"The Hand may not strike, but I believe I may yet have a midnight rendezvous with a strange and mysterious woman"
"Ooooh! Oi didn't know ye were such a mysterious romanic, Red?! Do yae need some company, er do yae prefer te be alone fer some privacy?"
"The deal was that I come alone, of course, alone to the best of my knowledge"
Tirion begins to laugh.
You realize that "alone" is all in the eye of the beholder.
Tirion pauses for a moment.
Good thing they don't have beholders. My pops told me than in the old days they were nasty.
"No no, I said go alone and alone I will go, I can't agree to a tail or that would be going against my word, so I must decline your offer in good faith..."
Poppy gives Bofus a completely conflicting message made up of a huge wink and a thumbs up.
"That's right Red, all by yourself, we will be nowhere near you"
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Bofus gives Poppy a grin. You're very subtle, you know that?? He turns to Red. Very well, Mister Red. You do not agree to a tail. I shall take that under advisement and act in the way I think is best. Just let us know when you leave, so that we'll have an idea when to expect you back, OK?
Bofus then goes to each of his friends to speak individually, under cover of the meal's chatter. It's your call whether you want to try to tail Red too--I'm sure I can do so without being seen, not sure whether you think you can or not. I'll leave it up to you. But if there's too much trouble for us to handle, I'll make sure to get you!
Tirion responds to Bofus:
I have used much of my magic for the day. But I still have some left. I can make you invisible to assist you in getting across the bridge. However, I do not know whether I am well suited to trailing him. But it is your call. Thordak and I can fly with Lulu and I can stay in touch via my message spell. Although flying is dangerous with the dragons and dragonspawn.
"Don't be hasty," Shar'ka says, leaning back and sipping her mug. She seems to be a little less uptight after several mugs and conversation with these new colleagues. "A night of good rest can go a long way. I recommend taking the night to do so."
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As much as I agree with you, good Captain, Mister Red there has a previous engagement that simply cannot be missed. I'd love nothing better than a nice, soft bed about now--it's been an hectic day!--but duty calls. Let's say, it's an opportunity that may not come again.
To Tirion: I think there are enough flying scouts on both sides that one more might be able to go about unobserved...I don't know what Red has in mind, whether he plans on trying to take this Wyrmlord out or something, but she's certainly not going to be unguarded. I'd feel better if we were all available to aid him. Thanks for the offer of invisibility, but save your spells. I'll get where I need to go, it's nice and dark and shadowy. If you can convince Thordak to take you on Lulu a ways behind us, I think that might be a good thing. he pauses. What about these two captains? I'm not sure they have the means to follow quietly, but so far they're obviously against the Hand, and should be able to be trusted at least THAT far. Should we see what they think about coming along behind? We don't really know what's going to happen, or what kind of entourage the Wyrmlord will bring...
Tirion nods to Bofus:
Agreed, why don't you use your Beerswizzler charm on this captains. I will chat with Thordak.
Tirion then heads over to Thordak to see what he thinks of the idea.
"I will chat with Thordak." Tirion then heads over to Thordak to see what he thinks of the idea.
"Aye, Oi can let a little fella like ye ride on Lulu's back with me. Mind yae, Oi suggest ye use yer manners. She is not use to wee dark gnomes, especially ones that casts explosive spells. Ye just have te treat her like a lady. If ye had some corn to share, that would go a long ways te help!"
"Once we get airborne, Oi much prefer tae stay on this side of the city wall as much as possible. Lulu is much too important te get wrapped up in some aerial combat or some such nonsense! She nearly got her feathers toasted at the Skull Gorge Bridge. Oi'd rather not see that happen again. If Oi see a dragon, Oi'm not going te take any chances. We're going to land as quickly as possible. Is that fine with ye?"
Tirion nods:
I have the ability to speed her up one time if necessary. I hope that we will not need it. Our goal is to track with Bofus, and stay close enough to remain in contact with him. My spell can work up to about 800 feet, so we will have remain that close.
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Agreed, why don't you use your Beerswizzler charm on this captains. I will chat with Thordak.
Bofus winks at Tirion, then sidles up to the Captains.
Cap'n. Cap'n... he moves to a space in the room that's away from Red, and gives a nod to the Captains to join him. He speaks quietly enough for his voice not to carry far (but not whispering)
So, my friends and I assume you're willing to at least fight the Red Hand when it's convenient for you--and enemy of my enemy and all that, right? Well, Red there is going to a secret meeting with one of the Wyrmlords tonight. He's supposed to go alone, but I don't trust those Wyrmlords half as far as I can kick one, so I'm going to be tailing him in secret, and Tirion and Thordak will be tailing *me*, in case Red needs some help. I didn't know if you two had any skills in stealth, or were even interested in seeing how this little drama plays out, but I thought I'd bring it up, see what you thought...the reason I'm talking to you aside like this is that Red is supposed to be alone. He's honorable, so he wants to be alone to the best of his knowledge, savvy?
Fireday, Lamashan 19, 4710, 11:30 pm
After being wished luck by one of the Brindol Lions at the gate, Rebel Red makes his way across the western bridge on the north side of the Elsir. He proceeds unaccompanied (aside from Poppy) across the stone walkway. The evening is cool and the night sky is shrouded in clouds.
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Bofus gives Red a hearty wave and handshake. Good luck Mister Red. If you have any problems, maybe the gods will look kindly on you if you give some sort of signal for help, maybe?
He lets Red move ahead a stone's throw--maybe 60' max--before also requesting the gate to be opened. Tirion, you want to use MEssage quickly?
After that is done, Bofus will sneak behind Red, staying in the shadows, with his bow out and eyes peeled. He gives whispered suggestions to any who are following him where the best shadows are, and whether to stop/stay back to avoid detection.
Shar'ka listens intently, with her hand resting on Barnacle's stubbly head.
"Thank you for telling us your plans," she says. "We are willing to join forces with any who seek to destroy the evil that is dragons. We will wait here for further information."
Perception
Poppy follows on, her small shape flitting through the treetops.
"I have many dedicated fans, and many many admirers, however none of them have determined that loitering in the dark with a knife got them any free songs or ballads in their name. Come now into the light, your game is up, let us talk like civilised people"
"Should we not be able to reconcile our differences, then let us duel, or we can play hit and run in the forest, but I have a meeting to attend that requires I be at a certain place at a certain time... although a little lateness is expected of a musician"
"So...a talk?"
Diplo
"I have many dedicated fans, and many many admirers, however none of them have determined that loitering in the dark with a knife got them any free songs or ballads in their name. Come now into the light, your game is up, let us talk like civilised people"
"Should we not be able to reconcile our differences, then let us duel, or we can play hit and run in the forest, but I have a meeting to attend that requires I be at a certain place at a certain time... although a little lateness is expected of a musician"
"So...a talk?"
The dark cloaked figure steps out from behind the tree and pulls back his hood to reveal a two great black draconic horns. Slowly the creature steps towards Red, his jagged blade gripped in his hands.
"If you are the one spoken of, then, you must be one who is willing to betray the humans and pledge your life to the dragons, so that you may live in the greater realm that is to come to pass! Speak your name and declare your intentions!"
I will use the Rod of Reach together with the Message spell. I think that Thordak and I were going to scout from above riding on Lulu..
"An interesting proposal, but I fear you may have the wrong end of the stick"
"You ask that I betray the humans, but I suggest to you that this is impossible, as I had made no pledge to them, no compact, no contract, no swearing of allegiance - but I cannot say the same for my allegiance to art, to poetry, and to an accurate record of history. You see, I make no pledge but to the truth, and as accurately as I can record it. The humans of Elsir Vale I wel understand, but the mighty Dragon host? Their tale is obscure to the ears of man, and I know that it must be well recorded and understood, that the accuracy of its future poems be assured. Where you are also slightly mistaken is that you suggest by pledging loyalty to the Dragons they will permit me to live in their world...on the contrary, they will allow me to do so, pledge or not, because if nothing else they know the value a Bard brings. There are no shortage of blade swingers, Bards on the other hand..."
"I am Rebel Red of Galt, historian, warrior, poet; and I am here to speak to your mistress, as I assume you are her agent and not of the Dragon himself. I am at your service."
"I am Rebel Red of Galt, historian, warrior, poet; and I am here to speak to your mistress, as I assume you are her agent and not of the Dragon himself. I am at your service."
"I am not a wyrm, but I have the blood of a black flowing through my veins. You claim to be Red? I believe even the red will find a place in the new realm! However, what is all of this you claim to art, poetry, and history?! I do not see room for that in the world to come! The only story worth telling will be the coming of Tiamat! She will set this world right and see that dragons take their rightful place in the order of things!"
"Indeed I am in the service of Wyrmlord Stormcaller, for she is indeed a great servant of the Queen herself. I am pleased to hear that you are here to serve, but tell me, Rebel of Red, are you prepared to serve Tiamat with all of your heart and soul and become Rebel Red of the Red Hand?!"
You creep along the shadows and make your way to the tree (U16) where you hide under the low branches on the ground. You are peeking out from behind cover, watching the conversation with Red and the Blackspawn Raider.
"I am not surprised that you do not see room for art, poetry, and history - such greatness is beyond your understanding, but that is little of my concern; you might also notice I didn't seek audience with you because I am not terribly interested in the thoughts and history of a lackey, I am interested in meeting my commitment to speak with your betters, who saw fit to grant audience. What gives a henchling the temerity to second guess their betters based on their lack of understanding of the value of things?"
"In Galt, you'd be celebrated as the great proletariat, but as I keep seeing, we are not in Galt, let alone Andoran, and so your opinions are not sought. I have told you where my allegiances lie, now either convey that information onwards, or escort me to my destination, whichever your orders were. Otherwise I am sure there is a Red Dragon far more interested in my value as a historian and I would go there instead."
Red brushes the Raider off, non-chalantly.
"Black dragon blooded eh? Think I may have met some of your kin back in Elsir Vale"
""I am not surprised that you do not see room for art, poetry, and history - such greatness is beyond your understanding, but that is little of my concern; you might also notice I didn't seek audience with you because I am not terribly interested in the thoughts and history of a lackey, I am interested in meeting my commitment to speak with your betters, who saw fit to grant audience. What gives a henchling the temerity to second guess their betters based on their lack of understanding of the value of things?"
The blackspawn raider grows uneasy at your words, but realizes that Red speaks truthfully, but tries to backtrack anyway.
"Art and History are not completely beyond my understanding! Especially if your art gives praise to Tiamat for all she has done and what is about to unfold! Can you do that Rebel of Red? Can you make your poems sing praise to the Queen of Dragons?!"
"Black dragon blooded eh? Think I may have met some of your kin back in Elsir Vale"
"We Blackspawn Raiders are here throughout the Elsir Vale to help bring in the new realm of Tiamat and her followers. So you met some of my raider brothers? Where about did you see them?"
"can I make poems about her? I do not know, I have not met her to see if anything is praiseworthy. No doubt to come this far though there is much achievement and much merit."
"Your raider brothers, I assume we speak of the same people, the Kaal clutch? Can't say they had a taste for music, nor a deft step at dancing. They have left a legacy though, most certainly"
"So, are we off? or are we awaiting the arrival of your mistress?"
"I would have thought the fabled Red Wyrm might come too, but he has clearly reasoned he is a little unworthy of his tale being told when your mistress is so much more interesting, true?"
"Your raider brothers, I assume we speak of the same people, the Kaal clutch? Can't say they had a taste for music, nor a deft step at dancing. They have left a legacy though, most certainly"
"I do not know of whom you speak. The Blackspawn Raiders are not known for dancing. We much prefer to drive our blades into those who oppose our will."
"So, are we off? or are we awaiting the arrival of your mistress?"
"I was told that you would serve our purposes well, but I have to determine that for myself. If I find that you are worthy to meet with Wyrmlord Stormcaller, I will bring you to her. You certainly do not have the level of respect that I was expecting. However, perhaps it is because you have never met such greatness before?"
"I would have thought the fabled Red Wyrm might come too, but he has clearly reasoned he is a little unworthy of his tale being told when your mistress is so much more interesting, true?"
"Abithriax, is a young red who does what he wants! He prefers to amass wealth and cause great destruction over everything else. I doubt he would take the time to listen to one of your stories. In fact, I'm sure that he would sooner eat you up for lunch than endure your flood of words! Now, tell me, what is your intention? Will you give Wyrmlord Stormcaller your allegiance and serve the Red Hand?!
"So the young Red is really only a whelp, unworthy of any chronicling or notice of a Bard of such repute, perhaps some minor unknown minstrel might compose a meagre ballad about hi stealing sheep off a farmers paddocks then, but surely not worthy of being penned by me"
"Now, clearly I have misjudged and been too polite, I confess my dealings with black dragons a little stale, so let me just rethink my tone, how would the Kaals speak to you? Oh yes..."
Red draws his sword.
"Who are you to ask me anything you worthless hatchling? You are beneath me, you have no authority to rise and ask me a question, that you even have the temerity to look me in the eye is a galling insult and I should send your head back to your mistress to underscore my dissatisfaction with your conduct, now convey me to her and stop wasting my time, your betters have much to talk about and a not have their evening wasted by a lowly manservant covered in rubbed off glory who has mistaken it for his own."
Intimidate
"Who are you to ask me anything you worthless hatchling? You are beneath me, you have no authority to rise and ask me a question, that you even have the temerity to look me in the eye is a galling insult and I should send your head back to your mistress to underscore my dissatisfaction with your conduct, now convey me to her and stop wasting my time, your betters have much to talk about and a not have their evening wasted by a lowly manservant covered in rubbed off glory who has mistaken it for his own."
The black dragonspawn looks at you with wide eyes, clearly shaken from being talked to in such a confident and forceful manner. The raider does not know how to respond, but after a moment, he replies, "Sorry to offend you, Rebel of Red. Clearly you will be of great value to Wyrmlord Stormcaller and the Red Hand. Come with me and I will take you to her!"
The blackspawn raider turns and begins walking through the woods. The sky and the shadows grow darker as the trees overhead become more dense. The black dragonspawn says few words as he moves deeper into the forest. Following as best you can with your low light vision, you come to a clearing in about half an hour. Surrounded by lit braziers of fire, several blackspawn raiders look up to see your arrival.
A strangely attractive female hobgoblin smiles with great interest as you enter the camp.
"Well, well, well. Who do we have here? A half elven guest, it appears. What an unexpected surprise. I am Wyrmlord Stormcaller. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"
Wyrmlord Stormcaller steps closer to get a better look at you.
"If I were a guest I'd expect that you would have broken out the entertainment and fine wines by now, alas my introduction and arrival has not been properly conveyed to you, but I am Red, and I am at your service" Red bows politely.
"I find I am at a disadvantage having to once again explain my position then. I am a traveling Bard, a minstrel and most importantly a chronicler and historian - an orator and teller of the tales. I am famous throughout the glorious peoples revolution of Galt and our Andoran cousins, I am respected through Cheliax and lauded by the Osirians for my love of magical mysteries and timeless lore. My works are recounted in Varisia and the taverns of Riddleport, my fans stand ready to add my statue to the famed columns of Magnimar, and perhaps today, I have the honour of recording your tale, so that the records of your exploits here today are faithfully recorded and given due respect, in the same way that the Champions of Elsir Vale have had their exploits to date chronicled and promulgated throughout the land."
"The hour grows late, and our work is long, shall we begin?"
Red gestures to his writing supplies.
Diplomacy
"Tiamat's blessing! We have another bard here to keep me company! How delightful! And one who is eager to put my place in the proper context of history!" Turning to her minions, she calls out, "Blackspawn Raiders, we have an illustrious guest with us here tonight! Please welcome, Rebel Red, the infamous Bard of Galt! Indeed, this shall be a night for us to remember. Bring forth some of our pillages of war. We shall feast and drink tonight!"
Walking up to Red, she graciously takes the bard by the hand and escorts him back to the fire. Within moments, a rug is laid out and pillows and cushions are rolled out in front of the crackling flames.
"My dear Red, please sit down besides me. Let's have a drink together. Despite our rough conditions out here, the blackspawn have managed to acquire a 4680 bottle of Verduran white for me. Shall we open it?"
"You mentioned the Heroes of Elsir Vale. Are those the thieves that took the Ghostlord's phylactery away from Wyrmlord Saarvith and then dropped in to actually return it to the lich in his own lair? Can you believe the audacity of that? Do tell me about them. Have you actually met them? They sound like rather formidable adversaries."
"That would be an excellent choice, a fine drop I am sure"
"They would be those same thieves, yes, and from all accounts they did returned it to the Lich, I admit that despite trying to remain neutral in such matters, I found the move rather audacious and bold, but then that is the bread and butter of Bardic tales and provides a pleasant change from rakish fellows escaping from fair maidens boudoirs due to the unexpected arrivals of brothers, fathers, or rival suitors"
"I met these same fellows only most recently, and as an adventuring band I found them as one would expect; verbose, grandiose, and invariably at the front of any charge. Nothing atypical, drawn to good deed and not careful consideration... but enough about them, they are fairly uninteresting and I have yet to determine how they will be measured, lets talk about you, lets talk about all this" Red gestures about himself. "When are done talking, perhaps I shall head back to Elsir Vale after regaling you with a few tunes and tales, some elegant, some rather bawdy, but none involving over ambitious and petulant Reds of a draconic kind, so impulsive, none of the cleverness and deliberation of the noir"
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Bofus is tagging along at a safe distance, keeping out of sight as a first priority, and in earshot as a second. He'll use Message to keep the others apprised of the tactical situation as best he can.
*whisper* Red seems fine at the moment, he's engaging the Wyrmlord now. I can't hear everything, but he's definitely starting to wrap her around his finger. I don't think this is going to end in violence--which is good, because there are a dozen or more blackspawn in the immediate area. Stay out of sight.
"They would be those same thieves, yes, and from all accounts they did return it to the Lich. I admit that despite trying to remain neutral in such matters, I found the move rather audacious and bold, but then that is the bread and butter of Bardic tales and provides a pleasant change from rakish fellows escaping from fair maidens boudoirs due to the unexpected arrivals of brothers, fathers, or rival suitors"
"My, my, you truly are a bard close to my heart! Well, if you want to hear epic, you've come to the right camp. For I will tell you tell you tales of conquest that will give you shivers down your spine. For being a Wyrmlord of the Kulkor Zhul is never a dull moment."
The night goes on with tales of evil deeds and how she personally stole the ghostlord's phylactery from him and used it to blackmail the lich into creating an army of undead.
" . . . However that incompetent fool Saarvith couldn't simply keep the phylactery safely hidden. He deserved to die. The goblin hunter for some reason grew close to Regiarix, the young black dragon. I think they use to hunt together. I suppose Goblins always like large allies. But if you want my opinion, Regiarix never had the zeal for Tiamat that he needed. I think he simply allied himself with Kul simply so he could exact his revenge on the Lord of Brindol. It was probably seventeen years ago that a younger Jarmaath with a band of adventurers landed a lucky blow on the black dragon that sent him fleeing for his life. You can see how that ended. I suppose it only shows what happens when you don't put your trust completely in Tiamat. . . "
As the hours pass, Ulwai gives a brilliant telling of the story of Azarr Kul and the Kulkor Zhul.
”Let me tell you a tale, my dear Red. For centuries the dry and dusty Wyrmsmoke Mountains have been home to dozens of goblinoid tribes. Travelers skirted the goblin-infested hilles by a generous margin, but the Wyrmsmoke tribes posed no signifiant threat to the nearby human townlands and settlements other than the occasional bloody raid. Yet deep within the mountains lay hidden something that would spell doom- an ancient temple dedicated to Tiamat, the Queen of Chromatic Dragons.”
”Built hundreds of years ago to serve as the hidden redoubt of a brave resilient cult of dragon worshipers, the temple was eventually desecrated by a band of heroes from the human city of Rhest. For several centuries the complex lay empty. Then thirty years ago, the young half-dragon hobgoblin warrior Azarr Kul discovered the abandoned temple and was awed by the teachings of Tiamat he read on the walls therein. He abandoned Maglubiyet, the traditional deity of his people, and dedicated himself to leading the rest of his nation to Tiamat’s worship.”
”Over the next twenty years, Azarr Kul grew into a powerful warlord and mighty priest of Tiamat. Early in his rise to power he struck up an alliance with the blue dragon Tyrgarun, his own sire. Aided by this powerful ally, Azarr Kul converted his entire tribe into fanatical worshipers of Tiamat. He renamed the tribes that had fallen under his wing the Kulkor Zhul and began to lay his plans for the conquest of Elsir Vale.”
”Dedicating themselves to the Queen of Evil Dragons with the fanaticism of the recently converted, the members of the Kulkor Zhul grew strong, stronger than any Wyrmsmoke tribe before them. Adopting the standard of the Red Hand, an ancient symbol of Tiamat’s cult, Azarr Kul created an elite caste of warpriests, monks, and dragon-favored champions to lead the Kulkor Zhul. I knew that if I too grew to know Tiamat, I could share in that power as well!”
”Late last year, Azarr Kul and his dragon-worshiping zealots destroyed the last opposition to his supremacy over the Wyrmsmoke tribes, slaughtering the Black Knife Goblins and the tribes allied to them in a ferocious onslaught. The survivors accepted his suzerainty and were absorbed into his realm. Azarr Kul named his new kingdom Harg Kulkor, or “Land of the Dragon.”
”After a long season of rebuilding his strength, offering bribes to many of the intelligent monsters in the region, and reinforcing the power of his Red Hand warpriests over the disparate tribes he ruled, Azarr Kul finally turned his attention to the lands beyond the Wyrmsmoke Mountains. What he saw whetted his ambition for power; no city state within hundreds of miles can field an army as strong as his. The High Wyrmlord dreams of carving out a hobgoblin empire stretching across the entire land of Isger - and the first step is to crush the human towns of Elsir Vale.”
"You see, the army that attacks Brindol is just the beginning. High Wyrmlord Azarr Kul is at the Fane of Tiamat completing a complex, month long ritual to open a portal to Tiamat's court. When he is finished, he will augment his army of hobgoblins with an infernal army that will become all but unstoppable!”
"Well that is certainly an amazing tale, one not chronicled in the books of man, and one worth the telling of at many a fire"
Perform Stringed
Red leads then on some jaunty fighting tunes and honors his word to perform. Ribald tunes and gory stories abound.
"That is my time. Soon the dawn will come and swords will swing. It is good the Red Dragon did not come and show his unworthy face, for his tale is not worth a telling. Like a deck of playing cards, it is the black ones - clubs and spades that are fit for war, the red ones only come woth hearts and diamonds - fit for a meal or for pretty jewels but not the blunt instruments of war. Fie upon him whos' tale is so obscure I never heard of it, and praise be to the dragons with the raven black scales!"
"My night is at an end, and so much to compose, I must bid you fond farewell until the morrow"
Red leads then on some jaunty fighting tunes and honors his word to perform. Ribald tunes and gory stories abound.
"Most impressive!" Ulwai responds. "You truly are a remarkable bard! What a wonderful night to have shared stories with a fellow bard and one of such skill! We must do this again sometime soon. You do know that I am working on composing an opera. The tale chronicles Tiamat's destruction of five good dragons who tried in vain to defend a site sacred to Bahamut from her clutches. It has some wonderful cruel undertones and frequent scenes of violence and torture! I know you would love it! Unfortunately, I was forced to leave my manuscript behind when I so ungraciously became unwelcome at the Ghostlord's crypt."
"It is good the Red Dragon did not come and show his unworthy face, for his tale is not worth a telling. Like a deck of playing cards, it is the black ones - clubs and spades that are fit for war, the red ones only come woth hearts and diamonds - fit for a meal or for pretty jewels but not the blunt instruments of war. Fie upon him whos' tale is so obscure I never heard of it, and praise be to the dragons with the raven black scales!"
"You do not seemed at all impressed with young Abithriax. I admit, he does not have the experience that Tyrgarun has, but you cannot deny that he is still a strong and powerful true dragon. If you keep talking the way you do about him, he is apt to devour you for lunch. Somebody with your notoriety who makes such statements will not be able to stay hidden for long. You forget, Tiamat is queen of all the chromatic dragons and she has room for all of them in her realm to come."
"My night is at an end, and so much to compose, I must bid you fond farewell until the morrow"
"So, Rebel Red, you are free to go, but where will you go? We are about to destroy Brindol. Surely you will stay out of harm's way so that the world can hear your epic telling of the conquest of the Kulkor Zhul!"
"Oh, before you go, may I ask a small favor of you. I am looking for any information on their defenses of the city and the whereabouts of Lord Jarmaath. Surely you would know some information that would be useful to Wyrmlord Kharn. You would be doing me a great favor. Although the Kulkor Zhul are nigh unstoppable, I'm sure the General would appreciate hearing about what the humans have planned for him."
"I would dearly love to help you recreate the manuscript; a work by a genuine Wyrmlord would be unique, and done right would have the famed Karcau opera in Ustalav fighting to have it grace their boards."
"I am not convinced by Abithriax, no, I was considering doing a piece on him, but truth be told I may as well interview one of yuor hobgoblin footmen. The resulting piece would only be of limited interest, and probably only in Galt where the toils of the proletariat, the every-day-man are celebrated. Perhaps if he'd ever done anything audacious and daring I'd have stock for a stew worth eating - but at the moment it is merely the blandest soup - just being a dragon and sitting about is no cause celebre. If he feels otherwise, he can come inform me differently, and he better bring a good tale." Red laughs conspiratorially, as if discussing a lesser with an equal, then his tone changes |To be honest, there is only room for ONE Red around here"
"Well it would be cheating if I told you any of that information, but the main bridge is trapped, I'd be careful of those if I were you. Last I saw Jaarmath I think he was frequenting the Kaals on a matter of business - I suspect their exploits are keeping him occupied. I suspect they stand to lose a lot in the raid, so much of their property could be damaged."
"I return to the town, so much work to be done, and so much to record. Fear not for my well being for Desna watches over me and her agents record my works, so that should I fall or be lost, the art will remain intact. I chronicle from the front, from the heart of the bloody revolution in Galt where the heads flowed like a river, to the Pirate raids off Sargava, to the elvish festivals of Kyonin. No harm comes to a Bard"
Red waves goodbye to the host.