Chapter 1.1: It's Dangerous to go Alone...

Franae appears quite pleased that everyone present has so politely and respectfully provided their names, and given her the reverence that a mighty dragon deserves. She nods to each party member as they introduce themselves, and actually touches her snout somewhat affectionately to Toshi as he finishes unlocking her bonds.

Thank you, everyone. It is a pleasure to meet you. Turning her attention to Dahlia and the orb, her eyes narrow somewhat, but she still keeps a somewhat cordial tone to her voice. Now then...why do you seek the Orbs of Dragonkind? You do not seem the type who would enslave an entire race to your will, yet here you are trying to take the very thing that would give you that power.

The dragon snorts, a puff of smoke coming from her nostrils.

Kobolds. How embarassing that I was captured and imprisoned by a bunch of little lizards with delusions of grandeur. Had they not had the orb with them, I would have taken care of this problem before it started.

A low growl trickling out, she looks at the party as she continues. Know this, warriors. With the Orbs uncovered, many of my kind have started to awaken from long slumbers. The youngest of our kind will rise first, and the eldest among us will not awaken any time soon unless forced to do so. From what I gathered listening to these kobolds during my imprisonment, they seek five of the Orbs in particular, so that their "Great Prophet" can reawaken an ancient Goddess, one that will conquer this world and enslave all upon it.

The goddess is known as Tiamat, the Dragon Queen, and mother of Evil Dragons.

At Dahlia's suggestion, she turns to the dwarf. Little dwarf, the only reason I didn't obey that kobold's every command is because he was too stupid to realize he had the wrong Orb. If you come across one who has the Bronze orb, then I will have no choice but to devour you on their command.

I will aid you, however, in taking the Orb it had and hiding it away.

I was caught the first time because I let my pride get in the way. They will not catch me off guard a second time.

I do not know where the other Orbs are, but from the stories I've heard, they grant their wielder's three things: Domination over a particular breed of Dragon, the Strengths and Breath of the dragon within, and the enmity of all Dragonkind. Find the other Orbs before the Kobolds, find a way to destroy them, and prevent the rise of Tiamat.

With that, the great beast reaches a clawed forepaw for the Orb.

If no one tries to prevent the dragon from taking the orb, Franae looks at the small package in her claws, and gingerly unwraps it. Growling something low and intelligible to most present, the dragon closes her hand around the Orb and vanishes in a flash of light, leaving behind a pile of weapons and armor. It appears that there is one item intended for each person present: A Dwarven Waraxe, A greatsword, a shortsword, two kamas, a beautiful leather corset trimmed with lace and fastened with bone buttons, an amulet, and a headband.