Dragon Tear [FFRPG]

[Starsinger]

Chapter 1: Scars of War
Englan, Reggie, and Valeria
Having a logistical advantage, the three of you arrive before the others. Princess Nina met with you and explained your very vague goal of "Find the dragons." Everyone present was given a small stone from a pouch of pebbles and asked to not look at it until they were told. It was explained that those present would be grouped together based on the color of stones, they did not have to work together necessarily, that was their choice. First, she would announce stone colors and where they were to head off to, in order to begin their quest.

Anyone with a blue stone would head toward Sima Lake, to start with the Creeper Clan. Anyone with a yellow stone would head toward the Woren lands. A green stone meant seeking out the Forestwalkers to the north. A grey stone meant the Builder's home of Gantz. A red stone meant they would take a ship from Marcaza Harbor to the Waste lands to investigate the monkeys of the Highlands. And a brown stone meant they were to take a different ship from the Harbor and head to the Desert of Death, to look for the legendary Nomads who live there. Nobody wanted the brown stone.
At last the moment of unveiling the three of you open your hands to reveal a sparkling blue stone.

That was three days ago... now you stand at the Tibbir gates, the check point on the way to Sima Lake where the Creeper Clan live. Tibbir Gate is a small outpost built in the mountain valley that leads to Sima Lake. The Gate has been closed since you arrive and the guards refuse to comment on why that is, merely telling you that you'll have to wait.

Sorry I fast forwarded your meeting with Nina, I didn't feel like playing the same scene twice. Valeria, Englan, and Reggie each gain 10 Tonics, 2 sleeping bags, 2 antidotes.

Susanna, Rin, Xuan

You arrive in Windia, and it is a sight to behold. The alliance Windia forged with the Builder Clan during the Clan Wars has transformed it into a marvelous place. The streets are lit with machines and dotted with engines that draw power from the many windmills. Windia Castle floats above the ground impressively, connected to the city below by means of a monorail system. Unlike most places you've seen, Windia bears no scars of the War, and the citizens act without a care in the world.

A group of men stand atop various walls and roofs in the city and yell in unison, "Attention visiting adventurers and brave citizens of Windia! All those interested in the expedition set forth by Princess Nina please report to the rail station! The rail will be departing for the castle soon!"

The monorail ride is faster than you'd imagine, and the view from the castle ramparts is breath taking. A few guards escort you to the audience chamber, where you see a table laid out with foods and drinks. "Please, help yourselves to the buffet, the Princess will be here shortly." A guardsman says as you enter.

Eating the food fully restores your HP and MP :smalltongue:

[Naki]

Rin had packed away her battle-scarred skirt and armor, to don the familiar green and silver robe that she had once received from her former Master, and father figured. The robes were lose, and just lightly armored enough that she could move freely in it. At her hip rested her blades - both katana perfectly tied into her sash, and balanced to compliment each other, while not resting in a position where one would hamper the drawing and sheathing of the other. As she moved, it was a sense of pride and purpose, Rin was not simply a sellsword, and her gait and poise showed it.

The young swordswoman walked dutifully through the halls of Windia Castle, following only a few steps behind the guards, with simply a sidelong glance to the others who accompanied her. A Grass Runner, likely skilled in the blade - as she was, and a Dirt Eater, who didn't openly bear arms. As a clanless, she had much more to prove than the others - she didn't bear the benefit of the benefits of the realms, and it took only exceptional Clanless to do so. She was one - the exceptional, a cut above average. She stood up to the Woren, and triumphed.

But these two? She didn't trust them - she couldn't. If they knew they stood alongside a rebel - no, a murderer of Woren - they'd turn their backs immediately - perhaps even turn her over to Windia for arrest. She didn't need that. She wanted to know what Hayashi had seen in her.

Sighing silently, she contemplated her father's tragic death, and the words that he had said to her - that he had saw something in her that he hadn't seen in a long time. But what was it, you foolish old man? Why did you simply show me your books and tales of the long extinct Brood, and the forgotten Endless? What relevance did any of that have?

She left her thoughts as the guards opened the audience chamber, and found herself a seat, resting her katana in her lap and folding her hands neatly over them, before looking to the banquet - she abstained, however. Not only was she not hungry, but it didn't feel appropriate to stuff her face immediately before meeting the princess. She needed to remain dignified.

[Teara]

Susanna strode forward from the monorail, following the guards. Draped over her usual armor she wore a long cloth coat-of-arms showing her allegiance to the crusaders. As she walked into the audience chamber she looked down at the two who arrived with her. A clanless woman and a dirt-eater. The clanless woman walked with a certain air, as if to say that she believed that she was better than the rest of them, something which irked Susanna to no end. The dirt-eater, however, was fairly non-descrip, though, in her experience, those were the ones who tended to be cultists. Not that it mattered, she would probably be sent out by herself or maybe accompanied by a few other crusaders.

She sat down on an empty seat. The room was in a hubbub of activity. Some gorged themselves on the royal dishes, while others sat stock still without touching anything, as if it were impolite to eat the food they were given. Nina... what an odd woman, even for a royal. Calling randoms off of the street to investigate where the dragons have gone... Then again, I'm sure that it's much cheaper and cleaner than paying for an army to do it. she thought as she took a piece of the nearest piece of meat.

((Also, I'm a Forest-walker:smalltongue:))

[Der_DWSage]

Englan's tail twitched to and fro as he waited outside the gates to the Creeper's home, his various goods held in a segmented backpack he was carrying. He wasn't used to carrying so much, and all the time, but he'd held up rather well...though you wouldn't know it from his whining.

He was a bit shorter than most of the catlike Woren, and twice as limber as any of them. He'd taken great pleasure in showing off that particular fact, often pick-pocketing a small item from his newfound allies and putting it back before they noticed...and even if they did notice, he'd say, "Just keeping my hand in. Can't let myself get rusty." and give it back. He also fidgeted constantly, unable to stay still, occupying himself with a screwdriver and one of his inventions whenever he wasn't pick-pocketing them!

Currently he was fingering the collar on his neck, marking him as their prisoner...he didn't care for it, but at the same time, not a whole lot he could do for it! He flicked his tail again, looking at the wall, wondering if the old grappling gun could reach the top...

"You know, I've already thought of four different ways we could get past them. Just saying. And might I say, three of those ways involve you two being able to come with me. The fourth one has me just convincing someone to open the gate from the other side. Oh look, there's a fifth way..."

[Overlord Rion]

Reggie

Englan kept talking. Is some ways, he reminded Reggie of Percy. At least this one wouldn't be dumb enough to ask to be punched. He hoped. Is he still talking? He really IS like Percy. If he has so many plans why doesn't he just- right, too far inward again Reggie. Reggie had tried to reason with the guards. In fact, he tried to reason with them for over an hour. Apparently they didn't care a bit about anything besides the gate.

Reggie straightened. An idea had entered his head. He patted the Woren on the shoulder to get him to stop talking. "You wouldn't have anything to put them to sleep would you?" he whispered.

[Kantolin]

The monorail.

Xuàn spent the entire monorail as close to the middle of the vehicle as he could, curled into himself, eyes wedged shut, hoping that it would end shortly. That was probably the least comfortable feeling he'd ever had in his entire life. It felt like something between slowly rising on a sack of mashed potatoes and sliding on ice.

He tried to think about something else - to take his mind off the horrible monorail. A Forest-walker and -

He paused, as he realized he was being stared at by both of them.

After a moment, the feeling changed. It wasn't really being stared at per se, just both would occasionally eye him, then returned to whatever they were doing. It was like he was under scrutiny - and as long as he'd been about, it still felt odd to get this feeling. Then again, there had been a sizeable war...

He tensed and untensed his fairly typical digger-claws nervously, as he returned to focusing on the monorail's movement instead.

He was, however, very impressed by the sheer size of the castle itself, as the guards led him and the others to the audience chamber. Neither of them spoke, and the guards nudged them to the buffet. After that monorail ride, he certainly didn't want anything to eat - recalling this, he tapped the ground once, relishing the fact that it was there and not moving. Although he couldn't dig out of it, and he was always a little uncomfortable when he couldn't dig out of somewhere.

But it did occur to Xuàn that it might be rude to not eat anything, and thus took the smallest fruit he could in one claw, and nibbled at it as he waited, more than a little too shy to say anything himself.

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueroa

"There probably isn't any need." Valeria said quietly. "We can probably try and explain our way through first."

Despite her pride at following the princess' orders again, Valeria couldn't help but be agitated by their Woren cohort. A thief and a prisoner, and apparently a well off one, she couldn't help but feel the old instincts rise up from when she was still a soldier. Any thoughts of pity had been swept away by his casual kleptomania and recklessness, leaving only casual contempt and disregard. "And it would be best if we don't leave an empty guard post behind us."

[Der_DWSage]

Englan grinned a bit at Reggie's question, pulling a small glass object out of his pocket...well, it looked like glass at any rate. But he smiled even more widely when Valeria spoke, chuckling.

"I have to give you credit for clarity of thought, missy. You're right-two of those plans would leave the guards incapacitated, at least for a while, and while I'm a hopeless scoundrel...I'd rather not get them fired just because we needed to get through more quickly. So. Might I recommend plan A-Bribery? It's a tried and true method, proven through countless decades. And it goes well with general explanation too."

[Starsinger]

Englan, Reggie, Valeria
A creeper with blue skin wearing very gaudily colored armor walks up to the guards and says a few words to them. Turning to you all he smiles and speaks in a croaking voice, deep and raspy. "I am deeply sorry about that. A group of envoys from Windia, including one of the 'Sky Demons', well... You can understand why gate security closed up faster than a Manillo's purse before a collection plate. Which begs the question, why in the name of the Goddess are you here?"

Rin, Susanna, Xuan
Shortly after, Princess Nina appears. She has long sky-blue hair and bright pink wings. She is wearing a beautiful turquoise gown with gold trim. Despite her wings, she walks into the audience room. "Hello, brave adventurers, I am Princess Nina of Windia. I have a very large favor to ask of you, much larger than I have asked the others... I apologize, but something has urgently come up and I need you to go to travel across Maekiss Gorge and investigate Dragnier. Our scouts indicate that there have been noises from within." Princess Nina paces back and forth slightly as she speaks.

"You two have quite the reputation as capable swordswomen, and will make excellent guards for him." She gracefully gestures toward Xuan. "With a Dirt-Eater, we might be able to dig beneath the barrier keeping everyone from Dragnier. This is your mission, it's up to you to decide if you will take it. But please, know that the world depends on us finding the Dragons."

[Der_DWSage]

Englan jumped a bit when the -creature- stepped up behind him, first in surprise...and then in disgust at his attire. Really, would a little style kill the man?

He flicked his tail in mild annoyance, tugging at his collar as he says, "...Just ask them. I'm their 'pet' for the remainder of this outing."

[Overlord Rion]

Reggie backed up slightly at the appearance of the Creeper. Whoa, check out the outfit on this guy. I almost wish I was blind. Reggie decided not to speak this time. Instead he gestured over to Valeria. If I open my mouth, I might very well throw up, and that would just be a waste of that food I cooked earlier.

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueroa

Valeria folded her arms in general contempt at the appearance of creeper. ...You? Are the commanding officer here?" she said, not sure what to make of him.

[Der_DWSage]

Englan's tail twitched again, quirking an eyebrow at Valeria's attitude.

"...Is there a need to get snippy with him? Our mission isn't secret, is it? We're explorers, really." Englan's ear twitched with the casual half-truth, though he showed no outward signs of nervousness.

[Teara]

Susanna kneeled deeply. "Of course, your highness. You have my word that I will do my utmost to guard him."
An escort mission? I can't refuse something given to me by a princess, and finding the dragons is of utmost importance, but... She stayed in the kneeling position, waiting for the other two's responses.

[Kantolin]

Xuàn stared for a length of time at Princess Nina. Similarities and differences danced through his mind, to the point where he almost missed when exactly she started speaking. He felt lucky that he'd snapped-to in time, however, as she was very direct and to the point.

Was that normal? He never had been very good at catching nuances. It's plausible that -

- he perked up. "Dig?!" He coulnd't help but repeat it aloud.

Now /that/ was welcome news. He'd been extremely worried that he was going to be asekd to do something he was poor at, but digging he could do!

"I - "

His digging claws tensed once again as he realized that speaking up like that meant everyone was looking at him for the moment. Swallowing, he continued, "I can do that. D-dig through, I mean."

That didn't feel anywhere near as respectful as a kneel and a polite phrase, now that it had left his mouth. Still, Xuàn remained put, continuing to wring his claws.

[Naki]

Rin stood as the princess entered and bowed as she spoke, Dragneir - impressive, I hadn't expected to head directly to the home of the Brood. However, Nina then mentioned her reputation - she cringed, Princess Nina had heard of Rin's reputation and still hired her to go to Dragneir? Also, the Crusader was going with them, problematic, to say the least.

Rin straightened up again, before speaking, "I wasn't aware that my... reputation had reached as far as Wyndia." Rin glanced against to the Forest Walker, a small grin crossing her lips as she gathered an idea: "Your highness, would I be correct in my understanding that should I accept your mission, that I would be protected under your word, and thus, Wyndian law, so long as I remain on said mission? In regards to... past transgressions. Not future ones."

Rin folded her hands in front on her, holding onto the saya of her blades, waiting for the princess' reaction - it seemed rather pointless to go on this mission only to be turned upon the moment her allies found out who she really was.

[Starsinger]

Englan Reggie Valeria

The tacky frogman looks visibly peeved that you have no idea who he is. As he responds he puffs up his neck larger and larger, literally swelling with pride. "No, I am not the guard captain in charge of this gate. I am the general in charge of every Creepy Soldier there is! General Guillame Pascal Emile Yves Kerokero, finest soldier of Sima Lake, devout worshipper of the goddess! I single handedly held back the filthy monkeys of Highfort for three days before the Sky Butchers came! I remember you, monster" he glares directly at Valeria as he says this, "the least you could do is remember me."

Rin, Susanna, Xuan

Princess Nina looks visibly relieved, I hadn't expected them to buy that... however, as Rin asked about protection she frowned slightly, "Of course you will be granted protection under Windian law... For the moment whatever crimes you have committed will have to wait. We are saving the world here, what good is it to punish you if it dooms us all?" The princess gestures to a chest sitting on the other end of the hall. "Now, you will need supplies, of course... In that chest you should be able to find everything you need to begin the journey. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have official business to attend to." And with that Princess Nina smiles and walks out of the audience chamber.

Inside the chest are 10 Tonics, 2 sleeping bags, 2 antidotes for each of Rin, Susanna, and Xuan.

[Kantolin]

"Um..."

Xuan was very hesitant about interrupting the Princess' leaving, but he still was unsure.

"How do... uh, how do we g-get there..." He stammered, before halting as he was more than a little worried about making himself look foolish - was that part of their job?

He looked at the other two, to see if either of them shared his question.

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueroa

A few emotions flickered across Valeria's face; bemusement at the general proclaiming himself to be in charge of every 'creepy' soldier, and quickly flicking back to stoic hardness when the general continued. "Since you are so fond of titles, I was Valeria Figueroa, captain of the Crimson Wings. I called down thunder on castle walls, and I have scorched the lands of those who stood before me." Her expression softened slightly. "And despite what both of us have done, would you not say that we were doing what our rulers asked of us?"

[Der_DWSage]

Englan's tail bristled a bit when he heard how antagonistic the general would be to Valeria...and while he was all for letting her get a bit of humility, they still needed to get through. And if he was angry enough, he could certainly deny them passage. He gave his best disarming smile-which wasn't exactly a good one-and swept in-between the two of them.

"My apologies for not recognizing your status. I'm a bit of an uncultured rube, truth be told-that's why I'm the pet here, and they're the ones holding my leash. And as annoying as the lady is...sir, we're an exploration from Nina herself. We're looking into draconic ruins and artrifacts-she's taken a sudden interest in dragons. And she thinks that there are some in this region. Is there anything else we can help you with?"

After that he leaned back and whispered something conspiratorally to Valeria...though it had a bit of a sing-song tune to it. Those with sharper senses could make out, "Valeriaaaa, play nice with the shiny general or he might deny us passage, and I'm back in my nice comfy cell..."

[Naki]

Rin bowed a second time, "Thank you for your graciousness, your highness." She backs away as Nina leaves, and reaffixes his katana at her side, smiling as she takes the moment to check the chest, and gather her supplies.

"So, Maekiss Gorge then. What kind of big trouble do you think is brewing that we have to head straight to Dragneir?"

[Starsinger]

At the Creepy Gate

Satisfied with Englan's groveling, General Guill smugly smiled."Word has reached Princess Nina that we have found the great Water Dragon?" The General makes a few noises that sound something similar to a cross between a toad and a belch. "And she sent you here to what? Steal it? Investigate it? Behold its glory with your own eyes? What are your intentions with our Dragon?" As he speaks, his eyes narrow and the guards at the outpost begin circling around you.

Meanwhile, at the Castle

One of the guards approaches the party with a map to Maekiss Gorge, "Well here's your map. Come along, let's go back to the monorail. We can't have criminals, vagabonds, and dirt eaters just carousing around the palace, taking whatever they fancy..."

[Der_DWSage]

Englan was silently cursing himself for not just leaping away at the first chance, wanting to just blind them and run like mad...he could get away, and what would be wrong with escaping his jailors?

Well, okay, the fact that you don't abandon your mates, no matter how bad it gets...and then there's general principle...plus, he wasn't sure he -could- get back on his own...

Wait, did he say water dragon? Eugh...

Englan shivered as he realized exactly what the Creeper had said, but shook it off well enough to speak. "The last two, really! I'm their...photographer. And odd jobs man. Princess Nina wants to know if the Water Dragon is truly there, and if so, she'll probably be coming in person after we report to her. I don't think she has it in mind to seize the Water Dragon, since if she did, she wouldn't have sent two lightly armored soldiers and a photographing feline, heh?"

...I want my cell back. At least then, the scowling men would be on the other side of thick, comforting bars...

[Overlord Rion]

Now it was Reggie's turn to speak. "The cat has a point. As powerful as we may be, we're no match for all of these guards at once. We're curious, that's all. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a dragon?" Photographer, really? That slipped off his tongue fairly quickly. On their journey, Reggie had found in himself an urge to punch Englan. And here it comes again. Wonder if he's lighter than Percy?

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueroa

Valeria's eyebrow quirked and she couldn't help a return smirk at the general as he spewed out information so freely. "The princess asked us to go looking for dragons. Apparently you've found one for us. I'd love to see it."

[Der_DWSage]

Englan nodded, smiling broadly as he tried to be as ingratiating as possible. Okay, so he didn't have his pride, but he'd often talked more than one guard into taking him into custody...just so he could escape while his back was turned. This wasn't much different.

"And I'm sure that being The General to give information to her highness Nina would win you a few points in many ways. Perhaps we should put in the good word for you as well? Tell her how gracious you were to let us see it, play up your charitability, so that when leaders of nations speak with each other, General Guill's name...General Guill's prestigious name is dropped a few times?"

Englan hoped his eyes darting back and forth to assess the situation with the guards didn't give him away. If anything, he was hoping it played up the 'hopelessly outgunned normal guy in a bad situation' look he was giving.


Not much acting was involved in that one.


Still, in the back of his head, almost bereft of conscious thought, escape plans were forming...

Hold up Quick Getaway, tell them it's the camera, while they're blinded by the flash get the other two and run for our lives. I'm quick enough that I could cover their getaway. Jump behind Guill's back and hold him hostage. I don't like that method, but it could be effective. Calculating chance of success...83% with the first, but 100% that at least I would get away if I ran. 45% with the second plan, but makes a nice plan B to plan A. Plan C, I make like the bandit I am and ditch these two. Problem:How would I get back? I'm no outdoorsman. Plan D, I use the good ol' grappling hook, pray it holds under our weight, and we all just go over the gate. Goes well with blinding. Plan E... And so on and so forth.

[Kantolin]

Xuàn gingerly took the map.

He did, however, catch the tone in which 'dirt eaters' was spat out. And summarily he cringed a little upon taking it. "S-sorry." He muttered, his voice very quiet.

He returned to the monorail in advance, more than a little confused - he'd figured that the dirt-eaters hadn't initiated anything, and thus figured they wouldn't have had people angry with them in particular. What exactly had happened during the war?

They were most of the way to the monorail when he realized he hadn't answered Rin.

"Er, s-sorry. I, I dunno." He finally responded. "I hope it's obvious before I d-dig through."

[Naki]

Grunting, Rin shrugged as the guard ushered them out, "Well, I was thinking what's going on behind the scenes that we need to go to Dragnier, really. I don't suspect this will be a nice and easy romp across the gorge."

She rested her arm against the hilt of her katana, sighing, "Regardless, I guess it's not really our business - if it was, I'm sure the princess would have informed us."

She shook her head, looking at the dirt-eater, "Also, don't take what others say so personally. Being able to shrug off veiled insults will lift a burden from your shoulders, and you look like someone else who might know a bit about carrying weight." Rin smiled, brushing some hair back behind her ear before pulling her other arm to rest within the sleeve of her robe, letting the rest dangle limply, swaying a bit with the breeze.

She stepped onto the monorail, and stood solemnly against a rail, watching the others board, "So, where are we headed to from Wyndia? Or is there a direct path to Maekiss?"

[Starsinger]

Stop digging.. the Dirt-Eater isn't here

General Guillame bellows that strange croaky-belch noise again. "I am convinced. There is no likelihood of you being Windian spies sent to steal or kill our Water Dragon. Please! Make your way to Sima Lake and see it for yourselves. Be sure to stop at the Brekeke Post before visiting the Water Dragon, for your protection. And be sure to give them the password 'The tadpole hunts at Midnight!' so they know you are not spies!" With that he nods at the guards and the pass opens.

[Der_DWSage]

Englan nodded at that, bowing thankfully and grabbing the two companions-not roughly, because he knew full well that they could beat the ever-lovin' daylights out of him-and bowed to the General again before a second faux pas could happen. "Thank you very much for your time, sir. Ma'am, sir, shall we?"

He was rather fervently hoping the code that had been given to them wasn't a fake. Of course, at the same time, he was hoping that the other two wouldn't make this harder than it needed to be...already, there was way too much effort just to get through a guard post!

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueora

"We thank you for your assistance." Valeria said in an even tone, nodding to the general and heading on past the guards.

Once the group had passed through the guard gate and they had gotten out of hearing range, Valeria motioned to her companions. "Once we can get out of sight of that guard post, we need to stop for a moment. I'd like to confirm some suspicions."

[Overlord Rion]

Reggie glanced back at the post. For a minute there, I thought I might have to...no, that would have been a bad idea. Even I can only take on so much.

In answer to Valeria, Reggie simply nodded.

[Starsinger]

Xuan and Rin (and maybe Susanna)
The map details a path to Maekiss Gorge, and as you exit the monorail on the way down, the guards mention a short cut devised during the war through some under ground tunnels. The short cut should cut the trip down to a few hours, especially with a, and there was that way of spitting the word again, dirt-eater along.

Reggie Valeria Englan

After about an hour's stroll you stand at a waypoint sign in the road, "Tibbir Gates North, South Sima Lake, West Brekeke Outpost." You're now well away from Tibbir gates and safe to discuss Valeria's suspicions.

[Der_DWSage]

Englan twitched his tail as he, rather rapidly, cooled off from the worry of getting through that particular post. After all, he generally didn't -talk- his way out of things, he just didn't get caught in the first place! (And look how well -that- treated him.)

Still, when Valeria said that, Englan sighed. "So what's your suspicion, and am I going to be practicing my profession because of it? If not, I'm going to work on some plans to make a real camera...could be useful."

[Kantolin]

Xuàn wasn't completely sure what to say in response to the polite suggestion. On the one hand, it made sense, but he didn't like people being unhappy with him... it was definitely easier said than done.

Summarily, he wrung his claws for a short time rather than responding. The group exited fairly silently, as the guard mentioned an underground shortcut. Once again, this caused Xuàn to perk up - being where he was supposed to be sounded immediately more pleasant.

But there it was again. Had Dirt-eaters attacked this guard personally? Maybe he looked like someone who'd attacked his family, and maybe his being there was a constant reminder of this, and was the guard just looking for an excuse, and... and...

"S-" He almost began, when he clamped his mouth shut. While he couldn't just turn it off, he could try.

"I... I think." He exhaled, then spoke a bit more firmly. "W-we should hurry, r-right?"

[Naki]

Nodding, the Clanless stepped off the Monorail, "Yeah. If it's important, we should make good for Dragnier as fast as possible." She adjusted her robe and and blades his her sash before looking down to Xuan, "So, lead the way."

[ninja_penguin]

Valeria Figueora

"I don't know." Valeria said, moving off to the side of the path and sitting down cross legged on the grass. "Keep an eye out for me here." she said as she muttered something under her lips, touching her rod to the tip of her nose. A soft glow passed from the rod, and Valeria's eyes appeared to go unfocused. "Heat of battle or not, I'd have recognized somebody wearing that gaudy of a suit of armor during the wars. I'd have probably roasted the hoppy little frog just as judgement on his taste." She said as she adjusted her eyesight. "Something isn't right here, I can't remember him at all, and cutting a bloody swath into the territory would displease the princess."

Crunch:

Casting sight: Valeria's trying to get a general view of the guard post and if anybody is still there and what they're doing, if possible. Also, if the guard station they're supposed to report to is in range, she'd sweep that from above as well.

[Der_DWSage]

Englan's tail twitched, as did his eye. The rogue was...actually a mite displeased at Valeria.

"...There's a lot of explanations for that. One, he might not have been wearing that armor at the time. I mean, it's been what, 20 years? I know it was when -I- was too young to know a 3/16 wrench from a 5/16. From what I've heard, even Creepies change their clothes-and armor-on occasion. Or perhaps he was more cowardly than the others, and was hiding in the rear. Or hey, just a thought, maybe you didn't see the -entire- battlefield while fighting against one opponent at a time. You...have a trumped up sense of importance lady, and that's coming from me. Isn't it more important that we make good time to the water dragon..." Englan gulped as realization dawned on him...and he suddenly smiled nervously while his tone changed to be as cloyingly sweet as possible.

"On second thought, let's take all the time you need. After all, this could be a trap in of itself."

My, but his tone changed quickly the moment he said water dragon. Still, he was looking away, still a mite disgruntled.

[Overlord Rion]

The cat doesn't like water it seems. I'm going to have to remember that just in case I decide I don't like him anymore. That wasn't to say Reggie didn't like E-...okay, no, he didn't like him. "Once you finish being nervous, we should go. A dragon is a sight to behold from what I've heard."

[Starsinger]

Rin and Xuan
You make your way to the under ground tunnels, as you do, you overhear some rumors. The most interesting is a person who insists that the Dark Dragon Clan has been reborn and that a member of it has been spotted outside of Dragnier, a horrible terrifying monster of a man, thirteen feet tall wielding a giant sword the size of a house. Apparently this Dark Dragon clansman breathes black flames and spits out bones.

XuanYou also overhear a second rumor, that there is a secret cache of weapons left over from the war, buried near Dragnier, and that is what the Dark Dragon is after.

Valeria, Reggie, Englan
(If you've finished this discussion, I need you to decide if you're going straight to the lake or stopping off at the outpost as the General suggested.)

[Der_DWSage]

Englan shivered at the thought of going directly to the dragon...no. Just no.

He shivered again just for show, his tail fur bristling as he said, "No, no, I say we get supplies for meeting the...the Dragon. We shouldn't be interfering with an official figure of another country while travelling under the name of Wyndian Royalty, after all. I mean, I'm a crook, but I have standards. But we should also prepare for this...Dragon. If nothing else, some info from people closer to it would be handy. And maybe some waterproofing for our gear. I know -I'm- not prepared to take a swim."

[Naki]

Looking about the underground passage, Rin thinks on the rumor of the Dark Dragon. She crosses her arms and walks a bit slower than Xuan as she ponders it, "Hmph. We may want to avoid crossing paths with the Dark Dragon, if it is real and not someone spinning fanciful tales. Even if they're headed our way, there's no saying that they'll want to help us in finding the other dragons..."

She shrugs as she continues, picking up her pace again, "Regardless, we should move quicker - the faster we make it to Maekiss, the sooner we can cross it."

[Kantolin]

Digging!

They were going to be underground, and he was going to be doing digging. They were... it would be underground soon, with nice safe dirt everywhere, and he'd be digging. Digging he could do. Digging would help things.

That was what the dirt-eater was trying to focus on. Digging. Not giant horrible monsters that breathe fire and eat dirt-eaters and spit out bones of dirt-eaters and kill and... and no! No digging! I mean yes digging - digging was what he was focusing on.

Right. Digging.

"...I w-wonder what a giant m-monster wants with war weapons?"

No! No, that wasn't not thinking about the giant monster. If it was real - there's something!

"Y-you don't th-think it's real, right? The monster, I m-mean?" Xuàn asked hopefully. Maybe it was all just imagination. Of horrible war monster dragons that eat dirt-eaters.

...sigh...