>>5679513“You are take wyrmlings in war?” you ask the Throat-singer, cognizant of your poor command of the Northern Common-tongue which is nevertheless your only shared language.
“Yes, and their mother says you’re the one to see about keeping them… On-task.”
You nod. That much makes sense. The Glowworm Queen knows how to direct her sons as a unit, and you’ve heard that King Theral can do so as well—no small wonder, with them being shaped by his gods, and his sheer ability t command the respect of just about ANYONE he meets. But for you… Well, you can keep them subdued and cooperative. You can issue simple commands. But you don’t have that… That… Whatever-it-ism that allows their Queen-mother or Dragon King to control them so effectively. You have to use word, gestures, sometimes the application of light coercion. You cannot control all nine of them, in the chaos of their first true military engagement!
The Throat-singer seems to sense your reticence. You attempt to explain yourself, but her in terrupts your disjointed half-explanation, stating:
“I only need them to not attack our forces, to stay in formation, and to withdraw when I say to withdraw—when surrender has been offered. This is it—the last big push, for the whole damn mountain-range! If you can just get them to do THAT, we’ll all live like kings. Can you do it, elf?”
Well… No, you can’t. But you can probably control SOME of them—and direct them effectively, ensuring THEY at least follow orders. They are larger, stronger, heavier, and faster than you—even if you ride atop Honemdyn! They have grown quickly, which is to be expected with larvae, but they are also SMART… And as much as that may make them more effective allies to your race, the dak dwarves, and the lizardmen, it ALSO makes them more difficult to control. They’re like curious toddlers with the size and weight of a cave-bear. It is only a guess, but you suspect you can effectively control three of the wyrms—four or five, maybe, if you choose a bonded pair.
Which sons will you supervise in battle?
>Tudyvak, the Scout>Jepvysk, the Hunter>Lopfivik and Fidiefvik, the Terror Twins>Telovvisk of the Deep>Noptivisk, the Singer>Tonupask Ironclad & Gohjavisk Half-Dragon>Natvodask Unknowable[Choose no more than three; Lop and Fidi are paired and count as one choice, and so are Tonu and Gohja]
