how good your night vision is. She swears it can be creatively applied, so you'll suspend judgement, but... you'll believe it when you see it.

[two more 0th level spells,

http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/resources/systems/pennpaper/dnd35/soveliorsage/wizardSpells.
html

Is what I'm using, for reference.]

>>12250016
>don't make this weird
>discussing dragon sex

o_O

Or if we really want to be sure she won't harm us, demand her true name before accepting. Because we won't just mate with anyone. It'd have to be someone we trust, right? Heh.

>>12250015
Most people in the thread like the idea of a devil consort. Just not RIGHT NOW.

Let's get back to creating a little draconic fiefdom and away from landing our little dragon in our deviless's cave. That's for later. We need a power base.

MAGE MOTHERFUCKING HAND

Also Read Magic?

>half demon/half dragon

Guys, it's obvious. She's planning to breed a new generation of mary-sue NPCs in order to cause a god of Anger to be born.

>>12250060
Sorry for the aggressive response, I fucking love mage hand. One of my favorite spells, just because of the practicality of it. So many different things can be done with it.

>>12250040
THIS.

Also, we got two of the best 0-level spells. Kickass. I'm trying to remember what I figured out with Arcane Mark that was so good, but by next thread I should have it.

im thinking;
-read magic
-detect magic

I advocate 'Message'

Especially considering how stealthy we're trying to be all the goddamn time

>>12249948
>last part
I feel as if you've written clearly and obviously, but I'm not getting. Could I impose upon you to repeat yourself using small words, as I'm somewhat tired, and feeling dim?

>>12249814
>>12249874
>>12249948
Let's see... one involving a nannite swarm that didn't remember it's purpose... Or location, or much of anything, really. I think it was saved under the name of 'sandcastlequest', of all things.

One bolo/battleship quest back in the spring. Went strong for a bit, but I think I missed one promised part, and never managed to work up the will to go back and continue.

And one involving a hatching blue, but that got nowhere. Don't even remember if it was archived, let alone the name.

>>12250040
HAH! If you think just knowing her true name means she can't deceive us, you haven't played with someone who knows how to bend rules before.

>>12250029
Mage Hand and Read Magic,

>>12250102
I agree, considering, we as a character do not even necessarily know how to use her true name properly.

>>12250040
>trust
>demand to have her on a leash

Something in there doesn't sound right, but I agree with the idea. True Name for babies. Eventually.

[Caveman translator enabled.]

>>12250029
>Your word selection has been more than adequate.
Words good. No thesaurus, no problem.

>I would enjoy getting the names of your other quests.
You make more quests. What they called? Want to find.

>Finally, there may be a plot hook that our respective quests will share (I won't say at this point which). I was a little dismayed at seeing you take it and run with it so well, but now I figure if that ends up being the case, I will be quite interested to see how our players' actions differ.
Me not copy you in me quest. Might look like me did. But me not.

Now me must go. Talk you much later. You give email?

[Caveman translator is best translator.]

>>12250122
Considering she's a devil around our own age, she could likely be put under a spell or potion that FORCES her to tell the truth and she'd still figure out ways to lie to us.

>>12250102
Just because I say that we'd trust her because of having her true name doesn't mean I really do. It just means we'd have a nice amount of leverage over her if we have her true name. And unless you think we can seduce a demoness into being loyal to us, I think having her true name would be a nice bonus rather than getting nothing.

>>12250088
Message is a waste imo, we'll have means of telepathy later.

>>12250130
Trust is a two way street. Us knowing her name shows she trusts us with it to not abuse it. Us giving her our children shows we trust her to not do terrible things. Which I imagine she wants to do but at least with her true name, we may be able to stop it.

so far
1 for mage hand
2 for read magic
1 for and against message
1 for and against detect magic (i am against considering we can already do that innately)

>>12250131
>last part
Okay. I think I got it.

Not to be deliberately dim, but, "Hey, you're running a quest too? What is it?" (I may have seen it, or even participated it it some, but I just don't remember your name/trip.)

Also, seems to be Mage Hand, Message, and Read Magic in the lead, here. Can only have two.

>>12250142
Fair enough. But we're a dragon. We /can/ brute force our way through everything, but that's no fun. We gotta be subtle about it, never rely on a single plan of action, and have 20 backup plans 5 steps ahead of everyone else.

Having her true name would help, but it would be far sweeter a victory if it came from her own lips is all I'm saying.

>>12250179
The other guy really liked mage hand and said it was useful, so I'll vote for that.

I think we should be capable of detecting magic naturally, unless it's skillfully concealed.

>>12250142
She's a devil not a demon, and just because she's evil is no reason to discount actual relationships. Devils and demons are perfectly capable of being nice and caring about select individuals but being coldhearted evil fuckers to everyone else.

Doesn't mean we should trust her currently by any means, she's already been shown to be manipulating us. It's just a question of extent and if it goes away with time.

>>12250201
I'm that other guy I believe xD

>>12250096

Holy shit! I played both of those quests.

The Bolo Quest was awesome. I really enjoy playing AI character.

Same with Sandcastle Quest. That kind of pure creation is really cool, as evidenced by our engraved, solar-powered sand castle.

>>12250209
I understand that but I'm currently working under the assumption of a relationship isn't going to happen. If things change, then I'll gladly change future plans and yes, there are back up plans. I was just putting it out there as something to consider if things remain as they are and we somehow get to the point where we do decide to mate with her.

>>12250201
>should be able to detect magic unless it's delibrately concealed, or extremely subtle.

I can buy into that.

>>12250179

You seem to have a more coherent list. I'll go off of that, then. Read magic, and something else, it seems.

I love how we could say the conflicting posts about Scinnari's legitimacy of our mate could actually simulate the characters thought process of going over it in his own head. If he was schizophrenic that is.

>>12250238
Don't forget, Dragons also have a gland in their brain that functions like Frightful Presence.

>>12250238
well it's two for mage hand now, apparently because of this guy
>>12250201

>>12250253
I like to think of it as every quest thread PC has schizophrenia. Anyways, it's 2 in the morning and I best sleep after last night. It was easier to survive on 3 hours of sleep than I thought but I rather not repeat that. When do you think you'll be running this next OP? Regardless, night all.

>>12250253
And dear god, don't roll the dice while I'm gone.

>>12250276
I'll try not to, I really think OP should just wrap it up with us learning the two spells.

>>12250209
I'd like to warn that that's fairly rare.

>>12250220
My brother!
[I don't actually know you, but I'm glad you enjoyed those.]

>>12250253
>>12250266
Alright. Both draconomicons have finished downloading [A 'draconomicon' and a 'chromatic' one. Seem separate.]. As a disclaimer, I have a poor memory, but so if you think I'm not adequately considering/remembering/taking-into-account something, feel free to shout it out. You very likely might be right.

>>12250279
Five, specifically, and yes, I think so too. Once it's decided, that will be it, I think.

I can do Wednesday again. Probably same time Wednesday. [Four West Coast time, seven /tg/ time.]

Also, a final note, if you guys think you have pictures that are relevant, go ahead and post them. For the wizard's library, especially, I was certain I'd seen the perfect image on /tg/ somewhere, but had just forgotten to save it. Won't guarantee I'll deem it legit, but if it looks close enough, I might. Plus it would spice up the threads somewhat, I'm on a new computer without much in the way of archives, so I'm somewhat short on images to post, and most of the ones I have are less than a week old.

And as someone asked for email, there's my account, (I think) in my email field.

>>12250341
I meant the other two spells.....Also I've been thinking, someone could do well taking quest threads and actually writefagging them up into a full story with proper permission of hte quest OP.

Was just reading this one, and have to say, loving it!

It seems different from other quests I've seen, but your style of writing entire posts (both sides of dialogue as well as actions etc) is going wonderfully! Usually I've seen much more player writing, but honestly, that doesn't seem to be lacking here as much as being a basis for you to interpret through your style and characters, very cool!

>>12250199
Seconded.

>>12250146
We... will?
[citation needed]

>>12250199
>True name... sweeter victory if it came freely from her own lips
Seconded. By all the gods, seconded.

>Guantanamo pruchop
I think Captcha is starting to pay attention to political issues...

>>12250430
Thank you, very much. Praise feels good.

Criticism is fine, provided you tell me what it is, and give me some advice on improving/fixing it.

Oh, and if any of you have ideas or hopes that you want to see.... It might be worthwhile to tell me. I might not actually do them, but you might give me ideas, and I might be able to incorporate things. More ideas are always good, though, and since the thread is basically done, it seems good to foster discussion/ideas for me to pick and choose from like a lazy bastard.

Since we have such a long lifespan it might be a good idea to eventually have timeskips at key points. Like say we want to spend some time infiltrating a city government or something, we could spend a few years timeskipped and come back with situations changed.

Not every session or even every five or ten sessions, but when there is not a lot going on and we have multiple long-term plans in motion it could be a good idea.

Anyone archive this yet by the way?

>>12250493
I was thinking that would happen, certainly, but we've got a job at the moment, so unless we decide to completely ignore it, we ought to try to finish it first.

>>12250497
Just did. I, too, have felt the pain of following quest threads until 04:00.
Oh, you know, I remembered one more quest I ran that didn't get too far. Sometime this summer I started an 'uplift quest', (nannites again,) but due to some misinterpretation, and non-clear communication, as well as not being sure how to adequately handle long term societal-technological change, I didn't make much of an effort to start it back up again.

That's my full list, I think.

>>12250497
Also, forgot my pic

Hopefully us in due time.

>>12250533
Also, sweet holy hell, 293 replies omitted! Longest quest thread I've ever done, I think.

>>12250541
'grats.

>>12250541
Heh, just wait.

Let's see if we can beat ZeonQuest or FrostGiant Quest.

There's so much that we can do. Build a lair, build an empire, fight other dragons, take part in the Draconic Prophecy, dabble in the Blood War with Scinnari, amass power and wealth, maybe dracolichdom?

>>12250552
Particularly if we start selling our soul, or even leasing bits of it. We want a way to cheat death, in that case.

Though what kind of opposition could we face at such a-

No. No. I'm not going to say it. Because I'm certain that if I do, I will find out, and deeply regret doing so.

>>12250566
Soul selling is foolish. Eventually we will need a way to surpass our (extremely long) mortal lifespan, but that is something we can consider when we reach 1500-2000 years old.

>>12250579
On this there is consensus.

>>12250533
I was reading through uplift quest the other night while browsing the archives. Bit disappointing that there was only that one thread. But this quest is awesome.

>>12250566
A dragon soul would fetch a high-price, but we're far too proud to depend on something else for our immorality.

There are many paths to immortality. Bahamut is a good dragon deity, surely there is a need for an evil one?

>>12250566
>>12250552
I've already proposed doing a true ritual to gain warlock like powers. Technically warlocks are usually descendants of people who made pacts with demons/devils. If that is the case, what would a first generation pact holder be able to obtain? Also we don't know the full reach of Scinnari, though I doubt it is much since she has been locked up for some time now.

Also, pics could possibly be our offspring fending one of our holdings against a would be adventurer?

>>12250591
Taimat, I believe. And yes, though if necessary, stopgaps may be required.

>>12250595
Maybe. Whatever it isn't it isn't a pure red, I'll give you that.

>>12250628
>>12250595
Wouldn't they eventually challenge us for the empire, as it were?

Unless you think we can play it all Oberon-like.

>>12250764
Not since they are half-breeds. I don't think so at least. They start off more powerful but are capped at only being slightly more powerful than the lesser breed we would have bred with

>>12250852
Wouldn't them being stronger than us be really, really, bad? Even just a little? Evil is not the alignment for the most familial loyalty. We ought to be careful, if it comes to such things.

Also, I suspect our learning of magic is going to slow down. Not only is there more of a gap between levels 4 and five than there is between 1 and 2, but Scinnari is eventually going to no longer be able to teach us. At least, I hope that's the case.

Hey, that's where this thread went. Autosage, I thought it had been deleted, or summat.

BTW, y'all, I saw this and was pretty sure one of our earlier threads inspired it. Possibly thread two.

>>12250185
To answer your question (way after the fact, but that's what happens when you have to go to work), I'm the one running Doppleganger Damacy.

Good job OP, this was a good thread

>>12251040
Hehe. I remember that. Second thread, she's trying to get us to bust her out of the circle. That was fun.