First, you dared Sena to drink one of Kat's concoctions, and in hindsight you're pretty sure it turned her into a vampire. Things went from bad to worse when a subsequent truth by Gil about how Kat really felt resulted in Kat running out of the room after being accused of not treating the things she did with Gil seriously.

You and Sena followed after the pair and watched them patch things up after Kat punched Gil in the face, but worryingly Sena licked her lips at the sight of Gil's blood. You retired to your bedroom with Sena, who didn't want to sleep alone and is now curled up on the floor next to your bed. You were about to rest, but now you're worried that you're going to turn into Sena's midnight snack.

Character Sheet:
http://pastebin.com/u8i4Wt0u

Thread twitter:
@BecomeQM

Previous adventures at:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Become%20The%20Dragon%20Quest

The rules:
Best of three rolls, critical threat on a 20, confirmed if another roll is 20-modifier or higher. Modifier is Stat being rolled+Relevant skill. You can decide which skill to apply. If no one applies one, no skill will be added on. If you don't have a logical reason to apply a skill, don't do it.
Critical fails are at least two 1s on a roll. May expand this later to increase shenanigans.
Success is on a sliding scale and is situational. Some things are easier than others. Use your head.

You roll out of bed and sigh a bit. Sena is already fast asleep, but you can't shake the feeling that whatever is wrong is going to keep getting worse. You decide to find Kat and ask her about it, and head for the guest room Gil picked out. You can hear the noises well before you reach the room. Gil and Kat are in a heated embrace of some sort. You almost hate to interrupt them.

>Do something else and come back
>Knock, it's important to be polite
>Open the door, this is urgent.

>>42368316
>Knock, it's important to be polite

>>42368316
>Knock, it's important to be polite

>>42368316
>Knock, it's important to be polite
Maybe wait like 4 or 5 seconds then open it. Its pretty urgent but no need to walk in on them naked.

>>42368316
>>Knock, it's important to be polite

>>42368316
>Knock, it's important to be polite

File: 18574_1193976000.jpg (104 KB, 600x429)

104 KB JPG

You know, gently but firmly. There's no immediate response, or even a change in their tones. You knock again, harder, and hear muffled talking for a moment, then shuffling. You wait a little bit, and Kat opens the door in a robe, with Gil right behind her. Both are blushing brightly, and Kat is grinning.

“What's up? Sorry if we were being loud, the butler said the noise wouldn't carry far, but...”

You shake your head.

“It's about Sena. After she drank that thing you made, she's had this weird aura inside her. I can see it if I concentrate. And she liked her lips at the sight of blood, like it made her hungry. I need to know what was in it, and I need to know if you can fix it.”

Kat's ears immediately droop.

“W-Well... The blight we found was really good at breaking down some of my ingredients into simpler and easier to use forms... I purified everything twice over though, I swear it. I wouldn't have given Sena anything to drink that I wouldn't have tried myself.”

Gil groans and starts to walk away, heading for the bed.

“Kat, if you've poisoned my sister or something...”

Kat huffs.

“I'll make this right, I promise, ok?”

She turns back to you and pouts.

“You believe me, right? I didn't mean it...”

>Kat wouldn't hurt Sena on purpose, but she also didn't give her something safe
>Kat made it as safe as she could, and you were the one encouraging it
>Kat did it on purpose to see what would happen
>Other (write-in)

>>42368663
>Kat wouldn't hurt Sena on purpose, but she also didn't give her something safe

>>42368663
>Kat made it as safe as she could, and you were the one encouraging it
My firesinging slowed down her blight once.

>>42368663
>>Kat made it as safe as she could, and you were the one encouraging it

>Kat made it as safe as she could, and you were the one encouraging it

>>42368663
>Kat wouldn't hurt Sena on purpose, but she also didn't give her something safe

>>42368663
>"It was a mistake on your part to give that to someone who was still recovering from the blight. And it was a mistake on my part of encourage it. So we're both at fault, and we should both try to make it right."

>>42368663
>Kat wouldn't hurt Sena on purpose, but she also didn't give her something safe
>Kat made it as safe as she could, and you were the one encouraging it

She wouldn't hurt her on purpose, but it wasn't safe. We also encouraged her so it is partly our fault as well

>>42368663
>"It was a mistake on your part to give that to someone who was still recovering from the blight. And it was a mistake on my part of encourage it. So we're both at fault, and we should both try to make it right."

File: eeb22108-2314-4296-be43-0(...).jpg (79 KB, 1280x800)

79 KB JPG

You nod and pet her gently.

“I believe you. I was the one who dared her anyway, so it's partly my fault too.”

Her ear twitches against your hand and she grumbles.

“I'm not a cat... And only Gil is allowed to do that.”

Gil calls out from the bed.

“I'm the only one allowed to pet that pussy.”

Kat turns scarlet, and Gil smirks at her.

“Sweet vengeance at long last... I've been sitting on that one since that potion gave you those ears. All those taunts, all those jokes you made and its finally come full circle.”

Kat walks past you, pulling her pipe from the pocket of her robe and heading off towards the master suite looking flustered.

“I am going to kill him one of these days. There won't even be a body left. Not that it wasn't called for, mind you, but still. Principles.”

Gil gives you a wave from the bed and rolls over with a satisfied smile, leaving you to follow after Kat.

“So you said that there's something wrong with her aura?”

You quicken your pace and catch up to Kat, nodding slowly.

“In her stomach and around her mouth. Remember the fangs she got?”

Kat lights her pipe and takes a drag from it.

“Well, she got healed before, but there might have been some residual magic inside her... And that might have reacted with the blighted ingredients. I mean, she threw it all up, which is a positive sign. Her body recognized it as a bad thing. But if it's just the lingering magic and not the rot... Zombies develop a hunger... You said she licked her lips when she saw blood, but she hasn't been eying you like a meal, right? So it might just be the blood she wants.”

You reach the master suite to find that Sena has climbed onto your bed and curled up among your blankets.

>Let Sena sleep, work on a cure
>Examine Sena without waking her up
>Wake Sena up, question her about things
>Other (write-in)

>>42369040
>>Examine Sena without waking her up

>>42369040
>>Let Sena sleep, work on a cure
>>Examine Sena without waking her up

I wouldn't be entirely opposed to Sena being a kind of blood-drinker as long as she didn't lose her mind and it came with side benefits.

But, nah, let's fix her up.

>>42369040
>Examine Sena without waking her up
>Other (write-in)

Do we know about vampires? If we do we should ask about it. I think there was an option in the last thread that mentioned vampires so we should know about them.

File: secret vampires.png (49 KB, 1327x178)

49 KB PNG

>>42369040
>>42369128
This one

For knowledge on vampires, either make a Smarts roll, or make a Spirit roll and try to tap into your racial memory for clues. The Spirit roll has bigger consequences for failure, but more specific knowledge on success. Put that to a vote before you make either roll, please.

To examine Sena without waking her up, make a Sneak roll.

Be sure to label your rolls accordingly to avoid confusion.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42369257
Rolling smarts.

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42369257
Can we do both smarts and spirit?
If not rolling for spirit

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42369257
Rolling for sneak

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42369257
Rolling smarts

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>42369257
smarts

>>42369273
>>42369322
>>42369341
I did ask for a vote before rolling either Smarts or Spirit... Jumping the gun means your rolls don't count. I'll count those as votes though.

>>42369297
You can, if people want to take the risk of rolling Spirit in addition to hoping for some extra hints from folklore you might have heard as a child.

>>42369341
oh shit, don't think qm has called for any rolls other than sneak though

>>42369358
Ugh, damnit, you're right. Apologies, I failed reading.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42369257
Sneak roll

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42369257
Sneaky roll

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42369358

So I'm seeing lots of votes for Smarts. Make that Smarts roll and I'll tell you what you know about vampires while I describe your examination.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42369569

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42369569

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42369569

File: 1440544375309.jpg (155 KB, 742x604)

155 KB JPG

You know that vampires are a special kind of bloodsucking zombie that doesn't rot quickly, and can rejuvenate itself by drinking blood. The more blood it consumes, the younger and more lifelike it can become. Vampires have a weakness to sunlight, their stronger association to the night making them vulnerable to the bright light of day, and they turn to ash when exposed to it for long enough. Like all undead, divine magic ruins their day completely.

-

You slips towards the bed slowly and carefully, peeling away the blankets and turning your sight on, just for an instant, to see if there's any change. Sena seems stable, for the time being, and you don't see any changes in the aura inside her. Her teeth don't seem to have grown any, and from what you can tell her eyes aren't glowing with a mysterious red aura. All positive signs so far. You tiptoe your way back over to Kat and relay the information, and she nods a bit.

“It's night right now, so the blight might be more active inside her right now... During the day it might fade away to almost nothing. She should stay stable through the night if it isn't developing any further inside her. Tomorrow morning let me know how she is and I can work on something from there. We just don't know enough right now...”

>Leave Sena alone in your room for the night, better safe than sorry.
>Sena won't like waking up alone, better keep her company.
>Other (write-in)

>>42369709
>Sena won't like waking up alone, better keep her company.

>>42369709
>Sena won't like waking up alone, better keep her company.

>>42369709
>Sena won't like waking up alone, better keep her company.

>>42369709
>>Sena won't like waking up alone, better keep her company.

File: PR.SANDDRAG_07.jpg (51 KB, 635x299)

51 KB JPG

You turn and walk back into the room, giving Kat a small nod.

“Head back to Gil and let him know we're working on it. I'll keep Sena company. If she wakes up thirsty, well... She's not stronger than me, that's for sure.”

Kat smiles softly and nods, walking away.

“Thanks for trusting me, by the way. Sleep tight, don't let Sena bite.”

You chuckle softly, the door closing behind you as you get back into the bed, moving under the covers. Sena barely moves in response, which you're kind of glad about. If she latched onto you, you'd feel bad shaking her off, but that would leave you vulnerable if she got the drop on you. You close your eyes bit by bit, keeping your gaze on her, before slowly letting yourself relax into sleep.

-

Sleuth roll

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42369907

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42369907

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>42369907

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42369907

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42369907

File: sleep.jpg (138 KB, 568x512)

138 KB JPG

You're awakens briefly during the night by the feeling of movement next to you. The sun is only just peeking above the horizon as Sena moves towards you. She latches onto your arm and squeezes tight, mumbling something about wolves and biting. She's shaking slightly, and you pull her a bit closer until she relaxes again, shying away a bit once more. You contemplate investing in a stuffed animal for her or something, and go back to sleep.

-

That's all for right this second. The first arc is officially complete. Tomorrow I'll be picking up again with the start of the next arc. Expect chills, thrills, spills, and all kinds of mayhem to unfold! Feel free to discuss which artifact you want to pursue first. Until next time!

>>42370104
Thanks for running

>>42370104
So find the one under a village as no one is guarding it and no one will put 2 and 2 together until we go for the other?

>>42373332
I mean we could get it so quietly no one is the wiser and go straight for the other

>>42370104
Bump

File: url.png (623 KB, 1000x908)

623 KB PNG

You awaken to the sound of birds outside your window, and for a vague instant you wonder how you managed to wake up in your own bed again, something that, as you wake up, you find is still technically true. You haven't slept in an actual bed since you left home, although this one is far more comfortable. You sit up and stretch, and a trio of maids appear beside the bed. You don't know if it's good or bad that you're starting to get used to them popping up like this.

"Good morning, madam. We've taken the liberty of setting out some outfits for you to choose from this morning. Your companions are receiving similar treatment as well. Sena's attire is laid out in her guest room on the bed. Breakfast will be served shortly. Do you require anything?"

>Check out what the maids picked
>Ask for something
>Other (write-in)

>>42378153
>Check out what the maids picked

>>42378153
>>Check out what the maids picked

>>42378153
A bath. Clean yourself before wearing clean clothes.

File: 2u95mxh.jpg (89 KB, 700x965)

89 KB JPG

You slip out of bed and head for the dressing room. There are a few different outfits laid out for you to choose from. The first is almost exactly what you'd expect a countess to wear; a dress with accessories, a few frills here and there, and too many layers. The next outfit is, to your mind, more reasonable; a suit with a dress shirt, waistcoat and tie. Fewer layers so you won't overheat, and it's not a dress. The third outfit is, you presume, the “casual” option, a similar suit to the first but simplified and a bit more plain. And lastly, a “casual” dress, with fewer frills and layers, but still more elegant than anything you ever saw your mother wear. Each outfit has shoes to match, too.

>Pick the fancy dress, it's what's expected of you
>Pick the fancy suit, be regal but don't yield to expectations
>Pick the plain dress, you aren't wearing that many frills
>Pick the plain suit, it looks comfy and easy to wear

>>42378746
> Pick the fancy dress

>>42378746
>Pick the plain suit, it looks comfy and easy to wear

>>42378746
>Pick the fancy dress, it's what's expected of you

This quest sounds interesting I'm gonna read it later.

>>42378746
>Pick the plain dress, you aren't wearing that many frills

>>42378746
>Pick the plain dress, you aren't wearing that many frills
Shouldn't be too overdressed.

>Expect everyone to pick the fancy suit
>No one picks the fancy suit

K

Well, barring any additional votes, looks like dresses win. Fancy or plain?

>>42379216
If we need a tie breaker, I vote fancy.

>>42379216
If a dragon does something they do it to the fullest so fancy it is.

>>42379216
Fancy frills are cute and regal, not like we'll ever have the opportunity to be cute after becoming a scaly horror of fire and death.

>>42379045
>>42379756
Basically this, might as well give it a shot and see how we like it.

>>42379216
Plain. She hates dresses.

>>42379756

There might be regal dragon attire since the order of scales exists

>>42379756
I wonder if we'll be able to get the power to switch between forms, A human form could be useful, I mean most buildings aren't really dragon sized.

Plaine

>>42379897
Yeah, it would be good also considering there will be very limited interactions between a human and a dragon compared to at least a "dragongirl" form or something.

File: Water-Dragon-water-dragon(...).jpg (48 KB, 359x500)

48 KB JPG

You look at the outfits for a little while before you finally settle on the fancy dress. You've never actually worn one, you decide, and it's probably what you'll be expected to wear, so you may as well try to get used to it. You leave the dressing room and head to the bathroom, washing up and looking at yourself in the mirror.

When you left home you had never really looked at yourself. Mek had polished shields to a mirror shine before, but they had always distorted the image somewhat. Your hair is a mess, you realize, and you grab a brush. The first motion is agony as it finds knot after knot, but the second pass the brush just gets stuck completely. Fuck.

>Call a maid to help out with getting ready
>Dry off and check on Sena, ask her for help
>Get dressed, messy, tangled hair is your look
>Other (write-in)

>>42380058
>>Call a maid to help out with getting ready

>>42380058
>Call a maid to help out with getting ready
We should let Sena sleep.

>Call a maid to help out with getting ready

>>42380058
>call a maid to help out

>>42380058
>Call a maid to help out with getting ready
We're a noble, we might as well act like one when we're not our adventuring.

>>42380058

>>42380058
>>Call a maid to help out with getting ready

File: 1440542612379.jpg (620 KB, 927x1200)

620 KB JPG

You release the brush handle and sigh.

"Help."

You turn around to find two maids standing there, smiling politely.

"What can we do to assist you, madam?"

You point to the brush in your hair, and one of them giggles softly.

"Certainly, madam."

One moves to the brush and starts to carefully remove it, hands turning to water and loosening every knot in your hair one by one. The other grabs a pair of scissors and a comb, smiling as they float just above her palms.

"We have plenty to work with, so I'll just trim the split ends and see what look works best from there."

>Sure, why not, have at it, whatever looks best
>Cut it short, don't want it getting in the way.
>Keep it long, don't mess with my hair too much.

>>42381374
>>Sure, why not, have at it, whatever looks best

>>42381374
> Sure, why not...

>Keep it long, don't mess with my hair too much.

>>42381374
>Keep it long, don't mess with my hair too much.

>>42381374
>Keep it long, don't mess with my hair too much.

>>42381374
>Keep it long, don't mess with my hair too much.

File: 1440542801736.jpg (188 KB, 500x600)

188 KB JPG

"Just don't cut it short. I like it this length. Try not to mess with it too much."

Both maids nod, and you close your eyes while they work. When you openyour eyes, your mane has been tamed, tied back in a loose braid. It looks... nice, you decide. Presentable. You thank the maids and they vanish.

You head for the dressing room once more and start getting ready, slipping on one layer after another before you hit a stumbling block. You've never worn heels before. They can't be that hard though, right?

-

Speed roll

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42382134

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42382134

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>42382134

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>42382134

File: 1440544943485.jpg (1.13 MB, 1000x1500)

1.13 MB JPG

You slip on the heels and take a few steps, moving around the room. Nope, not hard at all. You jump, then step side to side. Not the most natural thing in the world, but this is easy enough. You take a leap, mindful of your skirt, and land with something approaching grace. You smirk a bit. You could fight like this no problem on even ground.

You head back into your bedroom to find Sena is gone. Standing by the bed replacing your sheets is Cenere.

"You look radiant, madam. The look suits one so dignified."

>Thank him for the compliment
>Ask where Sena is
>Head down to breakfast
>Other (write-in)

>>42382366
>>Thank him for the compliment
>>Ask where Sena is
Why not both?

>>42382366
>Thank him for the compliment
>Ask where Sena is

>>42382393
Second.

>>42382366
>Thank him for the compliment
>Ask where Sena is

>>42382366
>>Thank him for the compliment
>>Head down to breakfast

File: image.jpg (309 KB, 1143x805)

309 KB JPG

>>42382366
>Thank him for the compliment
>Ask where Sena is
Have a dragon pic OP

File: 34597-1920x1140.jpg (1007 KB, 1920x1140)

1007 KB JPG

You chuckle a bit.

"I feel ridiculous. But thanks. At least I know I can pull this look off when I need to. Where is Sena?"

He gestures to the door.

"She went off to her own dressing room to pick something out. She should be meeting you at the breakfast table shortly, if that's where you're heading to. Bacon, toast, eggs and fresh fruit today. Your uncle will be visiting around noon, and you have some letters to look over that piled up while the house was without an occupant."

>Head off to breakfast
>Ask Cenere about something
>Other (write-in)

>>42382562
>Head off to breakfast
>Ask Cenere about something
Something so we can write mom and Dad?

>>42382550
Whoo!

File: image.jpg (237 KB, 744x1052)

237 KB JPG

>>42382562
>Head off to breakfast

>>42382562
>Head off to breakfast
>Ask Cenere about something
Ask about what kind of letters.

>>42382562
>Head off to breakfast

>>42382562
>Head off to breakfast

File: forest_dragon_by_xxniklex(...).jpg (176 KB, 777x1029)

176 KB JPG

You head down to breakfast and find Gil and Kat ready waiting for you. Gil is in a crisp black suit, while Kat is wearing some sort of short dress with a long coat covered in pockets. Kat waves at you and smiles.

"Hey there. Looking sharp."

Gil nods slightly.

"It's a good look for you. Didn't have any suits of armor to choose from?"

You walk over to your chair and sit down.

"I can still punch harder than you can."

Gil nods.

"Which is why I'm surprised you don't have a battle ax or something."

You shrug a bit and put some toast and bacon on your plate.

"They're for next season. Swords in summer, axes in winter when you need to chop wood."

Sena walks in wearing a plain gown and smiles.

"Makes sense to me."

>Talk to Sena about your suspicions
>Enjoy breakfast, tell her later
>Other (write-in)

>>42385914
>Enjoy breakfast, tell her later

>>42385914
>look at her with sight.

>>42385914
>>Enjoy breakfast, tell her later
Sight her surreptitiously

Spirit roll

Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42386486

>>42385914
>Other (write-in)
Ask if the group still plans to go visit the guilds.

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42386486

File: image.jpg (301 KB, 957x819)

301 KB JPG

>>42386520
Thank you kind Anon.

We need one more roll

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42386784

File: 1398222625647.jpg (190 KB, 808x1034)

190 KB JPG

You activate your gaze and looks Sena over for a moment. There's no trace of the aura inside her, or if there is, you can't see it. Sena does a little spin and smiles.

“I really like this dress... Yours is pretty too, Kotijah.”

She walks over to an empty seat and starts loading her plate up. Kat looks at her for a moment, before glancing at you and smiling softly.

“So, anything planned for the day?”

You tell Kat about when your uncle is coming to visit, as well as the fact that you have to go over some letters. Kat nods and sips her drink.

“Well, I'm gonna head into the city and see if I can track down the local supply shops. I've gotta restock a lot of things. I'm gonna drag Gil along with me if that's alright. He's gonna see what work he can find.”

Gil nods a bit.

“I'm gonna see what the knights are all about.”

Sena sighs softly.

“Well, I guess I could stay here. When Millie gets here I'll have someone to keep me occupied.”

You take another bite of your piece of toast and mull the situation over.

>Tell Sena to go with Kat, she might figure out a cure in the city
>Ask Gil to stay here to meet Tirio
>Ask Kat to stay to watch over Sena
>Other (write-in)

>>42387202
>Tell Sena to go with Kat, she might figure out a cure in the city
Also give her some spending money for a few sweets.

>>42387202
>Other (write-in)
Maybe Sena should make an appointment with the carpenter's guild? Or any guild she has an interests in.

File: image.jpg (365 KB, 1256x996)

365 KB JPG

>>42387202
>Tell Kat she's free to grow some stuff here.
I'm fine with everyone doing what they plan to do.

>>42387202
>>42387273
Second.

File: 1398283685646.jpg (59 KB, 803x600)

59 KB JPG

“You should go with them. I'll give you some spending money. You need to find work too, right? You might find a good guild or something.”

Sena nods a little.

“Alright then. I guess I'll go with them.”

Kat pushes her empty plate away.

“I'm gonna go get the horses ready.”

She gets up, and Gil watches her walk away for a few moments before turning back to you.

“Yeah, we should probably get going... We'll catch up with you later.”

Sena grabs her toast and stands up, biting into it and following her brother when he leaves, giving you a wave and leaving you alone for a moment. You've got some time to kill before Tirio arrives, though you're not sure how much.

>Read the letters
>Write home
>Train a skill
>Other (write-in)

>>42387687
>Write home
then

>Read the letters

File: image.jpg (290 KB, 1127x762)

290 KB JPG

>>42387687
>Read the letters
We might need to ask dad about them so let's read them first.

>>42387687
>>Read the letters

Then write home if possible.

File: dragon-hoard.jpg (52 KB, 660x453)

52 KB JPG

You turn to the side and find Cenere standing beside you at attention. Starting to get creepy now, if you're being honest.

“I want to see the letters now.”

Cenere nods and snaps his fingers, a letter appearing in a puff of flame.

“Here is, I believe, the most important one. I would advise starting with this.”

You slip your finger under the seal and open the letter.

“Dear Ildareth,

How have you been? It's been a while since we've heard from you. I am writing to you so that, when you do decide to make yourself known again, you'll know what we've been up to.

You were right. I didn't believe it until I read the report, honestly, but you were right about the shipments. The Order of Steel cannot be trusted. We're all going to be put to the sword within a week if we're not careful, and I fear that even if we are they'll find a reason to execute us for being suspicious. The Order of Flame will do all it can to unearth the truth, even if our names are stripped from the history books. I will write to you of our progress whenever I can.

Regards,
Merik”

>Ask for another letter
>Ask about the Order of Fire
>Other (write-in)

>>42387956
>>Ask about the Order of Fire

File: image.jpg (279 KB, 877x920)

279 KB JPG

>>42387956
>Ask about the Order of Fire
I'm off to bed, the rest of my hoard of dragon hoards will have to wait.

File: the_lightning_dragon_wall(...).jpg (51 KB, 640x480)

51 KB JPG

Cenere shrugs a bit.

“The Order of Fire was something your father started before he left. He suspected the Order of Steel was up to no good. They're responsible for enforcing the law upon other knights, but there was no one to do the same to them except their own leaders. Your father created the Order of Fire to investigate them. There's only one surviving member left. They were all arrested for treason and possession of illegal weapons and materials.”

Well then.

>Write-in

>>42388083
>daydream about being a dragonI haven't been to the last few threads

>>42388083
>Ask for another letter

>>42388105
There are archives.

>>42388083
And who's is the surviving member? Our father?

>>42388083
Who's the member?

File: shenglong_the_rain_dragon(...).jpg (139 KB, 900x637)

139 KB JPG

“Who's the last member? My father?”

Cenere shakes his head and smiles at you.

“I am. Your father appointed me to the order so that they could use this house in his absence as a base of operations. I provided them with a safe meeting place, although I wasn't privy to their discussions myself. I was entrusted with these letters to give to the next proper owner of the house. Your uncle was holding this estate, and is not the proper heir, so I didn't tell him about them. You, on the other hand...”

He conjures a large stack of letters, about two dozen.

“Well, I know that you are your father's daughter.”

>Take the letters and read them
>Hide the letters for now, Tirio might come at any minute
>Other (write-in)

>>42388292
>Hide the letters for now, Tirio might come at any minute

>Take the letters and read them

>>42388292
>>Hide the letters for now, Tirio might come at any minute
I think it might be best if we send a letter to our father and mother asking them to come and help advise us here

File: fire_dragon_by_skaichu-d4b658m.jpg (140 KB, 900x590)

140 KB JPG

You hand the letters back to Cenere.

“If my uncle is a general, he might have connections in the Order of Steel. I don't need to be worrying about that right now. He'll be here any minute. I'll look them over later.”

Cenere nods, the letters vanishing in a puff of flame, and he bows.

“An excellent decision, madam. We're expecting him to arrive on the patio as per usual. Would you like to meet him there or receive him in the den?”

>Head for the patio
>Meet him in the den
>Other (write-in)

>>42388548
>Head for the patio

I'm all for making Black a fire knight guys.

Gil, Sena, Kat

And we can get a transfer for Fiona and her followers for our religious folk.

Then we start a Draconic Inquisition against Steel. Absorb their remaining knights and then simply merge the knighthood as dragoons.

>>42388548
>Head for the patio

>>42388548

>Patio

A little sunlight never hurt anyone.

Well, besides Sena...

File: rockdragondemon.jpg (74 KB, 640x845)

74 KB JPG

You head for the patio and wait there, getting yourself a comfortable chair and relaxing a little. You have a maid fetch you a drink, and you sip it while considering the past few days. You have two ancient artifacts of unknown power to acquire for your mysterious ancestral benefactor. The kingdom has a necromancer problem, and now the southern borders are probably being overrun by monsters. You have a new position of authority within the kingdom that you have no idea how to use properly, and seeing as your uncle was in a rush to get you put in place there's probably more at play here than you know right now. And to top it all off, apparently there's some secret conspiracy within the knightly orders that you find yourself at the center of purely because of your father.

You recall, almost idly, that Sir Lecia, that scowling knight, said he was part of the Order of Steel, and you left him and his companions with quite a few Null Stones. You no longer consider that to have been your best plan. Sir Black, on the other hand, said Lecia was planning to write him up for helping you. If he gets kicked out of his order, you decide to check in on him and see about hiring him in some capacity. A truly noble knight would make a good addition to your team.

Tirio arrives with Millie while you're contemplating how to get Fiona promoted within the church, and right behind him are several men in armor, some in robes, and one man in what you presume is the current high fashion among the nobility. Tirio looks at you with mild amusement, walking over and offering you a hand to help you up.

“The dress looks good on you, but I think you'll want to get changed for your sword practice. I've brought along my friends, as I said I would, so that we can begin the process of tutoring you and getting you brought up to speed.”

>Invite them inside
>Speak with them here for now, it's a nice day out.
>Other (write-in)

>>42388778
>Invite them inside

Apparently we're going to have to change clothes anyway. Which one of you chucklefucks voted for fancy dress again? Way to pick literally the least functional option of the four.

>>42388778
>>Invite them inside

>>42388833
I feel we should always be in armor.

Blightpires man.

>>42388778
>Invite them inside

>>42388919

Agreed. There's a necromantic zombie plague happening out there, and we're dressing up in fucking high heels?

We're that person who dies first in all those movies.

>>42388935
I was expecting people to go with the suits, honestly. I'm as confused as you are.

>>42388935
Ask dragon daddy for the scale armor.

Going for Platinum, just to be super special awesome.

Make me a Sleuth roll

>>42388978
She got to be the prettiest for once.

It subconsciously meant a lot, that breakfast.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42388997

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42388990

Rollan.

>>42388997

>implying that our draconic majesty does not automatically make us the most attractive person in the room at any given time

You're sick in the head.

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42388990

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42388990

Order of the Steel may be in league with necromancers.

May need further proof but now we know why steel guard was so panicked.

Maybe whoever had the stones before us was suppose to meet with him.

File: blue-dragon-desktop-backg(...).jpg (1.18 MB, 2000x1500)

1.18 MB JPG

You rise to your feet and gesture to the door.

“Let's go inside and talk then.”

You turn and walk off, heading for the den. You think you hear someone making a comment about how you look from the back, but you can't tell who it was. You do what you can to remember their voice though, so that when they speak next you can exact your revenge for their... compliment. Well, compliment or not, you're not some whore on the street to be gawked at or a person to be objectified. You're a dragon, and you'll make whoever it was respect that before the day is through.

You make it to the den, and head for the largest, comfiest chair, positioned so you have the fireplace at your back. It all feels rather dramatic, and it suits you somewhat. Fire roaring behind you makes you feel like you have more in common with your ancestor. The various friends of your uncle file into the room and find seats of their own, while Tirio moves to the center of the room. Millie stands by the door next to Cenere, and they quickly devolve into a game of rock, paper scissors. They're perfectly matched from the look of things, though you can barely tell with their hands moving so rapidly. Tirio clears his throat a bit and turns towards you.

“You have plenty of questions for me, I'm sure, but I'll begin with my explanation of what happened yesterday and why I rushed so much to get you where you are now. Put simply, in five days time there will be a grand ball. You will attend. You will be introduced to all the nobles there, and it will serve as your formal introduction to high society. We need to do this right away.

Based on when my brother left and what Millie saw in your mind, you're closing in on your 17th birthday, which gives us a year to find you a suitor before we run into problems. Right now you have full control over your property, but legal ownership rests with me until you're married. And when you reach 18, you'll become a much less desirable marriage candidate. I can't hold these lands for much longer, three more years at most, before the king can just assign them to another knight or noble.

But the other reason that I need you where you are is because I need people that I can trust, people I can rely on. Every ally is an asset, you understand. Your father was involved with some shady things before he left, including starting a knightly order that, without him, turned into a terrorist cell that almost attacked the kingdom. I need your help to clear the family name and prove that whatever your father was caught up in, you're not involved at all.”

>Ask a question
>Let him introduce his friends
>Other (write-in)

>>42389352
>Ask a question
How did that happen? Doesn't sound like dad at all.

>>42389369
Second.

Also ugggghhhh this sounds like a bunch of Not-Dragon-related stuff.

>>42389352
>Let him introduce his friends

We will be...quizzing our dear uncle about all that marriage business later, in private.

If we absolutely have to do it, I say we find a craven, limp-wristed mage and turn him into our personal planar taxicab.

>>42389352
I have gathered my allies uncle. We saved each other's lives from the undead and have even now begun to gather allies in the religious sect.

And this was before I knew I was a countess. Who are our most potential allies, Who can we buy, win over or simply knock sense into helping us?

I am clean of my father's work. I have my own schemes to work.

>>42389449
Let's not tip this hand just yet. Remember, we are-in a sense-doing the EXACT SAME THING our folks got on the hook for.

>>42389352
>"How quaint. Alright then, for a suitor I'll want either someone who can keep up with me or someone who is just slow enough to not interfere. We'll put etiquette lessons at a priority in anticipation of the ball. I hope you've found a suitable dance instructor. Let me worry about the Order of Flame, I'll ask your advice after forming my own opinion based on information that was left to me. As for allies, I've already gathered a couple in the church, I simply need to help them grow."

>>42389352
>Let him introduce his friends

>>42389462
Alright.

Well then.

Dealing with the ball and suitor are the two hardest things.

Did uncle already tell us what he knows about the sword and rose?

File: Stone_Dragon_(2).png (123 KB, 528x694)

123 KB PNG

“My father? Involved with a group like that? That doesn't sound like him at all...”

Tirio nods slowly, a grave expression on his face.

“I didn't believe it either, but the Order of Steel gave me the full report. They weren't troublesome at all before your father left, and helped the Order of Steel with their paperwork and law enforcement duties, but apparently whoever took control after him twisted their group into something else, using their connections to put together a weapon that could, in theory, have taken out the entire city. While you and I know your father wouldn't do such a thing, and his other deeds cemented his reputation as a hero, there's still the shadow of doubt that we have to clear up.”

You nod slightly and pause.

“I have allies that I can trust, at the very least. Kat, Gil and Sena. We haven't known each other long, and they know each other better than they know me, but I know that if I needed someone, they'd be there for me.”

Tirio gives you an approving smile and starts to pace around the room a bit.

“Glad to hear it. Now, on to the rest... Allow me to introduce my friends, who will be helping you get settled in and providing you the tools you need to succeed here in the city.”

He points to each man in turn as he names them.

“Captain Pucelik, who teaches the art of the sword at the academy for the Order of Defense.”

The chipper man smiles amicably and gives a little bow, adjusting his armor as he does so.

“Sir Unchin, who specializes in self-defense and survival skills and is my right hand man when it comes to intelligence.”

He nods a little bit, adjusting his leather armor a bit. He looks like he just walked out of the woods a little while ago, a stray leaf still caught in his hair.

“Sir Meniver, who teaches strategy and tactics at the Order of Pieces, and one of the most cunning men on the continent.”

He rises to his feet and bows low, straightening up his jacket as he stands back up and takes his seat once more. His eyes look at you appraising, as though trying to measure and quantify your abilities.

“Professor Olo-Senjahi, a professor at the Shen-Sirudai Magical Academy specializing in theory and spellcraft.”

The aged man props himself up with his cane as he stands to bow, though it's more of a slight nod and a vague arching of his back.

“Gimbly Durab, a freelance magician who travels the world as a performer and thrill seeker. He knows everyone, almost literally.”

The man leaps to his feet and bows, wisps of colorful smoke flowing around his to make his gesture more dramatic. He gives you a smile and a wink as he sits back down.

“And last but not least, Professor Ulvirahoy, who also works at the academy and specializes in magic item creation and maintenance. He's the one who designed the systems that keep the city running and works to improve them.”

The man, significantly younger than the other professor, stands and bows with a smile. Tirio turns towards you.

“There's a lot of work to be done in the next few days if you don't want to lose your title and estate. We need you educated on manners, dancing and a number of other topics before anything else.”

>I don't care about the estate, someone else can have it
>Count me in, I accept the challenge
>Only on the condition that I get to decide what else I study in my free time
>Other (write-in)

>>42389850
>Only on the condition that I get to decide what else I study in my free time
>and I choose who to marry.

>>42389871

Backing.

>>42389850
>"I will choose my own suitor, and may perhaps find a presentable one at the ball. You are free to look and present me options, of course, and I welcome it. I will, of course, be studying my own topics in my own time. As for allies, you might wish to look into a Sir Black. A member of the Order of Steel, Sir Lecia was going to write him up simply for not clapping me in irons during the Null Stone incident. If he is forced from his order, we could both do to have someone of such integrity."

>>42389850

>Count me in, I accept the challenge
>Only on the condition that I get to decide what else I study in my free timetime
Matching up our allies would also be a good idea.

Sword and survival especially.

>>42389850
>Only on the condition that I get to decide what else I study in my free time
We're an independent girl who don't need no man

Sword and Survival for sure. maybe magic if the others wanna go for it.

>>42389964

Oh yeah, let's poach that knight away from the bureaucrats

>>42389850
>>42389964
Seconding the recruiting of Sir Black.

File: 1398224742432.jpg (200 KB, 786x1016)

200 KB JPG

“I'll accept your plan, uncle, on the condition that I'm allowed to study what I want when I have the time. I'll study dancing and whatever else, as long as I can spend time pursuing my own goals. I intend to pick my own suitor, as well. You can guide me, offer suggestions, but the final decision is mine.”

Tirio smirks a bit.

“I expected nothing else from my brother's daughter. The right to choose is yours, and I'm sure we can make arrangements for studying whatever you wish.”

You nod and smile a bit.

“As for allies... There's a knight, Sir Taret Black, who a member of the Order of Steel named Sir Lecia was going to write up for not immediately locking me up and instead bringing me to the capitol. If he loses his position, I'd like to see that he's brought here. He's a man of valor with a good heart. I think he could be of some use to me.”

Tirio pauses for a few moments.

“Black, you say? I'll look into it. I vaguely recall that name being thrown around when you arrived. He might still be in the capitol, actually. I'll have Millie chase him down and check on the situation. Now then, as for your lessons...”

Tirio pulls out a sheet of paper and hands it to you, outlining the next five days. Eight hours of sleep a night, an hour for breakfast, lunch and dinner each, with four hours of study between breakfast and lunch, six between lunch and dinner, and then three hours of free time before bed every other day, alternating with yet more studying. It's a rigorous schedule. The day of the ball, the whole schedule consists of shopping and preparing for the evening ahead, as well as one last refresher right before the party.

>Accept the schedule as-is
>Ask to make a change
>Other (write-in)

>>42390174
>Ask to make a change

Add swordplay

>>42390174
>>Ask to make a change
Add swordplay.

>>42390174
>Ask to make a change
Tack on a written review of whatever was studied that day to be read during free time.

File: 1440543383870.jpg (231 KB, 1280x786)

231 KB JPG

You look the list over and then nod slightly.

“I want lessons in swordplay added to the schedule, in place of some free time if need be. And I'd also like a written report of what I learned that day that I can go over during my free time to help cement it in my memory.”

Cenere glances over.

“I can take notes for you, madam, it's no worry.”

Millie finally throws a sign that beats Cenere, and she grins.

“Victory at last!”

She starts doing a victory dance while Cenere frowns.

“Curses, foiled by doing my duty...”

Tirio shrugs a bit.

“Fine then, sword lessons every other night before bed. I'm sure the exercise will help tire you out and help you sleep. We should begin the lessons now, if that's alright. Ballroom dancing, then dinner, and we can squeeze in a sword lesson tonight.”

>Sounds fine to me
>I actually can't tonight, I have to take care of something first
>Other (write-in)

>>42390310
>Sounds fine to me

Let's get this done with. Sooner we get this out of the way, sooner we can hopefully get the DUKE out of the way, sooner we can get back to becoming a dragon.

>>42390310
>Sounds fine to me.
"Cenere, if you find time during my free periods, could you start compiling a list of various investments that have been made to this estate. I want to know exactly how much money and income I have at my disposal before the ball."

>>42390310

>Sounds fine to me

>>42390342
>>42390310
This

File: gold_dragon_by_benwootten.jpg (185 KB, 742x471)

185 KB JPG

You nod and rise to your feet, folding the schedule up and handing it back to him.

“Then that's what we'll do. Cenere, I'll be needing a change of clothes after my ballroom dancing lessons and dinner. And I want you to go over the files my uncle brought. I'll need a full account of my holdings before the ball. Double check everything. In fact, triple check it, and account for interest for any long term investments. How much I have now, and how much I'm expecting when each investment is collected on. That should keep you entertained for a while.”

Cenere looks almost giddy.

“Of course, madam. We will gladly take stock of every copper piece in your name, and to be safe we'll compare the records at the house with what your uncle brought, and account for any discrepencies.”

He bows and vanishes, and Millie pouts.

“Get back here, loser, I'm not done kicking your butt yet!”

She turns into blue sparks and flies out the door, ostensibly to chase him down. Gimbly rises to his feet and smiles at you, walking over and offering his arm.

“Would the lady like an accompaniment to the ballroom? I'll be your first instructor.”

That voice. He's the one who made that comment about you before.

>Call him out on it now, insults and remarks like that will not be tolerated and everyone should know it
>Revenge must be savored, tell him it'll have to wait until after lunch and plan something suitable
>Other (write-in)

>>42390445
>Revenge must be savored, tell him it'll have to wait until after lunch and plan something suitable

>>42390445
>Revenge must be savored, tell him it'll have to wait until after lunch and plan something suitable

Let him he think he got away with it.

>Revenge must be savored, tell him it'll have to wait until after lunch and plan something suitable

>>42390445
>"Fine. But touch my ass and you'll be a pile of ash, pervert."

File: 40a14aae4c3854d05889d1477(...).jpg (860 KB, 1150x671)

860 KB JPG

You shake your head.

“I'm not planning to dance on an empty stomach. Let's have a light lunch first. You can show me the movements and we'll go from there.”

He nods and lowers his arm a bit, flashing you a charming smile.

“Very well. Lunch it is.”

You head for the door, Tirio moving to walk alongside you.

“I'll have Gimbly meet you in the ballroom and Captain Pucelik will drop by after dinner. Enjoy your lunch.”

You smirk at him.

“I intend to.”

Tirio turns around and heads back to the den, leaving you to ponder the question of how to deal with Gimbly by yourself. You head for the dining room and settle down to have a sandwich.

>Insult must be met with insult, sit on this until you can deliver the perfect one-liner before a crowd
>The best way to get even would be to prove you're better than him somehow
>Let it slide, he probably didn't mean any harm even if he is a jackass
>Other (write-in)

>>42390625
Snark?
Snark!

>>42390625
>Dance horribly, step on his feet, kick him in the shin, if he complains somehow make a callback to his insult.

>>42390655

This.

>>42390625
>The best way to get even would be to prove you're better than him somehow

>>42390655
That seems like cutting off the nose to spite the face, huh? Why don't we just do it psychological- mention on the sly that we caught him being pervy, and we will pay him back later.

But we'll never say WHEN.

>>42390655
That would occupy an unknown amount of time we're supposed to be using to learn, potentially all of it, with our antics and could alienate the teacher, which could be very inconvenient given that he knows everyone and our uncle might have difficulty finding an instructor of similar skill in his field on short notice.

>>42390625
>The best way to get even would be to prove you're better than him somehow

>>42390625
>>The best way to get even would be to prove you're better than him somehow

So are you guys going for schooling him on the dance floor then?

>>42390843
Breakdance fight!

>>42390843
Looks like it.

>>42390843

Oh dice gods, don't forsake us now.

File: 1440543197859.jpg (157 KB, 621x828)

157 KB JPG

You smirk to yourself as you consider your plan. Gimbly seems like a cocky and proud man, and the best way to overcome someone like him is to prove that he's all talk and flash with nothing to support it. If he's any good as a teacher, you decide, you'll work as hard as you need to in order to trounce him soundly. You finish your lunch and head to the ballroom to find Gimbly speaking with a maid. From the look of things he's flirting with her while she stands there gently deflecting his advances.

>Announce your arrival, start the lesson
>Discretely get the maid to leave while he's talking, then let him know you're there
>Other (write-in)

>>42390925
>Discretely get the maid to leave while he's talking, then let him know you're there

Flaunt our authority.

>>42390925
>>Discretely get the maid to leave while he's talking, then let him know you're there

>>42390925
>>Other (write-in)

>Lean against doorway, clear throat loudly, give pointed smug look.

>>42390925
>Discretely get the maid to leave while he's talking, then let him know you're there

File: sketch-4.jpg (219 KB, 1200x900)

219 KB JPG

You give the maid a smile and nudge your head out the doorway, mouthing to her that you'd like her to leave. She doesn't even acknowledge the order, just fades away into mist and leaving Gimbly standing there. You wait a few moments, and then walk in with a smile.

“I hope I haven't kept you. I'm ready for my lesson now.”

He turns to face you and immediately turns on the charm again, walking towards you.

“Of course. We'll start with the fundamentals, and once you get those down we'll try the tricky stuff.”

-

Make a Smarts roll, then a Speed roll

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>42391082

Smarts.

Rolled 20, 16 = 36 (2d20)

>>42391082

Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42391082

Speed.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42391082
smarts

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42391082
speed

>>42391113
This was, of course, smarts and then speed.

Rolled 1, 16 = 17 (2d20)

>>42391113

Rolling for crit confirmed.

>>42391194

Oh god anon did you cancel it out?

>>42391194
You don't roll to confirm crits. If a 20 is rolled, we look at the other two rolls. If either of them, with mod added in, is 20 or more then it's a crit. The other rolls were a 2 and a 17, but you don't have enough Smarts to get a crit off that.

File: stone_dragon_by_nightmare(...).jpg (177 KB, 750x1064)

177 KB JPG

Gimbly counts out the beats as he teaches you, moving with you around the room. You readily absorb every tip and every movement that he teaches you, memorizing the steps almost as fast as he can teach them. Your footwork leaves something to be desired though, and he's easily outpacing you in terms of his skills. For all your ability to take in the lessons, you'll need to practice this rigorously if you want to beat him in a contest of skill. By the end of the lesson Gimbly is smiling proudly, and you're pretty tired from dancing for several hours straight in heels. Maybe you shouldn't have pushed yourself quite so hard.

“You'll be the center of attention, I'm sure of it. If you practice what we went over and polish those little mistakes you were making, you'll have everyone's eyes on you.”

-

Ballroom Dance increased to 2

-

>Thank Gimbly
>Challenge him to a contest at the ball
>Other (write-in)

-

Feature unlocked!
Training under a mentor or teacher or learning from books is the only way to advance a skill beyond level 3, and decreases the time needed to reach level 3 significantly. Level 3 represents the kind of competence that comes from self-study and practice without significant guidance.

>>42391264
...Oh wow. I swear I thought we rolled separate to confirm crits. (And I'm not even the anon who rolled.)

>>42391279
>Challenge him to a contest at the ball

I have faith in /tg/ dice.

>>42391279
>>Thank Gimbly
Although given the impolite way you spoke about me when we entered my home, my dancing won't be the only reason, will it?

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42391385
Faith, huh?

>>42391279
>"Though given where your eyes were this morning, I'll assume it won't be because of my dancing. Try to at least be circumspect in the future."

File: shiny.png (36 KB, 606x166)

36 KB PNG

>>42391401

File: fire_breathing_dragon_by_(...).jpg (224 KB, 894x894)

224 KB JPG

You chuckle a bit and give him your best demure smile, closing your eyes and bringing a hand to your lips to appear as ladylike as possible.

“Thank you for your kind compliment, Mr. Durab, though I can't help wondering if that will be the only reason given where your eyes were when you first arrived.”

You open your eyes and give him a narrow stare, continuing to smile at him.

“Next time at least try to be subtle. I don't take kindly to such impolite statements about my person. I'll let you off with a warning this time, but if you decide to insult me by treating me like that again then there will be suitable consequences.”

Gimbly flinches, face flushing and teeth clenched together, before he smirks and starts to clap.

“How very frightful you are, Countess Imidarius. And how observant. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness, I was merely paying my respects. You have a desirable figure, after all. I meant no harm by it. But if I'm not allowed to comment on it then I won't.

Honestly, finding out that you've got a spine and the presence of mind to actually notice what's going on around you makes you an even better catch than most of the girls who will be at the ball before factoring in how your dancing is coming along and your not-insubstantial wealth. Add in the legacy of your father and the exotic nature of your bloodline, and any man with any sense would want you for his own. But perhaps that's only my own opinion.”

He turns and starts to walk off.

“Enjoy your dinner, Countess. I'll be seeing you before the ball to make sure your dancing has come along nicely. Perhaps by then I can make a better first impression.”

>See you then. Expect to be impressed.
>I wouldn't count on it.
>Other (write-in)

>>42391577
>>See you then. Expect to be impressed.

>>42391577
>>See you then. Expect to be impressed.

>>42391577
>See you then. Expect to be impressed.

File: 0c136b5c56fd13046766ee65c(...).jpg (630 KB, 1150x671)

630 KB JPG

You smirk at his back as he walks off.

“Until then, Mr. Durab. I'll be sure to impress you properly then.”

He gives a small wave without looking back and exits the ballroom. With that lesson over it's time for dinner and then swordplay lessons. You take two steps before you realize that your legs won't be cooperative for the rest of the evening in these heels, and you kick them off, letting out a satisfied sigh as your ankles get the rest that they need. You head off for the dining room, leaving your shoes for the staff to take care of. You can hear the sounds of talking and laughter from the dining room, and the familiar voices of your friends. With a smile you hurry down the hall to meet them.

-

That's all for tonight, folks. Tomorrow we'll get into what Gil, Kat and Sena were up to in the city (I'll type it all up in advance I promise) and then move on to sword training and other such things. The road to becoming a dragon sure got complicated fast.

In other news I'm accumulating character art and trying to find a good fit for various members of the cast so I can throw it all at a drawfag and get some character portraits done. It's all pretty fluid right now while I hammer things out, but I'd love to get some input as to how you guys see them. I've been picturing Kotijah as basically Ironscale Shyvana from League of Legends (I have shit-tier taste in digital entertainment, come at me), with Gil and Sena as two blondes, Gil with green eyes and Sena with blue, and Kat as a black-haired woman with hazel or brown eyes. Let me know what you've been picturing, as it may inspire something now or in the future.

>>42391762
I've been picturing them about the same as you just with Gil having blue eyes and Kotijah having black hair

>>42391762
I'll be honest, not a big fan of the whole "suddenly we focus on getting into nobility politics and getting married", but since he could hold it for about three more years then i hope we'll accually get back on track and focus on the dragon things.

>>42393824
We need to work out how much not being a man can screw us over when QM isn't giving us a setting where it doesn't matter. We could point out our dad is still alive if we need to.

>>42394266
Yeah, we could just ignore the whole husband buisnies by becoming a dragon before 3 years has passed, then nobody will dare to take it from us anyways. Either that or find a way to have the estate even if we're not married.

>>42393824
>>42394266
>>42394412
I will never give you only one path forwards. Being a noble is not the be all and end all of becoming a dragon. It has perks, and to get those perks you need to invest time and effort into securing them. Some people clearly feel that's worth it for the potential advantages later on.

I'm gonna start typing up the grand day out that your friends had now, I'll make a post in a little bit to set the scene and find out whose day you want to hear about first.

>>42395752
Well, as long as we have three years before we have to either marry or earn the title some other way then it's probably fine.

Kat, Gil and Sena are at the dining room table eating what appears to be pasta with meat sauce. Kat gives you a wave as you enter, grinning at you. She's acquired a pair of glasses from somewhere, and they make her look even more like a made scientist than her pocket-lined jacket did. She also has a necklace, one that matches the one Gil is wearing. Sena has some kind of rod or dowel and a book next to her at the table, and she smiles over at you.

“Hey there. How did meeting with your uncle go?”

You take your seat and shrug a bit.

“It was tiring, honestly. I spent the last few hours learning to ballroom dance. Apparently there's a ball in a few days time and he's making me attend for... political reasons.”

Kat perks up and nudges Gil, smirking at him.

“Wanna dust off your dancing shoes and go to the ball? Kotijah can sneak us in, right?”

Gil looks at you pleadingly, shaking his head.

“I don't know if I can bring guests yet, but I'll look into it.”

Kat nods and smiles.

“This is why we're friends, Kotijah. When one of us needs something, the other has a solution. Speaking of which, we've been busy today. You might say that our problem has been resolved.”

Gil rolls his eyes.

“Something like that...”

>Ask Kat what she did today
>Ask Gil what he did today
>Ask Sena what she did today
>Other (write-in)

>>42396743
>>Ask Kat what she did today
then
>Ask Gil what he did today
then
>Ask Sena what she did today

>>42396743
>Ask Gil what he did today
What do you mean?

>>42396743
>Ask Sena what she did today

So who's getting asked first? Tiebreaker vote.

>>42396808
>Sena.

Could we get Sena's dragon figurine as a symbol for our house?

Pass it along to the commoners and peasants that Kot has grew up as.

We could even ask the servants to spruce ours up. Make it shiny.

>>42396808
Sena

File: 1440418354227.jpg (297 KB, 1695x1200)

297 KB JPG

You turn to Sena and smile softly.

“So what happened today?”

Sena swallows her bite and smiles at you.

“We had some adventures today.”

Kat raises her glass.

“That we did.”

Sena picks up the rod and waves it through the air, a shower of sparks shooting around the room.

“So when we got to the city, Kat went off to get a few things, and I went with Gil to check the job listings to look for work. We ran into that knight again, the one who drove us all the way here, and he and Gil talked about stuff while I checked the magic shops out. I got this wand and got back just in time for the knight to leave. Kat came back too, and she had her pockets full of stuff and a book of her own. She asked me for some alone time with Gil, so I went wandering again and met this nice old man from the mage academy who gave me a book. That's about all I did today before we headed back.”

Gil sighs softly.

“I really don't like that you were walking off by yourself all day...”

You smirk slightly.

“What happened then, Gil? You don't exactly sound thrilled, and not just because of that.”

Gil nods.

“That's because these two were giving me the run around all day long. First Kat went running off without telling me why, and then Sena kept running off instead.”

He sighs.

“So when we arrived at the city we agreed that we'd stick together unless it was important, and Kat immediately goes running off with barely a word.”

Kat chuckles softly.

“I wanted you to look after Sena for me while I did something. It was a surprise.”

He nods slightly.

“Well, after Kat ran off we went to look at the guilds and job postings. My talents are carpentry and archery so I looked for stuff like that, but we ended up running into Sir Black again. Sena ended up sneaking off when I wasn't paying attention, despite me telling her to stay by my side, but I did manage to get Sir Black to introduce me to a few people that he was with, and I might be able to get myself a job with the knights in some capacity. Then Kat came back and we went jewelry shopping and got these necklaces for long distance communication.”

Kat leans on Gil a bit.

“That way when he goes off to join the knights I can still hear his voice before bed.”

Gil gently pets her and smiles.

“Something like that, yeah... But yeah, then we met back up with Sena and came here.”

You turn to Kat as she untangles herself from Gil.

“And what about your mysterious morning adventure?”

Kat adjusts her glasses with a dramatic flourish and grins.

“Well! I wandered off to get some supplies from an alchemical supply shop, snagged myself a book on alchemy and the blight, and developed a cure for a certain bloodsucker problem. Then I got these glasses because they looked cute. Also they help me analyze alchemical reactions before I mix ingredients and let me see through clothing if I want.”

She turns to Gil and smiles playfully, eyes wandering a bit, and Gil turns scarlet. Sena giggles softly.

“So that's why you've been looking at my brother like that all day... Kat, you're a pervert.”

Kat chuckles a bit and pushes her glasses up again while winking at Gil.

“Proudly.”

>Tell them about your schedule
>Ask Sena about the book
>Head off to get changed, time for fightan
>Other (write-in)

>>42396993
>Ask Sena about the book
>Tell them about your schedule
then
>Head off to get changed, time for fightan

I'm vaguely disappointed that there didn't seem to be a way to get Sena be a daywalker or something like it.

I dunno, I just think non-feral/evil vampire ally would be sweet.

>>42397369
>non-feral/evil vampire ally
we have no assurance of either of those, and tbh letting her get fucked up is a bitch move.

>>42397382
>42397382

I know, that's why I said 'vaguely disappointed'. I'm not raving at the injustice of it all or anything.

>>42393824
>>42394266
>>42394412
Pffft, once we rule the world we can marry as many people as we want, a political marriage for a few years of our potentially endless lifespan is nothing.

File: polls_dragon_0603_841300_(...).jpg (19 KB, 254x350)

19 KB JPG

You look at Sena's book for a moment and smile at her.

"So, what sort of book is that then?"

She holds it up for you to look at.

"Well, he told me that I could learn spirit magic if I put my mind to it. He said I have a rare gift, and that he'd be willing to tutor me at the academy."

You nod slowly as she says that. Wasn't there something about spirit magic that you read about? You tell them about your schedule while you try to remember. Kat whistles.

"Sounds to me like you've got a full week ahead of you... We'll try to keep ourselves occupied."

Then you remember. Spirit magic. That's what manipulation of essence is. That's either divine magic or necromancy. Fantastic.

>Head off for fightan
>Tell Sena about spirit magic
>Other (write-in)

>>42397783
>Tell Sena about spirit magic

>>42397783
>Tell Sena about spirit magic

>>42397783
>Tell Sena about spirit magic

>>42397783
>>Tell Sena about spirit magic
Ask to have a look at the book.

File: engage_the_dragon_by_gegi(...).jpg (177 KB, 1024x444)

177 KB JPG

Better to get this out of the way now, you suppose.

"Sena, spirit magic is the same thing as the magic that healed you, but it's also the same thing as necromancy. You've got to be careful with this."

Sena suddenly looks frightened, and you gently take the book from her to examine it. It's titled "A Beginner's Guide To Essence, Spirit Magic and The Soul". It looks pretty harmless as you glance through it, and you pass it back to her.

"It should be alright, there's nothing dangerous in here that I can see, but you have to promise that you'll use your head."

Sena nods rapidly, and you grab a roll.

"I'm gonna go get ready for my next lesson. See you guys later."

You head off to your room and change into the outfit laid out on your bed. This one is much more your style, similar to the mercenary outfit you had before but tailored to fit you and much more comfortable. It's practical, if a bit plain.

>Meet your instructor on the patio
>Head to the courtyard and warm up while you wait.
>Other (write-in)

>>42399668
>>Head to the courtyard and warm up while you wait.

>>42399668
>Head to the courtyard and warm up while you wait.

>>42399668
>>Head to the courtyard and warm up while you wait.

>>42399668
>Head to the courtyard and warm up while you wait.

Should we light the sword on fire during our sparring? Just to freak out the trainer.

>>42391762
B-b-but Fifth Age Taric is da best.
And I am dead serious

>>42400408
Nope, best not too.

>>42399668
You still there QM?

>>42401362

RIP in peace QM.

>>42401362
He works retail during the day, so the update times tend to be sporadic until the evening.

File: lava_dragon_by_cglas-d87lfql.jpg (41 KB, 900x591)

41 KB JPG

>>42401609
Correct. Also I just got out of a meeting. I'm being promoted. Yay.

-

You decide to meet your instructor in the courtyard and grab your sword, stretching and warming up while you wait. Captain Pucelik walks towards you with a smile.

"Good, already set to go then. And you've got a proper sword, not one of those fancy toys the other nobles use. I like you. I'm going to enjoy teaching you how to fight."

He takes out his own sword and moves closer.

"Fighting starts when two people are opposing one another. For today, I will oppose you. First, a lesson on honor and dignity. Let us bow."

-

Sleuth roll

>>42402393
Congrats on the promotion!

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42402393

Grats OP!

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42402393

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42402393

>>42402393

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>42402393

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42402393

Alright, now make a Speed roll. I'll tell you now that you failed your observation roll and now you have to pay the piper. You'll see why in a moment.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>42402520
>>42402552
FUCK

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42402571

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42402571
Ow.

>>42402583
Fuck is right.

>>42402571
pls use my roll good sir.>>42402583

>>42402583
THANK FUCK

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42402571
Apply Sword.

>>42402583
That was close...

>>42402583
>>42402664

Guys we might have accidentally killed the instructor.

File: HolyDragon.jpg (72 KB, 640x761)

72 KB JPG

I don't think I can use that roll since it was pretty clearly him just trying to roll Sleuth properly.

But I will anyway.

-

You bow your head low, and he gestures for you to bow lower, so you do so. You don't notice his sword swing until the last moment, jerking out of the way as his sword passes through the air where your neck had just been. He smiles.

"There is no honor or dignity in fighting. The art of the sword is the art of taking lives. I'm going to teach you to fight using whatever means you must. Save the honor crap for dueling and fake fighting."

>Yell at him for his surprise attack
>Concede the point, shut up and fight
>This guy is crazy, refuse the lesson
>Other (write-in)

>>42402804
>Concede the point, shut up and fight

He is right.

But now we're going to have to sing fire on our blade, because he just basically told the rules to go fuck themselves.

>>42402804
>> shut up and fight

>>42402804
>>Concede the point, shut up and fight

>>42402804
>Concede the point, shut up and fight
This is the correct kind of teacher.

>>42402804
>This guy is crazy, shut up and fight

>>42402804
>Concede the point, shut up and fight

>>42402863
Now that's what i like.

>>42402804
>Other (write-in)
Bite our tongue.
Let the blood bubble.
Then dragon berserk!

Attack him as if he were an enemy.

>>42402925
We don't want to kill him anon.

>>42402962

"There is no honor or dignity in fighting. The art of the sword is the art of taking lives. I'm going to teach you to fight using whatever means you must. Save the honor crap for dueling and fake fighting."

He wants us to try our best to kill him.

We shall grant his request and show him a dragon's ferocity.

>>42403012
I retort, we don't want to kill him anon.

>>42403057
We can come close to maiming him (hopefully).

He wants us to bring the heat, that's on him.

I want the following rolls:
Strength
Speed
Smarts
And after all that, if you guys want to play with fire, make a Spirit roll. Put it to a vote first, don't roll Spirit unless there's a majority.

>>42403156
We don't want to cripple him for life anon.

Rolled 20, 7, 17 = 44 (3d20)

>>42403164
Strength
Speed
Smarts

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42403164
speed.

Rolled 8, 20, 10 = 38 (3d20)

>>42403164
Strength, speed, smarts
I say we play with fire, he said to use all we got.