The dragon surges upright beneath the stone shelf and unleashes a deafening roar. It rolls across the ridge toward Devia as dust and loose shale tumble around Dagg and Tarna.
Dagg holds his ground beside Tarna. The dragon does not launch; its golden eyes remain fixed on them while its wings stay folded over the nest behind it.
Tarna keeps her shield lowered and her rune-marked hammer ready. Together, they continue their slow, visible approach along the broken stone, giving the dragon no reason to mistake caution for concealment.
Dagg Nabbitt
We ask for an audience. We came to understand your purpose, not to challenge your claim.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
We come openly, and we will respect your territory while we speak. Show us where you would have this audience.
The dragon answers with a second, deeper rumble that vibrates through the ridge. Then it sweeps one broad wing toward a narrow ledge beside the nest, claiming the place and the terms without words.
The ledge lies above a steep drop, barely wide enough for the giant and the rancher to stand together. The dragon’s gaze returns to them, waiting to see whether they accept its invitation.
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“[Dagg whispers to Tarna} You know they say dragons are intelligent but it choosing to fly over here where we can only approach head on in a straight line where fire could be used at anytime, really does show how smart they are. {The dragon speaks up and says, us dragons also have great hearing too} I am sorry sir Dragon, I mean no offense. {Dagg sputters out} {The dragon responds, "I am Valtor, Why have you two come seeking a conversation with a dragon" His voice bellowing off the cliff side.}”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Dagg Nabbitt
You know, they say dragons are intelligent. Choosing a ledge where we can only approach head-on, with fire ready at any moment, really does show it.
Valtor
We dragons have excellent hearing as well.
Dagg Nabbitt
I am sorry, sir dragon. I mean no offense.
Dagg’s old caution fills the words with wary respect, every tale of dragon fire and hidden power pressing at his judgment. Yet his instinct for peace keeps the apology steady rather than defensive.
Dagg Nabbitt
We came to understand your purpose and speak for Devia’s safety, not to challenge your claim.
Valtor
I am Valtor. Why have you two come seeking a conversation with a dragon?
His bellow rolls along the cliff face. The apology succeeds, but its blunt beginning leaves Valtor measuring Devia’s protectors more carefully, a suspicion Dagg must now overcome through candor.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish peaceful terms with Valtor
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“well you must know that when a dragon is sighted in an area, it scares people. There are alot of bad dragons out there and not all are peaceful. {Dagg says staring at the four legged vast adult dragon with dusky bronze scales, swept-back horns, broad folded wings, and a long spined tail} We just want to know your intentions or if we are looking at buffalo dragon wings for dinner tonight? {Dagg says with a little bit pride ad hurtfulness in order to gauge a proper response from the dragon, a dragon who laughs may be of no harm but a dragon who takes it as a threat may be a dangerous foe.}”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
You must know that a dragon sighted near settled lands frightens people. Too many dragons are dangerous, and not all choose peace. We need your intentions, or whether we are looking at buffalo dragon wings for dinner tonight.
The joke lands against the mountain’s silence. Dagg’s relaxed rancher’s bluntness needles Valtor, but his promise of peaceful purpose keeps the words from becoming a challenge, leaving the dragon room to answer without surrendering face.
Valtor
Buffalo dragon wings? Your people season their courage with strange humor. I could take that as a threat, but I hear the question beneath it.
Valtor’s golden eyes narrow, then his throat shakes with a deep, rolling laugh. The sound remains powerful enough to stir dust from the ledge, yet his folded wings do not open and his claws stay planted.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
That is an answer worth hearing. Dagg asked whether Devia faces a hungry predator, and you have chosen to explain rather than strike.
Valtor
I do not hunt Devia. I claimed this ridge because my clutch is near hatching, and I require quiet stone, clear air, and no armed trespassers. I will defend the nest if your people approach it.
The purpose is plain: Valtor is protecting an imminent hatch, not preparing a raid. But Dagg’s barb has cost him easy trust, and the dragon now expects Devia’s protectors to carry his boundary as a favor owed.
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“And how are we to be sure your clutch wont be dangerous. I know Bronze dragons are supposed to be Lawful and Good, but will you clutch bear your scales or scales of another? {Dagg says while staring up at this four legged vast adult dragon with dusky bronze scales, swept-back horns, broad folded wings, and a long spined tail.}”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Dagg Nabbitt
How are we to know your clutch will not be dangerous? Bronze dragons are said to be lawful and good, but will these hatchlings bear your scales or another’s?
Dagg keeps his voice even, though old tales and darker superstitions make every dragon’s promise feel like a warning with scales. His caution sharpens the question, but his peaceful purpose keeps it respectful.
Valtor
A fair question, rancher. You have heard that bronze dragons are lawful and good, yet you rightly ask for more than a proverb.
Valtor lowers his head until one golden eye meets Dagg’s gaze. The dragon’s wings remain folded, and the nest behind him stays undisturbed beneath the stone shelf.
Valtor
They will bear my bronze scales and my nature. They will be hatchlings, not raiders. I will teach them that Devia’s roads and farms lie beyond our boundary, and I will answer for their conduct.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Then we have what we came for: his word, his boundary, and his promise to answer for the young. That is enough to protect Devia without provoking his nest.
Quest Complete
Dagg NabbittEstablish peaceful terms with Valtor
Skill Upgrade: Lore (Local) Great→Superb