>>5757219Resolving to discuss you upcoming quest for the succubus later—in more private company, and when it is more immediately relevant—you instead focus on those matters of state which are most pressing to you… or most interesting.
“Among the many new members of our society, there are none more prestigious than my fellow Dragonborn,” you begin, then correct yourself, remembering your egalitarian and meritocratic intentions for Bloodrise: “As firsts among equals, of course, who will still need to prove themselves.”
“Oh they have proven themselves,” one of the Serpent priests spits with bitter venom upon his tongue. “proven themselves menaces, dangers to our entire civilization!”
You fix him with a piercing gaze, and the proud and highborn male shrivels, bowing his head in deep apology. Still, to your dismay, you find his opinion is not his ALONE, nor simply that of disenfranchised members of the old order. You are so used to regarding your Big Brother as an aspirational figure and a source of comfort that, perhaps, you have forgotten exactly how others perceive him: a tremendously large and unpredictable predator, radiating a <Fearsome Presence> which they feel primarily as FEAR. His is an object of veneration of course—a living god, almost, and a representative of the ancient days of yore when dragons ruled. T the dwarves and elves are quite open in their wariness… And if no REPTILIAN would disparage him under normal circumstances, well, these circumstances are anything but normal. But his impulsive decision in pursuit of his freedom DID annihilate an ancient base of operations which had endured a millennium, cost the lives of dozens of members of the Master Race, and provoke a refugee crisis and very nearly a war with Hawksong.
“And what of the Red Dragonborn—when they grow to be the same assize as the Great One?” the South-Merchant asks, trying to appeal to you practically. “They will eat a great deal—require hoards of their own…”
“…And dragons do not play well with others, in ancient legends,” chimes in the Wevenore Ambassador.
“This matter does not concern you!” snaps the Bastard. “It is a matter for the Dragonborn to decide—our Dragon KING.”
“It is something which must concern all of us,” the Translator notes.
You glare at the Serpent Priest, and he bows his head respectfully, awaiting permission to speak. You grant it, grudgingly.
