Always Be Prepared(A Dragon's Thoughts)
The sound of coins and jewels clinking together provided something of a soothing melody as the great dragon of old, Firkraag the red, slinked across the hoard that comprised his bed. It had been a fun last couple of days for the beast; Khan and his party had fought all the way through his defenses and made it to the presence of Firkraag himself, finally managing to escape with Windspear's daughter and their lives, thanks to the dragon's magnanimous mood at the time. Such fun... he would have to come up with something else to occupy himself in the days to come. Things got fairly quiet around the old castle these days, and there was really only so many times one could count a hoard until it got... predictable.
Firkraag sighed, pulling himself up off his bed and dragging himself over to his customary spot in the great hall he loved to sit and plot in. Resting on his haunches, Firkraag sat back and thought.
Hmm... I feel like some sport; perhaps I could pit my wolfweres against my trolls? It could be interesting... or perhaps a golem against my orcs. That should prove entertaining, at the very least. Although, I think I really feel like... I really feel like it's drafty, that's what. Did that fool wizard Conster leave my door open again? Must I remind him again? I'm sure he'll dislike the lesson. Heh... that sounds fun, truth be told.
What? Is that... no, that is the sound of footsteps. More than one set... must not be Conster or my orcs; they wouldn't dare approach without permission. Is it... oh, it is! The Bhaalspawn Khan and his party. I wonder what it is they want. Were it some other fools, my guess would be to either gaze at my magnificence or steal my hoard. Both would earn an equally crispy death, but still. Surely they wouldn't be so foolish as to attack me? No, the Bhaalspawn has more sense that.
Should I speak first? I could... no. Best let them make the first move. Keep them thinking I don't care about them. If they think that, they'll get impatient and slip what they really want here. Just pretend like they're not there. Play it cool... cool as ice. Ha... they're already unnerving. Look at them, whispering amongst themselves; they must be trying to figure out how to get my attention without seeming desperate. This is such fun.
Oh, they're moving again. Let's see... just stand still, don't even move. Like a statue, a big, fire breathing statue. Hmm... that's the bounty hunter moving towards me. Sending the 'tricky' one to negotiate, hmm? Heh, a wise move, but predictable. He's not speaking... must be too intimidated. Perhaps I should slouch somewhat? No, best keep up appearances. What's that he's doing? Looks like he's putting something... can't quite see... a trap? Huh... yes, it looks like he just put a trap right in front of me. Odd. I wonder why he would do that. Perhaps he thinks that securing my cave from would be thieves will grant them some goodwill. Pathetic... it will take more than that to earn a taste of Firkraag's hoard!
Well, he must have gotten the message. Looks like he's placing a few more of those traps. Good for him, though I think he's forgotten the location of my hoard. It's not around the spot where I'm sitting right now; it's behind me, behind those double doors. Odd placement of those traps, I should think... but perhaps he believes thieves will expect that. Yes, that must be it. Crafty little bounty hunter. Perhaps he might be worthy of some reward... but maybe not. I would just have to recount it again... no. No, just stay cool, and act like you didn't notice a thing. Hah... giving up so easily? The little man is retreating back to his group. Finally he realizes how hard I am to buy! They seem to be whispering among themselves again... what's this? Looks like the druid, cleric, and wizard are summoning some creatures... I wonder what they are?
Ah... I see. A Fire Elemental, a Skeleton Warrior, and a... oh, a set of Mountain Bears. I haven't seen any of those for some time... I think I ate the last couple I found. Hmm... perhaps they seek to placate my hunger with these offerings? No... they wouldn't offer a Skeleton Warrior as a meal. Perhaps some form of entertainment? Yes, that must be it... of course! An animal act of some sort... this should be quite fun!
Oh, I see they aren't ready just yet. Just stay calm, Firkraag, you'll have your fun soon. I do believe I'm getting somewhat giddy with anticipation! Hmm... casting some more spells... this might take some time. Let's see if I can recognize the spells. Well, the first was a Bless, easy enough to recognize. That was a Chant; both cheap protections, hardly worth my effort to figure out. Something interesting, please!
Hmm, haven't heard one of those in a while. A... ah, a Red Fireshield. And a Blue one too. That's a Mirror Image... yes indeed. Oh, I can't quite remember what that one is... it's on the tip of my tongue... Protection from Evil! Ah, and the ever popular Protection from Magic Weapons, and yawn Protection from Fire. I, of course, never need such a spell. Well then, that's a True Sight, that's a Haste, and that's a Defensive Aura. I hope they're done soon- ah, it looks like they've finished. Good, I was getting bored.
Hmm... this must be more intricate a show than I had thought. It looks like they're all circling me... yes; everyone is taking a position around me. Oh... except the thief and the wizards. They must play an extra special role in this little play. Oh... oh, Khan is moving forward. He's raising his sword... almost like he's going to hit me; this should be most entertaining...
X X X X X X X
Khan looked down at the dead dragon that lay before the group, decimated with trap, blade, and magic. The entire battle had taken around a minute at most; the summoned creatures hadn't even been unsummoned yet. Minsc grinned widely at Khan as the two warriors looked down at the dead dragon, Khan shaking his head wryly. "The first of our dragon conquests! Let hamsters-"
"And rangers rejoice." Khan finished, chuckling.
"How did you know what I would say?" Minsc asked with a frown.
"Lucky guess." Khan sighed, turning to Mazzy, who was staring at the dragon with a frown. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing, verily, it is a great honor to have performed such a deed... but it seemed odd. Easy... like the beast didn't even realize we were about to attack him."
"What can I say? He was probably waiting for us to talk to him before he'd react...NPC's are stupid that way." Khan shrugged.
"What?"
"Um... nothing. Nothing at all."