Heroica RPG - Quest #44: My Best Friend

[Flare]

"And you wonder why people dislike you." Benji spits towards Guts and walks away from him, to the other side of the party.

[Wedge09]

The last two big ones I met tried to kill me as soon as they saw me, either this one is still waiting for it's chance, or will kill me on my way out. I say we leave. Now."

"If you have used the same tone at the time, I also would have tried to kill. Personally, I think have a dragon as an enemy so close to Eubric isn't a good idea. I'm with Benji, we must deal with this dragoness and bring the respect it deserves." For Alexander is the first time he meet a dragon and he is a little impressed.

[-obelix-]

"And you wonder why people dislike elves."

Hearing this Thalion turned ot Guts. "What makes you say such a thing? You may have more combat experience then me, master Guts but that does not mean you know more about the world. Also whatever experiences you had with our race, doesn't give you the right to judge us all by it. Give each of us a chance to show what kind of person each one is... As for the dragon in whose house we are current quests, please show a little respect."

Thalion turned to face the dragon's back. "Mighty Smaragdea, please show us a bit of generosity you've shown to the Greenskins. They spoke of your kindness and so we ask only for a fraction of it. Can you help us find this boy?"

[Scubacarrot]

Guts shakes his head and answers Alexander:

"No, Alexander, the others just started attacking before there was talk, the first killed a lot of friends, the second would have done the same if given the chance. Some dragons might be able to talk, but they are still beasts, they will eat you when they're hungry, and to revere them... is madness. We are here to complete a job, this dragon won't help even after we offered it coin, so I suggest we move on. I don't want to sit wasting time here while you cosy up to the talking beast."

Guts calmly says to Benji:

"When you get through as much as me, you just stop caring what others think about you. Good luck with courting the lizard."

Hearing this Thalion turned ot Guts. "What makes you say such a thing? You may have more combat experience then me, master Guts but that does not mean you know more about the world. Also whatever experiences you had with our race, doesn't give you the right to judge us all by it. Give each of us a chance to show what kind of person each one is... As for the dragon in whose house we are current quests, please show a little respect."

"You misunderstood, I just have an inherent problem with elves that seem to think they are better than other races, which happens all too often. I actually know quite a few elves that I can stand." Guts points at Nerwen.

[Flare]

"I would try to be as respectful as you can to the dragon, try a compliment or two and maybe a few coins." Benji whispers to Alexander.

Benji turns around the confront Guts once again. "Dragons are sentinent beings, just as much as you or I. In fact they are much wiser than us, as their lifespans extend to the distant past and will continue for many more centuries. And I'm sure that you have killed just as many innocent beings as any dragon. Please try to stop being a snob and learn some respect. This dragon could easily kill you, and if there is any battle caused by you I will surely not defend you."

Edited October 20, 2012 by Flare

[Fred Fred Burger]

Chris snaps back into reality after being mezmorized, by the awe-inspiring dragon. He belatedly takes in everything that was just said between the Dragon and party. "What? Killed a Dragon? But I havn't even...." His voice trails off aimlessly as he realizes what Guts was trying to do. "Sir Guts" he whispers through gritted teeth mashed into what was supposed to be a smile "I don't think that approach is going is going to work. Please, by all the gods, stop antagonizing it." He took in sharp breath, he gussed that now wouldn't be a particurly oppertune momnent to confess his accute fear of Dragons, which he had possesed about all of his life. "And may I just remind you all that while we argue about Guts supposed racial prejudices their is a 500-pound seething Dragon, sitting some ten feet away from us, ready at any moment to incinerate us, just in case you haven't noticed. Perhaps we should, if it wouldn'r be too much trouble, decide what exactly we are going to do, becasue we

won't be able to afford appeasing her if we don't all pitch in some gold."

[Wedge09]

After hearing the two opposing points of view, Alexander has come to a conclusion: "There are two types of dragons, in my opinion, the first type is the one that attacks, always, such as those who met Guts, while the second type is the type of dragon that we have to bring respect and that doesn't attack without a reason. I think Smaragdea belongs to the second type and therefore I can offer, I'm sorry, only two gold."

[JimBee]

"This argument is pointless." Hybros shook his head. No matter what good humans or any other surface race seemed to do, it always came down to which one was better. "If you are all done squabbling, we have business to attend to." He turned to the magnificent dragon, and bowed on his knees (although it probably couldn't tell). "Mighty Smaragdea, please hear us out. We only seek information, and if you will let us, we will be on our way. We are seeking a boy named Shaun, who has disappeared. If you can help us, we would be most grateful." With that, he tossed fifty gold on the floor, letting the coins fall loudly.

[Sandy]

Hearing coins raining down on her pile of gold, Smaragdea turns her head to take a peek. The glint of gold reflects in her yellow eye. But she's still not appeased.

"YOU COME HERE AND INSULT ME, THEN EXPECT ME TO HELP YOU. I KNOW HUMANS HAVE AN ODD WAY OF THINKING, BUT I FAIL TO SEE ANY LOGIC BEHIND YOUR ACTIONS."

The dragon takes a dramatic pause, before going on. "I'M NOT UNREASONABLE. GOLD IS JUST MY ONLY JOY NOW THAT ME AND CAIN HAVE RETIRED FROM WARFARE. I'M STILL YOUNG, BUT I CAN'T LEAVE CAIN BEHIND. YOU HUMANS ARE SO FRAIL AND PUNY WITH YOUR SOFT SKIN AND SHORT LIFESPANS. I DON'T MEAN TO SOUND PROUD OR GREEDY, BUT MY LIFE IS JUST SO DULL, LYING IN THIS CAVE ALL DAY LONG. ONCE UPON A TIME I HAD COMPANY, A FAMILY... BUT ALL OF THEM LEFT WHEN THEIR HUMAN PARTNERS DIED. NOW THERE'S ONLY ME AND CAIN LEFT, AND THIS MEAGRE AMOUNT OF GOLD HE LEFT ME TO BRING ME AT LEAST SOME JOY..."

Smaragdea continues her lament. "I HEAR YOUR WORDS OF PRAISE, BUT THEY SEEM HOLLOW AFTER THE THREATS OF THE PUNY DANCER. HOW CAN I KNOW THAT YOU TRULY MEAN WHAT YOU SAY... UNLESS YOU SOMEHOW PROVE IT TO ME?"

What will the party do to make the dragon feel better? Or will they leave the dragon alone to search the cave on their own?

Party:

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09)

99 years old elven Ranger

Level 2

Power

: 5

(2+3)

Health

: 7/7

(6+1)

Gold

: 8

Equipment

: Bow (WP: 3)

Inventory

: Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Amethyst (

Darkness

), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb

Benji Carvenhall (Flare)

27 years old male half-elven Assassin

Level 21 2/3

*Counterstrike*

*Encouraged*

Power:

34

(21+13)

Defense:

3

Health:

32/32

(6+20+5+1)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Demonic Scissors (WP:13,

fire

-elemental, damages two enemies in one turn; daggers), Tricorne (SP:3), Counterstrike Gloves (

After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP: 13;

darkness

-,

ice

,

light

-elemental), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), 7 Grand Potions, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 2 Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 3 Bones

Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger)

27 years old male human Knight

Level 14 ½

*Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed*

Power:

25

(14+8+2+1)

Defense:

4

Health:

23/23

(10+13)

Gold:

109

Equipment:

Great Sword (WP:8), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects)

Inventory:

Tricorne (SP:3), Paladin's Armor (unsuitable), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone

Cinna the Dark (darkdragon)

19 years Female Human Mystic Knight

Level 20 2/3

*Immune to

Fire

*

Power:

36

(20+14+1+1)

Defense:

3

(2+1)

Health:

32/32

(5+19+7+1)

Ether:

26/26

(5+19+1+1)

Gold:

6

Equipment:

Mauryl (WP:14, ranged), Aurora Helmet (SP:2, immune to

fire

), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear), Anniversary Medal:Y1 (+1 to all stats per year; accessory)

Inventory:

, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Opal (

Ice

), Ruby (

Fire

), Healing Staff (WP:5), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones

De'kra (Tanma)

11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin

Level 18½

*Immune to Enamored and Confused*

Power:

25

(18+7)

Defense:

1

Health:

29/29

(7+17+5)

Gold:

25

Equipment:

Kapura (WP:7,

fire

-elemental), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Heart Locket (Protects from enamored effect and confused effect)

Inventory:

Chiara (WP:7,

lightning

-elemental), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Cloak of the Elven Spy, 7 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede)

1000 year old male vampire Rogue

Level 5

Power:

10

(5+5)

Health:

11/11

(7+4)

Gold:

11

Equipment:

Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5)

Inventory:

Longsword (WP:3), Potion, Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll

Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn)

18 years old male human Barbarian

Level 12

*Restoration*

*Immune to

Water

*

Power:

25

(12+13)

Defense:

1

Health:

19/19

(8+11)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Voltedge (WP: 13,

lightning

-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to

water

; bodywear)

Inventory:

Titanic Axe (WP:11,

earth

-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Spear (WP: 9), Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

42 year old male human Raider

Level 21

*Natural Respite*

*Dance*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

Power:

35

(21+14)

(30 for ranged attacks

(21+9)

)

Health:

34/34

(7+20+7)

Gold:

2793

Equipment:

Fafnir (WP:14,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a "4" is rolled, the wearer can act twice)

Inventory:

Lifestealer (WP:14,

ice

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Throwing Knife (WP:9, ranged, retrievable,

light

-elemental), 4 Grand Potions, 1 Grand Tonic, 1 Elixir, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, Beholder's Eye (allows one round per quest to be replayed), 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril)

Hybros (JimButcher)

50-year-old male imp Assassin

Level 21 1/3

*Hastened*

*Immune to Cursed and Sudden Death*

*Lucky*

Power:

36

(21+15)

Defense:

0

Health:

33/33

(7+20+5+1)

Gold:

1200

Equipment:

Zoot's Reaper (WP:15,

earth

-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed; bodywear), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory);

Cobweb Cowl (Grants immunity to sudden death; backwear)

Inventory:

Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 8, retrievable), Emerald (

Wood

), 10 Potions, 10 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 2 Nostrums, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone

Mizuki Kimura (zakura)

21 years old female human Rogue

Level 12

*Encouraged*

*Lucky*

Power:

22

(12+10)

Health:

18/18

(7 + 11)

Gold:

82

Equipment:

Dagger (WP:10)

Inventory:

Sylph Shuriken (WP:12,

wind

- and

light

-elemental; throwing weapon), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Cannonball, Death Progg Claw

Namyrra Uq (Quarryman)

***Party Leader***

1337 years old female Fenarian Evoker

Level 22

*Immune to Sealing*

Power

: 34

(22+12)

Defence

: 8

(5+3)

Health

: 29/29

(5+21+3)

Ether

: 33/33

(5+21+1+1+5)

Gold

: 44

Equipment

: Snake Staff (WP:12), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, immune to Sealing, bodywear)

Inventory

: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), Bone Staff (WP:3), Amethyst, Opal, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, 4 Potions, Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 5 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 3 Nostrums, Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, Flash Bomb, Bedroll, 3 bones

Spirits

: Xut the Daemon (

Darkness

), Raiju the Raiju (

Lightning

), Ni the Shrubbery (

Wood

), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (

Ice

), Clay Golem (

Earth

), Battle Angel (

Light

), unknown (

Fire

), unknown (

Wind

)

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

261 year old female elven Cleric

Level 13½

*Immune to

Wind

*

Power:

19

(13+6)

Defense:

2

Health:

24/24

(9+12+3)

Ether:

16/17

(5+12)

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Staff (WP:6,

wood

-elemental), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to

Wind

; headwear)

Inventory:

Hammer (WP: 6), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear), 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Venom, 2 Ice Bombs, Shovel, Bedroll, Bone

Raven Ashcroft (Raven Brickroft)

18 years old male human Rogue

Level 2

Power:

8

(2+6)

Health:

8/8

(7+1)

Gold:

10

Equipment:

Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow)

Inventory:

Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Potion, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom

Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan)

27 years old male naga Mage

Level 13

*Hastened*

*Nostrum*

Power:

19

(13+6+1)

Defense:

0

Health:

18/18

(5+12+1)

Ether:

1/18

(5+12+1)

Gold:

54

Equipment:

Dragon's Wrath (WP:6), Gaudy Cloak (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear)

Inventory:

Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15,

wind

- and

fire

-elemental, longsword), Opal (

Ice

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Sapphire (

Wind

), Tonic, Nostrum, Venom, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Bone, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril)

Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Mage

Level 4

Power:

9

(4+5)

Health:

8/8

(5+3)

Ether:

8/8

(5+3)

Gold:

4

Equipment:

Torch Staff (WP:5,

fire

-elemental; staff)

Inventory:

Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (

Fire

), 2 Potions, Fire Bomb, Bedroll

Thothwick (Professor Flitwick)

44 years old Metasimian Black Knight

Level 19½

*Damage Undead*

*Immune to Stunned*

Power

: 29

(19+10)

(27 for ranged attacks

(19+8)

)

Defence

: 4

Health

: 34/34

(7+18+9)

Gold

: 200

Equipment

: Sabre (WP:10), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect)

Inventory

: Shuriken (WP:8), Bedroll, Telescope, Dragon Scale

William Harkenshire (VolcanicPanik)

Unknown years old male human Ranger

Level 15½

*Hastened*

Power:

20

(15+5)

(21 from the front row

(15+5+1)

)

Health:

20/20

(6+14)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Repeating Crossbow (WP:5, unupgradeable;

fire

-elemental, permanent

hastened

), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement)

Inventory:

Hand Cannon (WP: 5;

lightning

- and

wood

-elemental), Wave Sword (WP:11, inflicts cursed-effect), Croise Crossbow (WP:11), Lion Knight Shield (SP:4, unsuitable), Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to knights, dragoons and skirmishers; accessory), Chimera Armor (+2 SP, +2 Health, unsuitable; bodywear), Sapphire (

Wind

), Remedy, Venom, Mead, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Water Bomb, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy

Sküld (NPC, controlled by Quarryman)

7 years old female nôrn Altar Girl

Level 6

Power:

8

(6+2)

Health:

7/7

(2+5)

Ether:

1/15

(10+5)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Silk Fan (WP:2,

wind

-elemental, fan)

Inventory:

Scroll of Sealing, Grand Tonic

[Scubacarrot]

Guts leaves the cavern and heads back the way they came, he feared if he stayed longer he would do something rash, be it against the half-elf, or the dragon. The dragon had an unprotected neck, and in the limited space of the cavern, Guts could reach the dragon before it could breathe fire or attack with claw or tail. Still, if this Tiamateus guy was an ally of Heroica, Guts would not dare kill his pet.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen moves aside with Guts to spek softly.

You have changed, Cam'wethin, you show more of yoursl, more of your feelings. Feelings you once pretended not to have.

you clearly carry a heavy burden. Heavier than your laden coin purses. But do those purses help or just add to the weight?

The Guts I knew, did what it took. The dragon can help us I believe. You have a history with dragons and hate them. You also have history with elves and dislike the arrogant. Yet I am not all elves. This dragon is not all dragons. And the gold in your pockets is not the only gold in the world. Already you are rich enough to by nearly anything for sale in Eubric. And that would still be true even if you were to give the dragon a significant token. For what is a large amount of gold but a way of keeping score? And you are a skilled warrior as your own score shows. You need not fear that you cannot get more gold.

And if the dragon does not respond to a generous gift from you, I will stand with you to show it your rash threats were not without substance.

After speaking Nerwen mimed to De'kra the action of putting a hood on. His eyes flickered, he was wearing a hood already. Nerwen looked at him, made the hood move and turned in an exaggerated way to look at the dragon. With this De'kra seemed to understand and began finding something in the folds of his cloak.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts stopped in his tracks when Nerwen spoke. The woman was right, if the dragon had any information, they needed it, and the raider was the one with the most gold, so it would only be fair for him to make the largest contribution.

"Sorry Nerwen, you are right."

Guts bows his head slightly towards the dragon, and asks:

"Right, Dragon. I have no love for your kind, and you not for me, but if you know of this Shaun, we need to know. What do you think is customary for the exchange of the information?"

[Raven Brickroft]

@Sandy

OOC: I recall having more money from the Spider battle because I mugged one of them for 10 gold.

[JimBee]

Hybros nodded at the elf, Nerwen, then at Guts in approval. He then turned back to Smaragdea.,"If it is freedom you seek, then you must learn to move on. You can not stay here forever, with or without your master Cain. Perhaps it is time to start anew..."

[Sandy]

Guts bows his head slightly towards the dragon, and asks:

"Right, Dragon. I have no love for your kind, and you not for me, but if you know of this Shaun, we need to know. What do you think is customary for the exchange of the information?"

The dragon glares Guts.

"THERE IS NOTHING CUSTOMARY IN THIS SITUATION. DO YOU THINK I GET VISITORS DOWN HERE EVERY DAY? YOU HAVE INSULTED ME GREATLY, SO IF YOU WANT TO APOLOGIZE THAT, IT MUST COME FROM YOUR HEART. YOU KNOW MY WEAKNESS FOR GOLD, NOW IT IS UP TO YOU TO EXPLOIT THAT."

@Sandy

OOC: I recall having more money from the Spider battle because I mugged one of them for 10 gold.

QM Note: Since I have no way of recounting everything that happened during the battle, all the gained gold and expended items were negated; you lose what you gained, but keep what you lost. Sorry.

Hybros nodded at the elf, Nerwen, then at Guts in approval. He then turned back to Smaragdea.,"If it is freedom you seek, then you must learn to move on. You can not stay here forever, with or without your master Cain. Perhaps it is time to start anew..."

"YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW NOTHING OF THE BOND BETWEEN A DRAGOON AND HIS DRAGON. WE FOUGHT TOGETHER IN THE CIVIL WAR OF BILLUNDIA DECADES AGO, AND NOTHING SHORT OF DEATH CAN SEPARATE US AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE. WHAT'S A LITTLE BOREDOM COMPARED TO THE THOUGHT OF LOSING YOUR ONLY FRIEND?"

[Scubacarrot]

Guts crunched his teeth, and answered: "To me gold is unpersonal, just a means to trade for other things. A gift of gold would be like giving a child a pair of socks. Hm, maybe a dragon would not get that... I have this ring here, made of gold, and gems, of some kind. It's not a large amount of gold, but the true value is in both the craftsmanship and the enchantment. I don't know if it works, but an appraiser told me it might be able to turn back time, and redo past mistakes. I don't know if it works, but if it truly could turn back time, perhaps I used it a thousand times, without knowing it? A gift of gold would never come from the heart, perhaps this would."

Guts takes off the Eye of the Beholder from his finger, and lays it at his feet. He hoped the dragon would accept this gift, Guts was pretty sure he could pawn it for a lot.

Edited October 20, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[Sandy]

Guts takes off the Eye of the Beholder from his finger, and lays it at his feet.

Smaragdea is completely mesmerized by Guts' gift. She picks the ring up with her claw.

"THIS POWER... IT TRASCENDS TIME AND SPACE! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE! I CAN HEAR THE ECHOES OF MY ANCESTORS! I CAN SEE THIS CAVE FILLED WITH LIFE AND JOY! IT IS TRULY THE MOST MARVELOUS GIFT I'VE EVER GOTTEN..."

The dragon shifts her eyes back to Guts. "YOU ARE A STRANGE ONE, PUNY DANCER. FIRST YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A LOWLY WORM, THEN YOU LIFT ME TO THE HIGHEST HEIGHTS. YOU HUMANS JUST NEVER SEIZE TO SURPRISE ME."

"VERY WELL. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS CASE OF A LOST FRIEND, AND I WILL SEE IF I CAN HELP YOU."

"Alright! Thank you, Lady Dragon! And Mr. Holla, that was so noble of you! You're the greatest! Now, Lady Dragon, have you seen Shaun? He's a boy who lives somewhere down here."

"HMM... DO YOU MEAN 'STINKY'? I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME, BUT FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS OR SO, A SMALL BOY WHO REEKS HORRIBLY HAS SNEAKED THROUGH MY CAVE, PROBABLY THINKING I WOULDN'T NOTICE HIM. BUT HOW COULD I MISS SUCH A FOUL STENCH? HENCE I NAMED HIM STINKY. HE COMES OUT FROM ONE OF THE AIR DUCTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WALL. THAT SAME AWFUL SMELL SEEPS FROM THAT VENT, AS WELL. I WOULD'VE SEALED THE AIR DUCT, BUT I FIND STINKY AMUSING. HE HASN'T COME OUT FOR A FEW WEEKS, THOUGH. I WAS ACTUALLY CONTEMPLATING ON SHUTTING DOWN THE VENT TODAY, BUT YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEARCH IT FIRST."

Smaragdea then brings her head closer to Sküld. "I HAVE TO SAY YOU HAVE ODD FRIENDS, LITTLE GIRL."

"I don't think Shaun is any odder than a dragon as a friend."

"HMM... YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH."

Is there anything else the party wishes to ask from the dragon, or will they head to the right-side wall to inspect the reeking air duct?

[JimBee]

Hybros bowed his head in thanks. "I am ready to check the air duct," he said, pulling his kerchief tighter across his face to protect from the smell.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts did not say anything, was it worth it? Probably not, the Raider had the sneaking suspicion the ring he just gave away was more powerful than he had thought. But perhaps getting rid of that power would make the Gods kinder to him, he would not count on it. Oh well, he could always stage a little burglary and come back here to take it back.

[Myrddyn]

"Thanks, m'lady. I'm ready to go check out that air duct."

Edited October 20, 2012 by Myrddyn

[Chromeknight]

Epic Scuba! Just... Epic

Even at such a distance, Nerwen could smell the vent. It was... Whoever lived down there would have to be... Whatever was making that smell must be...

Nerwen had no words. She slipped her hand into her satchel, looking for a bit of cloth to mask her face.

and made ready to leave

[-obelix-]

Thalion is ready to continue to the air ducts.

[Wedge09]

After seeing the actions of Guts and the discourse of the dragoness, Alexander is ready to go to inspect the air ducts.

[Professor Flitwick]

Continuing to bow to Smaragdea, Thothwick backs out towards the air duct, with a look of awe still etched upon his face.

"A thousand blessing for your help and hospitality here, Ms. Smaragdea, and a thousand apologies for intruding upon your homestead."

Upon catching the stench emanating from the air vent, Thothwick attempts to uses his cloak to protected his nostrils.

"My word. Smells worse than the menagerie."

[Flare]

Benji goes over to the air ducts.