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Post by Perrath on Nov 9, 2022 22:14:59 GMT -5
Why do these foolish mortals insist on doing things on their own? Perrath bemoans as he climbs Mount Drakolt. It's not a comfortable hike, only made easier by the claws of his feet gripping the hot stone of the mountain. His ideal method of conquering a mountain involves chasing out invaders and making a cozy cave his lair. In this case, he's been hired to conquer the mountain by climbing it and seek out a missing researcher, an elven man named Jacques. If the man had taken a party, perhaps he wouldn't be in whatever danger he likely finds himself in.
The description of the elf is plain enough. Honestly, the man will be a single humanoid on the mountain. He won't be that terribly difficult to find. Still, Perrath is here to locate the man and report on his status. They of course did not specify he must be brought home alive. Perrath's front lip folds up and he bares his fangs in a grin at the thought of delivering the man's destroyed body to those who requested a status update from him. How could he make it happen? Would he simply rend his flesh and claim a beast upon the mountain did it? Tell them stories of his bravery in defeating the beast but unfortunately not making it in time to save the elf? Perhaps he'll lightly toast the elf's body in a lava pool and tell them his notes were burned up. Whatever he's researching is clearly important to them, so Perrath wonders what use the notes could be to himself and anyone else with different goals. Regardless of the contents of the research, his ultimate goal is to spread Lunala's faith by conquest. This mountain, perhaps even this researcher, are targets of conquest.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 9, 2022 22:54:13 GMT -5
Xalmann climbed up the mountainside, his clawed feet stepping across the warm rocks. He was glad he wasn't bothered by the heat at all. His scales were often far hotter than these toasty stones. At least the path was walkable, though steep and uneven. It was better than having to climb up with his hands. He was surprised a researcher could actually make it up this path. It wasn't terribly difficult for him, as a well built warrior used to physical exertion, but he thought one of those weak researchers would have dropped dead from such a climb less than half way up.
He had been asked by the other scientists to check on their colleague who hadn't returned in some time. Simple enough. He had no particular interest in being a very kind or helpful person, but they offered him a reward just to climb the mountain and then come back, so he had accepted. He didn't even need to find the man alive, which he was glad for. They were probably dead, after all.
After a long hike, Xalmann finally crested the top of the volcano and looked around. The giant hole in the middle of the mountaintop was full of bubbling lava, with bursts of smoke rising from bursting bubbles. He looked down into the hole for a moment. What man could resist the urge to look at lava? The urge satisficed, he started walking his way around the top of the volcano, his eyes on the lookout for the body of the researcher.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 13, 2022 3:56:12 GMT -5
If only the heat weren't so much, and Perrath's wings untrained in armor, he would unfurl them and let the air currents lift him the rest of the way. Of course, his scales protect his flesh, and he has little more need for the armor than that he enjoys the look and feel of it, and that it does protect his softer front belly in this humanoid form he entertains. Finally, he reaches the top of the mountain. The caldera filled with lava blasts his face with blazing heat. Were he a red dragon, the experience might be a pleasant one. Instead, he's a black dragon who enjoys dark and cool locales. Darkveil suits him well enough, and unfortunately, this blistering place sits near it.
Glancing around the area for the researcher, Perrath spots a considerably toasted camp a few hundred feet from the edge of the lava pools. The idiot elf though to bring dried organic materials for his camp? What a fool. He deserves whatever fate he met. However, there's signs of life at the camp. Perrath's nostrils twitch either in annoyance or glee - it's difficult to tell. Perhaps he'll get to decide this elf's fate himself! Starting down what little of a path there is, he pauses. There's movement on the other side of the volcano. Squinting his eyes and shielding them from the light of the pool, Perrath spots what appears to be another reptilian humanoid. Strange. That's a rare sight. Wait, they might be here to rescue the elf too. The men who hired him mentioned having spoken to a few others. Lunala, bless it. He'll ruin the opportunity for the hunt!
Suddenly, Perrath's pace is much quicker as he tries to rush to the camp and reach it before the other dragonkin.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 14, 2022 19:38:38 GMT -5
As Xalmann walked along the edge of the caldera, he noticed what looked like a camp in the distance, or at least what remains of one. The burned down camp reminds him of his village for a moment. He actually pities the Elf that thought it would be a good idea to set up a tent on the edge of a pool of lava. That was a foolish mistake, especially for someone who was supposed to be a scholar.
Beyond the camp, Xalmann also spotted another figure approaching. A dark, very tall figure that was similar to a Lizardfolk, but they were far broader than Xalmann's slim figure. They looked to be quite strong. Had they also been sent to rescue the researcher. Suddenly, the figure began to run toward the camp, as if they were trying to get there before the red Lizardman could. Xalmann didn't know why, but he began to run as well. Whatever reason they had to get there before him, it might not be in his best interest to allow them to do so.
Xalmann ran forward toward the camp, also drawing his axe and dagger as he did so. If this person was an enemy, he would be prepared for them by the time they met in the middle. Thankfully, the slim and unarmored Xalmann was much quicker than the bulky dragonkin with their heavy armor. He would be able to get there first.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 18, 2022 21:59:49 GMT -5
Seeing the other dragonkin start rushing towards the camp, Perrath snarls to himself. Clearly, they want something with this merchant. He saw this prize first. If anyone gets the pleasure of returning (or not returning) the elf, it will not be them. This is an honor Perrath awarded himself! But perhaps their goals are aligned. There could be no reason to rush forth. He knows nothing of this other dragonkin nor of their power. As strong and capable as Perrath considers himself, he is only just confident enough to set out on dangerous missions on his own. Missions require tacts, Perrath. Present yourself with dignity.
So his pace suddenly slows, and he instead saunters down the rest of the path and keeps his eyes on the other dragonkin. In fact, why not approach in a friendly manner? Besides, he could lie about his intentions... So he raises a hand. "Hail, dragonkin!" he calls in a commanding but friendly voice that projects across the caldera. "Excuse my rush, I couldn't tell if you were friend or foe from the distance!" That should be satisfactory for determining the other scaly humanoid's intentions and still allow enough distance to make a wise choice about his presence here.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 20, 2022 16:58:59 GMT -5
Xalmann didn't expect his apparent competition to suddenly slow down and greet him. They were now close enough to see the black Dragonkin in more detail. They certainly were taller than him They also have a pair of horns and a suit of dark metal armor, but Xalmann can't see any weapons on them. Did they fight with their bare hands, or maybe even using magic? He needed to be cautious.
Xalmann also slowed his pace, but continued walking forward toward the camp. He still wanted to reach it first in case this was some kind of trick. His axe and dagger still at the ready in his hands, he replied to the Dragonkin.
"I am not a Dragonkin. I am a Lizardfolk. I still can not tell if you are friend or foe." he called out as he entered the small, smoldering campsite while the Dragonkin was still some distance away. He glanced around at the site to see if he could find the researcher's corpse. However, as he looked, there was suddenly some movement from under the tent.
The fabrics were pushed aside to reveal a man in a strange suit of metallic fabric. The metallic suit covered their entire body from head to toe. A transparent square of some other material was embedded in the hood, revealing their face. A circular device of some sort was embedded just below the face plate. The face had pale, greyish skin like ash and completely black eyes. On their forehead were two very small, pointy black horns. A Tiefling man. They also wore a pair of square-rimmed glasses.
"Oh, were you guys sent by the lab to find me? Shoot, I must have missed my check in!" they called out, looking around to see both Xalmann and Perrath.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 20, 2022 22:51:56 GMT -5
Perrath gives the other reptilian man an embarrassed smile. "Ah, my mistake! You are as regal as any dragonkin!" When he sees the lizardfolk keeping up a quick pace, he only slightly increases his own. "Whether I'm friend or foe depends on your intentions!" His tone is friendly enough, but still, Xalmann reaches the camp and digs around. With his head stuck in a tent, Perrath growls to himself. Annoying lizard, don't make this difficult. He finally reaches the camp himself and looks around. Things are blackened from the heat of the lava not too far from here. What kind of foolish elf would set themself up here?
To his surprise, what emerges from the tent is not an elf, but a strange metallic man. This man is different from the description of the metal golems he's heard of roaming the lands. This is much more... blobby, in some capacity. Because of this, Perrath is much more guarded. With the distance, he can't see the face peeking out from behind the mesh. "You there, creature, what have you done with the elven man known as Winston?" he demands. "Have you consumed his supple flesh or rended him limb from limb? Speak, creature, or you'll meet the wrath of Lunala!"
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 21, 2022 1:43:59 GMT -5
The Tiefling man in the strange suit looked at the Dragonkin with confusion.
"Winston? That guy is here too? Oh, wait, were you both sent up here to find Winston and not me?" they questioned, standing up from their seated position in the remains of their tent. "My mistake. So the Eastern Research Institute also has a man up here. I'm from the Western Research Institute. My name is Stanley, nice to meet you!" the man said, reaching out a hand to shake.
Xalmann ignored the man's offered hand, still keeping an eye on the suspicious Dragonkin. Consumed his supple flesh? Was this reptile some kind of maneater? Xalmann actually had been sent by the Western Institute to rescue a man named Stanley, so he had indeed found his mark. Apparently the black Dragonkin had been sent by someone else to rescue a different person named Winston. He wondered if that man would be alright once the Dragonkin found him, but that wasn't his concern. He hadn't even cared much about Stanley being alive or not, but now that he had actually found them alive, he would bring them back with him.
Xalmann looked at Stanley again.
"No, I am here to find you. Follow me." he said simply.
Stanley let out a small sigh of relief and moved to stand behind Xalmann, a bit frightened of the other, larger reptilian. Neither seemed very friendly from his hand being left unshaken, but the red one seemed far less likely to cause his death. He put Xalmann between him and the frightening man, looking over Xalmann's shoulder at him through their clear faceplate.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 27, 2022 14:28:15 GMT -5
A friendly but unsettling toothy grin spreads across Perrath's maw. "My apologies," he says slowly. "It seems I have found the wrong quarry." The metallic creature seems not to mean any harm and in fact seems as puny a mortal as any other. Stanley, hm? Interesting. Perrath will need to be cautious of his next moves. The creature offers their hand to shake, mostly directed at the red lizardfolk. In his pondering, Perrath misses his chance to shake and make nice, extending his own hand to take the metallic creature's only seconds too late. Damn, him.
"Stanley, was it? Perhaps you could point me in the direction of dear Winston then? The Eastern Institute wishes to see him return to Darkveil alive. I am simply here to confirm his fate and return the man in whatever state I find him. They worry for his safety, you see, and this caldera is no safe place for any mortals walking the lands." That should be convincing enough. His voice is friendly, charismatic, everything he's trained to be. His weight shifts onto his back foot as he takes in the red lizardfolk and the metallic man.
"I was presumptuous. You simply appear to be a man in some protective garb. Where are my manners? I am Perrath, paladin of Lunala, at your service and the service of the Moon Mother." Perrath offers a low (and frankly embarrassing) bow, but formalities are important.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 27, 2022 16:16:37 GMT -5
Xalmann narrowed his eyes suspiciously to Perrath, but introduced himself as well.
"Xalmann Dakarr." he replied curtly, lowering his weapons slightly.
"Nice to meet you." Stanley said from behind Xalmann, but not coming forward to offer a handshake to the intimidating Dragonkin with the unsettling smile. "Yeah, this is the standard location for the Western Institute to set up camp, I think the Eastern Institute's usual spot is on the opposite side of the caldera." Stanley's voice was slightly muffled from inside their metallic suit.
"Oh, this suit is a special creation designed by the Western institute to protect the wearer from extreme heat! It's very efficient as well! The material is light, so it doesn't weight the wearer down and it's loose, so it doesn't restrict movement too much! The faceplate is so transparent, it's practically invisible, so it doesn't affect the wearer's vision either! It's the perfect suit for anyone dealing with high heats, like blacksmiths, glassblowers, chefs, bakers, and novice pyromancers! You can preorder one now while the suit is still in research and development phase!" Stanley suddenly rattled off with all the confidence of an inexperienced salesman.
Xalmann just looked the man up and down and noted how it looked like most of his claims about the convenience and effectiveness of the suit might be a bit exaggerated. The face plate might be transparent, but the man certainly had no way to see out of his peripherals thanks to the hood. He was also sweating inside the suit. Welp, the fiery Lizardman didn't think he'd be buying one of these suits any time soon.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 27, 2022 17:28:16 GMT -5
His arms crossing and one hand coming up to rub his chin, Perrath listens to the man rattle off the benefits of this suit of his. An interesting invention, indeed. Perhaps he could make use of it? The man seems convinced enough of its uses, but his rambling is too practiced for Perrath's own tastes. He has no use for salesmen, though he enjoys seeing them desperately grovel to garner his attention for their products. This odd man doesn't seem the groveling type, or at least he doesn't seem that way yet.
Finally, Perrath speaks, "Unfortunate that I've come to the wrong side of the caldera." He looks the tiefling in the suit up and down with slight judgment in his eyes. "If the Western Research Institute is here researching the efficacy of equipment protective against the heat, does the Eastern Research Institute have a similar goal?" Perrath's demeanor changes, an almost sudden shift as a realization hits him. His arms drop from the contemplative crossed position over his chest, and his smile becomes quite a bit more genuine, though the fangs in his maw are still intimidating.
"I must say, I am impressed and appreciative that your facilities are researching a way to resist the heat without the needless slaughtering of my red-scaled kin for their hides. Your pursuit is truly a noble one. I extend to you and your team gratitude of the highest degree." Perrath's words are the most honest ones he's spoken through the entire exchange.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 27, 2022 18:03:58 GMT -5
"Oh, well I can escort you over to their camp site! I think they're actually researching something else, but still something very interesting, I'm sure!" Stanley responded, falling for the Dragonkin's charming and flattery.
Xalmann looked over his shoulder at the researcher in annoyance. Didn't the man realize that he himself was in need of an escort just to get off this volcano right now? Was he honestly offering to escort the Dragonkin right now knowing that, or was he just that oblivious?
"While we walk, we can talk some more about the suit! It's really a marvel of engineering, isn't it? No red Dragonkin skin at all, though I didn't know such a material would have such applications, but we wouldn't use it anyways. It sounds very unethical to obtain. Say, does black Dragonkin skin have any interesting abilities? Some of the creatures around here have various uses of their materials, but they can be pretty dangerous. This suit doesn't use any of them though! Just a special mixture of metal alloys and special textiles. We've put a lot of time into the development. Considering how much research has gone into it, we're selling it for quite a low price!"
Stanley continued their sales pitch as he walked off. Xalmann hissed in annoyance before following after the man he needed to escort back down from the mountain. His conviction in keeping the man alive was slowly waning, becoming more accepting of the idea of bringing back his corpse instead.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 27, 2022 20:38:56 GMT -5
While Stanley talks -seemingly endlessly- Perrath walks along. His stride is more of a stroll, with his hands clasped behind his back and his head held high. The conversation is incredibly annoying, but he feigns showing an interest despite his appreciation for the researcher not using his kind's hides. He asks unassuming questions, answers others, and does whatever he can to add to Stanley's rambling. It's taking its toll on Xalmann, and that alone amuses the dragon thoroughly. He'll deal with Stanley; he's using him for his own purposes. Stanley will lead him to the other camp. And perhaps by then, Stanley will have gotten on Xalmann's nerves enough that the lizardfolk might want to throw him into the caldera himself. The annoyance of Stanley's rambling is but a small price to pay.
They clamber their way toward the other side of the caldera to where Stanley knows the Eastern Research Institute's base camp is set up. Or at least where it should be set up. A huge, glowing, red crack illuminates the remains through the center of the camp. Perrath looks over the area and sees the remnants of several tents, long since burned.
"Oh, it seems the camp burned down," he says plainly.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Nov 27, 2022 23:23:45 GMT -5
"Huh! Wow. If I had a solar for every campsite that burned down at the top of this volcano today, I'd have two solars, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice!" Stanley replied oddly excitedly, looking around at the burnt down camp that looked remarkably like his own camp had. "Hey Winston, are you here!?" he called out, cupping his hands in front of the faceplate of his helmet to amplify his voice and not accomplishing such at all.
Xalmann silently fumed behind the researcher, incredibly annoyed by the whole situation. Why was he even here, on the opposite side of the caldera now? Because of this moronic researcher dragging him along, that's why. He questioned internally if the pay for this job had been worth the trouble of dealing with this man. Maybe he should just leave him alone with Perrath. Whether he survived or not wouldn't be his problem.
Just as Xalmann was readying himself to turn and leave, a rumble shook the ground. Stanley tripped and fell flat on his faceplate while Xalmann took a fighting stance, ready to face whatever caused that. A large, chitinous-looking claw, dripping in molten rock rose from inside the volcano and gripped the edge of the rock before a huge head that looked like that of a metallic black seahorse rose behind it, its eyes looking down on the small group.
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Post by Perrath on Nov 27, 2022 23:40:43 GMT -5
Stanley's voice echoes over the crumbled remains of the camp, and Perrath lets out an exhausted sigh. The man is most assuredly dead. He likely slipped into the lava or fell right in with a satisfying ploop. Yes, that's exactly what must have happened. There's no reason to go about investigating.
"Well, it seems Winston perished in the disaster here," Perrath says with not a single trace of sorrow in his voice. "Unfortunate, really." Then he mutters, "More unfortunate that my trip here was for naught."
Then the ground starts rumbling, and a monstrous, shimmery black chitinous monster with eight legs, two pincers, and the head of what should be a much smaller sea creature emerges from the caldera. It shakes lava off of its body, the molten rock slothing off in all directions and raining down just near the group standing around the remains of the research station.
Perrath decides that this is not the ideal day for him, and that with this situation, he's officially done. He looks Xalmann up and down. A red lizardfolk surely must have some resistance to the heat, an ode to his red dragon heritage. "Well, kin, you seem well equipped for this situation. I think it's best I take my leave as clearly there is nothing here for me, and my trip was a waste. Good luck with...whatever that is. Stanley, it's best you run."
And with that, Perrath turns, casts the magic of shadows upon himself, and he flees as fast as he can with a trail of black wisps dissipating in his wake.
Cloak of Shadows
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