Run By: Ryudori (4xp)

Players: Philokrates, Syme, Caol Tzun

Summary: The Unelemental Dragons play a little game with Philokrates, Syme, and Caol Tzun. Also includes Meta.

 

 

The city of the Gemborn is as Philokrates left it last time when he makes his way back through the tunnel of the Gemlord (who is pleased to see him again and rumbles so, though it is rather unhappy with his decision - it is still an honorable and old elemental, and agrees to abide by it nonetheless if he will help work out some accord with the dragons) when he arrives at the cliff overlooking the gem-spire city. Lylani still circles in its figure eight, pulsing its odd un-light across the city, and at the cap of the mountain, Morodoz still spouts his poisonous smog. The river of quicksilver winds its way along the side of the city peaceably, undoubtedly where Zygrydo is resting.

 Below, the strange, twisted Gemborn continue their machinelike activity, a stream of constant activity apparently not changed by the passage of time as they carry raw materials, gems, and other oddities through the "streets".

 Lylani winds away from its course once it notices, streaming through the air to hover before the cave.

 >You have returned.< Its flashing lights 'say' simply. It isn't a question - it's an observation, like a scientist poking at a lab rat. >Welcome.<

Philokrates says, "I have brought peers of mine."

Philokrates gestures towards Syme and Caol Tzun.

The eyeless dragon's gemstone 'scales' shimmer as it turns to examine the pair with organs unimagineable by human standards, blinking in patterns of thoughtful blue and green as it does so. >Welcome.< It offers in a stream of color.

Philokrates leaves Caol and Syme to introduce themselves.

Caol Tzun nods in greeting to the dragon. "Greetings. I am Night of Long Shadows."

Syme smiles with perhaps a touch of nervousness "Um, Greetings. I'm not really sure that I'd call us /peers/ though. I'm Syme." He looks off to the side. "Jeez, this place is..."

Lylani winds about once in another thoughtful pattern. >Night of Long Shadows. Syme.< The color patterns flash along its face as it speaks, and it opens its mounth, revealing gemstone teeth the size of a man's arm. >I am Lylani the Lighbringer, Queen of the Black Fire. Welcome.<

Philokrates says, "Tremendous, and strange, yes. But I decided that spilling arrows upon it in an orgy of violence would have been counterproductive to my ultimate goals of virtuous governance over the world. Bad precedent.""

Caol Tzun nods approvingly at Phil's statement.

Syme shrugs. "I don't know about that, Philokrates. Whenever a solar tries to establish virtuous governance of anything it tends to be built on a foundation of senseless bloodshed." He coughs. "Not that I'm bitter or anything."

Philokrates turns to Syme. "I asked you to come," he says, "Because you are more in touch with those we oft tread upon than most, and I thought you could offer wise guidance in how to act in a fashion harmonious to the needs of those we stand above and among. Even if you can't, however, this place is not far from Freehold. It maybe strategically or economically significant."

Philokrates says, "I try to ensure all of my bloodshed is sensible."

>Very self-serving,< Lylani observes without judgement, >You are lucky, Children of Sol, that I do not bear grudges. I remember well your kind now. I discussed you with our Unnameable Brother.< It rotates slowly, apparently unable to stop. >In any event, I secured you an audience with Gurvald.<

Philokrates says, "Superb."

Philokrates strides forward, down the ramp in to the main mass of the city. "Let us proceed, then."

Syme nods at Phil "You told me when you asked me to come." He holds up a hand. "Please, don't tar me with the same brush as the rest of them. I didn't /want/ it." He scowls. "Of course, The Unconquered Sun seems to think calling his chosen out on their monstrousness is grounds to spread it." He slides his hands into his pockets. "But yeah, let's go on."

Caol Tzun follows Phil silently, taking stock of the city as he goes.

Except for the occasional tall and usually-ugly Builder caste, the Gemborn are almost universally short, stocky, and glistening with odd facets under their skin. Lylani's spotlight once again shines the way through the streets as the light-dragon proceeds above, guiding them through the crystalline spire buildings until they reach what can only be considered a castle.

 It's enormous, spiking into the 'sky' with furious demand, as though it was screaming 'LOOK AT ME AND ME ALONE'. Three towers grow up around the castle, looming over the streets, and the massive double-doors - literally too big for any human to lift - are pulled open by a mass of gemborn workers standing on guard, opening the way into the castle.

 Or perhaps 'pen' is the better word. Within the castle is a dragon, a great, eyeless gemstone dragon, fat and hideous and bloated with the ravages of greed and hate. Huge wings are folded back on its back, a great hump nestled between them, and the dragon's very breathing shakes the ground beneath it even outside the castle.

 >Gwoh-ho<, it rumbles, less words and more a physical presence tremoring through the ground and into their bones, >So you are the little one with the sharp tongue Lylani spoke of.<

 Lylani winds its way away from the group, returning to its place as the sun of the little domain as Gurvald looms forward to snort at them, his very breath like the gas of a mine. >How cute you are. I could eat you up.< It licks its lips with a massive tongue, rocks crumbling forth from its mouth.

"You are the one they call Gurvald?" asks Philokrates, looking up at the barn-sized lump serenely, flanked by trusted companions.

>I am< the dragon rumbles, >Are you here to prostrate yourselves before my magnificence?<

Philokrates says, "We are so small, and you are so tremendous. Prostration would be redundant, oh enormous one."

Syme looks off to the side and rolls his eyes. If the unconquered sun didn't even merit a by-your-leave, why would this... thing? But he doesn't say it. He's not suicidal.

>Mmmm.< The dragon rumbles again, leaning back. It's less a lean, and more a...rocking motion. >So what do you want to speak to me about?<

Syme advises Philokrates: "Be plain and direct. Equivocation makes for good sagas, but not good diplomacy."

Philokrates says, "I originally came to this place to kill one of the five great gemborn dragons that dwell here and claim one of their hearts as my own, for purposes of artifacture. When I arrived here, and saw the place in all it's grandeur and injustice, I realized that to do harm to it without understanding it would be impulsive and foolish. Only through understanding the nature of this place and it's five great dragons can I find right action. I warn you - to lie in my presence drives me in to a mad killing frenzy. Do not lie to me, or I will surely fight you to the death, and whether I die or you, it would be a terrible tragedy."

Philokrates, direct.

Caol Tzun inches away from Phil a bit to give them both room to fight in case this goes sour.

>Gwoh ho ho...< The dragon laughs, rolling back and forth like a giant ball on uneven ground as it shakes and quivers, the Gemborn falling over and the towers themselves shaking.

 Up above, one can be certain that, if Lylani and Morodoz had eyeballs, they'd be rolling them right now.

-= OOC =- Cathak Verei says, "Dexterity + Resistance checks please"

(Judge) Philokrates rolls Dexterity + Resistance: [ -1- 2 4 5 6 6 8 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

(Judge) Syme rolls Dexterity + Resistance: [ -1- 4 4 5 9 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

(Judge) Caol Tzun rolls Dexterity + Resistance: [ -1- 3 5 5 5 7 7 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

Syme scuttles to get back up on his feet. He scowls and adjusts his tie.

>You would dare threaten the Great Gurvald?< The dragon mocks through the rumbles of the earth below, >I will lie to you if I please, worm! You are a meal to me and no more!< It laughs again, rolling back and forth, but this time everyone is prepared for the rumblings - no one is knocked off. >Is this what Lylani wants? Treachery?! Then I shall give my Dear Sister treachery! DO YOU HEAR ME, DEAR SISTER?!< It shakes, the whole mountain rumbling, >I will see your little pets deceased before you can take what is rightfully mine!<

Syme holds up his hand "I believe there's been a... misunderstanding."

Philokrates takes a step back to be level with Syme - but he does not leave Syme in front, because he suspect Syme is not a strong fighte rif it comes to that.

The bloated pig rolls forward to listen. >Are you calling me stupid?< It rumbles.

Philokrates shakes his head!

Syme shakes his head "Merely uninformed. Philokrates lacks... this is not his forte. What my... colleague said, it was not a threat. He is... sick. A mystic compulsion."

(Judge) Caol Tzun rolls Conviction: [ -1- -1- 6 ]

        Resulting in a Botch!

Caol Tzun is now wearing a scowl on his face for anyone who can notice him. He's obviously unhappy with the situation and he takes another step or two off to the side.

Philokrates says, "It is as Syme says."

>Sick? Are you sick?< The dragon rolls about a bit. >How sad. How sad for you. I pity you. Weak little sick thing. You must be stricken from my magnificence.< It laughs again and rolls upwards, bearing its enormous, armored stomach. >And it is magnificent, isn't it? Be honest.<

Philokrates looks thoughtfully at the dragon. "There is a certain grandeur to it. I woul not be certain if it is magnificent, per se, but it is imposing in the utmost. I am afraid my condition has no relationship to you, however."

Philokrates says, "Were you slightly smaller, it would be comical, but your heft is tremendous enough to intimidate and demand respect, for the fact that you can move your great mass about as you do implies you have the strength to crush us like drops of water."

>Not...certain?!< The dragon rumbles, <Not -certain-? I am the most magnificent thing you will ever see in your miserably, pathetically short life, creature! I am the pinnacle of life! I am Gurvald the Great One!<

Philokrates says, "I would hear a regaling of your many virtues, then, Gurvald."

Syme holds up a hand to Phil. Before the dragon can reply, he cuts in. "I have consorted with Gods and With Deathlords. I remember the wonders and marvels of the third age in the depths of my shard. When I close my eyes I see them, and I see oblivion burning and I see all the majesty of all the kingdoms of man. And truly, truly, your majesty is so staggering that all that is blown away, that dear brother Philokrates must be incapable of comprehending it with his more... limited scope of experiences. Please, do not press him further, Great One. As I said: He is sick."

The dragon seems about to speak, but Syme's plea seems to interest it - it tilts its head downwards to listen. It gives a contented rumble. >Then out of my vast wellstream of kindness,< it shakes, >I will spare your pathetic lives and let you waste away into your graves, rather than give you the honor of joining with my magnificent form. What do you intend to do, then, little shiners?<

Philokrates says, "I wish to know how you relate to the Gemborn, mighty and tremendous and intimidating Gurvald, and in what fashion they serve you."

>I found this place, in my travels, when still I was slim and weak. With my brothers, we conquered it, and it was my brilliant plan that wound its way into the souls of these worthless beasts, my brilliant spell that took control of their hearts and minds, and my genius that created their crystalline shelters while they work to glorify us! They are mine by right!<

Syme bites his tongue. But he's trying quite hard to keep his thoughts on the matter contained.

Philokrates looks skeptical, and glances aside to Syme. "He's not lying. Do you think it's as he says?"

Philokrates speaks vewwy quietly.

(Judge) Cathak Verei rolls 15: [ -1- -1- 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 8 8 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

(Judge) Syme rolls 12: [ -1- 2 2 4 7 7 8 8 8 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 10 successes.

>WHAT DID YOU SAY?!< The dragon actually sits up - how it can do so with such a bloated corpulent form is impossible to say - and roars, another ground-shaking roar that topples one of the crystal spires nearby. >HOW DARE YOU IMPLY THAT I KNOW NOT WHAT OCCURED?!<

Syme says, "Great One, Please"

Syme holds up another hand. "Your magnificence is so great that not even you are able to withstand it. So great that not even your memory is immutable when faced with such power and greatness and beauty."

Caol Tzun looks as if he might be ill

>Your 'PLEASE' fall on deaf ears!< It roars, >I HEARD HIM! HE BELIEVES ME A FOOL! YOU THINK ME A FOOL, DO YOU!?! YOU DO!< It rocks, its head lowering to stare at Syme. >Your pretty words are pretty words but my mind is sharper than ever!<

Syme crosses his arms. "Alright then. Do you want the truth? Free of equivocation? Free of pretty words?"

The dragon snorts another burst of gas. The hump on its back quivers.

Syme says, "The truth is: We remember things how we want to remember them. The truth is that nobody knows what happened five years ago, or a week ago, or yesterday. A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest, so no testimony, not even yours, is truly trustworthy."

Syme says, "The greater the man, the less he can be trusted, for his own greatness finds its way into his and others' memories. And it makes them into his legend. And while your legend is great, truly great, we did not come here to hear it."

The dragon sits, stunned by the very presumptuousness of it. It rears back again - or more accurately rocks back, flabby, stubby arms moving to attempt to reach its bloated chins and failing miserably.

(Judge) Syme rolls 20: [ -1- -1- 2 2 2 3 3 5 6 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 <10> <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 15 successes.

The dragon rocks forward again, the fat slumping over a couple gemborn - their screams of agony quickly end, if that's any comfort to the three Solars. >Then what did you come here to hear?< It rumbles.

Philokrates does *not* burst in to horrified laughter at that sight. Does not does not does NOT. Oh lord do not laugh do not laugh

Syme says, "We came here to learn the facts, if not neccessarily the /truth/. The distinction is surely not lost upon one as great and wise as you?"

>...yes.< The bloated thing replies, rolling onto its back; the remains of the shattered gemborn can be seen tinkling off its fat flabs. >The facts are important. The truth is not.< It nods upside-down, sending waves through its crystallesque flesh. >Those are the facts.<

Caol Tzun gapes open-mouthed in horror at the crushed gemborn and his eyes narrow malevolently at the huge thing in front of him who seems oblivious to the death he just caused.

Syme shakes his head "The truth is important. The truth is what you just told us. The facts are small and brown and dirty and grotty and almost certainly forgotten before too long. They aren't important to anyone. Except us."

>Yes. Yes. The facts are unimportant. The truth is not.< It nods again and rolls back over to give Syme a massive sniff. >That is the truth.<

Syme smells like sweat and paper. "Might anyone know the facts of what occured? Surly they're less impressive, and much less appropriate for a being of your greatness and magnitude, but for ues who ar esmaller, and lesser, and so very unimportant, the facts are a better fit."

Philokrates is watching Syme with some admiration. He navigates through the lair of lies without once touching the walls.

Philokrates gingerly stops one of the gemborn thralls from walking in to the reach of the all-smooshing flab folds.

>Morodoz claims he sees everything with his fancy -eye-.< The word 'eye' is 'rumbled' distastefully. >But you can't speak to him. You would curl up and die in his presence. Zygrydo may remember. If he hasn't drowned himself in his own river sleeping with his mouth open.<

Syme bows /low/ "Thank you, great one. Your wisdom and majesty are an inspiration to us all"

Philokrates notes that throughout the entire meeting, Gurvald never once mentioned or acknowledged the Gemborn - but what's more important is that Gurvald is clearly out of his mind, and to blame him for his condition seems uncharitable. His death might be necessary, but certainly not his condemnation.

Caol Tzun slips his hand inside his cloak and looks to Phil to see what his lead is going to be.

Philokrates gently shakes his head to Tzun. "Not yet," he says.

Gurvald shoos them away from his castle, the doors closing as the bloated dragon collapses into a fit of slumber loud enough to rock through the crystals. On shakey legs (except for Philokrates, ironically - the gemlord's word is good), the group winds away from the quaking crystalline structure, and Lylani curls down to provide them with guidance once more. Through the streets they go, the autonomous, more-or-less mindless gemborn constructing structures with sigils in praise to their great dragon lords.

 >You did not kill Gurvald,< Lylani flashes, >Have you come up with something more interesting?<

 The dragon weaves its way along above the streets, leading them to the quicksilver river. >Zygrydo dwells here. He will arise soon enough.< It peels away, flowing back to its proper place.

 The quicksilver river doesn't part. It doesn't shift, it doesn't change, but some of it - a part of it, perhaps - simply congeals, forming the great, eyeless dragon dripping with its poison metals and staring at them. Bubbles burst along its body as it 'speaks'.

 >Hello.< It says simply.

Philokrates looks to Syme. "You lead. You're good at this."

Philokrates says, "Caol - how are you holding up?""

Syme bows. "Hello. We come bearing questions. We spoke to Gurvald but he is... unacquainted with the particular breed of truth we require. However, he was sane enough to tell us that you might know better what we need to know."

Caol Tzun nods assuredly

The dragon bubbles, leaning over and dripping its liquid metal about the ground. >I'm surprised,< it blurbles, >That Gurvald is still in a state of mind to think properly must mean some of the fat in his head finally sank down into his tail like the rest of it.<

Philokrates says, "Before we speak further, I should warn you that I suffer from a psychological condition that causes me to infallibly detect lies, and respond to them with a murderous frenzy. I must urge you not to lie to us, and to instead simply refuse to speak on matters which are private. I apologize profusely."

Syme smiles. "Well, it tends to bubble back up whenever he tries to move. So as you might guess, we had some degree of difficulty getting /anything/ out of him that was of use."

>Except his putrid stench,< The Quicksilver Dragon notes, >I can feel his bloated moisture all over your sacks of flesh. And I will take the risk to lie if I please - though your warning is very thoughtful.<

 The dragon curls around, sinking back into the mercury. >Ask me. Let us see what I remember.<

Philokrates ponders what to ask.

>However.<

Philokrates says, "Can you estimate how long you and your dragon-kin have command-?"

>There is one little condition.< The dragon holds up a claw.

Philokrates grimaces.

>Don't look at me like that,< The dragon bubbles, bemused, >There's always one little condition.<

Philokrates says, "The smaller a condition is, the more arduous it usually seems..."

>Play a game with me.<

Syme smiles "What game? Is it riddles? I /love/ riddles."

Caol Tzun looks thoughtful for a moment and then seems acquire a grin from nowhere as if he might have reached an epiphany.

The dragon's claw lowers and paints two lines horizontal, then crosses them with two lines vertical. >It isn't. It's a fun game. I made it up in my spare time. I call it 'Xs and Os'. The object of the game is to get a line of three of your symbol. I'll be X.<

Philokrates says, "We won't be in any trouble if we lose or win?"

>No. I just want to play. The Gemborn are no good at it.<

Syme nods. "Well, great one, perhaps you could let us go first, since you created the game and know it so well?

>I also have a very fun game I like to call 'Dweller and Depths', but it's very involved, and I don't have any good stories yet - and you don't have a characte...oh. Yes. Very well.<

Syme nods "Very well. Gentlemen, let's begin with the top left corner, if that's alright?"

Philokrates says, "That sounds sensible."

Caol Tzun says, "Wouldn't be more tactically sound to take the center?"

Syme leans in to whisper to Caol

>When you decide, I will paint your symbol on. I wouldn't want you to die from touching my poison.<

>I don't really care if you do or not, but it will probably be a long time before anyone else wants to play a game with me.<

Syme smiles at Caol "See?"

Philokrates says, "...The center does seem like it would provide more options."

Philokrates says, "But I'll trust you here."

 Caol Tzun whispers back "Yes, that might work but if you take the center and then any one of the middle squares he'll be forced to block. Then you take the adjacent corner and he'll be forced to block one of your two paths to victory leaving the other open."

 

 Syme shakes his head. "That gets us a stalemate"

 

 Philokrates says, "Logically, there are only 3 possible positions - the center, a corner, or a side."

Caol Tzun shakes his head, "It's just a game, do it however you want."

Syme nods "Top left"

The dragon meticulously paints an 'O' on the top left, then paints an X in the center. >It is your turn.<

Philokrates says, "From a corner, :shakes his head. "From here, we can only stalemate."

Syme says, "Only if we keep making optimal moves."

Syme says, "let's confuse it with bottom right."

Philokrates raises an eyebrow.

>I can hear you, you realize< Zygrydo points out calmly.

>May I suggest a strategy?< The dragon offers. >If you are trying to stalemate, you should place it at the bottom left. If you are trying to confuse me, you should place it at the bottom right. If you are trying to win, you should place it at the bottom left.<

>Of course, I may simply be trying to confuse you with advice. Who knows?<

Syme says, "If we move to bottom left... he's right, That's the closest we have to a real strategy. Still a stalemate is almost inevitable."

>A flaw in my game.< Zygrydo admits. >But it is very difficult to properly playtest when you have no one else to play with. Perhaps sometime I will show you a game I made about red pieces and black pieces jumping over each other on a little board. I call it 'jumpers'.<

Philokrates says, "Perhaps if your kinfolk allowed the gemborn more volition, your games could be tested more easily."

>They have no imagination. Are you taking the bottom left?<

Syme says, "Actually, I have a counter-proposal."

Caol Tzun looks at the dragon curiously, "Do you really sleep with your mouth open?"

>I melt into the river.<

>What sort of counter-proposal do you offer me?< It inquires curiously.

Syme says, "I propose a truce. The condition is that both parties win. Which is better than a stalemate, where nobody wins."

Philokrates says, "I like this condition."

>But there is no penalty to losing and no reward for winning.< The dragon offers, sounding a tad confused, >Are you not having fun?<

Caol Tzun nods, "That's good to hear. I was originally worried that we wouldn't get to speak to you, as the fat one" Caol points back over in the direction of where they just were "said you had most likely drowned in your own drool."

Syme shrugs "A stalemate is no fun for anyone."

>Gurvald is fat and stupid and has no imagination.<

Philokrates says, "I'm afraid we've exhausted the decision-tree for this game already. Show us jumpers?"

Philokrates says, "It sounds more engaging."

Syme says, "Actually though, you know what I do find fun? Riddles. Do you like riddles? Any good at them?"

The dragon crosses his arms a bit petulantly. >Very well. I will have a board made so that you can play jumpers next time you visit me. Yes!< It bubbles eagerly, >I am quite good at riddles.<

Syme smiles. "Hm. There's one I've been working on for some time. We tested your game, will you test my riddle?"

>Yes. But riddles have to have a penalty.<

Syme says, "A penalty?"

Syme says, "For losing?"

>It's how the game works. We told riddles very often in the early days. The losers would be ripped to shreds.<

Philokrates says, "Hmm. I have a proposal."

Philokrates says, "Can you live without your heart?"

>No.<

Philokrates says, "Hmm."

Philokrates says, "Well, best if we don't bet that, then."

Syme says, "Could you get us the Fat One's heart?"

Syme says, "Or is betting another's life verboten?"

>Perhaps. If I lose, I have to kill Gurvald, then?<

Philokrates says, "And if you win, I give you my heart."

>I don't want your heart. What would I do with it?<

Syme says, "True."

Caol Tzun can't wait to see this one

Syme says, "Philokrates, give him your hands."

Philokrates says, "No!"

Syme says, "They're /quite/ good."

Philokrates says, "I need those for archery."

>If you lose, I will keep you all here for one year playing Delvers and Depths.<

Philokrates says, "And... most things."

Syme nods "That's fair."

Philokrates gawks.

Philokrates says, "A year?!?"

Syme says, "Don't worry Phil. I have a stumper."

>Then I hope you win,< The dragon trills, >You're asking me to kill my brother.<

>The least you can do is put up a year of your own life in exchange for fratricide.<

Caol Tzun says, "But you don't even like him"

Philokrates holds up his hands. "Wait. There is no need for such high stakes.

Philokrates says, "Let us lower them to something more agreeable."

Syme says, "Phil, don't you trust me?"

Philokrates says, "I am not yet ready to consign Gurvuld to death regardless."

Philokrates says, "I'm confident in your riddlesmithing, but I'm not yet ready to bloody the earth here."

Syme nods. "In that case, why don't we bet favours?"

Syme says, "A favour of the same magnitude of the earlier stakes?"

>Actually. I have another idea. Wait here.<

The dragon melts back into the quicksilver for a few moments before rising once more, something black clutched between its massive claws. >If you win,< it burbles, >I will give you my handwritten rules for Delvers and Depths. The magic between its covers might come in handy for you.< The dragon sniffs. >And if you lose, I want his legs. They are very interesting.<

>No one needs to die.<

Syme says, "If you do take his legs, could you perhaps wait until we have suitable replacements?"

Philokrates says, "No, it's alright."

Philokrates says, "I can make do for a time, and Issthok can make more. I'll owe him a favor, that's all."

Syme nods. "Then shall we begin, Dragon?"

>Very well then!< The dragon chirps, setting the black book down. The gold lettering is lovely - one wonders exactly how he wrote it, when his hands drip. >Zygrydo. Please. You are friends.<

Philokrates is genuinely flattered.

Syme clears his throat "I fill every glass in your pantry at one time or another. I'm in almost everything, from corn to the oceans, but not in the sun. I'm plentiful in times of scarcity, and I make the Baron of Freehold Quite Cross. What Am I?"

Syme says, "Three guesses."

>Well.< It corrects. >You are inter...hrm.< The dragon sits down.

>What is Freehold?< He asks after a moment.

Syme says, "No, No. Freehold isn't in corn, or the glasses in your pantry."

Syme says, "That counts as a guess, boy."

Philokrates swats Syme on the back of the head. "He was asking you to clarify the riddle, you knave!"

Philokrates says, "That doesn't count."

>No, I mean...would you tell me what Freehold is? That is a clear part of the riddle, and I do not understand it.<

Syme shrugs at Philokrates. "It counts. But fine. Freehold is a Province in the Empire of Vir Sidus. And I am its Baron."

>...is it thought?< He asks after a moment. >The glasses are half empty or half full, and everything supposedly thinks. Even you. Do you think?< The dragon asks, >Is it thought?< It looks quite pleased with its answer.

>Wait. Corn doesn't think.<

>I remember corn. Oh. Well. That is still a guess.<

Syme says, "And thought doesn't make me Cross. Try again."

>This is my last guess, isn't it?<

Philokrates says, "No, the first didn't count."

Philokrates looks sternly to Syme.

>The challenger chooses the rules,< The dragon offers wisely, >I am not a sore loser. A hint counts as an answer.<

>My last guess is air.<

Syme shakes his head "The Answer is "No Coffee".

Philokrates says, "Ah, I guessed air too."

Philokrates says, "Don't feel bad. I didn't get it correct either."

>It is a very amusing riddle. I will remember it for later.<

Syme explains: "There's coffee in the Sun. I gave him a mug last time I saw him."

Caol Tzun looks confused "How is coffee in corn?"

Philokrates says, "It isn't."

Syme shakes his head "It's not Coffee. It's "No Coffee"

The dragon nudges the black-bound book towards the group. >Take care of it. It is my prized posession.<

Syme says, "You append the negative to it because the natural tendency is to look for positives that fit."

Caol Tzun tsks

Philokrates says, "I will entrust it to a bookbinder and have a copy made for you."

>Oh, you don't need to. I remember the rules. I spent many days in my river thinking them up.<

Philokrates says, "Assuming, of course, that I am not ensnared in some form of all-encompassing catastrophe between now and then."

Philokrates pops open the book to see if he recognizes the language.

>I'll do what I did last time and dictate it to one of the Gemborn.<

Syme nods "True, but as you said, you are wanting for people to play with."

Syme says, "Perhaps it will become popular. Perhaps one day, a great convention of players will come to play with the dragon."

Syme says, "In that case, wouldn't a copy of the rules be useful?"

>I mean,< The dragon clarifies, amused, >I will dictate it to one of the Gemborn to write down.<

Philokrates says, "This is really more of a hobby than a game, from the looks of it."

Philokrates says, "This is really more of a hobby than a game, from the looks of it."

Syme says, "I'm worried about taking it up with us. It could destroy lives."

>I expect it is very funny, though perhaps the concept of ten-sided dice entertains me.<

Philokrates looks skeptically to Syme.

>And of course there are some places the rules are not quite adequate, but I am certain you will find solutions. However, I recommend you take it with you - the book itself is magic. The rules have properties, you see.<

Syme says, "Hey wait. This isn't fair. How come mortals can't be warriors /and/ wizards, but everyone else can?"

Philokrates says, "Very interesting."

>When you play it in your house, perhaps you can make that a rule.<

Syme says, "Mmph. I'd much rather you put it, and a bunch of other new edits, in."

>I will work on it. For now, though, I expect you want to speak to morodoz.<

Philokrates says, "Yes. Although I get the impression that is hazardous."

The dragon smiles. >My truth is a bit colored, I'm afraid, and would be of little use to you, as I have spent so long thinking of rules and games that my mind has caved in a bit.<

>It is. But Morodoz can be spoken to within the factory - tell Lylani to invite him down.<

>The smokestacks will keep you safe from his fumes, you see. It is an ingenious design.<

Philokrates says, "Quite."

>I apologize for my mild deception,< it adds, >I really did want to tell you what I knew, but I've forgotten now - I'm too busy thinking up ways to make Xs and Os better.< It bubbles, genuinely remorseful.

Syme says, "Actually, I do have a suggestion in that vein."

Philokrates says, "You did not have the intent to deceive, so I am not enraged to the point of murder. Do not be worried."

>One should not accidentally lie to friends.<

Philokrates says, "No, one should not."

Philokrates says, "But one should not kill people for *accidentally* lying."

>What suggestion do you have?< The dragon asks after nodding sagely at Phil's commentary.

Syme says, "imagine the grid isn't a horizontal plane, but a vertical one."

Syme says, "So your moves "fall" to the lowest unoccupied space in whatever column you put them in."

Syme says, "Increase the size of the grid, and the numbers you need to win. Say, six by six, four in a row."

>Very well.< The dragon nods. >That does sound entertaining. Perhaps I should have it connect more than three in that case. And I would need a bigger grid.< The dragon sinks back into the quicksilver, apparently deep in thought.

Syme nods. "Great minds think alike, I suppose." He smiles. "Good luck."

Philokrates says, "Well, that was weird. I like it."

Philokrates says, "Him. It. Whichever."

Philokrates glances to Caol. "What are your thoughts so far, friend?"

Caol Tzun points towards the river "His thoughts are as fleeting as the substance he seems to be made of. The fat one is insane. Neither seems to really care that much for their subjects. However I don't know the extent of that arrangement so who am I to judge? The one who has been escorting us around seems to be the schemer of the bunch. I can't wait to meet the one with poison breath."

Philokrates looks up. "Lylani is... Hrm. I do not know how to judge any of them. I suspect that, at present, the one best and most gracefully removed is Gurvuld, but there are two mysteries yet to resolve. Any advice, going forward?"

Caol Tzun looks thoughtful, "I don't know. I almost feel as if we are getting the runaround. Each dragon we talk to tells us to go talk to the next one. I wouldn't be surprised if they're all giggling at us behind our backs watching the humans scurry around at their behest. However I see little choice but to keep playing their game until some other alternative presents itself."

Syme says, "I don't think there's any malice in it. I think they're /lonely/. Lonly or mad."

Lylani meets them and, once more, leads them along the path to the factory. Fumes pour forth from great smokestacks, and twisted gemborn pound away at their anvils and their workings inside, like a great sweatshop of spiritual enslavement.

 And in the furnace itself is the dragon - a great smoggy beast with a single crystalline eye staring at the group, smoke pouring from his very skin.

 "Ah yes," it says, in a multitude of languages all at once, "Lylani told me you would be coming."

Syme clasps his hands and bites his tongue. This kind of thing always has rubbed him the wrong way. "There is another, but he'll be along in a moment. He wanted us to come first to explain his... difficulties. He suffers from a magical compulsion. If a lie is told in his presence, he goes mad with rage and tries to slaughter everything in sight."

"Oh. How dreary." Morodoz yawns, smog billowing from its mouth and obscuring everything but that glinting eye. "So what did you want to ask me? How we enslaved these little beasts, yes?"

Syme nods. "Something like that."

Caol Tzun looks around the factory, at Syme and then back at the dragon.

"Will it get you out of here? I hate being cramped up."

Syme nods "Possibly. We may have other questions."

The factory is full of Gemborn working mechanically on what looks like some sort of assembly line. It's impossible to tell what they're making - the crystal materials are too odd.

 "Very well," It yawns, "Ask away."

Syme nods "Could you explain the circumstances by which you came to have dominance over the Gemborn?"

"One of us found this cavern and the Jadeborn all locked away inside it - I don't remember which - and Lylani and Zygrydo crafted a spell to take control of their geas. Are they all this easy?"

Philokrates wanders in, about then. "Is it safe?"

Caol Tzun nods at Phil, "For the time being."

Philokrates bows respectfully to the smoke dragon.

"Are you the crazy one?" The dragon asks after a moment.

Philokrates says, "I am the crazy one."

Syme says, "Some might say all of us are mad."

Philokrates says, "Why are you all here, instead of the surface world, under the sun?"

"Lylani finds you funny. Are you funny?" The dragon cocks its head. "Tell me a joke."

Philokrates says, "Three men are at a bar. They are from the North, the West, and the South."

"Go on."

Philokrates says, "The man from the north calls to the barkeeper and says, "Give me the strongest drink you have!""

Philokrates says, "The bartender pours him a drink of potent liquor, he drinks it, and falls right over."

Philokrates says, "Then the westerner calls to the barkeeper and says, "I'll have that too!""

Philokrates says, "The barkeeper pours him a drink, he drinks it, and falls right over."

Philokrates says, "Then the southerner says, "I'll buy a round of that for everyone in the house!""

Philokrates says, "The bartender says, "You're crazy, you'll be dead broke!""

Philokrates says, "The southerner says, "You've never picked a drunk's pocket, have you?""

(Judge) Philokrates rolls Charisma + Performance + Performance: [ 2 2 3 3 5 5 8 8 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

The dragon chuckles. "You are funny." He tilts his head back at Syme. "The Unconquered Sun doesn't like us."

Syme shrugs at the dragon. "Why should I care about the Unconquered Sun?"

"You asked why we were down here. I don't care what you care about."

Syme shakes his head "No I didn't"

Philokrates says, "You swore an oath to remain here, then?"

Syme says, "I asked /how/ you came down here. And you answered."

"Oh. You asked me why." He points at Philokrates. "I can't tell you all apart. No. No oath."

Philokrates says, "You fear his wrath and the wrath of his agents, then?"

"Not really. But it's less troublesome."

Philokrates says, "It seems to have been hard on some of you. Gurvald especially."

"Who cares?" Morodoz asks, his eyes shining. "He annoys me."

Caol Tzun says, "Why doesn't the Unconquered Sun like you? Did you do something to offend him?"

Philokrates briefly envisions millions of hypothetical crimes and discards them as uncertain.

"We wear the shapes of his precious Elemental Dragons. And in our day, we seeded cults amongst his sweet Dragon Kings and his mortal humans. And ate them." Morodoz licks his lips, smoke leaking out between the teeth.

Philokrates says, "As you sometimes eat the gemborn."

Morodoz 'shrugs' his body, rippling up the smokestack. "We get hungry."

Philokrates says, "Tell us of your fifth brother, who has no name?"

"I'm fairly certain this was all his idea. He's really the leader. We don't talk about him much - he forced us into an oath not to. I'm not even certain he's still in this mountain anymore."

Philokrates says, "If we WERE to look for him, where would you recommend we seek?"

Philokrates says, "For I seek him."

"What for?" Morodoz asks, yawning again.

Philokrates says, "To speak with him on similar matters to those we now discuss."

"Why?" Morodoz asks, winding its way towards the exit of the smokestack. "I told you everything. What more do you need?"

Syme says, "Another Point of View"

Philokrates says, "No one mind holds the world within it. But amongst all the myriad perspectives of Meru, all of the shaped world dwells."

"Mortals." The dragon sighs. "Very well. I can't tell you that if he still lurks, he lurks around the deepest part of the cavern, and I can't tell you that the gemborn tend to supplicate him with food through a stairway under Gurvald's basement."

Philokrates says, "That is... too bad?"

"Yes. Too bad." Morodoz winds back upwards out of the factory, clearly indicating that he's bored of this game, and takes his place back in the peak.

Philokrates says, "Well..."

Philokrates says, "...Let us go beard the lion in his den."

Philokrates turns to Caol. "I think now we need your expertise. Can you find a way for us to get to that stairwell without having to confront Gurvald once again?"

Caol Tzun says, "I can try"

Caol Tzun says, "I'm pretty sure I can get to it but finding a way for all of us will be the challenge"

 

Philokrates says, "I have enough confidence in your ability that I will entrust this task to you. I am certainly not competent to it."

Syme nods "Nor am I"

Caol Tzun moves off back towards Gurvald's area.

-= OOC =- Caol Tzun says, "ok Verei, I'm gonna reactivate Easily Overlooked Presence Method and go searching for a discreet route to that stairwell"

(Judge) Caol Tzun rolls Perception + Larceny + 2: [ 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

After a while Caol returns with a satisfied look on his face. "I think I found a way in" he says. "There's a service or maintenance entrance around the back."

Syme nods "Let's go then, and meet the last one"

The hatch is easily reached. The real trouble will be getting inside under Gurvald's corpulent nose.

Philokrates and kin reek of the smoke-dragon by now - their true scents are well hidden, and the stink of smog must be common here by now.

The tremorsense will likely be more a problem than the nose.

(Judge) Caol Tzun rolls Dexterity + Athletics: [ -1- 2 2 5 5 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

Philokrates gathers up Syme in his strong, unclad arms, against his bare chest, and looks sternly down to his passenger. "Don't get the wrong idea," he says, falling forward and splashing through the stone, to arrive again on the other side, at his destination.

Caol Tzun makes his way back around to the service entrance again. Now it's obvious that he's in his element as his movements are practiced and fluid and he barely makes a sound. Pausing to make sure the coast is clear he slips in the entrance first confident in his skills to take point over his more noticeable companions. He pauses periodically to make sure all is well with them and occasionally pauses and motions them to wait or wave them on as needed.

Syme looks up at Phil. "Hey, I'm a happily married man" he mumbles quietly, reminding himself as much as he is Philokrates.

The inside of the little shrine is quite plain. A metal prayer plate - or perhaps some sort of altar - spikes out of the ground, but there's nothing else there.

Philokrates knows how this works. Phil slits his palm and bleeds on the altar.

There's a light rumble as the altar opens, licking up the blood. >Human. How interesting.<

Philokrates says, "More than that. Solar. Arise from the darkness and speak to we representatives of the sunlit world."

Caol Tzun looks around to see if he can find the source of the voice

It seems to be coming from everywhere. >No.< The voice says simply. >I am under no oaths to you, Solars. You will have to make do with this.<

Philokrates says, "You spurn me at your peril, then. Have you tracked us, while we wnadered in thsi mountain? Do you know what we have been doing?""

>It was my idea.<

>I compelled each of my brethern to point you at the next, I compelled Lylani to listen to your offer. I even urged Gurvald to crush the Gemborn. Not that they realize it.<

Philokrates furrows his brow.

Philokrates says, "Why?"

>Why not?< It asks after a moment. >That isn't the reason, of course, but I doubt you could comprehend.<

Syme says, "Is it because you're bored?"

>Not really. I have plenty of things to play with. Except that ridiculous Delvers and Depths nonsense. What a bunch of idiocy from a predictable idiot.<

>I urged him to give you his book just to get rid of it. If I hear another word about that stupid game, I might snap and kill him.<

Syme says, "So why, then? And don't patronize us again, it maks me very cross."

Syme says, "So why, then? And don't patronize us again, it maks me very cross."

Philokrates says, "You play with living creatures like toys, with no care for their needs. I could have slain them at any time... But you compelled them to be honest, didn't you? Lest I go mad and ruin your game...""

>Just like No Coffee.<

>I did. I do. I am not their brother.<

Philokrates says, "What are you?"

>I am their creator. They are mere aspects of my existence.<

Philokrates says, "You immitate something vaster than yourself."

>I suppose. Why shouldn't I? It's amusing.<

Philokrates says, "And if you were to die, it would end them as well?"

>I don't know.<

Philokrates says, "If... they were to change... would it change you?"

Philokrates says, "Are they reflections of your identity, or embodiments of it?"

>I doubt it.<

>I don't know.<

Philokrates closes his hand, cutting off the flow of blood.

Philokrates turns to Caol and Syme. "Let's go. We'll return another time - or I will. I know now where I'll seek a heart."

>Tell Barker hello for me.<

Philokrates says, "I will."

>It's been some time since I played with him.<

Syme blinks "Barker? Who's Barker?"

Philokrates says, "I'll explain when we're beyond the reach of this thing."

Syme nods "Very well. Let's go."

Caol Tzun says, "That's fine with me. I suddenly feel dirty."