Deep within his volcanic domain, King Ghidorah hears heavy unrest rolling from the nearby town. His three heads turn together toward the clamoring, and his vast wings beat him into the smoke-filled sky.
He reaches the village moments later. The fighting has ended, leaving three townsfolk dead in the road and shattered carts pressed against the square’s blackened stones.
A royal courier, with a weathered, narrow face and a crooked nose stands among the aftermath, a lean middle-aged man in a red-trimmed riding coat, ash-gray hair tied at his neck. One brass signet glints on his raised hand.
Edric Vale
This could have been avoided.
The courier lowers his hand and turns, finally seeing the gigantic three-headed dragon behind him. His face drains of color, but he does not run.
Edric Vale
You arrived after the battle. If you seek payment, great one, speak before the town blames you for it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what caused the battle in the village
“I tell the courier, “Man, this place looks like it’s gone through hell! But a sudden riot? Motive or not, that ain’t right… What happened here?””
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
King Ghidorah
Man, this place looks like it’s gone through hell! But a sudden riot? Motive or not, that ain’t right. What happened here?
His three voices roll across the square with draconic force, making the broken carts tremble. The demand holds steady, though a brief hesitation catches in his throats before the courier answers.
Edric Vale
I am Edric Vale, royal courier. The riot began when strangers claimed the dead had been marked by a curse, then accused the town of hiding its source.
Edric glances toward the three bodies and the scorched stalls. His brass signet shakes once before he closes that hand into a fist.
Edric Vale
They turned fear into blame. Someone shouted that the crown had abandoned them, and the square erupted. I saw no royal order behind it, and no proof of any curse.
The explanation settles the question, but the strain leaves the great dragon’s composure visibly frayed. Edric notices, yet keeps his gaze level beneath the three heads.
Edric Vale
You did not cause this, great one. You arrived after the fighting. But whoever started it may still be among those who fled.
Quest Complete
Learn what caused the battle in the village
“I cross my giant arms and calmly ask, “Are you certain that the culprit was among those that fled?””
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled -1)
King Ghidorah
Are you certain the culprit was among those who fled?
King Ghidorah crosses his giant arms and holds still. His draconic heritage lends the three-headed dragon an ancient, commanding poise, steadying his calm question despite the square’s stench of ash.
Edric Vale
Certain? No. I saw frightened strangers run, but I could not tell whether the one who began the accusation ran with them.
The admission answers him plainly, yet maintaining that measured composure costs something. A faint pause catches between Ghidorah’s voices, and Edric notices the hesitation.
Edric Vale
I can swear only to what I witnessed. The strangers entered together, stirred the crowd, and fled when the first blades came out.
Edric’s gaze shifts toward the narrow road beyond the square, where footprints and scattered ash lead away between shuttered homes.
Edric Vale
If you want the truth, great one, follow that trail. It is the only certainty this ruin has given us.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the stranger who started the accusation
““Very well.” I tell Edric. “But the pay better be generous. Or I’ll reconsider assisting the people again next time…””
SUCCESS (Fair Intimidation, rolled +1)
King Ghidorah
Very well. But the pay better be generous, or I’ll reconsider assisting the people again next time.
Ghidorah’s three throats deepen the warning into a thunderous chord. His draconic heritage shows in the ancient authority of his posture and the instinctive dread his vast, scaled presence commands.
Edric Vale
Generous, then. I will record your service under royal seal and secure a payment from the crown’s treasury, not mere village coin.
Edric’s fear remains, but practical relief steadies his narrow face. He raises the brass signet toward the ash-choked road, making the promise feel official rather than desperate.
Edric Vale
Bring me whoever led them, and I will name the amount before witnesses. Follow the trail now, and the bargain begins with their capture.
Beyond the square, fresh footprints break through the ash toward the shuttered homes. Edric steps aside, leaving the road open while his signet catches the dull volcanic light.