“So who exactly are you?”

You ask the question as your wagon bounces gently over a stone, the “who” sounding a bit more accusatory than you'd like as a result. Taret doesn't seem to mind though.

“I'm a knight of the royal court. I'm a protector of these lands and the people of this kingdom.”

Taret flashes you a smile. It's thankfully not an arrogant one, but he certainly is proud of being a knight.

“Alright then. And Sir Lecia is as well?”

Taret shakes his head, his smile faltering.

“Sir Lecia is part of the Order of Iron. They're the knights who police other knights. The Order of Iron ensures that anyone who calls himself a knight follows the code of law and the rules of knightly conduct. He's going to write me up for this, I just know it...”

He sighs and leans back a bit, chuckling softly and shaking his head. You look ahead at the road, contemplating your next question, when Kat leans between the two of you and smiles at him.

“Sounds like you're taking a big risk just for our sake. You've got our thanks for getting us out of there. I'm Kat. This is Kotijah, our boss, and that's Sena and Gil.”

Taret does his best to bow and shake everyone's hands while staying in the driver's seat, which forces Gil to stand up and walk up from the back of the cart.

“A pleasure to meet you all, but it's no big deal. To be a knight means to protect the innocent and punish the wicked. If you're innocent then you needed protecting from him.”

Kat laughs at that and returns to her seat, smiling a bit. You finally settle on your next question and turn towards him once more.

“What do you know about the necromancer problem?”

Taret pales slightly. You wouldn't be surprised if he shuddered a little, but at least he isn't shaking in his boots.

“I've heard... rumors. The Duke may have been harboring, or even helping, three necromancers in the area. If the reports are true, mercenaries have been going missing for years along the border, but no one said anything because they thought it was all the work of monsters. Now we're not so sure...”

You nod and decide to pull one of those threads.

“Monsters, huh? You mean like dragons?”

Taret nods, color returning to his face as he speaks.

“Dragons could do it, sure. So could ogres, trolls, or any number of things. The lands south of our borders are full of all kinds of beasts. And now that the border is at risk, we'll have to send even more troops down there to protect people. There are a few knightly orders protecting the capitol right now, and if they need to bulk up their numbers to send people south...”

He smiles a bit, gazing off into the distance.

“Maybe I'll get that transfer I've always wanted...”

Taret blinks.

“Sorry, that got away from me for a moment. But yes, we thought for the longest time that the mercenaries just didn't have a high survival rate because of monster attacks.”

You fold your arms in front of your chest and lean back, looking up at the sky. You don't want to just outright ask him what he thinks of dragons right now, but he lumped them in with other monsters pretty easily.

“Fair enough. Now, about this Royal Gate...”

Taret adjusts his grip on the reins slightly and glances at you.

“The Royal Gate? We have a few portals in the northern kingdom, and little by little we've expanded our network. You just tell the mage at the portal where you want to go, and he guides the portal towards where you want to end up. It's part of why the Null Stones were such a big issue. Without those portals, the kingdom wouldn't be able to support itself the way it does now.”

You nod slightly to indicate you understand, but you don't. Not really, anyway. You get the part about faster travel, and how that might make it easier to run a kingdom and get things where they need to go, but you can't imagine that sort of magic being the lynchpin of society. If they had magic farms everyone could at least eat. Or maybe they already have those, and the portals are for something else.

“So the Null Stones are that dangerous, huh... Are they common? Naturally occurring?”

Taret shakes his head.

“They're created, but they're thankfully uncommon. One of the things you'd need to make one is a necromancer, since Null Stones aren't designed to block magic, but to rot it. The fact that there were so many in one place tells me that there's a very busy necromancer. I don't know why he'd just abandon them by the side of the road though, they're worth a small fortune.”

>Write-in

Side notes: Last night I fell asleep at my desk while writing part of this up. Whoops! Now I have to figure out how to fix the description someone added to the thread when they archived it.

>>42286952
>Show Black the letter.

>>42286961
Heh.

It happens. Hope work wasn't too bad.

>>42286952
>Ask Taret the story of Red Rose of Loti and the White Blade of Schimdi
We've never heard it before.

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You decide to show Taret the letter, and pull it out of your pack, taking the reins from him while he reads it over. His hands tremble a bit and he looks at you.

“This is... If the Duke really has been harboring necromancers like this, and sending men to die... Our borders, all this time, have been protected by the undead... Now there's an army of undead horrors to the south along with all those monsters.”

He snatches the reins back from you and cracks them hard, the horses breaking into a run and one of your water barrels tipping over from the sudden acceleration.

“We have to get to the capitol! Tonight! You can sleep, but I'm not stopping until this letter reaches the king!”

Well, so much for your next question. At least it's looking like it's going to get dark pretty soon, so you'll be able to sleep through the rest of this nonsense if you choose to.

>Let Taret drive the cart
>Sit in the back with the others
>Find a comfortable place and sleep
>Other (write-in)

>>42287499

>Let Taret drive the cart
>Sit in the back with the others
>Find a comfortable place and sleep

>>42287522
Clearly my caffeine isn't kicking in just yet. That... yeah. All of those are basically the same thing. I'm gonna go get another cup of coffee.

>>42287531
He he.

Well I say we also make sure everything else is strapped in.

And bill Taret for that water.

>>42287499
> Let Taret drive the cart
>Other
Ask him how important this is. If it's of fire import, we should offer fire support

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You head for the back of the cart and unpack a bedroll, spreading it out just enough for you to sleep on and taking off your armor, passing out for the moment. You make a mental note to charge Taret for the water when you wake up, and drift off. Warmth overtakes you, and you sleep peacefully for a while. Then you feel someone nudging your side and open your eyes again to find Sena kneeling beside you looking nervous.

“We have to get out of the cart now... Taret said that the mage needs to send it along after us because it's bulkier...”

Huh. Looks like Taret really did ride all night to get you here. You don't even think you slept as much as you normally do. Sena fidgets a little bit.

“Have you ever gone through a portal before? Kat says she has and that it's fine, but I'm not sure...”

>Comfort Sena
>Tell Sena to toughen up
>Other (write-in)

>>42287809
>Comfort Sena

>>42287809
>Comfort Sena

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You sit up and pat Sena on the head gently.

“It's going to be fine. We'll be right there beside you, and you've got nothing to worry about. I bet they do this kind of thing all the time, so it's gotta be safe.”

Sena smiles a little bit at that.

“Alright then...”

She nods slightly, and then climbs off the cart. You take a moment to gather your armor and some of your gear, climbing down after her once you're all set to go. Taret is talking to a man in deep purple robes about something, and you take stock of where you are. From what you can tell, it's the town square, and in front of the cart is a large stone archway covered in runes. Each stone block of the arch is jagged and rough, save for the smooth carvings of symbols that you don't recognize. Magic, you presume. Taret walks back over and smiles.

“The portal will be open in a few moments. I hope that you're ready. I've been assured that you'll be allowed to present your story to one of the king's advisers along with the letter once your innocence has been proven.”

The runes begin to glow softly, the stones beginning to rotate in different directions, some inwards and some outwards, speeding up with each rotation. Taret turns and advances towards the arch, and a shimmering silver liquid seems to form in the center, a mass that swells and churns as the stones begin to separate, joined by lines of light, the arch expanding in size in time with the liquid. He turns to your group and smiles.

“Who's going first?”

>I volunteer as tribute
>Nominate someone else
>You could just run away now
>Other (write-in)

>>42288170
>I volunteer as tribute

>>42288170
>I volunteer.
>No tribute, just 'IDGAF' walk in.

>I volunteer as tribute

>>42288170
Penetrate the portal

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You step forward and give a shrug.

“May as well be me.”

You look over at the others and smile. Sena is clinging to her brother, and so is Kat, though for noticeably different reasons. You turn back towards Taret, who smiles at you.

“See you on the other side, Kotijah.”

You approach the silvery liquid, and it seems to reach for you. Weird. You step a little closer and hold out your hand, and it touches your finger lightly. You feel the world contort around you uncomfortably as you're pulled forwards, and as you fall through the portal you hear an echo behind you, distorted as the distance expands. The only words you can make out before it becomes an unintelligible mess are “Sir Taret, the town is-”.

You stumble out of the portal in a brightly lit room. It's dawn, and the light of the rising sun is filtered through stained glass windows depicting fantastical scenes. Strange sea creatures of the deep, monsters of the high mountains, and everything in between. The room is full of soldiers, all at attention, all looking right at you. In the middle of their formation is a man you can only assume is their captain, or at least someone important. He looks stern and severe in the worst way, and he strides towards you slowly.

“Kotijah, yes?”

You nod a bit as you try to get your bearings, making sure that you're intact after what the portal put you through.

“We've been expecting you. A court mage will be with us shortly to determine the weight of your words and your innocence or guilt. Additionally, you will present your claims against Duke Lamiring and the letter addressed to him to Magistrate Horill. That is not optional. If you are innocent then you are free to go, but only once we get to the bottom of this mess, and your testimony is vital. Now, come with me.”

>What about my friends?
>And if I don't want to help?
>Go along with it
>Other (write-in)

>>42288820
>>What about my friends?

>>42288820
> Other
"Sir, I will happily cooperate. First though, I will see to my friends. This is their first time traveling by portal and their first time coming to the city. Please allow me to see to their comfort"

>>42288820
>friends

You know, we probably shouldn't have shown the letter just yet. Chances are that the Duke will try and cover everything up, as well as the magistrate.

>>42288820
>Go along with it

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“I'll happily go with you once I know my friends are safe.”

The man pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes, sighing.

“You are currently in the portal room of the royal guard. Your friends have been directed to another location for the time being. They will be questioned less severely considering the fact that they haven't decided to call one of the heroes of this kingdom a necromancer-harboring traitor. They are in relative comfort and being tended to as we speak.”

He looks at you once more.

“I won't ask again.”

He snaps his fingers. The soldiers part their formation, turning to face inwards along the path to the door.

>Go with him
>Refuse until you can see your friends
>Other (write-in)

>>42289091
>Go with him
We shouldn't be too clingy on our friends anyways.

>>42289091
> Go along with him
"Damn, you folks sure are hard on cooperative innocent prisoners. "

>>42289091
>>Go with him

>>42289091
>Other: "I believe I heard the start of fighting as I was going through the portal. It may be that the town I was at is now under attack."

>>42289192
Now, don't be like that to the nice Mr Knight. He's just doing his job.

>>42289091
I would like to know how this hearing is conducted. What are my rights, if I have any at all? Why is a mage present? I would like to make sure I'm not going to get "correct" answers tortured out of me.

>>42289091
>Go with him

>>42289091
>Go with him
He won't change his mind so let's get this over with as soon as possible.

You know it was Black who said the noble was a traitor, we just showed him the letter.

We should probably make it clear that we are only bringing a letter and standing a testimony, we're not accusing anybody of anything.

>>42289634
Good point.
>>42289091
>"Can I just say that I'm only here to deliver a letter and make a testimony? I'm not here to accuse anyone of anything."

>>42289675
I'm also adding this while we walk

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You start to walk, with the man walking turning and walking right beside you to the door at the end of the room.

“I'm here to deliver a letter and tell my story, not make accusations.”

The man pushes the door open and motions for you to walk through.

“The mage will determine that. Sir Black's note states that you have some important things to say about the Duke and his involvement with necromancers. Whatever your story is, I'm the wrong man to tell it to.”

Beyond the doorway is a hallway as grand as the portal room, full of the same white stone you saw at the Church of the Sun and Moon. There are guards every few feet standing at attention, saluting as you pass, and the man hangs his head a bit, speaking in soft tones.

“If I had the power to simply act on your word alone I'd uproot the problem myself. It's been known for some time what was going on but no one could prove anything. But I have to keep up appearances in front of the guards, or else they'll stop thinking of me as a general and simply as one of their fellows. There has to be discipline or we'll never get anywhere.”

You are suddenly keenly aware that you're being escorted around the capitol of the kingdom by a general, and are being taken to see a royal mage and a magistrate serving as an advisor to the king. The general pushes open one of the doors along the side of the hall and leads you into a room with a table and four chairs, two on each side.

“Take a seat. The mage will be here in a moment, and the magistrate shortly after that.”

>Sit down and wait
>Sit and talk with the general
>Other (write-in)

>>42289963
>Sit down and wait

>>42289963
Sit down and wait. If the mage doesn't appear swiftly enough - start chatting.

>>42290038
Second.

>>42290038
Seconding. Maybe ask how the situation is in the capital or something.

>>42289963
> Sit and talk with the general
Perhaps we could try finagleing a job offer our of him. It would be nice at least making an acquaintance of a high ranking dude.

>>42289963
>Sit down and talk.
"It sounds like you aren't allowed to do the job you thought you were signing on for. I imagine it must be very frustrating for you. If you want, there's a decent chance I'll be executed soon, so I'm willing to listen."

>>42290038
Thirding.

>>42290168
Please don't say this.... At least not the whole i'll be executed because it makes us look like even we don't believe ourselves.

>>42290168
Minus that execution part.

>>42290114
We are to be a dragon! We don't work under someone! Especially not just some human.

>>42290257
Well, until we become a dragon, we need equipment and a full belly. Doing freelance work for a general is a good way to scrape together the cash for that.

>>42290257
We're not a typical egotistical asshole dragon.

>>42290295
Doesn't mean we should let someone be above us.
>>42290293
Then it's more like extra work than a job where he's our direct superior though.

>>42290295
then what's even the point

>>42290324
We can wait, gain their trust. Get in charge of newbie Mongols and then we kill general and make army of zealots.
Seriously, we need contacts in town. And doing dirty work for big general will make it easier to gain weight in politics.

>>42290478
That is a viable path, but there are others, like seeking our power and making use of the church instead of going the sneaky route if infiltrating. I've already seen the infiltrate route so many times so i thought it might actually be fun for us to gain our power without having to be sneaky.

>>42290478
Right. Gotta play the long term game, people. Acting like we're already a mighty dragon is a quick way to get a sword through the gut.

>>42290536
Why don't we just mind our own buisnies then, instead of choosing between "submitting" by becoming someone's underling and attacking/being all defiant and getting killed, why don't we do what we need to and then seek out and do our quest, get stronger and become able to do what we want?

>>42290478
Why do we want to get into politics?
I've seen /tg/ quests go into talking and sneaking and social manipulation that I'm desperate for a quest where we strong arm problems and take no shit.

>>42290587
Because /tg/ always wants to play the sneaky manipulation game in spite of being really bad at it.

>>42290587
Because we lose out on potential valuable alliances. We've made the goal that we don't just want to be a dragon, we want to be a dragon Empress. That takes work doing.

>>42290611
Because when it really comes down to it, trying to strong-arm everyone doesn't work out as often as you'd think it does.

>>42290617
Yeah... But i had hoped some thought that after the 99:th quest that was like that we would have wanted something a little different. And i still hope that with this quest even if it's not likely.

>>42290641
The worst part is that we have 0 intelligence.
It would actually be very in character to get posts and not control ourselves, but yet again we take a smart and charismatic route.
>>42290637
Then you just need to strengthen that arm.

>>42290682
Alright, I'll be honest. I'm not a regular. I'm only on this site for the quest. I rather enjoy taking the nonviolent route. It forces me to try and think of more roundabout tactics to get what I want. I enjoy that. My apologies.

>>42290733
Well, we don't have to get violent, we could try to aviod trouble and complete the quest our dragon grand-grand-grand...-father gave us.

>>42290733
*quests

I've taken part in several. Not only this one.

>>42290733
It's fine, it's just that it's how it always happens and some deviation would be nice.

Also, how did you find the quest if you don't come here?

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You sit and lightly drum your fingers against the table, glancing at the general from time to time. He stands by the door, leaning against the wall with his arms folded, eyes locked on you. His stern demeanor seems to have subsided somewhat, though he still looks at you like any moment now you're going to grow three heads and spit acid at him or something. When the mage isn't forthcoming with arriving, you decide to speak.

“It must be hard, having to be one way in front of your soldiers and another way in front of everyone else.”

The general's expression cracks, and he smiles for the briefest of moments.

“You have no idea.”

He looks about to say something else when the door swings open suddenly and a woman stumbles in, skidding to a halt. She's wearing blue-and-purple robes, along with a strip of cloth around her head covering her eyes, with an eye painted on it in silver. She turns to the general and smiles.

“Sorry for the delay. I got a little more lost than usual while getting here. All these rooms look the same to me, and you're too heavily warded to track myself.”

The general tilts his head in your direction, and the mage jumps.

“Right! Sorry! We have company, I totally forgot.”

She spins on her heels and bows in your direction.

“I'm Millie, and I'll be your interrogator today. Nice to meet you!”

The general rolls his eyes and Millie pulls out a chair, sitting across from you.

“Let's start with names. Tell me yours, as well as the names of your mother, father and closest friends.”

You tell her that you don't know your parent's names and she grins.

“Oh, that's fine. I'll check for you!”

The symbol on her headband starts to glow softly.

>Relax and let it happen
>Resist (Smarts roll)
>Other (write-in)

>>42290819
>Resist (Smarts roll)
"I'm just gonna say that that would be a very bad thing for all of us for a number of reasons."

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42290842

>>42290819
>Resist (Smarts roll)
Is this, "don't let her in" or "don't let her see specific things"?

>>42290782
Honestly? Random chance. I don't come to 4chan often, but I can navigate the site decent enough. That plus 1d4chan got me interested. I understand I think that that website is analogous to a slur here, so I'm sorry.

>>42290872
You don't know if she's searching for everything or just the names or what. If you don't resist at all, and she's looking for everything, she'll see it all. It's kind of an all or nothing deal. You don't have the knowhow to obscure specific facts in your mind yet.

>>42290901
Well, if we resist isn't it like screaming "we are suspicious?"

>>42290915
That's the trade-off.

>>42290922
So it's either, let them mind rape us or have them force a mind rape on us later?

>>42290930
I would imagine it's more like a mental pat down versus a mental rape. You don't really want either, but one is exponentially worse.

>Let it happen.

>>42290930
It's "assume she's searching for everything and put up some resistance" or "assume she's only checking what she says she's checking and let it pass". Or you could assume she's checking everything and let it happen, or assume she's only checking what she says she's checking and resist on principle. The choices are yours to make.

>>42290915
Maybe it could be passed off as a knee-jerk reaction?

>>42290682
We are not that dumb to jump on the sword. Plus, I suppose, that our intelligence is average - we will suck at diplomatic games, but we can seduce/brainwash the gray cardinal.
Main quest is completed by human, not dragon, so we need mass backup, if we don't want to end like our ancestor. Either we build up regular army, or make stake on integrating church into ruling system.

>>42290975
>average intelligence
>literally zero
And why would we try to seduce the cardinal? It doesn't really seem like us anyway.

>>42291009
Honestly, I'm thinking that you're taking that score of it too literally. It seems to be more like relative to average, not grand total intelligence.

So is that a yes or a no to resisting?

>>42291058
2 votes to resist, one to not.

>>42291058
I say don't resist.

>>42290975
Our literal goal is to become a dragon, that's what this quest is about! It's one thing how we do it, but don't say we should try to keep being a human.

>>42291058
Don't resist

>>42290819
>Resist

>>42290819
>resist
Gently say that we don't like infiltration in our personal space.

>>42291058
Resist.

>>42291058
They've been nice to us so far, just go with it. If they get uppity about the dragon thing we can deal with it then.

Well, we already have one Smarts roll. I need two more.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42291150

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>42291058

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42291150
Think we should ignore rolls before you say it, that makes it so votes don't become affected by the roll.

Not like it mattered.

I've been trying to do that for the most part anyway. Now it's an official rule.

Why did we have to resist..

>>42291191
Paranoia.

>>42291191
Because we don't want someone to invade our mind, that's pretty personal and clearly this mage has no sense of morals that she should have.

>>42291203
At least we can blame why we resist on that since it's pretty true.

>>42291203
She's a mage, that's to be expected and worked around.

>>42291225
Well, we don't have a lot of experience with mages since we're a farmer's girl. So we have a valid reason for not letting her do whatever she wants.

>>42291191
imagine if a guy walked up to you on the street and just poked your dick
you would feel angry and violated too

>>42291244
IIIiii suppose...I'll let this one go.

>>42291080
I meant not staying human for lifetime. I was more concerned to stay alive after we become dragon. And to prove ancestor that we can be a warmachine and mighty ally simultaneously.
>>42291009
Because we can! That was just the fat example.

>>42291284
Well, as long as we're strong enough when we become a dragon, we could also try for being able to shift between human and dragon form so we don't have to show our cards in front of everyone.

You feel her inside your head, sifting through your thoughts and memories like books in a library, and every effort to keep her out makes your head ache.

“Just relax, it'll only take a second. The more you fight me the more you're going to hurt yourself.”

The voice doesn't come from her lips, but from inside your head. You feel her latch onto something, images of your parents flashing through your mind, before settling at last on the image of your father when he was younger, the image from your vision. You hear a gasp, this time from across the table, and the spell ends, the world settling back into focus around you. The mage is standing, mouth agape, and if she could see through her blindfold you suspect she'd be staring at you.

“I... You... But... He...”

The general quirks an eyebrow.

“Millie? What's wrong?”

Millie turns to him and points at you, muttering something about dragons before wobbling and falling back into her chair.

“She... It's her... He didn't...”

>Profess your innocence
>Check on Millie
>Ask the general what's going on
>Other (write-in)

>>42291310
Once we become a dragon, we'll probably not even need to have a deck anyway, honestly.

>>42291337
>write-in
>look proud for doing whatever we did (even if it was nothing)

>>42291337
>Check on Millie
>Ask the general what's going on

>>42291337
>>42291379
I like this, but after that
>Profess your innocence
"Like i said, i found the stones on the road"

>>42291310
Agree, but it it's quite risky.
>O, great warrior ,Kotijah, help your people.
>Wot?
>Kill the flamy, hideous dragon beast, who ravages our woods.
>SHIIEEET

>>42291337
I'm dragonblooded, she didn't get permission to enter

>>42291418
That's when we dress up a friend to look like us and then make it look like she kills us whil we're in dragon form. After than they'll think we died.
Or we just say "fuck no, that dragon is too strong even for me".

>>42291337
Lovely, she ID'd our reptilian benefactor.

>>42291416
This

>>42291337
>Ask the general what happened.

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“You didn't ask permission to get inside my head.”

The general walks over to you.

“And she didn't need it. What did you do to her?”

You shrug a bit and simply look at him.

“I'm innocent of any crimes. I just want to be asked before someone tries to read my mind.”

Millie seems to come to her senses.

“G-General, he didn't die! Ildareth! He's alive! She's his daughter!”

The general's eyes widen and he takes a step back.

“You must be joking...”

Millie nods.

“Th-There's more... The witch is her mother.”

The general takes two steps away from you, staring at you all the while.

“Millie, I want you to step outside for a little while. Ward this room against outside intrusion for five minutes. I need some time alone with her.”

>Ask who they're talking about
>Ask why you're being sealed in with the general
>Other (write-in)

>>42291569
>Ask who they're talking about
>Ask why you're being sealed in with the general

>>42291569
>>Ask who they're talking about
>>Ask why you're being sealed in with the general

>>42291569
Listen to general.

>>42291569
>ask why they're sealing us with the general
I both want to maul him while they're gone and to be slightly civil (if rude) and leave him alone.

>>42291569
>Ask why you're being sealed in with the general

>>42291569
>Ask who they're talking about
>Ask why you're being sealed in with the general

The confusion is real.

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“What are you talking about? Who's Ildareth? Who's the witch? And why are you locking my in here with him?”

Millie just hurries out the door and slams it shut, and the general walks over to it and clicks a lock into place.

“I didn't think I've ever hear that name again. It's almost funny, in its own way. I'm glad that you're here, Kotijah. I'm glad that circumstances conspired to bring you to me.”

He turns towards you, and there are tears in his eyes.

“Ildareth is my brother and a hero. The greatest dragonslayer the kingdom has ever known, and the proudest and noblest knight in service to the crown. He vanished years ago while hunting down a dragon-blooded witch who was attempting to start an uprising using the Order of Scales. Neither were heard from again. And now, here you are. Their child. My niece.”

He walks over to you slowly.

“I am General Tirio Imidarius. Since you didn't give your family name, I suppose my brother never told you, but you are Kotijah Imidarius. If my brother chooses never to return, and to stay... wherever it is that he's been hiding all this time, then... Well, we have a great deal to discuss.”

>Call bullshit
>Accept this strange man's story happily
>Accept this strange man's story hesitantly
>Other (write-in)

>>42291815
>Other

>"...What." *bewildered expression *

>>42291815
>what?

>>42291815
>Accept this strange man's story hesitantly
It really doesn't seem like he's lying since that's the mos spur of the moment bullshit i've ever seen if that would happen so we can assume he's telling the truth. Don't think we're just going to be all happy and joys just like that though.

>>42291815
>"...What." *bewildered expression *

Memo to self: after we recover from the 'wat', look into this 'Order of Scales' jazz.

>>42291815
>confusion
>or deep anger and self hatred for being related to a dragonslayer

>>42291815
>>42291865
Second.

>>42291815
These two
>>42291865
>>42291882

>>42291815
Guess our dad misheard them asking him to slay the witch.

>>42291815
>...I'm sorry, what?

>>42291865
>>42291868
>>42291943
>>42291973
>>42292012
>>42292028

SO MUCH WHAT

>>42292021
http://orig14.deviantart.net/8d86/f/2013/055/7/f/i_told_you_to_slay_the_dragon_not_lay_it_by_gamegm-d5w1gxj.jpg

>>42292060
I was waiting on that one.

File: 0c136b5c56fd13046766ee65c(...).jpg (630 KB, 1150x671)

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“I... what?”

He nods slightly.

“It's a lot to take in, I know, but how do you think I feel? I've spent the last few years thinking my brother died killing the witch, and now I find that he ran away with her and had a child.”

He rubs his eyes and grins.

“That sounds like my brother though... If the situation was right, he tried to redeem everyone. He always hated bloodshed unless it was a necessity.”

You nod slowly, trying to process his words.

“So my father... killed dragons.”

He nods slightly.

“He killed a lot of things, but he was most famous for killing vicious dragons. The Order of Scales consists of dragons and knights who serve the crown, hunting down other dragons who only want to destroy the kingdom or harm people. Your father was their head for a time, before abandoning the military and setting out as an adventurer in his own right, and earning a name for himself beyond simply dragonslaying.”

Well, at least that explains why your home was so safe. Your father probably kicked the collective asses of any thieves in the area trying to hurt people. Tirio sighs a bit.

“So much to do... We need to finish this interrogation and then take you to the Hall of Records, you'll need an official birth certificate, proof of your bloodline, and I'll have to sign the papers to release his holdings to you.”

>Can I see my friends before all that?
>What did my father own?
>Why are you in such a hurry?
>Other (write-in)

>>42292157
>What did my father own?

>>42292157
>>What did my father own?
>Why are you in such a hurry?

>>42292157
>What did my father own?
Now this i like...

>>42292157
>the aformented self hatred
>and also what he owned

>>42292157
>>Other (write-in)

>...Fine, I won't argue the matter; let's walk and talk.
>What did my father own? I'm guessing you're in a hurry for particular royalty related reasons...

>>42292217
This could be the start of our hoard!

>>42292255
We need to sleep on it.
We cannot let our tainted heritage dissuade us from our goal.

>>42292270
Of course, i expect nothing less.

Also yeah, I'm guessing if the Duke finds out who we are, he's gonna be pissed- also we'd probably look a hell of a lot more legit when we eventually do the whole 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' thing.

File: 2u95mxh.jpg (89 KB, 700x965)

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You nod a bit.

“Let's get this over with then. You seem like you're in a hurry and so am I. What's your reason though? What did my father own?”

Tirio hesitates for a few moments.

“Your father was a hero to the people of this kingdom, and you are his long lost heir. Tell me, what do kings give to heroes, to knights in their service who serve well? Your father has an estate, wealth and rights owed to someone of his station that I have been keeping safe for the day that he would return. How does the title Countess Kotijah Imidarius strike you? As for my haste, I will explain when we have more time.”

>Approve
>Disapprove
>That's Countess Kotijah Imidatius the Firesinger thank you
>Other (write-in)

>>42292533
>>Approve

"...Yeah, alright that'll work."

>sotto voce "For now..."

>>42292533
>>That's Countess Kotijah Imidatius the Firesinger thank you
....... Sorry just never thought i'd actually get to say anything like that until I was much older.

>>42292533
>Approve
>whisper that no one can hear "For now..."
>>42292564
Exactly what i was thinking...

>>42292533
>That's Countess Kotijah Imidatius the Firesinger thank you
"But that'll work."
>whisper: "for now"

>>42292533
>Just smile at him and say, "It's a start."

This COULD be excellent. We could already have ourselves a base of operations, resources, a shitton of stuff we'd otherwise have been busting our ass to get.

Of course, notably it seems our mother tried to do something similar to us. We'll just have to be smarter about it than she was.

>>42292533
>>42292630
Second. I don't see much reason to be sinister about having ambition, since he'd hear it anyway.

>>42292764
Well, all we have to do is stay away from politics and focus on getting better.

>>42292764
>smarter
we just need to be stronger
a Dragon is worth nothing if she can't defend herself or her hoard with nothing but raw power

You nod a bit.

“That suits me just fine... for now.”

You whisper that last part under your breath, and Tirio smirks.

“I see that you've got an ambitious streak. That would be your mother's side then.”

Millie opens the door and walks in.

“Reporting for duty, boss. Five minutes are up, no signs of intrusion. Well, except me.”

You wonder briefly why you never heard the lock click, and then decide that you don't want to know. Millie moves back to her seat and gives you a small wave.

“You know, it's nice finally having a cousin.”

Before you can respond the symbol on her headband starts to glow again.

>Resist
>Don't resist
>Other (write-in)

>>42292807
>>Other (write-in)

>Sigh loudly.

>>42292825
Seconding

>>42292807
>Don't resist.
"Just...be gentle. It's weird enough having my cousin be my first with this."

>>42292859
That's being added to my fanfic list.

...Yes, I'm writing short stories about this universe, canon and non-canon. You can't stop me.

>>42292807
>Other (write-in)
"You know, it would be nice if you asked before looking through my head."

>>42292807
>Sigh loudly.

>>42292923
[spoilers]You say that like we want to.[/spoilers]

>>42292923
Only think that will make us stop you is if you don't share it with us.

>>42292927
This. Kind of a dick move on her part.

>>42292807
>Sigh loudly.

It's funny.

File: dragon-flying-away-animal.jpg (105 KB, 1200x900)

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You do your best to just relax, and sigh loudly as she starts rummaging through your mind.

“I know, I know... But the sooner we get this finished the sooner we can get you out of here. Plus, think of this as a bonding experience. When I'm done you can ask me anything you like and I'll be honest with you.”

The sensation ends and Millie smiles at Tirio.

“She's innocent of all crimes except harboring a fugitive, but he's outside our jurisdiction! Oh, and maybe beating some people up, but they were bad, or jerks. And when she was five she stole an apple, but-”

Tirio holds up a hand.

“Thank you, Millie. You've done a good job, so you can have-”

“Candy!”

Tirio smirks.

“Yes. You can have some sweets.”

Millie leaps up onto her chair and does what you presume is some sort of happy dance. Tirio offers you a hand to help you up.

“Let's get you to the magistrate so you can hand off that letter and fill him in on what's going on with the Duke. Then we can get the rest sorted out. I'll have my men escort your friends to an inn for the time being.”

>To the magistrate!
>Can't we just send Millie?
>Other (write-in)

>>42293116
>go to the magistrate
>ask about information about dragons on the way, like how common they are or whatever

>>42293116
>To the magistrate!
"Sure" Dragons don't half-ass it

>>42293116
>>Other (write-in)

"Bitchin. Let them know I'm fine and dandy. Don't tell them anything about the whole 'I'm a Duchess' thing, though, I want it to be a surprise. Besides, I don't think you could deliver it awesomely enough. Now,"

>to the magistrate!

>>42293116
>To the magistrate!

>>42292936
>>42292938
There's also the small matter of time I spend working on the stories is time not spent running the quest itself. Here are the current stories kicking around in my head.

Canon:
Sena and Gil, pre-carpenter attack, and their flight from town
Gil and Kat on their date, told using Kat's research notes after trying to slip Gil the potion that, in the end, turned her into a cat for a week.
Ildareth and the witch, told using Ildareth's journal entries as he pursues his foe and things happen.

Non-canon:
While at the church, Kotijah was told Fiona would do anything requested of her. (lewd ensues)
Millie's mind magic can do more than just read people's minds, it can also create dreamscapes. (lewd ensues)

>>42293201
Lookin' good so far!
Probably least interested in Sena and Gil's early life, but it's all interesting enough.

>>42293201
I'd like to know about mom and pops...eventually. Not right now, but maybe later.

>>42293252
>caring about "dad"
,>caring about the man that made a literal living off of slaying our kind

>>42293271
>caring about the lives of dragons too weak to deserve their blood

>>42293301
Maybe dad was strong? He had to be to be worthy to be our father, even if he's a shit for killing dragons.

>>42293271
Yes. Just because he's a dragonslayer doesn't mean he's not worth knowing ABOUT. Who knows what we could learn from his history?

>>42293322
Hey Dad was a uber tier knight, Mom was a witch. He passed on his genes better than she did hers.

>>42293322

He said he fought in an order with both humans and dragons though, just against dragons that were deemed destructive.

>>42293369
Oh yeah, that's another thing. He wasn't genocidal about it. Just against dragons that were being colossal fucktards.

>>42293367
Don't say that! Without mom we couldn't be a dragon!
>>42293369
And thos against the kingdom if i remember correctly? That means he would've been against us taking over? Well he's not all terrible then.

>>42293271
Eh, dragons kill each other for wealth and territory, dad killed dragons for wealth and status, I don't see much difference.

>>42293393
That's what they all say.
>I was just protecting the town from that menacing Dragon!
>he was totally going to wreck it!
They think all dragons are colossal fucktards.

>>42293443
Clearly not if they WORKED with dragons.

>>42293420
>Don't say that! Without mom we couldn't be a dragon!
True, but we got his brawn over her magic big time.

>>42293443
Except he worked with dragons to kill other dragons.

>>42293459
Maybe because we lived on a farm with probably two of the strongest people in the kingdom where they only wanted to play farmer with their daughter without teaching her shit.

>>42293201
>Ildareth and the witch, told using Ildareth's journal entries as he pursues his foe and things happen.
I want.

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You nod, standing up without his help. You don't do it to be rude, just to show that you can handle yourself. Tirio smiles a bit and turns to Millie.

“I want you to run back to the barracks. Box number 286 under my bed is yours today.”

Millie nods a bit, the symbol on her headband glowing again, and she turns into a cloud of blue sparks that vanish out of the room with a loud shout of “Candy!”. At least she's happy, you muse. Tirio heads out the door and waits for you to be beside him before walking off down the hall. Several of the guards in the opposite direction look startled, as though recovering from seeing blue lightning streak past them.

“Tell me about the dragons. What do you think of them?”

Tirio shrugs a bit.

“Some are good and some are evil. Such is man. Such are all things. Your father was a good man and he clearly saw good in your mother. If you're wondering what I think of you, we'll have to find out together. Right now I'm just pleased you exist as proof that he lived.”

You nod slightly, before glancing at him.

“Don't tell him who I am.”

Tirio laughs a little when you say that and looks at you.

“I have no intention. You need to visit the Hall of Records first anyway to get that title officially recognized.”

He leads you to a grand set of double doors and knocks firmly.

“I need you on your best behavior for this though. The magistrate will be watching everything that you do, and given who you're about to become, this first impression could be everything.”

The door swings open, revealing a grand and elegant chamber. In the center stands a man clad in red, with a large golden sun pendant hanging around his neck. He turns and looks your way.

“Please, do come in.”

-

Schmooze roll. Schmooze like you've never Schmoozed before.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42293857

Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42293857

>>42293921
But is it the crit though?

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42293857

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42293921
>>42293950
Let's find out.

Damnit. Fucking...gah. Shit. Fuck. I hope it's still good enough.

>>42293981
20 is usually good enough, not getting a crit just means we don't get any bonus stuff, like our father having left some particular, ludicrously useful item or a free +1 to Schmooze or some such.

File: blue-dragon-desktop-backg(...).jpg (1.18 MB, 2000x1500)

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You stride into the room confidently. This is your first impression and perhaps your last, and that makes you nervous, but you don't let it show for even an instant. Tirio is right beside you, and you bow when he does, leaning lower than him for effect.

“Magistrate Bons, this is Kotijah from the southern region of the kingdom. She comes bearing a letter meant for Duke Lamiring that she intercepted, as well as a personal account of being attacked on the road by undead.”

The magistrate nods and approaches you. His eyes roam along your body as though checking for something, and he nods in satisfaction at the lack of whatever he was worried about.

“Proceed.”

You keep your head up and your eyes forward, meeting his gaze without challenging him. You remind yourself that respect is the name of the game here. Respect him so long as he respects you. You remove your pack and pull out the letter, offering it to him.

“This letter was being carried by two mercenaries who came to my village and harassed the people. They were hired by Duke Lamiring to watch the borders and were returning to him under orders from whoever wrote that letter.”

The magistrate takes it and reads over it, pacing in a slow circle around you and Tirio. When he moves in front of you again his face is a bit paler.

“I see. Well, this certainly confirms some suspicions. Thank you. That will be all.”

Tirio clears his throat.

“And her account, sir? You don't wish to hear her story? Surely as an adviser to the king you wish to be kept informed of the events going on in the kingdom at all times.”

The magistrate walks closer to Tirio.

“I said that will be all, General.”

Tirio narrows his eyes a bit.

“Let the girl speak, Bons. You'll want to hear this.”

Tirio turns to you.

“Tell him about the wolves and the stones.”

You nod and launch into your story before Bons can interject without being rude. You tell him about the wolves and being attacked, how Sena was afflicted with the blight and saved by the church. Bons seems a bit pleased to hear that part, and you press on. You tell him about the zombie and the stones, and Bons staggers back slightly. He glances at Tirio, who simply smiles.

“I told you to let the girl speak, Bons. Kotijah here has seen quite a bit of the problems of the south. She also came all the way here to deliver the letter to us. I think that's worth some commendation, don't you think? Without it we'd be unable to make our move.”

Bons nods slightly.

“Yes, I do believe so... Thank you, Kotijah. Thank you for risking your life to deliver this message to us. I will grant to you a single boon in return.”

You can see it in his eyes that he's testing you, waiting for you to ask for something beyond your reach, waiting for the silly farm girl to make a fool of herself so that he can finally dismiss you. You smile and bow your head low once more. You know how to play games too.

>Write-in

...Hoo boy. Alright, let's think carefully on this one. Something not too major, but respectable...maybe some kind of information? Like about those artifacts?

>>42294293
Thankyou I'll be in touch when I have need of it but for now my uncle wishes to trancefer my farthers estate to me.

>>42294373
Do not mention this.

>>42294373
Don't do this, that won't work, he wants us to make a decision now

>>42294293
Ask for info on the Red Rose of Loti and the White Blade of Schimdi

Right. So yeah, I'm thinking 'access to the royal library' might be possible. Or something akin.

>>42294293
I have something i need to locate, but don't know where to search, if you could help me in this then that would be all i need.

>>42294293
"Thank you, sir. There are some matters that I might resolve prior to asking prior to this book being paid. Would you be willing to allow this?"

>>42294441
Book being paid? What?

>>42294378
>>42294385
Fine, if we can't do that I'll back >>42294422.

>>42294293
>"I want the most Beautiful Rose in the world." Smile at him knowingly.

>>42294460
Fuck, I meant boon. Goddamn autocorrect.

>>42294293
>Ask for the White blade of Schimdi.
>Have a look of mild amusement as we do so.

>>42294422
Seconding, access to the library, or if that won't work information on the rose and the blade or whatever it was.

>>42294422
This is good

>>42294422

This is probably the best route

>>42294422
This, but instead of 'Royal' library, say 'The best library in the Empire.'

>>42294586
Or the best you can give us access to.

File: 1435464157966.jpg (1.01 MB, 2850x3450)

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“I may be only a humble farm girl, but everyone craves advancement. The best advancement comes from study and education, doesn't it? I'd like to be able to visit the greatest library in the kingdom while I'm here at the capitol.”

Tirio is grinning broadly when you say that, and when you look up at the magistrate he's an odd mix of amused, annoyed and confused.

“Very well. The Grand Library is free for everyone to use, but I'll make arrangements for you to be allowed access to the restricted section for one day. Normally only government officials and members of the nobility are allowed in there, you know, so consider this a rare glimpse into that world. It does please me to hear that you value knowledge though. Some might mistake you for a brute in that ratty suit of armor, but if your mind thirsts to be educated, then I shall see to it that you receive a measure of it. Tirio, perhaps you should send Millefiori with her?”

Tirio nods slightly.

“We have some matters to attend to, paperwork, standard procedure. Perhaps this afternoon? Surely you have much to attend to yourself, and we wouldn't want to take up too much of your time. Shall I have Millefiori escort her there this afternoon?”

Bons gives a vaguely dismissive wave and a nod.

“It hardly matters to me how she gets there. You're both dismissed.”

Tirio bows and you follow suit, and he escorts you out. The moment the doors close he slaps you on the back and lets out a hearty laugh.

“You did good in there. Carried yourself well, didn't fall for his trap or anything. And when he finds out who you are, he'll remember your face and think to himself 'The daughter of Ildareth was that clever, confident young woman I met the other day?'”

He turns a corner.

“Let's get to the Hall of Records and get the rest taken care of. With any luck you'll be having dinner in your new home by this evening.”

>Follow him to the Hall of Records
>Ask about something
>Other (write-in)

>>42294789
>>Follow him to the Hall of Records

Got nothing at the moment. Just hope the gang's got a good set up.

>>42294789
>Ask about Sena, Gil, and Kat.

>>42294789
>Follow him to the Hall of Records
>Ask about Sena, Gil, and Kat.

>>42294832
Also, let's get it set now and figure out a 'reading list'. It's only for a day so we're gonna have to just thumb through everything.

>>42294789
>>Follow him to the Hall of Records
>Ask about Sena, Gil, and Kat.

>>42294789
>Follow him to the Hall of Records
We don't need to worry about our friends all the time, he already said they were at an inn.

>>42294789
>Follow him to the Hall of Records

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The rest of the trip passes in relative silence. Tirio is clearly deep in thought, and that gives you plenty of time to take in the city as you finally step out onto the streets.

The City of Glass has earned its name. Everything, from the buildings to the streets themselves, is covered in decorative colored glass. The entire city glitters and sparkles like so many gems. While you hate yourself for thinking up the pun, it really is the crown jewel of the kingdom. You see more of the colorful robes, different people wearing different colors. You suspect it's part of a caste system, either that or dressing mostly in a single color is the fashion trend at the moment.

The other thing that strikes you about the city is the amount of magic in the air. It was less apparent inside, possibly because of wards, but here you can feel it. It makes the back of your throat itch like fire is going to spring from your lips any second, and there's a soft humming feeling at the back of your head like you can feel the energy in the air pulsing. People are riding around on magical vehicles that fly through the air, using small magical devices to measure their wares for sale, and you see several metal men as tall as ogres walking around. Well, as tall as you assume ogres would be anyway.

Tirio walks among the common people without guards or transportation, and the people barely seem to register him as he passes, like he isn't even there. They move aside for you both as you walk, but no one bows or pays him any respect. It strikes you as a little bit strange. You draw close to the Hall of Records, which you can spot by the obvious writing across the front arch, and Tirio slows his pace a little, stopping by the door.

“Don't be alarmed when we walk inside. I promise you that she's harmless.”

He opens the door, and inside you can see several woman linked by pale silver threads. Occasionally one disappears and reappears elsewhere, but the sequence never changes, each linked to the same pair. Closer examination reveals them to all be the same woman, you think. There's one at the desk, writing busily, another looking through a heavy book of names, another signing a series of documents, and several more reading paperwork at another desk. One of them suddenly appears at the door and smiles sweetly.

“Hello. How can we help you today, General?”

“I have found my brother's daughter. It has been proven by my personal attendant, Millefiore, and her report should already be filed by now.”

The woman nods and vanishes, reappearing back at the desk reading paperwork. Tirio glances at you.

“Sorry. She always gives me the creeps... Temporal mage, got into an accident and now she's six places at once. It doesn't bother her any, and she works here to pay for her research materials. Shall we?”

He motions inside.

>Go in
>Time magic sounds dangerous
>Other (write-in)

>>42295216
>>Other (write-in)

"...Neat."

>Go in

>>42295249
Seconded

Make me a Sleuth roll

Rolled 2 + 0 (1d20 + 0)

>>42295363

Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42295363

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42295363
Righto...

You walk in and feel a thousand tiny sensations across your skin, most of them uncomfortable. One of the women is muttering softly to herself as she jots things down.

“Hair color... eye color... blood type... Huh, that one's interesting... Name?”

A woman appears in front of you.

“Kotijah Ildareth.”

She vanishes once more, and Tirio sighs a little.

“Once she records all of this and confirms who you are, you'll need to sign a few forms. I'll be here most of the morning, most likely, just getting everything in order.”

True to his word, the woman presents you with several forms and a pen. Some of the places to sign ask for a name, others for initials, but one spot asks for a personal crest or seal. You know what you want to write, or rather, what you want to draw, but you're not sure how it'll look. You take a breath, steady your hand, and try to draw a dragon. It takes you a little while to get it right, and it's black ink not red, but you're satisfied with the end result. The woman appears, takes the papers from you, and presents you with a leather case moments later. It's full of papers, and the dragon you drew is now emblazoned on the front of the case. Tirio chuckles a bit.

“Those are all of your deeds and holdings owed to you. Many of them are in my possession so I need to formally release them. The rest are debts that people owe your father. I'll have Millie read them over for you to figure out who owes you what. Speaking of Millie, she should be just outside to take you where you want to go. She always know when she's needed.”

>Speak with Tirio
>Head outside to speak with Millie
>Other (write-in)

-

That picture for the OP posts? That's your official personal seal now. Now that picture has relevance and meaning.

>>42295501
>Head outside to speak with Millie

>>42295501

>Speak with Tirio

>>42295501
>>Head outside to speak with Millie

File: WindDragon.jpg (56 KB, 452x640)

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You give Tirio your thanks, and he nods, walking over to a chair and taking the paperwork that it offered to him.

“It's no problem. Just save me a place at your table tonight so that I can spend some time among family.”

You head outside, and there is Millie, just as Tirio said she would be. She has a stick in her mouth, which she removes with a prolonged slurp to reveal a clump of sugar at the top.

“Hi!”

She embraces you, squeezing tight, before releasing you and putting her treat back into her mouth.

“Hom? Er ta tha librury?”

>Head to your new home
>Head for the Grand Library
>Head somewhere else
>Other (write-in)

>>42295839
>>Head for the Grand Library

Let's knock this out, THEN go to the inn and say hi to our crew, THEN home/base.

>>42295839
>Head for the Grand Library
We only have a day in the restricted section

Think Gil will be mad we didn't use that boon to get him cleared of his charges?

>>42295986
It's only in the one city. He'll never go back, I bet.

Besides, once we become a Dragon Empress we'll pardon him ourselves.

>>42295839
>Head for the Grand Library

>>42295839
Be nice if Kat was invited. She'd hit the alchemy section hard.

File: 1398224742432.jpg (200 KB, 786x1016)

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You tell Millie to take you to the library, and she smiles at you, hugging your arm tightly.

“Thish'll ticuh!”

You feel a tingling sensation in your chest, and then everything is blue and bright and whirling. You feel electricity crackle across your skin, the world turning into a vague blur, and Millie has turned into sparks once more. And then the world is right again, and you find yourself inside the library. It's bigger than your home town was, dug deep into the earth, rows and rows of books reaching down and away. Millie chomps down on her treat and extracts the stick as she crunches through her candy.

“This is the main library. Which section did you want to go to?”

You tell her the restricted area, and Millie grabs your arm, yanking you over the railing with surprising force as she jumps with a gleeful yell. You feel the tingle again, and feel yourself rocketing downward, then sideways, and then being squeezed very small. When you emerge this time it's with a loud pop, and now the scene is much different. A single room lined with books, two stories tall and maybe fifty feet along each side.

“This is my favorite part of the library... They have all the best books here! All the forbidden ones!”

She runs over to a shelf and grabs one, flipping over the arm of a chair and landing with the book open on her lap, reading through each page in a matter of seconds.

-

Sleuth roll

Rolled 19 (1d20)

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42296477

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42296477

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42296477

>>42296498
>>42296507
Well then

File: dragon-hoard.jpg (52 KB, 660x453)

52 KB JPG

You roam the room freely, taking in the titles and trying to find a relevant one, when you spot something on the second floor and run up the stairs, not quite believing your eyes. There, in a glass case, is a shimmering blade the color of starlight. When you reach out and touch the case the light of the blade ripples like water. A small silver plaque on the case reads as follows:

“Forged in the likeness of The White Blade of Schmidi, now lost.”

You turn around to find Millie right behind you, head still in her book.

“Pretty, right? It's an exact replica, in terms of appearances. The real one was supposedly lost for good, but I know where it is~”

She lowers the book and grins at you.

“I could show it to you if you wanted.”

>Now. Do it now. Do it right now.
>U wot m8
>Other (write-in)

>>42296757
>Really? what's the catch?

>>42296757
>U wot m8
You know where a supposedly long lost artifact is.. and you're willing to show me? Sure, I guess could be fun.

>>42296757
>DO IT NOW
We need to build our hours as fast as we can, and this would be the perfect addition.

>>42296757
>Now. Do it now. Do it right now.
Beam it directly in. You got permission. Show me where the rose is too.

>>42296787
Second.

>>42296757
There's gotta be a catch.

File: Fantasy-Dragon-Fire-Drago(...).jpg (96 KB, 728x485)

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You give Millie a doubting smile.

“And what's the catch? You're going to show me the location of an ancient artifact thought lost for good, what do I have to give in return?”

Millie's smile almost doesn't fit her face.

“Well, if you have any candy, or can promise me some...”

There's a song in her voice, and she looks eager for you to accept her offer.

“Pleeeeeease?~”

>Deal
>No deal
>Other (write-in)

>>42297109
>Deal

Gift horse, mouth, no looking.

>"Don't tell anyone about this and I'll get you as much candy as you can stomach. Not all at once, but yeah."

>>42297109
>Deal

>>42297109
>Deal

>>42297109
>Deal

File: Leana2WindDragonForm.jpg (26 KB, 296x398)

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“You have yourself a deal. Now show me.”

Millie closes her book with a snap and tosses it aside, the book sailing in an arc around the room before winding up back on its shelf. She slowly removes her blindfold, her eyes closed beneath it, her smile subsiding little by little.

“I speak to the north wind and call it father, who speaks of war and sings of victory. I ask his blessing.”

You feel a draft in the room, though you're fairly certain you're deep underground at this point.

“I speak to the south wind and call it mother, who speaks of the world and sings of stories. I ask her blessing.”

The draft is getting stronger now, and you can feel it tugging at your clothes, Millie's robes wavering slightly in the breeze.

“I speak to the east wind and call it brother, who speaks of knowledge and sings of wisdom. I ask his blessing.”

The winds swirl around you slowly, and you feel like you're being lifted up now. Your feet are still on the ground, but it's like some part of you is being dragged aloft.

“I speak to the west wind and call it sister, who speaks of secrets and sings of truth. I ask her blessing.”

As the winds whip up, Millie opens her eyes. They're shining, two points of pure and brilliant light.

“I am The Thousand Petals Upon The West Wind. I am the seer of all lost things, of secrets long forgotten, and of histories long gone.”

She holds out her hand, a single petal in her palm, and she blows it towards you. It hovers before your face, almost as if deciding if you're worthy, before adhering to your forehead.

-

Smarts roll

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42297620

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42297620

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42297620

>>42297706
Close call. This is trippy.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42297620
rolling

File: forest_dragon_by_gerezon-(...).jpg (787 KB, 800x1120)

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Your mind remains cohesive as the images rush around and through you. You see a shining sword of starlight in the deep darkness, and above you, beyond a twisting passage of stone, there is light. You see rolling hills honeycombed with caverns and caves, abandoned cottages left to rot, and your lungs fill with air that smells of salt and decay. There is a voice, soft and old and broken, whispering idle thoughts to the wind, the voice of a man who knows where he is but is lost all the same. The real world settles back into focus slowly, and you can see Millie putting her blindfold back on.

“The White Blade of Schimdi rests, lost and forgotten, beneath the town that bears that warrior's name. It too is lost, as is the only man who remembers where it is.”

As she secures her blindfold, her playful smile returns.

“So, when do I get my candy?”

>Focus on the work, you have things to study
>Ask Millie what just happened
>Other (write-in)

>>42297870
>Focus on the work, you have things to study
>Ask Millie what just happened

"You'll get your candy after we're done in the library."

>>42297870
>Ask Millie what just happened
Ask her to point you to a candy shop.

>>42297870
>>Ask Millie what just happened
>Okay, you know any sweet shops nearby?

Okay, can anyone decipher that?

File: stone_dragon_by_nightmare(...).jpg (177 KB, 750x1064)

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You decide to focus on the hear and now. The work can wait for a moment.

“Millie, what was that just now? What did you do?”

Millie lets out a sudden gasp and covers her mouth with her hands, like a child who just realized that painting all over the walls in fun and whimsical patterns isn't the best plan if the walls are in her parent's bedroom.

“I-I can't tell you, daddy will be mad and then I won't get any more candy for a month!”

You open your mouth and she turns into blue sparks, returning to her book and the couch moments later, only this time she seems to be using the book to try to hide from you, curling up and covering her head with it.

>Try to get a response out of Millie.
>Research time
>Other (write-in)

>>42298093
>Try to get a response out of Millie.
I'll keep it a secret. Promise.

>>42298093
>Other (write-in)
Ask about the rose. And the three necromancers.

>>42298093
>Research time

She has her secrets. We have ours.

>>42298093
>give her your best imposing authority glare to make her calm down

>>42298093
>Research time

What say you, research or talking to Millie?

>>42298297
Eh. Research I guess. But ask her for useful titles.

>>42298297
ask her. we must bond with our cousin

You descend the stairs and head over to Millie, gently tapping the book.

“I won't ask what happened if you promise to help me with my research.”

Millie lowers the book, peering at you from behind the cover. Well, as close to peering as she can get with that blindfold on.

“You mean it?”

You nod, and she springs back to her feet, smiling.

“What do you want to know about? I'll do what I can.”

-

Study time, Sleiuth roll. Each subject you study will take an hour and require a roll. You have until the end of the day, which will probably be another 8 hours give or take; it was still morning when you first arrived, and a library like this likely keeps its doors open after dark. You guys can either list what you want to study and then pick an order to study it in, or go hour by hour. I'll grab a drink while you figure it out.

>>42298462
Magic
Anti-magic
Dragons
our main quest objectives
Our parents
Our Ancestor
Spiritual fortification techniques

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42298462
Dragons, obviously.
Magic.
Necromancy/how to counter it.
Sword techniques.
Unarmed brawling.
Book about the rose and sword.
???
???

This is what I want at the moment

Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42298532
>>42298462

>>42298462
Some magic
Dragons
Dragon hoards
Treasure
Valuable metals
Dragon liars
Cooking

>>42298462
About our dragon ancestor, mother and father. Working with the name he gave us helps. And the order of the scale.

If we make the Scale our warriors, the sun and moon church our priests and take over both government and crown as Dragon Empress of Mankind we need everything about both parents.

Necromancy. They are the enemy.
Null stones
Church of the Sun and Moon

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42298462

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>42298579
Second.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42298462

>>42298535
I'm okay with this.
Also we should use some of the time to make sure our companions are alright.

Got some diversity here. Here are the current topics and votes:
Dragons: 3
Magic: 3
Quest items: 2
Parents: 2
Ancestor: 2
Necromancy: 2
Anti-magic: 1
Sword: 1
Brawling: 1
Hoards: 1
Valuable metals: 1
Dragon lairs: 1
Cooking: 1
Order of Scales: 1
Null Stones: 1
Church: 1

>>42298870
I vote yes on all of these things.

>>42298870
Dragons, Magic, Quest items, Necromancy, Brawling, Ancestor, Order of scales, Church.

These seem good

>>42298990
Seconding this selection.

Can we get someone to run a message to our friends?

>>42298986
We can take a tour of different guilds to fill in magic and fighting lessons.

Barring any other votes, we'll start with dragons and magic and figure out other topics if we get that far. Your first Sleuth roll informs you of the following after an hour of study:

All dragons living in the kingdom were born and raised as part of it and have lived among humans all their lives. The dragons that attack people come from outside, beyond the borders. Notably, all the dragons of the royal court are red, but most attacking dragons are green or blue, and none are red.

Dragons rank themselves by age, as they have a racial memory following their own bloodline, so dragons of the same brood all have thousands of years of experience to call upon from birth. Older dragons have more unique and current experiences to draw from, and are physically more powerful, thus, their rank is higher.

Dragon fire, as it's called, is not normal fire. Tests have proven that the fire of a dragon burns much hotter than a normal flame, yet is always a brilliant red or orange. There is an inherent magic to it, and members of the Order of Scales can learn to use this magic to fuel various items.

You suspect that there's more information here on dragons that you may have missed.

>>42299007
You could ask Millie, although she's currently buffing your rolls. She'll take a bit to find them and get back, so you'd lose her buff for a roll.

So, what next? More dragons? Magic? Sending Millie to talk to your friends while you pray to the dice gods?

>>42299271
Go with magic.

>>42299271
Magic next it think, We'll probably send Millie out when its something she might not be familiar with, say brawling.

>>42299271
more dragons. maybe dragon magic. magic that turns us into a dragon. woah.

Make me a Sleuth roll then. Let's see what you uncover.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42299326
Here's hoping...

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42299326

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42299326
Let's see

>>42299315
Prophecies concerning a person turning into a dragon and ruling mankind would help.
Cultist love that stuff.

Magic, as it turns out, is something this room is loaded with. But all your studying does is show you the depth and complexity of it, rather than helping you learn anything you can use. You explain to Millie that you need a more basic understanding and she sits you down to explain.

Magic is the manipulation of fundamental properties using elemental energies, for instance, using Air to make something lighter. All magic is derived from this simple idea. Air carries sound waves, fills spaces, can be put under pressure, can distort light, and so on. Most mages begin their study practicing with the element that suits them most, and then with the one that suits them least. A good magician can use one or two elements well, great ones have mastery over three, and the truly great ones, known as wizards, can wield all four elements with ease. The strain varies with the spell, but like a muscle, the spirit can be trained to handle more magic without tiring. Magical burnout can be lethal.

Millie then teaches you some breathing exercises, tells you that your strong element is fire and your weak element is water. You kinda figured.

Next topic up at bat and Sleuth rolls please

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42299539

Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42299539

Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42299539