>>3665966
Oops, little format error, but here's the prior thread;

>>3639213

>>3665966
so the timeskip?

>>3665989
Yeah and the plans we talked about

>>3665966
Check up on the road construction, after a feast for breakfast a growing dragon needs a lot of food.

>>3665966
Let's explore the mountains surrounding our castle

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>>3665989
>>3666000
>>3666006
>>3666029
It's been about a week since you dealt with the last remaining... well, the last direct threat to your rule in this area. Having emerged from your mother's lair to make a life for yourself, you soon decided that taking control over a region of your own to rule was the best idea. There were some hurdles along the way but you were able to capture an old human castle for yourself in a forest, imposed your will over the locals, and battled with an orcish tribe who resisted. With those tusked brutes driven out though, you have the chance now to actually get down to ruling.

So you had figured out some ideas, made some plans for what your priorities were moving forward and set them in motion, which you can see for yourself as you go through your day. Starting with, a morning feast! If you want to grow up big and strong like mother someday, you need to always be eating a lot while expending as little effort as possible. Unfortunately you're quite busy all the time, but you can at least take care of the first part and always be eating a lot! This is helped by the tribute of the elven village under your control within the forest, who have taken to bringing goods and foodstuffs foraged or hunted from the forests here. It's not a deer a day as you'd have hoped but there's enough different food for you and your workforce.

"All the trees have been cleared now, the trail is clear between town and the castle. Now they'll just want to dig up the ground and make it more even, and all that's left after that are stones to pave it."

Sitting in the dining hall of your castle, you messily stuff yourself while your human assistant tells you of the progress on some of the things you've wanted. Particularly, a road between your castle in the forest and the nearest (human) town you control. By the sound of things it's going good, thanks to your direct help, and now regular and relatively safe travel is possible for anyone between the two destinations. Once the road is paved, then wheeled transport will be possible too.

In any case, you can finish eating as your laborers do to continue their work on the castle. It's mostly cleaned now of the remains of the giant spider infestation from before, so the majority of their work now is focused on actual repairs for which the clearing of the road has helped immensely. You can set about your day then as they go about theirs, and you had in mind perhaps, exploring the mountains that form the borders of the valley.

>What do you do? If indeed you want to fly around and check out the mountains, you can make a roll (1d100) for the effort to see what you find.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>3666034
let's look at the mountains then

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3666034

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3666034
Goats

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>>3666103
>>3666065
>>3666059
>79

After giving your food a bit to settle and leaving Lila with things to do then, you leave your castle and from the bridge take flight. Soaring through the skies as you beat your wings, up out of the forest and then up out of the valley to the bordering mountains. They are not so great, not like those back home in mother's lair but they are sizeable enough for you to have to spend the better part of a day in flight exploring around.

You find some few signs of habitation same as down in the valley; a farm here, a homestead there. Also a road which leads up from the valley to a mountain pass on the other side of which is another river and a town in the country of Ypren. Besides that, there's just a village or two you can locate otherwise up here, but most notable being what looks like some sort of passage or entrance into the very mountain itself. Based on the roads up here, you take this to be the dwarven town you've heard tell about.

"...well, you are under my rule now."

"Y-Yes... I'll keep that in mind."

Something interesting at least, something to consider as it's within what you consider to be your lands. You spend the late afternoon among the slopes between peaks of the mountains here, eating a goat that had belonged to a mountain shepherd you saw and landed near to exert your will. Partly to let him know of who's in charge now, mostly because you were hungry.

>What do you do?

>>3666163
let's pay the dwarves a visit and make them an offer they can't refuse

if possible we should set some tribute from the goat shepherds and farmers to feed us too since I don't want to exaust our forest

>>3666163
Lets visit the dwarves, calmly walk on the pass and demand their so called leader, since the new one just arrived [turn smugnes on again]

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>>3666237
>>3666180
Settlements are always an interest to you, because it means more lesser races to bully- you mean, share the benevolence of your rule with. Not to mention, more tribute. Leaving the mountain shepherd then, you take flight once more and go back the way of the dwarf town by sunset. As you land at a distance though, on your approach you hear horns from the passage and before long the big stone doors shut. Not that you much care, you're getting inside either way but as you strut up towards the doors you eventually come to notice too late that there's a number of... very large looking crossbows sort of things pointed your way from exterior fortifications of the passage. Whatever those weapons are, they look loaded with bolts the size of trees and you worry they couldn't just skewer you if they hit.

"...good evening! I... demand, to meet with your leader!"

Since you've come this far already you try to keep clam and confident as always. From atop what you would assume to be the gatehouse of the stone doors, you see a dwarf leaning over.

"Talking dragon? No business with ye! Begone! No dragons!"

Thankfully it's not a threat, it seems they're only willing to attack if you do, but it's a bit disappointing and annoying, to be treated as such and to have come this way without any benefit.

>What do you do?

>>3666271
Well, this means the next time we knock on their door we will need to burn those things first to negotiate from a position of power, not everyone will simple welcome us, sometimes we will have to bring the door down

"Well, I'll be having business with you soon"

Let's leave for now.

How far was that other town after the pass? Is it reasonably close to be our territory

>>3666311
Relatively it's not that far, from the town you own in fact it's about the same distance away as the dwarven town. But by your understanding of these humans and their strange ways, the other side of that pass is the country of Ypren's territory so the town resides within it.

But then, how much you really care about that is up to you. For one thing, what could they do to stop you? And for another, if they can't protect their own towns then they have no right to govern them. But perhaps you want to respect your neighbors regardless...

>>3666311
I agree we should leave without causing a scene. Why don't we go visit the alchemist and find out how business is.

>>3666317
Leave the town for now, I wpuld like to have a word with the Lady from the elves and then the Mayor, probably not at the same time, to see how they are faring and if they have anything to say or suggest.

>>3666327
>>3666325

Support both, and how is the progress on getting that "damaged" scale loose.

>>3666330
Also support

>>3666327
We should also ask if there's anything they need.

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>>3666330
>>3666327
>>3666325
Fortunately by now you were able to remove all the damaged scales over the course of a week. Worryingly though, not just the scales but the skin underneath is bleached white in the same pattern. Lila was able to color it red so that it only looks like an unsightly bare patch, but you hope beyond hope that when the new scales come in they'll be red to cover the skin...

Some worry on your mind for sure, as you depart from the dwarven town then leaving the mountains behind and returning to the valley. Specifically the town you own as you fly over the forest as well to reach it, landing nearby and seeking out the elven alchemist you've been dealing with (alarming some people when they see a dragon prowling the streets at night).

"Here you are! Half of the sales, so far. Lucky that a southern noble passed through and I sold him on a story of hair regrowth out of those troll bones you brought!"

The alchemist sets a nice little bag full of gold on the counter as you listen to his story while chewing a sponge. You've worked out a deal with him where you provide dragon saliva and anything you may discard (like those scales) so he can make concoctions with them and share the profit with you. As it were though the things he's working on made out of dragon components are complicated and may take some time to sell even when he's done. But you also brought him the remains of a troll you killed and right away he turned a profit from that. It's nice though, this is your first actual agreed upon gold you've received... from any deal in fact. You look forward to when you start getting money tribute... the humans call it "taxes"... from your holdings, but who knows when that will be? You've been waiting already over a week.

While you're here in town though, it's already night. It may be convenient to just spend the night here, since you can seek out the mayor wherever he is in town. Do you want to lean on his hospitality to put you up for the night, when you go to meet him, or just find your own accommodations?

>What do you do?

>>3666397
Before we go ask the alchemist if he has anything that can help acid burns and fading scares. If he doesn't ask him if he knows of anyone that can help us with that. Lean on the mayors hospitality, talk with him over dinner ask him about the dwarf town, how the people are taking the news of your rule, and finally is their anything that requires dragon sized assistance.

>>3666397
Get those servants that pampered us on our first visit back, we can talk to the mayor while that elf work her magic.

See how things are going how our town is fearimg

>>3666448
>>3666427
Support, get stuffed too since we are not flying anymore till morning

>>3666457
Sure that sounds like fun

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>>3666427
>>3666448
>>3666457
>>3666460
This is your town after all, why not enjoy it? You could use a pick me up after learning that the alchemist doesn't have much that would help with your acid scar, at least that he thinks could work, since your draconic physiology makes magical remedies impossible.

"My Queen! What a lovely night it is now with your visit! Are you growing bigger?"

This Hembull fellow, mayor of the town and lord of this upper portion of the valley. Eager to receive you, and wastes no time in making you comfortable. It's a bit late now for him to commandeer the town drinking hall for your visit, but a smaller tavern near to where he lives? You soon find yourself as spoiled as ever with these humans, being waited on claw and tail for as much food and drink as you can handle, and lavished with attention by the usual complement of barmaids. Hanging onto your neck and wanting to listen to stories, filing your claws complimenting your looks, and getting a massage on your tail and wings. In truth the humans, and lesser races are like animals to you, your kind. But you can't deny these animals make good servants and really know how to treat you right, you're becoming more and more glad that they ended up being the beings you've come to rule over.

"How are things under my reign now? And the other settlements in the valley, they have accepted my rule?"

"Everything goes fantastically here your grace, the land flourishes and the people are happier than they ever have been, to have you as their Queen!" his response comes so naturally that it makes you brim with pride at your obvious superiority. If you are the best around, then so too must your realm and people be the best! He falters a little though, his smile wavers on the matter of overall authority, "Ah, but as for the rest of the valley... well they haven't learned of how wonderful it is to live under your care! We've sent word to the villages, and to the coast but most have refused or seem to only accept it as a gesture, but no effort to contribute anything. I'd hate to rely on you for help, but perhaps they would... understand better if you showed yourself? Some even don't believe you're real, just some rumor we've made to try and extend our own reach! Can you imagine?!"

All the serving girls laugh at the though, which you come to find humorous as a result. Normally such news as this would make you want to kill the mayor for incompetence and then go burn down all the other settlements. But when you've got a nice human on your lap rubbing your scales and feeding you by hand with such sweet compliments, it's hard to hold anger against their kind. Like animals as aforementioned, like little children... if they refuse you, it must be because they just don't know any better. Time for you to teach them, perhaps.

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"Well, if there is anything we could do with... forgive me if this is too presumptuous, but we would like to have a voice in our own governance. A common human tradition I'm sure you'll find anywhere, if you would permit an advisor for our affairs that they can find your ears... I'd be happy to do it even, since you've removed my purpose to town here ahah!"

Now this is something you'd heard about once or twice from your brother Ymirro, and somewhat saw yourself with mother. How the humans rule themselves differs from place to place, but in many places it seems the lesser among them tend to have someone to speak for them, representatives? Even mother, occasionally had humans and some other lesser race persons, to explain things of the outside world and give advice or even to try and beg for things from her. You don't suppose it's too much of the mayor to ask, but is that the kind of rule you want to have towards your subjects?

>What do you do?

>>3666567
This works out very well for us I say we accept the mayors offer.

>>3666600
We also need to spend time tomorrow flying to the various towns and hamlets that have failed to grasp that we do in fact exist and we are their queen. No need for fire and ruin when we can just show up will Lila and scare them into submission. More over we should ask the elves to send us an advisor as well. It would be good to have a direct line of contact with them.

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>>3666690
>>3666600
You could probably handle one of these come tomorrow, either go forcing other towns into servitude, or forming your own noble court out of the people already in servitude.

In any case this may be my last post of the night then, we'll continue tomorrow, including input of any players till then. In the meantime, thanks all for playing!

>>3666720
Form our court of nobles tomorrow.

Have a good night QM thanks for running.

>>3666720
Lets pay a visit to the elves tomorrow and make the same question, ask how they are going and see if there is any trouble we could help or suggestions they may have, and then tell them the humans have an advisior to bring their concerns to us and they can do the same

>>3667021
>>3666739
>>3666720

agreed

I imagine they are more receptive to our rule after they saw what we did with the orcs and their leader

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3639213/
archive link for thread 1

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>>3666739
>>3667021
>>3667054
The mayor makes a good case. You hadn't given much thought to whether you wanted to be the sort of ruler that was tangible and approachable to your subjects, or instead like some sort of god-monarch, but given your position and admitted inexperience it seems like a good idea to cooperate with those who want to. So indeed, the lord mayor can act as a representative for the humans you own, and in a related way become a noble in what may potentially be a royal court you allow and form.

So then, a bit wiser than last time you take care not to get inebriated by these humans and their persuasive way of doing so with their infernal... but enjoyable drinks. You partake of a fair share but don't get carried away like last time when a serving girl practically upended a barrel of booze into your mouth over the night. Satisfactorily stuffed then and having taken care of business, you seek bedding for the night and given how accommodating the mayor has been you're sure he wouldn't mind offering his bed rather than some servant's quarters.

"Hold on, you mean in my home? Ahh... n-no, of course I don't mind!"

You sense hesitation, so all the more reason to do so and to remind him of your respective positions. As expected, he has a nice home (where you get to meet his wife and children) and furthermore, a very nice bed which you get to appreciate while having brought a couple of serving girls to finish rubbing your fore and hind feet with oil.

Ah, now this is the way to get to sleep!

---

Come the next morning, you're awakened by the sound of a fight taking place in the street outside. Lazily you lean your head to look out a window and see some humans complaining about a stolen chicken. Bah, such silly lesser beings and their trifling ways. They really do need a ruler such as you to control and guide them, for their own sake. One above such insignificant and beastly matters as-

"Yi yi! Yes, food! I am indeed hungry!"

It seems a servant was waiting for you to awake, and in short order sets upon a table in the bedroom a spread of food for your morning, as you sit up in bed giddy and clapping your paws together in a trifling way like some silly lizard. Ready to messily stuff your face like an insignificant beast, and leave the mayor's house a right mess as you set about your day.

>What do you do? The mayor is willing to accompany you to your castle so you can figure this council idea out, but if you'd like you could instead visit the elves first and check on their interest to the matter.

>>3667982
the mayor should stay here actually, to manage things and maybe visit us weekly to bring reports and propose courses of action, because if he leaves no one can take care of the humans here no?

now we visit the elves to make a similar arrangement

>>3667982
Try to eat in a Somewhat dignified after you finish your meal. Tell the mayor that you will meet him at your castle as you still need to get the elves to send a representative to the Nobles counsel. you expect him to arrive at noon then take your leave and fly into the forest to contact the elves.

>>3668007
also as we leave thank the mayor for his hospitality just because we are entitled to his property doesn't mean we have to be rude.

>>3668005
>>3668007
>>3668016
Well having nobles to your abode would be pointless if they didn't dwell there. The mayor can easily find a replacement in any case, though whether you decide to keep him long or not, letting him at least visit your castle so that he knows where it is and so that he can be present for when you fetch an elf seems fair.

And besides, after crashing at his place and making a mess, you'd like to show off your own home as thanks. An appropriate exchange, you think. While, you set out to search for the elves and set terms with them, that should give the mayor time to reach your castle so that you'll have a meeting or plan to at least.

>Make a roll for locating the elves then. You know they dwell in the forest but you've never actually been to their village.

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3668031
If we can't find just demand that one that is pribably watching our castle take us there

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>3668031
>inb4 nat 1

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3668031

>>3668031
Also, if he is coming his family is welcome to come as well.

>>3668065
support

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>>3668050
>>3668051
>>3668058
>76

You know a relative direction the elves would be in based on your previous interactions with them, so you take to flight over that region of the expansive forest. The wind to your wings and scales as you soar, the verdant green forest beneath you and the clear blue sky above. It takes about an hour of searching but with sharp eyes you spot some trees of a greater size than the rest of the forest, and hiding beneath their shade a little village. It's well-camouflaged so there's no wonder you missed it on your flights over the forest before but specifically looking for it now it's clear to tell eventually.

You can land then in a place you see enough space for you, and make your approach. Almost immediately upon your landing though sounds a sweetly-tuned horn and many elves assemble with weapons drawn at the ready. Anyone else would be dropped in an instant... but they know you. However, it doesn't do much to settle their worries of your coming here, nor does it bring them to put away their weapons.

"I must say, I do not feel very welcomed by this display. What is a queen to think when her subjects behave in such a way?"

"...wh-what do you want, dragon? You have never cared to come looking for us before..."

One fellow, a captain of the guard you imagine, speaks up eventually. Clearly nervous about the tenseness of the situation, but he quickly regains his characteristic elven composure.

Of course for their insult you'd like to burn them, but it would be a shame to ignite their whole village in the process.

>How would you like to proceed with them?

>>3668090
Snort some smoke flame out to let them know of your displeasure. then turn your head up ever so slightly. "You are the Captain of the guard I presume. well, I had come here to inform your lady that I was assembling a noble counsel, but if this is the kind of disrespect I can look forward to when in the company of elves, well I'm not sure I want to give your kind a set anymore." pause to let it sink in just how much the captain just fucked up. then as he going to try and fix him mistake cut him off "Never the less I have already come all this way take me to your lady I wish to inform her myself"

>>3668107
I think this is adequately mean without moving into cruel territory.

>>3668090
Simple, I'm here to talk with your current representative, no need to worry your head over it, please lead the way and lower your bows, if I intended you harm I would not be talking right now, I'm some of you remember how I act when I'm angered

Polite, I have some dragon speech to say to their leader

>>3668090
Keep our calm and show no sign of displeasure

"Take me to your leader captain, and lower those bows, you and I know how useless they are"

Start walking towards the village

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>>3668125
>>3668117
>>3668107
You don't want to let on that you're too upset, as much as you'd like to burn them all. But you can't help snort at their gesture.

"You are in charge here then? I had come to see your lady and discuss things, but for this disrespect... even if your weapons are useless."

You keep your head high, as the elves falter and the captain in particular chokes. Eventually he mutters something in their elven language which causes a visibly upset argument among them, but finally at his shouting the lower their weapons and part for you.

"Good, as it should be. Now, take me to your leader."

"...this way, dragon."

Though he offers to guide you, you note that he uses no honorific for you like the humans do. You're just 'dragon' rather than queen to them.

---

Being led into the glade of their village, right away you're quite impressed with what you see. They don't have many buildings and there doesn't look to be all that many elves, but everything they have is well made and fancily designed. Very ergonomic for their kind you imagine, not like the humans who cluster in huge numbers and disorder.

"You have a waterfall?! What fairness is this, I want a waterfall!"

"Esteemed Riona, we are... honored to have you here in such a manner."

She probably speaks of your presence without burning anything or anyone. You were led the way to the highest portion of the village to a big open fancy building with a large tree growing out the middle, probably the equivalent of the human "town hall". Along the way many elves see you and withdraw in visible disapproval or even disgust, but at this higher building they appear to have a more welcoming decorum as you're greeted by a small collection of elves and a... female, you think, to speak for them.

"My Lady bids you welcome, and has asked me to ensure your requests are answered. I take it the relationship with our people remains in good standing, as we have maintained the mutual understanding."

Typical, their leader won't even bother to see you. You know what Lila meant about these arrogant worms and it angers you deeply, their screams an anticipated delight. But, to their credit, they have kept up their side of the bargain. For all their disrespect to you they've delivered in ways not even the humans have, despite how much you enjoy the humans for all their simplicities.

>What do you do?

>>3668197
Inform them you've come to speak with the lady you have business with her and her alone once you're inside with the lady explain that you are forming aNobles Council and that you ask the elves to send a representative. Let them know the humans in your room have already sent theirs and you expect the elves representatives to arrive by noon to your Castle.

>>3668197
I would like to speak to your leader alone, I have something to say to her that is for her ears only.

If they refuse remind them that we are here to speak and not burn, if we were they would know and that we know they remember what happens with those who disrespect us.

Wait for the others to leave and approach the leader.

"Longevity can be a burden right, day of the elves? It usually shackels us in tradition, not that it is a bad thing but it blinds us for change, and change has come I'm afraid.
I find it interesting that most races respect the assumption of power, guaranteed by a family name, a title, a piece of parchment or a bloodline, but you see, I offer no assumptions, I AM POWER, I'm everything that I weild and more, so I understand when creatures of tradition fail to notice this distibct difference.

So, I'm here to actually tell you how fortunate you are."

Approach her very calmly

" it is good, for your people, that it was I that found you, not my brother who would eat your entrail" caress her belly with the back or our claw " and sleep over your bones, or my sister, that would make your people cut your ancestral forest and use it as firewood to roast ypur young for dinner" bring the claw to her face caressing it too.

"This part of the world changed the moment mother let us loose my dear, I offer your people a part in my world, safe and protected as my subjects, if you want a place for them you would do well to let them know and recognize me as their queen my lady."

" now, for what I actually came here, I would like to invite one of you to my court, to act as my advisor and report and suggest issues that may cobcern your people, someone is expected at noon"

" it was a pleasure meeting you, what is your name?"


I guess that is sweet and threatening enough.

>>3668239
Nice!

Hey all, have to duck out for a little bit but we'll resume when I get back, from here

>>3668223
>>3668239

and if there's any other player input or ideas till then!

>>3668310
see you then.

>>3668197
I want a waterfall too, invite them to the council, and say that the first meeting is at noon and they should send someone to represent them as our subjects.

>>3668310
Ok, back now and resuming shortly.

>>3668567
awesome sauce em

>>3668567
Qm u good man did you die

>>3668665
Long post to write! Kind of have to plan this out.

>>3668674
completely understandable my man take your time

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Whew, forgive the delay this took a lot to write and figure out!

>>3668323
>>3668223
>>3668239
You'll not be brushed off so easily, you're here for a purpose and you're here yourself, not some messenger in your stead.

"I would like you speak with your leader alone, I have something to say that is for her ears only."

"I assure you, I am fully capable of relaying anything you may wish to convey."

The interpreter smiles, but you can just hear, feel the insincerity dripping in her voice. You weigh your patience against hers and the other elves, but eventually realize you're not going to win against immortal beings.

"...alright where is she? If I have to find her myself I will, drag her out by her hair..."

You shoulder past the elves and make your way into the building, to their shock and horror, audible gasps mixed with drawing of weapons from those actually armed. You hardly care for their customs though, and don't care at all for their potential and ineffective violence as you pace about the open structure calling out for the leader. Rather uncouth but it gets results, as the stoic guards approach to try and remove you or even resort to violence with their weapons drawn, but are halted in their place.

"Enough!" you hear a call from above, a spiral staircase winding up around the tree of the building's center atop which you come to notice a regal elven woman in an elegant if scant gown issuing the command, "...I will see her then, let her pass."

Nice, someone actually recognizing your gender at sight, the humans for example you feel not a single one of them has ever been aware till you've referred to yourself as queen.

---

Having made your way up around the spiral stairs you emerge into a wide open space among the canopy of the great tree. It's almost like a room, but the branches and leaves have been made to grow outside of and around some defined space as to make an open area that feels like a cradle or a cage of life. The elven high lady awaits you, though there are no guards but she has a couple assistants with her.

"You heard me say the rest, but perhaps you did not hear me say alone?"

"Nevermind them, they are but my handmaidens."

Even for as tolerant as their leader must be to accept your demands to meet with you in person, and to great objection from all the other elves, she still seems to not respect your words to the letter and not think you to have been serious. You're getting pretty sick of their disrespect so who better to put in place than their ruler. You feel like laughing but try to remain calm and serious.

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"Longevity can be a burden right? It shackles us in tradition, not that it is a bad thing but it blinds us for change, and change has come I am afraid. I find it interesting that most races respect the assumption of power, guaranteed by a family name, a title, a piece of parchment or a bloodline, but you see, I offer no assumptions..." at this your words reverberate in your chest, causing the she-elf to falter, "...I AM POWER, I am everything that I wield and more, so I understand when creatures of tradition fail to notice this distinct difference."

Now you can't help from smiling in teaching her a lesson, at least about yourself as you approach her.

"So, I am here to actually tell you how fortunate you are."

You near her calmly and slowly, to a point, but when you're near enough you swiftly move for her to reach a hand about and grip her back, to pull her to you. You are not that big yourself but these elves are frail beings compared to even humans, let alone that this is some fancy noblewoman rather than a warrior or worker. Your grip of her body is an easy one, though it frightens her and seeing this her handmaidens act in alarm.

"My Lady!"

"Unhand her, monster!"

Seems they're armed and their intentions weren't so pure as they produce hidden blades and rush for you to free their leader, but you easily swat them aside with a strike each of them from your tail. Sent sprawling across the floor, they hastily try to recover and grab their weapons but when they sight you again, you've got your maw around the throat of their leader and your eyes on them. Their call to make, and shamefully they stand down, one even jamming her sword into the ground with tears of anger. Seeing this a smile plays across your face, and you ease your fangs off the she-elf's throat.

"It is good, for your people, that it was I that found you and not my brother who would eat your entrails..." you caress her belly with the back or your claw, causing her to gasp when she feels your scales to her skin, "...and sleep over your bones. Or my sister, that would make your people fell your ancestral forest and use it as firewood to roast your young for dinner."

You proceed to run your draconic fingers along her body up to her face, where she tries to look away from you in disgust but you trace along her face with your claws. Ever so slightly grazing the skin as to produce a trickle of blood, till you grip her face and force her to look you in the eyes. Delicious, her elven pride and arrogance melting away to fear and despair.

"This part of the world changed the moment mother let us loose my dear, I offer your people a part in my world, safe and protected as my subjects. If you want a place for them you would do well to let them know and recognize me as their queen... my lady."

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Your fanged smile is as wide as can be as you let out a chuckle from such a patronizing manner of addressing her. A whole lot of good their traditions, cultures and ways did them, when you can waltz in the front door and handle their leader more carelessly than a doll. Not even her lover could get away with this, but here you are with her handmaidens forced to watch even in impotent rage and shame.

This is the dragon way, indeed, your will over all.

"Now, for what I actually came here, I would like to invite one of you to my court, to act as my advisor and report and suggest issues that may concern your people. Someone is expected at noon."

Having reared up in order to sit up straight on your hind legs, you had in fact actually picked her up, having grasped her in both hands for the size difference between you. Gently though you can set her down again to her immense relief and the relief of her handmaidens... though you don't entirely grant her hope; you set her down, but against expectation you still keep a hand at the small of her back to hold onto her. She's free from your possessive grasp, but she's still your subject like any other, even the lowliest beggar. Yours to own sure as the stones and the trees.

Leaning your head down close to her, you whisper to her long elven ear to once more cause her to gasp, as she feels the heat from within you and your tail twining and wrapping about her legs.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, what is your name?"

"...T-T-T...." yes. Supreme delight at seeing something so high and mighty brought so low by you, as she gulps to try and regain her elven composure, ...Tanyth, of house Chaemenor..."

A fine name. A pretty name, by common language standards. Your name to own now, you're sure of it. And what more, you're sure she knows it.

>What do you do? Anything else you seek of her while you have her in your grasp, before you leave? Or are you satisfied with setting things straight?

>>3668776
[fantasic piece of writing!]
Satisfied with the outcome of your meeting with Lady Tanith leave reminding her that you expect someone by noon. then return to your castle stuff yourself as you have Lila relay the event you missed today and yesterday. also, inform her about the noble counsel and her place in it. she is our lady in waiting and is our most trusted confidant.

>>3668776
Tell her goodbye snd say we expect someon who would speak for them, so she has to chose well or come herself

Damn, those are some loyal guards, attacking a dragon with knives.

Go back and wait.

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>>3668805
>>3668841
You've insulted her, humiliated her, but you haven't shamed her. You'd like to taste her elven blood but hold off from licking her face lest you go too far. As much as they may hate what has transpired, you feel this is retribution for their continued disrespect of you and wholly justified. Nothing yet by your standards unwarranted so you don't try to break the understanding you've set with them by your exchange here with something unforgivable. Unwrapping your tail from her legs then, you gently shove her forward as to finally let go of her.

"So then, I will expect one of your kind by midday for this meeting. A similar representative from the humans will be there-"

"I shall do it!"

You'd begun to walk away and leave her in peace, the handmaidens rushing to their lady's side and comforting her, checking her condition after your treatment and spitting what are probably elven curses your way from seeing her scratched face. You care not for it, and indeed smile to yourself in delight, but hearing the lady herself speak up you look back in some confusion.

"You shall do what?"

The handmaidens speak desperately to her in elven, what sounds like insistence and pleading, but the lady addresses you once more with what little courage she can muster.

"...for the good of my people, I shall represent them in this... court of yours."

"Yi yi, really?!" you try to contain your glee over this but it is very hard when you imagine the continued ways you could torment this she-elf, "Very good, I will expect you then!'

"However... we will need more time, it is almost midday already. Even if we left now we would not reach it in time."

She makes a valid concern, you'd gotten carried away in just assuming everyone could fly when in reality the elves would have to travel conventionally same as the humans and would need time. Of course nothing would bring you more joy than to just grab the she-elf and take flight, to kidnap or rather carry her off to your castle with you in the same time it takes to fly there. However, like your desire to taste her blood, you expect this would be unacceptable. So allowing them some more time, maybe a couple of hours after midday would be fine.

As long as they show up, and now as long as she's the one to be there. Yes, everything is falling into place now.

---

After the exchange you can take your leave of the elven village for which the long-ears are relieved to see you go. You can fly back home then in a short while and landing in the main courtyard you're glad to see signs of the humans around. Lila of course hurries out to meet you but she says the lord mayor and his wife arrived not long ago and she'd been giving them a tour (they currently are waiting in something called a "sitting room"), and with them they've brought a fair number of personnel to help establish things with this court of yours.

>What do you do? Would you care to see your guests and entertain them till the elves arrive, or would you like to retire for the time being after a busy day so far and relax or enjoy yourself till all parties are assembled?

>>3668892
> see your guests and entertain them till the elves arrive. we shall have lunch [stuff yourself asserting dominance by showing how much more you can eat than them.] then when the elves show up we can start hammering out details.

>>3668906
It would be hilarious if the elves showed up to find the humans all in a drunken stupor after what appears to have been a party.

>>3668893
This will probably be my last post of the night then. We'll continue tomorrow as usual, and I may even try to start earlier to make up for the delay today, if I'm able.

In the meantime you can figure out what sort of things you want to figure out at the meeting, and what purpose and form you want this court of yours to have. Until then, thanks all for playing!

>>3668893
Lets greet and welcome, but do not stay long as to not show favoritism, even if they are the more docile of our subjects

>>3668918
Good point, give them food but not too much to drink

>>3668946
The court will be a simple affair I think, they speak for their people when needed or asked to and suggest what they think it's best for them for our evaluation, they are here to transmit orders we give to their people too.


We can offer a nice room to the mayor and his family and maybe a couple of rooms for him to use as an office or something, the same will be offered to the elven lady but if she has mages capable of shapping the nature like we saw in her home she is welcome to do with the castle garden an appropriate place for her too.

>>3668946
Being a badass dragon is great and all but we also have to be a queen now. Given the fact we have about two-ish weeks worth of real-world experience, I want the Noble counsel to be something we can rely on for information. As well as advise us on how to handle queen related decisions. obviously, we would hold the final say on all matters but I think it would be nice to have the information and advice. I also what the Noble Counsel to set up the bureaucracy needed to manage the micro day to day operations needed to ensure a nation actually prospers. given the fact we are a dragon we are going to live for a long time, which means its in our best interest to ensure our nation prospers. As its prosperity will be our prosper.

>>3668946
So, did we just make the court of the crimson queen?

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>>3669727
>>3669400
>>3669118
>>3668906
>>3668918
Back home now, you can meet the mayor again and entertain him and his wife; treating them to a lovely little luncheon in just your "casual" dining room and showing off a bit. You can see that his wife appears slightly bored though, so you make a note of needing to get some entertainers among the servants you end up gathering to the castle. Dragons are not generous by nature, you would not spare a coin if asked or begged, yet for the chance to show off and flaunt your power you would spare no expense. Something of a dichotomy but wealth and power go hand in hand.

It also gives you a chance to think on the state of things and this assembly of lesser beings you are creating. You'd felt pretty proud having subdued the elves into total submission, but in the end what is it amounting to? Success is your primary concern but what sort of success? You've been playing your games and having your fun with your subjects but you wouldn't want to end up like your Illyrie, your sister with her own little games but nothing really to show for it. You want to make something that will last, and in this respect you feel it wise that you temper your... fun and games with these people's lives, tempered with the desire for a good and stable rule. Whether feared or loved, to be a queen that is respected.

"Is that the elf queen? She's beautiful!"

"Not a queen, no."

Eventually while lazing about in one of the hallways while the mayor talks things over with the current labor team having cleaned the castle and continuing their repairs with the throne room, Lila notices out the window the arrival of the elves prompting you all to go and receive them. She's quite enamored by their appearance as the few of them that did attend this gathering dressed quite regally.

"Lady Tanith... Tanyth? It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" the mayor expresses his own greeting, it seems despite being relative neighbors of the area they've never conducted much diplomacy.

"You would be... Hembull? So it was you that cut a path through our forest?" it seems she's none too pleased about the road and the first thing she dwells on.

"My forest." you half-growl which seems to startle the elf into her proper place, "It is little harm, a road will benefit all."

"Hear hear, my Queen!" the mayor cheerily brushes the unpleasantness aside, "Let's see to this then! I am so looking forward to this meeting between such different worlds! And of course, to see our beloved Queen rightfully enthroned for it!"

The mayor seems confident that it will make a good, and impressive scene to finally use the throne room for its intended purpose. As you are to create your own royal court of sorts, you would like to experience that, what the leaders of these lesser races get to experience and sit on high to look down on your subjects and in this case even down on the leaders of your subjects.

>What do you do? How should this all take form? As the first sort of meeting as this, you're setting a precedent so how you proceed and structure things here will probably determine the future of it.

>>3670233

Well, the extended rule is the goal, so let us be polite and leave the games fort private occasions or some other appropriate moment

first, greet them both and formally welcome them to our castle, tell them that their dwellings have been provided and any adjustment to better suit their tastes can be provided by asking Lila or ourselves if it's something major

"I understand that many times, the first contact may not have been the most pleasant, but I assure you, I do this out of kindness to spare you of future grief.

you'll be the voices of your people, and will bring me their pleas, as well as inform them of my designs, but in my power, I'm also....inexperienced in dealing with your kind, so I hope you can advise me on that for the benefit of themselves so that they do not anger me"

ask them what they know about the dwarves, they are in our domain and we will deal with them when the time is right

inform the human that we drove out the orcs from the woods and they are not welcome here, the elf already knows since their kind helped at the end

and lastly, say that we are open to hearing them, and if we are not around Lila will serve as our ears

>>3670233
Did we remember to wear our crown?

And are we still wearing that magic threat detecting necklace as a bracelet on one of our wrists? I doubt anyone would try anything, but just in case something does happen, it would be nice for the necklace to give a warning of some kind.

>>3670282
Yeah, supporting this.

>>3670282
support this is a well thought-out post

>>3670282
Looks good, tell them that we expect them to be the source of information we need.

Break out the wine, but do not be offended if the elves do not partake, make it clear to them, since we know this is a human beverage, if they have an alternative from them we would like to get it to the castle too, having different kinds of stuff interests me.

>>3670308 we should probably also have the council help set up a bureaucracy to manage the day-to-day stuff running the kingdom

>>3670282
>>3670293
>>3670308
>>3670316
>>3670338
Make a roll!

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>3670346

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>3670346

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3670346

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3670346

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3670346

>>3670412
nice

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3670346

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>>3670412
>>3670390
>>3670371
>>3670352
>>3670351
>>3670425
>87

Of course you're wearing your crown, what kind of queen would you be without it? As the lady of the castle then you bid them all welcome and thank them for attending, to show it you've even set aside quarters for them whenever they should want or need them. The castle is big enough, and as the relative paragons of their respective races you want to keep them close.

With the formalities out of the way then you can relocate to your throne room and move to the elevated area at the focus of the room, to look down on your gathered subjects. A little envoy of humans on one side, and a little envoy of elves on the other, it makes you feel giddy with pride to see the definite accomplishments you've made since setting out on your own in life... but more still, you feel a significant amount of self-respect in recognizing that you wish to do good by these people. Sure you could be a tyrant and hold absolute power over all, but the fact that you can and instead are choosing to act in the benefit of all (to the best of your abilities) shows that you're something greater, and willing to aspire to something greater.

If only the throne actually fit you, your only upset with the whole situation. You want to imagine one of those... paintings, or tapestries that the lesser races create for historical events, you want to imagine one of this situation being perfect. At least you have Lila by your side like a good little attendant to make you feel better... and confident, though you would never let her know that, or anyone else.

"I understand that many times, contact may not have been pleasant but I assure you, I do this out of kindness to spare you future grief."

As insignificant as these lesser races are to you... it seems they've charmed you and you're not ashamed to admit it. You'd never had much experience at all with them when living under mother, but experiencing them for yourself, you can kind of see some of the appeal that Illyrie found in the lesser races... though by contrast you've an interest in doing good for them. Even if it inevitably serves your own good, but still, you appear to have developed a soft spot in your own way for them but in such a manner that you don't consider it a weakness.

"You will be the voices of your people and will bring me their pleas, as well as inform them of my designs. But in my power, I am also... inexperienced in dealing with your kind, so I hope you can advise me on that for the benefit of your people so that they do not anger me."

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Really you consider it like a favor, a great boon to them for you to consider them all in this way and they should be thanking you. True, you showed your initial hand as some dragons might and thrown your weight around to bully and intimidate them into servitude... but just to show them their place, and that you are serious. Having accepted their position, you now seek to raise them up in a way few conquering rulers would. For the betterment of all, do you act in mind and because of that, they are lucky for a privilege few in this world have.

"Speaking on behalf of my people, I pray that you speak truly and if it is so, then may we... cooperate in harmony." still a bit of that veiled arrogance from Tanyth, but it seems you've surprised her with your display, your words and behavior. She thought you just a crude bully but as you are trying your best to seek prosperity and unity now after having established the power dynamic, perhaps... if it is for the good of all, you may not be the worst tyrant to have such that the elves will not chafe to your rule.

"The humans of this land are joyful to have such an illustrious ruler after so long without any. As you know... I cannot yet speak for all, as there remain those in opposition still, but I should think I can share the hope that our best days lie ahead of us! Hail, Riona... ah, I suppose first of her name! Long live the Queen!" the mayor says his piece as well, and you know the humans are already accepting of your rule, no need of having to show a good side to them. It seems as long as you can do well for them, they'll bend and twist their ways whatever it takes to please you and ensure a good relationship.

It's all quite a rewarding little display of submission, or allegiance at least, though it seems almost too perfect. If only for an instant, you have a pang of dread as though this were all an omen... when you think, imagine how this situation would have been for your siblings and even your mother, in your position here instead of yourself. Very different to say the least, but for better or worse. In any case you get some amusement out of watching the little group of humans give their cheers of acclaim for you while the elves regard them as strange and even embarrassing. With a snort, you would have thought those pointy ears would be eager to fall in with the humans, but you suppose there are some things not even you can cha-

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"-what was that?!"

You're appreciating the hails for your long life from those gathered before you, but Lila startles to a loud snapping sound. Like a tree splitting? Where did that come from?

"Riona! Watch out!"

Without warning Lila throws herself into you by the shoulder... poor girl, she's just a little human so couldn't ever hope of physically moving you. But her suddenness similarly startles you such that out of reaction you stagger away from her, more like she may react to suddenly feeling the creep of some crawlie and reflexively drawing away, rather than being physically pushed by the crawlie. The point is though she tried.

"What is the- gaUAGH!"

You react confused to her at first but then some anger that she'd embarrass you in front of your subjects like this, but you don't get the chance to visit your grievances upon her as another snap sounds... above this time and you look up to be struck by the roof caving in. The wooden support beams having broken in, the whole mass of stone and tile and other construction gives way and collapses upon you. A deafening crash, the shock of impact, blinding and choking dust and debris, and faint screams and panic heard behind it all. You yourself even cry out in alarm, a howl of pain as the sky itself seems to fall on you.

---

Agony gallops through your body, your flesh and bones, and moving just makes it worse.

But it's a sign at least that you're still alive. You can't see well from beneath some rubble, but you are able to move and judging by the shift of the debris atop you, if you strained hard enough... albeit through much pain (and a roll!), you may be able to free yourself. Help would be ideal though and strangely... you find yourself wanting to cry out for mother. Still just a baby in some ways it seems.

And cry you would as you try to free yourself, but listening as you can and hoping anyone knows you're still alive... you can hear voices. Others perhaps, looking for you or wondering where you might be? Mother's voice even, you pray to the gods for...

>What do you do?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3670560
get up and try to free ourselves

damn, I hope Lila is ok

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>3670560

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3670560
What the fuck was this

Rolled 18 (1d100)

Who did this

Rolled 59 (1d100)

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3670560
I hope that 87 means more people survived, it was the roll from the cave in

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>3670560
get up and try to free ourselves and have a genuine emotional response I hope Lila is ok

if/when we get free look for Lila and then asses the wounded and make preparations to move them to the town or elven village

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>>3670633
>>3670617
>>3670613
>>3670603
>>3670598
>>3670590
>>3670644
>65

"Mother... mother please..."

What grip of the ground you can get, you breathe what little you can and push with all your might. The streaking pain through your body is almost unbearable as you howl in pain from the exertion, but you strain against the rubble to desperately free yourself. The shifting of wood, the tumble of stone, and slowly but surely you tip debris off of yourself and manage to gradually break free. Enough for your head at first, at least so that you can finally breathe fully and deeply rather than suffocating while trapped.

"Help! I am here!"

Shameful though it be for a dragon to cry for help, at this point you don't really care so long as you survive. And sure enough through the smoke and sound of still-tumbling stone, you hear calls of response. Soon enough some people emerge to try and navigate the rubble and struggle their best to free you. It still hurts more and in part for people in their hurried panic, coming to accidentally stand on roof parts that are still atop you. But with time and effort and cooperation, your little people work to pull and carry off wood and stone and lessen the weight on you. Eventually it's enough that you can do so yourself and without much care for anyone else you burst free from the mount of debris to finally stretch out and embrace the freedom with a pained roar.

You care nothing more, than to not be trapped immobile in a enclosing space for another instant.

"My Queen, are you alright?!"

"Your majesty! Please, you may still be injured!"

"Give her space!"

Though they were frightened by your emergence at first in case you resort to rage or something, folks start to gather around to try and see that you're alright. Elves and humans alike, though worlds apart in culture and even physiology, it seems most anyone responds the same way during crisis. Some want you to move away from the rubble and lay down, have someone to check on you perhaps. You haven't the time though, you give yourself a cursory glance and when you don't notice any significant harm and only coughing up a little blood, your eyes go wild at the sudden realization.

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"Where is... where is Lila?!"

Driven to madness true but by instinct, out of a need to find your servant. Against protests of everyone and even some failed attempts to stop you, you fall upon the rubble with tooth and claw trying to rip and pull it away to find Lila, screaming at any and all if they value their lives to help you.

"My Queen... I think she received the worst of it..."

You exhaust yourself trying to dig up rubble to reach Lila, eventually reduced to just smashing your head against the rocks and roaring in anguish that you can't find her. Some poor fool takes the risk of approaching you to try and give you some reason, though you're too desperate to save your servant to kill him for suggesting what he does. It does prompt you to look upward though, as you see the clear sky and rays of sun trickling through the rising smoke and dust. The roof caved in and directly above where the throne had been situated... and you dread to think, directly upon where Lila had moved to try and shove you out of the way.

If you hadn't reacted to and moved away from her you'd be right underneath it all... still you suffered terribly from the collapse, but it would seem Lila received the worst. And you at least, have the fortitude of a dragon...

>...?

>>3670719
>losing ourself at this moment won't help Lila we need to figure out what happened. was this an attack? a tragic accident?

>>3670719
Do not give up, if anything we have to find her resting place, investigating can come later, and hoping against hope that she may still be alive somewhere under it

Dig carefully as to not hurt her if she is there

This is terrible

>>3670754
I support, if we can find her with even a small amount of life we can see if anyone can use magic or even take her to the alchemist

>>3670754
Support

Man what the fuck, what the hell has this come from fuck

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>>3670768
>>3670754
>>3670731
>>3670857
>>3670876
No matter what anyone says or what your condition might be, you're not stopping nor giving up. Even after the humans and elves have, you furiously continue to dig and pull away rubble till your teeth and claws end up bleeding from it... and eventually you find her. Just a hand at first, as you remove what remains atop her.

"...come Lila. Wake up."

Her feeble little form, lifeless beneath all that stone from a collapse that would have killed you easily and outright. Through all the proceedings with the humans and elves, she was simply bored enough to not be paying attention and happened to notice the imminent collapse. And for all the good it did you, here she lays... her life for yours, her just reward.

"Lila the time for games is over, we need to be our best through this... DON'T TOUCH HER-"

One of the humans tries to help move her out and in one firm blow without even focusing on him, you send the fellow tumbling to the ground. Shakily you reach for her among the stones to pull her free and hold her in your draconic hands. A dream this is not, but surely she's just sleeping, as you hold her close for a long time before trying to shake her awake... scattering dust and debris from her body along with blood from where she was crushed the worst.

"...Lila... LILA-"

Those other lesser beings regard you with caution now seeing your state, and begin to back away and give you distance. But you couldn't care less about them, you hardly even notice them with your focus on your servant. Her broken little body going cold in your very hands.

>...?

>>3670908
>We never told her that we considered her a friend. we need answers how did this happen?

>>3670908
Damn
Pick her up and fly from the hole in the cieling, travel to the town and visit the elf, if there is any hope, he is the one that would know.

>>3670908
Cry. You don’t care if everyone sees you crying. This hurts because it’s not something that can be fixed with tooth or claw or fire.

The only good thing that’ll come from this situation is that if everyone sees you worrying over Lila, they’ll see that you’re not the monstrous dragon they think you are.

(Maybe we’ll get lucky and dragon tears will heal Lila?)

>>3670931
Instead of going into town, wouldn’t it be better to ask the elves currently in the castle if they have healing magic or something? They’re closer to us, which would give us faster results.

>>3670946
But dragons can't cry...

>>3670931
Flying in the injured condition you're in may be bad, you'd have to roll for it at a penalty. Not impossible but you only barely survived being crushed to death, you're not in a good condition.

Is there ress magic? because that is something I would seek

I can only imagine the human renovators set this up somehow, they were the only ones wit unrestricted access to the castle, or it was a terrible accident but....in the middle of repairs?

>>3670946
I agree to seek magic

and if it's not possible
seek the alchemist like >>3670931 said to try and preserve her until/if there is anything we can do


I predict a much colder dragon after we mourn

>>3670946
assuming this is DnD logic the window for spare the dying has already pasted. it definitely took more than a minute to find her.

also, support crying this is sad.

>>3670946
Agree in asking for help here first.

>>3670950
If the elves can't help or offer some guidance, even in the form of some ancient thing they do not have access to, I say we try to fly there since we were saved by her.

>>3670919
>>3670931
>>3670946
>>3670953
>>3670954
>>3670963
Your mind races against the pain your body, as you struggle to even remain standing let alone moving poorly. Who could help her, what could help her? The alchemist, in town? Maybe... but that's far away and you're not sure you could fly like this.

"You, elf... heal her. Your people..."

You tun your head to Tanyth, startling her in the process. The elves seem like a magical lot, or at least in touch with nature, surely they can...

"Your grace, we only have enchanters, sorcerers... what you are asking is-"

"Save her... SAVE HER NOW-"

The elven lady tries to make excuses as you limp towards her carrying Lila's body, till your desperation overcomes your patience, and you shove the body into her.

"You would need a necromancer! She is dead, your grace..."

The other elves move to try and pull Tanyth back, their hands on their weapons as they expect some outburst from you in rage. But her words just bring despair to your heart. A lot of good their magic does them, if it's no benefit here... only the fell magic she speaks of, raising the dead. You were in denial over Lila and choosing to believe that a simple healing spell would save her. But Tanyth's words are like stones in your heart as it becomes harder and harder to ignore the unbearable truth.

And if that's the case, what could even the alchemist do? Try and feed her some potion when she's not even alive to drink it? Though you dare not admit it, a small flame of realization in the back of your mind slowly grows, knowing that inevitably you will have to face the truth.

"...and you?" you turn to ask the mayor.

"My Queen... I know of only a few wizards in the valley and black magic is forbidden, I doubt they would be able to do anything even if they knew how, it's been too long already for the poor girl... I am sorry, my Queen, our condolences..."

Useless, for all these lesser beings, these pathetic worms, there's not a one among their ilk worth a damn.

>...?

>>3671027
>tell them to leave you, we are done for the day you need time to grieve. also, tell them you want to know how this happened. Then look for a place to bury Lila our first real friend.

>>3671027
Shit I'm legit sad

"You are dismissed, leave us...leave me be."

Why? Why is she so feeble? Why is she so fragile? Why does it hurt so much?

What good does all my might do?

After they leave us we roar and scream in anger and frustration and pain.

We tell her body what we could not her while alive.

Guys, I propose we have a secret, a new secret with the alchemist, he may not be able to bring her back but he may know a way to preserve her, like he preserves many things, he will keep her, and one day, one day we may have what we want.

>>3671076
I'm down for everything but the last line. holding on to this can only lead down a dark path.

>>3671091
A path that I am pretty sure Lila wouldn't want us to go down.

>>3671091
I'm thinking we either find a way through the divine magic or the dark arts, either way works, Riona doesn't care

>>3671108
you mean like asking a god for a favor. because I'm down for that but keep in mind that God will call in that favor at some point.

>>3671116
I'm just not willing to let go, that would be too cathartic, maybe an irrational goal on the back of our minds, keep her there, it may as well be her tomb but that irrational thing still at the back of our head, that one day we may stumble upon a solution

>>3671130
how about daily grave visits and talking to her like she is still around at the grave.

>>3671027
Look into divine healing or 'legit' resurrection magic

>>3671156
yes support

>>3671149
We can do that at the alchemist too

If that is even possible, If it isn't then sure, we bury her somewhere

>>3671162
>>3671156
Like I said, we can look into that, but its not something we can simply go to a library and research, hence why we should keep her body there, preserved if possible for if one day we can do something, IF ever we could do something.

We can rationalize this as this, we do not like to owe no one nothing, she saved our live and we should not let that debt go....one day we may repay it....even if that day never comes.

>>3671027
Fucking hell

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>>3670633
It was a roll that you even survive, lucky you had Lila who cared enough to do what she did.

>>3671156
>>3671076
>>3671046
You smash the ground in anguish, frustration as you try to ignore the futility of imagining different ways she could still be saved. What good is all this power and might when you can't even save just one human?

"You are dismissed, leave us... leave me be."

"My Queen... I think it would be best if-"

"LEAVE."

The mayor tries to offer some support in this time and wants to speak of things, but you'll have none of it from anyone and the lot of them hastily bid you farewell then, offering their condolences before departing. You try to give it some time for them all to make distance through the castle, but it doesn't really matter as you roar and howl in anger, frustration and pain. You stomp your feet and slam your tail to the floor, and end up headbutting a wall over and over till blood runs down your face, and still you'd do it more.

Why, why? In all your years living with mother you never cared about anyone apart from her of course, and some pity for your feeble red brother. Yet in barely two weeks you feel so strongly about just a lowly servant and a lesser race at that. But then, she was your... friend, you were starting to feel like. You'd be ashamed if it didn't hurt so much, what would other dragons think of you? Then again, is it that strange really? You know how it is with dragons, everything about them is turned up to eleven. The physical, the mental, and of course the emotional is no exception. Anger for any other, for a dragon is the burning fury of a sun. Happiness for any other, for a dragon is joy unequaled. Love for any other, for a dragon is the greatest romance of the age. That's just the way it is for such mercurial creatures, of such unequaled power; fire made form, everything burns without and everything burns within. Lila was your first real friend you might say, so you feel the pain of losing a first friend in a way only a dragon can.

So much so in fact that you even entertain such notions as resorting to necromancy or miracles to try and pervert the natural order and bring her back from the dead.

>How long do you care to mourn for Lila, and any efforts in particular taken?

>>3671330
I think we should take her to the alchemist, and mourn her until we are healed, no more workers in the castle, no one is allowed for now

when we are better we should fly to a faraway city, one that we yet haven't visited, I want to find the best builder or architect and bring him here, to tell me what happened

>>3671353
after we find an architect to tell us what happened. we still need to finish setting up the noble counsel.

>>3671353
maybe Grey's town, they fear us enough there so it would be easier to walk in and intimidate someone into coming

>>3671361
I agree, after we calm down and have an idea about what happened we can call them again, but I'm sure they know it's not the time.

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>>3671353
>>3671361
>>3671364
Not that you would know at this moment but it will take about a week for you to recover fully from such severe injuries. You're just lucky you weren't crippled or lost any limbs from the collapse. And, lucky for Lila or else you'd be dead now.

In any case you can send for the alchemist since you're not able to fly to him. He would be able to preserve her body as it turns out, if you cared for such a thing. As much as you care for her though, you're not sure she... or you, would want that. Turning her body into some perfect doll for you to cherish. Something to consider, as you also pay mind to the collapsed roof and a need to at least temporarily cover it up so weather damage doesn't ruin the throne room. These things considered, when you're not grieving that is.

For the time being though you send any servants and help away. The elven Lady, and the mayor can stay if they please but you don't want to cross paths with anyone while you're in mourning and recovering. Though, for what it's worth... they do seek audience. The mayor has kept trying and pestering you over and over to meet and talk, as though he thinks paltry words from some lesser being could help your heart. The she-elf though, she'd left you well alone long enough but eventually she does once seek to speak with you alone.

>What do you do? And over this week of recovery if there was anything particular you had in mind not already stated, you could.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3671415
hear them out, after 2 days so we can calm down, we need to see if there was no foul play at work on the collapse since it was too specific and too time-sensitive to be a coincidence, I heavily suspect the renovators but I'd like to see an outside opinion since a dragon probably doesn't know shit about these things

see the:
1 mayor
2 elf
first

>>3671415
I'm not sure that was the best to do.
Talk with the elf lady and see what she wants

>>3671415
We have had our time to grieve, we now meet with the mayor then later the lady

>>3671415
Speak with the elf then with the mayor. shit, I didn't think things would hit the fan in just a few hours.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3671471
>>3671456
>>3671439
>>3671431
Looks like an even split between the two, I'll do a roll as well.

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>>3671476
Approaching a week then, and you're starting to feel fully recovered now, thanks in part to a lot of rest (considering you haven't been active much for mourning) but still making sure you eat a lot. And though the pain of loss is still very real, you've been finding ways to cope with it, manage it so that you're becoming functional again. You still wake up at times expecting or calling for Lila and not finding her there, or entering a room or even turning to your side and think to just find her waiting there for you. But it's the acceptance that she's gone now, followed with how to continue after that.

In any case you can finally meet with the mayor and some others he brings with them, as he expresses his condolences again and how many of them have prayed to the gods for Lila's sake, of course they're sorry but also how glad they are that you survived the accident. And really, just goes to show how bad a condition the castle had fallen into if it's collapsing about you despite their best efforts. He only apologizes it simply was too little too late, and if it would please you he could bring the laborers before you. He doesn't assume that you'd kill them but perhaps it would help to have their apologies directly? They tried their best and failed you, at a great cost. Hopefully, a tragedy like this will never happen again and they'll be sure that a dedicated and proper architect will be present for any future repairs made as the castle obviously needs a learned hand more than just skill or experience of the laborers. Incidentally, he also offers if you would like, that something be done to commemorate Lila's memory. Maybe a statue might be too gaudy but a fine grave and some memorial to her? Maybe name a road (the forest road perhaps?) or dedicate a building in town in her name?

They pay a lot of lip service as always, these humans, but it does help to make you feel better. Even just someone to talk to rather than brooding in despair alone. Contrast with the elven Lady who comes to you alone and asks if there's somewhere private only you know of.

"Your grace, I pray that you will permit this inquiry, I know it is not my concern but... the humans, have you received tribute from them?"

"No, they have had difficulties adjusting to my rule. They are undertaking an effort to determine the best way to provide regular tribute."

For those willing to submit to you, you are of course generous and merciful, like with the elves asking for different terms you can understand if people take some time to adjust to having a dragon suddenly their ruler.

"And how long has that been?"

"It would be... well, the entire time now."

"...though, my people have. And there are few of us."

In thinking about it now, it hadn't really occurred to you with everything else taking place over these weeks, but you haven't yet gotten any tribute from the humans. Not a servant, not a goat, not a coin. Why is she bringing this up though? Trying to act like her people are better again? It really is quite arrogant and annoying to you, upsetting that she would want to discuss the unfairness in terms differing between the humans and the elves. You've lost a friend to a terrible accident and here she is talking court politics and business, when the humans at least said how sorry they were and tried to make you feel better, and left deals and politics at the door.

>What do you do?

>>3671582
shit

motherfucking mayor

he wanted the castle for himself, he never intends to pay shit, he wanted the road built for the castle, he wanted it clear of any dangers and then he set up his workers to kill us at the throne room, now he wants to bring architects and labourers to cover what they did, all he sent was the renovators and their shoddy work is what caused Lila to die!

"....Tanyth...set your people to watch my castle, I want no one to be able to approach the throne room or the roof...I need to see to something"


the kiss-ass betrayed us guys, it all fits

>>3671614
man, if we confirm this shit it's time for another Grey-like dragon moment, I can already feel it coming

>>3671614
Before we go tip and tear we need proof, in addition to what you posted ask Tanyth to send for her peoples best architects you want their opinion of what happened to the roof.

>>3671625
I think we should go to the dwarves, seriously, who else knows better about this stuff then them? we reach there and talk this time, or at least try, and if they can't we search for a human at Grey's city

>>3671629
elves are the second-best builders there are, but I agree if we can get the dwarfs to help then yeah it would be great

>>3671614
If this turns out to be true, I believe humanity might forever be vilified and hated by us for what they did to Lila. there will be no mercy or forgiveness at that point.

>>3671638
I want to avoid getting the elves involved because it could turn to a simple battle of "my word against your word" I want to get an unrelated party so the opinion won't seem biased

>>3671641
Lila was a human so I am not on board with the hate all mankind Now eating this fuck in front of his kid that, that I will enjoy

>>3671641
think about it, they never had a ruler, we show up at his town, claim to have cleaned up a castle and act, lets admit, like a fool whenever we are around, we never showed the strength we showed to the elves to them, THEY THOUGHT WE WERE A CIRCUS ANIMAL AT FIRST, they never truly respected us, when this guy saw a chance to get a castle and have some type of legitimate rule over the region, something the place lacks, he saw the opportunity to use us and usurp us.
It was even his idea to invite him to the castle.

AND! we never saw what those documents said, I can bet an entire scale that it says he is our legitimate HEIR!

DAMN I'M MAD!

>>3671659
Sounds like we're gonna torture the guy in front of everyone. I'm cool with that.
I'm partial towards flaying 'em alive.

>>3671651
>>3671667
it's the other way around mate, he took something we loved from us, we shall take everything precious to him

>>3671659

yup, when we prove it we are killing him eating him and them burning his house down.

>>3671673
So we eat his wife and burn down his house and then eat him.

>>3671686
I have something way better in store for him if you guys let me get away with some brutal shit, but let's see if my theory holds water

>>3671691
Aye let's see what becomes of our investigation first before we start seeing red.

>>3671691
>>3671697
agreed, now we just have to figure out how to approach the dwarfs

>>3671703
earnestly, I don't have the will to play games, simply ask, maybe even bargain, as we said to Grey, there is nothing more precious than revenge, and for revenge, we are even capable of....paying....ugh....for things

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>>3671614
>>3671625
Tanyth speaks foul implications but she speaks true, at least on the topic she chooses to bring up. You're not sure how much of it you accept though, the humans gave their own reasons for their difficulties so it does seem like a case of dispute between two sides. You can't help but feel a little bit suspicious though, but unlike your brother you want to know for sure before you act.

"...Tanyth... set your people to watch my castle, I want none to be able to approach the throne room or the roof... I need to see something."

"My people? But only some few were brought, five of us. And not all combatants, we cannot guard the entire castle... unless you mean to depart and return with more?"

That is a bit of a dilemma because while you would indeed prefer more elves just in case, at the same time it would look suspicious if all the elves left but you made the humans to stay. Unless of course if you were to just dismiss everyone at once.

"...and, if you do I want your best builders on the return, I want them to examine the roof."

"Your grace... I am not a builder myself, but I feel even I can say... examine what? There is nothing left. The entire roof collapsed, even if there was foul play I cannot imagine how that would be discovered after such a disaster."

True enough there as well, you'd imagined to fetch the greatest architect in the land from some faraway city but if you brought one back here what would you be able to do? Show them a gaping hole in the ceiling and ask if it was sabotage? You don't even understand how lesser races build things to begin with so it's not like you could describe the ceiling before or have some way of showing the work which had been done. Or even plans for the castle itself.

Though you may have other ways of finding out the truth of course, but just relying on a destroyed pile of rubble in the throne room, seems like a slim chance even with an expert. The time to consult one would have been before.

>What do you do?

>>3671710
maybe even humbling ourself enough to [spoilers]beg[/spoilers]

>>3671723
This entire ordeal has been a humbling event for us. We were drunk on victory and on pride so much so we couldn't see the betrayal in front of us.

>>3671717
thank her for her words

ok, let's grab those documents and finally see what they say, we can ask the alchemist or the lady to read them for us

now, how much do we remember of the builders? would it be possible to find and interrogate one?

if these are not possible we can try to trick the mayor, but that would probably be hard

>>3671717
Well if an architect can't help then maybe some elven tricker can. ask if Tanyth has anyone adept in clock and dagger affairs and how long it would take to get them here. tell her she has brought up some very interesting points. we would like her to look into just how truly loyal the mayor is.

>>3671751
hey, do some kind of truth drug exist? that could be useful too

>>3671755
the alchemist we can ask the alchemist for a truth potion

>>3671751
You could ask someone to read them sure, though the question is who, and who do you think you could trust?

As for the builders, you could roll to try and remember. You never had much interaction with them since they were either always cleaning the castle or working on repairs in the throne room, but you might be able to recall.

>>3671752
>>3671755
Either of these might be possible as well, do you have a preference of the one you want to use?

>>3671768
do both we will need the spy man to get the potion in his drink.

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3671768
Worth a shot, right?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3671768
some actions then

first, ask the lady to read the documents for us

then we ask the alchemist to read the documents to confirm it, and see if he has something to make people tell the truth

and while we are in town, rolling to remember a builder

>>3671780
Then like the builders, this will take a roll to see if the alchemist is simply skilled enough to know how to make a truth serum.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>3671782
would you look at that

I still think we should do this>>3671783, in addition, to be sure of the other parts of the scheme

>>3671785
here s the roll for the alchemist

>>3670351
>>3670590
>>3671783
>>3671790

my rolls today...JUST

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>3671785

>>3671800
boom mic drop we did it

>>3671800
kek

you are a blessing annon

it seems we will have our revenge!

>>3671805
not revenge Its righteous dragon justice

>>3671768
>builders
>they were either always cleaning the castle or working on repairs in the throne room
That’s pretty damning, since it makes it look like sabotage.

But before we jump to conclusions and take revenge on the wrong person, we should make absolutely sure we get our facts straight. After all, it could just be an accident and no one was responsible for making the roof collapse.

>>3671815
while I appreciate your scepticism anon

>no tribute ever
>just renovators
>they work in the throne room
>the thing decides to collapse JUST when we are under it

even if it was not intentional, they will at least pay for their incompetence and getting Lila killed

>>3671815
that is what the truth potion is for we force the mayor to drink it then ask him point-blank did you try to kill us the day Lila died, have to been plotting against me from the start, since he will be under the effects of the potion he will be forced to answer truthfully

>>3671825
But do we kill them? If they were honestly doing their work and not setting it up to fall, then do they really deserve to be killed?

I only want to kill someone if it was sabotage. If it was an accident, then what would their punishment be?

>>3671848
Its the mayor man, I am willing to bet on it.

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>>3671800
>>3671790
>>3671783
>>3671782
>98, 96

Upon thinking... yes indeed you can recall some of the laborers. The crew which first cleaned up the dining room because you remember making great use of it with them in celebration those days they stayed with you. And then, the last crew before the accident since they were among the guests you also entertained when the mayor and his retinue arrived.

Recognize, if you could find them.

"This is many pages, more than taking time... I am not sure I may be able to adequately convey the appropriate human meaning."

"Just read it, we will know the contents at least."

In the end you decide to thank the humans and the elves and dismiss them... though in secret have an agreement with Lady Tanyth, to return shortly after. Ever since her secret conversation, you've decided to keep her close as you're not sure who you can trust now that Lila is gone so you unfortunately just have to settle on the elves since they at least have always kept their side of the bargain even if they're unfavorable about it.

Her concern though is that while she knows and can read the common language, she isn't familiar with human terminology and legal or political rhetoric when it comes to documents. In her experience, negotiating with humans via speaking and via documents are two very different things. And considering she's smart enough to know what you would do if suspicions are confirmed, she is not pleased about potentially having lives rest on her reading.

You don't care about any of that though, you just want to hear what it says as she reads aloud.

"To the best of my understanding, this seems to be written seriously and is legitimate. However nothing is ever... specified clearly, I think would be the best way to say it? It is written about things such as tribute but it never gives any actual numbers or clear dates of anything, it seems to simply indicate that tribute is due... whenever the humans are able, whenever that might be."

Well at least that checks out with their delays so far, the mayor claimed they would need an adjustment period to figure things out so if they weren't able to give tribute then that would remain true with the contract.

"It also says since... you do not have a mate, or offspring I assume? That in the event of your death, departure or abdication-"

"What is that?"

"When you willingly choose to stop ruling. In these events, everything you own would belong to the human domain... I suppose that makes sense though, it was all human to begin with. And it also does not specify dates, as to how long you would need to be departed from the land for."

Hmm, a lot of fancy writing and words it sounds like, and made in a way that doesn't tie the humans down to anything specific or set in stone.

>What do you do? Go to the town then and follow up with the other side of your plan? Incidentally, Tanyth has a renown performer in their village you could rely on, or she could try and seek contact with an infiltrator but that would take time.

>>3671848
Kill all those responsible or who knew about the attempt. They had the chance to tell us and warn us about the attempt on our life and could have prevented Lila's death. Her blood and our injuries are on their hands as well.

>>3671855
Stick to the plan go to town get the alchemist to make the potion swear him to secrecy. have Tanyth bring in the performer its the best we have at this time.

>>3671855
to town and continue with the plan to see the alchemist for the chemicals, see if the performer to point us to the people that were responsible for the renovation, we remember their faces we just need to know where they were

also

it seems we won't lose a scale, the fucker put himself, or the "humans" as a heir.

>>3671872
>>3671864
The performer will have to do for now, as you both part ways for your own sides of the plan. You can fly to town easily enough bearing the contract fastened to one of your horns, and go to visit the alchemist.

"Truth elixir? I can make it, sure, but what's the occasion? And... what do I get out of it?"

You have a need of him to keep things secret, however he doesn't like this arrangement. He's a smart enough elf to know what sort of applications would be in need of a truth elixir, and doesn't want to do something he would regret. What more, while you're here you can ask him to read over the contract as well, and unless he's lying to you he seems to have noticed something of importance that he is not so keen on revealing without incentive as it could be very damning. At least, as far as he believes.

>What do you do? As for the laborers, the alchemist wouldn't be the one to ask about this. You'd want to either go looking for them yourself which may be difficult, or to find how they were gotten for work in the first place if there was something like a recruiter for example.

>>3671925
pay the man some gold to loosen his lips, then go look for the recruiter that hired them.

>>3671925
I can provide more spit to you, free of my share this time, as well as my favor and further opportunities.
I value those that prove faithful and true to me elf, you'll see that

>>3671925
Dump some of the gold we got from the traders, then we can ask around for the recruiters

>>3671946
>>3671939
>>3671955
Gold he couldn't care much for, but he'll do it for blood! Doesn't have to be much either, as long as you're willing.

>>3671962
Give him alight growl say we have had an amicable partnership so far alchemist but you overstep exactly what do you want my blood for.

>>3671962
Fuck it, give it to him, we can deal with that crisis later.

>>3671976
we don't know what he can do with our blood. for all, we know he could use it in a magic spell to control us.

>>3671962
do it for some more spit and another scale that drops,? blood is a little I don't know

anyway, stick to the plans you guys later

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3671996
>>3671976

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>>3671996
>>3671983
>>3671976
>>3671968
Fine then, no blood but he wants the rest of the scales you'll shed. For the truth elixir he'll just take the pay out of the money he'd earned since last time, it's yours to do with as you please.

For the contract though...

"This whole thing, it hinges on the one to sign it. I can see how the Lady of the forest would have missed that, because I know you can't write. It was dear Lila to have signed this though, wasn't it? Just like you had her sign the contract we have together."

So everything in regards to the documents the mayor made, are all relevant to Lila in technical terms it seems... though the alchemist does point out that there could be confusion over how one would interpret this, and it frustrates you over the politics of these lesser beings. In actuality it could be claimed that anything relates to Lila for her signing it, but technically it could just relate to you since you're incapable of signing. A difficult case where both outcomes could be sought depending on which is more useful to the other party at the time.

Well in any case, you've got your truth elixir now and you know all there is to know about the contract. It's just your decision now, how you proceed with your plan.

>What do you do?

>>3672014
As well, this will probably be my last post of the night. We'll resume again tomorrow but in the meantime you can figure out what your plan of action from here will be.

Till then, thanks all for playing!

>>3671925
Do we still have our scales? The acid-burned ones?

We don't need those. If he has a use for such things, they're all his.

As for why, that's not his business.

>>3672014
We're perfectly capable of putting our mark on things, a dragon does not NEED a servant for anything. They just make life easier. Anyone who insists otherwise can burn.

Track down the mayor. Force him to ingest the elixir.

>>3672022
Bro, we have a plan in place already scroll up

>>3672014
>all this effort to interpret a silly contract

Since when do dragons conform to the rules of lesser beings? Burn the contract infront of the mayor, our word is the only law he should concern himself with.

>>3672310
someone didn't bother to read through the first thread.

>>3672310
No doubt a piece of paper has no control over you, but what was written may serve as some insight into the way the humans regard you.

>>3672014
They never wanted to pay up and maybe killing both Riona and Lila was the goal since she was the one who signed it.

Let's find the recruiter, maybe saying we need work done, and from the recruiter we try to find the workers that we remember

>>3672546
I believe we should not give him a trial, if we find evidence we just announce his punishment and make it public, we were too nice with them and that is how they repaid us, we should show what happens with those who betray us, even more so if he was responsible fpr our friend's death

>>3672014
Could we perhaps put the Mayor on trial or something? That way the rest of the town would know that there’s a reason for us attacking him and we’re not just being an asshole for no reason.

After all, I’m sure the humans have a law or something that says that anyone found guilty of murder would be put to death and if the Mayor is found guilty, they’ll let us be the executioner.

>>3672551
+1
Calloused and unforgiving dragon queen.
Let's not let anyone else even consider a similar plot, especially now that the elves have seen us vulnerable. We can be benevolent and kind once we've aged enough, but while we're weak and young we can't let conspiracies fester

>>3672551
Backing.
We tried to be a benevolent ruler and they tried to fuck us for it. This whole ordeal is the sort of shit that makes dragons rule with an iron fist.

>>3672551
>>3672559
>>3672645
Can we at least make sure we only punish the ones that are responsible? I’d rather not be seen as a dragon that kills someone’s entire family (Mayor’s wife and children) for the crimes of only one member of the family (Mayor).

>>3672552
Also, a trial is a human tradition, we saw what happened when we trusted their tradition and signed those documents, there will be no trial, he is either guilty by our eyes and we punish him or he is not and we vent our anger on something else.

>>3672559
>>3672645
This whole thing makes me think that Riona will have trouble making a new friend, they are so fragile and die, and it hurts, we don't need that pain, I was planning to talk with the lady about this later too, she might be the one who would relate the most, being a long lived ruler she must have lost people dear to her.

We will be more forceful on our approach I think, we made it clear to the elves who was the ruler and they accepted it even if struggling, we never made it clear to the humans about our power and that cost us.

>>3672652
None of the people you're replying to mentioned killing the mayor's entire family. That's a bit of a jump to make from a public execution.

>>3672022
>>3672310
>>3672517
>>3672552
So then, you feel you have everything you actually need for this plan. The elves supposedly have a performer if you need one, you have the elixir, as well as some significant evidence. Just whether or not now you want to also seek out the laborers, or if you want to enact your plan against the mayor anyhow?

>>3673652
I only want the mayor it was his plot, his orders, and ultimately it will be his undoing. Once he consumes the potion we will be able to have all our questions answered.

>>3673777
That's fair, but how are you going to work him into such a situation? One plan seemed to be trick him into it but without much specification on how, another plan was to just find and physically force him to consume it. You have the goal, interrogate the mayor, but you need the plan to get there!

>>3673811
Maybe we can have him host one of those feasts and present the potion as a gift of "wine" as an apology for how catastrophically the first council meeting went and as a sign that we're trying to adapt to human culture. As of right now, there is zero way for him to know that it would be a truth potion so he should drink it to amuse us like he has been doing under the pretense that we still believe his lies.

>>3673836
That's a pretty clever idea, hell you could even share in a toast since the elixir won't work on you. May not even need the performer in that case. If you'd like to try that then, return home to get one of your fancy wine bottles, you could attempt this plan this evening if you'd like? If so you can roll for the effort, though if there's another plan in mind you could go with that instead. As always, player majority.

>>3673811
Plot a princess bride two goblet both dosed with the potion that way no matter which he drinks he will be forced to tell the truth. We will have to have witnesses present when he confesses to the crime.

>>3673850
>>3673836
We can combine these

Brutal punishment incoming
Dragon mode on

If we get the mayors confession we take him to his house, tell his children that their father is going to die, and the obly one that can save him is one of them, one of them has to sacrifice himself to let the mayor live, we encorage them, tell them how brave they are, just how Lila was brave to save us, sacrificing herself.

When we finally convince one to do it, we make the kid stand in front of the mayor while we stand behind him, looking him deep in the eye while we open the kids neck and let him bleed out.

Then we take the mayor and the kids corpse to the dungeons and lock him there for life with his son's body.

A beautiful sacrifice that was, just like Lila did to us.

Lets do it anons, lets be the worse we can be against those who betray us!

And that keeps the poetic justice that we applied to the merchant to the mayor too.

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>>3673863
>>3673850
A fairly straightforward enough plan then, you fly home to find a wine bottle and then to the elven village to let them know you won't need their services. But while there you can have them open the bottle and pour some out (a gift for the Lady perhaps) before upending the elixir within and resealing the bottle. By nightfall you return to town and seek out the mayor to lean on his hospitality as usual. And as usual you end up in the same sort of situation the mayor originally used to placate you; distract you with fancy food and drink, a comfortable setting and attentive company.

"My this is fine! Are you sure you want to part with such a thing?"

"It is for everyone to enjoy, not a waste."

You do your best to contain your rage towards the man you suspect, though you aren't very good at it. You're young, hardly any experience with deception or acting. The best you can manage is just a cold demeanor and barely contained anger... fortunately though you can pass it off as still upset about the roof collapse and Lila's death. The serving girls try to make you feel better in their various ways but your focus of course is the drink.

Having one to pour it then, you see no problem with anyone present having a drink. If anything that makes it more believable to the mayor and the only thing you care about is if he drinks it, you'll suffer no effect yourself. Incidentally though, the serving girls are delighted to get a little glass each but they don't seem to appreciate it in the same way as the mayor or his advisor... something to do with lower class among these humans you think, and you notice ever so slightly, the mayor's distaste for you "wasting" such a drink on these women... and one for the chef why not?

But when all is said and done, you've managed to get the mayor to ingest the truth serum wine that you more or less created. According to the alchemist it should last a while so it's up to you, as to how you go about this potential confession.

>What do you do?

>>3673973
Ask him how was his day
Ask him what he thinks of the elves
Ask him what he thinks of our castle
Ask him if we wants it
Ask him if he tried to have it
Ask him if he ordered people to do something
Ask him if he ordered the sabotage
Ask him if he is responsible for Lila's death
Ask him what he would do if someone tried to kill him
Ask him what he would do to the family of someone that killed one of his loved ones

We slowly build up to the revelation and use his suggestion, that he will have to speak truthfully, to punish him

>>3674014
+1

>>3674014
Support

>>3673938
Let the kids live man.

>>3674044
Now its in his hands, depending on what he says under the effect of the serun

Also, letting them live is just begging for dragon slayers in the future, its a powerful family and rich, if they don't die they should be banish as to not leave a source of dissent around

>>3674065
I can support banishing the kids and wife

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>>3674014
>>3674034
>>3674041
With the elixir drunk, it's only a matter of time as you watch and carefully listen, and wait.

"Your claws are so big, I think they're horrific and revolting! W-Wait..."

"These wings of yours are so grotesque, just touching them makes my skin crawl! Hold on..."

"Your scales are amazing, I think you're really attractive! Th-That isn't..."

So the serving girls reveal their true sides, indication that the wine is working when their usual compliments go awry and speak their actual thoughts and feelings. It's a bit of a blow to your self-esteem but at the end of the day what do you really care what they think? You're not having them for their truth, you're having them because they treat you well, lies or not...

...wait what did that last one say?

"What are you girls saying?! To offend our guest like that!" the mayor is confused and upset obviously, his usual repertoire of charming you not so effective when the serving girls are rude to you like this. But they aren't the focus here.

"Pay them no mind, I am talking to you. How was your day?"

Your firmness catches his attention and startles him a bit, but your innocent question lets him settle back in his seat.

"It was... fine, a fine day indeed. The usual drudgery of governing things but news of increased traders through the area... not sure why they would increase their travels, but it's good news nonetheless."

You notice an odd expression on his face, some minor confusion as he adjusts his collar, but no alarm yet.

"What do you think of the elves?"

"Long eared nuisances, wish they'd gone the way of the orcs here! They're happy enough to trade but notice there's no local logging nor furs industry despite several settlements adjacent to such an expansive forest. Why do you think that is?"

Now there's some visible worry on him as he's baffled by what he said compared to what he probably wanted to say. The serving girls were the upset at first but now even they look at him with confusion... particularly the one elven serving girl. You wonder if the other humans share his sentiment...

"What do you think of my castle?"

"I... can we talk about something else?"

Clever bastard. You're sure he doesn't know the reason, but he seems aware of his compulsion to speak the truth. And in defense, he simply chooses to not answer and try to change topic. The elixir compels a drinker to say only the truth, but they aren't forced to speak of course. Rather than damning himself, it seems the mayor would just shut up and not answer damning questions, even if it offends you.

>What do you do?

>>3674109
Well if that isn't a smoking gun I don't know what is

>>3674109

>"Your scales are amazing, I think you're really attractive! Th-That isn't..."

Kek, I like this one, she can be our new official belly rubber when we go backnto the castle.

Politely tell everyone to stop what they are doing and get back a few feet

Tell him

Mayor, we will play a game speak or feel pain


And continue with our questions

Tell the others not to leave since they are our witnesses

>>3674167
And mention that if he doesn't speak his family will suffer


Tell the girl that complimented us that she can leave, don't want to tarnish that image with what is about to come

>>3674109
>...wait what did that last one say?
She said you were really attractive! Perhaps she would like to come with you back to the castle?

>Mayor not talking.
Then talk about Lila and her tragic death. Perhaps he’ll say that it was tragic that she died and we didn’t?

Or maybe we can talk about the workers and terrible repairs they did? He might claim that’s what they were supposed to do.

>>3674218
>>3674167
Do you want to get threatening and/or dangerous with him? Or keep it civil and try to trick him? Both might get what you want, but one obviously will chance the situation significantly.

>>3674232
First try the trick>>3674218
And if it doesnt we go to threaten >>3674167

>>3674237
I I agree that subtlety is useful but remember we're on a timetable here we can't get them to confess before it wears off we might not get a second chance at this it's something to just keep in

>>3674243
You have a point

Tell the girl that complimented us to leave and jump into threaten mode

>>3674167
IT IS TIME

>>3674248
>>3674243
>>3674237
>>3674257
Let intrigues and subtle ploys to the lesser races, actors and spies. You have neither the time nor the patience for finesse.

"You, I want you to leave."

"M-Me?!"

The serving girl in question is worried that she did something wrong or is being punished.

"No. The rest of you stay, only her."

When she hears your command of everyone else to remain though, now she's glad she won't be around for... whatever is going to happen. With only the others present then, you move one girl off your chest and get another hanging on your neck off, and tell them to give you some distance as you move to standing.

"Talk about something else? What of Lila then, and her fate?"

"It is tragedy for sure, it wasn't supposed to be her- I... I don't want to talk anymore."

It seems even on a different topic the mayor can find no safety! He quickly cuts himself off in realization, but too late perhaps for you, as you approach (and before he can get up) and push your front paw down on him to keep him sitting in the chair. No pain yet, just a physical reminder but the other people gasp and react in worry.

"Mayor, we will play a game... speak or feel pain."

Ever so slightly you dig your claws in just a little so he can feel them.

"Wh-What is the meaning of this? Behaving in such a way with all these people witness?!"

"I want them to witness it. And if you remain silent, I will play this game with your family."

Continued panic from other people there who clearly don't understand what is going on or the reason for it. But at your command they're too afraid to leave so they can only try to plead with you to stop, that there must be some misunderstanding, that it would be nicer if you just relax and let them take care of you again...

You have the mayor though, frightfully in your grip. You can continue to ask him as you please but there's no guarantee how he'll respond, even with his family supposedly on the line.

>What do you do?

>>3674352
Lay it all out for them, everything all our suspicions all of our evidence. then once they are up to speed ask the mayor to finish his sentence. ""It is tragedy for sure, it wasn't supposed to be her-"

>>3674365
This seems good, give everyone a good narrative

"I tried to show you my good side, and you repaid me with betrayal, you plotted to kill me, and instead killed my dear friend Lila, as all of you present know"

"You, advisor, speak what you kmow of the plot and you may be spared"

After he spills the beans we confirm the story with the mayor

Did he ordered the sabotage, i want the name of every worker that was part of it too

Did he want our place, did he desired to rule and kill us for it?

And finally, what eould he do with someone that betrayed him like he did to us

What would you do to the family of someone that killed a person he loved

After he confirms everything we tell everyone they are under the effect of a truth serum, ask them a question that they would not tell the truth just to confirm it, and say that we will carry on the punishment.

The punishment is the one that escaped the mayors own lips, with added pain and cruelty of course

>>3674402
Did everyone get some of the potion or just him us and the girls?

>>3674402
Supporting

>>3674411
Everyone Ibthink

>>3674422
just reviewed the post is was indeed everyone

>>3674365
>>3674402
>>3674418
Well you can tell everyone assembled there your suspicions, which causes quite a bit of alarm in this information they are learning. Whether or not they believe any of it you can't know, but even just hearing such accusations is scandalous!

"I tried to show you my good side, and you repaid me with betrayal, you plotted to kill me, and instead killed my dear friend Lila."

"No!"

You make your claims at the mayor, aloud for all and all he can do is refuse... or rather, just say no since an exclamation like that isn't a lie, simply a word. But tellingly, he can't say something like 'No, that's not true' or 'No, I didn't' or what have you. He's not so careful as to not seem suspicious but careful enough to not blatantly condemn himself, which is a source of annoyance.

"You, advisor," you sigh losing patience, "speak, what do you know of the plot and you may be spared?"

"Don't say anything you fool!" the mayor barks at the assistant but is cut short when you dig your claws into him with a yelp of pain.

"I... I cannot..." an agonizing few moments for the fellow as he tries, in the moment, to decide which side to pick, "...my Queen, I don't know the full details but... the mayor had spoken of and needed to organize the planning and governance of this land from the castle. And that... plans were to be made for your passing."

A weak man to have bent at your demands, but the yells of protest from the mayor let you know that he gives away too much for comfort of the traitor. Normally you'd have this wretch burned as well, no better than a vermin, but for the time being his weakness is useful to you.

"Did you sabotage my castle? Did you want it for yourself, you wanted to rule? And for that, my death?"

Again he just refuses to answer, even as you claw into him to the fearful screams and tears of those onlookers present. You remind him of his family on the line, but he thinks it a bluff... and really what good is it all anyway when you're convinced, and already have gotten damning information from the assistant. Piquing your cruel intent towards him, the mayor continuing to hold out drives your intent to torture him more brutally, but you consider whether that is wise in front of all these people including innocents. Besides, do you need much more proof? Surely if he was innocent he would not refuse to answer even the most simple questions to save himself?

>What do you do?

>>3674456
Your silence damns you mayor, you are all under the effect of the truth serum and your life is forfeit, all you can do now is try to save your loved ones.

Advisor, bring me the mayor's family, if he refuses, we remind him that gis family may be next.

>>3674478
Oh hell yeah! Supporting this

>>3674456
That is all the proof I need So how is he going to die? quick and clean or slow and Brutally. say to the rest of them "It is clear to me now that I have been far too kind with you humans." Proceed to snap the mayors are like a twig "I came to your town, not with Fire and death but a chance to be part of my future." snap his other arm" let what's happening sink into the crowd "you come to my home and try to kill me." snap both his legs "but most unforgivably you murdered my friend Lila" disembroil him and let him bleed out. turn to the crowd "you would all do well to remember this. for it is the price of treason." choose a human at random and say " I expect your kind to start providing the things that where agree on in the contract" then to the whole crowd "swear loyalty to me now or share his fate"

>>3674456
>more silence from Mayor
“It’s too late for silence. You’ve already damned yourself by saying it wasn't supposed to be Lila that died that day. You planned on having me killed and Lila died because of your betrayal!”

>>3674456
Ask the audience, after what the advisor said and hes refusal to answer when he is forced to tell the truth, do they think he planned our death? They may serve as a jury.

>>3674456
Why not just inform him he's ingested a truth serum? If he's truly innocent, he should be able to defend himself. And if he's not, then his silence is as damning as a confession, and we will treat it as such.

>>3674478
Supporting, and to add to that:
>"Now, the only question is whether you value your life over that of your family's. Will you tell me the complete truth and spare them, or will your remain silent and condemn them as well?"
Let's show everyone what kind of man their leader is. I would also recommend having him be formally executed by his own people instead of us splatting him. Gives more legitimacy to our rule.

>>3674716
>>3674627
>>3674571
>>3674566
>>3674499
>>3674487
>>3674478
The simplest course of action now is to inform aloud of the use of a truth serum, which helps to explain a lot and you can tell the realization in most everyone. Not only the mayor's odd behavior to them but also why the serving girls spoke such things to you before. It helps to banish much confusion but also lets them all understand better that you haven't just gone mad, and are acting on a malicious plot.

Now, nothing to say if they agree or disagree with the plot on your life, but at least they are aware now and you don't look like a crazed dragon torturing their mayor.

"It is too late for silence. You have already damned yourself... it was not supposed to be Lila that died that day, was that what you said? You betrayed me and caused the death of a fellow human for it!"

"...what will you do monster? Prove to them what they already know, what you already are?"

Even now he speaks ill of you, trying to play on your concern of appearance as a ruler. But you can tell... no, you'll not be so easily tricked, he's just trying to draw your ire away from his only concern now.

"You, bring me his family, now. And I mean now, or else bring me yours."

Startled, the advisor nods and hurries off, worried about his own skin more. The mayor wants to call your bluff? Well it's not a bluff, and longer things go the more you see him grow uneasy, and you can't help smile yourself. Some relief that perhaps a little justice at least will be achieved for Lila. It's some tens of minutes time but eventually you hear a commotion outside, and in comes the advisor to hold the doors open and show a pair of town guards holding the mayor's wife; the unfortunate woman utterly confused for what's going on, but when she sees within and what you've got going on she laments and starts screaming and crying for him... to be muffled when you order the doors shut once more so her wailing won't make things hard to hear.

"Now, the only question is whether you value your life over your family. Will you tell me the complete truth and spare them, or will you remain silent and share your punishment with them?"