Dragon-Forged Chains [Dragon!Jumpchain w/ Celestial Forge]

[Riversand]

PEWTER DRAGON
Dragon (Water/Fire)
Environment: Temperate/Warm
Organization: Wyrmling, very young, young, juvenile, and young adult: solitary or clutch (2–5); adult, mature adult, old, very old, ancient, wyrm, or great wyrm: solitary, pair, or family
(1–2 and 2–5 offspring)
Challenge Ratings: Wyrmling 2; very young 3; young 4; juvenile
6; young adult 8; adult 10; mature adult 12; old 15; very old 17;
ancient 18; wyrm 19; great wyrm 21
Treasure: Triple standard
Alignment: Mostly Neutral Good
Advancement: Wyrmling 4–5 HD; very young 7–8 HD; young 10–11 HD; juvenile 13–14 HD; young adult 16–17 HD; adult 19–20 HD; mature adult 22–23 HD; old 25–26 HD; very old 28–29 HD; ancient 31–32 HD; wyrm 34–35 HD; great wyrm 37+ HD
Level Adjustment: Wyrmling +2; very young +3; young +3; juvenile +5; others —

The Dragon has a sleek snout, expressive earfins, A short crest and swept back horns, with a flexing crest down the back of the neck, Pewter scales with a mirror polish, steam leaking from the corner of a common grin often.

The smallest of the Metallic dragons, Weakest physically, but sharp of wit and intellect, their eyes keen with intellect as they observe the world around themselves. They naturally drawn towards scholarly pursuits, seeking knowledge and magic.

A Pewter dragon's scales are like all metallic dragons, in the ranges of color of the metal their name shares, in this case the alloy Pewter. Silvery in colors, to duller metallic greys, they are prone to cosmetic pitting on scales closing on on shedding.
Pewter dragon's lairs are carved into rock, either by claw or spell, hills and mountainsides are common, but underwater Lairs are also similarly common. They tend to have decently carved lairs, designed to handle humid air and condensation. A common tactic is the use of stoneshape to form tubes to channel the Pewter dragon's steam breath attack from chamber to chamber of the lair. some even with valves to trap heat into places, in attempts to exhaust or harm intruders.
While Pewter dragons enjoy varied plant and animal based diets They like most dragons can eat just about anything and, they also prefer to cook things with their breath weapon before eating it.
Pewter dragons also Favor having kobolds around due to their similar cunning and creativity, as pewter dragons favor pushing what they know, and how to use said knowledge. Pewter dragons are also the most likely among dragons to take up crafting items, mundane and magical alike, as well as new spells and styles of magic.

Combat
Pewter dragons prefer to outwit opponents, and blast them with steam from afar, if they are not using spells to harry or harm foes. They never like to be close in to Melee when they have the choice.
Breath Weapon (Su): Pewter dragons only have one type of breath weapon, with great flexibility, hot steam. This can be naturally shaped to be jets, cones or clouds, with varying intensities of heat.
Water Breathing (Ex): A pewter dragon can breathe underwater indefinitely and can freely use its breath weapon, spells, and other abilities while submerged.
Cloudwalking (Su): A pewter dragon can tread on clouds or fog/steam as though on solid ground. The ability functions continuously but can be negated or resumed at will.

Pewter dragons are potent swimmers and swift fliers, with good agility compared to some other dragon breeds. They sometimes use their steam to create spots to hide in in elevated terrain.

 

[Trek]

Comparatively weak compared to the stronger dragons and very weak compared to the epic dragons, still, infinite potential because of jumpchain and CF lots of uncappers available.

 

[Riversand]

Comparatively weak compared to the stronger dragons and very weak compared to the epic dragons, still, infinite potential because of jumpchain and CF lots of uncappers available.

Click to shrink...

That was my intent, to use a weaker but quite clever dragon than typically depicted in many settings.

 

[Riversand]

Chapter 2: A Verdant Valley

Inside of Rasmodius' place, it was a bit cluttered, but I mind my wings and tail, as the cauldron to the left bubbles, with clouds of green coming from it. "So, How are things?" I ask, conversationally. His response was a slight hum, before speaking.

"Mmm... There's someone else to come here and will end up with a farm near yours, Morodai. I foresee quite the change coming, especially with your tail in the picture. It's not easy to track you at times, you know." I nod a little. "A dragon needs his privacy."

"Those servants of yours, they are also magical, I can tell... and they're new. I'm guessing you went... wherever, and brought them here... I have to wonder how the Mayor would take knowing that Pelican Town is suddenly much more populated." he comments with a smile. I give a small laugh. "Perhaps, They did come with me, I remember that. Though I don't remember getting, Home." I truthfully say, but in a way to not tell the whole truth.

"They are industrious and happy to serve me, of their own will." I then add, looking at the cauldron. "So, you've been brewing moss again?" I remark. He merely mumbles something under his breath. "anyway, Thank you for talking with me. I know I'm not a normal sight." Rasmodius gives a sharp short laugh.

"hah... You can say that again, I bet the city folk, stressed and wound tight like they are, would panic at your shadow. As it is, the locals will take some time to work their nerves. But perhaps you should still make a polite appearance."

I give him a soft hum in thought, then a slow nod. "Yes. I do plan to. I do, after all, need to buy seeds for the farm I have, even if I found some old sacks with some. Found something rare too... Only one seed, but I have it in my greenhouse." I lapse into silence for a little, as I ponder.

Rasmodius does pipe up, "The Junimo's are still avoiding me... Maybe you'll have a better chance, due to your innate magic, or maybe not. Not sure." he shrugs. "I won't keep you if you don't want to stick around," he adds with a smile.

I hum a little and give another sniff. "Smells like some ferns are in that cauldron." Rasmodius nods absently, "Yes, Moss Grub and Caramel-top toadstools are in there too, among a few other bits from the nearby Forest, near your farm actually, truth be told."

I give a nod in return, as I swish my tail a little. "I see. Well, I still have to get back to my Kobolds, That is what my servants you saw, are called. The light of day is hurtful and disorienting to them if you were wondering why they wear those black goggles."

"mm... Yes, I was wondering, but I wasn't going to press for answers yet. I'm glad to see you back, and before the newcomer, at that." Rasmodius gives a cheeky grin. "I wonder how they will react to seeing you. I'll be watching for it." I respond with a soft chuckle. My whelpish side wanting to see as well. "I'm going to go around and see the town, jog my memory. Is the old building being refurbished yet?" I ask, to which he shakes his head.

"No, The people have let it fall into disrepair. I do think the Junimos have made a hut in there though. Anyway, just be careful around town. The mayor is cleaning up that farm south of yours." and with that, I stand, give a slight bow of the head, before turning and heading out the door, back into the afternoon right before the start of the new year, and then take to the skies to travel quickly.

As I come across the empty farm between Rasmodius' tower, and my own farm, I spot some people there. It was similarly overgrown, with thick grass, bushes, and a sizable amount of trees, I come in for a landing, the mayor in his favorite green clothes was talking with two others.

They all three jump at my landing, the wings making a decent bit of noise, and kicking some dust up. Three yelps of shock, one of them scrambling for cover, before old Lewis starts grumbling. "Morodai! What did I say about landing behind people like that!?" he sighs, while Robin picks herself up, and goes to get the newcomer.

"it's okay, that's one of your neighbors, Allan, Morodai. And yes... He's a dragon., and Yes, they are apparently real, just very rare it turns out."

meanwhile, I chuckle ruefully. "Sorry, Just the angle I was coming from. Wanted to let you know I'm back around and getting back to my farm. I see a new face if I remember right."

Lewis shakes his head, with a sigh, while the new guy, Allan, I think I heard, comes out, seeing me talking casually with the mayor after being chastised for my landing. I then add in, "Sorry about the scare, neighbor. I live in the forest a ways north of you, in a hilly region."

He shakes himself off a bit, nervous by the tremble in the voice, "y-yeah... Don't worry about it. Glad to meet you... I'm Allan, and you're Maru doy?" I shake my head. "Mow Row Die." I enunciate clearly for him, without any heat to my voice.

"Right, Sorry, anyway... I got this place from my Grandpa... Passed away years ago, and... well. .left the place to me." I give a nod to this, a faint memory of an old man living here. "He said it was where he felt he belonged... and I feel like I need that myself."

I give a small smile, while Robin pipes in. "yeah, The old cottage held up really well over the years... if a little... old." Lewis pipes in. "Rustic, you mean. It has great charm." I smile and comment. "Robin's the local carpenter if I recall right, and probably wanting to soft-pitch some house upgrades." she gives a huff and brief glare at me, not really any annoyance within the gaze, though.

"yeah... well, can you blame me for trying to pitch my business, and enjoy sharing my work?" she crosses her arms, as Lewis seemingly chuckles at her being called out on the sales pitch she was about to start.

I smile and then step aside. "I look forward to meeting with you again, Allan, but I've got to get going and get some seeds for my crops," I call out, and take wing, with a couple of bounds and then liftoff, wings beating towards the north, back to my farm.

I had some shopping to do, and I needed to bring money with me. I had some gold in the lair, I think, and the people here at least use gold coins, if differently than I am used to. Different denominations of gold coins with different amounts of gold in them if I understood things correctly in my new memories.

Landing, I am greeted by even more kobolds, excited to see me back, to which I smile to them. They swarm around me, having gotten some very good-looking areas set up for farming and gardening. Bins and barrels being put together by my industrious followers. "You have done well, all of you so far. It seems the townsfolk do have memories of me, so it seems at least, we are safe here, in the Valley."

This news of course excites the kobolds. And then I follow up with, "I plan to go into town, and find some spring crop seeds, for us to get into, and I see some of you have gotten into that small quarry. It seems to surface rocks from the hills on it's own somehow... maybe some natural magic. It's something to look into in our time here. Magic in this world is hidden mostly, it seems, but I know it's there, and aim to learn it."

I pause and think for a bit. "I'm going to need to get the gold we have in the lair, I will want one of the sacks that are empty, or something else, to carry the coinage in."

I head towards the lair, with some kobolds scampering in towards as the evening comes in slowly. "Maybe we better wait to buy seeds for spring, tomorrow. The merchant might be closed. Might give the Mayor time to let others know of my presence." the humans didn't see well in the dark, and slept through it fairly reliably. I start to look through the various resources gathered from clearing the land that my kobolds had managed, several had been just running back and forth just hauling the materials to the lair portal.

Other kobolds inside were taking from a pile that was still there, and taking things to a large cavernous section of the cavern with shelves, lots of them, made of metal no less, with some manner of numbering system. Useful. Sturdy stone, Some good wood, in various shapes and pieces, some already being worked into tools, there was copper, some tin, good. That would make some bronze. Iron was not much to be found right now it seemed, but there was some.

Then, there was a large barrel of thick globs of sap, no, two from the cut trees, and plenty of bins of the grasses and plants, not to mention berries, mushrooms, probably from shadowed ridges in the hills.

There was excited chatter about the mushrooms about making a mushroom farm in the lair. That sounded like a good idea, one worth digging a chamber for, and to bring in some of that soil from the farm into there.

I needed to get myself a bag of holding... To make one. Or even a magic bag. That would be important. So that I could easily access some things.

I go back to the sorting piles and make a decision. "I want all foraged edibles taken to a Larder or something. We have enough supplies food-wise by the looks of it for some days, if I am gauging things right." I had to make sure to feed my kobolds enough after all. "there will be time for us to get things set up for us all, and it seemed there was food for us in the lair."

I had passed by a larder by how it looked. There were 25 odd packages that had an image of a plate of food, with writing that looked draconic, and Common at the same time, among a couple of others, stating it was a 'vari-meal' and 'filling for anyone, just no sharing' That.. puzzled me, but there were several odd things going on still, that I needed to puzzle out.

I head back out of the lair, pondering before I go for another flight, wanting to get some more places in mind before the coming day. Lots to see, and plenty to explore as my memories from this world, seemed to be very much limited to Stardew Valley and Pelican Town.

Once again in the air, wings feeling the evening wind, I smile to myself, breathing in the cooling air as I circle lazily around the town, taking in the sights, the Mountain lake, the ocean it leads to with a winding path... There appears to have been a landslide, blocking a small footbridge to the mines. Some crews were working on it, it seems. I could get there, though, and with another look at the valley, before I turn to land to the eastern edge of the lake up there.

I head past the adventurer's guild, wondering how the people there would react to me, and poke my head into the cavern. I spot someone with grey hair and an eye patch, Marlon, and we both freeze a little before I decide to say something. "Hey there." I might be a Dragon, but I'm still not even a young adult yet. He's got a hardened look to him, overall, even with the old wound that patch is likely covering.

He had been reaching for a blade, but my voice calming him down. "Ah... Morodai... Been a while. Saw something coming in, and not human soo..." he shrugs a little. "Sorry. So, I guess you flew in?" I nod in confirmation to him, shuffling the wings. "Yes. Wanting to take a look at the Mines again. I just got back into town. The Mayor knows, as does Robin, and the newcomer, the old farm to the south of mine."

He nods in return, as i come into the mine entrance fully myself. "I was wondering when that would happen. Can't go say hello myself, what with the landslide that's blocking the way." he gives what is likely a huff of annoyance. he was afterall, cut off from the rest of the town due to that, unless he wanted to take a swim in the cold spring water. "if you want to go down there, I will tell ya, the place is infested with monsters, but I doubt, with you having your attributes, that you need a weapon from me... the city kid? I got something he can have when he pokes his nose around."

"I'll be sure to let him know If I come across him. His name is Allan, by the way. didn't catch anything else." I move over to the old ladder-hole, poking my head down, glad I was of a smaller stature than other kinds of dragon my age, before I climb down, head first, seeking out to test against these monsters before my kobolds would.

 

[Riversand]

This. Chapter fought me a bit on and off. First combat will be easy. In multiple ways. There is some mysteries too to contend with I feel in the valley. Also. A fair note. I've only started getting into stardew valley of any real depth since I started up on the story. Had it since 2019 but never played it till recently. Hope my writing isn't terrible. Happy holidays all!

 

[Cheetored20]

This. Chapter fought me a bit on and off. First combat will be easy. In multiple ways. There is some mysteries too to contend with I feel in the valley. Also. A fair note. I've only started getting into stardew valley of any real depth since I started up on the story. Had it since 2019 but never played it till recently. Hope my writing isn't terrible. Happy holidays all!

Click to shrink...

Happy holidays, and you did great.

 

[Riversand]

Chapter 3: Digging In

I reach the bottom of the ladder, feeling myself pass through... some magical boundary. I was looking around, in the abandoned mine chamber, stone boulders all around. There was something odd about the mines. There was magic of some sort working in the background. This bore further investigation.

I go towards some of the small boulders and hit them with my claws, capable of hewing stone on their own, they crack and break, I pass on the raw stone, but a couple have black running through them. coal perhaps. and that one, sporting a coppery tinge. That would be useful. Tin might be around, or purchasable, Bronze is a good metal, after-all, good lightweight armor is made from it. I saw there to be a work room in the Lair as well, very useful.

After a few rocks broke, I found another ladder leading downwards... Odd... but that works for me. I had seen no monsters yet, so I work my way further down, and as I get within sight of the floor below, I spot some jiggling green thing, with eyes. a slime of some sort. those are somewhat nasty, back home, here, they are apparently a common threat in some places? A useful thing to know, I take a deep breath and exhale a hot jet of steam at it, seeing how things would go with that, and it wiggles, jiggles, before popping. Well... that worked, I suppose. messy, but effective.

I go around checking the rocks, scrabbling over some, smashing them occasionally, before eventually finding a couple more slimes, which I take care of most of them with my breath weapon, I test my claws against one that bobbled towards me in lunges, leaving a sizable gash in it, with chunks of slime flinging off of my claws, and it wobbles towards me again, it's eyes glinting red, before I hit it mid jump, causing it to splat against a larger boulder, and it ceased moving. These slimes, might prove useful, in some alchemical manner. Until I could get samples back to test, I would not be certain yet.

Down to the fourth floor, and there are some bugs flitting about lazily, along with some slimes, the bug I cast a cantrip of 'detect poison', out of curiosity, finding none, that my magic could find, anyway. I take a chomp at the lazily flying thing, wondering how it tasted. I was mildly hungry. A huff of steam over it, cooking it in my mouth. not bad, overall. a touch chewy, but juicy with a flash steaming. the shell a nice crunch.

The slimes also seemed to not trigger my poison detection spell, promising. I might try and make the thickness of those slimes a base for alchemical concoctions. Lots of possibilities to experiment with. I wonder how valuable the locals might find some of my creations. Curative potions would be something I bet the doctor, Harvey, I think, would appreciate in the clinic. I am sure that my kobolds would be interested, in raising such creatures if possible.

Going down yet another ladder, I hear a ding as a light comes on behind me. An elevator? that's something unique to me here. These did not exist in my homeworld, I think, but I know how they work here. it's odd that this abandoned mine still has it working, and for that matter, still illuminated, not that it's a problem for me. it looks like it might be a little awkward to use, but I shrug. There's also a chest here, which I of course, investigate before the elevator... a set of sturdy leather boots... useless to me, and way too massive and the wrong shape for my kobolds.

I'll leave it be here. what an odd thing to just... find here. I half expected it to have teeth and be sticky. It would have found itself mauled quickly if it had. I head backwards, and then I notice something, that sets my scales itching. The chamber I am in, has changed shape. it had fresh stones. There were no hostiles to be seen... then I go back down the ladder in curiosity, senses pushing to the edge of what I can feel. there's magic at work, when I leave a layer of the mine.

I quickly duck back up, but the magic settles down as I do, and see it has changed once again... I decide to head back to my lair, the elevator showing it can get to the entrance, but no deeper than where I was, for some reason. I decide to take the quicker way back up, testing, and I feel myself quickly leave the boundary of that odd effect underground. I shake myself loose in the elevator, before stepping out, greeted by Marlon waiting for me.

"It sounded like the earth was groaning something fierce, before you came up... what was going on? not a cave in, I hope?" he asks with some concern. I shake my head. "The mine, it was abandoned, right? Do you know why?" he blinks at me, before rubbing his chin. "Hmm.. issues with maps always being wrong, I reckon... miners getting lost all the time..." I give a nod. "Yeah... the floors, they seem to change when left alone... which is very strange."

Marlon blinks again, before humming, "I thought things were hard to map, when I was delving myself... but if what you're saying is true... that explains a few things... but the elevators always do fine... maybe something about it is special?" he scratches his head, while I ponder. "it's a mystery I intend to solve, eventually." I shrug my wings, and head for the entrance. "but it is also a benefit... it seems to replenish the ores in this mine, at least. but it might leak out above ground in my farm,- as rocks surface with ores sometimes." Marlon groans slightly. "great, I'm too old for this grand adventure stuff... I'll leave it to ya, Morodai... I'll keep running the guild itself." he walks out, and to the guild building. It was night-time in the sky above.

With his departure, and a mystery to come back to, I took flight back homeward bound, with some knowledge, but nothing much to carry stuff back with, yet. Time and effort would surely change that, soon.

Spoiler: Author's Note

Well, this didn't want to be a long one, but it felt like it was meant to be small, a quick poke of a snout into the mines and their mysteries. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the small present when you read this. And yes, Dragons are powerful, indeed. those shallow mines enemies are chump change. I don't even think the slimes there could damage Morodai.

 

[MangoFlan]

Aside from grammar, capitalization, and punctuation issues, this fick is very interesting and enjoyable so far.

 

[Direfox]

This feels pretty chill. I like it.

 

[Riversand]

This feels pretty chill. I like it.

Click to shrink...

Well, it IS a Stardew Valley jump, to start with. and the MC is still a freaking D&D Dragon of decent ability.

 

[Cataquack]

PEWTER DRAGON

Click to shrink...

I mostly like the Pewter Dragon template, but the one thing I'm unsure about is the note that " Pewter dragons also Favor having kobolds around due to their similar cunning and creativity, as pewter dragons favor pushing what they know, and how to use said knowledge." I found that kind of odd, since from what I understand about D&D the evil dragons were the ones who mainly utilized kobolds. Given how the kobolds are part of the first set of purchases from the Celestial Forge, I think it would have been more interesting if the MC and his race had uneasy feelings about the kobolds - not having a particular grudge against them per se, but rather being aware of their normally evil inclinations; with that set-up, it would have been fun to see how he adapts to unexpectedly being the venerated master for a bunch of kobolds.

 

[Riversand]

Spoiler: Quote

I mostly like the Pewter Dragon template, but the one thing I'm unsure about is the note that " Pewter dragons also Favor having kobolds around due to their similar cunning and creativity, as pewter dragons favor pushing what they know, and how to use said knowledge." I found that kind of odd, since from what I understand about D&D the evil dragons were the ones who mainly utilized kobolds. Given how the kobolds are part of the first set of purchases from the Celestial Forge, I think it would have been more interesting if the MC and his race had uneasy feelings about the kobolds - not having a particular grudge against them per se, but rather being aware of their normally evil inclinations; with that set-up, it would have been fun to see how he adapts to unexpectedly being the venerated master for a bunch of kobolds.

Click to shrink...

I do understand your thoughts on the angle and approach, of the conflict it could cause, however, the typical 'kobolds are evil' is only in specific settings. Eberron, for example, Kobolds are a neutral race, just as humans are. Morodai's world, Kobolds are likewise neutral, and have served both good and evil dragons alike. or none at all, depending on the clans/warrens/tribes. Morodai is not from any specific D&D universe that is already made by publishers. also, i do not stick to the alignment locked normal beings. dragons count as that, at least, non planar dragons. they have free will, afterall. Kobolds likewise have freewill, and are more leaning to lawful than any leaning towards evil. they just can hold grudges to rival those of Warhammer Dwarfs, when they live long enough to hold them.

Also, as a side note, the purchases of jump 0 are meant to reflect Morodai's starting point before he got the Jumper's Forge going, and reflecting some of it.

Also, thank you for liking my work with the pewter dragon~

 

[Mastersgtjames]

would kinda prefer if at each new jump you had a spoiler with the jumps choices/perks.

 

[Riversand]

would kinda prefer if at each new jump you had a spoiler with the jumps choices/perks.

Click to shrink...

I'll see about doing that for the future jumps, within the threadmark itself, with occasional 'full list' posts, due ot hte fact that he is able to get perks mid-jump due to the bonus loot, like Runeforging.

 

[Riversand]

Chapter 4: Layouts, Lairs and Plans

I land back on my farm, My kobolds having done remarkable work clearing the land for agriculture. Stones removed, trees and stumps, fallen branches, bushes, and tall grasses. Even a bunch of soil tilled and planted with the seeds found in the lair, with paths between sections. I still saw some kobolds going about, with various tools. Some simple spears seem to have been made as well. This did please me, as they were cautious.

The early night-time quite a sight, especially with my superior vision, so much more showed itself, on the edges of the cleared farm. A kobold with a loose sash comes up, to greet me, ahead of a few others. "Glorious Morodai, you have returned!" there was excited chatter from the others, it seemed to be the one that I had spoken with before. "Ah, good to see you again, though you have not said your name, You seem well suited to the roll of Overseer of the warren." I compliment them.

That remark, seemed to make them quite elated, and they nod vigorously. "Y-yes, I will do my best as Overseer for you, Morodai... I am Rahk. I was indeed the one who spoke the most, before." I give a slight smile, and a nod towards Rahk, most of the kobolds being of lightly mottled brown colors. "So, Tell me, how is the lair and farm doing?" I ask, seeking a status report of course, as I walk calmly towards said lair, a slow walk, letting Rahk keep pace easily.

"Well, Master Morodai, We have all eaten well of the various forage found, leaving a vast volume untouched, of course. The farm is well cleared.. found markers denoting the boundaries. Left big trees alone. some tough boulders still around, to break down. Seeds are all planted, including various wild seeds found when cutting plants. They might grow well." he pauses a moment, as we reach the entrance, as I take note, of the entry hall... the stone that it is.

Drakestone. it's an unmistakable look to it, specifically a light grey Pewter Drakestone. dragon lairs of long-term residence, tended to change unprepared stone towards something reflecting the occupant, elementally attuned to match the Dragon or Dragons living within. a moderately enchantable stone when worked right, but nothing super special. Pewter Drakestone took well to fire or water elemental effects fairly well, compared to such as like lightning or acidic kinds.

I shake my head, after that slight derail. "Sorry, a thought struck me, continue Rahk," I say. He continues eagerly. "The lair, we found your hoard chamber, it is rather empty, unfortunately, but there was some coinage there. We have plenty of sleeping spaces for our numbers, plus room to grow... and facilities for tending to the eggs. We have good food and a hot spring to bathe with... there is one fit for yourself as well, Master." he comments, and that does perk my interest. "Indeed? that is pleasing to hear. I will want a map later, for my perusal, along with any desired expansions, or alterations to be drawn up when possible."

Rahk nods eagerly, and I make my way towards where I could smell the metal of the treasure room. past the cavern the kobolds seemed to be using as a communal hub, carving and working the walls it seemed. I pass through the workshop's entry hall, where it shares with the stockpile, the warehouse. It seemed to be the largest cavern in the lair, I could keep plenty of treasure there, or supplies to experiment crafts with, as well as those of my kobolds.

Past that section, was my personal lair, and I go and find my rather small 'fortune'... it was not too great, only a few thousand gold, and in this world, thousands of gold was not very much. a fruit tree sapling was in the local currencies only a few thousand gold, even if these coins were pure gold more like that of back home... maybe Pierre, or the mayor, would do a conversion for me. I'd have to see.

A yawn escapes my maw, as it's been a rather tiring day, mentally, so much to adjust to, to consider, and then there were the few hours clearing some of my farmland. My kobolds also seemed quite contentedly tired, those who I saw, except for a few, likely night-watch. I'll tell the kobolds about what was found in the coming day, after I've had some time to wrap my head further around these memories of mine, new and old alike. Laying upon that thin layer of coinage and curling up, I let myself drift off towards sleep, with fair ease, even as ideas swim in my head.

Dreams fleeting and fragmented are all I can recall upon awakening, much to my annoyance, of course. wings flaring, as I stand and stretch my limbs and neck, yawning before I flush my mouth with a blast of steam to wet it. At least my lair is of a comfortable size for myself.

I start making my way out of my lair proper, and I come across Rahk again, looking recently cleaned, smelling of something, having eaten it seems already. "Hello Rahk, I'd like to gather some kobolds, to share what I have found and learned of this world we find ourselves in. I'll be in that chamber that I saw the kobolds in, before the workshop area." The Overseer nods eagerly, and sprints off, as I make my way towards what looked like it was going to be a common area. Upon reaching there, a large number of kobolds were already present, and more coming in from little passages, that would be cramped for myself, comfortable for them.

I take a seat on a slightly raised section of the cavern, watching the kobolds come, Rahk was nearby, having sent the word spreading. "Okay, as you all know, by now, we are in a different world than my homeworld... in a pocket reality, that seems to be made of Drakestone, that is a lair, carved for us. The farm outside is Mine, and thus yours to work, to grow our wealth, in a world that seems peaceful, even towards me, it would seem. I have no intention of changing that against us. The locals are familiar with me, as my new memories stated. Even the local adventuring guild, adjacent to the mines in the mountain, seem familiar with me, in a friendly way."

Speaking of these mines, there is some magic causing the tunnels to shift and warp, which is providing fresh boulders to dig and break, as well as ores... They are however, overrun with some form of enemies. the few levels down that I had gone, held odd slime creatures that seem to be much unlike the oozes and slimes of my homeworld, they did not attempt to envelop me, but rather to tackle. There were also large insects." the mention of the large bugs excited some of the kobolds. "Those might be usable as livestock, as their flesh seems to be edible, and decently flavorful, at least to myself." I shrug my wings as I pause.

"Regardless, The outlying areas of the Town of Pelican, seem safe to traverse, based on cursory exploration and the new memories, but do be careful about meeting the humans, and do not attack them, unless they actively attack and there is no other option. Speak in common to them, as they do not know Draconic. Kobolds are something that seems to be an unknown, in this world, as Dragons basically are as well. If they even do exist besides us. I do not have memories of such, but this is not to be shared with the locals, and especially not any visitors."

"I also welcome any who wish to craft to utilize the workshop, as it looked like some already had. I plan to have us make our own tools, and weapons when possible. Excess crops will be sold, and there is basically an infinite market, for the realm of Fresh foods in this world. They have ways of keeping food preserved without magic, for transport. This is a boon for us, as we will profit."

"Additionally, I have named Rahk here, as overseer. If any'bold has requests or ideas to share, I would like for them to Ideally, be told to Rahk so that they may be collected together, for me to listen to all together, in case some of you have the same idea or similar. I, however, do not forbid ideas being brought forward to me, but I ask that such be done with important matters."

I look around, seeing Rahk preen just a little, at being my advisor and the overseer. The kobolds seemed quite happy, with my speech so far, at least. "I know that working in the sunlight is annoying. some tasks should remain done in such, such as cutting trees, due to visibility, and noise levels. but things such as planting tilling and watering, are fine day or night, just that they get done. I do notice the start of some sort of fountain, as well, right there... I take it there is a water source?" I say, as a side thing, where one kobold steps forward.

"yes, There are pipes that seem to flow just under the stone, with water. a fountain would be a good source of water. there's also these strange lines near them, leading to boxes with holes... they carry lightning."

This catches my interest... Electricity. "Ah.. yes... this world has something like leashed lightning, that they create. they create non-magical artifacts that serve many purposes that require connection to these boxes... my new memory knows this, somehow. it's as common to them, and replaces typical lanterns for lighting. perhaps we could figure out how to make things like that ourselves..." I lose myself in thought for a little while, while the kobolds chatter at these ideas. fountains, the electric artifacts, various things. "another project, I plan for, is steam pipes, in the stone, and such. It will be a bit, but I have ideas, and designs, I will share them In designs at another time."

With this said, I stand up, and stretch my wings. "I am heading back out, I will see about visiting the local merchant, for supplies, and maybe the blacksmith." I head for the entrance, with the sea of kobolds parting around me, as they also start to disperse to get to some tasks or others. some heading for the workshop wing, others elsewhere, or out the way I was going at a leisurely pace. I think it was time to take another flight.

Spoiler: Author's Note

I plan to sketch up a map of the lairhouse (Lair-Warehouse), eventually, but have yet to decide how I am going to do so, or what program. But it IS planned, for all you Inquisitive types to enjoy.

 

[Riversand]

Edit: Deleted due to erroneous Cat/Keyboard Interface issues

 

[shypunk]

did you post by mistake cause this isn't even a snip

 

[Anacromacia]

Uh, I think you posted by mistake

 

[Trek]

I take wing without much aim over the town and the valley in the early morning, sun in my eyes to the east, but casting an amazing view down below. Golden and glinting with dew. Early spring. I had time to burn before Pierre's store would be open, now to just figure out what to do. By w2

Click to shrink...

Think the post is messed up or you posted by mistake.

 

[Riversand]

It submitted mid writing, cat on keyboard I'm guessing while i was doing chores. gonna get it going again soon. Embarrassing.

 

[Riversand]

Also, Side-note, commentary and bonus-loot suggestions are welcome!

 

[Krazyfan1]

I wonder if there are any abilities that could be gained that would allow alteration of the dragons form?
or alternate ones as well?

Spoiler: Collection of different dragon forms?

 

[Riversand]

I wonder if there are any abilities that could be gained that would allow alteration of the dragons form?
or alternate ones as well?

Spoiler: Collection of different dragon forms?

Click to shrink...

Depending on what jumps or powers that Morodai manages to get into, alternate forms or modifications to the body are quite possible.

 

[Cheetored20]

So question, if he somehow ends up in halo, would he get the soldier perk removed from the forge or get it for free if he rolls it? (Bad at asking this, supposed to be an example) (would he have to buy it twice)

 

[Riversand]

Chapter 5: Draconic Designs



I take wing without much aim over the town and the valley in the early morning, sun in my eyes to the east, but casting an amazing view down below. Golden and glinting with dew. Early spring. I had time to burn before Pierre's store would be open, now to just figure out what to do. I could go into the mines, but.. that was not a very practical idea... Not much able to carry things... maybe some foraging near town, and taking it to Pierre... I could use the Floating Disk spell, a bit obvious on the magic, but I could just say it's something dragons do. possibly.

I fly a bit more before blowing out a large steam cloud in the cold air, and land on it. I remember doing this when I was a decently younger me. It is nice to take a break from using one's wings. with a bit of work it's easy to hold the cloud together even. I recall a story where a pewter dragon made bridges of condensed steam or clouds for themself, with illusions to make them look like stone or wood. That's a fun idea.

Getting back to the here and now, I focus on what to do to turn profits in this world. I needed to buy seeds, and to do that I needed things to sell. Fishing could be.. not the way humans did it. I'd go down and catch them personally. Or I could work on bringing some of the foraged goods from my farm... That could work. Maybe have my kobolds make a cart I could pull. That might work nicely. Maybe Pierre might appreciate not having to pick up produce himself.

I'll check about that later, maybe craft it myself, I did have some magic useful in that. I've seen plenty of wagons and carts as I flew over them, and even closer with these local memories. I felt I could work some wood into a working wagon with decent effect. maybe some runes would be useful for anchoring my magic as well. Yes, that would probably work. probably four wheels, front ones able to pivot... Yeah, I can imagine it already. As for how to pull it, maybe a bit of harder wood to bite? No, that'll make my jaw sore. maybe some straps to pull with a wooden bar, or even just something to go just infront of my wings.

That could work. I wonder if I could get it to fly with me pulling it. Some experimentation will be needed for that. lots of it most likely. I'll work on that later, I'll need to talk to Pierre first, but I need to make sure of things with him. perhaps I should head back after a bit more of a flight, and get that wagon done first. It is quite a distance for Pierre to come to my farm, being a sizable distance away from town, for him to check if I've got things for him to pick up every day.

I drop off of the cloud of steam, letting it slip from my magical grip holding it, and it fades quickly, as I dive downwards, flaring my wings to catch the air, a soft roar of delight at the rush, perhaps waking up some late sleepers. some birds taking flight in surprise at the very least, causing me to laugh, as I do a roll after leveling off my dive back towards my Farm.

I make good time back towards my lair, and greet the kobolds I pass, usually groups of them. They seem quite busy and quite happy to be left with broad tasks, similar to the warren I had back home. I do have to wonder, as I head towards the workshop area, why or how I have kobolds that formed from the ether and being aware of such creation themselves... It must be connected to this... Demi plane and my entire situation of being in what appears to be a completely different material plane.

All valuable but probably difficult questions to chew and gnaw upon over time. I have more immediate concerns of increasing the wealth of my hoard, as well as the breadth of my knowledge. My first objective in this, make myself a known valued member of the community here. If only I could pass as a human... That kind of spell is still out of my reach... For now.

I gather some wood and get started with using my natural magic to shape it, fusing the pieces together, forming first the wheels. My breath blowing over things to help soften and infuse the wood with my elemental energies. For these wheels, I do use a spoked design, saving on some of the material, favoring hardwoods for the main part with somewhat softer woods to hold the ring in place.

I don't need this wagon to be the greatest work of an era, just something to get started with. I ponder a moment and then grab some tin and copper ores and use magic to heat them, roughly balancing the amounts to make a bronze for covering the wheels with as well, might help them last longer. I hold the metal in my magic as I use my claws to stir the metals together while flicking out the impurities with both claws and magic. The heat is mildly uncomfortable but I have held melting iron without harm in the past. Steam can be supremely hot.

I then draw the metal out into decently wide bands, taking my time to let it cool steadily. Once I have enough, I set the semi-molten lump of bronze down to let it rest while I work on other parts of the wagon, such as the main body of it.

This I use liberally my innate magic to shape the wood, melding and arranging it into a solid and decently long bed with a good height to the walls for holding the goods I intend to bring in it. I leave one end open for it to be easier to open for loading and unloading. I plan to make that part able to be a ramp... Eventually.

Then there is the steering and how I will pull it. A pivot point there, with the wheels attached to a cross beam is simple enough, I will likely want to change it for a better design later. I will need it tall enough to keep the wheels from binding on the bed itself, or maybe lengthening it and lowering the bed? I might need middle wheels if I do that. Six wheels might be good. I'll need to go back and make more wheels, and mounting points in the middle.

A soft hum thrums in my chest as I work, sculpting and shaping the wood to my whims with my magics and claws, while contemplating what runes to try and make upon it. Durability to the wheels is a given if I can work out this new knowledge I gained. My artificer training will be useful for this avenue of enchanting.

I start to put the wheels together on the cart, the back and middle while setting up the axle for the front. The axle having a tongue for me to pull with. I need to figure out how to attach it to me. Maybe some rope would work. Lacking leather to make good straps for now.

I call over some kobolds and ask them to make some good rope for me, and explain my basic plan for what it will be used for. They eagerly get to work, though I think one was offended by the thought of me pulling a wagon. But they didn't verbally object. I am actually decently strong for a pewter dragon, and I am the one the town knows supposedly.

Now that I have kobolds working on the rope, I continue with assembling the wagon itself. The height being lower than a typical human one helping with my smallish size as a dragon. It will also help with my kobolds loading it with goods. Maybe some seats for a few would be a good idea as well, for when at Pierre's shop to aid in unloading.

I'll do them as simple wooden bench seats for now till some leather or cloth can be gotten or other padding. Maybe Robin would be willing to sell some materials she uses, for a fair price of course.

The cart is looking s little bare still... Maybe I could make patterns in the walls of it? Probably, and can include some runes or the like in the work. That sounds like a good idea, actually. Form and function together is always desirable over just plain function.

For decorative designs I think dragons and crops would be fitting. No combative symbology, maybe an axe and a mining pick crossed together, referencing the forested hills of my farm. With an imprint on the sides resembling my wings. This is looking nice. And some writing in draconic and the local language below, 'Morodai's Goods Delivery' to label it as mine just a bit extra. Goods instead of Evils. Heh.

A sight shake of my head and huff of steam after my internal joke I continue engraving and decorating, adding in runes, pushing towards keeping food fresh, similar to the pantry/Larder I discovered in the lair. I also work on engraving a set rune of the spell 'ant haul' to allow the cart to carry more weight without issues, and following that, engraving runes underneath it, halving the wagon's weight, allowing me to pull things easier. for the pivoting point for the wheels, I set up a very weak 'grease' spell rune, to lubricate that potential point of high friction. That will work nicely.

I go back and get to work on making the metal and wheels for the middle set for the wagon, copying the design I had in mind for the first four, and then go back and use my hot steam breath to heat the metal myself, to bend it into place, wrapping snugly around the wood. I trim off the excess, a few nips with my teeth more than enough to do so. the bronze had a decent flavor as well. not a perfect blend, but plenty strong enough for a first project here.

It's been a few hours probably, based on my own sense of time, when a kobold comes in, dragging a bundle of decent looking plant fiber rope, I give a nod of appreciation, and gently take it, getting to work on assembling the cart the rest of the way. making the tailgate, trying up a simple harness to easily wear, and that will probably do for now. I slip the rope harness on, testing it, giving a walk around the place, the wheels rolling properly, if a little noisily on the stone floor of the lair's workshop. A silencing effect will be something for later.

I walk around getting a feel for it's turn range, it's weight, slide, and how the rope rubs and rests on my scales. They seem fine, at least, no snagging on the rope, and the pressure of the cart, Empty feels good.

I go towards the larder, passing kobolds with the wagon in tow, the tunnels large enough in the main sections, for me to traverse without issue. "I'm going to take some of the foraged supplies to the Town, any kobolds that wish to help me load things up, are welcome to." I call out, some quite happy to jump to it. There's some kobolds actually, bringing some more resources in. I might want to look into some carts or packs for them, depending on how my plans go. things to make their work easier to do.

I take a look at all of the stockpiled foraged goods, and smile. it was sizable. Leeks, some pleasant looking flowers, Daffodils, and some Dandelions. A spicy smelling Horseradish plant, some mushrooms, of a few variants by the looks. common brown mushrooms, and Morels. There were also some potatoes, wild ones, or leftovers of old farming supposedly had here. hardy little tubers.

"I want a sampling of the better looking produce here, on the cart. at most halving this stockpile of edibles. do not take all of each type. I want us to keep a stockpile of secure resources. we might benefit from getting our own seeds, but it's not a current priority. though these potatoes should be planted somewhere as well." I smile, as I watch them load the cart up, baskets of sorted goods, picking the better looking foraging results. it was promising.

"Now. I'm thinking a few could come along into town, to help unload as well. It'll introduce the locals to my kobolds, as well. I'll leave it up to you all to decide who comes, and I think six kobolds could fit on the benches I made. I do suggest basic covering, for the comfort of the Humans, as well. I will be waiting in the entry passage." and with the cart loaded, I head towards the entryway, to wait, I could see the shadows, still not yet noon. Perfect. I didn't waste a whole lot of time putting this wagon together. Now. to wait for a little bit.