Gameplay - The Dragon Who Took Too Little

As the others are inside Trev waits outside. He over hears the group propose a gift to the dragon. Trev bursts in the door. He roars loadly "We do not treat with beasts, my family name is always besmirched because we are Dragonborn and the Dragons want nothing to do with Dragonborn and other Humanoids look down on us as well, why would we treat with this beast?"

Iathos starts at the sudden outburst, aghast.

"Peace, good sir. Surely you must know that this dragon has offered no harm to the people of this place. To the contrary! In exchange for tribute the dragon protects the denizens of the Cove from evils of all sorts. The beast is no vile Chromatic. It is by all accounts a Metallic - one of the good ones! Surely you can see the value in being polite. Or at the very least not needlessly angering the patron protector of this town. If you care nothing for the dragon, or indeed your own safety, surely you might consider the safety of our people?"

"I am an outlander these people have not accepted me. They are not my people"

"Perhaps if you were to see for yourself what has become of the dragon, it will give you peace of mind?" Ruby chimes in. "And if the dragon does turn out to be evil, well I suppose we will have to fight it. Sound fair?"

"That does sound fair Ruby. I have never met a nice dragon so we will end up fighting it but the first step is getting there"

"Being the outlander that you are, making such brash comments and actions. Your actions given your station are what help cause such names for you and your kind. If maybe there were more nicer dragonfolk about then its possible your name wouldn't be looked down upon like it is. Also I'd like to not have to restrain a member of this mission." Hasan reaches for his cuffs. "But take heed Trev. I've no problem putting people in their place that step to far out of the line of town laws."

Hasan then walks towards the Kobold. "As for a reward wouldn't being able to live openly in this town be not good enough?"

Aberwell is taken aback by the outburst from the Dragonborn. "No, no, this won't do. This won't do at all. I don't think, good sir, that you are at all suited for this task. I must have misspoke; we cannot assume the creature is hostile, or or enemy. Perhaps I should ask you to reconsider joining this excursion?" He holds up his hands defensively, warding off a perceived attack.

"To attempt anything but then to placate the dragon would be folly. Tell me master Dragonborn have you ever actually faced a dragon? If you had I don't believe you would be standing here. There are none among us who to begin to match a dragon's wrath. We then must also consider that if we anger it, it will turn its rage towards the town once it has finished with us. Do you really want the destruction of an entire town on your conscious? No, I agree with the mayor if you come you can not antagonise the creature, assuming we meet with it at all."

The mayor relaxes. "Thank you, son. You show wisdom in recognizing your... motivations. If you promise to defer to the others in responding to the dragon, then I'm sure your axe will be needed."

He pours tea for everyone, and hands you each a cup. It is willow bark tea, subtle, slightly bitter, and is known for easing joint pain, but serving it to guests is something of a local custom and acquired taste.

"I have been lying to you, to everyone. The Dragon, and her name is Panantyss, so you know, is an old friend of mine. She is the protector of our town, and as a brass dragon, is intensely fond of artisan crafts. Even a simple chair will entertain her for hours. But her greatest love is for conversation and witty exchanges. When I became mayor ten years ago, I joined a few of the elders who meet with her, in a cave nearby, regularly in order to delight her with what meager wits we possess. I tell you this so that when I tell you she is my friend, you understand that. I... well, I may be breaking her confidence I telling you this, but her and her mate, who lives farther inland, had a child a few years ago. Zoboanth is nearly three now, and is the most talkative little girl you'll ever..." He hangs his head, overcome with sudden emotion, and sips his tea.

"If anything had happened to her, who I consider not unlike a niece, I'm not sure that I would survive it. These people, whom most see mostly as beasts, are beyond our comprehension. Some people see only that they dangerous. Oh yes, I agree. Deadly dangerous. Other people would worship them as gods. The appeal is there, and Panantyss certainly has the ego for such." He chuckles. "But they are also caring, loving people who have many of the same hopes and dreams as the rest of us."

"There is one more thing you need to know. Hobgoblins have moved into the valley. Last night, a farm was attacked and the Plover family, along with their hands Marlo and Chet, appear to have been enslaved. This had never happened, and I desperately fear for their plight, I also fear that their bold, unprecedented advance into the valley means that something has happened to Panantyss, to Zoboanth, and to Veringvox, her mate."

He gestures to Trev. "I'm sure your axe will be needed. Your mission, if you agree to my principles, is to find Panantyss' lair (I suspect roughly where it might be but not exactly) and see if she... well, find out what you can out lend her any assistance she might need. The second part is to track down the hobgoblin raiders and if it is possible, rescue the Plovers and their ranchhands. If their forces are too many, return here quickly and we'll convene the militia, such that it is." He hands Valinar a badly drawn map indicating the east end of the valley, the meeting cave, and a circle indicating the area in which he believes the lair to be.

Valinar says not a word during Trev's outburst and the ensuing exchange. Through the whole thing the knight seems to be gauging each one in the room, including the mayor. When Aberwell hands him the map is when he finally breaks his silence: "I must say, this is the most opinionated bunch I have ever led. It will be interesting, for sure." His eyes sweep the group. "Have any of you got preparations to make, or are you ready to set out? I have been waiting two days and don't want to delay any further."

Valinar turns to Aberwell next. "I swear to you, we will learn what has become of your friends."

"Is there a token you can give us to prove that we come as your envoys, and not a bloodthirsty band of bounty hunters?"

"And what handcrafted gifts should we bring?"

"Some of my new companions spoke of payment for their involvement in this mission. I require nothing beyond such spoils as might be taken from the goblins and anyone else who might oppose us."

The next, he adds in a low voice for the Mayor's ears alone: "On my honor, I will keep your friends safe, even from our dragonborn friend over there. But should Panantyss, Veringvox or Zoboanth turn against us I will defend those under my charge. Do you understand?"

Iathos sputters on his tea slightly at the Mayor's revelation and quickly sets aside the cup and saucer. He leans forward intently in his chair.

"Sir Knight, a few moments for questions if you could spare them? Sir Mayor, when was the last you spoke with Panantyss? And are you aware of anything that could possibly pose a threat to so great a being in the region? At a guess, it would seem likely that whatever has befallen has involved her daughter. It would be a relatively simple thing for some malefactor to hostage the hatchling to secure the service of the mother and father. More likely, at least, than some power having driven off or slain not one but two dragons."

Valinar nods approvingly at Iathos' astuteness, and awaits the mayor's responses to both his and the tiefling's questions.

The Mayor responds to each of your questions:
"I should not think that necessary, but I will write you a letter should it come to that."
"Panantyss is obsessed currently with wall hangings. She has an eye for quality rather than artistic merit, though it both come together, even better."
"Ah, yes, payment. Name a fair price and we would gladly pay your wage. Would 30 gold each suffice?"
He nods sadly. "Of course. There would be a trial, but if it occurs as you say, the would be no punishment for defending yourselves."
"Three weeks ago, just after the time we delivered the tribute and retrieved her last written requests for the next batch."
He ponders this, but shakes his head. "My guesses would be no better than yours."
"Surely not! But you make a strong argument. Oh, I do hope the little girl is all right! If something untoward had happened and you successfully retrieve her, I'll double your reward. Triple it!"

"How.. unusual! That would explain the captians leave ever now and again.
Perhaps i may gander at the map a bit, I may be able to help with navigation.

"Very well, make your preparations, those of you that require it. Meet us back here in one hour."

Valinar lays the map on a table for himself, Hasan, and the mayor to study.

"I have all I need right here. Pats his axe "Let us depart with haste I tire of the town hustle and bustle I need nature