>>5500986“Drow of Wevenore, Reptilians of the Master Race…”
You pause, recalling scrawny Ivno and stout, beardless Karz Throat-singer.
“…Kobolds and Duergar of Bloodrise… I would like you all to meet the newest allies in our Dark Crusade against the surface scum and their false ‘gods’ of light. This is the Glow-Worm Queen, scion of the Mother of Dragons herself… And as evidence, behold her wyrmlings, divinely-inspired dragonSPAWN!”
It is a lie by omission, strengthened by the implication of deeper truths. You cannot acknowledge your family as your own flesh-and-blood, not without acknowledging crimes carnal and alchemical which could jeopardize your reputation with the hardliners and elites in your entourage. You travel not just with Degenerates and lowborn Reptilians, but other Serpent Priests and highly-placed Silkscale traders—those whose loyalty is less personal and more circumstantial.
Still, Glowie IS the ‘granddaughter’ of a Dark God, a queen of a burgeoning empire, an ally whose kin have long secretly extended and strengthened your supply chains, and her spawn ARE the product of divinely-ordained infusion of dragonblood. They DESERVE to be recognized as worthy, respectable friends, members of your Dark Alliance… Even if the particulars of WHY Glowie was created, and HOW her lineage became draconic, must remain obscure.
(At least the Novice Fleshweaver does not spill the secret, despite clear anxiety)
“This whole trip keeps getting weirder and weirder,” the Duelist murmurs, sheathing her dual shortswords.
“Fascinating,” the Centipede Lancer says admiringly, precipitating clicks and chitters from Honemdyn the Centipede which you cannot help but interpret as jealousy.
“Yes, well, thisss isss all very heart-warming,” the Novice sneers, placing her hands on her ample hips and narrowing her eyes and speaking in her heavily-accented elventongue, “but let uss not forget that we were jussst attacked by a horde of undead!”
“AND our own elemental,” the Duelist reminds everyone.
“And demons,” Olu the Archer adds, bow still at the ready, watching the unclean spirits still watching from the shadows.
“I will explain later,” you assure them all.
You will, too… Though different members of the party will get subtly different explanations. For now, it’s time to clean up and regroup.
