>>5664243“<Protection from Fire>!”
Too late do you remember the spell which Sir Chase, a Paladin of the same order, had cast to obviate your firebreath in the skies above Hawksong several weeks prior. You take a step back, just in time to dodge a charging shield-bash from the Prince, who then lashes out against with his sword. Another slash comes, and you block with your own blade, as the sweltering heat, luminous light, and eye-assailing smoke conspire to rob Prince Archos of his accuracy
>18The flames buy you precious time and, as his spell of <Protection> falters, the Paladin prince is forced back, crying out as his overheated armour finally starts to cook him. He clutches tight to his sword, though; in fact, you realize, he has locked gauntlets on his armour—a Dwarven invention intended to prevent one from being disarmed. His hand might well be ruined, but as longa s he can will his arm to swing, he will not lose his weapon. A good thing, then, you did not attempt to tackle him to the ground—you would have been disarmed, but not he!
And that sword… It shines with a light which burns you eyes to look upon, and crackles with an unsettling energy. Was it the source of those bolts of lightning, earlier? Perhaps it is recharging…
You are forced to pause in your immolating assault by the need to take a deep breath and recharge your fire-lung, however. You are once more in your True Form, all aspects of Wang Long faded or shed, but your <Dragonshape> and its enhanced strength, speed, and armoured hide is still beyond your immediate access. The Prince, by now wary of your tricks, circles you as he plans his approach; you move in tandem, maintaining distance and positioning, ever vigilant.
“Why have you come for m family?” he asks. “Why us? Why now?”
“Vengeanccce for what your family did to mine,” you answer truthfully—at least in part. “For the Great Green Dragon!”
“And my sister?” he demands. “Why have you toyed with her heart, fiend? What has she done to deserve this?!”
What will you say?
>Mock him—his sister is pregnant by you, and when you are done the City of Paladins will be ruled by the very spawn of an Antipaladin and a Dark God>Offer him some cold comfort—Ekaterine is your beloved, and he should die knowing he will be safe>Say nothing—you owe him no explanationDo you speak with him about anything else?
>Ask about his sword>Ask about his trip to the South>Bring up Rufos’ complicity>Ask how he learned of your true nature,a nd your involvement>Ask what happened to the assassinsThe Paladin Prince is battered, but not beaten… What is you strategy for how to finish this?
>Good old Hexblade swordsmanship>Distract him and goad him into position for the Archer to make a clean shot>One of your spells or items holds the key to victory… [which one?][Write-ins allowed]
[Your HP: 3/5]
[His HP: 2/4]
[See
>>5655883 for your options]
