In reply to Manaku (msg # 63):

"Some are lawful, some are chaotic, if they follow Law they are honorable, if not, then no, they can't be trusted."

Hmph

Grunts is Dwarghar. He hasn’t Anything new to say but is beginning to see things from the dragons perspective. Not to say he won’t kill it but the beast let Travis live only to be repaid by Travis returning with a larger group ....

Fine he huffs I suppose we go.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 65):

"The question is how do we tell whether he is Lawful, or Chaotic! Some research perhaps? Is there a sage that knows dragon lore?"

"In the moment I only saw a silhouette. The flames made the whole cave glow red" Travis shrugged his shoulders "there's no real way I could tell the colour of scales, I would guess red. What other colour scales do dragons have?"

In response to some of his companions queries he mused "the beast is a hunter and we are its prey. Whether it is evil I know naught. Whatever deal we struck is done I shared my story and it let me escape" Travis wanted to offer something useful to his friends, he thought hard and added "we talked if briefly but Karrak'thrax did say that she reads books."

"At the moment, the only thing we are certain of is Travis' life being forfeit unless we can pay his ransom or kill this dragon," growls Durek. "Mayhap the dragon can be bargained with...and maybe not. Seems the only way we're going to find out is by returning below. And who knows? We might strike it lucky in this hall of coins and find enough electrum pieces to buy our friend's freedom."

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 68):

"Agreed, we need to go below and find the treasure! If we run into the dragon, we fight, if not, we run away with the ransom."

"Aye" Travis agreed with Durek's and Brother Brodd's plan.

"Hmph. It likes fire. I'm going to assume it's a Red Dragon then. One of the worst kind."

Growing up in an Elven culture has shaped him into the Elven way of thinking, obviously. That includes extreme and throughout planning and analysis, followed by (hopefully) superb execution.

His new friends, however, seem to be able to focus at the present matters, current situation, and not to worry too much about unknown factors. The Dwarfs in particular, seem to have very straightforward and direct approach to anything Manaku would consider a "problem". In one way such approach seems thrillingly liberating, in another way a bit scary.

Knowing nothing of dragons, Alietra doesn't spend any time speculating what type it might be. She does wonder what they will eventually call the small town they seem to be building here. They need to open a tavern next...

"A...red dragon? We might have made a mistake. Too late to run away now? I'm sure there are other lands we can travel to, right?"

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 73):

"A brave gnome like you showing trepidation Pock? Travis is our friend!"

"Pock's got a point," Paxton allowed.  "A dragon is no easy mark, and rushing in unprepared is a fool's errand.  We'd be wise to be at our best to attempt this."

In reply to Paxton (msg # 75):

"There is no doubt about that. Depends on whether we can get 100,000 gold marks."

Pondering their options, Alietra wonders what they might do, should neither goal be attainable, an outcome she felt was quite likely. But everyone seemed quite confident, maybe she was worrying too much.

"Are we going back down today?" she asks.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 77):

"We can if we need to. What do you think Paxton? We'll need money to build a proper church here to the True Faith."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Mon 31 May 2021.

"The hall of coins comes before the lair of the dragon..." interrupts Durek, impatiently, "...according to our friend Travis here. And that is where he found the electrum pieces hidden under the coppers. Worth a look, I reckon...and the sooner the better. We have twenty-eight days to find enough coin for that scoundrel over yonder...or slay the dragon if we can't bargain with it!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Mon 31 May 2021.

"Yeah...slay the dragon. Yes, just slay it." Pock was spiraling a bit, but that was alright. He was still prepared to stick with his comrade, but...he had just lost his courage from the confrontation with that blasted bounty hunter.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 77):

"Yes, we should get down there as soon as possible. Hopefully tonight already. Stop in the camp only to replenish supplies and get going. Maybe we can evade the beast or trick it somehow... We can scout the tunnels so that we learn them in and out, and can formulate a plan."

Manaku offers encouraging smile. ...trick the dragon. Yeah so you hope...

In reply to Manaku (msg # 81):

Brodd nods at Manaku's suggestion. "Agreed, get your gear and head back in."

Grabbing her gear, Alietra is ready to go.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 83):

Brodd grabs his warhammer and a handful of torches for light. He grabs his pack and other gear as well.

Glad that the others are as keen as him to get going, Durek slings his pack over one shoulder and rests his battle-axe on the other.

His bow in hand Travis nodded that he was ready to return to the caves.

Having hidden most of his share of the treasure Dwarghar approaches the entrance.

Shield ready, Dwarghar goes back.

Pock readies himself for another delve, hopeful for the group's success.