Music and celebration fill Devia’s town circle beneath bright banners. Tarna stands newly named Captain of the Guard while Elbee and the mayor watch the cheering crowd with pride.
A black raven, an adult bird with glossy feathers, a hooked beak, and bright beadlike eyes, sweeps down through the singing and settles on Dagg’s shoulder. Its claws grip a fresh folded note sealed with dark wax.
As the note opens, the nearest laughter falters. Ink describes a dragon, a vast adult dragon with dusky bronze scales, swept-back horns, broad folded wings, and a long spined tail, nesting in a small mountain ridge near Devia, close enough to threaten the town and surrounding farms.
The Mayor
A dragon near the ridge changes the meaning of every road and pasture beyond these walls. Captain, we must learn whether it is merely settled or preparing to hunt.
Elbee
The farms will hear this before sunset, if the wind carries even one roar. We can keep the celebration calm, but people will need a clear word from both of you.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Then let Devia hear the truth, not frightened guesses. I will protect these people, but I would rather understand the dragon before anyone provokes it.
The last drumbeat fades. Hundreds of faces turn toward Dagg and Tarna, while beyond the rooftops the distant ridge lies quiet beneath the afternoon sky.
+ New Item Acquired
Dragon warning note
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“{Tarna speaks up, telling the town about this dragon, warning them to hide if they hear any unknown screeches and not to be out after dark. She then tells the town, that as the new guard captain, she is taking full responsibility of dealing with this beast. She looks at Dagg} {Dagg says} Well it seems like we are off to find out what this dragon wants.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Devia, listen carefully. If you hear unknown screeches, hide indoors and keep away from the roads. Do not travel after dark. As your new Captain of the Guard, I take full responsibility for dealing with this beast and learning whether it threatens you.
Her warning settles over the circle with the weight of a shield. The crowd quiets, then begins organizing itself, families drawing closer together while guards point toward the safest streets and Elbee nods approval.
The Mayor
You have heard Captain Tarna. Until we know the dragon’s purpose, Devia will use caution, not panic. Follow her instructions and report every unfamiliar sound.
The mayor’s order gives the warning lawful shape. The celebration does not vanish, but it changes into watchful preparation, with the townsfolk ready to shelter rather than scatter.
Dagg Nabbitt
Well, it seems like we are off to find out what this dragon wants.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Then we go prepared, and we go openly. If it can be reasoned with, we will learn that before steel answers for us.
The crowd answers with steady applause instead of frightened shouting. Elbee gathers the invitation and note, while the mayor begins assigning watches, and Tarna turns toward the road with Dagg beside her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what the dragon wants
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“I gather Tarna and head openly toward the mountain ridge.”
SUCCESS (Good Athletics, rolled +2)
Dagg gathers Tarna and leaves Devia openly, taking the ridge road beneath the watchful banners. Tarna walks beside him with shield and hammer ready, her stride steady and unhidden.
Dagg guides them along quiet routes through the outer fields, using folds in the ground to avoid needless alarm while still keeping the road visible. His long bow and magic-imbued arrows remain ready.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
We approach openly, as promised. Let the dragon see protectors coming, not hunters creeping toward its home.
The climb steepens over broken stone. Dagg knots ranch ropes between sturdy outcrops, fashioning a handline that helps Tarna cross the loose slope without sending shale rattling below.
Dagg Nabbitt
Old stories make every dark cleft worth checking.
By afternoon, they reach the mountain ridge. Below a shelf of stone, a vast adult dragon rests on all four legs, its dusky bronze scales gleaming, swept-back horns framing its head, broad wings folded against its sides, and long spined tail curled behind it.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
There it is. We have arrived openly. Now we learn whether it wants peace, territory, or something else.