In Perrath’s honest to gods opinion, Sol City deserves this ridiculous “Crabpocalypse” more than anywhere else in Charon. After all, the city is named for the god of the sun, so why would a paladin of the moon care if the center of a rival god’s worship is in a state of complete and utter chaos? He doesn’t. Not one bit. In fact, watching the people struggle to walk through the streets without being assaulted by snapping pincers is incredibly entertaining to watch.

That is until one particularly persistent crab finds Perrath’s tail and snatches the end of it between its claws. Perrath has felt pain before. Battle brings about wounds without fail. Yet somehow the powerful pinch of a crustacean makes the dragon feel the fury of all of his ancestors in an instant. It takes every ounce of control not to shout out from the sharp pain. His feet meet the ground, and his tail follows his movements like a banner in the wind. Now that his feet are available, more crabs scuttle to get a taste of his scales themselves. Before long, Perrath, the imposing, dragon paladin, finds himself surrounded just outside the beautiful Brass Dragon Inn.

---

Quest details:

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Catching Crabs
Participants: Two or more
Location: Sol City
Post Requirements: 3 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown
Description: Over the last few weeks a strange occurrence has been plaguing the capitol. Some bizarre phenomenon has caused thousands of sea crabs to infest the city, covering the entire island and causing a terrible nuisance to the locals. Whatever the disturbance was has passed, but thousands of the sea creatures still remain, trapped in yards, homes, businesses and other places they have no reason to be. We need you to come to Sol City and help us remove the crabs! You can use any means necessary as long as the crabs are no longer here!

     When Nax had docked in the Sol City harbor and jumped off ship, they did not expect to see so many scuttling crustaceans every which-way. They had made their way to Sol City because they had heard some of the humanfolk talking about a "Brass Dragon". Now, Nax did not necessarily see themselves as a "devout kobold believer" - believing that if a good kobold revered their dragon lords and lived a good life, they could be reincarnated as a dragon themselves. What constituted a "good life"? And who was the one who decided which kobolds got to be reincarnated into fearsome dragons and which were doomed to repeat life as poor middling kobolds? They didn't know. But, Nax had grown up with the stories and couldn't help but still revere the imposing, wise, proud, dashing dragons. And if you heard someone say your god was wandering around the city - well, what creature WOULDN'T be tempted to check it out?

     Crabs on their own weren't too scary - as long as a person stayed away from their sharp bits, it was fairly easy to run around them. But these guys seemed to cover the ground for miles! And Nax, though they hated to admit it, was not as tall as most humanfolk - it was not as easy for Nax to avoid more fatal attacks from the irate crustaceans. Nax tried to pick their way along the street, looking out for brass dragons, when a gang of crabs seemed to recognize Nax as a worthy foe and scuttled after him, pincers raised for battle. Nax took out their trusty wooden sword and met the enemy head-on with a large downward strike right in the center of the crab's carapace. This only seemed to anger the crabs and they tried to surround Nax, snapping at their arms and legs. Nax could not afford to get surrounded, and so they started running. (They weren't running away - they were making an expeditious retreat! The yelling was a war cry and definitely not fear of the chittering bully-crabs!) They weren't watching where they were going and Nax ran headlong into a person and fell to the ground. Nax looked up, intending to apologize (and maybe ask that they team up against these dastardly villains) when Nax realized that God was in front of them.

As if being assaulted by crusty sea bugs isn’t enough, something slams into Perrath’s leg with a lot of force. What kind of monstrous, pain in the ass, giant– a dracoling?

Suddenly, Perrath regains his composure. He can’t look like a fool in front of kin! And what’s this? The small kin is being assaulted by these creatures as well? Well, now the petty annoyance has made itself a worthy foe in a battle for the dignity of two scaled beasts! Taking his hulking, twisted greatsword in hand, Perrath offers his other large, clawed hand to the dracoling at his feet.

“Come, kin,” his voice booms, commanding the presence and authority that only a righteous paladin could. “Let us slay these nuisances and leave none alive to besmirch our honor again!”

With that, his obsidian greatsword thrums with a sickly green energy as small green flames lick off the blade. Gripping the sword in both hands, Perrath unleashes a sweeping slash with the tip of the sword dragging near the ground. Multiple crabs collapse in a spray of watery blood. Their brethren see these corpses as a new snack and step forward to descend upon them for a fresh meal.

    Nax's pupils dilated in wonder as the marvelous dragon in front of him held out a hand. Every definition of the word regal and powerful seemed to perfectly match this creature. Nax took the dragon's hand as he helped them back to their feet. Nax eagerly nodded to his words, still reeling a bit in awe.

       "Sir, yes sir! No smooching of our names!" (whatever that meant) "Death to the crabs!"

       Well, easier said than done in Nax's state - but the Dragon Lord had said it and who was he to question? Nax put their back to the dragon with a fierce look in their eye as the dragon's sword cut open many foes around them. While the nearest stragglers became distracted by fresh meat, Nax surged forward and started bonking crabs on the head violently with their wooden sword. There was still a question of efficacy in these actions, but Nax wasn't to be deterred - after all, they were determined to be of help to the Dragon Lord. Nax decided to try and replicate the Great Dragon's sweeping slash on a group of victim's before them. Nax stuck the tip of their sword to the ground and with as much muscle as they could muster they dragged it around and towards the group of crabs.

    It had about as much effect as a bowling ball to set pins. The crabs were thrown to their backs, their little legs flailing in the air. But Nax's attack was certainly lacking in the blood and gore sector of the Dragon Lord's original attack. Nax peaked sheepishly over at the Dragon to see their progress - and to see if they had seen Nax's blunder.

    Nax had to find a way to actually do some fatal harm to their foes. As much as they didn't want to admit it, their favorite sword just wasn't cutting it (literally). They flexed their claws - which actually were sharper than the sword - and considered their overturned foe, still thrashing in the air. The crab's much softer underbelly sat exposed to the sky. As sneakily as they could, Nax started piercing the all of the crabs' underbellies with their claws, raking large gashes in their foes and wiping the ichor on their blade. Then they held aloft their bloodied blade for all the crabs to see, puffing out their chest in triumph. "I have you now you knaves! Taste my blade!" Nax was sure his little trick was convincing! The Great Dragon would be proud of his heroic fighting, to be sure! With renewed vigor, Nax moved to the next group of distracted crabs.

Annoying as they may be in their large numbers, crabs are meager foes to someone as great and powerful as Perrath. However, the awe on the face of the small kin before him brings renewed vigor to the dragon. This mere nuisance has now become a fight for honor and a fight to the death.

Seeing Nax attempt to imitate his sweeping motion, Perrath laughs heartily. It is not the laugh of mockery, however, it is one of triumph and pride. To see the small kin echoing him as his own shadow very well would brings a certain amount of pride welling into his chest. “Yes, excellent form, little one!” he boasts.

But Nax does little damage. His best effort causes little more than an inconvenience to the hoard. This is well and good though as the tiny kin makes use of something better: his natural weapons. Try as he might to hide it, Perrath knows the difference between the devastating gnashing of claws over the blow of a blade. Still, the draconling is trying their best to prove he is capable and powerful. "That's right, declare your power over them!" the dragon laughs again as the small one declares a momentary victory.

Freeing one hand of his sword, Perrath flexes his fingers away from his core and deep purple talons made of magic extend from his natural claws on his hand. “There is no shame in using what the gods have given you, young kin! Rip them to shreds with your natural might!” In a powerful swing, Perrath rends his magical claws through a small gathering of crabs threatening Nax, leaving a handful for Nax to target. “I leave the last for you!”

---

Death Swipe

    Nax watched as crabs almost literally disintegrated in front of them from the mighty swipe of the Dragon Lord. A shiver of awe vibrated along their spine ridge as the Dragon Lord complimented Nax's effort. Their mighty claw, drenched in deep purple magic and dripping crab ichor - the cause of such destruction - perfectly demonstrated to Nax that power came in many forms, not just a sword. Why should Nax forego the natural talents that nature had bestowed upon him. Their heart seemed to leap at the insight coming from the majestic draconic figure.

    At the Dragon Lord's command, Nax immediately saluted in crisp form. "Sir, yes sir!" With that, Nax sheathed their sword (with nary an ounce of regret - a big feat for the small pirate captain) and flexed their claws with fervor. Though it is argued that crabs are not creatures sporting great intellect, the few remaining crabs in front of Nax seemed to realize their predicament in some small way. Their horde had dwindled from hundreds to a scant few in no more than a handful of seconds. They scuttled as if to try and find an exit from the impending doom, but were confused as to which was freedom was to be had. Nax took the opportunity to kick each of the stragglers onto their back and ravage their underbellies with their sharp unforgiving claws. 

    As the last crab in front of Nax twitched their last twitch, Nax stood in the midst of the crab corpses, covered in their ichor and breathing lightly. Nax looked around for more foes, then up to the Dragon Lord. "What now?"

Were the small dracoling anyone unwilling to fight for their honor and safety, Perrath might think lesser of them, but this one heeded his words without hesitation and destroyed the last remnants of their numerous but tiny foes. He quite likes the small fellow, he decides, and a victorious snort escapes his nostrils. “Well, little one, we have a few options,” he starts, flinging the crab blood from his claws and blade before sheathing the greatsword along his back.

“The first I recommend is breathing in the smell of victory,” he says. Placing his hands on his hips, Perrath takes a deep breath through his nostrils. Admittedly, the streets of Sol City don’t smell great. At all. This victory smells more like the stench of defeat, but he doesn’t let it deter him. Save face in front of your admirer, Perrath.

“And after that, we celebrate with a meal! I have heard these crustaceans make a delicious supper, but I’d rather their corpses rot in the streets for the inconvenience they’ve caused us. What say you? Join me for a meal at The Brass Dragon inn? Not only does it come recommended, it is named for our kin. If we should be disappointed, we could make it an example.”

Perrath then realizes he doesn't know the kin's name, so he places a fist over his chest and inclines his head. "My apologies, kin, I have forgotten my manners and did not introduce myself. I am Perrath, paladin of the moon goddess."

    Nax listened to the mighty dragon lord dutifully - they were still quite amazed at having met a real life dragon! Nax mimicked his movements in flicking off the crab ichor from his claws and his - relatively clean - sword (in which, Nax unsheathed the sword, flicked at dramatically a few times, and resheathed it). Nax watched the great dragon take in a deep deep breath through his nostrils and Nax did the same, puffing out their chest as much as possible (one has to be impressive in everything, including breathing, when meeting with a god). The smell of victory was - well, it was more the feeling than the smell that was important! Nax felt accomplished! They felt strong! They felt like they'd won the biggest trophy that anyone had to offer - and that was the sweet sweet scent they filled their chest with now. Nax grinned widely and looked back over to the dragon lord.



    At the mention of food, Nax began to salivate. They started to reach for some of the dead crabs - they'd heard of some interesting ways of cooking the crustaceans-



    Or... not! Of Course not! Why would they ever think of doing that? Let the corpses rot! Just as the dragon said! Plus the dragon- Nax couldn't believe it- He had been invited to dine with this imperial being. Nax's tail swished in excitement as they nodded vigorously, then was caught off guard as the dragon lord named Perrath introduced himself.



    Oh! This was Nax's chance! They couldn't mess this up, if they wanted to make a good impression. With as much dramatic flair as they could muster, Nax took the pirate's hat from his head with a flourish and bowed deeply. "Greetings to you my good sir! I am Pirate Captain Nax of the Moonveil Forest!" With that done, Nax deposited his hat back onto his head and looked up proudly at Perrath, putting his fists on his hips and puffing out his chest to look much more impressive. "I would be delighted to join you for a meal at the--" Nax tried to take a sneaky look up at the restaurant again, having forgotten the name momentarily in all the pomp and circumstance. "In this Brass Dragon Inn! We shall show all those inside the might of the dragonkin!"

Watching Nax imitate his movements brings a genuine smile to Perrath’s face. Sure, it’s still stained with his generally devious demeanor, but he appreciates the little one’s gestures all the same. “A pirate captain?” he asks, his smile shifting to one of pure amusement. “Well, Captain Nax, I hope you’ll regale me with the tales of your endeavors at sea over our meal. Come along.”

With that, Perrath turns on his heel and heads out of the alley, his cape tracking his movements in a regal fashion. With each step, his talons clack against the cobbles and his armor rattles together. He walks proudly with his head raised high despite the crab ichor staining his armor. He cares not for he has made himself acquainted with a dracoling of some renown!

Walking into the Brass Dragon Inn, the place is bustling with townsfolk of higher standing. As much as they stand out, the two dragonkin belong here. Perrath has himself and Nax sat at a table in the middle of the restaurant so patrons can bask in their glory. Then he orders the two of them a full spread of meats and whatever else the small one could want for. Coin is no issue for the dragon.

“So, Captain Nax, tell me of your adventures.”

    With a quirky grin, Nax followed Perrath into the Brass Dragon Inn, trying to make themselves look as big and radiant as the imperial dragon in front of them (I mean, as much as they could being only a scant two feet tall). Nax watched as a few words from the mighty dragon had their table filled to the brim with all kinds of different food! So much food - and so many things that Nax had never seen before, much less tasted! They almost immediately began to dig in, using their claws more than than the cutlery on the table. (What use was forks and knives when you had hands??) Their tail swished and the ears flicked in absolute enjoyment of each different savory flavor of the meats and dishes. This had to be heaven - or a very convincing alternative. Although, Nax had no memory of dying and they still had a quest to become the most fearsome pirate captain, so dying wouldn't be a good option right now. They'll settle for very convincing alternative.

    They were so eager, they almost missed Perrath's question. But as he asked, Nax froze. Right, stories. Stories of their adventures. Of their many, many daring and thrilling exploits. Nax swallowed hard. *They didn't have any daring stories.*

    But Nax couldn't admit that to this mighty dragon! They'd introduced themselves as the Great Pirate Nax! But if Nax didn't have a story good enough for Perrath, they might invoke his wrath - and a dragon's wrath was never a good omen. That probably would send Nax straight to heaven - and Nax couldn't guarantee heaven's banquet would be as expansive. They had to think of something! Maybe- maybe something from one of the stories they had read!

    Nax flicked their tail and assumed a lazy, self-important posture - trying to hide the nervousness that quivered their hand. "Oh yes, oh yes! I've been on uh... Many, many daring adventures. All across the sea! From the Moonveil forests to *wait, where was another place that wasn't Moonveil forest??* to...to the Ashlands! --And beyond! I have fought fearsome foes lurking deep beneath the oceans and gained many lost and valuable treasures!"

Many dragons and dragonkin are known for their ravenous appetites, and Nax is no different. To see a small creature such as them devouring more than a fully grown human brings some enjoyment to Perrath. It occurs to him that this dracoling is quite young, especially with their general behavior. This doesn’t bother the paladin at all, it only brings to mind that Nax is just as impressionable as they seem.

But Perrath can spot a liar when he sees one. After all, vagaries are all too common to the dragon himself. He’s guilty of plenty of them. A sly smile spreads across his face while he watches Nax fumble over their words, and he leans in as if he means to listen more intently.

“I too have traveled to these places,” he says. “I hail from Darkveil and trained for many years in the ways of moving amongst the shadows. Tell me, which of your treasures is your favorite? Every dragon has at least one prized possession in their hoard.”

    Nax almost seemed to relax a bit as the great dragon lord seemed to become invested in their story. They had survived the first question! Hey, maybe they weren't so bad at this fibbing thing! Nax felt a little bit more pride in their (supposed) success. Plus, Nax was finding that they actually liked Perrath. Well-- Nax would never profess to hate god (especially when they were sitting right in front of you), but this mighty dragon was actually very pleasant and kind to Nax. And they seemed to genuinely enjoy what Nax was saying. So, aside from being an almighty draconic being fulfilling lores of deities from Nax's people; Perrath was also friendly. And someone Nax maybe would like to spend more time with.

    At least until Perrath asked another question. Oh boy - how to answer This one satisfactorily? Nax thought about making up something wild - maybe they had the skull of a great sea beast, or they found an entire city made of gold, or maybe they found an island made entirely of puff pastries (Nax desperately wished the last one was true). However, Nax did have a prized possession. Though nothing grand, it was their favorite thing in the entire world. But would that be enough to impress this glorious being? Nax thought for some time, tail swishing gently as they debated.

    After a minute, Nax decided truth was the best option (though maybe sprinkled a little bit with little white lies, to spruce things up). Nax gently took the pirate hat from their head as they spoke up, their voice soft and genuine. "Well- I definitely have many very unique and grand treasures to boast of. But, if we're talking about most prized... Well, my most prized possession is my hat. It's been with me since the beginning; it's what started me on my path towards my dream. And through thick and thin, I've always had it with me..." They took a moment, pondering the little adventures they'd had that seemed to all relate back to their worn but lovingly kept hat. Then Nax looked back up to Perrath. "You are a great dragon lord Sir Perrath, you must have a grand hoard and many prized possessions yourself?"

Somehow the sharp features of Perrath’s face seem to soften when Nax tells him about their hat. He observes their behavior and understands immediately that the dracoling is being honest from the bottom of their heart in a way that feels genuine. It’s kind of sweet, enough so that even Perrath feels the welling of pride within his chest.

The small one must be protected.

“A dragon may spend their whole life searching for the perfect treasure,” he says. With a gentle claw, Perrath pokes Nax’s hat. “To find one so early in life is truly an accomplishment, Captain Nax. Protect this with your life for that is the value you give to this treasure that cannot be matched in gold.”

“Of course, I have my own hoard,” he declares confidently. Still, he can’t help chuckling at the question regarding his own treasure. Sitting back in his chair, Perrath considers his prized possessions, a thoughtful expression crossing his black draconic features. “Three things are most important to me, Captain Nax: my sword, my accomplishments, and my kin. My sword allows me to rend flesh from bone, it helps me achieve greatness. My accomplishments are something no man can take from me! And in doing these things, I honor my kin.”

    Wow... The mighty being - Perrath. Perrath complimented Nax on what they had assumed was something silly and beneath the great dragon lord. But not only complimented, he praised Nax and their treasure. Nax felt heat flush their face and they quickly hid the blush by ducking their head to secure their best pirate hat back upon their head. Although, they couldn't stop the pleased swishing of their tail any more than they could effectively hide the sense of validated pride welling inside them. 

    Nax sat in awe as they listened to Perrath spout such words of absolute wisdom. They almost wish they had a pen and paper to take notes of what Perrath had said - so maybe one day they could say the same thing! (You know, some day when they actually had a decent hoard...and accomplishments...and kin....although - they probably technically had the last one, they just weren't sure where...) Nax knew they probably shouldn't ask, but now they were curious - unbearably curious. A great dragon like Perrath must have many a grand story to tell, and it had been quite a while since Nax had been able to find a new adventure book. When they couldn't hold it in anymore, Nax blurted out, "what kind of adventures have you been on???"

Seeing Nax’s little tail swishing side to side in his peripherals, the corner of Perrath’s mouth pulls into an amused smirk of sorts. The small kin are quite entertaining to speak with, and Perrath gets quite an ego boost from their awe even when standing in his shadow. It reminds him of his true power: influence. Finally, the little one blurts out their question.

“Like yourself, Captain Nax, I have been on many adventures, seen many things that strike both awe and terror into the hearts of men,” Perrath gloats, his hand motioning from one side to the other as if drawing a horizon before them. Though, this is an exaggeration. If he were being honest, Perrath would describe his exploits as little more than child’s play in most cases. Certainly he has not gone on any adventures of the grand scale he hopes to achieve one day. Still, he is a storyteller. (If only a few of his stories didn’t involve a particular lizardkin he takes no liking to.)

“One of my grandest battles was with the Queen of Displacer Beasts in Moonveil Forest,” he starts. “It was a glorious conquest, made better so by an incredible partner in the endeavor. I fought alongside a giant, four-armed orcish woman who feared nothing and would happily drink the blood of her foes as ale! With each step into her lair, bones from her old kills crunched under our feet! We knew it would be a hard battle, but nevertheless we succeeded! We rescued wayward merchants who were stolen away by the Beast Queen and secured a victory in the battle of the century!”