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14:35, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Scene 0: A Court Visit.

Posted by Great WyrmFor group 0
Great Wyrm
GM, 2 posts
Tue 24 Aug 2021
at 17:51
  • msg #1

Scene 0: A Court Visit

For two ambitious young taninim without territory of their own the high arch of rock hovering over the ephemeral (elves mostly) town of Green Stump stirred draconic hearts. Green Stump itself represented commercial and political influence with its thousands of inhabitants, trees bearing elvish houses, or the stone and wood structures among the roots. But the high stone arch was the beating heart of it all. Here one of the great lords held court among his scaly kind, deciding the fates of many. His name is Cracked Sky. Considered a fair ruler among the tananim in spite of his militant essence. Huge and dominating, blue scaled wings casting long shadows, electricity playing along azure flanks...handsome as well. But Cracked Sky never let anyone forget who was in charge of his coastal dominions. To openly defy him was inviting a your own downfall.

Still...it wasn't because of Cracked Sky's weekly court that the two taninim winged toward the arch of Skyhome with its deep caves threading through the structure. Letters from their old Warden Elegant Tooth had requested their presence at Skyhome during Cracked Sky's weekly open courts. Reading between the lines suggested a matter of some urgency and secrecy. The old man was like most of temperamental essence: unpredictable and intense. But with his wards he could be surprisingly steady and reliable, a good source of advice and aid if approached correctly. Much like the volcanoes represented in the magma coursing under dark scales.

Before you lies the Bridge of Greeting, the common entrance for those attending court, sticking out hundreds of feet above the town below. Cave entrances could be seen here or there  along the mile long length while spires and towers festooned its top. Much of the stonework was of a peculiar shade of blue native to the region.

Upon the bridge waited some elvish thralls to attend to visitors. they were Tiny compared to the mammoth entrance but of a size with the two visiting taninim.
Sho'Vothic Irthir
player, 1 post
Wed 25 Aug 2021
at 02:33
  • msg #2

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Devours Knowledge had been born to fly.

Most Taninim were, in their way, but the Imperious Green had spent what the lesser races might consider their childhood among the woods and grottos that surrounded their nest. It hadn't necessarily been by choice, but earlier indulgences in their essential nature when they were fresh out of the egg had led to a need for a self imposed exile once they found themselves occupying the unenviable position of the 'runt' of the clutch. Worse, their clutchmates had possessed legitimate grievances with Sho'Vothic, who had enjoyed lording their dominance over them, however brief it had been. The end result had been many long days and quiet nights spent in quiet contemplation of the splendor of nature, including the plethora of animals and insects that had ruled the air. Sho'Vothic had always been jealous of the birds and winged insects, whose tiny forms allowed them the sky that was denied them. They had spent more days and nights than they could count watching them, copying their motions as best they could as their muscles developed. The exhilaration they had experienced when they were finally large and strong enough to take to the skies had been overwhelming, and in the time since then, they had hardly ever left. They were proud of the skill that they had developed in their time, but as always, they knew there was so much more to learn. The depths of their hunger were endless, and they could not wait.

Now they flew in Symri's shadow, cautious as always around their Proud Taninim hatchmate. They had found in the Solar a measure of protection from the repercussions of their foolish youth, sheltering under Symri's watchful eye. Strangely, the arrangement worked, as the excesses of the two Taninim's essential essences cooperated with each other. Sho'Vothic, haughty and proud, was able to acquiesce to the larger Solar's demands without bubbling over with rage or resentment. They both understood, and respected, the other Taninim's strength. While there might one day be a day where they did not respect their kin's authority, that day was certainly not today. Of course, that strength would do little to protect either of them from Cracked Sky's wrath, should they mistakenly draw it. Symri was strong for their clutch, but she was still barely more than an infant in the Draconic accounting of things. Blue's were an unpredictable lot, as there were many temperaments that they might exemplify.

Waiting on Symri's lead, they climbed through the sky, preparing to descend only when their Hatchmate was ready.
Symri
player, 1 post
Thu 26 Aug 2021
at 01:17
  • msg #3

Scene 0: A Court Visit

The Solar burned with pride and ambition which was all too fitting for one of her nature and bearing. She embodied wrath, she embodied nobility, she gave and took life with equal measure and all encompassed with a cultivated mindfulness that, at the least, gave the impression of consideration that was perhaps beyond the years that she could truly call her own. There had always been youthful indiscretion, arrogance, and blunders but such was simply her nature as a child of solar essence. That very essence having given every scale the glow of searing flame and a palpable heat seemed to forever cloak her scaled form... It was like being in her presence was to be in the company of a fragment of the Sun that shone above them.

This was all only compounded by the fact that in almost all things... It was done more with an impression of innate or latent power and presence rather than finesse or grace. It was in that same vein of power and purity of purpose that the Solar tilted, turned, and began to spiral downward towards the bridge... Her dark eyes watching every inch of the caverns and fortifications... Of the forests and homes of men and elf with that air of one who believed, in some small way, that all this was her responsibility and here because of, if not specifically her, her lineage.

Even as she nursed such thoughts as that, though, the Solar could not help but feel trapped even as she had the freedom of the skies. There were places beyond the vault of the sky that she wished to see but were denied to her because she had not yet grown fully into what she was to be. She still needed to breath, she still could not fly fast enough to escape the chains that this world imposed on her... And even though she had Sho'Vothic as her ever present shadow and erstwhile companion... There was something always missing. Those who shared her essence and that innate... something of the self laired beyond the vault of the sky.

It was with some care that Symri came to land near the elves tasked with seeing to visitors and guests. Her flame hued wings folding neatly against her sides as she held herself up with the every air of one who would be a ruler and awaited her shadow to join her upon the bridge.
Sho'Vothic Irthir
player, 2 posts
Sun 29 Aug 2021
at 03:34
  • msg #4

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Sho'Vothic indulged in one final pass over the field as Symri landed, allowing their shadow to flicker over the forms of the nearest Elves. They regretted the choice instantly, their small form blotting out the sun for only the blink of an eye.It had been intended to be a grand gesture, but it felt hollow as they arced down to land. These thralls would not be impressed by their small form, having lived for so long under the shade of Cracked Sky. They landed next to the larger Solar, folding their wings with care and raising their head high.

"This one is named Symri."

They grumbled, their voice a low roil deep within their broad chest.

"And I am named Sho'Vothic Irthir. We have been summoned by your Master, of Cracked Sky."

They went silent at that, addressing the thralls no more. Their eyes though, their eyes might have betrayed them. For while they played the part of the uninterested Taninim naturally, the golden orbs of their eyes scanned the gathered Thralls intently. One never knew when they truly stood before a Wizard, but there were tells that Sho'Vathic had drilled themselves to look for. A staff, a wand within a holster, or most tellingly, a spellbook wrapped in a leather satchel. Such things were a rare find indeed, doubly so among the lesser races, but Sho'Vothic could not help but look.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Sun 29 Aug 2021.
Great Wyrm
GM, 3 posts
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 17:00
  • msg #5

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Sho'Vothic's efforts to impress the servants of Cracked Sky may be in vain but they play their part with a respectful air regardless. None risked the Lord of Skyhome's ire needlessly.

"You are welcome to the grand arch of Skyhome and to Lord Cracked Sky's open court, masters."

The elves (and a few gnomes) waste no time escorting the two taninim to their assigned quarters. They readily answer any questions as they lead the pair into the lower tunnels threading the great span. The tunnels are large enough to accommodate a large taninim and show signs of of a mix of natural hallways with carved or worked sections. The whole network is much like a naturally occuring cavern with seemingly random caves with pools and expanses of beautiful water-dripped stone. The stonework is itself blue and grey and shines in the mage lights dangling from the ceilings. Servants frequently pass on the business of Skyhome and the scent of other Taninim wafted on breezes.

Sho'vothic and Symri's quarters located toward the bottom of the arch. Both private chambers joined around a central cave with a pool for bathing or conversing with guests. A large bell hangs from the ceiling for summoning servants. The southern wall opens upon a view of the town. Skirling winds pull playfully at the Taninim as they look upon the town below. A convenient enough entrance though Sho'Vothic suspects that their are hidden defenses to prevent unwanted intruders. The individual chambers are less spacious, a stony bed to lol on, book cases lining a wall, with chests in the corners, and more human-like furnishings adorning an alcove. Both Taninim feel slightly dwarfed by the quarters that could cater to much larger dragons.

But its the person waiting for both dragons that captures their attentions. It is the gnome Hessmer, the second most highly placed of their Warden Elegant Tooth's servants. Of a size with most gnomes Hessmer retains the partial scales and stunted wings of a drakeling, a gift to their lord's most favored servants.

He bows as Skyhome's servants withdraw, closing the double doors behind them. A smile plays across his lips as he sees the one-time wards of his master for the first time in years. Perhaps he remembers the time when both Taninim were little more then hatchlings, clumsy but full of a dragon's fire.

"Master Symri, Master Sho'Vothic. It is a delight to see you both once again. Our master will be gratified seeing you have come so quickly after receiving his message."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Tue 31 Aug 2021.
Sho'Vothic Irthir
player, 3 posts
Thu 2 Sep 2021
at 03:04
  • msg #6

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Sho'Vothic felt strangely ill at ease within the tunnels, and spent the walk trying to figure out why. It took them a few moments of quiet contemplation before they achieved understanding, and once they did, they didn't like what they'd found. It was not covetous greed that made them dislike the lair, it was the reminder of what they were running from. The tedium and monotony of being one of many, the runt of the clutch. The freedom of the skies they so enjoyed only made it that much harder to descend into the bowels of the earth. They considered, not for the first time, what sort of lair they might wish when they were strong enough to claim their own. They had always assumed that they would wish for such a fortress, but was that truly what their heart desired? Twisting tunnels lit only by what flames their thralls brought down to them, cold stone cut off from the world. Was that not what they were supposed to want? Was that not their nature? They found themselves, more than anything, strangely interested in the elves and gnomes who escorted them. They had always dismissed such before, but that was before they had witnessed the Duel. Now they knew that even the smallest gnome was capable of seizing greatness, of seizing true power. It was offensive, it was infuriating, and yet it was true. They needed to watch, they needed to learn, and only from that would come understanding. They were pulled from these thoughts by the open wall, and the magnificent view with the town below. They weren't sure what about the idea was so appealing, but suddenly an image had formed within their mind. They envisioned not a town, but a city, endless expanses of the lesser races extending in all directions. Within the middle of this imaginary city, a massive tower of stone. Perched upon that tower, they would see all, and all would see the sigils of power that shimmer upon every inch of its surface. A testament to their own arcane mastery. The thought was so strange, they had always thought that they would follow in the footsteps of so many of their kind before them, and find a burrow deep within the trees of some wooded isle. Yet here they were, their mind filled with strange ideas...

Their thoughts were interrupted again, but this time by the Drakeling Hessmer. Sho'Vothic had not before understood the commitment of power that went into the Rite of Investment when last they had seen the Gnome, and thus had not fully appreciated the expense. Now they understood more fully, and found themselves wondering what the Thrall had done to deserve such a cost.

"Does Elegant Tooth wish to see us immediately?"

They asked, not quite sure of the proper forms. They had trusted to Symri for such things, and their own force of personality, but they had never had the opportunity to practice such formalities with their Hatchmates. Now they suddenly found themselves out of their depth, wondering for the first time in their life if their own force of will would be enough.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Thu 02 Sept 2021.
Symri
player, 2 posts
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 01:26
  • msg #7

Scene 0: A Court Visit

"It's not proper to forget one's warden and all they've done for them. I'm glad to see you are well and have grown into your own as well, Hessmer. Dealing with our younger selves was hardly an easy task." the Sun Taninim offered with twists of pride, self-awareness, and humor in her voice, a hint of life giving warmth and generosity balanced upon draconic temperament ever present with each word.. The confines of the tunnel seeming not to bother her but the absence of the vault of heaven above them was something she was keenly aware of. So much of her identity, her essence, her power came from the natures and attitudes of the Sun that to be away from it's light was almost unsettling despite the baser instincts of her draconic nature to find a certain... coziness within the confines of stones. She let precious little of this show in the imperious and proud bearing that she held with wings of vivid, coruscating flame tucked against her side and that ever present warmth that seemed to follow her without fail.

Her clutchmate's blunt question was unlikely to ruffle any feathers but it did earn a glance as it presumed a step or two beyond the normal order of ritual and process. It was a valid question though and she wouldn't fault her peer for that. "I would hope that we haven't been summoned by Elegant Tooth with haste in mind?" Symri asked with a lilt of voice to express both benign curiosity, concern, and what amounted to a raising of one brow for the raises that possessed such features of the face. There was a certain social grace and composure through out it but... there was that same impression of power and posture rather than the shrewdness or verbal dexterity of a politician or hustler. It gave every impression that Symri was a being whose word clearly conveyed their intent and that all interactions were simple affairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Sun 12 Sept 2021.
Great Wyrm
GM, 4 posts
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 23:55
  • msg #8

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Hessmer nods respectfully at the greetings and questions. A doleful smile reveals the small fangs in the gnome's mouth as he considers his next words.

"It was made easier with the example of Madame Tulia", replies Hessmer. Tulia is Elegant Tooth's First among the thralls. A gentle elven woman who none the less ran the rookery where Symri and Sho'Vothic spent their first days with disciplined efficiency. The magma dragon demanded nothing less. Something in Hessmer's words hint at a quiet sadness. "I am no longer Second of the Thralls. My Master declared me her replacement."

At Sho'Vothic's prompt he becomes more business-like. "My Master thought it best to invite you to Lord Cracked Sky's weekly court. It was less likely to draw attention to a situation that has developed. Regretfully my Master cannot meet you directly but sent me in his place due to the sensitive politics surrounding the situation."

"Master Elegant Tooth holds you both in high esteem and feels that you are able to handle the current problem with finesse. As unlanded Taninim it is expected you would come to court to advance your own causes. You are both experienced enough to investigate on Elegant Tooth's behalf without the attention that more powerful drakes would attract."

Hessmer takes a deep breath, a spiral of smoke rising from his gnomishly huge nose, as he finally stops beating around the bush, "Recently Madame Tulia had brought on some new elven thralls into the rookery. Things had been going well until the thralls betrayed us. One night they let intruders past the defenses of Elegant Tooth's rookery. They killed many of the servants and guards until they reached their goal: the egg chamber. No less then five taninim eggs were taken by the intruders. They then fled into the Deep Bogs as far as we can tell. You know of course that the eggs must be recovered before anything happens to them. Quietly."

Hessmer doesn't have to remind the two young dragons that the loss of an entire nest of eggs would devastate Elegant Tooth's reputation as a Warden, one he has spent centuries building.

"To make matters worse is the nature of the thieves. It wasn't just elves complicit in this conspiracy. One of the thieves was killed and revealed to be a Jotun! A giant!", Hessmer's words are serious. The Jotun have been a growing problem in the Lost Isles ever since they slipped the control of Darkened and Bloodied, the senior Elder Voice of the Lost Isles.

"Eastern Verdance has experienced problems with rogue giants and Darkened and Bloodied responded with a unit of soldiers and vassal Taninim stationed in the domain of a local lord to root them out. Cracked Sky does not want foreign troops in his domain that are beholden to an Elder Voice. If word of this infestation of giants gets out Cracked Sky will be furious."

"So the question remains will you, Symri and Sho'Vothic Irthir, take up this mission for your Warden? Recover the eggs intact, eradicate the Jotun, and let no word of this leak out? The rewards can be great but no doubt there will be great danger."       
Sho'Vothic Irthir
player, 4 posts
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 02:58
  • msg #9

Scene 0: A Court Visit

Sho'Vothic stood in stunned silence as the words played over them.

The extent of Elegant Tooth's failure in this matter was difficult to comprehend, and as the story unfolded it only grew worse. Traitorous Elven Thralls were one matter, the Jotun another entirely, but a clutch of stolen eggs was a horror difficult to fathom. What would the Jotun want with such a thing? Had they simply smashed the eggs upon the floor in cold blooded vindictiveness, they might have understood. Whenever the Jotun were able to overwhelm one of the Taninim, they left them butchered and bloodied, their lair ruined. They did not take captives, they did not steal eggs. Except now apparently they did. Sho'Vothic could not even imagine what vile purpose such an act would serve.

Whatever it was, there was more to this story than Hessmer was revealing to them. They experienced anger that the Drakeling would dare to hide such secrets from them, but pushed the instinct to melt him into a puddle of smoking meat when they realized that he must be doing so at his Master's command. Their mind danced over possibilities, realizing that they did not have enough information to find the answers they sought. Some scheme of Elegant Tooth's was playing out, he was moving through cats paws, and had chosen his agents in Symri and Sho'Vothic. Whatever prevented him from setting off in search of the Jotun and their Elven pawns directly was likely the same that had caused him to order his Second... his First... to attempt to deceive them.

They did not have the wisdom of ages to solve such a riddle, being young in the reckoning of their kin. Their opportunities to practice intrigue had been limited, and as they had grown they had found themselves far more interested in matters arcane than courtly. Were they on their own, they would be paying the price for such inattention. Yet they were not, for they stood now next to their Clutch Mate.

In this, as in so many things, they trusted to Symri to lead the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Tue 14 Sept 2021.
Symri
player, 3 posts
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 13:49
  • msg #10

Scene 0: A Court Visit

The Solar was not afflicted so much with stunned silence as a quiet and seething anger at this news. It was the prerogative of the Solar mind to regard themselves as life givers as well as stewards of the living and something about such a crime as this ground against the edges of such a mindset. The result was that silence was now only deepened by a shift in the radiant warmth that always seemed to surround Symri. It was enough to ward off the chill of the cave and grow intensely uncomfortable to any not used to the extremes of temperature as some of their kin were. The narrowing of those reptilian eyes serving as one more dire hint of her reception of such news as this and, seemingly, her commitment to the task without saying a word but words were needed in the moment as Sho'Vothic glanced towards them in deferment.

Her flame hued wings shifted then at her sides as she straightened her long and sinuous neck to lower her head to the level of Hessmer.

"Something as precious as that cannot be left in their hands." Symri said by way of agreement as she turned her attention to their surroundings for a flicker of an instant before returning her full focus to Hessmer.
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