The captain comes out and blows her whistle, which is the signal for everyone assemble on deck. She gives them exactly two minutes and then states, "We have secured a contract with the golden dragons. They will escort us and if possible a larger brother will be helping us with the Goliath Clan. A slight detour to the Golden Dragons territory, we will be their guests for two nights. On the third day we venture out with the best aid available. Cyril and Arthur will be running the diplomatic aspect of the night's festivities. You may all drink and eat to your hearts content on the first night."
Once dismissed, Cyril makes a path back to Saffire's room. The young noble searches his bag, so find a brown cap, flattened by being in the backpack during his travels.
Sadly, I didn't think I'd have to do attend any social gatherings while in The Verge, so I didn't bring my noble's attire, Cyril thinks to himself.Luckly, I still have my hat of disguise!
Cyril puts on the magical hat and thinks about how he wants to look. Cyril chooses Avalon national colors, with several golden accents to help blend in with the Golden Army. Satisfied, Cyril uses prestidigitation to make his appearance more clean and fresh smelling. The young noble returns to the deck with many nods of approval.
Within an hour chests of tribute are ready, the ship is coming into port landing in a lake on top of the large mountain. It appears to arrive at a stone pier. Human commoners work in securing the ship. No guards and very few weapons are even sheathed. A beautiful elven woman in a blue dress comes to greet you and escorts you all to the feasting hall. "Please make yourselves at home your hosts will be with you soon."
Cyril makes a courtly bow before the elven greeter.
She quickly replies, "It seems that you know courtly protocol pretty well. Act as if they are kings if not nobles that need their egos soothed. Bowing lower is always a good choice. Kneeing would be a bit ostentatious but possibly effective. If someone does a motion to you do not mimic them, it is not a salute and unless they specify for you to talk don't."
She responds in Elven graciously, "You did ask. As hostess I should answer the questions of my guests. It is good to meet you Cyril of Sir Lucan. No you may not have my name as it is not proper to ask that, though you may call me Lady Celest as many of the court do as well. Is it not customary to greet your guests if you are the host in Camelot?"
---
You do realize something else as well. Celest has multiple clones of herself and each of them have engaged each of your companions behind you.
---
Soon enough you arrive at the banquet hall where many more elves roam the room and offer to help find each of you a place to sit. There does not seem to be any servants, as the nobles are serving you. Nearby there is an assortment of drinks and dishes under plates already prepared to bring when requested.
Celest escorts Cyril to the head of the table and requests that he sit beside her. The other images of Celest begin to dissipate. As everyone is seated she claps her hands together to gather attention. Then she states in a commanding tone, "Before our first course, we will honor you with our true forms!"
Then a golden light radiates from Celest and moments later the glow dissipates and a gargantuan golden dragon is seated at the head of the table. Four other dragons appear and they are huge as the rest of the nobles who were serving you are large golden dragons.
Celest offers, "There is little need for anyone but my family to serve you. Eat to your heart's content and ask your questions. All of my sons and daughters may join you on your expedition but only if you convince them. I sadly cannot due to agreements about the top of the Verge with other dragon lords. Also I expect to have some entertainment tonight! Do try and impress!"
Now you know why there was so much empty space in the dining room. Each of the dragons quickly turn back to their elven forms to enjoy the food, drink, and festivities with your group.
Cyril is truly awestruck when asked to sit next to lady Celest in all her gargantuan self.
Celest offers, "There is little need for anyone but my family to serve you. Eat to your heart's content and ask your questions. All of my sons and daughters may join you on your expedition but only if you convince them. I sadly cannot due to agreements about the top of the Verge with other dragon lords. Also I expect to have some entertainment tonight! Do try and impress!"
Cyril looks to Arthur at the table when the suggestion of entertainment is approached, and nods.
Cyril takes part of several slices of dire ham and several well-done baked potatoes, with much butter and sour cream. The investigative wizard eats to his heart's content. Looking up at the draconic matriarch, Cyril asks in Draconic, "Queen Celest, Could you please go into some of the agreement you have with the other dragon lords? How many are there in The Verge?"
She relays, "The Verge is merely a point of interest. Beyond it is the lands of the dragons. All dragon lords have made the pledge of imminent domain. We will not egress upon another lords domain under penalty of utter destruction. Though as we have already told you The Verge is no dragon's domain and thus some of us will help you."
Cyril nods. "Your Majesty, according to accepted draconic lore, gold dragons can live in nearly any environment. What type of terrains are the gold dragons lands within?"
The Verge is a warm mountain thus golden and red dragons make their homes here.
"So The Verge is the only place adjacent to both gold and red domains where you can engage without breaking your compact", Cyril surmised. "Very interesting. I shall endevor to ask more of your progeny for assistance after Stavian and I perform for you, Queen Celest."
"Yes the Verge and into mortal lands. That sounds delightful!" She simply replies.
Cyril excuses himself from the table and walks to the various tables, introducing himself to the other gold dragons, bowing very low.
The investigative wizard keeps his eyes open for when Stavian wishes to perform.
He stands up and with a look of recognition from Cyril he pulls his lute free from his back and strums a few chords.
Once the base is set he begins to orate an epic poem...
Cyril quickly comes in with his mandolin.
The gold dragons clap in appreciation to the beat of the poem and when finished to thunderous praise. A few of the maidens approach Cyril and Arthur hoping to get a private show.
Arthur nods in appreciation but lets the ladies know, "I think I will work on some background music right now but later tonight you all may have an appointment in my dance card." He pulls out one of his many journals and points to the last page. Pulling his quill free of its place on his belt he jots down a few numbers and states, "Now just put your name beside an hour and I will do my best to meet you at the fountain at that time."
Cyril does his best to keep his emotions in check. Internally, the thought of powerful dragon maidens wishing to spend time with the investigative wizard is driving him crazy. But he remembers his etiquette.
"Well, if any of Your Graces wishes to dance with a lowly human while Stavian plays, I would be honored to dance with you."
the women squeal in excitement and the one Cyril first picks begins dancing with him as the others watch and wait their turn. the hours pass and soon many of the dragons/elves are retiring for the evening, though Arthur slips away with one dragon/elf maiden at a time only to return to take another every hour.
The young noble would kindly ask for the names of the ladies he danced with; taking part in some light social chatting as the twirled across the dance floor. This was the investigative wizard's method of gauging interest in Cyril, and how the young noble could seduce to the bedroom. The thought of possibly taking a gold dragon to his bed chamber is thrilling to Cyril, but would not turn down the attentions of an elf maiden either.
Collecting and sorting through interest level, you could try for Ambithia or Ryada.
Collecting and sorting through interest level, you could try for Ambithia or Ryada.
Cyril decides to focus his efforts on Ambithia; she's seems the most receptive and her small talk indicates she very intelligent, as well as her elven form is very attractive.
As human and polymorphed dragon dances, Cyril holds Ambithia closer, holding her lovely hand more daintily. In a low tone, Cyril whispers in the beautiful gold dragon's elven ear.
Lady Ambithia intones her head and leads Cyril quietly away from the hall. Down a hallway she looks back and offers, "Where should we go, one of the cellars, a bedroom, or the dungeons?"
Cyril takes Lady Ambithia's hand and kisses it. "A bedroom would be perferable, but the dungeons has a level of excitement and intrigue to it."
She leads you down the hallway to the right and after passing at least five doors she taps the next one. Magical symbols appear and she seems to hit a pattern. You hear the door unlock and she looks at you with excitement. She pushes the door open and walks in before you.
The room seems like it is a decent guest room for humans and other medium sized creatures. There is a four poster bed, several cabinets, a stone pool that is built into the floor, several simple wooden chairs, a simple wooden table, and a vanity with many accessories for comfort.
She walks over to dip a toe into the water and she shivers. She then asks, "Shall we clean up in the bath first?" She begins to unbutton her dress.
Cyril looks around, impressed that all of this was done for either his benefit, or Lady Ambithia prefers a Medium-sized lifestyle.
"I use prestidigitation in between baths, which seems to have been a while", Cyril smiled as he went began to remove his clothes near the vanity.
"I do appreciate all this consideration for my human frame, but if you wish to revert to your original size at any time, I would understand and do my best to accommodate. I sure your draconic form is just as beautiful as your elven."
Enthused she responds, "Why thank you for the offer but my true form wouldn't accommodate well to this room. Plus it is not as sensitive as this form." She slips into the water watching you undress.
Cyril smiles as he watches the scintillating form of Lady Ambithia descends into the bath. The young noble takes his time, allowing the gold dragon to take in his handsome, rigid form. Cyril also gets into the bath and sits next to the polymorphed gold dragon.
She smiles and giggles at you, then her hands caress over your body little by little. She asks, "Do you want a massage?"
---
There is no grand feast like their was last night but simple dishes of the breakfast variety. You see Arthur and the others are taking it easy as they continue to engage with their hosts.
"No." Cyril says simply. "Not that."
The young noble leans in and kisses Lady Ambithia. Her kisses nearly overwhelm Cyril as her draconic presence drops slightly. Keen to the knowledge her elven form is more sensitive, Cyril resolves to give the gold dragon the full force of a sublime creature. Cyril cúms multiple times throughout the night, ready for more. The wizard hopes to match the sexual power of the dragon witgh his own sublime body. Both powerful creatures enjoy each other long into the night, possibly into the morning.
✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫
Cyril walks up to the main hall, bowing deeply to the gold dragons as they pass and greet him. The investigative wizard looks for Arthur and the intelligent dog, in hopes of finding out how their night when.
He walks over and nods for Cyril to follow off to the side of the hall away from anyone. He starts in hushed tones, "Last night was great! I convinced three of the dragons to accompany us. Though I will need to be monogoluous to Velris Amethyst Flamewing, she wants me to call her Val. How was your night?"
He can be seen running around the hall chasing Frisbees and balls as one of the dragons toss them.
"I had a night in Draconic Heaven!" Cyril whispers, as his mouth erupts into a wide smile. "Lady Ambithia was incredible! My senses flared under her touch!"
Cyril coughs, returning to his decorum. "Congratulations on your us of diplomacy and your relationship with Lady Flamewing."
"I do what I can, did you secure Lady Ambithia's aid too?" He asks seeing if your diplomatic mission was successful.
Cyril looks downcast, embarrassed. "Um, sadly..we..didn't talk much about the mission. I am very sorry. Clearly, you kept your head amidst such.. personages. You are the better man, Stavian."
He puts a reassuring hand on Cyril's shoulder and says, "Don't worry about it, think on the positive note: you got to lay a dragon!"
Cyril quietly smiles with a nod, as he gives Ed a welcome pet on the head. "Shall we rejoin the breakfast?"
The three of you return to breakfast and eat what you wish.
Cyril sits down and makes morning chat with the various polymorphed dragons and other humanoids in attendance.
Cyril makes a great impression on those he is eating with as Arthur and the other companions do their best to assist.
Cyril looks up at the main table to see what Queen Celest has in store after the breakfast.
Upon seeing many look her way she asks, "We never discussed it how long will you be visiting? Is there some sort of deadline to your treasure hunt? Are you competing against another group perchance?"
He looks to Cyril first and then the Captain but states, "We could easily stay with you for as long as you wished us to stay. Many of the members who have joined us would likely enjoy being paid by spending time here. We will get to the adventuring and treasure hunting soon enough. How long would you enjoy us as guests?"
She looks at Arthur and nods, "I am sure a few months can be arranged. Your ship has been refreshed but that can easily be done again. If you need to send messages to loved ones feel free to use the Message Room with the blue saffire gem lit above the doorway." She points and you see the door she means as others have different gems above them.
"We have many activities that your group might enjoy: fishing, hunting, jousting, wrestling, meditation, treasure counting, among many others."
"So long as we do not wear out your generous welcome, I can speak for Arthur and myself by saying we would love to live among you fine dragons", Cyril stated. "It would be a monumental learning experience!"
She looks at Arthur and nods, "I am sure a few months can be arranged. Your ship has been refreshed but that can easily be done again. If you need to send messages to loved ones feel free to use the Message Room with the blue sapphire gem lit above the doorway." She points and you see the door she means as others have different gems above them.
"We have many activities that your group might enjoy: fishing, hunting, jousting, wrestling, meditation, treasure counting, among many others."
Cyril takes advantage of The Message Room, to let Lady Willow Lucan how Cyril has been and where he will be spending the season in the domain of a gold dragon commune. The young noble does his best to explain some of the major changes he's gone through on his journey. Without going into greater detail, Cyril explains he has become a devotee of The Mistress, and that considering The Mistress herself suggested he make himself available to the King Joseph, would be a nice feather-in-the-cap for the family. The young scholar also goes into this discovery of his arcane talents on his journey as well. Despite all this, Cyril does his best to reassure his mother that he is fine and will continue his father's quest next season.
And the other groups on the clipper: The Red Hand, The Death Dealers, and The Bright. Will they all be staying as well?
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Cyril perfects his Draconic, but with a strong gold dragon accent.
The investigative wizard develops friendships with gold dragons and humanoids alike.
Cyril will try to find out if Lady Ambithia seeks a true relationship or if the one-night affair was it. When it came to sleeping with the Captain Moon and her crew, Cyril used prestidigitation to clean and prevent pregnancy. Cyril intentionally didn't do that with Lady Ambithia or any other female gold dragons Cyril has relationships with. So there may be dragon eggs with partial sublime fathers in the mix. Especially if Arthur and Velris Amethyst Flamewing have been monogamous for these three months!!
Cyril does take full advantage of the activities offered in Queen Celest's Domain. Days of fishing, hunting, jousting, wrestling, meditation, treasure counting, and reading anything in Queen Celest's library for our investigative wizard. Maybe get some more spells in his spellbook? Hopefully acquire some more skill points in Survival, Knowledge (religion), Profession (fisherman), and Profession (clerk) to show for those three months.
Without pay the captain and her crew would leave, back in three months to finish the charter.
The Bright with Maya and Thorgar would stay if you continue to pay them, otherwise they go with the ship.
The Red Hand exit from the golden dragon community after a few days of gorging themselves. They head out with blood on their minds.
☆☆☆
They provide you with enough special ink to add 4 first level spells, 3 second, 2 third, and 1 fourth. Beyond that you just need to pay for the ink. Maybe another spellbook.
1st month:
If researching Survival:
☆☆☆
Also where do you spend most of your time? Research & Studying, relations, or physical activities?
1st month:
Researching k nobility: +11
80 to 90--> find 1 random book (2)
91-99--> find 2 random books
100--> Find book of your choice cannot have a price over 70k.
DC 20--> he finds one book (1)
Random book options:
Cursed book, ?, 1
Skill/Trait book, takes 1 week to learn, 2-10
Feat book, takes 3 weeks to learn, 11-15
Magical tome of some kind,?, 16-18
Ability Score increase, takes 4 weeks to learn, 19-20
magical tome & feat book
trait/skill book
☆☆☆
I spend most of my time? relations, music, and art.
☆☆☆
Learning that he will be here for months, he explains his needs to the dragoness but learns he is classified as hers now... so monogamy for Arthur. She also expects him to help raise the child/children. Not something he signed up for but gets used to it as their relationship develops.
After the first month he asks to meet her parents and they are thrilled to have a Sublime son-in-law. He also learns how loving a dragon can be. You see the hardness of his heart being eroded.
After the second month, he comes to Cyril as he had daily. Though this time he was determined and asked if they could go find some undead he needed a few wishes.
Of course they find some if not going to suicide trail.
He won't leave his... wife... and newborn child alone and plans to create a Magnificent Mansion keyed to several anchors so he can see them each night.
They make the the date to happen three weeks, but can be extended, after he heads out on the mission.
2nd month:
Researching diplomacy: +15
80 to 90--> find 1 random book (2)
91-99--> find 2 random books (2)
100--> Find book of your choice cannot have a price over 70k.
DC 20--> he finds one book (1)
DC 30--> two books (4)
Random book options:
Cursed book, ?, 1
Skill/Trait book, takes 1 week to learn, 2-10
Feat book, takes 3 weeks to learn, 11-15
Magical tome of some kind,?, 16-18
Ability Score increase, takes 4 weeks to learn, 19-20
skill book,
ability,
Skill book,
Magical tome,
Diplomacy
5 skill/Trait books
☆☆☆
3rd month:
Researching music/art: +12
80 to 90--> find 1 random book
91-99--> find 2 random books (2)
100--> Find book of your choice cannot have a price over 70k.
DC 20--> he finds one book (2)
Random book options:
Cursed book, ?, 1
Skill/Trait book, takes 1 week to learn, 2-10
Feat book, takes 3 weeks to learn, 11-15
Magical tome of some kind,?, 16-18
Ability Score increase, takes 4 weeks to learn, 19-20
skill book both
Music/art
skill book both