Atriox heads out of the palace and towards the stables near the market. It’s time for some last minute shopping and he glimpsed some very interesting things the previous day
The market bustles with crude colored tents and tarps, ripe jungle fruit and roasting insects a common staple wafting through the air. Slaves, sailors, mercenaries and poor scramble around the higher class dragonborn bartering and trading.
The stables smell of rotted coconut husk and straw, full of strange beasts. The one who caught your eye yesterday is one of the first there--a large bird-like reptile. It doesn't appear to be a dragon, but something animalistic and feral in its eyes makes it appear similar.
Snapping its bright green beak at you, it ruffles a body of fine scales and feathers, wings and claws holding it upright like a wyvern.
"Here to pick up or buy?" A scruffy, scarred dragonborn appears from the doorway. Wearing a thick leather apron he smirks, missing teeth from half his face. His blue scales are smattered with dry blood and dirt.
Atriox nods to the man and smiles at the beasts
“Buy, definitely buy. So tell me about what you have in stock here.”
He scratches his cheek. "Come on in, I'll show ya."
As you make your way through he points to a wide corral wrapped around a good section of the building. Huge salamanders bask in the spotty sun and wade in the muddy water.
"The giant salamander is the perfect mount for a variety of environments. Not the fastest runner, it does climbing and swimming fairly decent. Amphibian, so able to breathe both air and water."
You glance over the creatures' vibrant colors. Many have dark spots or stripes along their backs and tails. They definitely seem the staple for this dragonborn empire.
You circle around to some other holding pins. "Giant horned beetles. Relatively calm and quite sturdy. Their chitin acts as a type of natural armor..."
You see five of them, sporting colors of rainbow, silver, or gold.
"Have an agreeable temperment and are commonly used as beasts of burden."
Atriox nods looking at the salamander but remembers the beast upfront. He looks at shop clerk
“What about that creature up front there ? What is it ?”
(18+7 perception)
He spits on the floor and shakes his head. "Group of mercs caught it in one of the other islands. Pteranodon, I think they said. Don't know what it is. Damn mean."
The creature shuffles in the stall. Looking around, it squawks loudly.
Atriox looks at it and scratches his chin ponderously before speaking over his shoulder
“If it’s so aggressive and unfriendly how about I take it off your hands ? I doubt you’ll find much use for it and it’ll be hard to find someone willing to train it. I have some experience in this area. How much you want for it and a saddle?”
He snorts again, mist issuing from his scarred nostrils. "It's still rare and powerful. A thousand gold would do."
He looks around at the tack available on the walls near the front of the corral. "Haven't been able to saddle the damn thing. But I can throw in some reins and a makeshift setup for the time being."
Atriox nods
“We have a deal then. Here’s the money. Get the reins and such for me. It’s time to tame the beast. “
With wide eyes he takes the gold, surprised at your eagerness. "Y-yes sir."
You approach the pteranodon's pen. The birdlike reptile turns in its stall clumsily but with more speed than you expected. Its sharp talons and leathery skin slam against the corral door, cracking the wood and bending the metal. It squawks again, its beak beset with fine, razor-sharp teeth. The thin headcrest scrapes the top of the ceiling as its large, yellow eyes roll in its head, angry, frustrated and probably hungry.
Atriox stops suddenly and looks to the man
“Where can I get some game meat around here or maybe fish ? Anywhere in the market ?”
He nods. "Yeah, we feed the salamanders anything we catch out in the inlets. There's some in the back if you want to check there; the market has some fresher meat for sale."
Atrioxs goes to where he mentioned and grabs some fish. While walking back up to the creature he says almost to himself
“We’ll try this first and see how you like it.”
Once he’s up next to it he looks it in the eye not backing down but holds one hand up peacefully and extends the other with the fish
Atriox says slowly and peacefully “Are you hungry ? I won’t hurt you . I promise “
(Make a dexterity saving throw)
(Raw 14
It moves like lightning, snapping up the fish in an instant. The sand-papery teeth snag along your scales painfully as you just barely pull back your hand in time. A small bit of blood begins to pool where he nipped you.
Unable to chew, it flicks the fish around sending scales and slime splattering the walls before gulping it down like a large bird. It stares at you expectantly. It certainly was hungry, but beyond that it's difficult to tell the nature of what its thinking.
Atriox chuckles while looking at his hand
“Well that was probably to be expected if nothing else. You want more ? I’ll be right back.”
Atriox looks at the man again
“have everything ready when I return. I’m going to go buy it some meat.”
He grumbles and walks forward toward the stall. The dinosaur makes a loud noise and jumps at him, causing him to yell and fall backward. It rocks against the door, grabbing at it with its beak and trying to rip it off the hinges.
You head outside into the bright dappled sunlight. After your feed the night before, you feel a lot more comfortable walking in it than the last few days.
(Roll a perception check to see if you can find what you're looking for--is there something specific you want?)
(14 just a meat stall or game stall)
You walk along the open market, passing stalls full of strange colored fruits. People pass out of your way as you go. A stall shows wild birds hung by their feet and tired by their necks. Another stall has baskets of fresh fish and mussels, a large swordfish head tagged on the tree nearby. Another stall, run by what appears to be some type of goblin hybrids, hang racks of ribs and hams for purchase.
Atriox goes over to the fish stall and nods at the person manning it
“I’d like that large fish head over there plus some smaller fish wrapped for travel. Can you take of the sword nose on the fish ?”
The human nods, working quickly and efficiently. "Yes sir, most certainly."
The nose is sliced off the head with a sharp machete and placed behind the counter. He wraps a dozen tropical fish, individually for easy storage, and places them all in a basket beside the head.
He bows, his draconic expertly practiced. You notice he does not inquire as to payment in any way.
Atriox grunts not surprised at how they are acting given the area but that does not mean he needs to give them more reason to dislike his kind. He removes 230 gp from his bag and puts it right in front of the man. In Draconic he says
“Keep it. All of it. Spread it around if you want. Thank you.”
Atriox takes the fish and heads back
His eyes grow wide and he bows lower, looking almost scared and elated at the same time. He waits until you have moved on before quickly scooping it out of sight before any other dragonborn come to question him about it.
You arrive back at the stables where you find the blue fellow piling up a bag full of tack. The bird-like dinosaur scratches around in the dirt, picking at scales and bones that it can find.
The stablemaster looks up, staring at the strange supplies under your arm. The giant fish head stands out quite well. "Wasn't sure if you had second thoughts. He's all yours."
Atriox grunts and laughs as he hears this
“I don’t generally give up on anything. I’m persistent like that. Besides I’m more than happy to take this fine specimen of your hands. Say where did you say it’s from ? Is it native to the area ?”
As Atriox waits for a reply he drops all his other supplies and carries the big fish head in two hands towards his new friend hoping it’ll like the gift
The creature perks up instantly. Scrambling forward with it's gangily front limbs and shrunken back legs, he squawks angrily at the large fish head.
"I think it was found down near the ghost tower--western most island. Soldiers don't go there often. Many legends. Caught it with some barbed ropes and tar, speared one fellow clear through with that beak." He steps back a little as you get close to the animal. "Definitely not native here."
Atriox grunts at the mans fear and presses forward offering the giant fish head to the bird peacefully and calmly with a smile
(Roll a 20 please)
(Nice solid 15)
The creature hops forward, lunging threateningly to see what you do. Your calm demeanour surprises it.
It reaches out again and snatches the fish head, tossing it and readjusting it in it's massive jaws. Finally it tilts back and gulps it down.
With a quieter squawk it stares at you.
Atriox opens the gate to the pen carefully while pulling out one of the smaller fish. He holds it up so it can see the fish but not reach it and begins to slowly back up
It jerks it's head forward and back, slowly stepping toward you. It ruffles its feathers and takes another step. Then another.
As soon as it passes the threshold of the pen...
Its pupils dilate, both the fish and freedom now in reach. Slowly it extends it's wings in the small space; filling it completely with is dread, other-worldly presence.
The stableman scrambles back further from the wrath of the pteranodon. A few heads taller than Atriox, the beast lets out a ear-splitting shriek... And then rushes at you and your fish.
(Dexterity save please)
(13
(Hmmm... Ok... Uhhh athletics or acrobatics check please
(Whyyyyy two saves ? Lol)
(23 😂)
(You failed the first... Ok good this will be interesting
(First failed, so...)
The Pteranodon grabs the fish in your hand as it bulrushes you, accidentally grabbing your arm in the process. Not realizing it has you as well, it continues forward, dragging you with it as it makes its way for freedom.
(second success!)
You manage to keep your footing against the massive creature, its wings flapping and scrambling as it bursts from the stables into the bright light outside. It begins to take flight, flapping with all its might to gain altitude before anyone can tie it down or tar it again.
(Your choice here what you want to do.... try to escape, try to fly on its back, try to... w/e you want XD)
Atriox growls are the pain in his arm as he flails in the air by his arm. There’s definite pain but he try’s to focus on not falling to his death
He try’s to find anything he can grab to secure himself more on the flying beast
(Investigation 13)
It's hard to tell with all the movement, but you sense the large, hallow crest stop his head is a good starting place. If only you could get behind his neck...
Atriox struggles to climb on with his arm in the bird’s mouth but suddenly remembers his ring and prays to Io that it works
He places his free hand on to anything he can get ahold of and concentrates. His ring lights up and he attempts to speak to it mentally
“Hello there. I mean you no harm on this day. I just wished to feed you and free you. Perhaps you could do the same and let go of my arm ?”
In an instant the bird lets your arm go. Now a good 50 feet above the ground, you're struggling to hang by one arm on the beast as it flaps it's wings. It lets out a tremendous noise, circling the bay.
Dragonbon congregate below pointing and aiming at it, watching you try to ride.
Atriox hangs on as tight as he can and gradually pulls himself up on to the beast by grabbing the crest on top of its head.
(Strength save 16 )
He try’s to lay directly in the middle of its back
The terasaur curves sharply to the side, but you manage to hang on to its senewy, muscular body with yours. Unused to so much extra weight, it can't properly gain the altitude needed to soar back to where it came from. You imagine its tiring out.
(15 dex trying to dismount you but you succeeded XD make another check of your choice, different than Str this time. Skill challenge to tame the monster.)
(Got a Nat 15 dex)
(Pft I rolled a 3... You succeed. What do you do?)
Now that Atriox is sufficiently on the ancient bird he puts his run hand on the creature flatly and it glows again
“I’ll feed you all the fish you want if you behave and fly me to my ship. I’m going to take care of you but first let’s give the people below a show shall we ? Dive down to the palace and circle it a few times before heading to my ship”
The beast gurgles in its throat as if comforted... and then nosedives. The wind rushes past your face as you maintain the exhilarating freefall. Up it turns, letting out a loud bellow as it circles the castle.
Once. Twice. Thrice. The guards are beside themselves, hesitant, impressed and angry. From one window you spot the children of the lord gathered together in excitement. The males you met smirk and shout in elation. The head princess, well... She leans on the railing with a relaxed, sassy smile.
As you ascend again away from the spears and slings of the guards, you see from the final window the tyrant himself. Watching with arms folded his eyes burn brightly.
(Want me to get you to the ship or do you want to do anything while passing the windows?)
Atriox raises his fist in the air and roars at the Tyrant and his kids In a friendly goodbye of sorts before flying away towards his ship.
As the bird flys away he sneaks one last look at the Tyrants daughter
Her golden eyes are the last thing you see as you crest the palm trees on the coast. Circling overhead, your gentle, firm guidance over the animal leads it to your ship.
Doen below, kobolds squeal with delight and dancr around with eager, upturned faces. Sheila shakes her head with a smile as you twist and glide down toward the water, skimming it under wing before bringing the massive beast up and on to the side of the ship.
"Well ahoy, what do we have here?"
Vele, being on board as well, looks absolutely in awe. She shuffles around with curious eyes, out of reach of the hungry beak, eyeing the structure of the animal.
Atriox chuckles and laughs before replying
“I’m not entirely sure myself but I do know one thing......it likes fish.a lot.”
To prove his point Atriox takes one of the small fish out and tosses it up to the bird like creature
He uses the ring to tell it to rest and relax with going anywhere before heading over to Sheila
“Is everything ready captain ? Is the Red Dragonborn ship ready to sail with us ?”
She shrugs. "Aye, I am, and mighty keen to go. Honest as a southern wind, it's not a place I'm keen on stayin...like being surrounded by the teeth of the sea."
She walks away, leading you to the railing where you can see the dragonborn ship in all its fine glory. An intimidating, heavy piece of work, Sheila chews her lip as she watches it.
"They've signaled to wait. They was ready to go in that storm passin through yesterday, but I'm not sure now. One of my men got wind there be one more load of goods coming aboard with them."
With a funny look she wrinkles her nose. "Been a long time since I been here."
Atriox squints at the impressive ship for a moment before scratching his chin and giving her a side glance
“Anything you think we should be worried about ? I’m curious as to what this cargo is. Bahhh maybe I’m paranoid.”
"Probably slaves. Workers to help with the soldiers and work the ship."
She eyes the water, wondering at your comments. It's hard to tell with these dragonborn if they're hiding something else.
From over the side of the ship you see an envoy, and two faces you recognize. Vance and Kybirus.
"Hail, great white prince of the east!" Vance laughs as he waves from his elegant boat. His brother sneers a smile, gesturing a hello with his chin.
"Took what you said to heart! We'll be attending our Lord father's ship, and accompany you to the old lands of Arkoshia."
His youthful exuberance is entertaining to say the least. Definitely fresh to the world, and sheltered from it.
Atriox laughs loudly while waving to them
“Come aboard boys come aboard! I’m glad you came though I did not expect you to accept my offer so soon !”
Atriox waits for them to board
After a few minutes they're able to hook to the side of the ship and make it on deck. Vance looks around with admiration and Sheila is more than beaming at his reaction to her Annabel Lee. Kybirus looks nonchalant, eyeing the kobolds and the pteranodon with a raised eyebrow.
"Made quite a stir at the palace and temple. Never thought I'd see someone atop that thing."
Atriox chuckles
“Well I’m always ready to ride something wether it be a donkey or dragon. Come let us talk in the captains cabin, that is if our fabulous Sheila wouldn’t mind ?”
Atriox turns and looks at her with a questioning smile
Sheila shrugs and throws her hands up. "Well why not, best place I can offer the lot of you landlubbers. Come, come. I'll pull out a bottle of the good stuff."
Leading the way, she nods and holds the door open for everyone. Vance wanders the room, oogling at all the strange little artifacts and trinkets. He must be familiar with quite a few given his position, but shows no lack of wonder.
"So," Kybirus leans over a map on one of the tables, "Arkoshia. The mainland... swarming with many other humans, is it not?"
Atriox looks at the map from the other side of the table
“Humans, elves, gnomes, yes. We will change that though and they will bow before our might. That island belongs to all Dragon kind. Though I intend it to be a haven for all species not human. A safe haven. The longer you stay with me you’ll find my people are made up of many different peoples all looking for a home.”
Atriox finds himself smiling as he talks.....his dream at the forefront of his mind but he realizes the others are here and he clears his through and looks from the map to Kybirus
“But of course Dragon kind will be on top. Our empire will spread throughout these lands.”
Kybirus considers what you've said for a moment before giving an accepting nod. He seems pleased enough with your answer. Vance is more than agreeable.
"Retaking your old kingdom though? Someone's likely there now... that means a fight! A war!" With a grin the young teen, probably no more than 12, strikes a warrior-like pose. Kybirus just rolls his eyes. "Yes, likely so, brother. Don't let your head float away into the clouds about it or it will become more easily detached from your body."
Circling the table he looks contemplative. Though maybe a year or two younger than yourself, he seems very matured and hardened from his time in the military. "Where do you see us landing our forces, Atriox? What is your battle plan? Show me."
Atriox strokes his chin while looking at the young man carefully. He’s beginning to grow what Dragonborn call hair on his chin now that they’ve been out at sea for months.
“It’s a multi phase plan that I’ve been piecing together for some time now actually. You should probably hear this as well Sheila, join us if you would.”
He nods to her before continuing
“My families enemies though unknown to us for now attacked my home when I was only eight. They undoubtedly still have spies watching the mountain. Waiting for my return or just to see who claims it. I wish to deprive them of the advantage of seeing us coming. To that end our combined forces will land at a unmarked and unused beach. After that Sheila will take me and a select amount of people to one of the major ports. I was lucky enough to save they’re ambassador and daughter to the city’s leader who is now on board. My going there serves to purposes really. The first is to return the daughter and demand they submit in return but the second is to be a distraction. The enemy will know I’m in the port no doubt but will see me without much of any forces and think us not a threat. While this happens Kora will lead our combined forces to Skyhold in secret. By the time they reach the mountain I will rejoin and lead the assault myself. Kybirus you seem a excellent leader and your fathers men no doubt respect you. You will go with Kora. Your brother will personally accompany me.”
Atriox smiles at Vance
“It will be a grand time and I’ll enjoy seeing what this young one is capable of.”
Atriox looks at them all and spreads his hands before the map
“That Kybirus is my plan. Of course once we reach the mountain we will properly assess the enemy and then hit them hard showing no mercy.”
Vance looked a little downcast at not being with the main army, but the glimmer comes back to his face as he thinks about the joint battle later and also getting to see the city. Kybirus keeps his eyes steadily on yours before glancing at his brother and then back to you.
His older brother nods. "Yes... Yes, this seems like a well designed plan. You've done a fine job." He straightens up deep in thought. "We shall hit them hard and destroy whatever evil dares defile the homes of dragonkind. They will wish they were never born when we are through with them."
His tail sweeps against the floor and Sheila taps her foot. "There be a few good landings down along these regions here, roundabout." With a quick movement she places some markers on the map, highlighting general areas that could do well. "With a fair wind we should be able to make it to port, and you can meet back up with your armies with time to spare... Especially if you pick up faster travel for those who go with you."
Atriox nods to her with a smile
“Good thinking Sheila. We will be leaving some troops behind to guard you and the boats. As well as the treasure.”
He lips turn into a smirk as he looks at the younger Dragonborn
“Though I’m not to worried about that......you see my treasure horde is protected by an actual dragon. I’m sure he’s buried himself under it. Then there’s the Kobolds guarding the dragon to so.”
Atriox thinks for a moment before continuing on
“I’m thinking about also starting a new port where the army lands. Make the continent seem more mine even though it already is. Those fools just don’t know it.”
Sheila looks thoughtful, and a bit nervous about the dragon, but smiles through it anyway. Somehow she doesn't seem as perturbed by the uncomfortable state of affairs in the room, nor the glances from the red dragonborn that a human such as her has such a fine standing and a crew beneath her. "Whatever ya hire me for sir, I'm game."
Vance laughs. "My brother could have a port built in a day! Just you wait. Pick the spot and he'll make it happen. It'll be the jewel of the coast!"
Kybirus snorts a bit of steam from his nose but does not deny the truth of the statement. Knowing the crews they have on board their own ship, building and labor is likely very quick and efficient indeed. "Yes, well, we shall see how the ground fares where we make landfall. Should take about a month or so, yes?"
Atriox grunts himself and looks confident
“Whatever it takes.”
He looks at Vance with a warm comforting smile
“And don’t you worry young Vance, if you stick with me you’ll get plenty of excitement. Trouble always finds me. And say all goes according to plan we will beat the army to Skyhold. We of course will need to do some scouting and will undoubtedly run into some enemies to kill. When we retake Skyhold the names Atriox, Kybirus, and Vance will be legend amongst all Dragonborns till the end of time. This is our time and this is our Empire.”
Atriox looks at them all and there’s a burning fire in his eyes. It is almost time.....
The ships leave port with much ado from the coast. The Annabel Lee stays in the lead, the glimmering gull sails filled full with the tropical breeze.
Back outside you find Vele continuing to admire the strange animal, sitting up on the railing and kicking her legs. Tak hovers nearby, talking quietly to her as if giving a report. When he sees you, he immediately bows his head and steps back, ending the conversation and making to swim back to the other ship.
Vele looks up with eager eyes. "What is this, Sir? It's amazing." The pteranodon squawks, hungrily eyeing her. It tilts it's head this way and that, watching you both.
Atriox smiles at her
“It’s a present for you actually my dear Vele. To show my appreciation. I’ve seen you in a serious fight a few times now and though you can take care of yourself I don’t think the direct approach to a fight is your way am I right ? Well on the back of this you could fly around the battlefield and toss your amazing contraptions at the enemy. Do you like it ? It likes fish just so you know
Vele's eyes grow wider than you've ever seen. She's utterly speechless, and glances back at the creature.
"Really? You truly mean it?"
Rather overcome with emotion, she hops up from her seat and tackles against you, giving you as big of a hug as she can muster with her tiny body.
Atriox laughs at her surprise and gratitude
“You’ve more than earned it and it help keep you safe but still let you help us in a fight. I’m glad you like it little one.”
"I love it!" Vele gives you one more tight hug before she steps back, watching the creature. You can already see the gears working in her head.
It's funny to watch, especially with how fondly she showed her appreciation--her normally mature, proper, obedient self crumbled before her utter joy and gratitude. It was almost childlike, really.
***
Over the next few weeks you watch from your ship as she rallies the kobolds to help her. With scrap wood from the hold she builds a small catapult that flings fish high in the air.
The pteranodon swoops to catch them, and along with the fish it scavenges from the sea it regains much of its strength.
More muscular, filled out and with shining scales, it becomes bolder. There were a few close calls; it did try to attack and eat some kobolds, but both Tak and Darr fended off the beast. It learned quickly not to misjudge the tiny snack-like lizards.
One bright morning, perhaps a month later, you stepped out to see the creature flying overhead, circling, swooping, diving, all with a little blue kobold atop its back.
During the passing weeks, much discussion takes place regarding where exactly to land the ships and make a port on Arkoshia. The density of tendrils snaking to the sea from the Cawle River seem like the best choice. Sheila insisted there are already small towns and tribes along many of them, but so many new rivers grow from the network that it is likely the dragonborn will find a good place to build out the skeleton of a future, golden port city.
Finally the day comes. You hear from above deck a man yell, "Land ho!" The Annabel Lee continues to lead the charge, followed closely by the Clover, the Nightingale, and the red dragonborn ship that you've come to know as the Reaver.
Coming out onto the deck, you are greeted with a fantastic sight.
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