IC: So, How About Those Dragons?

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Fenrir gets a bit annoyed at all the posturing from his brood mates. Why can we all just have some intelligent conversation? He shakes his head and fly hops to the cave mouth. Getting pelted by the driving rain wasn't Fenrir's idea of a good time, but something about these rock formations at the entrance to the cave didn't seem right. It might give them clues as to why they were here.

Spoiler: Inspecting the Stalactites

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Are there any markings on the stalactites? "Writing" of any kind
Search - (1d20+11)[21]

After pondering the strange formations, Fenrir rejoins his brood. "Let's check out this cave. I doubt the orcs that attacked Elder Brother Durnehviir were the ones to take us from our birth nests. That means those who did may be further inside. I can scout ahead in case we need to get the jump on any enemies. Though I would prefer to gather more information before we burn or eat anyone."

With that Fenrir begins to move further into the cave proper hugging the walls and moving as silently as possible.

Spoiler: Very Sneaky, Sir.

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Move Silently - (1d20+8)[19]
Listen - (1d20+9)[20]
Spot - (1d20+9)[12]

[samduke]

seeing Fenrir move towards the back of the cave stealthly, wendy also curious as to what might be back there, will follow along about 10ft back.

Spoiler: thinking she is stealthy

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Move Silently - (1d20+2)[7]
Listen - (1d20+7)[14]
Spot - (1d20+7)[10]

[Ancient]

Charazael

Eldest. That name sat well with Durnehviir even coming from whatever this was addressing him as such. And it used the tongue, interesting. "Let us see where it is we have hatched and if anything else desires death by attacking us." He looks directly at Yrmys, "Follow us, we are one brood."

After pondering the strange formations, Fenrir rejoins his brood. "Let's check out this cave. I doubt the orcs that attacked Elder Brother Durnehviir were the ones to take us from our birth nests. That means those who did may be further inside. I can scout ahead in case we need to get the jump on any enemies. Though I would prefer to gather more information before we burn or eat anyone."

Hmm, perhaps next time we should question the food before we cook it, but no matter, we shall find the truth soon enough. Still, the one that ran ran outwards and not within, so I am wondering whether there is anything left in here of our captors. Still better to hunt under cover than out in the open.

[Lioslaith]

Durnehviir smiles a cruel smile as Charazael mentions the course of action for next time. "I did question them, they chose to die rather than answer." He pauses for a couple of steps then says, "The orc may have simply chosen the path of escape closest to it. To go deeper into these caves he would have had to run past me."

[Ancient]

Durnehviir smiles a cruel smile as Charazael mentions the course of action for next time. "I did question them, they chose to die rather than answer." He pauses for a couple of steps then says, "The orc may have simply chosen the path of escape closest to it. To go deeper into these caves he would have had to run past me."

Charazael

"But of course, Big Brother, your words are wisdom. I will go ahead and make sure Dirty Brother and Red Sister don't get into mischief."

Charazael thoroughly intended to get into mischief of her own.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Hide: (1d20+7)[26]
Move Silent: (1d20+3)[13]
Spot: (1d20+5)[20]
Listen: (1d20+5)[24]

[Esprit15]

Those of you who sneak ahead (and later those that follow) notice that as you begin to venture deeper, occasional torches become visible on the walls, deep enough that a casual observer of the cave would not have noticed the flickering light. Suspicious, most of you begin to move more cautiously, save for Wendy, who try as she might is still clearly audible. Hoping for the best, you continue onward.

Charazael and Fenrir hear a voice further ahead, airy in its sound. And, surprisingly, understandable. "Did you hear that? I believe we have intruders."

"I did hear that. How should we greet our intruders?"

"Politely, for now. They sound small."

"Could they not be an animal? There you go, leading me to an erroneous conclusion. Again."

"The shoredwellers are light on their feet, and I did hear claws. It could be them, trying to spy."

Suddenly, all of you hear one of the voices call out, clearly forming words that it does not find natural. "Watashi-tachi wa soko ni anata o kiite imasu! Anata jishin o misete, nekomimi!"

Spoiler: Fenrir Only

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You however, though you hear the same sounds, find their meaning almost inherently clear: "We hear you out there! Show yourself, [cat ears]!" The last word is unclear, but is clearly an epithet of some sort, rather than a proper name or species description.

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Fenrir gives a perturbed look at Yrmys for spoiling his advantage He clears his throat and speaks in a calm tone. "Some of us are small. And some of us are bigger. But none of us are cat ears or intruders. We awoke to find ourselves in this cave not ten minutes ago. We are merely exploring this new environment."

Fenrir continues forward a few paces. "We do beg your forgiveness. And if you are willing, a bit of information?"

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy - (1d20+10)[24]

[samduke]

Wiandie - dull black & orange, medium pyroclastic dragon

in a quite voice to the tiny brass dragon, what did that voice say?

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Not taking his eyes off the tunnel further ahead Fenrir speaks over his shoulder, "There are two voices ahead. Besides the first bit, they indicated they can hear us and called us 'cat ears', which I think is how they refer to the shoredwellers. Which means there is probably a river or other body of water outside and close by."

He peers into the gloom ahead and tenuously moves forward not trying to hide anymore.

Spoiler: More Actions!

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Spot - (1d20+9)[13]

[Esprit15]

There is a pause, during which you can just hear the mutters of deliberation, though the words are too quiet to make out.

”We implies more than one, and risks more than two,” one of the voices says, now in Draconic, again more airy and natural sounding, though still... lower, than your own dialect. “You who speaks, step forward, but keep your allies back. To not do so will be met with hostility. I shall do the same, and a messenger will be sent if I am slain.”

Spoiler: Fenrir Only

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Moving forward, after another fifty feet or so you see what seems to be your first human: tall, about as large as the largest among you though leaner and standing upright. In the low light, further details are slightly difficult to make out, though you still can see the surprisingly colorful red cloth armor that he wears, a loincloth providing additional defense to the waist. In one arm he carries what appears to be a large, wicker shield with cotton filling the negative space. At his side, he seems to have a large wooden stick, similar in shape to the weapons that the orcs had. However, rather than a metal end, the whole stick seems to have sharp, black rocks, forming a makeshift blade. His face is painted to make his eyes seem larger, and to exaggerate the mouth. The display is a bit unnerving.

The man crosses his arm, waiting to see if you approach him or not.

[Xanyo]

Interested in the new development, Yrmys scrambles forward, but stops at the warning. Instead she sits and speaks up.

"Mine greetings I extend to thee!" she says brightly, "Alas, our introductions we must not neglect! The name which I bear is Yrmys, and and the one with which ye have already spoken has given his as Fenrir, whom I believe I shall refer unto as the Quick-Witted."

She pauses for a moment, staring into space.

"Ah! Forgive me, for 'twould have been meet of me to introduce Eldest first. Largest of us, Durnehviir," she proudly declares, sitting tall(ish), "His might ye need not fear, save if thou him provoke. Two more remain, Red Sister Charazael is one. One yet still, who has called themselves Wiandie, although I am tempted to call her the Rash. That makes us five. Now, if thou wouldst so please, to perhaps share with us thine name and names?"

Spoiler: Actions

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I'll assist Fenrir's Diplomacy check: (1d20+10)[21]

[Lioslaith]

Durnehviir's eyes narrow at the new developments but he stays silent. When he sees Yrmys perk up and start to speak he lets out a low hiss to silence her before she starts.

[Xanyo]

Yrmys clams up when Eldest hisses at her, and slinks back with her head down.

"Sorry." she whispers.

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Even from behind, the rest of the dragons can probably see Fenrir's eyes roll in his head as he lets out a resigned sigh. If I'm Quick-Witted, then what does that make you? Advantages being lost wing over claw!

Fenrir turns and signals for the rest to stop. He waves Durnehviir forward. "They have indicated that I should come alone to parley. Should they prove to be hostile, I may need your assistance, Elder Brother. Otherwise, I believe this may be a profitable encounter." He speaks to the rest of the group, "Now if you could remain silent that would be much appreciated."

He turns back to the interestingly dressed human. "Greetings, my red-clad friend. There is no need for the weapon. My companions and I are merely exploring our new found environs. As my sister has said there are five of us. I am Fenrir. Who are you?"

Spoiler: Actions

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Fenrir will stick to the shadows and not move forward in order to keep at least the advantage of being able to see the man without him being able to see him.
Sense Motive - (1d20+10)[13] to ascertain if this red man is truly non-hostile.

[Esprit15]

Spoiler: Fenrir

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He does not seem actively hostile, since his weapon is only present and not drawn.

The man beckons you to come a little closer, one of the flickering torches giving away your shadow slightly. “Hm, indeed you are not one of the shore dwellers. That said... come closer. I do not bite those with whom I speak. I came alone, as I see you have. I am one of the guards to our city. I suppose in fairness, I should give my name, since you have given yours - I am Metztli.

Now, do you wish to enter Huizilhuicaapetl (who-EE-zil—who-ee-KAH-peh-tle), or may I resume my duties? You are welcome to enter, so long as an escort is with you.” The man by this point has squatted down to roughly your level, and seems curious at the small creature at at distance from him.

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Fenrir turns back to his brood mates, specifically Durnehviir. "Shall we enter this city? They do not seem hostile at this point."

Spoiler: Actions

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If the others agree, Fenrir will step forward with the rest of his brood mates.

[Lioslaith]

Durnehviir makes a point of looking at each of their heads in turn to see if anything looks to him like cat ears. If he sees nothing untoward he nods to Fenrir and starts to walk beside him to enter the city.

[Ancient]

Charazael grimaces as she watches quietly from the shadows as Yrmys gives away there numbers. Still, brother Fenrir seems to conduct himself well and these weakthings seem harmless. Trust is not in her nature though. She pauses briefly, thinking about the cubes they are abandoning to explore the city, but falls in behind Eldest.

[Xanyo]

Yrmys slinks along behind Eldest, head and tail down. She's curious about this city place, but still humbled by Eldest's rebuke.

[Lioslaith]

Noticing Yrmys's posture Durnehviir whispers to her, "Chin up, little one, you are Dragon are you not? Being attacked when I was first hatched has made me cautious."

His emphasis on the word dragon is plain to hear, like as not they were a brood and needed to act as such.

[samduke]

walking out from behind head held high and proud walks up to, then beside Durnehviir, not really trusting the ones who have done the inviting.

[Esprit15]

As the rest of you approach Metztli, the man’s eyes just barely widen at the larger members of your group. “It seems that her young come in a variety of sizes.” He leads you further in, soon reaching a man that is dressed in similarly red armor, but who carries two of the obsidian-shard swords at his sides and no shield.

“Wyrmlings. Though intruders, they are protected. They smell like recent hatchlings, likely knew no better,” he says quietly to the other guard, before continuing deeper.

For about ten minutes, you continue deeper until some of you feel like the area is getting wider, and lighter. After another minute, the cave opens back up into a wide cavern, the earlier light apparently provided by luminous fungi that grow on the walls and ceiling. In the center of the cavern you can see buildings of numerous sizes, from single story shacks to three and four story stone complexes that appear to be been from the rocks. Further off, only visible because of its height bringing it close to the glowing ceiling, is a towering step pyramid. Even from a distance, the stone of the pyramid is clearly different from the rest of the buildings and the walls you had seen up to this point.

Equally striking to you are the people. While many of them look like your guide, though often not in the same military garb, a non-insignificant number of them are more reptilian in nature: tails, serpentine lower bodies, and even whole bodies covered in scales up to the snake-like head, make their way along the main and side streets of the city before you.

“The first thing we will need to do if you wish to travel the city is to get you some escorts, both to keep young ones as you out of trouble, but also to let the rest of our people know that you are welcome here... trespassing aside.”

[Ancient]

Charazael

Charazael recalls from Mother's teachings something about the strange beings before her, the creatures are what she remembers as being called Yaun-ti. Originally humans, they became corrupted early in history by their worship of a demon who appeared to their founder in the form of a snake of many colors. The humanoid ones are known as Purebloods, and are the lowest caste. Next are Half-Breeds, and finally, Abominations. They are all clever and deceptive to outsiders, but within their own quite blunt and honest.

Siblings, it appears we are about to enter the domain of the Yuan-ti. Our hosts are known to be very clever, but very honest amongst their own. We should show them the utmost respect.

Spoiler: Rollz

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Bluff Check to impart a subtle warning to my siblings: (1d20+3)[4]

[Esprit15]

"Of course. We have nothing to hide from each other, yet plenty of reason to distrust outsiders," your guide says to you with a bit of a smirk. "Your kind are not at all different in this respect," he continues as the group makes their way to an outpost and begins speaking with a half snake man in a language that once again, only Fenrir recognizes. The snake man seems somewhat irritated by the humanoid's words, but sighs, motioning you all in.

Spoiler: Fenrir

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"It seems that some of the Trickster's offspring have hatched and become lost. I thought it safe to bring them in. Perhaps they could make useful allies as they grow, not to mention the good will that it would buy us if we cared for them in her absence."

"Hm... Fine. But it will be your caste that observes them and guards them, and your caste that will be held responsible for any damage they may cause."

"Of course."

As you are led into the city, Metztli signals some of the other Purebloods over to him and explains the situation to them. Most sigh, but some seem to welcome the guests. As you are shown through the city, is there anything that you guys wish to do here?

[Lioslaith]

Durnehviir ducks his head a bit as he heads inside at the beckoning of the reluctant snakeman.

[Xanyo]

Looking about at the city, Yrmys begins to forget her prior shame. Such varied... everything! So many things, most of which seemed somewhat new. And many smells as well. She wants to look around and explore it all, but she has no clue where to even start. So, she starts with questions. Plenty of them.

"Metztli, thine name was, yes?" she starts off, "For what cause doth thou dwell in the depths? What doth the markings on thine face accomplish? Thine tool at thine waist is crafted with jagged stones of black - to what end is this done? What nature hast caused that so many of the inhabitants herewith do bear so many resemblances of the serpents? What respect dost thou command in this place?"

The questions go on and on, slowing when she receives answers, flowing when she doesn't. She seems to have an endless sea of curiosity.

[Esprit15]

Metztli seems more than willing to give cursory answers, though his evasion is also not always subtle. “I was born here, and our people have lived here for a decent time.

My markings signify my role, and intimidate lesser beings.

The jagged stones are sharp, like broken glass, and cut through cloth armor and hide without the need of metalworking.

I should ask you how you came to ‘resemble’ such a fearsome being, but know the answer to be that you were born this way. Similarly, so were we.

My caste is the most numerous, but the least in physical prowess, as well as in magical talent. We are city guards, hunters, farmers, and laborers. Those above me are merchants, internal guards, teachers, and so forth. Above them are our generals, leaders, and priests.”

[Orsik Vondal]

Fenrir - The Tiny Brass Dragon Wyrmling

Fenrir absorbs all the information Metztli is willing to put forth. He kicks around some of the things he says in his head. Who is this Trickster? It sounds like he's referring to our brood mother, which is a little odd, since we are four different types of dragon, at least by sight. Possibly he means Mother herself.

He chimes in after Metztli recounts the castes of his society. "Metztli, is there a caste below yours? I do not mean to offend. I merely seek to know more about this place. It is fascinating that an entire society can thrive under the ground. Do you have surface dwellings, as well? Or does your Huizilhuicaapetl reside only beneath the earth?"

Fenrir, like his sister, looks around in wonder at the huge buildings and interesting people they pass. "Metztli, my brood mates and I are dragons. What manner of beings are you and your people?"

...

"I'm also curious as to where exactly we are heading, and what is that pyramidal structure over there? It seems to have great significance to Huizilhuicaapetl."

[Esprit15]

”Beneath my caste... just slaves, though we don’t keep too many here,” your guide says after a moment of thought. As you continue through, many of the purebloods and even some of the half bloods give you more than a passing glance, some of the former even asking for permission to touch your scales. While your guides initially shoo them away, they eventually defer to their charges (you).

“We do, but not here. Our home land, however, to the north, is beautiful, overlooking the wide jungle to its south and open planes to the north.

We call ourselves Merrshaulk‘s children,” he says with pride in his voice, “though most other races have chosen more derogatory names. ‘People of the Yaun River,’ and variants and abbreviations thereof are most common.”

Spoiler

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Those with the appropriate trained skills may make a Knowledge (Geography) check, and a Knowledge (The Planes) check, if you so desire.

“But!” he says, changing tone, “As is, just showing you around. The... oh what is the word that you would use for it... Holy Temple, or maybe Great Monument. The least of us may only view it from the outside, save for holy days. It is where our priests commune with the great Lord Merrshaulk, he who has blessed us with his magic and marked us as his own. It is where in exchange for his blessings both past and future, we present him gifts - in our homelands, gold; in these outer lands where the land gives none, food.” As the Pureblood speaks to you more, you notice him beginning to smile and relax, as though becoming more comfortable, especially as he begins to discuss aspects of faith.

[samduke]

Wiandie walking with Durnehviir looking at the surroundings keeping an eye on the smaller of her kin. keeping an eye on these snakemen not truly trusting them.