Galinndan turns to the others.
"So, the egg?"
That would be my guess.. Who has that thing btw?
Kanzen blinks and closes his gaping mouth as the red dragon saunters away, his eyes fixed on its massive bulk. As it disappears from view he returns his attention to his companions.
"Oh right, the egg! We should definitely return it, if only to be able to see that magnificent creature again!" Kanzen, it seems, is quite awestruck by the beast.
Magnificent creature?! That was a red dragon! Don't you know your histories? The tyranny of dragons weren't so long in the past as to forget them! Who's side were you on, Kanzen?
Ah forget it. Look, if we're going to meet it, we better be meeting it to figure out how to steal its gold.
And what are we doing with the egg. I thought Eddrick wanted to hatch it, as uncomfortable as that makes me.
The group heads back to their inn, paying for another night. The heroes lie down to sleep. But will their face cloths help them sleep without their respiratory condition worsening?
Galinndan looks up, with circles under his eyes.
"Yes. A proper rest is most appealing."
Finally well rested Irdril wakes up in a decent mood..
You all wake well-rested and restored. Now you must decide what to do next. Do you meet the dragon, as appointed? Do you ask around about him first? Do you flee Gracklstugh as fast as you can?
I say screw the dragon. Let's get out of here. We don't need to be put on a spit and roasted. We've also got that delivery to make to Blingdenstone. And we got to take Stool home. What do you think about all this?
Kanzen tilts his head from side to side as Galenus talks. "Well, yes, that might be the prudent thing to do... But we're not exactly a prudent bunch, are we? And when are we going to get the chance to see a dragon up close again, and with a fair chance of surviving, too?" he asks, his eyes shining with excitement. Then thinking of an angle that might appeal to Galenus, the drow continues. "And if the egg does belong to the big red, we'll be sure to get at least some kind of reward... and what is a token gesture to a red dragon may be a large amount of wealth for us!"
Cyrus's ears perk up as Kanzen speaks of reward. "The hell else we gonna do wit dis thing?"
Hmm.. reward you say? Well, that beats a gigantic omelette.
"I say we return it.. It's most likely why it didn't roast us in the street. it knows we have it and if we run it would probably be bad.. Nothing wrong in asking the Stone Giants about the dragon prior though.."
Hgraam nods soberly at questions regarding Themberchaud. "He is the wyrmsmith of Gracklstugh. He lights the forges in exchange for treasure, food, and doting care. The Keepers of the Flame care for and represent him. But I hear rumblings that changes may come soon in their arrangement." He considers quietly. "Indeed. I have never heard of a wyrmsmith in Gracklstugh living to the full size of an ancient one."
Kanzen frowns. "Why do they never... live to reach full size?
The stonespeaker shrugs his massive shoulders. "That I cannot say for certain. But I suspect it is because the Keepers of the Flame are too wise to allow that..."
"Perhaps the egg is his replacement then?"
The stonespeaker jerks his head quickly to eye Irdril. He raises a massive eyebrow. "The egg?"
"Well dat's a wee bit upsettin' but I guess da questions are, do we keep it or return it, an if we return it who do we return it to an fer what price. At da moment I be leanin t'werd keepin it."
"Was that not mentioned.. Oops.. Yea we found what appears to be a red dragon egg down there with the cultists. Not sure what they planned on doing with it but.. Any ideas?"
The stonespeaker smiles slowly at this revelation. "Interesting indeed. Well I know the Keepers of the Flame have been very agitated as of late. Perhaps the egg was stolen from them and they wish to find it again. I am sure that they would reward you for returning it. But if you would rather not, I have heard that a red dragon wyrmling bonds with the first creature it sees upon hatching."
Kanzen blinks, mouth slightly ajar, as he digests this revelation about red dragon wyrmlings.
...Erm.. Uh.. I ain't wanting no wyrmling around. That'll be way more trouble than it's worth.
"While I would not be opposed to such an ally, Red's by nature are evil and would probably do more harm than good in the long run. It's probably best to return it for a reward I would think."
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"But we could 'ave a dragon..."Eddrikk says using exaggerated gestures.
Cyrus snorts. "I think de Dragon be seeing it de other way round."
"The egg would bring us doom. Let us be rid of it - and perhaps wealthier in the bargain."
You head to meet the great dragon, Galenus carrying the egg under a blanket, padded to make it less obvious. The dwarf struggles under the weight of the awkwardly-shaped and heavy object but manages to cover the distance. Following directions, you approach a great tunnel into solid rock with a stately duergar building ensconced in a nearby stalagmite. Duergar in half-plate bearing flame insignia on their breast exit the building to greet you. One, apparently more senior than the others, steps forward. "It seems you have drawn the attention of the Wyrmsmith, foreigners. Fate will tell whether that be a blessing."
Yes we have. What's all this about, anyways? What can you tell us of him?
The senior keep beckons you into his headquarters but then the great, bulky red form emerges from his cavern. His voice booms "Bring the surfacers to me Gartokar! I will speak with them in private!" The keeper bows and replies "Of course, O Father of the Flame." The dragon turns back into his lair, assuming you will follow. Inside is a spacious cavern lit with torches. The dragon reclines upon a massive pile of gold, platinum, and other treasures. The dragon turms lazily to you. "You have the honor to become my agents in Gracklstugh."
"Actually, we were just on our way outta town, oh great wyrm..."
Themberchaud continues speaking without hearing Eddrikk. Surely, no one would reduce the honor of working for him. "I would of course reward you greatly. You will tell me what the Keepers are up to. I suspect they are witholding something from me."
"Can ya help us get to da surface if we help you?" Cyrus asks with some hesitation.
The dragon continues speaking without listening to the Littlefolk. "The Keepers have a task fir you. I have heard of their interest in you. Perform it but report to me before them. I will protect you while you are in Gracklstugh. Go now."
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Eddrikk looks around concerned then shrugs, "Da thing is O great lord o' flame, we believe dey seek an egg in order to replace ye, an it so 'appens we already 'ave Da egg... which we brought to you o majestic one."