Searching for dragons. Part I.

[Orran]

"The blues and the purples, what do they do?" he asks, secretly hoping that he won't have to meet them. His instinct tells him they could be a bigger concern, should it be in the wrong circumstances.

[Kredine]

"Oh right, I didn't explain those. The blues are the Arcanum Obscura, the magic elite of the Order. The purples are the Psionic Veil. With luck you'll never meet any of their higher ups. I never said this, but, they're all weird."

[Orran]

The kobold chuckles a bit at the way she mirrors what he was thinking "Weird huh? I guess us magic types can be, especially those all cramped up in city life." At a loss over what else to talk about, strixi walks the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. Unless the sister decides to mention anything else.

[Kredine]

She musters some more meaningless small talk, but nothing of import. Before long you arrive at a stunning building. Like the city walls, the library is a shining white, standing two stories tall. The front entrance is a double door, forged of silver metal, literally beaming with light. The doors are set in a white marble doorway, intricate flowers carved in to them. Above the door, set into the wall is silver shield, who's light captivates you. You are unaware of how long you have been staring before the Sister's speaks again.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

She puts a hand on your shoulder.

"Come on little one, lets go inside."

She opens the doors and leads you inside, where she approaches a lady dressed in white and blue robes.

"Sister Alendra, I have a scholar of sorts here for you."

She turns back to you.

"When you are done, inform the Sister here and I shall escort you outside of the court".

Your escort leaves the library, and Sister Alendra faces you.

"Well then, Master... sorry I didn't catch you name?"

[The library is beautiful and religious and stuff. Description may come later]

[900 exp for house]

[Orran]

"Strixi is what I'm called. Good afternoon Sister Alendra, I was hoping for a little help, I'm not all that familiar with such large libraries," he begins, taking out a slip of paper with the authors names on. "My research so far brought these names to my attention, I thought perhaps they may have other works that could be of use.

[Strixi is totally amazed and stuff. Or perhaps a little disdainful of such a garish building, his character isn't totally nailed down yet.]

[Kredine]

[He can be both. Emotional conflict and all that]

She looks at both of the author's names.

"Well, I recognise both of these author's names. As far as I'm aware the only work of Reeoshkin is The Eternal Dragon War, which I assume you must have already read. As for Periast Dregary, he is quite published - a well known historian. Are there any particular areas you are looking into? "

[Orran]

Strixi quickly assesses what he can readily admit to saying, according to Baldeen, certain knowledge might take certain permission to persue, at least that was what he had gathered. "Yes, as a kobold, I have been taught that our magical ability comes from draconic lineage. Unfortunately our own history and knowledge is generally taught orally, so I am currently referencing our knowledge against that of other cultures. At this stage I am looking for evidence of dragons affairs with other races, although any other works about the history of the origins of arcane magic could be useful." Strixi pauses, hoping hoping that he has conveyed scholarly curiosity and objectivity, without obfuscating his own goals so much as to reduce the usefulness of the information granted.
"Perhaps Dregary would be a good place to start? He does appear to reference other works often. Does he have a biography?"

"Bluff" - (1d20+12)[16]

Spoiler

Show

I'm going to go over a few things about the way I see Strixi's motivations and behaviour here, since I think I deserve a circumstance modifier on this bluff roll, which is quite important as it could greatly affect the main objective of this story, and the way the officials in Osmath consider Strixi.
Firstly, this kind of research is not massively odd for a mage. K. Arc is a class skill for wizards and sorcerers, so learning about dragons seems natural. A studious mage writing a thesis on dragons and their influence on magical learning sounds pretty plausible.
Secondly, this is not a big lie, kobolds, especially the desert kind, are not big on tangible knowledge. If one wanted to learn more conventionally, as Strixi has shown ability in, visiting other cultures could be necessary.
Thirdly, the real goal of locating living dragons is both far away and not exactly predictable, even if it was the overall goal of uniting the chromatic dragons in an attempt to overthrow humanoid civilization is way out there. Who would believe it possible, who would even attempt it? Strixi would, because he's a dreamer and a megalomaniac, but that's not apparently obvious. Whether it is possible is an entirely different matter.
I see this area of the plan as relatively safe, he may be in enemy territory plotting against them, but the overall plan is levels, perhaps decades in the future. This studying and espionage fits excellently with the build so far, and potential role playing in the future. The way he has gone about it also screams Lawful Evil to me, so excellent progress all round.

[Kredine]

She seems slight overwhelmed by your somewhat lengthy and unnecessary explanation.

"We have some of his work here, though the pieces we hold are all religious in nature. As for dragons, I could direct you to pieces on the dragon gods or their religions?"

She stops for a moment, tilting her head slightly.

"Alternatively I could give you the locations of all works by Dregary in the city?. Well, all of those in libraries at least."

[Orran]

"Perhaps that last one then. I don't have a massive amount of time here today." He says simply in response.

[Kredine]

"Well then, let me comprise a list. Should I call back Sister Shea once I am done?"

She grabs a quill and starts making a list.

[Orran]

"Not just yet, if any of them are in this library, I will check them quickly to work oit which would be most useful"

[Kredine]

"Well in that case I'll tell you those now, and then I'll finish up this list. You'll find three of his works in this library. A look at the Isles - Row 22, Case 9, Shelf 3. The Sister's greatest battles - Row 19, Case 5, Shelf 1 and A Look at the Order's Orders - Row 7, Case 2, Shelf 6."

She points towards each book as she describes them, then returns to her list.

[Orran]

Strixi thanks the woman then goes to check them. It doesn't sound like there will be much to gain from them except perhaps contextual knowledge, but best to check. The man sounds knowledgeable, perhaps it would be useful to attemp to find him at some point.

[Kredine]

A look at the Isles, published in the year 4308, is an overview of the religions observed across the isles, describing in some detail The Order, the Watermen, The Fire eaters, The Academy, Those of the Earth and The Dragon Disciples. It also covers many smaller religions, especially those of non-human tribees.

The Sister's greatest battles, published in year 4115, describes the most iconic battles with which the Sisterhood of the Lightbringers has been involved in since record begun.

A Look at the Order's Orders, public in year 4295, is a detailed list of the laws upheld by the Order, including possible origins for the laws.

[Orran]

Well that was at least one question answered, Dregary is probably still alive somewhere. Probably an elf or a dwarf too, not many races live that long. It could be a good idea to track him down, or at least some of his sources.
Strixi takes a quick look in the religious history book, checking up on the dragon disciples on the off chance they have an active sect in the city.

[Kredine]

The tome talks of eleven different dragon gods. Those notably active within the Isles are Bahamut, Tamara and Tiamat. Within the city there is a large Temple to Bahamut - as well as many devoted disciples - as well as places of worship for Tamara , Io and Lendys.

[Orran]

Sensing that the useful information in this outing has now pretty much been gained, strixi heads back to the librarian, and assuming there are no other pressing issues, back to the pits.

[Kredine]

The librarian hands you a note with the authors works around the city.

The note consists of over a hundred titles, detailing the library, isle and shelf number of each book.

[Assuming you have no more questions for Sister Alendra, we'll fast forward to the pits]

As you return to the Worthless Rest Ashara addresses you.

"Welcome back Strixi. No one has come calling for you as of yet"

[Orran]

"That's always a good sign, it shouldn't be long though, I'll be upstairs." He says, and takes his papers upstairs. Knowing there's not enough time to really get into his actual work, he goes through dregary's bibliography for any relevant matches.

[Kredine]

[There are relevant matches that I cannot think well enough to describe. For the sake of progressing the plot, there are and you can explore them when in game time allows]

There is a knock at the door, followed by a familiar voice.

"You're guest has arrived Strixi. I've poured him a drink on your tab"

[Orran]

Strixi takes a moment to tidy his papers and recast his standard defense spells before heading downstairs, Kane flaps over and lands on his cloak, a lot more alert after his nap.
Once at the bar, he orders a mead and then joins his guest, "Greetings, the name is Strixi, I'm glad we could have the chance to meet in more relaxed circumstances." Kane lands on the table, ready to lend assistance if able.

[Kredine]

"Indeed."
Says the gentlemen, then taking a drink from his mead.
"So what's your secret that you can be doing these identifies so cheap lad?"

[Orran]

Strixi follows his lead, also taking a draught from his cup. "Well us kobolds have many secrets, afterall we are descended from dragons. Magic runs in our blood, and with dedication we are able to unlock it." Kane crawls around on the table a little, sniffing it, his wings showing their scales.
"Take Kane here, his draconic influence drew him to me. In my case though, I gained the ability to identify magical items. Sadly limited to a few times a day. If you'd like to test my ability, you are welcome to."

[Kredine]

"My thoughts exactly."
He brings out an amulet and places it on the table.
"What's this then?"

[Orran]

"Sit tight, this is no faster than normal." says strixi, before identifying the item, going into his usual trancing state, hoping this goes better than the last item he tried.

[Kredine]

You focus energy on the object. Your brain comes alive with a familiar sensation, and the images begin rushing through your brain.

A man stands in his tent. Preparing for battle.
He dons his armours, puts on two rings, and an amulet.
His skin hardens, turns leathery under his armour.

Your senses come alive, Sights, sounds, smells, all flowing through your brain.

He rides into battle, arrows flying through the air.
One pierces his armour. It does not pierce the flesh.

You feel the arrow against your chest. Not cutting, just pushing against your breast.

The battle is done. He pulls free the arrow, and kisses the amulet.

[The item is an Amulet of Natural Armour + 2]

You come out of the trance to see the Amulet still here, your client sitting at the bar talking to Ash.

[Orran]

Strixi approaches the man with the amulet, "I see you've met my host, I hope you were entertained while I was occupied." The kobold glances at the gnome, smirking slightly "I hope you didn't say anything bad about me Ash."

"This amulet is a lovely piece, I'm sure it's protected many fine warriors. It hardens their skin to be as strong as tree bark, and it's not the basic model either." Tossing back the trinket he adds "Ready to talk numbers?"

[Kredine]

"Fantastic. Now lad, I don't get as much business identifying as you might predict, so here's the deal. I'll come by, once, maybe twice a week with a few items. You'll identify them and get them back to me. You'll get 50 gp per item, half up front, half when the job is done."
He finishes his drink, and offers up his hand.
"Deal?"

[Orran]

"Well that will pay my rent while I'm here at least, I can't ask much more than that." Strixi says and shakes his hand. It bears mentioning again that he only really gets a hold of one finger. "If you find yourself needing a little support or an imaginative solution though, let me know. I imagine life for a street vendor can sometimes be a little tough with all those fancy shops about." He adds with a wink.

Before the vendor leaves, Strixi grills him for one last bit of intel "Hey, can I grill you for one last bit of intel? If I were a powerful and famous adventurer, rebellious noble child, or heroic soldier, where would I go in this town to boast about my latest feat of monster slaying?" It appears every so often the Kobold comes up with a new plan to track down dragons of any kind.

[Kredine]

"I'll keep that in mind lad"

The vendor finishes his drink before answering

"I'm not really sure about that. There is an adventurers tavern in the Echerion District, called, erm. What's the name?"

"Bard of Isam" chimes in Ash.

"Aye, that's the one. I'll be off now kobold. I'll drop items off to Ash whenever I need them"

[Updated Map Link] http://i.imgur.com/h8CwOdq.png