>>5344351“A self-contained realm, a kingdom of perpetual light, perfectly-optimized temperature, where food can be grown and maintained in a perfect, artificial climate,” the North-Merchant blurts out, in your native tongue. “A self-sufficient kingdom, with no need to trade!”
“That isn’t possible,” the Translator scoffs. “The amount of magic needed, the amount of orichalcum…”
“An abundance of orichalcum would greatly reduce the amount of magic required to maintain such spells, properly applied,” the North-merchant notes. “I mean… Assuming the dwarf speaks truly. I admit I am… No mage.”
But you are. The Novice Fleshweaver is, also… And, despite yoru natural talent for elementalism, her own theoretical understanding greatly exceeds your own. You suddenly regret her absence attending to the wounded. She would know if these dwarven fantasies are realistic or merely mammalian illogic.
“So-called Dragon, have I not answered your question?” the Eldest Dwarf interrupts your contemplation.
“How much orichalcum is there, in the Bloodrisssse?”
He sighs, and shrugs.
“More than is normal,” he answers, “but we don’t know. We think the… History here, the deaths of dragons and their ilk… Bled magic into this place, enriched the iron and copper. Just not sure how rich.”
As far as you’re concerned, then, it really IS your race’s wealth, by right. The question is… What to do about the dwarves who are stealing it. Most of them will have to wait before you can deal with them, but there is still the matter of the one standing before you… And his fellow corporate citizens, the females and children of the raided fort.
What will you do with the Eldest Dwarf?
>He has served his purpose, and his hatred for you runs deep; grant him the mercy of a swift death>Torture him, and publicly sacrifice him to the Dark Gods, as an example to the others>Send him back to the prison, lest you require his counsel againWhat of the females and their spawn?
>Put them to work as chattel slaves—a female dwarf is still stout, strong, and hardy, and they will be useful in re-opening the kobolds’ mines and reexacavating your people’s ruins>Sell them to the Bogbarri and Drow—let them be THEIR problem, not yours>Offer an ultimatum—convert and submit, and gain a form of second-class status in your empire, to die>Use them as hostages, to negotiate a meeting with the other dwarves of BloodriseAnd lastly, what will become of this place—their fort?
>Reopen it, and populate it with kobolds and/or dwarven slaves—let them harvest the wealth here for your new Dark Empire>Desecrate it, invoking the wrath of the Dark Gods to render it forever a place of foreboding and suffering, and a warning to all invaders>Offer it, conditionally, to the Drow—a reward for their aid, and to better build your alliance[Write-ins permitted for all of the above]
