Packing bags and heading to May's is go. Her home is apparently some classic kobold "dungeon crawl" with traps and green kobolds. They recognize May, of course, and immediately welcome her. They initially treat the group with some suspicion, but May assures them her friends are as close as anyone can be to her, save maybe her direct parents.

May's dad is a semmingly normal green kobold. He is in the process of mining when May approaches. "Dad!" "May!" They embrace and May introduces her team to him. "Dad here likes to mine. This whole cave is a mining operation and dad likes it that way. Oh! And you can call him Zornesk as that is his name."

Zornesk grins and asks, "So... you made friends. I'm very happy to see you all are alive. Were you her first friends from outside home?"

May nods. "Yup! And quite powerful now, I might add."

Timothius and Raichel bow towards May's dad. "Honored to meet you."

Zornesk says, "They seem rather nice."

Message sending was had as well.  Mits smiles and waves.

"Nice to meet you!  Really lovin' being May's friend.  She's so epic!  And not just 'cause she can go toe-to-toe with Tiamat's exarchs.  Winning smile, for starters!"

  If Kyle were put off by the fact these were kobold miners, they'd be beaten into the pavement for being an obvious doppelganger possession spirit from a mirror dimension.

  "Good to get a chance to meet you, Zornesk.  I hope the mining business is going well."   Kyle, considers the traps for craftmanship quality.  As opposed to how Tark would consider them a workplace hazzard unless at least X feet away from the mining operation itself.

  Hey, one of the better strategies in Evil Genius was having a perfectly safe and legal front end before it became all treadmills leading to bee hives.

Zornesk says, "Wow! E...Exarchs? ...let's get you to your mother and introduce your friends to her. She's going to want to hear ALL about standing against Exarchs of Tiamat!"

May and Zornesk holds hands as they merrily skip deeper into the mine. It seems clear Zornesk is carefree and playful like May, or maybe he is just that happy to see her again.

Once they are in the deepest part of the cave, the group sees an elder gold dragon, curled up on a huge pile of treasure. There is a larger hole here where she can exit easily. "This is my mom, Ramoth."

The gold dragon turns to look at the group and pauses to stare for a bit.

http://www.wallpaperswala.com/...asy-dragon-flame.jpg

Mits smiles and waves.  "Nice to meet you!  This is Kyle, Timothius, and Raichel, I am Mittens.  We are friends of May!  And with her, we form, The Heroes of the Prime Material Plane!"

A puppet appears on her left hand and plays a short trumpet fanfare.  https://onewayst.files.wordpre...2010/05/pict2800.jpg

"We're taking a quick vacation while we can get one.  Nice place you got here!"

  "It has been quite pleasant, yes." He briefly considers the comparative value of 'pile of treasure' Vs May's weapons... Financially, because in practical terms no duh May has surpassed dragon mommy.

  "May has been wonderful to know, even when she isn't hitting Tiamat servants in both of their faces."

Ramoth ohs and listens to the heroes tell their tales. She has a satisfied look the whole time while Zornesk has a proud look.

Oh right, we meant to mention the traps were all standard kobold quality. Which is to say poor quality materials, but fully functional traps. And they are arranged for the safety of the workers.

May, as usual, does her best to exalt her friends higher than herself, but she does not deny how cool it is she can stand toe-to-toe with exarchs. It also doesn't take long before she is showing off her sizable weapons collection.

Mittens was expecting more "Wow!" or "That's unbelievable!" from May's parents, but is satisfied that they at least aren't embarrassing her to death.  When time comes to recount stories, she's happy to show off the painting and re-enact fights with puppet shows.

"It occurs to me that maybe we could have May's parents join the Coalition.  Maybe Quel will be less inclined to stupid comments, then."

  "I can see why you would ask, but I get the feeling they have been staying out of it for a reason... And even then, I still would not want to subject them to talking with Quelena"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:34, Thu 25 Feb 2016.

May's mom is still way out of the team's league, being an elder gold dragon. Gold dragons are equal to or greater than red dragons and an elder red is lvl 30 ish.

Ramoth chuckles at Mitts' suggestion. "I think Kyle has the right of it. My joining would only serve to give me frustrations I would rather not have, such as reminding myself how depressingly unintelligent most mortals can be. I am more a scientist than a warrior, but I will aid in battle when you are in dire need. Outside of that, no thank you." OK, so she probably could have really torn the gith airship station a new one if she had been recruited back then.

Zornesk answers, "And my only claim to power is having Ramoth and May as family."

Ramoth and Zornesk have been showing awe in their own way, but it simply has not been communicated in a human way.

Ramoth says, "That said, if you wish me to attend a meeting just so I understand what you go through, I can assume a smaller form and come as moral support just this once."

Timothius and Raichel are wagging their tails excitedly.

If the world weren't at stake, Mits wouldn't be quite so disappointed that a beyond epic, good-aligned dragon is just spending her time loafing about on a pile of gold.  So she convinces herself that "I'm more a scientist" is just code for, "My day job is to keep the planes from colliding and wiping out all of creation.  Sorry, but too busy saving the world to help with fight against sky pirate army of Tiamat.  And even dragons of my level need extended rests."

Mits shrugs.  "I doubt any of us are in this for the fame.  No need to trouble yourself with the silly political foolishness.  Only suggested it for the humor factor, really.  If anything, any newcomer agreeing with May would be further 'proof' that 'the so-called heroes are only in this for power' or whatever.

"Note to self:  Get Amyria an appropriate gift and thank-you card for leading that group."

  "Oh no, that would be expected political angles.  Clearly what would happen is she would question May's credibility for going running to her parents... Which I wish wasn't something I could expect really happening instead of wild exaggeration."

May says, "I wouldn't say fame is my primary reason for being involved in all this, but I would say it had a large part in my motivation initially."

Ramoth says, "Well, May... exarchs. I knew you could do it eventually. The surprising part is how quickly it happened. I am pleased you found friends who grew as quickly as you did." She looks at the others, "I had warned her when she left home that while most adventurers grow at a relatively fast pace, they oft stagnate and even if they didn't, she might grow faster. Either way, the odds were that she would find herself having to leave her friends behind in pursuit of more powerful friends."

Zornesk says, "But on the other hand... never underestimate the power of the clan. By forming a bond, your very souls demanded you all grow together, no matter how powerful one of you got or did not get. Why I'm sure one or more of you felt like a fifth wheel once in a while, or maybe even feel that way now. But the clan is there to pick you up and carry you so that later, you will carry them."

Ramoth says, "You're such a kobold."

Zornesk says, "And proud of it. And you love me for it too."

The dragon answers with a nose-nuzzle to Zornesk, as if to say with actions that he's right.

Raichel says, "Zornesk... I know I had felt that way before and it's true that every time any of us are feeling down, the others pick each other up. Your words are a comfort to me, and make me feel even more special knowing how bonded I am with my friends and family."

Timothius smiles. May grins.

"Mittens is surprised May was ever motivated by fame."

Mits shrugs.  "Well it's good to see someone outside ourselves and Amyria are supportive."

A Kada'ne puppet with pom-poms appears on Mittens' left hand and says, "Yay!  I knew you were smart enough to beat the tar out of me and capture me."

*Pom-pom wiggle.*

  "Making the toughest kobold on the planet even tougher is the least I can do for May."

  Somewhere, a certain bugman would mostly agree with Zornesk but still think it's a waste of lifespan to not hatch already knowing how to throw shuriken and hold a conversation.

  Kyle looks over to the puppet show, resists the urge to sigh, and says "It really says something when that was one of the more convenient things to happen to us of late."

Raichel and Timothius snort (no, not like sigh-snort), stiffling chuckles. May points and laughs. "True story! He said EXACTLY that! Maybe not word-for-word, but that's really what he said!"

Raichel sees the not-sighing Kyle and reaches to yoink him over to herself to drill her fist into his shoulder with a smile.

May would agree with said bug man. As would Maverick. Not that they were born able to fight, but they wish they had been.

Timothius says, "Kyle's right, though. Kada'ne turned an annoying struggle into a huge relief." he looks over to Kyle. "You have to admit, though, that of all the times we ever fought through hordes of badguys, this was the most convenient possible time for our target to be on our side. Maybe even Murphy has to obey the rules of Karma."

May says, "I'd like to think so."

May's parents are more than happy to chat and listen to the heroes about their woes and triumphs. Ramoth seems to be serene while her words occasionally hint at her powerful draconic nature. Zornesk has some obvious May-isms, constantly finding pride in others rather than himself. If the group didn't know May as well as they do, May would seem very clearly a daddy's girl (which she is), but Ramoth's influence in May, while a little more subtle, is pretty clear to the group. Both parents exude wisdom from the better parts of their respective cultures, such as Zornesk's love of the clan and Ramoth's love of listening more than speaking.

The adventure begins not long after the adventurers
complete “Garaitha’s Anvil,” long enough for them
to recover, but before the characters have a chance
to spend their gold and resupply.

Amyria appears in a flash of light. Two human mages in
gray robes and carrying staffs accompany her. She looks
around to gain her bearings, and then toward you. She
smiles, but there’s no joy in it and her eyes are hard, fierce,
and filled with worry.

“Friends, I apologize for dropping in unexpected, but
events force my hand. Again, I’m afraid, the Coalition
needs your aid. You know the threat the githyanki pose:
They are integral to the Dark Lady’s plans. We have an
opportunity to change this and deliver a terrible blow to the
Chromatic Dragon if you are willing.

“A few days ago, A githyanki envoy came before the
Coalition with an offer. He represented the Separatists, a
rebel faction within Tu’narath, the githyanki’s greatest city.
What he described was what we expected: Tiamat rules through her
puppet emperor, Zetch’r’r, and he uses the city poorly,
draining it of resources to supply Tiamat’s war machine.

“He admitted his people have no love for us, but he also
explained this war was not of their making and has proved
too costly to continue.

“Friends, they want an alliance! Many do not trust the
githyanki race, but can we afford to turn away new allies in
our time of need?”

“We discussed the matter and we have agreed to send
envoys of our own to meet with their representatives. With
the recent troubles, and your incomparable successes, we
turn to you for aid. We want you to negotiate an alliance
with these rebels and get the githyanki out of this war. If we
can achieve this, our victory might very well be at hand.”

Mits head-tilts.  "So really what you want is Timothius.  And the rest of us just go as insurance against ambushes or whatnot."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Sun 28 Feb 2016.

  Kyle nods to Mittens, "And of course, you two to keep him from delaying negotiations by reducing some political figure to tears."  Uh, are we sure you are talking about the same kitty cat siblings here, Kyle?

  "Still, it is something we should all see too." And if things do not turn out, hey, knock down a few important buildings while there.... Though that will probably turn up even if negations go well.

Timothius says, "Thank you for coming to us, Amyria. It's unlikely any other emissaries have the power to withstand them should the githyanki suddenly decide ambassadors are on the menu. And frankly, I would welcome their threats against their lives more than the words of Quelena."

Raichel says, "That's because Quel is supposed to be on our side. Githyanki, we expect to be our enemies."

May says, "Oh. Did Quel receive the reports? Has she or the rest of the coalition had anything to say about us since?"

Mits snickers at Kyle's comment.  "Speaking of Quel, I'd love to see Timothius to turn his power on her, heh."

Amyria bows.

"Given that she was the most vocal opponent to the idea of invading the Anvil, Quelena has been trying to salvage her credibility in the wake of your success.  She has kept her words few when talk of you arises.

“The githyanki want to meet on neutral ground. Their
representatives will not meet here, and we’re not willing to
step into the viper’s nest of Tu’narath. We agreed to meet at
the Citadel Mercane, a trade depot in the Astral Sea. There,
you will negotiate for an alliance. Your aim is to get the
githyanki to withdraw from the war. We have faith in you
and your wisdom, so you can bargain with the Coalition’s
full authority. If their offer is genuine, failure is no option.
Should the negotiations unravel, I don’t know that we can
win this.”

Mits smiles.  "Have faith, Amyria!  We have The Platinum Dragon on our side.  And Moradin.  And Pelor.  And likely a host of others who understand it to be in their best interest to not allow Tiamat to have her way.  So will we be taking Kada'ne with us?"

"I leave that for you all to decide."

  "Unless he actually thinks it would help, we should probably leave the infamous warlord behind.  If 'I'm totally just a rich patron of the arts' wants to get people killing them in the street,  then I expect it would go even worse in his case regardless of his true intentions."

May looks satisfied at Amyria's words about Quelenna. Tim and Rai look relieved.

Timothius says, "I was thinking similarly to Kyle... we can ask Kada'ne his opinion. Surely, if the people we are meeting with oppose Zetch'r'r, then they will not see Kada'ne as a traitor, but a hero."

Raichel nods, "Besides. He mentioned he isn't any use to us by returning to Zetch'r'r's forces, right? So this may be his best bet at continuing his calling and being useful. Still, I agree with Timothius and Kyle that it should be up to Kada'ne. If he honestly thinks he isn't of use in this talk, then he should probably stay behind."

May nods. "Then let's get going and ask him!"

Mits ughs at mention of Telecanthus.  "Ya know?  It might actually be of some use to mention we took out Telecanthus and his com web.  In any case, let's go ask Kada'ne what he thinks."

When the group ports over to where he is being held, he agrees to go.

"I will want to wear a mask at first.  After we've gauged their reaction to what you tell them about my secretly plotting against Zechy, I will decide then whether it is in your best interest that I remain disguised or reveal myself."

  "Would you like a standard dramatic mask, or a facial replacement mask?" Hey, 250 gold for an adventure equipment Mission Impossible Mask is pocket change for the party at this point.

May says, "I have to admit a desire to chat these guys' ears off. But I guess there is enough time for that later, when we have an alliance."

Timothius nods to May. "You can always send me telepathic messages if you have something you want to say or ask and I will filter it." he looks at the rest of the team. "Same to the rest of you. Feel free to ask me through May if you have something to say."

Raichel says, "Considering their ambassador freely admitted they have no love for our people, I am expecting to want to say some harsh things. So telepathy is probably best."