Appearing Characters: Alexstrasza, Dagran Thaurissan II, Elissa Cross, Gilveradin Windrunner, Liiraluma, Muradin Bronzebeard, Teemo Manabrake, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Victor Prestor, Yrdenastrasz
November 29th
Vel spent some time talking to Dagran, who had apparently stolen one of the Dark Iron mole machines to travel from Shadowforge but had run out of fuel and had to abandon it in Elwynn Forest before going to find Karazhan. He specified it had been a month or two since he left home.
Overall, Dagran was afraid that the Dark Iron were seeking to summon Ragnaros to bolster their strength and take Ironforge again, and it seemed his mother had been alright with the idea, but he had to wonder if that was only because she wanted to get revenge on her father.
He also offered that Daval Prestor and Victor had visited Shadowforge directly once, and there had been Twilight’s Hammer cultists that had arrived and they had been the one that had been applying pressure to summon Ragnaros.
After dinner, the group gathered to make their plans, and Vel spoke up there was actually something she wanted to talk about that she had tried to speak on in Stromgarde, but ultimately the conversation had been derailed by the comments about what they were doing being classified as insane.
She added she didn’t particularly like what they were doing being classified as such, as ultimately it was a matter of things that needed to be done that they happened to be capable of doing, but she ultimately decided not to dwell on the notion overly long.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But… I did want to ask why we are calling what we are doing easy?
Luma looked over at Uther.
Uther Menethil says: Well I know it’s not easy!
Velameestra Windrunner says: Then… why are we telling other people it is? I… know that the off-the-cuff statement in Stromgarde was a joke, about us having saved so many kingdoms it no longer felt special, but… Strom was special. We had accomplished it with… almost no death. All of these victories… have had a cost.
Uther Menethil says: Well…
Liiraluma says: Same reason I don’t love the “I’m just a little guy” sort of talk?
Uther Menethil says: Just a little guy?
Liiraluma says: At one point or another you had called yourself an average person, and I don’t think that’s true of any of us. But I addressed that some time ago. This is just another version of that.
Uther Menethil says: I suppose it wouldn’t be incorrect to call it false bravado… but the work that needs done requires the support of considerably more people than I would be able to interact with personally. The overwhelming majority of people I will need will only know me by what they hear others say. I don’t like it… but I don’t get to choose whether or not I am to be a symbol… and I think it helps when the people who have met me are asked by strangers what Uther Menethil was like, I want them to be able to say he makes the impossible seem easy.
Vel gave a considering nod.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It… makes sense, and I think you’re… correct, in a lot of ways, but… it’s easy for the people that haven’t lost anyone. What are the people that have lost loved ones going to think if what we have accomplished is being touted as easy? Just for instance… if the cost of Stromgarde’s victory was Vittoria’s life, and no one else’s, would that have still been an easy victory?
Uther’s mouth opened in shock as he considered not only a horrifying notion, but also what others would think if their own were among those lost while the prince that saved the day was flippant about their loss. His brow furrowed and he reached to scratch his beard, but he raised his hand further and touched the scar on his eye.
Uther Menethil says: That’s a very important perspective Vel. You’ve given me a great deal to think about.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I think there’s… merit. In letting people think they’re safe. That a hero will save the day. I simply think it is also a disservice if we do not treat what we’re doing without the recognition for the lives lost. Especially going into Stormwind… there is…
She trailed off for a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: People like Onyxia… they are people who are loved. They are not just faceless enemies. Things are complicated.
Uther Menethil says: Given just a few weeks ago we were fighting the Scarlet Crusade, I know that keenly.
Vel flinched faintly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Yeah. But even too… fighting a dragon in the midst of a city center, there will be people that die. No matter how prepared we are. So. We should just handle it carefully.
Uther Menethil says: Agreed.
Vel confirmed that was all she wanted to say, and Uther thanked her for her perspective and for being able to bring it to his attention.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of course. I see who you are, Uther, I want strangers to see the same.
Vel also filled them in on the news she had received from Valeera before everyone dispersed for the night.
That evening, Vel cast [Dream] on Uther to spirit him to Muradin. Uther conjured up a replica of the Helping Hand tavern as the chosen dreamscape, and before long, the wide form of Muradin appeared.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: What the bloody ‘ell is this?
He looked over and saw Uther.
Uther Menethil says: A dream, old friend!
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Must be a great dream if you’re here lad!
He strolled over and clasped Uther’s hand.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: We heard about your miraculous recovery! It’s good to see you again, lad.
Uther Menethil says: You as well!
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I don’t know if I’m technically supposed to be talking to you given we aren’t part of the Alliance anymore, but–
Uther Menethil says: Does the Alliance dictate friendships?
Muradin smiled.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: My thoughts exactly! And you know I’ve never been one for politics!
Uther Menethil says: I don’t blame you. Unfortunately, politics is something of the reason I’m here.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Of course it is…
Uther Menethil says: Well, truth be told, I’m not as versed in the history of your people and the Dark Iron as I probably should be, but I do have a bit of information that I think you may be able to help me digest.
Muradin’s brow furrowed.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: What business have been you gettin’ into with the Dark Iron, lad? Bad news, they are.
Uther Menethil says: That’s what they told me about the trolls!
Muradin cocked his head to the side curiously.
Uther Menethil says: I’ve made a number of friends.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: You don’t say.
Uther Menethil says: And not one to place all my eggs in one basket, but… I believe that there’s a chance for peace between the Strom and the trolls.
Muradin chuckled.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Well, that would be quite a surprise.
Uther Menethil says: The seeds have been planted, they only need nurtured.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: And you’re hoping that might be possible with the Dark Irons?
Uther Menethil says: I certainly hope so.
Uther took a breath.
Uther Menethil says: Moira has an heir.
Muradin’s face contorted in shock and tenderness.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Oi… of course she has a wee one. And what’s she hoping to do with them?
Uther Menethil says: Well, to be honest, I’m more concerned about what the child plans to do.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: You spoke to them?
Uther Menethil says: Good lad. Kind. Driven in pursuits, I don’t know that there’s any desire for leadership, but… by no stretch of any imagination would this lad be considered evil. In fact, he’s come to us seeking aid.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: He came to you?
Uther Menethil says: Well. Came to where I am staying and found me, I suppose.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: And what’s the lad’s mum and da think of that?
Uther Menethil says: Couldn’t say, I don’t imagine they’d be pleased.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: So he ran away then. Oi…
He put a hand on his head and sank into a seat.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: So we got a runaway lad and…
Uther Menethil says: And a fight against the Lord of the Elemental Plane of Fire?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: You mean Ragnaros?
Uther Menethil says: That’s the one.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Those fire-mad soot brains! You don’t mean they are trying to call him again?
Uther Menethil says: While I’m certain some are, I don’t believe they are the ones who stand to benefit from his return. I think they’re being used.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: For the last 300 years they have been his slaves, ever since they called him in a last-ditch effort to wipe me own ancestors off the map. They don’t have much say. They’ve been slaves to the Firelord since. It don’t matter what they want, it never has. And now the ash-addled sycophants have gotten their talons into sweet Moira! And now they’ve got this lad. Ugh, what a mess. Magni ain’t gonna be happy…
Uther Menethil says: Would you mind if I engaged you in a hypothetical, Muradin?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I don’t see why not. Is there a tap at this strange dream bar?
Uther Menethil says: Absolutely!
Uther hopped behind the bar and got a huge stein of pumpkin ale that he set down in front of Muradin.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Now you’re speaking my language, lad!
Uther Menethil says: Not long ago, I had to fight my own people. I don’t imagine the details made it as far as whatever your agents have managed to glean, but humans who believed they were doing the right thing began what was a campaign of tyranny and control. I don’t know how far it would have gotten, but the trajectory was a very… human supremacist mindset. Fortunately my companions and I prevailed, but if we hadn’t, and this regime took power… once the borders were secure with no enemy within and they needed an enemy without, and they turned to the dwarves… would that change your opinion of all humans?
Muradin considered for a moment.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I suppose it would matter how many of them ended up siding with their campaign. How many would try to do something to stop it.
Uther Menethil says: Let's say more than half, but not all.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: What are you getting at, lad?
Uther Menethil says: My people are short-lived, Muradin, I cannot understand what centuries-long memories look like. But in my short time, I have traveled more of the world than most of my kind. And I couldn’t tell you how many different cultures I’ve encountered. All different. But the differences are largely superficial, because there are similarities as well. We eat different food and create different art, we have different rituals we practice for comfort and faith… we wear different clothes and use different tools. We’re susceptible to different dangers and live different lifespans. But the things we have shared… we all eat, we all like to do that in a group, we have communities, we all love our families. Perhaps not every individual, but we all want our children to have a better life than we did. And we’re all deathly terrified of our loved ones being taken away from us. And some of the best people I have known have succumbed to that fear and allowed it to motivate them to do things that our younger selves would never dream of doing.
Muradin took a swig of the ale.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: And that applies to all of us. To Magni. To Moira. And even to this wee lad and his sorcerer dad…
Uther Menethil says: Yes.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Alright, lad, you got me, what did you come here for other than to tell me about my new great-nephew?
Uther Menethil says: So long as we are fractured, our chances of surviving the assault from the Legion are low. After we have hopefully managed to defeat Ragnaros and the Dark Iron are freed, it is my intention to bring Stormwind and Ironforge back into the fold.
Muradin sighed.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I think you’re jumping a few steps, lad. That’s a great ideation, and I’d love to see it myself, but, well… you’re right. If the Dark Iron are trying to summon Ragnaros again, it will be more than their mountains that burn, I can only imagine if they tried to release him on Khaz Modan, on Grim Batol… on Aerie Peak… maybe more. There are few alive that lived to see the Firelord when he first came, but that’s not something anyone should want to see. And if this young prince has come to you… and you’ve come to me… speak plainly, lad, what is the lad trying to do? What do you need me for?
Uther Menethil says: The boy wants to talk to his grandfather.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Oi… I was afraid of that.
Uther Menethil says: Something… please be careful with who you share this information, Muradin, but yours and Stormwind’s departure from the Alliance was orchestrated.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Aye, anyone with eyes could see that. That display when Dagran and Moira challenged my brother before everyone, it’s hard to say it was anything else.
Uther Menethil says: They are tools. Daval Prestor wants the Alliance fractured.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: So he can stack the power for himself, aye?
Uther Menethil says: This is correct, almost… Daval Prestor is not who he says he is.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: How do you mean?
Uther Menethil says: Daval Prestor is the black dragon aspect, Deathwing.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: …Okay. I didn’t know what half those words meant, but you mean to tell me that the High King of the Alliance is a bloody black dragon?
Uther Menethil says: It might be more accurate to say the black dragon.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Is that what Aspect is then? Biggest and scariest?
Uther Menethil says: Considerably more ancient and powerful than… well, I’m not as studied in the field as some of my companions… but the line between a dragon aspect and a god seems thin.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Great, and if this was all orchestrated, that would make sense… there’s plenty of black dragons around the Gorge and the Steppes… oh… great. Just great. So. I’m guessing you’re hoping to get us back to take down the big black dragon, then, yeah?
Uther Menethil says: I believe it’s a necessary step for the survival of our world, yes.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Well, you certainly didn’t come here asking small favors, did you? Look, I… can’t make any promises. But… if you and the lad need to meet with Magni, I can pull some strings to make it happen. We can let him know about this one step at a time. The dragon business can wait. We have to be focused on this business with his lass and his new grandson and his old rivals… But we can make it work. I don’t know how he’s going to respond to the lad, but as it turns out, the only way to find out is to do it. I’m in Grim Batol right now on some ambassador business. Staying with Thane Yrden. As it happens, he’s been looking into some business… though the upper levels of Grim Batol have been cleansed of the curse, the depths of the mountain have all sorts of nasties in it. One last parting gift from the old Thaurissen’s queen. When the Wildhammer came down on her, she made sure Grim Batol would be uninhabitable for a long time. There was a dragon that made it its nest, and the Wildhammer only recently reclaimed it. Recently in, uh… from a dwarven perspective. He’s been doing what he can to cleanse the rest of the stronghold. It’s quite fascinating, really, but there’s some nasty business down there… but it has to do with black dragons, which may be of interest to you.
Uther Menethil says: Interest, yes… I don’t know why I’m surprised.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Yrden has been a lot more involved. He got his thaneship helping to reclaim the place.
Uther Menethil says: I’m certain we have some time before our eventual excursion into the… Firelands. I’ll speak with my companions in the morning.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I don’t know where you are, but I can stay here a bit longer if you need. I suppose I look forward to meeting my great-nephew. Keep me posted, lad.
Uther Menethil says: I will. Though I suppose it wasn’t as if you had a choice, I do appreciate you speaking with me.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Aye. I’m glad to see you again, lad. That was quite a scare you gave everyone, but I’m glad the rumors of your death were greatly exaggerated.
Uther Menethil says: People try, it doesn’t stick!
Muradin Bronzebeard says: If you see your old man, give him my wishes, would you?
Uther Menethil says: I certainly will.
They shared some tales for the rest of the evening before it was time to wake.
November 30th
The next morning, Uther shared the information with the rest of the party.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You said Yrden?
Uther Menethil says: I did.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Ah, okay. We’ve met!
Liiraluma says: Who?
Luma looked boredly up from breakfast.
Velameestra Windrunner says: One of the leaders of the dwarves.
Liiraluma says: Ah.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But if there is black dragon influence in the depths of Grim Batol, it may be worth investigating. That will also give Muradin time to set up a potential meeting with Magni.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I wouldn’t mind checking up on Grim Batol either. It could be a pretty big target, actually. Part of it has been reorganized into a hatchery.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Oh. I’m assuming Yrden knows about that?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I would hope so, they are his kids.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Ah. I guess it is doubly worth checking then. In that case, once we are finished preparing, I should be able to scry on Muradin with little issue and we can be on our way.
Vel shot Muradin a brief sending, and Gil opted to inform Yrden separately they were going to be on their way. Vel then set off to the library to fetch Dagran and inform him they would be going to Grim Batol first to speak with Muradin, as he was their key to actually get a meeting with Magni.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: I get to meet one of the famed Bronzebeard brothers! I’ve read all about them! Do you… do you think he’ll like me?
Vel smiled faintly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I believe he’ll love you. If there are any books you want to finish reading, feel free to pack them up. I know you’ll take care of them, and I can bring them back when we part ways.
Dagran hurried to gather his things and he asked her if they were going to use teleportation magic to get to Grim Batol. Vel confirmed they were after she scryed Muradin.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: That’s so exciting! I never got to use a teleportation spell before!
As he and Vel returned to the group she advised him to hold onto something, and Luma piped up to add that included his stomach. Teemo informed Luma that she would go find the mole machine Dagran left in Elwynn Forest, and Luma wanted to go and find it too, but ultimately accepted they wanted to go to Grim Batol to meet with the dwarves.
With a surge of magic, Vel released the teleportation spell and the group, along with Victor and Elissa, disappeared. They reappeared next to Muradin, who had gone to stand somewhere in the open within Grim Batol. It was a warm and expansive subterranean city. The first thing they saw was gryphons flying through the skyways between the various aeries. There was a long causeway that had bridges that went across canals of magma that were a source of heat.
Several eyes turned to the group as they appeared in the middle of the boardwalk.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Oh what, you never seen teleportation magic before? Go on! Move along!
The staring dwarves did indeed move along.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Great to see all of you! And to meet some of you!
Luma was looking over at the various streams of lava with fascination and waved in a half-hearted greeting, their focus clearly elsewhere. Muradin looked at Dagran.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: You must be the lad.
Dagran straightened up.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: Great to meet you, mister Bronzebeard! My name is Dagran.
Muradin furrowed his brow and put a hand on his shoulder.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Nice to meet you, lad, but please just call me Muradin.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: You sure?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I’m sure.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: As you say! Mister Bronze– I mean, Muradin!
Muradin handed Dagran a cloth and told him to wear the cowl, as he didn’t want him to draw any unwanted attention immediately. Dagran agreed and thanked him again.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Alright. Muradin Bronzebeard, at your service for those of you I haven’t met before. Ambassador of the Bronzebeard Clan and brother to the king, but I guess I’m here to give you a bit of assistance when we get back to Ironforge. Need to set up a meeting with the king, aye?
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s correct. I’m sure Uther appraised you on everything?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Aye, he did. How are we getting back to Ironforge? The old fashioned way, or do you have some magic?
Vel said that they could probably get back via way of flight, and Muradin sighed and said they could probably take some gryphons, but Vel corrected that they would be flying themselves and could likely arrive in a day.
Muradin was not pleased by the idea, but admitted he couldn’t argue with how fast that was. Muradin gestured for them to follow him and he started to lead them through the halls of Grim Batol.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I believe Yrden was taking care of some business in the throne room before he went to join his wife down in the depths.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’m sorry, who’s here?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Yrden’s wife. She’s been helping with the research into the corruption.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Oh. Alright.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: She’s a pretty talented shaman from Northeron, and she’s been doing a great deal of work here from what I can understand.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah, I’ve heard good things.
They arrived in a large hall where there was a massive throne where the monarch would handle business. There were also some additional seats where senators would sit to discuss business. There was a grizzled looking dwarf that was simply dressed for a thane, and he had bright orange hair. His clothing was sleeveless to show ornate his complex tattoos.
He was speaking to a few of the other dwarves concluding their business, as he had a meeting with ambassador Bronzebeard and the rest of his crew.
The other dwarves passed by the group and Yrden turned to address them.
Yrden Firebeard says: A pleasure to meet all of you. I am Thane Yrden Firebeard, it’s good to welcome you here.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: These individuals are… well, they are juggling a lot of stones at the moment, but one of those stones happens to be a black dragon, and given your experience and what you’re doing in the depths, you might be better able to talk to them.
Yrden Firebeard says: You don’t say. I’d be happy to share what information I know.
Yrden smiled.
Yrden Firebeard says: What would you like to know?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It was mentioned there is still corruption in the depths of Grim Batol… is that black dragon influence?
Yrden Firebeard says: It is, but not that alone. During the War of the Three Hammers, the Sorcerer-Thane attempted to march on Khaz Modan while his queen, Modgud, sought to take Grim Batol from the Wildhammer. While the Bronzebeard pushed the Sorcerer-Thane back to their capitol, his queen was cut off in the depths of this stronghold. You can say she was a sore loser. With her last breath, she cursed the land she walked on, infesting it with vicious shadows and transforming her army and those that fought her into twisted monsters. Monsters we call Skardyn. These cursed dwarves are misshapen, monstrous beings. And though we’ve attempted to find a way to return their minds and flesh, our attempts have been unsuccessful. The only mercy for them is a quick death. They have haunted the halls for longer than we have been here, transforming the place into a den of twisted shadows, but at some point along the way, a powerful dragon made its lair in the depths in the time it was unoccupied by dwarven hands. It was only when myself and a group of my companions were able to chase the dragon out and strike it down where we able to begin the lengthy process of making it habitable again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You mentioned shadows… do the depths whisper?
Yrden Firebeard says: They do. It’s dangerous to be down there for long, and not just because of the Skardyn.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do those whispers affect the mind?
Yrden Firebeard says: They do. Do you have experience with this type of magic?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I do, unfortunately. We’ve encountered similar phenomena, normally in the deeper places of the world. It’s actually something I’ve been studying.
Yrden Firebeard says: Then perhaps you should meet my beloved. She’s a bit of an expert on this.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I had a feeling that Alexina would be able to help.
Yrden looked at Gil with a twinkle in his eyes.
Yrden Firebeard says: I wager she would. Come, we can find her on the lower levels.
Dagran had a thinking expression on his face.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What’s on your mind?
Dagran Thaurissan II says: I know this is probably important business… but can I come along? I’ve read some histories about the sorcerer queen Modgud, and I think seeing some of the corruption, even at a distance, would be fascinating. And I might be able to help!
Vel agreed he was one of the more storied scholars of dwarven history among the party, but Gil looked over at Yrden. Yrden furrowed his brow.
Yrden Firebeard says: You are one of the Dark Iron?
Dagran Thaurissan II says: Half, on my father’s side.
His brow raised.
Yrden Firebeard says: I see. I have no objections. Just use caution. Even with the strides that have been taken, the lower depths are quite dangerous.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: You can go on ahead. I prefer the ruins I poke around to be uncursed, thank you.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think that’s reasonable.
Liiraluma says: Everything on Azeroth is cursed or fighting or something.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Just because you hate it doesn’t mean it's all cursed.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I’ll start penning up some ideas for letters of introduction for Magni.
Muradin set off, and the rest of the group followed Yrden into the labyrinthine depths of Grim Batol. Yrden grabbed Gil for a moment to speak, and he asked him how much the rest of the group knew. Gil confirmed Dagran knew nothing, but the rest of the group…
Gilveradin Windrunner says: …Ohhhh, they don’t know who they are meeting.
Yrden grinned.
Yrden Firebeard says: I thought so. I thought it would be a fun surprise. They know about you, clearly, given one of them wrote her a letter.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How was that received?
Yrden Firebeard says: I suppose you’ll see.
Gil asked how the hatchery was doing, and Yrden confirmed it was going well, and the eggs he had seen priorly had hatched and had started to stretch their wings. Yrden asked Gil if he trusted Dagran.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: He seems good-natured enough, but I only met him yesterday.
Yrden Firebeard says: Then I’ll leave how we move forward in her hands.
They entered passages that were in more extreme states of disrepair. They began to feel a darkness, as the shadows lingered deeper than they otherwise would have.
Yrden Firebeard says: Keep your wits about you, this area is mostly safe, but we have had Skardyn sightings this far up yet. They are drawn to any forms of life, when they attempt to destroy and devour. Our attempts to research them have been… far from fruitless. But they are still a great mystery to us. Thankfully, the storm riders patrol these areas heavily, and we have not had a Skardyn sighting in the city center since long before we had civilians living here. Their numbers seem to be endless despite the fact they shouldn’t be, and that alone is concerning.
There were more and more disguised drakonids as they closed in on the corrupted areas of the passages, alongside likely dragonsworn dwarves. There were dwarven shelters and tents erected that had transformed the area into a research camp.
But they then started to see non-disguised dragonspawn, as it was a restricted area. Vel’s eyes shifted down to Dagran to see how he responded.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: That’s new.
Yrden smiled.
Yrden Firebeard says: They are special assistants. Alexina can explain more.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: What are they?
Yrden Firebeard says: They are called dragonspawn. You are welcome to talk to some of them later, if you would like.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: I would love to do that!
They saw some younger dragonspawn being clearly taught by the older researchers. There were also full dragons disguised and aiding with the research.
They eventually came to a dwarven woman with bright, deep red hair that was tied back into a series of braids with a long, fur-covered robe of crimson, white, and black. She was leaning over a stone slab, and upon it they saw a malformed, monstrous creature that was perhaps once dwarven, but no longer. Its skin was covered in chitinous scales with deep, dark voidal growths. It had asymmetrical spikes all over its body.
Her hand was on its cheek, and her eyes were closed.
Yrden held out a hand for Alexina to have a moment, and she staggered back with a gasp.
Alexina says: So much pain… I’m so sorry you had to endure this.
She turned toward the group and regarded them with eyes that still had tears in them from the connection she had forged.
But she smiled.
Alexina says: It is an honor and a privilege to meet all of you, and to see some of you again.
She smiled at Gil, and then her eyes fell on Dagran.
Alexina says: You are not known to me.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss! My name is Dagran!
She smiled.
Alexina says: The pleasure is all mine.
She looked at Yrden.
Alexina says: I believe If we are going to speak, it will be best if we do so without pleasantries. So let us skip the formalities.
She smiled as she started to take more of her hybrid form as horns grew from betwixt her hair. However, she was still a dwarf in this case.
Alexstrasza says: Though the people of this city know me as Alexina, you may call me Alexstrasza. I’ve waited a long time to meet most of you.
Gil was looking at his sister, whose expression had dropped from listening calmly and neutrally, to clear shock with a sprinkling of brewing panic as she looked back at her brother with a clear look of “why didn’t you warn me!?”
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It was more fun this way.
Alexstrasza raised a hand toward her.
Alexstrasza says: Do not worry, Velameestra. I received your letter. It was… heart-felt. Though I have a great deal of thinking that must be done… you were right, it is indeed my calling to love all, including that which others would deem unloveable. You are safe here. And thank you for sending the letter. It was very sweet.
Vel was clearly still fidgeting as she sought to regain her composure, but she nodded.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s a… pleasure to meet you.
Alexstrasza says: Imagine when my dear Yrden told me that you would all be arriving here, I wasn’t expecting to meet you so soon.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It was quite the last minute affair.
Dagran blinked.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: So… you’re a dragon then.
He looked at Yrden.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: And you’re a dragon?
Yrdenastrasz says: Guilty as charged, but if you could keep that to yourself.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: Of course! I’d be happy to! This is amazing! I’ve never met a dragon before!
Liiraluma says: They are everywhere.
Dagran Thaurissan II says: I don’t think that’s true!
Liiraluma says: Oh, I think it might be.
Luma shrugged.
Alexstrasza says: But you came here with questions, I would be happy to answer them.
