A Tale of Two Dragons

[WampusCat43]

"While I do not doubt the veracity of your statement, noble dragon," Nick began hesitantly. "I must ask you of my family, my other endeavors. Are we to simply forsake them for however long a period is required to perform this righteous act?”
The human paced the floor, hands behind his back so there could be no misunderstanding. “We have come a long way, a long way indeed. And yet that trail resembles a child’s pony ride compared to what you ask.” He pauses and places his hands on his hips, staring at the magnificent creature.

 

[Rae ArdGaoth]

The dragon's smile grows wide at the criticism of the gnomes. "You are right, it is perhaps an inappropriate analogy. I have seen more than one gnomish creation explode. But you must also realize that it is these creations that will bring your races to the next age. Why, I even hear that the gnomes have created some kind of alchemical powder that creates fire, just like a red dragon. It is a great accomplishment. But I notice that they still cannot duplicate my breath." To accentuate its point, it spits another block of ice at the wall. "I am sure Hareka shares my thoughts." The massive silver turns to the white dragonspawn and winks.

Upon hearing Nick's remarks, however, the dragon suddenly sobers and speaks louder and with even greater fury. "Your family? This entire continent is in danger, human! Does your family live in Faerun? Are they inclined to move off to the cruel slavelands of Zakhara? Or perhaps to the far east, in Kara Tur, where tyrants already rule? Or maybe they could sail across the Trackless Sea to Maztica, the lawless land of savages? No, they will stay right here, in their home. And if this threat is not stopped now, it will rise to power. In your lifetime, too. As for your 'current endeavors', they cannot possibly compare to the significance of saving the continent! Even if you pursued these 'endeavors', the Red Tyranny would surely put a stop to them as soon as it reached you! Besides, once this is over, I and all of Faerun will be forever in your debt, and you will be able to pursue 'endeavors' with more freedom and funding than you ever could have imagined. That is but secondary, though, to the safety of Faerun. Can you understand this?"

 

[Harvey]

Penthar Danadin, Aglarondan Griffonrider

Penthar steps in, holding his hands high in a gesture to placate the dragon. "Yes, we understand. However, you cannot fault us... short-lived mortals from having more petty affairs."

He turns to the group. "I can verify some of what our host says. The Empire of Aglarond, my empire, has been under constant threat, either from the Red Wizards of Thay or from the tribes of Narfell. Both have been quiet of late, causing much unease amongst my people. If what the great dragon says is true, then Aglarond, and Faelar's Yuirwood, would be amongst the first targets, not to mention Thesk and the Great Dell. And if the goblin hordes of the Giantspire Mountains and the wizards of Thay are on their side, then I shutter to think the destruction they can reign on Faerun."

He turns back to the dragon "Are all the tribes of Narfell under his reign? I have heard stories amongst my peers of the honor of some of the tribes of Narfell. Is there no resistance to this dragon's collusion?"

 

[Krug]

"There is a red dragon with allies, and I'm afraid all good I do in negotiations starts with the edge of my axe. So I do take up your quest to battle this wyrm," says Brak.

 

[Rae ArdGaoth]

The dragon turns to Penthar and nods its approval. "Of course the Aglarondan warrior understands. It is his home that is in the most dire danger. You are right about the Nars, human. Not all of them are evil, and not all of them are gullible, and some of them fall under both of those categories. There will always be some insurgent group. The fact of the matter is that these few rebelling tribes are not inclined to band together for the same reasons they will not band with the new league. And even if they did, their numbers would be nowhere near enough to make more than a dent in the considerable force the reds have created.

"Of course, your first question would be, 'Then how do we, who number only seven, even hope to stand a chance?' And the answer is obvious. You are a powerful bunch. I gathered you together from across the land because you are powerful. I have no doubt in my mind that you all could go up against a horde of hobgoblins and win. You could fight each of the tribes of Narfell individually and come out victorious. 'But this Red Tyranny is much larger than that,' you say. And this I know. But the enemy does not know of you yet. It will pay your small group little heed in the times to come. Little heed until it becomes clear that you are a serious threat. And then it will be too late for Melniirkumaukrekon his sadistic brood! The dragon lets out another mighty roar, this time one of euphoria rather than fury. A blast of ice cold air bursts from its upturned mouth onto the ceiling, and several icicles fall to the floor.

 

[Lefferts]

Zithran listens intently to the dragon's words. He states, "I will lend my aid to this endeavour for as long as you find my services useful."

 

[Harvey]

Penthar Danadin, Aglarondan Griffonrider

"I have been called, this is true, but I also have been sent on behalf of Aglarond's queen, the Simbul, who must know at least a little of the threat. So I will stand with you against this dragon."

 

[WampusCat43]

"Your words are persuasive, great wyrm, and I mean that with all respect." Nick said, with a slight bow towards the dragon. "Understand, though, that I bear the scars of a previous venture such as this; one to neighboring Chessenta, in fact. I have seen a righteous mission similar to what you propose dissolve into chaotic infighting and many deaths."

He pauses for a moment, contemplating. When he speaks again, it is with conviction. "Still, I would like another crack at the Red Wizards; they are a particularly loathsome bunch. Fine. Count me in your endeavor, but remember I will be constantly on guard for treachery. Your kind are known in the Realms for their noble deeds, but greed,” he looks pointedly at the mounds of treasure at the beast’s feet, “makes for strange bedfellows.”

 

[silentspace]

Faelar had withdrawn from the conversation, and seemed to have been deep in thought, scheming.

Bowing to the dragon with a flourish, he says "I'm in."

As if that was ever a question

Grinning at his friend Penthar and patting Regalclaw's side, he says, with a wink "I'll race you to Narfell"

 

[Rae ArdGaoth]

The dragon turns menacingly toward Nick. It takes one great step and its massive form moves forward. Slowly, the dragon's neck extends out and down to be level with Nick. "I am no greedy red, human. You would be wise to watch your words around my kind. We may be noble, but we have our pride." With the dragon's mouth so close to his face, Nick is freezing from the icy cold air that comes from its lungs. He shudders involuntarily.

Suddenly breaking the tension, the dragon retracts its huge head. "Forgive my quick anger. I am trapped and left almost helpless by this foe of ours, and it frustrates me to no end. The sooner we begin our campaign, the better. I suggest you rest in the village for tonight and be on your way tomorrow. With your magic, you should make Narfell in no time. Once there, I will contact you again and direct you to the places of importance. All well?"