Day 8 in Dragonshore (Part 1)

As they walk, Alrik makes his way over nearby to where Tak is guarding the two goblin prisoners. "So... how do you like the basalisk sword, Flame-Scar?" He asks with a slight grin on his face.

Tak gets a far off look in his eyes as he runs his hand along it. "It's... glorious. I could have never imagined such a weapon in all my days."

He nods. "A weapon truly fit for a leader... a chieftan...  the legendary Kobold from the stars..."

He pauses in his step, glancing at Alrik. "I... erm... thank you. I don't know how that started going around... I wasn't sure what to think when I first heard it."

Alrik meets his gaze, attempting to hide a look of amusement. (Rofl... I rolled a 2 on stealth...) "I've seen the constellation that rumor talks about. It exists. Your kind of the desert tell of a great Kobold uniting all of his race under one banner... all colors, coming together, and living in peace."

He smiles, before saying in common, "They refer to him as Shiodaar..."

(Shiodaar translates to Great One in draconic, according to my translator I've been using. Lol)
(Oh that's cooooool! I love it!)

His eyes gleam. "...Shiodaar, huh? I think... someday I would really like to meet these desert dwellers that you keep speaking of, storm mage."

"I'm sure you will... if Jaundree has his way, we'll all be off to that damned desert again as soon as we finish up things here..." he scowls, thinking of the heat, sand, and beasts.

Muttering to himself in common. "I hate the desert...."

(Side note, STILL has no idea he can speak draconic... lolol)
(Hehehe I knowww xD It's great.)

Tak gives him a curious look. "Why they want you back in the desert?"

"Mostly for this..." he holds his hand out, catching a couple raindrops. "My... ability... to bring storms. In the desert, water is the key to life... there isn't much of it there, so ways to either preserve it from going bad or ways of finding it are important..."

He chews on his cheek before continuing. "Also because I am quite good at maneuvering through the desert sands... I could hold my own in a fight with a basalisk, and that is no easy feat... powerful people are desperately needed in the war over there..."

The kobold nods, understanding how precious the Tempest is to those around him. He's unsure about this entire mage guard thing going on in town soon, but hopes it goes well for his friend.

"You are very strong. I see why they want you there. People want you sorts of fellows everywhere, I would think."

Alrik nods, jumping into the back of the wagon and sitting down, hanging his legs off the back and bouncing his heels on the muddy road.
"Yes, when the military isn't actively fighting, the Mage Guard travels around and helps keep the peace... but during times of war, we are sent to places we can do the most good... as a member of the Elite, however, I'm not granted the same luxury of leaving when my enlistment period is up. I signed up for 8 years, but I'll be in until I die... The Elite can travel and take leave from their assigned post, though... which is what I'm doing now."

Tak follows after the cart, walking behind it so he can still talk to you. He tilts his head, looking at you with his large eyes. "Your human world sounds very complicated. But I'm glad you could leave. Could travel. Do more... good."

Alrik chuckles, smiling at Tak. "Oh it is very confusing, little one... So very confusing..."

Calling out to Atriox, he becons for the Dragonborn to come over. "So, what is your grand scheme for convincing the kobolds to join your cause?"

Atriox chuckles and joins them. Walking by Tak

"I have many ideas in many different orders to do them but I think I have a plan. Tak will help us get in safely at first. Once in I will present our gifts of alchohol and of course our two freinds here. At that point I'll say some words. Tak says these kobolds value strength. I will challenge they're leader to single combat. If I win then I'll pull out the big speech. If I loose.....well were all dead and you don't get to hear my speech !"

He winks at them laughing. "If you lose? I doubt that will happen... what if their leader refuses your challenge, or says you must nominate champions instead of fighting yourself?"

Atriox chuckles. "If that happens I'll choose wisely. And I plan on saying a few words that should remove the chance of their leader backing out completely. How can a people that respect strength follow a coward ?"

Alrik shrugs. "I guess it all depends on how their culture is. In the desert, leaders don't fight challenges. It's considered cowardly, as it says you don't trust your best fighter to win..."

Atriox shrugs "to me that just sounds petty. He wouldn't be my best fighter if I didnt trust him. Where I'm from a leader has to be willing to take the same chances and risks as his men. If i can't prove my strength than why should they follow me?"


Ahead in the distance you see the entrance of an old temple. The facade is in ruins, and broken pillars are scattered everywhere. It definitely has an elvish flair, similar to the bridge you passed by further back in the forest. Large wooden doors stand open, adorned with carvings of oak branches and a sundial.

Dozens upon dozens of blue-scaled kobolds filter in and out of the temple, many working in the courtyard. They're dusted in a white powder, some grabbing more from a barrel near the entrance. You can see they're setting up tents, crafting weapons, hammering armor, threading ropes--it's almost like they're amassing a little garrison here.

You spot a troop of the creatures dragging in a large elk carcass from the forest, ropes tied all over its body so they can pull it. As they enter a small horn is blown--a breakfast call. Many of the beasts spring up, abandoning their posts, and rush the meal. Like little raptors they devour large pieces of the flesh, cracking bones and sucking out the marrow.
Oredion cracks a big grin chuckling to his self while patting his belly says "Is it bad I almost want to join in on their little feast" as he continues to laugh.

Atriox looks at the others then at Tak
"Any suggestions?"

He cringes, looking uncomfortable being back here. Glancing up at Atriox he says, "If we sneak... they'll find us and think we're up to no good. We be big, loud, and open, I think they will take it better." He scratches his scar. "Or they will just spear us."

Atriox chuckles"no risk no reward eh ?"

Atriox goes forward casually his glaive over his shoulders with his arm lazily hanging over the shaft.

He yells "I thought we would have been stopped sooner ! I didn't expect to get this close but I guess meal time means drop your guard !"
(All in Draconic)

Alrik reaches into his jacket, pulling out his bronze cigarette case and taking one of the few cigarettes left inside. He lights it with a quick spark from between a couple fingertips before strolling forward a pace behind Atriox, his hood down with his eyes full of stormlight and his scar flickering brightly.

The others hang back, waiting with bated breath. Tak tries to put on the fiercest, sternest looking face he can.

All the kobolds freeze in the valley down below you. Then there is a mad howling, scampering, and screeching noise--like a pack of wild, rabid dogs tight on a chain. Several surround the cart in an instant, dropping out of the trees like acorns. One addresses you from down below, a shaman-looking fellow like the one Alrik slew your first day here. He has a white face and blue arms, a bone running through his nostrils.

"HAIL! What do you come to us for, white dragon kin?" As much as they are suspicious and hostile, they seem to hold a unique reverence for you Atriox... you share the same coloring as their master. Several whisper at the appearance of Alrik, watching the storm on his face with interest.

Atriox grunts considering his options carefully. He figured being a white dragon born would help his situation and he's glad to see he was right

He swings his glaive around into a authortive posture

He says back in Draconic, "I came seeking freinds. I heard of a group of fearsome kobolds that had taken up residence in this temple and I simply had to see for myself if it was true!" 
(Persuasion 24 )

They chatter amongst themselves, a mix of intrigue, anger and excitement. The priest yells out a loud yowl which silences them. He looks thoroughly puffed up.

"Fiercest of the frost, the wastes and the crags! The strength of our god Tyranus fuels our souls! We are the dragon, and for the dragon we live!"

The rest join in with excited jeers and chant, "Long live the dragon!"
Atriox takes in there reverence for the dragon and considers his next move

"So let me get this right. Your fearsome and strong only because of this Tyranus? That's saddens me to hear. I came here seeking warriors that needed nothing more than they're own tooth and claw to be mighty ! Are you not that ? Do you need anything other than yourselves and your people to be powerful?"

Persuasion (18)

They hiss and murmur. The priest growls, "We are Tryranus' elite, the mighty guard! We are trusted because of our strength. The will of the dragon guides us! Stranger, does not the great blood flow in your veins too?!"

Some of them cackle, shouting things like "Spill their blood!" And "Spoils for the tribe!"

Alrik strides forward, standing next to Atriox, exhaling a large cloud of smoke. (Prestidigitation)

As the smoke leaves his mouth, it turns dark and flashes with lightning strikes and rumbles with thunder. His eyes dimly light as if reflecting a far off storm, and his scar pulsates with energy as a blue liquid pours down his scale covered left arm, following the veins beneath his skin before pooling at the fingertips.

The kobolds chitter and squawk, watching in nervous excitement.  You can see they notice the strange magic.

Atriox roars as loudly as he can to quite them down
(Intimidation 21)

"Freinds please I merely wanted to point out that you yourselves were mighty already you didn't need anyone to make you more so. The power of your tribe is everything."

Atriox jumps down to stand before the one he's been talking to

"As for the stranger bit let's change that with some formal introductions shall we. I am Prince Atriox of what was once known as the Draconic kingdom of Skyhold. I am working to rebuild it into the Draconic Empire of Skyhold. My blood runs thick with the magic of dragons. I can breath any magic they can fire,ice,lightning, poison. I control it all........and more."

Atriox stares into the eyes of the head kobold and as he does his eyes turn black as midnight. Atriox still doesn't know what this power is but he's willing to use anything he can

As you do so, you feel the blood pounding in your ears. There's a voice, as if from very far off, whispering something to you. An  itch to swing your glaive at the wretched creature flits through your mind but it passes quickly.

The kobold priest backs up a pace, startled. He licks his lips, thinking. Curious. The others begin to howl and whine again.

Up above, kobolds shout, "They bring drink!"

"But strange folk! Not dragon kind."

"Slaves? Sacrifices?"

"Goblins tied up! Why they suffer their stinking company?"

"Tak the green is with them! We thought he was lost. He is branded with scars! Weakling returned..."

The priest speaks again. "You come to us for what? To help? To serve Tyranus? To help us steal from the humans?"

Alrik throws his head back and laughs. "Weakling, huh? Which of YOU have survived dragonfire?"

He jumps down next to Atriox, a lightning bolt arcing across the sky as he lands, the thunder booming out nearly immediately.

The priest laughs, "Ah, strange one can speak our tongue. He is crafty. Two of my scouts returned, said an ambush on the road failed... Tak lead the charge, and fell." He sneers. "Failed his mission. Scars are given from sloppy work." He smacks his staff on the ground, a loud crack from it sending the kobolds snickering.

A good number of the surrounding kobolds look at you intrigued though... they an see your scales. They can see your command of the storm. They rather enjoy your work thus far, and are watching... waiting to see what you do.

(Btw you two had blessings from the elven spirit in the woods... this is still technically within Pyrlanth's domain of Tanglewood.. So you retain the benefits she gave you)

Alrik looks at the priest, a confused expression on his face followed by looking at Atriox. "Their tongue?" He mutters... quickly he waves it off, a thing for another time.

He makes a fist, cracking his knuckles as he tightens it, the pooled energy dripping from his hand, lightning arcing back to his hand once it impacts the ground.

"Tak Flame-Scar, anything you wish to say to them?"

(Niiiice that's so cool XD I love the effects he's doing)

You can sense Tak's hesitation, but he sets a stony face and leaps down with you both. (21 acrobatics to actually stick the landing... I finally had a good roll lol)

He comes to stand next to his friends, staring at the priest. He growls, tightening his claws on the hilt of his weapon. "I am not weak! I chose strategy. This is no scar, it is a mark of brotherhood! A branding, a blessing! A mark signifying I am of the house of Skyhold. YOU are the weak ones. Serving a weak dragon. What strength has Tyranus against a kingdom of dragons?!"

His eyes shine yellow and he stalks toward the chief, his blood boiling. "My tribe fell! USED by you and your cowards! I buried my chief! I buried my SON!! Because you could not stop the humans. You fled! You've found no treasure for Tyranus here. It's gone, and you are too weak to see it." (10 vs 13)

Several kobolds nearby take a step back, a few of them wincing and hissing. They seem a little shaken by the accusations. Others look more infuriated. The priest just growls back, "LIES!"

Atriox chuckles and puts his hand on Taks shoulder in support. Atriox is very grateful for what he just did.

"No. I have not come to serve. I am a prince. I serve nobody except if I choose to. As My brother Tak just said. I'm building a Empire of Dragons. The first expansion to my kingdom will be Dragonshore itself seeing as it once belong to the mighty Dragon Pyrlanth who has blessed us I see this as very fitting indeed."

Atriox looks away from the leader and at the surrounding kobolds

"I have come to help you though my mighty freinds ! Help show you how mighty you can be without thi Tyranus who just uses you for his own profit. He is no god ! All you need to be mighty is to believe in yourself and your brothers and sisters standing next to you !"
(Persuasion 17)

"As for the drink and goblins? My gift to you ! All of you ! Dwarf toss down those two mangy Trogs as well as the head of the Goblin leader will you ?"

Oredion who was sitting in the back of the cart keeping an eye on the goblins stands up grabbing both goblins by the back of there neck tossing them over the cart towards Atriox. Then proceeds to rummage in a blood soaked sack pulling out the head of the Hobgoblin raising it for all the Kobolds to see then tosses to the priests feet. Oredion then proceeds to climb off the cart and stand next to Tak.

The kobolds around the group scamper forward in a fit of squealing laughter. They grab the goblins roughly, clawing at them and dragging them away to some place out in the forest. There is much cawing and excitement over it, and an evil gleam in all of their eyes.

The priest bends down to pick up the hobgoblin head, holding it by the hair. "We slay goblins often. But this is their leader, yes? You took on their entire camp? We heard explosions in the night. Not just the thunder..." He peers up at each of you.

Tossing the head over to another kobold who fumbles with it like a ball, the priest continues. "We are loyal. We already serve a master. We serve those who are strongest." His eyes shine bright blue. "You wish to prove your strength?"

Atriox nods. "We killed them all. The camp is now ours. Tak Flame-scar here killed the Lead Hobgoblin single handedly as well as slewing 40 of them at least on his own ! There is nothing weak about him !"
(Deception 15)

Atriox hefts his glaive. "I do wish to challenge. I will take command of these Kobolds and lead them to a brighter future than they could have ever imagined."

The priest turns his head, the white warpaint splashed across his scales making him look rather ghastly in the pale morning light. He seems to be contemplating the truthfulness of what you're speaking.

"Challenge? Yes.... yes. Let us see your strength. The strength of you and your small... clan." A smile stretches across his toothy maw. "Come."

He turns, heading towards the temple.

They all follow weapons ready in case it's a trick.

Oredion smiling mischievously says "Well this outta be fun Bois" as he brandishes his axe ready for a fight.

You all enter the temple ruins, standing at the bottom of a small flight of granite stairs leading up to a large fountain. There are many kobolds flitting about working. A section of the wall to your left has collapsed, revealing a narrow natural cavern.

There are bluestone blocks scattered around the area, and kobolds hop in and out of this carrying stones. Many carry spears and slings, with bags of heavy rocks at their sides. In the dim light, you can see all their eyes gleam brightly as they look at you.

The priest leads you past the fountain. The fountain itself is quite the work of art... It emits a slight magical aura, carved with symbols around the base. They seem elven in nature, perhaps speaking of some type of goddess. A couple of kobolds lean over the edge drinking the glowing water.

Heading to an open door behind it, you make your way down a spiraling stairwell.... you are heading deeper into the temple.

Exiting the bottom of the stairwell, you stand in a room with bone fragments scattered everywhere. A few kobolds stand here as guards, watching over a double-door to the right. In the center of these doors is a carving of a merman holding a trident, and you can hear a distinct hissing and growling noise from the other side.

Ignoring the door, the priest leads you down the corridor at the end. More kobolds stand here, and you notice... quite a few are following after you, too. Their padding, webbed feet can be heard smacking softly against the mossy stones.

As you turn again, you come to a very crude, makeshift wooden door. One of the kobolds near the wall grabs a lever and, upon pulling it, a grinding, crunching sound can be heard behind you. The floor you've just passed sinks down, revealing a deep pit filled with rusty spikes... There isn't any way to go but forward.

(>D Why did you thumbs down that.... you don't trust me?)
(Pfffttt fuckkkk no"said with love" you murdering psychopathic murder)

The priest pushes the door aside, and you enter a very small room... perhaps 10x10 feet at most. There is a circle drawn on the ground in chalk, with objects placed around the outside of the circle. A stone, a feather, a bowl of water, and a candle. It looks like a ritual spell, the symbols and materials shimmering with a magical aura... it feels vaguely familiar.

He cackles, and the sounds of his laughter echo off the damp walls. The hallway behind him trickles with the sounds of claws and laughter, mocking and mimicking. "You wish to test your strength... show us you are a true dragon king. Enter the circle... IF you return, we shall follow you without any hesitation. Our loyalty will be earned."

Atriox is unhappy about the situation. But he sees no other way but forward. He nods to Alrik and Tak. Gives Dahlia a kiss and the enters the circle.

(I hate you)
(>D)
(love you too... rofllllll evil laughter)

You enter the circle, the lights glowing around you in a strobing, swirling mass of energy. It feels like being sucked into a whirlpool--not unlike going through the portal to Oxious' house. It becomes hard to breathe, and suddenly...

...Your body burns like a thousand needles of ice piercing your scales. Your mouth fills with water. Eyes open, thrashing, you find yourself underwater, submerged in an icy lake, just exiting a portal carved in the submerged stone. Above you is a sheet of ice.

(Oh you sneaky devil

As you try to regain your senses and deal with the burning pressure in your lungs...

You feel something slam into your back. Turning around, you see that Alrik, Tak, Dahlia, and Oredion have passed through the portal as well--shoved in through the shear number of kobolds pressed against them from behind. It happened almost instantly once you left.

Dahlia tries to scream but her mouth fills with water. She looks horrified and in shock. Tak scrambles to keep a hold of his sword, struggling to swim to the surface.

Atriox struggles for a second. He was angry but now he is enraged at how the closest thing he has to family is now in grave danger
Oredion gasping for air takes hold of his axe swirls in a circle and aims for the ice swinging up with as much force he can muster under water. (Strength 14+5)

(Niiiiiice)

Despite your armor and the pressure of the water, your sheer strength, Oredion, is something to be marveled at. You propel yourself forward, slamming up against the ice. A large crack splits down the sheet, the axe driven clean through it. It's now lodged half in and half out, more cracks splintering around from the huge impact.

Oredion's vision slowly fading to black grasps his axe with all of his remaining strength making sure not to let go.

Atriox watches this and then thinks of something he swims away and then loops  around getting as much speed as he can using his tail to help him swim. He aims up at the axe and at the last moment spins and kicks the axe and the ice upwards

Strength 22
Athletics 22

CRACK! The enormity of your combined strength and teamwork smashes through sheet of ice, plates breaking off like shards of glass. Both of you emerge from the water gasping for breath, the frigid air stinging and burning your lungs.