>>5722606>15 for his spell, against DC 17Moving without thinking, you turn your head and shut your eyes against a blinding light. You cry out in supplication and invocation of your own gods, True and Dark, to protect you from this heathen magic—no, to protect the Red Dragon King. Only now, in that glimpse of prophecy, did you truly grasp the purpose behind Sir Ewald’s pointless debate, his stalling tactics, his scrutinizing gaze. He was scanning you, attempting to <Detect> the nature of your weapons, your enchantments. Having found the font of your magic power within—the nigh-bottomless source of mystical power which is the Red Dragon King’s captive ghost—he now seeks to strip you of it!
The impudent CUR!
You kick him hard, forcing him back and interrupting the spell before it can be completed. It would take a sustained effort to purge such a great and powerful spirit, and you resolve not to afford him the chance to attempt it again. His opening gambit failed, the Old Paladin reassess his strategy, eyes flitting down to his abandoned sword and back to you. In his sword-hand, he still clutches that holy symbol-that knife. It’s potentially deadly, but FAR less than a <Holy Avenger> like the sword upon the floor.
Then again… Well, this man has challenged you to a duel. He awaited for you to draw your blade, rather than strike you down before you could react-well, ATTEMPTING to do so, at least. He has shown honour. You suppose the proper thing to do—by the standards of his race, your wife’s race and your own grandfather’s race—would be to let him pick it up again.
“Weakness,” you hear the voice of your ancestor correct you from within, awakened by the attempt to banish him. “You have pledged yourself to the Feathered Serpent, and agreed to trial by combat, but there is no reason to fight ‘fairly’ with an ape. HE chose to forsake his blade for a chance at my preserved and accursed half-life, Young One. His strategy has failed him—no Dark God will condemn you for exploiting his foolishness.”
What will you do?
>Strike now—while Ewald is at the disadvantage! Keep him away from his sword!>Let Sir Ewald reclaim his Holy Avenger,--take the time to adjust your stance and prepare for the next clash>He wants the Red Dragon King? Fine—let him HAVE the red Dragon King, and all his magic! Cast a spell, while he’s distracted [which one?]>Write-in 