Blood of the Dragon II

[Diachronos]

After learning of the horrid secrets behind the Ixenpab Resort, the party has aided the staff in rising up and overthrowing Arnen, the elf who had enslaved them. Vaex, Nyktox, and Taalia have freed the kobold slaves and the majority of the serving staff from their prison-like quarters below the resort proper, while Stark has driven out the cruel patrons of the resort's secret "Hall of Decadence" and taken two of the women, the ifrit maiden Qari and the tiefling warrior Tiana, as his harem travelling companions. With Arnen dead and the slaves free, everyone settles down to a much-needed night of sleep.

Morning is accompanied by the exquisite smell of cooking wafting through the air, brought in by the now-open service tunnels. As the newly-freed women and kobolds begin to stir, there is a solid pounding on the barricaded front door of the resort, which jolts Nyktox and Vaex from their slumber. Taalia is soon woken up by one of the former slaves who barges into her room to tell her that a small platoon of the Sky-Guard is just outside, and she heads to Stark's room to tell him... only to find the young man practically buried under Qari and Tiana.

[Prehysterical]

The pounding at the front door has Vaex fully alert in an instant. All the weariness of the previous night is gone. He draws his rapier and moves up to the door. Vaex looks back at Nyktox, making sure that the brassblood is ready for trouble before opening the entrance.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark rises as Taalia opens the door, rubbing his eyes as he gently rises from the queen-sized bed with two other full-grown women taking up as much space as they can. He softly peels Tiana's hands off his arm and rests Qari's head on a pillow, standing up and picking up his spellbook from the table, opening it and reading, mentally preparing himself for the day as he walks over to Taalia. Without looking up from the book, he asks, "I assume you have a reason to barge into my room without knocking?"

[Diachronos]

Nyktox yawns as he gets up, ready to attack whoever comes through if need be.

As Vaex opens the door, he finds himself face-to-face with the same captain as before, and almost two dozen wyvarans behind him hefting greatclubs and greatswords. "Oh, fancy seeing you here again, greenblood. From the fact that your weapon is drawn, I assume you have an idea of what brings us here?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taalia stares at the two females on the bed for a moment before turning to Stark. "The Sky-Guard is out front, and from the look of things they heard about what happened from one of the guests and not one of the slaves. We need to clear everything up with them before things turn bad."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks over at Tiana. Technically speaking, she's the one who murdered Arnen, but she did so only because Stark allowed and told her to. He would take responsibility for her actions. He turns to Taalia and nods.

Stark heads downstairs and sees the open door and the sky-captain from before. He chuckles to himself and approaches the group, standing next to Vaex.

[Prehysterical]

Glad to see that at least it is a familiar face, Vaex sheathes his weapon before responding.

"I am glad to see you, captain. I was going to send a runner out to the local garrison this morning. We have a lot of kobolds and female warmbloods in bad shape. We arrived here yesterday, intending on having a little while to relax before continuing on to Wyrmskull Crater. It was discovered, however, that there was an underground slave trade going on here. Dozens of kobolds were put into forced labor, forced to crawl through hidden tunnels like rats to avoid offending the 'real' guests. Female warmbloods were also kept in poor conditions for the purposes of torture and forced mating. Any dissenters were silenced by death in a gladiatorial arena, which we have still not fully investigated.

We have managed to free all of the slaves, and are currently keeping several guards in custody in the lower level cells. I'm sure that they have their own contributions to speak of in terms of the operation of this place."

[Diachronos]

The captain listens patiently, before turning and motioning for a few of the wyvarans to enter. He steps in before them, putting himself between the guards and Vaex. "Where is this arena? And do you have the owner of this establishment in custody?"

Seeing Stark and Taalia he motions for them to come over as well. "I must say, I find these accusations more than a little suspicious. First the encounter with the lot of you yesterday, and now you are saying that Arnen, someone who has given the Sky-Guard no reason to suspect him of any wrongdoing since before I hatched, is a slave-owner and operating an illegal business behind closed doors at this resort? Forgive me for implying that you are lying, but we must investigate the situation ourselves before deciding on the correct course of action."

He looks around, before motioning to the empty halls. "Where are the imprisoned guards and the staff? They will need to be questioned as well."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark bows politely. "I think you'll find I have the correct documentation to support my claims at this time, Captain," he replies, producing the letters of correspondence between Arnen and the Black Initiates. He hands them to the man. "As you can see, the man was convinced by a sinister group to add a hall of gambling, drugs, arena fighting and pleasure to his resort, and then later even called upon to sacrifice some of his slaves, which he thankfully refused vehemently."

[Diachronos]

"Hmm..." He examines the journal entries that Stark had marked, but pauses when he begins examining the letters. "I can't read these, but one of our mages should be able to." He holds out a hand to his side, and one of the wyvarans hands him a pair of large leather envelopes. He puts the journal in one and the letters in the other, tucking them both under his arm. "Now... can any of you direct me and my men to this hall?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and leads the men to the Hall of Decadence, where he shows them Arnen's corpse, as well as Tyvohra's. "She took her own life after he passed. Apparently she loved him, according to the others," he explains. "As for Arnen, I killed him. He was a monster who perpetuated torture and violence towards involuntary employees and caged kobolds."

[Diachronos]

The captain nods slowly and scratches his chin. "We'll need to bring in one of our investigators to commune with the dead, find out what he was trying to do." He examines the bodies with a frown. "...You tore Arnen's head clean off?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. Lying here would only get him in trouble, since they were apparently going to communicate with the dead. The part about Tyvohra was mostly accurate, as he had only given her the knife and her last rites after she had done the deed. However, Arnen would easily be able to identify his killer.

"No. I did not. I infiltrated the Hall, disguised as a lord, observed everything, and tricked Arnen into giving me control of his prized gladiator. Then I freed her from that control and she took his head off after I lured him to her. So, as you can see, I'm the one who is responsible for his death, but she is the person who ended his life."

[Diachronos]

"I see... And I take it you would be willing to submit to a zone of truth to confirm that?" The look on his face suggests that he doesn't enjoy these procedures, but carries them out as part of the job. "What about this gladiator of Arnen's? Is she still present and able to testify to what happened?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "I will submit to whatever magical or mundane verification processes you need to verify this is the truth, because it is the truth. Of course, your speak with dead spell will verify it as well, so that's two instances of magical confirmation, which should be enough with my testimony to determine what happened. The gladiator is indeed present, but she is in my custody after the incident. I believe she is currently still recovering from the trauma of what has happened to her for the last unknown number of years, and I will thank you to not disturb her right now. She's still getting used to the idea of freedom, I don't want her to be around any other unfamiliar men."

Diplomacy: [roll0]
Edit: +2, sorry, I forgot that skill points are retroactive in PF so my Diplomacy ranks are 4 instead of 2.

[Diachronos]

The captain thinks for a moment before nodding. "If she is in a state that would drive her to do something like this, with her bare hands from the look of it, then I doubt she can handle the sort of questioning that we would have. Even if she were, depending on the state she's in her testimony might not even be admissible."

After a brief look around the room, he nods again. "I think I've seen enough to be sure that this place deserves to be shut down for good, though we will still have to follow procedure just to be safe. We will see to it that the slaves are dealt with accordingly. Brought back to family, taken to receive any necessary treatment, that sort of thing."


As hardened as the captain looks, the look in his eye suggests that what he's witnessed here goes beyond what he's ever encountered

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark bows politely. "I regret getting off on the wrong foot with you before, Captain, but I assure you that my words this time are completely true, and I am most grateful to you for being understanding about the girl's mental state. She and another former slave have no family that they know of, so I will be taking care of them personally. Now, is there anything else I can do to aid your investigation? If not, I will leave your men to search the place."

He takes the keys that he lifted off Arnen and hands them to the Sky-Captain so that he has access to every room.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex lets Stark do most of the talking. He is surprised and pleased to see Stark not only telling the truth, but also cooperating with the captain. Before Stark can leave, however, Vaex grabs his sleeve to stop him.

"Stark, wait! There's something that I have been meaning to ask you. You said that there was an arena. Where is it? Where did they keep the gladiators? Are there still any down there?"

[Diachronos]

"I'm interested in seeing this arena as well. If Arnen was keeping slaves here, I wouldn't put it past him to be keeping dangerous beasts for the arena. Aside from showing me the way there and remaining until we've finished our investigation, I believe the Sky-Guard can handle things from here."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark escorts the group to the gladiatoral arena, then leaves them there so that they can continue their investigation. He puts his spellbook back in front of his face and walks out into the lobby, still reading. He lowers the book once he gets out there and looks at Taalia. "How are you holding up? You're no stranger to conflict, but still, this kind of stuff would affect anyone. Do you want to talk about it?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex stays with the Sky-Guard for the moment, examining the strange machine used to release creatures into the arena. He tries to puzzle out how the buttons are arranged and what kinds of creatures that they correspond to.

[Diachronos]

Taalia shakes her head. "It's sickening. For some reason I thought it would be similar to the sort of thing that the followers of the Corpse King do to the dead, but..." She rubs her arms and shivers. "It's a lot different than I thought it would be."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Between the buttons in the viewing room and the mechanisms that the group investigates in the far side of the arena, Vaex is able to piece together how the device works. Each button is attuned to a device in one of the holding cells, and when a button is pressed the corresponding device is activated, opening a cage and the door leading into the arena; a wall of force is then used to force the creatures out into the arena, where the doors close behind them.

The buttons match up to various creatures: aberrations, magical beasts, humanoids and monstrous humanoids, animals... and dragons.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and takes her hand. "Hey, Vaex and Nyktox will likely be busy for a bit with the Sky Guard. Want to go outside with me and get some fresh air? Let's just...get away from this place and all that drama for a while and just enjoy the sun. What do you say?"

[Prehysterical]

"Captain!" Vaex calls out for attention. "I've managed to puzzle out how the device works. These buttons are keyed to different types. By the Ten Colors, they have dragonkin locked up down here! With your permission, I would like to release the obviously intelligent prisoners first." Vaex has no idea of the mental state these gladiators are in. If the tiefling was any indication, they could be quite bloodthirsty after years of mistreatment. Really wish that I had had the presence of mind to bring my crossbow...

[Diachronos]

She nods and looks over at him. "Should we take Tiana and Qari out as well? They could probably do with some fresh air too."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The captain growls and clenches his fist at the sight of the dragonkin emblems. "As much as I want to free the dragons now... it's not a good idea. I've dealt with captive dragons before, even the more agreeable types tend to get violent. The less friendly ones... I hate to say it, but sometimes they have to be put down so they don't become a danger to innocent people." He looks over to Vaex and Nyktox. "Let's head down into the pens and see what there is first. If there are any dragons left, let's try to talk them down from attacking us before we let them out."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and heads upstairs to get the two girls.

He walks up to the room and opens the door and says, "Qari, Tiana! It's time to wake up! Come along, we're going for a walk with Taalia." He then repeats the sentence in Abyssal for Tiana's sake.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex nods solemnly. "Believe me, captain, I know firsthand how deadly angry dragons can be." A haunting look creeps into his eyes.

As the pair follows the captain down, Vaex pipes up, "Twice we have met now, and yet I still do not know your name. What hatching name were you given, captain?"

[Diachronos]

The two girls get out of bed, with Qari taking the time to straighten the bed and her clothes with a few cantrips. Tiana simply rolls out of bed, her hair a mess and her corset askew. "Will we be going outside, Master?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Rah'zhan." The trio heads down into the arena, crossing over to the large doorway leading into the dragon pens. Unlike what they had expected, only one cage was occupied, and at first it doesn't appear to be a dragon at all, but a gold-scaled serpent with a ridge running down its back and a crown of horns growing from its head.

The dragon is currently curled up in its cage, with its head hidden within its coils.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's cheeks flush a bit at Tiana's appearance and he quickly turns around. "That's right. Qari, make Tiana look presentable and then meet me in the lobby as soon as you're ready."

He heads downstairs to wait with Taalia.

[Prehysterical]

Gently, Vaex walks up to the bars of the cage and grasps them with his claws. He softly says, "Martivir, Ferrod Ir. Yth tepoha confn ekess duulo wux. Re wux ouith?"
"Peace, Golden One. We have come to free you. Are you hurt?"

[Diachronos]

Qari gives a Stark a nervous look before turning to Tiana. "Y-yes, Master."

Taalia raises an eyebrow as Stark comes back down. "Aren't they coming with us?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The dragon slowly lifts its head to look at them.

"Tir wux? Usv re wux tenpiswo ekess riyit ve sari confnir ekik zyak wux shilta seilor ve seanf dout kothar kluchud huena tenamalo?"

Do you? Or are you here to trick me into coming out so you can set me against your demon spawn once again?

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark clears his throat. "Yes, of course. They're just getting ready. It's not appropriate for me to hang around while they get themselves ready for the day." He steals a glance at Taalia to see how she's feeling.

Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Prehysterical]

"Arnen wer vaecaesin ui loex, thric guulac ini wer diieson kothar kluchud batobot wux renthisj di. Jaciv duuloa jacida fothisev de jacida wilad. Wux geou nurti slathalin persvek nomeno tokiv tenamalo. Wer xiekivi svaust theseka wux rhyisj tepoha osvitha hefoc wer faessiri astahii re. Si geou nif wer ifni jaka, vur wux geou gethrisj duulo." So saying, Vaex uses his tools to open the lock to the cage door.
"Arnen the elf is dead, no doubt by the same demon spawn that you speak of. She freed his head from his neck. You will never fight in this arena again. The people who watched you bleed have fled like the cowards they are. I will open the door now, and you will go free."
Taking 10 on Disable Device, 26 total

[Diachronos]

Taalia seems surprised by Stark waiting down here for the women, but she still looks a little skeptical.

After a few minutes, Qari comes sprinting down the stairs and promptly puts Stark between herself and the stairs. Tiana comes down, with her hair brushed and tied back and wearing (or, rather, forced into) a blouse and skirt, and the tiefling is directing a stream of curses that are vile even by the standards of the Abyssal language. "I-I just got her some proper clothes and fixed her hair, I didn't think it would make her this angry!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The dragon watches as Vaex picks the lock on the door, remaining there for a moment as it swings open. It hesitantly steps out of the cage and turns its gaze on Vaex. "Can you remove this collar from my neck? It restricts my movement and power, the only reason I haven't already fled this place." The dragon stretches its neck out, revealing a wide metal collar inscribed with numerous runes and symbols.

Nyktox gives the dragon a nervous look. "You're... you're not going to turn around and eat us as soon as you're free, are you?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex has no intention of insulting the dragon so. Instead, he examines the collar and determines the best way to get it off. "Hold still. I need to make sure that Arnen didn't leave us any more surprises."
First, Vaex will make sure that taking off the collar won't hurt the dragon. Then he'll carefully take off the collar, if it's safe. Assume that he takes 10.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks in shock as Tiana approaches. "(Abyssal) W-wow...Tiana, you're so...beautiful," he mutters, dumbstruck. " (Abyssal) Well then, shall we go? You're ready to see the outside for the first time right?" He extends a hand to hers, and when she touches it, he imparts some magic into her to improve her mental capacity, hopefully reducing her anger.

Casting fox's cunning on Tiana as soon as they make physical contact.
Diplomacy to see if Stark's reaction improves her mood any: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The collar appears to have no effects that would prevent someone else from removing it, though it does have something in place to wound the dragon if it tries to force the collar off. With Vaex's skill, he quickly pops the device off, and the dragon lets out a triumphant roar before laughing. "Ah, I can feel my strength returning to me! You have my thanks, greenblood! Tell me, what is your name?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tiana blinks as she touches Stark's hand, and her eyes seem to lose focus for a moment. (Abyssal) "Yes, I'm... ready." The words come out a little slowly, as if she is taking a moment to process what she's saying before actually speaking. She's a little calmer now, though she still casts unfriendly looks over at Qari.

Taalia is noticeably confused by the tiefling's change in demeanor. "Um... Stark? What, uh... what exactly did you do to her?"

[Prehysterical]

Humbly placing a claw on his chest, Vaex bows slightly and replies, "I am Vaex. What is your name, Golden One?"

[Diachronos]

After a brief introduction from Nyktox and Rah'zhan, the dragon bows as well. "I am Tien-Lung. I originally came to seek the wisdom of the dragonkin blessed with the Eyes of Fate, but was lured here and captured by that infernal elf, Arnen. It is fortunate that you came, Vaex. I was beginning to fear that I might never feel the sun upon my scales again."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles as he turns back to the others. "It's a simple spell that allows her to override some of the blocks on her memory and cognition that were put in place by the harsh lifestyle she has been subjected to up til now. She should be able to speak both Abyssal and Common much more easily now, though I'm sure she will still voluntarily refrain from communicating in Common."

He glances back at Tiana. "How about it? Are you feeling better now? I want you to really enjoy the outside, hopefully even though the effects of this spell are temporary they will enhance your ability to remember even after the spell has expired."

He escorts the three women outside and takes in the bright sun and fresh air, breathing deep and smiling happily. "So, where would you ladies like to go?"

[Prehysterical]

"'Blessed with the Eyes of Fate'... Are you talking about the kobold Elder in Wyrmskull Crater? The one bears the eyes of metal and chromatic? The voice of the Twin Dragons?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana's voice is still slow, but at least she's managing proper sentences now. (Abyssal) "I remember a little. I used to live in... a monastery. One surrounded by waterfalls." She is still holding Stark's hand as they walk out; the tiefling (and Taalia) visibly flinch as they walk into the sun's rays, but she recovers fairly quickly. (Abyssal) "It's been... years, since I saw the sun. I forgot how pretty it was in the morning."

Taalia and Qari both frown. "I still can't understand a word she's saying..."

Tiana bows her head a little. (Abyssal) "I'm sorry. I can understand Common, but I never learned to speak it. Or... maybe I did, but don't remember how."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Yes, the very same. He may not be a true dragon, but the dragonblood flows strong in him, and his council is something that I should have remembered before returning home. He warned that I should not trust any elf I meet on the way back, but I did not think Arnen posed any sort of threat."

[Prehysterical]

"So...," Vaex asks hesitantly, "Now that you are free, will you be returning home? How long have you been stuck down here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "It's fine, Taalia. I can understand her, and she's doing much better." He squeezes Tiana's hand encouragingly.

Stark looks over at Qari. "It sounds like Taalia isn't partial to any particular place. Qari, did you have any preference?"

What's the environment like around here? Are we still in the mountains, or is there a forest or river anywhere?

[Diachronos]

"That is my intention, yes. I have been down here for almost 10 years, and I fear that my students may have faltered in their discipline while I was gone." The dragon bows again and reaches into the thick mane at the base of its head, withdrawing a golden pearl. "Please, accept this, along with my thanks. This pearl should bring you and those you travel with good fortune, and should you ever find yourself in the Land of the Beastfolk, this will mark you as a friend to the Monastery of the Reflecting Falls."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qari shakes her head. "I have no preference either, Master. Arnen very rarely allowed me outside of the resort, and I'm afraid I don't recall much of the surrounding area."

Stark recalls that the group had passed over a river not too far from the resort. This far into the mountains, it's essentially the only landmark of note within walking distance.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark leads the group over to the river and takes a seat along with the other girls. He sighs and lays back on the ground, grinning and smiling up at the sun. "Geez...the sky is so calm and the sun is so warm...it's impossible for me to stay upset about yesterday. It's like the world itself is trying to cheer me up."

He sits up and pulls out his spellbook, resuming his preparation and still listening and talking to the other girls whenever they ask him something.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex accepts the precious gift with due reverence. "I will treasure it, Tien-Lung. May your journey home be safe and swift."

Once Tien is gone, Vaex turns to Rah'zhan and says, "Time to check the other cages. Who knows who or what else could be down here."

[Diachronos]

Tiana sits down a few feet away, bringing her knees up to her chest and seemingly lost in thought. Taalia is busy watching the river and marveling at the way the running water has carved out the stone over the years.

Qari sits down beside Stark, looking at his spellbook. "Do you keep a journal like Arnen did, Master?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The other cages in the arena hold little of note. Most of them are either wild beasts or mindless undead, and most of the handful of humanoids are either insane from being imprisoned for so long or weak from malnutrition. Rah'zhan quickly has the sane prisoners brought up for treatment, while the others are left alone for the time being. "There may be a way to help them, but I'll not risk it until we know for sure. I will have them looked after in the meantime, though, and the wild beasts released or put down as needed."

Nyktox takes a quick look around the cages. "Well, there's not much else to this part of the resort. Should we meet up with the others and start coordinating what to do about the freed slaves with the Sky-Guard?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles and shakes his head, showing Qari the book. Since Stark writes all of his spells in Ignan, she has no trouble reading it (though it's likely the first time she's seen Ignan letters in a long time).

"This isn't a journal, Qari. It's a book of spells. You saw how I was able to use fire magic? Well, in order to do that, I need to study hard and memorize a series of incantations and somatic motions in order to cast spells each day."

[Prehysterical]

"Yes indeed, brassblood. Especially since some of them have expressed a desire to come with us. Good luck, Captain Rah'zhan. I hope that someday we meet in circumstances that don't involve my company causing you trouble." Vaex makes his way back to the more hospitable side of the resort.

[Diachronos]

"I agree, Vaex. Maybe next time we'll meet when I'm not on duty." A rare grin crosses the guard captain's face as Nyktox and Vaex turn to leave. On the way up, they pass an old-looking female kobold, whose staff is topped with an ivory carving of the Gravekeeper's symbol.

The slaves have been corralled in the courtyard and lobby by the wyvarans, where their health is being assessed and they are being asked about any personal information to help them get home, and the guards that had been captured in the revolt are shackled and being questioned by some of the Sky-Guard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I see. I apologize for the misunderstanding, Master, I rarely had much chance to mingle with spellcasters while performing my duties at the resort. Or at least those who openly practiced the art." She smiled upon seeing that the letters were in Ignan, though it was still far beyond her comprehension.

After a while she spoke up again. "Do you have a wife or partner, Master? Would she be upset to have me serve you?"

[Prehysterical]

Going among some of the kobolds, Vaex goes asking for his weapons back. While doing so, he keeps an eye out for Nyanta and Sharissa.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark coughs out loud and adjusts his collar. "A wife, or partner? No, I don't have anyone like that. There is...one woman...she's very special. But she and I aren't together or anything like that. If anything, she'd probably be relieved to know that I have someone to make sure I don't get myself killed while I'm on the road."

[Diachronos]

The kobolds return the weapons, and he finds Sharissa and Nyanta distributing food to the slaves in the courtyard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qari nods slowly and alows Stark to finish prepping his spells.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark takes some time to reflect, and after all is said and done, he closes his book and smiles. "Right! Let's play a game! Something that we can use to get to know everyone better...hmm, okay, how about Truth or Dare?" he suggests with a grin. "Here's how it works. Say it's my turn, I would ask someone in the group 'Truth or Dare?' and that person would choose. If they choose Truth, I ask them a personal or embarrassing question and they have to answer it honestly. If they choose Dare, I give them a funny or embarrassing task to complete that they have to complete and then it's the person on my left's turn. What do you think? Sound fun?"

[Prehysterical]

Walking up to Sharissa, Vaex comments, "I've heard that some of the slaves want to stay and try to turn this place legitimate. Personally, I think that the Sky-Guard are going to shut this place down for good. What do you think?"

[Diachronos]

"I think it sounds like fun." Tiana looks unsure, and from the look on Taalia's face she's not interested in whatever perverse things Stark might ask.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I heard from some of the older slaves that the place was nice before Arnen started keeping slaves in The Pits. If they let us, me and Nyanta want to try returning the resort to what it used to be."

[Prehysterical]

"So, does that mean that you are not coming with us? I don't care one way or the other, but I have to get the logistics planned out before we leave today."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark glances at Taalia and laughs. "Oh ye of little faith! Start us off then, Taalia. You can set the tone for the game. Besides, isn't the point of this little outing to help build trust between our new group members and our old ones?"

He glances up at her and solemnly touches his glove.

The expression and touching are meant to convey something similar to: "I trust you enough to share this dark secret with you."

[Diachronos]

"We're not sure yet. I want to talk to the captain and see if he'd allow us to stay and fix the place up, and I'd need to talk to him about that before we decide whether we're staying or leaving."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Taalia crosses her arms and smirks. "Fine then. Truth or dare, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks in surprise, pointing to himself. "Who, me? I just said it was about building trust between us and our new members, but okay then. I guess you can ask me something so they see how it works. Hold on though," He charges more power into his hand and gently touches Tiana's shoulder, refreshing the spell that improves her cognition.

"Alright then. Truth. Hit me with your best shot," he replies, opening his arms confidently.

[Prehysterical]

More waiting. Great. Instead, Vaex says, "Let me know when you come to a decision. In the meantime, I have some business to take care of." Vaex heads back to his room, feeding fuel into the fireplace.

[Diachronos]

Taalia grins. "Who's the girl that you were trying to impress back in the Tundra?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well talk to the captain when he comes back up."

Nyktox heads back up to the room with Vaex, sitting on the bed as Vaex starts readying everything for the fire. "Well, here's hoping that we don't run into any other surprises on the way to the Crater."

[Prehysterical]

Once the fire is stoked, Vaex places the egg within the fireplace. Perhaps today, it will get some good exposure. I have no idea if it gets stuffy in the pack. Vaex sits on the bed as well, replying, "You and me both. But ever since the day my tribe was wiped out, it has seemed to be one long, never-ending series of hiding, fighting, and running for me."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark reaches down the neck of his robe and pulls out a golden chain, revealing a locket. He takes the locket off his neck and opens the latch, handing it to Taalia. Inside is a picture of a young blonde human maiden with kind, sparkling blue eyes and a gentle smile. "Her name is Lux. She is a fellow mage in the Circle I come from. An abjurer."

"Well then, Tiana, it's your turn. Truth, or Dare?"

[Diachronos]

"Well, the egg seems to be doing fine so far, so... Even though the rest of your tribe gave their lives to protect it, that makes their sacrifice worth it, I'd say. At least they haven't died in vain." From his tone, he's trying to make his tribe's destruction as positive as he can without making light of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tiana looks up. (Abyssal) "D... Truth."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark thinks about that for a moment. "Where did you learn your martial arts? Did you have a master who taught you?"

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "I learned at a monastery. The master... I don't remember him very well, just that he was scaly and nice."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Scaly? I guess he must have been a kobold." He interprets her answer for the other two girls, and then extends his hand to her. "Go ahead, Tiana. You can ask any of us for a truth or dare."

[Prehysterical]

Frustration creeps into Vaex's voice. "The worst part is that, even when we get him safely to the Elder, I still won't be able to hang around and watch him hatch. This Corpse King business makes it sound like no one will be safe if I don't help ruin his plans. Which, of course, means that we will be far from the Crags when the magic moment happens. Being somewhere else when he first open his eyes and takes his first breath... It just doesn't feel right. If I had ever earned a privilege, it was being present when Forseti finally broke out of his shell. But no. It seems a cruel joke that I manage to hold onto the egg, but can do nothing for it."

[Diachronos]

Tiana looks over at Qari. (Abyssal) "Truth or dare?"

Qari thinks for a moment. "Truth."

(Abyssal) "Did you like being at the resort?"

After the translation, Qari stares at Tiana for a moment. "I... I guess I did, in a way. I mean... it's the only life I've known, so I don't have anything to compare it to." She looks at Taalia. "Truth or dare, Mistress?"

"Please don't call me that... Um... Truth, I guess."

"Do you have feelings for my Master?"

Taalia stares at the ifrit, before shaking her head and answering. "Not particularly. I consider him a friend and ally, but that's about it." She looks over at the arcanist. "What's your next choice, Stark?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Vaex finishes speaking, there is a loud cracking sound from the fireplace. Seemingly on its own, the egg begins to jostle back and forth, and small sounds can be heard coming from inside.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles as he sips some wine (not flames, actual wine) when Qari refers to Taalia as Mistress, only to gag and spit it out when she directly asks about Taalia and him.

"Some context here, Taalia and I only met a few days before today, Qari. She and I barely know each other," he explains.

When Taalia calls to him, he raises his eyes to meet hers. "Dare then," he replies, turning her question on its head and choosing to interpret it as choosing between truth or dare rather than choosing a woman to ask.

[Prehysterical]

For a second, Vaex stops breathing. It looks as though his very heart has stopped beating. This stillness is replaced by scurrying urgency as Vaex upends all of the treasure within the pack onto the floor of the room into a pile. He looks around frantically, completely caught off-guard. "Ohgodsohgodsohgods... I'm not ready! What do I do? What do I do?!" Remembering the magic ring that he has, Vaex reaches into the fire and plants the egg on top of the pile of coins and gems.

[Diachronos]

"I dare you to jump in the river."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyktox helps Vaex arrange the pile of gems and coins, and steps back as the egg is placed upon the heap. The egg continues to move back and forth, and small cracks begin to appear in the shell. The cracks continue to spread, until the egg finally shatters and sends bits of eggshell flying. A tiny, brass-scaled wyrmling remains among the shell and treasure, its legs quivering a little as it takes its first steps.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles and stands up. "Well then, I shall bid you fair ladies adieu," he answers, sweeping low in an exaggerated bow and handing Qari his spellbook before leaping into the river. He attempts to reach out and grab an object or at least push against the current to keep himself in place until Taalia tells him he can get out.

Swim check: [roll0]

[Prehysterical]

Tears flow freely down Vaex's snout. Pride and hope surge through his veins like dragon's fire. He refrains from immediately scooping up the wyrmling in his arms. Let him stand on his own feet. Let him enter the world with the dignity that a dragon deserves. So instead, he greets the newborn dragon. His voice catches in his throat as he says, "Si aldoer wux ekess wer treskri, Forseti."
"I welcome you to the world, Forseti."

[Diachronos]

It's quickly apparent that the current in the river is stronger than it looks, and Taalia's grin turns into a look of surprise when the mage gets swept off his feet. "Oh crap." She starts running downstream, and Tiana quickly moves to catch up with her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forseti sits upon the mound of gold and looks up at Vaex. "Vinxa. Wux re... Vaex, zlonzic? Wer ir svaust tepohaic shivia ve?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark opens his mouth to try and cast a spell, but the water quickly rushes into it and he starts to choke, moving one hand to his mouth which speeds up the current's carrying even more. Stark opens his eyes just in time to see a large rock in his way, which he bangs his head against with a sickening crack, and as the water turns red with his blood he drifts away into unconsciousness as he is swept down the river and begins to sink below the rapids.

[Prehysterical]

Hearing his name come from the hatchling's mouth erodes the last piece of Vaex's restraint. He picks the wyrmling up in a close hug and whispers, "Yes, it's me. Have you... Have you been listening this whole time?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia and Tiana manage to pass Stark on the way down, and they fish Stark out of the water when he passes by them. Taalia presses her hand against the wound on his head, but when he doesn't wake she promptly starts CPR to get him breathing again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forseti nods and nuzzles against Vaex as the kobold hugs him. "Yes, I have. I've been able to hear pretty much everything for the past few weeks."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's eyes open after a moment, with Taalia's lips pressed against his. His arms flail wildly and knock her off him as he rolls over onto the ground and starts coughing up water. After a few moments he wipes his lips and slowly gets back to his feet. "You...you saved me," he says, staring at her. "Th-thank you, Taalia. I appreciate that."

[Prehysterical]

Genuine laughter greets the wyrmling's statement. "Then you know that we have been saving up for you, and been through quite a lot together." Vaex tilts his head at the tiny hoard present on the floor. "It's not much, but it's a start. Of course, we will have to wait a little while to get you a proper lair. First, we have to go pay a visit to the Elder. He very much wants to meet you."

[Diachronos]

Qari catches up to the three of them as Stark wakes up, her cheeks reddening at the sight of Taalia's lips against her Master's.

Taalia is blushing a little as well as she backs off from him. "No problem. But I think we're done playing Truth or Dare now."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It will do for now." He squirms out of Vaex's arms and lands back in the pile, a content sigh escaping him as he burrows into the pile of treasure. "How far are we from the Elder?"

[Prehysterical]

"A day or two, I believe. The cart really cuts down on our travel time." Vaex stops speaking as his eyes widen in realization. Balling his fists and banging them against the side of his head, crest raised in agitation, Vaex shouts, "Apsu have mercy on me! You just hatched; you need food!" Vaex bolts out of the room and glides down the stairs, racing to see if Sharissa and Nyanta have any food left.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods slowly. "Er, well, yes. We can stop. Shall we, ahem, head back to the resort then?" he mutters, uncharacteristically flustered.

[Diachronos]

Nyanta and Sharissa don't have much left, but they readily hand over the meat and bread that remains after they'd finished tending to the other slaves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The girls nod in agreement. On the way back, Qari grabs onto Stark's arm and holds onto him as they walk, and a moment later Tiana does the same with his other arm.

[Prehysterical]

"Thankyou!" Vaex is in such a rush that the words blur together as he runs back to the room with his spoils.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks down at the two girls. "Girls, I'm glad you were worried, but I'm fine, really. I'm sorry to have scared you both, but it turned out for the best so there's no need to be upset..."

[Diachronos]

Vaex returns to find Forseti chewing on a hunk of jerky. He looks up as the kobold returns, his nostrils flaring as he catches the scent of the food that Vaex carries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The two of them look at him. "I know, Master. But... can we walk the rest of the way like this? Please?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks helplessly between Qari and Tiana. "(Abyssal) Is that what you want too?"

[Prehysterical]

Gently lowering the food so that Forseti can get to it himself, Vaex looks up at Nyktox and asks, "Did you give him some of your rations?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana's cheeks redden and she nods.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyktox points to the open pack of rations beside him on the bed as the hatchling begins devouring the bread and meat that Vaex brought back. "I didn't know how long it would take you to find something for him, so I gave him a little to hold him over."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and consents, letting both women cling on to him as they head back to the resort. When they get there, he sighs and gently pulls his arms free. "Qari, take Tiana inside and make sure you're both packed up. I need to speak to Taalia alone for a minute."

Once the two girls are inside, Stark turns his gaze expectantly towards her. "That was...dangerous. How did you know your CPR would work? I understand that your power isn't quite as...expressed as your mother's, but you're still a vampire, what if you had accidentally drained some of my energy through my lips? I'm not saying that I'm not grateful, I'm just surprised you made that split decision instead of instructing Tiana on how to resuscitate me."

[Prehysterical]

"Then you have my thanks."Sitting down, Vaex says to Forseti, "So, have you been talking with clutch-brother Nyktox?"

[Diachronos]

The two girls look at Stark for a moment, before reluctantly heading upstairs.

Taalia crosses her arms as Stark questions her. "I'm a dhampir, not a vampire. I don't like bright sunlight, and certain healing and offensive magic affects me as if I were undead, but that's where my similarities to a vampire end. I could have my hands on you for hours at a time and it wouldn't affect you in that way at all. Besides, you almost drowned, I wasn't going to take the time to teach Qari or Tiana how to do something that I already knew how to do."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forseti nods as he gulps down a wad of bread. "Yes, he tells me that we are not in the world that you or my mother were hatched in."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "I see. That makes sense. Well, thank you again for saving me. Though, it hardly seems fair. Now I owe you a favor. Well, at least I can partially return your treatment." He steps forward and gives her a small kiss on the lips, before turning and heading back into the resort and downstairs to check on Nyktox and Vaex.

When Stark arrives in the dungeons he asks the Sky-Guards if they've seen the greenblood.

[Prehysterical]

"That is correct, young one. We are both from a world called Golarion, but the world that we are currently in is called Ves'perix. Things are very different here, but you will have a fresh start. Dragons live very well in the Crags."

[Diachronos]

Taalia's face turns bright red, and she stares after Stark as he heads to look for Vaex.

Stark runs into the captain downstairs, who is standing in the doorway as an elderly kobold casts something over the corpses of Arnen and his drow slave. ""They returned upstairs after we freed..." His frill rises in agitation. "They were keeping a sovereign dragon captive in the arena. It has been released, though, and is returning to the monastery where it lives."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forseti is quiet for a moment. "Where will you go after we get to the Crags?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's eyes widen. "A dr- no, you know what? I'd rather hear it from him."

Stark heads upstairs and starts looking for Vaex.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex's head hangs a little as he responds, "Once we meet with the Elder, I will have to go back to the Veiled Tundra. There is a great evil ready to fall on this world, and I must help foil its plans. In the meantime, you can find a nice, warm home in the Crags and start your hoard. Live the life of a normal dragon, safe from any peril."

[Diachronos]

Forseti growls and shakes his head, stamping his feet. "No, I'm not going to stay here! I'm staying with you!"

Stark heads upstairs and finds Vaex and Nyktox in one of the rooms... and there is a brass dragon wyrmling apparently throwing a tantrum on top of a pile of coins and gems.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Is that...that is! A dragon! Vaex, did the egg you were carrying hatch?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex is not prepared for a dragon's first tantrum. Stark's appearance comes as a welcome distraction. "Er, yes! Stark, say hello to Forseti. Forseti, this is Stark the mage."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks at the introduction. "Well, I suppose it's a welcome change from 'fireslinger'." He approaches the wyrmling, but keeps a safe distance. "(Draconic) A majestic creature indeed. It's a pleasure to meet you, Forseti."

[Diachronos]

Forseti looks at stark with curiosity. (Draconic) "Nice to meet you as well." His attention promptly turns back to Vaex. "If you're leaving the Crags, then I am too!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks in surprise. "Leaving the Crags? I thought we were going to see the Elder first?"

[Prehysterical]

Sighing in exasperation, Vaex replies, "We are going to see the Elder. I promised that I would. It's just that... I'm trying to explain to Forseti it would be a lot safer for him to stay in the Crags than come back with us to the Tundra. You can see the logic in that, right?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark laughs at that. "Absolutely not. Dragons require an extensive connection to arcane magic in order to grow properly. Strong exposure to the Weave is like a mother's milk to them. The Tundra is a much better place to raise a dragon."

[Diachronos]

"I don't care where we go, as long as I stay with Vaex. You worked hard to get me here, I'm not going to just let you run off without me!"

[Prehysterical]

Eyes slitting in anger and crest raised, Vaex hisses at Stark, "You're not helping! Brasses require heat. Guess what the Tundra doesn't have, jackass!"

Taking a moment to compose himself, Vaex says to Forseti, "I can't tell you to do anything. That's not allowed. But at least promise me that you'll at least talk to the Elder about it when we see him. Please?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. "The Tundra has plenty of heat. Or have you forgotten?" he asks, snapping his finger and creating a small ball of fire which does indeed give off substantial heat. "It sounds like he wants to come with you, Vaex. He's a living creature who is capable of making his own decisions."

[Diachronos]

"I will if I must, but I don't think I'll be sticking around if you're leaving." Forseti burrows back into his pile of treasure, with only his eyes and tail sticking out.

[Prehysterical]

"Well, I suppose that's the best response that I can hope for. Stark, where is Taalia? I haven't seen her all day."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grins at the question. "Oh, I took her and the other girls for a walk by the river. As far as I know, she's still standing outside the inn, lost in thought. Would you like me to go fetch her for you?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex holds up a placating hand. "No no, just... trying to get everything organized. We have myself, Forseti, Nyktox, Taalia, the new girls, and potentially Sharissa, her child, and the cook Nyanta coming with us to Wyrmskull Crater. One wagon is not going to be enough for all of those. Sharissa told me that there were supply wagons in the back of the resort that we might be able to use. With everyone scattered around this place, it's getting a little hard to coordinate, especially when three of the people won't give me an answer."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark laughs. "Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. I'll get Taalia and see if we can't get the women who we know are coming organized and onto the carts then. I'll leave the other three to you. But the longer you take, the more daylight we lose." He waves and heads downstairs and outside, looking for Taalia.

[Prehysterical]

"Oh, believe me, I am painfully aware."

Hopping up onto his feet, Vaex tells Forseti, "I have to go meet with some people. Hopefully, it won't take too long. Feel free to relax and eat, for we'll be on the road soon enough."

[Diachronos]

Stark finds Taalia helping with the wagons behind the resort. Her face turns bright red when she turns around and sees Stark. "Oh... what are the kobolds up to?"
~~~~~~~
As Vaex and Nyktox leave to meet with the undecided refugees, Forseti scampers after them.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "Vaex's egg hatched into a brass wyrmling. They're trying to see whether Sharissa and her crew want to come with us or stay here. And I'm here to help you secure all the other women for the trip to the nearby city. So, what do you need help with?"

[Prehysterical]

Seeing that the wyrmling has it in his mind to accompany them, Vaex knows better than to waste his breath on telling him to stay put. "If you're going to come with us, at least let me put the hoard back up. No sense in having it stolen from underneath our snouts because we were careless." So saying, Vaex takes the time to scoop the treasure into the sack before going back down the stairs, Nyktox and Forseti in tow.

[Diachronos]

"The egg hatched? Really?" She sighs and rubs her temples. "I thought we had more time before that was going to happen... anyway, right now I'm just trying to make sure there's enough space for both the supplies and the passengers."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyktox helps gather up the treasure and pour it into the bag, and once it's all put away Forseti clambers up onto Vaex's shoulder.

Sharissa and Nyanta are with Rah'zhan when Vaex and Nyktox find them, and they all stare in surprise at the brass wyrmling on the greenblood's shoulder.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "Alright, well, if you don't need any help I guess I'll go check on Qari and Tiana," He pauses to see if she speaks up, and if she doesn't he'll go inside and head upstairs.

[Diachronos]

The two girls are in Stark's room packing up his belongings, with Qari directing Tiana on how to fold and put everything away. The ifrit bows as he enters. "Your things are already packed for you, Master."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark raises an eyebrow. "Oh wow. Thank you, Qari. Tiana. That was really nice, but you didn't have to that for me, you know." He smiles.

[Diachronos]

She smiles at him. "Oh, no, Master. It would not do for me to leave you to pack for yourself when it is my duty to serve you." Tiana snorts and sits on the bed, crossing her arms; at some point she'd removed the ties in her hair, so it was now hanging freely around her shoulders.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark turns to the tiefling girl and smiles. " (Abyssal) Tiana, you can take off that blouse now. You like the corset, right? That's all you need to wear if you're uncomfortable in everything else."

Glancing back at Qari, he tilts his head with worry. "Say...Qari, why are you so interested in my love life, anyway? Asking if I had a wife or partner, asking if Lux would be upset about you, asking about Taalia and I...is there something you're not telling me?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana doesn't need any more encouragement than that, and she promptly pulls off the blouse. The corset is straightened and properly laced, unlike earlier that morning.

Qari blushes a little. "I'd thought that when I became your slave, I would be tending to your more intimate needs as well. I recalled that some of the men I serviced had said something about hoping their wives never found out what they were doing, and I didn't want to cause you any trouble if there was a woman in your life who would be upset by my serving you."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles uneasily and rubs the back of his head. "Ah. Well, you don't need to worry about that. I don't have any intention of ordering you to do anything like that. I plan to take care of you and show you a world where men don't use and abuse women for their pleasure, that's the only reason I want you to come with me." He smiles warmly at her and then picks up the discarded blouse, folds it, and places it in one of his bags. "(Abyssal) You seemed upset at the river today. Withdrawn, and nervous. Was it just because you were outside, or do you have a problem with Taalia?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana shakes her head. (Abyssal) "Just... trying to remember."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sits down next to Tiana and wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. "(Abyssal) It's okay. Just give it time. Your memories will come back, slowly. For now, the only thing that really matters is that you're alive and I'll never let another person tie you up or whip you ever again. If anyone comes anywhere near you with that intent, I'll roast them to a crisp." He strokes her hair softly and lets her go, standing up.

"Qari, I'm going to go make sure that the preparations are going smoothly. Can you take care of loading the bags into the cart?" He smiles when she answers and says, "Good girl."

Heading back outside, Stark will sneak up behind Taalia and clasp his hands over her eyes. "Guess who?" he whispers.

Stealth: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

Taalia jumps and elbows him in the stomach, her hand on the hilt of her rapier as she spins around to face him. "You know, if you don't want people to think you're a pervert or a creep, you should probably start by not acting like one."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark slowly gets his wind back and laughs at her. "Sorry. Couldn't help myself. Anyway I promised your mother I'd make sure you were safe, and if you're so out of it that even I can sneak up on you, you need a bodyguard while you're out here."

He brushes his shocking red hair out of his eyes and leans against the wall of the resort, his eyes scanning the area for signs of danger, watching everything but her.

[Prehysterical]

As they approach, Vaex realizes with an internal sigh that introductions are in order. "Everyone, this is Forseti. He is my ward.

Forseti, these are Sharissa, Nyanta, and Captain Rah'zhan of the Sky-Guard. Sharissa, where is your daughter?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia frowns and starts heading inside. "Everything's just about in order. Once Vaex and Nyktox are ready, we can head out. As long as the captain is fine with it, at least."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rha'zhan gives a respectful bow to the hatchling, while Nyanta and Sharissa just stare blankly until Sharissa is addressed. "Nina? She's helping some of the other girls gather up any clothes and blankets that we missed." She smiles at Vaex. "Good news! Captain Rah'zhan is going to let us reopen Ixenpab Resort after the Pits are cleared out!"

The catfolk nods in agreement. ""We'll have to stay elsewhere while they're doing that, but if we can find a trustworthy investor during that time we should be able to get the place running again soon after we're allowed back in."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark follows her inside. "Great." He starts looking around for Nyktox or Vaex to see what else needs to be done before they can leave.

[Diachronos]

Stark and Taalia find Vaex, Nyktox, and the newly-hatched Forseti talking with the Sky-Guard captain, Sharissa, and Nyanta in the lobby.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grins. "Oh hey, Sharissa! Congratulations on your freedom. Have you decided if you want to come with us or not?"

[Prehysterical]

"Hmmm...." Vaex considers Sharissa's words thoughtfully. "How much of an initial investment would you need?"

[Diachronos]

"Well, we'd need to restock the place, plus hire new staff and possibly renovate the basements... I'm guessing about 6000 gold altogether if we need to start everything from scratch. If Arnen's suppliers are willing to keep doing business with us, it should lower the price a bit, but we won't know for sure until we've had a chance to meet with them."

Taalia thinks for a moment. "He might ask for a few changes to be made, but my uncle Khamer may be interested in sponsoring the resort. He's a member of the Veiled Tundra's royal family, so that kind of sponsorship might help get business going a bit faster." She notes the worried looks on their faces at the mention of Khamer. "Don't worry, he's a bit of an oddball but he's a kind person with a good head for investing."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Well, I gave you some gold from the 50,000 we found. Here. Let me give you some more, and hopefully that will end up being enough." He reaches into his pocket, removes 5000 gold, and hands it to Sharissa. "There, that should do the trick, right?"

[Prehysterical]

As Stark hands over the gold, Vaex looks at it wide-eyed. "...Where did you find that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark glances at Vaex. "Oh? Oh right! I'm so sorry, I completely forgot to tell you. I found some more gold in Arnen's safe. The Sky Guard won't be interested in that, because it was just part of Arnen's personal possessions. Here, here's your share." He hands another 5000 gold to Nyktox and Vaex.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex's eyes gleam with draconic greed as Stark hands over the gold. He smiles happily as he starts scooping it into the magic sack. He stops short, however, and hands over a thousand gold pieces over to Sharissa and Nyanta. "There, now you have six thousand. I hope that you are able to wipe away the stain from this place."

[Diachronos]

Sharissa stares at the gold in her hands, then at Stark and Vaex. "It should, but... are you sure? You've already given us our freedom, we can't ask you to give up your wealth on top of that."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark waves a hand airily. "Our wealth? We got this from a single night's work freeing captured prisoners. We're adventurers, my lady, wealth piles up when you spend all your time stopping the rich and the evil from doing horrible things. We'll probably make that back again by the end of the week. And if I can use my hard day's earnings to help start a new life for someone in need, I'm happy to do so."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex holds up a finger to point out, "This is not purely charity, though I do hope that you succeed. What this is is an investment. Forseti here needs to build up his hoard, and now is an excellent opportunity to teach him that not all gold has to be sat on. Of course, we will wait until your business is up and running before discussing details."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. "Have it your way, Vaex. My portion is certainly charity. I wish you ladies the best of luck. Now Vaex, we really need to get going."

[Prehysterical]

"Yes, indeed. Good luck to you all."

After they say goodbye, Vaex explains as they walk away, "It's not my gold anymore. I am simply investing it on Forseti's behalf. He is my greatest concern, so I look out for his interests first."

[Diachronos]

Nyanta closes the woman's hand around the pouch of gold and smiles at Vaex and Stark. "We can't thank you enough for your kindness. Once this place is running again, you four will always be welcome here."

Sharissa nods. "Yes, we'd be happy to have you all here again someday."

Rah'zhan clears his throat and steps forward. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we had best finish preparations for moving everyone out. The holding pens in the arena need to be cleared out and the area secured, and we need to arrange for lodgings and transportation for the freed slaves." Nyanta and Sharissa nod and leave to see to the other preparations, and Rah'zhan turns to Vaex and the others. "I believe everything is cleared up enough that you all are free to leave when you are ready. I'll see to it that your efforts are noted in the reports of this incident, and send word ahead to announce your arrival at the Crater."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grins. "Ugh, finally! No offense, girls, but I am glad to be out of here. This place is a little dark for my tastes now." He waves and heads outside to find Qari and Tiana. "Ladies, are you ready to head out?"

[Diachronos]

Qari and Tiana are putting the group's things away into the wagon. As he comes out, Tiana finishes putting Stark's bag into the back and sits down beside it. Tiana turns to him with a smile. "Yes, Master, we are ready to leave."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sits between the two girls, pulling out his spellbook and looking it over, checking for any signs of splashing from the river.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex flaps his wings and takes up his customary position on top of the wagon, crossbow locked and loaded. "You ready for a little traveling, Forseti?"

[Diachronos]

Forseti nods as Nyktox climbs into his normal seat and Taalia joins Stark and the other girls in the back. After a quick headcount to make sure everyone is aboard, Nyktox gets the wagon going, and they are waved through by the guards posted at the entrance to the next tunnel. There is little to accost the group as they proceed toward their destination. None of the passing travelers pay them much mind aside from exchanging friendly greetings, and the few wild creatures that show any aggression toward them are weak enough to be dispatched easily or docile enough that they back down once the group passes by.

After a couple days of travel, the road lets out once more into open air, but this time they exit out into a massive crater. The scorched black rock is pockmarked here and there with faintly glowing steam vents or blooming plants, and in the distance perhaps an hour away lies a massive city of volcanic rock. In the middle of the city lies a pair of obsidian spires, which from this angle resemble a dragon's head emitting smoke into the sky.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark whistles as the city comes into view. "Now that must be our destination," he comments. Things had been, well, awkward to say the least since he and Taalia had kind of just swept the whole kiss under the rug. Still, he had done his best to act mostly normal and hadn't brought it up or mentioned it to anyone so he reasoned that if Taalia wasn't interested at least she wasn't offended or upset by his forwardness.

He climbs out to the front, eager to get out of the cramped back seat and scans the horizon, taking in a breath of the air. "Oh wow...the air smells like soot, ash and flame. Maybe I should get a summer home here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark turns back to the girls and smiles. "The view is pretty awesome out here Taalia. You should come take a look it's..." his eyes fall on her face and a small blush spreads across his cheeks, "...beautiful."

[Prehysterical]

While others are taking in the landscape, Vaex's eyes dart from place to place across the landscape. Nothing is going to get the drop on them. Not when they're this close.
[roll0]

[Diachronos]

Taalia's face turns bright red, and she quietly excuses herself before climbing out of the back of the wagon. Qari leans over and wraps her arms around Stark's arm, with her head resting on his shoulder.

Vaex sees nothing outwardly hostile on the plains. A few vents are jetting steam here and there, but it seems to be the only immediate hazard in sight, and an easily avoidable one at that. Above, a handful of dragons can be seen flying among the smoke emitting from the mountaintops, though they appear to pay no mind to what is going on below. Beyond the pillar of smoke rising from the draconic spires...

Lies another tower, appearing exactly like the one that Vaex had entered shortly after waking up in Ves'Perix.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex's eyes widen as he sees the Tower. "Uh... Taalia!" He calls out to the princess. "You need to come look at this!

Is that it, Nyktox? Is that the tower that you told me about?"

[Diachronos]

The princess' face is still beet-red as she comes out, but the color drains and her mouth falls open at the sight of the tower. "A-another one? But... why is there one here too?"

The brassblood nods. "Yes. It appeared out of nowhere, and the earthquake it caused when it rose up nearly made the city break loose and fall into the volcano."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex's scaly brow lowers in anger. "I don't know... But I'll bet my tail that I can get in there and we can get some answers. But there is one thing that has been bugging me...

The towers are linked to the Corpse King, that much we know, but apparently dragon's blood is the key to opening the doors. Why would that be?"

[Diachronos]

"That I'm not sure about. For all we know the Towers aren't connected at all, and the cultists are just using them as a foundation for their ritual."

[Prehysterical]

"Yet another question for the Elder. The Tundra's tower linked me with him, so perhaps if we can do the same with this one, the answers may become clearer."

[Diachronos]

Taalia nods in agreement, as does Nyktox. "We should probably speak with the Elder first, he may have gained some insight into the Towers' nature or figured out some way inside."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark stares at the tower in confusion. "What is this thing? You say it connected you to the Elder?"

Detect Magic: Spellcraft: [roll0]

[Prehysterical]

"I have no objections to that. No way that I am going to journey this far and not see the Elder. No kobold that I ever heard of in Golarion was ever so blessed."

[Diachronos]

Stark detects no magic aside from the belongings that they already carry.

Taalia climbs on top of the wagon with Vaex, shielding her eyes from the sun as she looks up at the tower. "It's the Tower of Xileria, Stark. Or... something similar to it, at least. My uncle's been investigating the one in the Tundra ever since it appeared, but with all of the research he's done there hasn't been any progress in figuring out what its purpose is. I'm assuming that something similar is going to happen with this one, if they're anything alike."

[Prehysterical]

"When I entered the tower with Khamer, it transported me to some unknown space where I was able to speak with the Elder. That's why I came to here in the first place. At the time, he could not think of the towers' purpose, but perhaps he has been able to discover a few things."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "Alright, then. We'll go see the Elder. We should probably find a place where Qari and Tiana can wait, after all, the Elder probably barely received word that I was joining you, let alone them. I'm sure he's not expecting a big audience, so if we can find an inn or something, the girls can wait there, and Nyktox, Vaex, Taalia and I can go see the Elder."

[Diachronos]

Taalia nods in agreement. "I'm sure there will be an inn of some kind in the city. We'll need to get there first, though." Nyktox flicks the reins and gets the horses moving again. "Do you think he'll want to see all of us?"

[Prehysterical]

"I honestly can't say, Nyktox. The only people that I know for sure that he will want to see are myself, Forseti, and Taalia. As for you and Stark, I suppose it depends on how magnanimous he is feeling. I only spoke with him for a short time, so I don't know him well enough to make a decent guess."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "Ah, fair point. Well, he certainly wants to see Vaex and if Vaex is going then Forseti is as well. Taalia should likely make an appearance as well. I guess I don't need to go, I likely wouldn't be able to offer much input that Taalia couldn't. I'm sure Nyktox would be welcome though."

Shrugging, he smiles back at the girls. "Fair enough then. I'll sit it out. Tiana and Qari and I can check out the city and see what kinds of cool things are here."

[Diachronos]

"Alright. We'll find an inn once we get to the city, then check into meeting with the Elder."

The party arrives at the city early in the evening. As expected, it's packed with kobolds, most of them busy with one task or another. Forseti crawls into Vaex's backpack, keeping out of sight as the group travels toward the heart of the city. After some time, they locate a small inn nestled between a smithy and a butcher; the sign is smeared with soot, making the establishment's name impossible to determine.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark enters the establishment, glancing around at the patrons before smiling and walking up to the innkeeper. "Good evening. I need..." he counts on his fingers, "Well, either three or four rooms. Let's see...I guess Tiana and I can stay in one room, and Qari and Taalia can rest in the other. Just three rooms then, please."

[Diachronos]

Taalia shakes her head. "Uh, no. You can share a room with Vaex and Nyktox, Tiana and Qari can share a room with me. So we only need-"

The kobold behind the counter shakes his head. (Draconic) "Two per room, that's the limit."

Qari frowns and wraps herself around Stark's arm again. "I have to be nearby in case my Master needs me, I should share a room with him."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark groans. "Just give us the three rooms then, we'll sort out who's sleeping where when we get to that point." No point in starting an argument when there was an Elder to deal with.

[Prehysterical]

"You can sort that out. We have a meeting with the Elder. Come, Taalia, we should go see him while there is still light." Vaex is visibly impatient now that they are in the Crater.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "Right then. See you when you get back." He heads over to a table with the girls and sits down, taking in the locals.

Perception to notice anyone out of the ordinary: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The only people who seem out of place are a handful of non-kobolds, though from their garb and demeanor they appear to be travelling merchants of some sort.

Taalia and Nyktox head out with Vaex, but run into a young-looking kobold just outside the inn. "Are you... Vaex, Nyktox, and Taalia?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex looks at the kobold suspiciously. "Yes... And you are?"
[roll0]

[Diachronos]

The kobold bows quickly, a relieved look on his face. "Ah, good, the Elder told me to hurry before I missed you. He asked... wait... weren't there supposed to be seven in your group?" He looks around and then behind them. "He said there'd be a human, a fire-kin and a fiend-kin, and a brass wyrmling with you."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark orders a drink for himself and for Qari, and some water for Tiana.

"(Abyssal) The world is pretty big, huh? Even just getting from one part of the Crags to another took us three days in a wagon, but since then you've seen so much. Are you okay? Have you had any nightmares, or anything bad happen to you?" He gives the tiefling a worried glance.

After their drinks arrive, he smiles and knocks his glass with Qari's. "Qari, I understand that you want to be close by, but Tiana should be staying in a room with someone who can understand her if there's a problem. I'm the only person who speaks her language. I have to sleep with her tonight."

[Prehysterical]

Surprised by the kobold's response, Vaex quickly replies, "Er, yes. Hang on a moment."

Scurrying back to the door, Vaex says, "Don't get comfortable, you three. Apparently, you have also been summoned to speak with the Elder. Be quick!"

[Diachronos]

Tiana shakes her head, though her hand remains on the glass without making any attempt to lift it. (Abyssal) "No nightmares, but... no dreams, either."

Qari pouts a little at Stark's explanation, but she doesn't say anything about it. Her eyes take on a faint green glow, and she seems to focus intently on Stark's drink for a few seconds.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark raises an eyebrow. "Why would - eh, never mind. Come on girls, let's get going before Vaex has an aneurysm." He sighs and sets his drink down, barely touched. Drawing a cigarette from his pack, he ignites it and takes a long drag, closing his eyes as he exhales. He burns the rest of it up in his hand and heads out with the others.

[Diachronos]

The two of them get up and head outside with Stark. Once the kobold sees the full group (and Forseti's head sticking out of Vaex's pack), he nods and motions for them to follow as he starts leading them deeper into the city, toward the obsidian spires they'd seen upon entering the crater. "Come on, the Elder said he wanted to see you all!"

[Prehysterical]

As they walk, Vaex asks, "How did you find us so quickly? We just entered the city."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Does the Elder even speak Abyssal?" Stark mutters, too quietly for the kobold to hear him. This was ridiculous, Tiana and Qari had nothing to do with this egg or the spires, they were victims in a tragic sex trafficking that was taking place in the Elder's region. He clenches his right fist and ignores the pain shooting to his birthmark.

Looking over at Tiana, Stark frowns and takes her hand, squeezing it tightly. He does the same to Qari, and gives them both an encouraging smile. They would be fine as long as he was there to protect them. Looking down at the ring that now rested on his finger, Stark knew, he was going to need a lot more power to protect them from everything. But he'd find a way. After all, the hero always wins in the end.

[Diachronos]

The young one looks over his shoulder to answer, which results in him nearly tripping over loose cobblestones every few steps. "He foresaw it, and sent me out to meet up with you when you arrived."

The two girls squeeze Stark's hands gently when he takes their hands.

[Prehysterical]

When the messenger makes such an obvious statement, Vaex can't help but feel a little foolish for asking such a question. He sees with the eyes of Past and Future... How could he not know that we are coming? He decides to keep his mouth shut and avoid further embarrassment.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark continues to walk with the rest of them towards the spires. "So, who is this person, anyway? Some powerful kobold mystic, I take it?" he asks Vaex.

[Prehysterical]

"In all honesty, you are asking the wrong person. Dahak's breath, I'm sure that Nyktox knows more.

What I do know is that the Elder is blessed with special sight by the Twin Dragon. He can see into the past and the future. One eye contains all the metal colors, while the other encompasses all of the chromatic. But even he, with this gods-given insight, still cannot discern the function of these towers. That is something that concerns me greatly."

[Diachronos]

Nyktox pipes up at Stark's question. "He is blessed by the Twins of Time, with eyes that see both the past and the future."

The young kobold leads them up to the base of the spires, where a small group of kobolds with distinct draconic features stand guard with spears and axes. The young one has a quick word with them, and they step aside to let the party inside, though two break off to remain alongside them. They are led down a sloping, spiraling ramp that descends into the ground, and far down in the center of the spiral the faint glow of magma can be seen.

[Prehysterical]

As they descend deeper into the spire, Vaex becomes concerned about the temperature increase from the nearing magma. "Taalia, do you need to borrow my ring of fire? I don't want you getting heat stroke from being down here."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's eyes light up at the presence of magma. "Hmm..this certainly seems like a natural habitat for a wyrmling brass dragon. Still, to build a lair inside of a volcano, this Elder of yours is quite the eccentric. Though I must say, I approve."

[Diachronos]

Taalia shakes her head, though she does wipe sweat from her brow and loosen the neckline of her tunic a little bit. "No, I'm fine for now. Thanks though."

Nyktox looks over at Stark with a frown. "This is the closest place in all of Ves'Perix to Thuri and Dov. Where else would their prophet make his lair?"

Tiana perks up a little at the mention of the gods of time. (Abyssal) "Are we going to meet them?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex looks over at Nyktox in surprise. "Wait, Thuri and Dov live inside the world?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark shakes his head. "(Abyssal) Sorry to disappoint you, Tiana, but no one here is important enough to warrant a god's direct attention."

"I'll give you that it makes sense for the Elder to reside close to his gods," he continues, looking over at Nyktox, "but that doesn't mean he necessarily has the constitution for it. After all, with a name like 'Elder', this guy has to be getting on in years, and kobolds aren't exactly known for their ability to tolerate harsh conditions very well."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex snorts derisively at Stark's comment. "Shows what you know. Kobolds are often able to survive in places most warmbloods can't. Besides, while it is true that we do grow weaker as we age, one doesn't survive to reach the title of 'Elder' without being smarter and tougher than usual."

[Diachronos]

"Not quite. From my understanding of the legends, the gods used to live on Ves'Perix and walk among their worshipers, but they decided to shed their mortal forms and leave this plane. The part of the legend about the Twins says that They dove into this volcano when they left this world, and the power in their bodies made the volcano go dormant and created the spires up above us."

The brassblood turns his frown back toward Stark. "The Elder is gifted with more than just sight. He has lived longer than any of us here, and will likely continue to live after we have perished."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "An immortal, huh?" he says after a moment of silence, his eyes grazing the princess for a brief second. "I see. Well, I look forward to meeting him then."

[Diachronos]

The temperature continues to increase as they descend deeper, until the ramp finally levels out. Another set of guards waits in front of an ornate door of adamantine. The guards all ready their weapons. (Draconic) "Who are these warmbloods? Why have you brought-"

A voice echoes through the hall, cutting off the guard who had spoken up and making Nyktox and the girls jump. "Si tepoha lasaua astahi. Shala astahi ekess dolruth."

I have summoned them. Allow them to pass.


The guards look at each other before stepping back, and two of them pull open the door that they were guarding.

[Prehysterical]

Stepping forward into the doorway without missing a beat, Vaex says, "Fekiikiri, Tilabil. Si mi saeuth ekess tafiaf wux persvek xiekiv sva annyo."
"Greetings, Elder. I am glad to meet you in person at last."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Wait....I'm beginning to think that word has some racist connotations..."

As they walk through the door, Stark bows politely. "An honor to meet you, my Lord Elder. I am Stark Frostfell, at your service."

[Diachronos]

As the doors swing open, the room beyond can be seen. An obsidian and marble walkway leads from the door to a raised dais, and each side of the walkway is lined with statues of dragons; the statues on the left each depict a metallic dragon, and the statues on the right representing the chromatic dragons. Each statue is wrought from metal or gemstones, with the metal or gem color perfectly matching the dragon depicted by the statue, and the statues are so realistic that they could just as easily be living dragons frozen in time.

Approaching on the walkway is an old and frail-looking kobold, garbed in a silk robe trimmed to resemble dragon scales and holding a bone staff topped with an hourglass; the hourglass is fashioned in the form of two entwined dragons, one chromatic and one metallic. The most prominent oddity of the kobold is his skin and physical features, which seem to constantly shift between those of the chromatic and metallic dragons.

"It is an honor to meet each of you as well. I am Unahzaaljun, though you may call me by another name or simply 'Elder' if you prefer." He steps aside and motions with his free hand for them to enter the hall. "Please, come this way. There is much for us to discuss, and I'm sure you all wish to relax for a bit after coming so far."

[Prehysterical]

As they walk, Vaex whispers to his pack, "Forseti, say hello to the Elder. He has been excited to meet you."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and steps forward with the others. "There is much for us to discuss indeed, Elder. I will be translating for my friend here. She can understand, but cannot speak, the Common tongue."

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "No need, young Frostfell. I am aware of her condition, and am prepared to make things as easy for her as possible."

Forseti timidly peeks out of the backpack and climbs up onto the greenblood's shoulder.

The Elder leads them into the hall and to the dais. Atop it is a lounge area, piled with colorful cushions and with a low table laden with fresh food and drink. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. We'll take some time to get acquainted before getting down to business."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex isn't entirely comfortable with just sitting down and relaxing. The matter of the towers could not really wait. But he was in the Elder's domain, and so must respect his wishes.

Vaex sits down on one of the smaller cushions, offering a bit of weasel cheese for Forseti to sample.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grins and sits down at the table. "Wow, look at this spread!" He digs in eagerly, reminded that he never actually got his dinner last night, and takes a long sip of the wine, wishing he could ignite it but not wanting to be rude. "So, Elder, why exactly..." Stark swallows and looks up at the kobold, "were you interested in meeting me?"

[Diachronos]

Forseti hungrily devours the cheese as the Elder addresses Stark's question. "Thuri and Dov reveal many secrets to me, young man. While it is usually something that requires meditation to fully understand, Their message was quite clear this time: you all are important to the events transpiring with the Towers. You in particular are connected to the Tower outside of this city, as is the power bonded to your body and soul."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "The tower outside the city, you say? And would I be granted access to this tower? I'd like to explore it."

[Diachronos]

"I do not know how the tower must be entered, only that it has barred all of our attempts to enter it. I was given a vision of you approaching the doors of the tower and them opening, but the vision showed little else." He pointed to Stark's gloved hand. "My guess is that it has to do with the symbol you conceal on your wrist."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's eyes widen. He grips his wrist and his eyes darken. "This symbol? But...it's unique. It's a birthmark. The only one like it in the world. Are you seriously suggesting that this tower is locked and only I can open it? Why? I'm just a simple mage from humble beginnings with no special talents or knowledge."

[Diachronos]

"That is where you are wrong. Humble beginnings you may have, but you possess a greater power than most could hope to achieve. Whether this power will prove to be a boon to you or a curse... that remains to be seen. And from what Vaex has said and from the vision I was given, each of these towers requires a different trigger to open."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks down at his glove. His eyes start to glint with a shimmer of shining red. "Power, you say? A greater power than most? Heh. Maybe so. If that's the case, I'll harness that power and show the rest of the world what I'm really capable of."

[Diachronos]

"Take care, Stark. This power is not like the power most would think of, where one is simply more gifted than others. It is something that may well consume you later, and not in the way that power usually corrupts the one who uses it."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Surround evasion
With communication
Move quick we might avoid contamination."

The voice in Stark's head was getting louder. His birthmark was searing his flesh right now. He grips his head as he starts to laugh to himself.

"DOWN here comes the SOUND
Everyone POUND
You're free to this phenomenon"

"Consume me? Hah...that's fine..." the young man whispers, his hands igniting on their own and starting to burn at his face.

"NOW let's make it LOUD
And we'll show 'em all HOW
We move to this phenomenon!"

"After all, even if my power destroys me, at least I will live on in everyone's memories. Especially...her..."

"WHOA open your SOUL
Now you'll lose CONTROL
Inside of this phenomenon!
JUST let yourself GO
and let everyone KNOW
You move to this phenomenon!"

The voice was screaming in his head now. Stark manages to pull away his right hand from his face and douse it, then he grabs the gloved hand off his left face and slams it into the table.

The glove stops glowing. Stark's eyes return to their normal color. He pants for a moment, then sits down. "I don't know what this mark means. If going to the tower means I have a chance to learn what it truly is, I'm there."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark stands up from the table, his hand clenching the glove tight. "There's something about this town...the pain is getting stronger. I don't have time for this. I'll come hear what you have to say tomorrow, Elder. I need to know what's in that tower!" He bows apologetically and takes off up the path, heading for the city outside, and not waiting for any of his companions.

[Prehysterical]

Not particularly pleased by Stark's crazy outburst, Vaex nearly jumps out of his seat when Stark begins walking away. Running forward and flapping his wings, Vaex darts past Stark and stands before the man with outstretched arms. He says disapprovingly, "If you think that I am going to let you investigate the tower alone, then you really are crazy. You may be the only one who can open the tower, but I will be going with you. No doubt the others will, too." Vaex looks back at the girls and the other kobolds for their input.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark raises an eyebrow. "You came all this way to meet the elder. You've been impatient and worried and now you want to walk away without asking a single question? Just stay here. I'll be fine on my own."

[Prehysterical]

Pointing a claw somewhat rudely at Stark, Vaex retorts, "'I'll show the world just how powerful I can be!' Your exact words. As much as I would love to sit down with the Elder and just talk, I am not letting you go off by yourself to go poke at what could potentially be a doomsday device. You know how stubborn I can be by now, Stark, so why bother arguing?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark shakes his head. "You are taking care of a NEWBORN right now! If this is a doomsday device, all the more reason you and Forseti should stay here."

[Prehysterical]

Stomping his foot, Vaex shouts, "You are not listening! Even if you storm out of here, there's absolutely nothing stopping me from just following you, you dimwit! I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not!

These towers are the reason that I am here. I have to know why."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark gives up and brushes past the kobold, heading for the tower.

[Diachronos]

The Elder stands up and hobbles over to Vaex and Stark, with the others following close behind him. "You will all go. You may be the only one who can open the Tower, Stark, but I've witnessed the others following you through its doors. I have even seen what will happen should an attempt be made to stop any of you from going to the Tower; your tiefling friend knocks my doors off their hinges, and young Forseti somehow chews his way through an adamantine cage to follow Vaex."

He fixes his gaze on Stark, though his eyes have not opened once during the time they have been here. "I advise you to temper your emotions, Stark. Impulse and brashness may have gotten you this far, but each time you let your passions control you, you allow Cinderhulk to gain a surer foothold on being able to overcome your will. In time, he will take control of you completely, and even if it is for only a brief moment that will be enough for him to cause great harm to those close to you."

[Prehysterical]

"...'Cinderhulk'?"

Slowly turning to face Stark, Vaex asks deliberately, "What in the Nine Hells is he talking about?"

[NeoSeraphi]

That word gives Stark pause. "Temper my emotions. Right." He takes a breath and starts to move, slowly, but then stops. "Immo ashka sparklit searto...hota smolderba?"

Just out of curiosity, what did you foresee the princess doing if we tried to leave her behind?

Stark glances at Vaex. "Cinderhulk is the name of an elemental, the son of the God of Fire, Ashlar. It would seem that I need to tread very carefully."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex says nothing in response, but the tightening frown on his snout says everything for him. Since you're not telling me everything, now I'll be watching you.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and turns around. "Well then, we thank you for your hospitality Elder. I'm sure we have much to discuss on the morrow. I'd apologize for rushing out so soon, but I'm sure you foresaw I would do that. Tiana, Qari, Taalia. Let's go." He gestures for the group to follow him and exits the area, heading for the mysterious tower.

[Prehysterical]

Stark's omission of Nytkox and Vaex does not go unnoticed. Vaex looks back at Nytkox and gestures with a nod at the leaving group. The greenblood follows along at the back, waiting for Forseti to roost on his shoulder.

[Diachronos]

The Elder chuckles and shakes his head. "Her methods are not important right now. What is important is for you all to take the next step in your journey." He then turns to Vaex, holding up a hand to calm the kobold. "Please do not hold this secret against him, Vaex. The boy did not know the truth himself until just now."

His cheerful mood diminishes a bit. "I know not what you will face inside, but I can at least provide you with some assistance against whatever you may encounter." He raises his staff, and what looks like glowing sand emerged from the hourglass before swirling around the party. The sand compresses against them all before vanishing.


The Elder's spell grants everyone 20 temporary hp, a +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 sacred bonus to saves, and acts as mythic endure elements.
Additionally, each person is allowed to reroll a single d20 roll at any point during the spell's duration.


"I look forward to your return, young ones."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark feels his body overcome with powerful defensive magicks and nods.

Perhaps it's not important now, but it may provide me with some insight as to how to protect her from danger later.

He takes a few slow, deliberate breaths, attempting to regain control of himself, before marching on towards the tower, ready to find out what his connection to Cinderhulk really was.

[Prehysterical]

The Elder's testimony is enough to mollify Vaex... at least, for now. As the Elder works his magic, his power becomes clear to Vaex. This has the feel of pure dragon magic...

As they depart, Vaex calls back, "We will be back. I promise!"

[Diachronos]

The Elder waves to them as they depart, and the guards who had escorted them inside escort them back up the ramp and out the opposite end of the spire from the one they'd originally entered through. Outside is a cobblestone trail, which leads into a narrow crevice that leads up to the Tower.

The walk to the Tower talks maybe half an hour, and when they arrive they are met by a pair of massive metal doors. They match the ones that Vaex had encountered at the Tower near Khamer's estate, save for the motif on their surface: rather than a dragon's face, the doors depict a mural of black flames, with fire opals set to resemble pairs of eyes leering angrily down at them. At the place where the two doors meet, there is a latch in the shape of a flame crafted from polished ruby, with an obsidian plate in the shape of a left handprint.

As they approach, Stark's birthmark begins to burn with pain, and his hand twitches toward the door.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grits his teeth as his hand burns, and he sighs and slowly removes his glove, pressing his hand against the doors.

[Diachronos]

The pain flares up as Stark touches the latch, and his entire arm is wreathed in black flames.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grits his teeth, very used to being in close proximity to fire, and he continues to touch the door, speaking in Ignan. "I am Stark Frostfell, the Volcano! I demand access to this tower! Let me in, Lord Cinderhulk!"

[Diachronos]

The pain in Stark's hand intensifies, and a deep cackling resonates from within his mind. (Ignan) What makes you think the decision is mine, child? And what makes you think you are in any place to make demands of one who could snuff out the little candle that is your life with a mere thought?

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark staggers, managing to keep himself standing only by a thread. He takes a breath and starts to focus the energy around him, attempting to absorb the black fire into his body.

[Diachronos]

The voice in Stark's head makes a strange sound, almost like what one might sound like when inhaling a favorite scent. (Ignan) Ah, the black flames that heralded this world's original destruction... Very well, "Volcano". If you want to get into the tower so badly, let me help you! The pain reaches its peak, and the dark flames even begin to sear Stark's hand as the doors glow red-hot. Slowly, they begin to warp and buckle, gradually parting enough to allow the party through. The motif of the door is destroyed, and the metal barrier that had prevented their passage looked as if it had been melted away. The fires die down, and Stark finds himself down on one knee, his hand blistered from the sinister blaze he'd been manipulating.


The unnatural nature and sheer intensity of the flames has dealt Stark [roll0] fire damage.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks down at his hand and nods. "I'm coming. This is it." He stands up and puts the glove back on his hand, throwing the doors open. He walks into the tower, looking around at its interior.

[Diachronos]

Taalia runs up and grabs Stark's arm. "Where do you think you're going? You can't just run in by yourself like that, especially not after you just injured yourself!"

Tiana reaches and grabs Stark's arm, and a soft light flows from her hand into the blistered skin left by the fire. The pain of the burn disappears, and even a quick look shows that his wound is healed.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks over at her. "Okay, fine, you healed me and I'm fine now. We came here to investigate this tower, didn't we?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana releases Stark's arm and steps through the door despite Taalia's protests, only to jump back with a squeak. She abruptly hides behind Stark, shaking like a leaf in a thunderstorm.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks in surprise and heads into the tower. "What is this place, and what did you see that was so scary?" He takes a look around.

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "It's c-cold!" She finishes speaking just as Stark enters the tower, and he immediately finds that the tiefling isn't exaggerating: even with the protection spell of the Elder, the inside of the tower is uncomfortably frigid.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark shivers and looks around. "That's...really odd. With a design like that on the front door, I'd have expected this place to be on the warm side, if anything."

He glances back at Qari. "Qari, come on. We're apparently supposed to go together, and I might need your help in here."

As he gently guides Tiana into the tower with him, he turns to Taalia. "You...probably have some questions about what happened earlier."

[Diachronos]

"Not to mention it's built on a volcano." Qari steps in, rubbing her arms as she moves to allow the others inside.

Taalia crosses her arms as she looks at Stark. "I do. Are these outbursts of yours normal, or something that we need to be worried about? What about the fact that you're bonded to son of the Lord of Flames who supposedly reduced most of Ves'Perix to ash before?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "Look, it's just...when I took my Harrowing, I learned something about myself. I didn't give in to the temptations the demon offered, but not because I wasn't tempted. It was because the power he offered me wasn't enough. I don't know why, but my dreams and my thoughts are haunted, sometimes even obsessed, with power. I crave power. I need it. That's why I started to study magic. People like me, with magic in their blood, can usually just manifest it without effort. That wasn't enough for me. I wanted more. I rejected the magic in my blood and learned how to use it from a book like normal people. And now...whatever is in my past is catching up with me, I guess. I have no idea what the Elder means, saying that I am connected to Cinderhulk, but I think this tower will hold the secrets I've been looking for."

Sighing and rubbing his shoulder, he continues. "As for the outburst, well, I admit it's never been that bad before. Sometimes, when my birthmark really burns I start to...well...lose control. I hear a voice in my mind, and that voice sings loudly. The lyrics are unnerving, and entrancing at the same time. And I start to feel shifts in my personality. But it's all temporary, I mean, I'm perfectly in control right now."

He sighs as he looks into the tower. "I don't suppose you'd listen if I asked you to wait here?" he asks the princess, his gaze a mixture of nervous, worry, stress, and excitement.

[Diachronos]

"That singing and change in personality... is that what happened when you went into Arnen's vice den back at the resort?" She shivers a little as they walk into the tower, but her cheeks redden as she recalls the kiss between them. "What about the... other things you did after that was dealt with?"