(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
Being escorted by the help. SkekGra and UrGoh approach through the catacombs with the Temple guard flanking on either side. The four detect the skeleton army shadowing them from underneath the ground and demons lurking behind the corners and walls. They would have been insulted if they didn't take the necessary precautions of the four. It would be quite an interesting warmup if things get a little dicey at the moment.
Feeling the tension in the air increasing as the Sebas and Shalltear opened the door leaving some tombs creaking a bit opened as to test the perception of the four. Who only glanced at the tomb before UrGoh puffed smoke out of his mouth in a long exhale. Coating the area in a fine gray mist before disappearing into the clear air. Through ordinary eyes All UrGoh did was smoke out of his pipeweed. But the two holding their hands on the doorway know. Finding the shadow demons sent to shadow them floated down to the ground sleeping then dissipating.
Along with the magic inside the tomb waxed only once breaking the connection of the skeletons in crypts to sleep eternally. From that simple act they learned to be quite cautious of the two casually flexing their powers. But provided them information that mear low level undead won't be enough to stop them. Having a silent agreement to tell Ainz to bring in everyone along with the higher level undead just in case. Opening the door they all stepped inside an empty room. All entered the empty room and waited for about a minute before the portal through to the throne room opened.
All stepped through leaving the SkekGra and UgGoh to look back on the portal dissipating before their eyes. Finding a large hallway of marple and purple carpeting. Along with some creatures on the hallway walls and roofs. Counting about eight in total being invisible insect creatures with sharp claws. Looking forward they were met by a giant door in front of them that towers even giants of giants. Might be about three giants give or take after analyzing the details of the purple marble door being simple in design and quite an effective security measure for only the greatest of magic users or strongest of warriors can even hope to open a crack to slip in. A measure made evident when Shalltear showed her strength by casually opening the door enough for her to walk through. She turned her head.
Shalltear: I shall enter to see if our lord is ready
Sebas nods as Shalltear is going to give a brief report to call in the maids in case the audience would prove to be an assassination attempt. Leaving SkekGra and UrGoh there to make some small talk. Or at the very least try to make small talk as UrGoh held his pipe for Sebas to try and have a smoke. Who polity refused not trusting his poison immunity along with accepting a potential enemy drugs would be a good move under the eyes of Lord Ainz. After a bit of charades with SkekGra pulling out a miniature sized hand puppet of him with Sebas making his handkerchief into origami birds comparing the two. Before he got the message beamed into his mind that Lord Ainz, the guardians, the Pleiades, and a couple of regiments of death knights were ready to be teleported in for an immediate flanking attempt. He nodded and put away the handkerchief into his breast pocket with SkekGra putting his hand puppet away in his robes.
Sebas: Our lord is ready to see you now.
With that the doors flew wide open on their own. Sending a billowing wind against them that would send any lesser being back. All the wind did for the four was a light breeze on the mountains. Stepping forward the four looked around, finding the purple carpet to the throne lining up to the throne. With pillars of marble hanging flags of many designs at the side that touch the roof with arches of gray stone. Hanging a giant chandelier at the top Finding Ainz sitting on his throne holding his golden staff of eight orbs around the rim by their dragon mouths. As Skekgra and Urgoh walk down the room towards the Elder Lich sitting on his throne of purple with jagged purple crystals and spikes around the seat. Walking forward they saw many interesting characters including Shalltear.
Taking a look at the maids as they were much more armored and uniformed than their regular maids. But that's only for the mortal crew. They were far more powerful maids they have on hand by the dragon maids who hide under plain sight. A lot weaker than the regular dragons of the old world. But they exchange power for subterfuge and being at the right place at the right time. Seems these maids were somewhat color coated by their hair style but not uniformed. Having their appearance differentiate themselves by their weapons and stances. Finding the one with the glasses having an armored shoulder pad on her right arm with more plate on her side skirt . With cactus-like arm guards around her wrists looking at them with composure. The one looking a little more wild and with a wider grin is a woman of red hair in pigtails and brown skin.
Wearing her uniform in short sleeves but covered in long black gloves with a skirt that has a long slit on its left side, revealing thigh-high white stockings and a hat that resembled wolf ears. Stretching her army as if she's ready to fight. The next is a young girl wearing a traditional japanese attire or some black silk red ribbons around her chest. Any of the less observant would see her as a regular maid. But the keen eyes of the four spotted her hair looked to be of arachnid origin. Along with her eyes and mouth being designed to mimic a girl but upon closer inspection where mouth was shaped like a cartoonish depiction of an arachnid and eyes of red warning side subtly hitting she had six rather than two. Next to her is a girl who is short in stature and has red-gold straight long hair. Wearing an eyepatch over her left eye while her right eye has an emerald color and target-mark on the pupil. A face looking quite delicate as if crafted by hand and painted to perfection. However her delicate face is offset by the loadout she's carrying.
Holding a gun over her shoulder that seems much more powerful than any other normal gunpowder weapon. Having a camouflage scarf around her neck, gloves, stockings, and headdress all in the same color. With an armored shoulder pad, metallic skirt and armored boots and shin guards. Looking ready for war along with the maid standing beside her who looked down on the intruders with contempt. An elegant, snow-white skinned, black-pony tailed beauty. Wearing a white bonnet and black armor decorated in gold and silver in the likeness of her station. The last one looked them on with glee imagining the type of torture to enact on them for entring the place of their home without invitation. A blond beauty with spiral curls and blue eyes. Clothing that emphasized her sex appeal with metal boots and arm length black gloves. A distraction noted and disregarded by the four for they can tell from her eyes and widened smile she is an assassin of the likes of dark elves. Even dressed much more sensibly then the hag witches of the north despite sharing their cruelty.
Moving their view towards the right they saw two very young dark elf children. Based on their ears and skin color. Yet their stance and attitude was unlike any dark elf they have seen before. Plus the dark elf was more based on society rather than skin color. As evidence of the more chipper and boyish attitude but noticed that the elf is a girl as her outfit of a pure white and gold vest and suit would have you believe. Wearing a reddish-black dragon scale leather underneath her white suite and brown with a metallic top of her gloves. With heterochromia eyes of green and blue and finally with yellow messy hair. Standing next to her meeker elf, assuming to be their sibling as they share the similar outfits, hair color, along with the same heterochromia eyes but the blue is on the left while the green is on the right. Dressing like a girl with a skirt and knee high skirt exposing his thighs. Of blue dragon scale leather covered by a more blue outline of a white vest button of golden and shiny white silk gloves wielding a twisted black wooden staff.
Standing tall and over to the side of the twins is a large insectoid man. Being a fusion of mantis and ant. Having a tail twice as long being covered in sharp spikes like icicles and has a strong jaw that can easily snap people's hands. Holding a silver halberd with his two right hands while the other two were free. Counting about four in total with the two forward arms being a bit smaller counting about three fingers while the other two at the shoulder guard were quite large. The two think he might fit in with the people at nippon or cathay.
Standing next to the large man ice bug was a demonic presence they felt that was on the level of exalted demons. However he looked alot more shorter than the other types of demons they banished and sometimes disassembled their bonds to be but pure magic to give them true death. However appearances can be deceiving and he looked to be quite deceiving from his tall stature of wearing a business suit of red and black gloves and shoes. Having a silver tail with six long spikes at the end of glasses and pointy long ears of nicely combed hair. Readjusting it to analyze these intruders to see if they got any tricks on their sleeves. Besides puppets they seemed to have quite an array of tricks and magic integrated in their clothing.
Approaching at the steps of the throne room they felt another demonic entity making her presence known. Being quite a strong demon that is worthy of being an Exalted demon. Maybe even more as her impeccable beauty puts even the demons of Slaanesh to shame. A very low bar that she would be the envy and desire should she be discovered to be a demon of Slaanesh. But something about her form and false smile would consider the god of excess herself beneath her notice.
Being quite the tall woman might even be Saurus size if they hunched over a couple of feet which might be seven or six feet depending who she's standing next to. With Lustrous jet-black hair and the face of a goddess supposedly if she doesn't go the way like all Slaanesh daemons go through and crafted their skins and faces to be more alien and bug-like to taste the fear of their foes. But it looks like she went the agents of desire route having golden irises and vertically split pupils. On her temples were two thick horns protruding crookedly, and on her waist are a pair of black angel wings. Wearing a pure white dress with silky gloves covering her slender hands and a golden spiderweb necklace that covers her shoulders and chest.
Once the four managed to reach where Ainz was sitting. Along mentally preparing themselves on describing the people to Kroq-gar and writing down their reports. Going to take about a good three hours which might be cut in half if the skinks were assisting them. Now making it to the top of the throne room noticing they were trying to surround them but not make it too obvious. Which is fair as they would have done that too. Standing tall they awaited for the supposed elder lich to speak.
Ainz: I am the great Ainz Ooal Gown, ruler of the Tomb of Nazarick, I assume you were sent by one calling himself Kroq-gar
SkekGra pointed his staff forward to show Ainz is correct.
SkekGra: You are correct, Ainz
The demonic women looked immediately insulted by how these bird creatures failed to address their lord in the proper tone. Instead using the most casual of manners as if they deserved the right.
Albedo: That's Lord Ainz Ooal Gown to you, worm!
She insulted the two birds who looked unphased. Ainz knowing he has to follow up on that along with being minorly insulted that his position is not treated with the same relevance. He swiped his hand to enact his decree.
Ainz: Demiurge, correct their posturing
The demon who dressed in a red suit and tie stepped forward. SkekGra and UrGoh assume it is Demiurge who cleared his throat.
Demiurge: Prostrate yourselves!
Was Demiurge's command. What happens next surprises everyone in the throne room except the servant of Kroq-gar. While the two temple guards are forced to their knees managing to stand tall for about a couple of seconds before they inevitably, with great effort and struggling to get back, were forced to kneel on the ground. Still trying to struggle standing up as both of the guards stared at Demiurge with defiance in their eyes and rage in their hearts. Almost impressing Demiurge for a moment but that was smothered when both SkekGra and UrGoh were not affected by the command at all. SkekGra tilted his head at UrGoh.
Skekgra: UrGoh, do you feel that?
UrGoh chuckled and breathed some smoke out of his nose, getting the temple guard who smelt it stand up slamming their weapons hits on the ground echoing the room. Puffing out their anger for this transgression but discipline prevailed.
UrGoh: I...felt...an...itch
Scratching underneath his chin as to emphasize the point. SkekGra chuckled, then looked back at Ainz with a smiling smug smile.
SkekGra: Quite an impressive spell you've got there, Ainz, not everyone can force the temple guard to their knees with magic, but alas, you'll find UrGoh and myself more formidable
Throwing a barb there as he was cleaning and patting his robe. Getting some dust that glowed on his hand dismissively shook the dust towards Demiurge, getting it on his shoes before disappearing. The two looked on unamused; their smiles were a more neutral glare at them. Ainz sensed the tension in the room and would rather not go to war immediately and so soon. Leaned back on his throne.
Ainz: Indeed, it's impressive that you can withstand his power, for this I shall allow you both to have an audience
SkekGra and UrGoh smiled and bowed graciously. Waving their arms to the two temple guards to stand down who moved their swords to the side and their shield lowered in a feint as a just in case. Ainz being quite curious on who these individuals from Kroq-gar care is.
Ainz: Now then, tell me who is and why you're here
SkekGra placed his hand over his chest to give this Ainz the proper respect as a lord for he earned this once. But he will call him Ainz on any future instances unless ordered to as respect needs to be earned not given.
SkekGra: Lord Ainz Ooal Gown, I am nothing but a messenger to my Master, the great lord Kroq-gar, the Deceiver, the lord of all lizardmen, Kroq-gar the last defender
Ainz drummed his hand over his throne not liking the deceiver title. Already his paranoia might be getting to him and this title and companion have led to another player in his midst. So soon too, he's hoping to be more amicable rather than selfish. Better to meet this person face to face to learn more about him but first his other companion.
Ainz: I see and your companion?
SkekGra gestured, bowed his head in respect. Ainz wondered if this was a test for his character or they were just playing a mind game with him. Taking a brief look at Albedo and Demiurge who's mind are already at a frenzy of counterplays and dissecting the words. SkekGra continued to introduce his companion.
SkekGra: He is UrGoh the wanderer, he is also a messenger, my sluggish half if you will, I shall be the one speaking with you for we will be here all day if he was giving the message
UrGoh: Or...he...be...here...with...us
UrGoh slowly spoke as to enunciate SkekGra point. Breathing smoke out of his mouth and nostrils. Having the twins backed up by the giant bugman so as to not breath in the smoke but it billowed around the two temple guards and disappeared. Leaving them having a different colored eye allows them to see the hidden assassins from before on the walls and roofs. Ainz noticed that UrGoh seemed to be a buffer of some sorts. Detecting trace magic inside the smoke but not enough for a definitive conclusion. Speaking again in his ruler persona as to not waste anymore time.
Ainz: And? What is it your master has sent you here for?
SkekGra pulled out a scroll underneath his robe and unfurled it. Showing the symbol of the lizardmen. Being a crude depiction of an orange snake head to the side with its tongue out. Over a blue field and four triangles on top of it.
SkekGra: My Master, Lord Kroq-gar, has sent me here to request an audience with you
Ainz had immediate deja vu of having a meeting for another meeting. Seems that Kroq-gar is one of those people. Honestly with this type of message there would be alot more messengers or a single person to give it to him. However, what if he had sent more messengers? There were ten in total at the carriage. What's not to say there were more in the woods. Contemplating his thoughts he leaned forward and placed his hands together to ask his question.
Ainz:...That's it? Did he send two messengers just to ask to meet with me?
SkekGra looked up trying to pick apart the words. Thinking he would expect him to lead a convoy of messengers and gifts as the standard of diplomatic meetings. Any lesser empires would do that as to appease the favor of a larger kingdom. They are not that empire and try to pick his word carefully so as to not incite a diplomatic incident.
SkekGra: My Master thought it would be rude if he showed up out of the sky without a proper warning given
Ainz noticed that barb as he did try to muscle in on saving that village. Making Kroq-gar absent and challenge to gather information on him. How much did he know and how much did he see? From context clues they must have seen him battling the Sunlight Scripture. So by logical conclusion he must have seen him desire true pain and a taste of his power. Waving his hand for SkekGra to continue.
SkekGra: If you agree to the meeting, he shall allow you to choose the location and time. In turn he wishes to bring three companions of his choosing. Will it suffice?
Ainz places a hand to his chin in contemplation. From observing Kroq-gar battling at the town. He could assume it might be Nakai, Gor-Rok, and Oxyotl. Already having met them and planning on getting all of the guardians with him to make sure this doesn't become a mob fight. He nodded and placed his hand down to give his answer.
Ainz: I accept your terms, I will meet your lord here in Nazarick since he already knows where it is, two days in the afternoon
Now standing tall glowing his eyes into a red glare and tapping his staff on the ground to make his warning known.
Ainz: Take this message to your Master, if he means harm to my great tomb, I will retaliate swiftly and mercilessly
SkekGra hmpth at that. He expected no less.
SkekGra: Of course Lord Ainz, it's time for us to leave
And with that, a meeting has been set with Ainz Ooal Gown of the Tomb of Nazarick and lord Kroq-gar of new Hexoatl. Having SkekGra and UrGoh leave without any issues with the temple guard beside them. Both of them leering a quick second of the assassins shadowing them at the side and stepped through the portal. Walking back to the carriage and embarking the remaining temple guard they headed off to New Hexoatl to bring them the good news. But back to Nazarick at the tenth floor of the throne room. There wasn't anything but good.
Albedo: My lord, they have no right to speak to you in such a manner
Ainz looked over at the demon known as Albedo. A woman who at the last second changed her settings to love Momonga. Looking offended for him as Albedo anger breathed out her anger and stood up.
Albedo: But you were right to conceal our true intentions, even if this place were spotted almost immediately
The elf stepped forward and bowed his head apologetically.
Mare: I'm sorry my Lord, I thought that concealing the tomb with the land would have hidden it
Demiurge rubbed his chin thinking of how they found this place before snapping his fingers.
Demiurge: Do not blame yourself Mare, this place is hidden by regular eyes but not the mind eye
The elf with the brown gloves sighed and placed her hands over her head.
Aura: So we have to deal with magic users now, ugh, such a pain
The blue insect nodded and said his piece on the troops that came here to escort the messengers.
Cocytus: Hmm, their warriors have quite the spirit, this might prove to be a worthy challenge.
Shalltear waved it off as she walked forward.
Shalltear: Whatever they are, they are no match for Lord Ainz
Ainz shook his head no and approached Shalltear who looked up with hunger in her eyes.
Ainz: Shalltear do not mistake these foes as just some enemy to defeat, they are far more powerful than you can believe
Getting Shalltear to tilt her head on how these bird things would spook him this much. Getting Demiurge to step in.
Demiurge: Indeed Lord Ainz, the guard noticed our assassins the moment they stepped into our tomb, even dispelling the undead shadowing them
Getting all to nod their head as they listen on to the explanation.
Demiurge: Which is why we need to gather more information on our surrounding area, which I will do so in post haste if you have me of course
Ainz nodded thinking he'll get to play the adventurer for a little while longer before the inevitable meeting. Already the mind games prove to be exhausting.
Ainz: So that you do, I'll do my part as the adventurer Momon, as for the rest of you
The Maids and the guardians stood at attention.
Ainz: Assist Demiurge in any way you can, unless it's under my direct orders, is that understood?
They all said their piece about getting the order and Ainz tapped his staff on the ground to dismiss them.
Ainz: Good, dismissed, I need to be alone to...ruminate
The others complied and left the room leaving Ainz alone sitting down on the throne. Letting his ruler persona slip off and feeling exhausted and worried about the meeting that's going to come in two days. Thinking about fighting a more powerful enemy so soon. Even worse, they discovered his home, his place of secret only a couple of days while he was here. From that alone they were beings in this world stronger then he could imagine. Gripping his throne tight he exhaled a breath.
Ainz: Why do I have to go to war so soon
Kroq-gar was not idle as the messengers he sent to Ainz to have a meeting with him. Talking to Oxyotl and Mazdamundi they discovered the old locations of the dwarves. Even some new ones along the mountains. Mapping out the locations for the Lizardmen expansion so as to not get any old dwarf grudges written against him. Already New Hexoatal was abuzz with activity taking the mountains piece by piece to make way for the slann to meditate. Having the mountains themselves be mined out and expanded to house the lizardmen and dragons of Olivia to get their numbers up at a steady rate. As they expanded they reached the border of a dwarf hold at the northern mountains. Being west of the dwarf holds Krak A Krak being led by Thorgrim Grudgebearer.
After some scrying these dwarves looked a little mixed then the warhammer ones as they looked less stocky and more well rounded. But what caught Kroq-gar Eyes were their cannons. Thinking gunpowder in this word is a thing along with how devastating it could be implemented in the game. He grinned as the limits of the game to recruit soldiers of a race's speciality have been lifted. But pondered as there were new limits such as supply lines and gold for general upkeep. But that is a risk to take as the lack of artillery pieces have been a weakness with the lizardmen. Nodding once, he asked Mazdamundi to Contact Gor-Rok and SkekTek to come with him to build an alliance with the dwarves.
Kroq-gar: Alliance with the dwarfs
He said to Gor-rok, and SkekTek who were in the carriage going to their destination of the rumored dwarf hold in the north. Having the two make small talk as Mazdamundi pointed them in the direction at the plains rather than the mountains like all dwarves do. Making it a smooth traveling speed as the roads have been paved out already. SkekTek nodded but Gor-Rok furrowed his eyes as he looked out of the carriage window. Tapping his hands on his knee he spoke.
Gor-Rok: My lord, may I ask you a question?
Kroq-gar looked to Gor-Rok and nodded.
Kroq-gar: You may
Gor-Rok finished tapping his hand and spoke on what he thought.
Gor-rok: I don't mean to question your action, but why seek an alliance with the dwarves, aren't we defenders of the old world? Shouldn't that be our responsibility, not theirs?
SkekTek nodded in agreement and added his piece as well.
Skektek: I agree, my emperor with my other half making more crystal golem and its variants as we speak, shouldn't we be the only ones neutralizing the threats of the old world while the others stay in their mountains, we are the only ones capable
Kroq-gar pondered their questions. This type of thinking is what the high elves believe. Rather than asking for help and fostering an alliance. They would rather do it themselves and be smug about it. But the difference is that the Lizardmen don't quite have a sense of pride and are more interested in what the slann tells them to do. He nodded as being the defenders of the world for so long can have a mindset that only they can defend the world properly. He lifted his head.
Kroq-gar: Skektek, Gor-rok may I ask both of you a question?
Gor-rok: Anything
SkekTek: Yes anything
Both said they wanted to know what their lord was trying to say.
Kroq-gar: When we were pushed back to lustria, when we were the only ones fighting by steel, dinosaurs, and magic, did we win against chaos?
Gor-Rok was silent at that question. With SkekTek following suit. A hushed silence followed as Kroq-gar leaned in.
Kroq-gar: No we did not, did the Elves prosper by living on their island? Did the dwarves manage to scratch out their grudges? And did humans ever have fifty years of peace?
Gor-Rok and SkekTek nodded their heads no at that. Not trusting their words to say what needs to be said. Kroq-gar sighed.
Kroq-gar: No they did not, by going alone they were subjected to the decay and threats they thought they could handle on their own
Now gripping his mechanical hand into a fist as to emphasize his point.
Kroq-gar: Together in unity, we can overcome any odds
Gesturing to the carriage they were riding.
Kroq-gar: Gor-Rok was it a skink artisan who built this carriage? Or Was it SkekTek the scientist
Gor-Rok nodded.
Gor-Rok: SkekTek
Kroq-gar facing SkekTek who stood up.
Kroq-gar: SkekTek. Was it another Skesis that saved you from a demonic emperor? Or was it Gor-Rok that shielded you from his blast
SkekTek breathed out through his nose remembering his close call with death. Being blasted by his so-called emperor with corrupted energy he called the darkening. Being saved at the last moment by Gor-Rok shielding him from the blast allowing Kroq-gar to deal with the final blow.
SkekTek: Gor-Rok
Kroq-gar nodded at that and leaned back.
Kroq-gar: As much as we are capable, we can't do everything, even if we believe we can do it, there will always be a blind spot that we missed, plus even if we fall there will be someone that can pick us up
Gor-Rok and SkekTek smiled at that. Both having their moments of doubt and falling to rock bottom. Some considered it much harder than most. Looking off at the hills and mountains they let some time to absorb the words. Being that despite being all powerful and strong. They too can fall just as easily as the mortal races. Understanding the elves, humans, and dwarves' flaws are what make them, them. Even the lizardmen are prone to be lost without guidance from a higher power. However with this new alliance they are going to make. They won't be the only ones that will fall. Having someone they consider an ally to pick up when they fall. Noticing the scenery changing. SkekTek spoke out.
SkekTek: We are here, my emperor.
The three looked out of the carriage window seeing the home of the supposed dwarf home and was made true. With dwarven statues of warriors cared to perfection on the side standing tall like giants. Holding double handed axes and armor chiseled into the mountains. With the gate having many archways and holes to allow archers, artillery, and magic users to shoot down at the invader. Being Carved to perfection as it integrated into the mountain about as high as the eye can see. Thinking it might be twenty five feet with the statues being twenty feet also.
Disembarking the carriage. Not bringing the temple guard as they alone can break in and out of a dwarf hold. Now walking to the entrance Kroq-gar shouted out to any would-be dwarves stationed at the gate.
Kroq-gar: PEOPLE OF THE DWARFS! I SEEK AUDIENCE WITH YOUR KING!
There was a long silent befell at the trio who looked up at the gate. Until they could hear a wheel moving. Followed along with many wheels and stopped at the arches aiming down at the trio. Being long long black cylinders carved with runes. The trio immediately knew those were cannons. A dwarf favorite and personal greeting of any would be guest and trespasser.
Dwarf: WHO DARE SEEK AUDIENCE WITH THE KING!
Kroq-gar then steps forward at the dwarf who yelled out. His appearance might be a little hidden but he might tell he was wearing a dwarf equivalent of a welding mask to cover himself from the smoke and blastback.
Kroq-gar: I am Kroq-gar leader of all Lizardman kind and last defender! I seek an alliance with your king!
The dwarves chatted for a bit realizing this is something far beyond them. Aiming to get the king himself to reach a verdict. They yelled back.
Dwarf: We must discuss this with the others and our king!
Some of the dwarfs left to go discuss with their king while the other dwarfs aimed their artillery at the trio. Checking to see if they were seeking an alliance as they said they would. Having some chatter of if they have seen them before but only rumors of them being lizardmen but what specifically they might have an idea but they are far up north and speak proper English or imperial. But these lizards should be in the south of the badlands or in lustria. After a few minutes and chatter about the king allowing these trio to enter. A Dwarf yells out to the others.
Dwarf: OPEN THE GATE!
Another Dwarf yelled back
Dwarf: OPENING THE GATE!
With the order given. The gates to this new dwarven kingdom had opened. Walking in through the gate it seemed to be somewhat smaller then what the trio had expected. Might be an expansive undercity to make up for it as they walked up the steps finding corridors interconnecting with each other at the side where all the other actual dwarves are. But can only see them briefly as the dwarves carrying shields and axes were escoring the trio up the steps. Noticing the armor and weapons were higher quality than then the Dawi counterpart. Might be a mining hold if they were getting fresh materials so soon. Now past the door and arriving at a bridge and looking below finding the water to be replaced with pure gold. Kroq-gar nodded that this is definitely a mining hold and walked along the bridge finding more dwarves and miners of all sizes hauling their ore to the blacksmiths to refine into bars.
After walking for a bit they reached the throne room with three bridges extending out of the seat of power carrying an old dwarf. With the guards dispersing and allowing the trio to walk forward unescorted. They analyzed the dwarf before them being old and of gray beard. Chained together by a necklace of gold arrows. Having scales of metal and gold lined at his legs and hip. Covered in robes of black and gold and rings of gold around his fingertips. Having a crown on top of his head of triangular design. With the finishing touch on the throne having a shiny jewel on top of him in a symbol of a diamond and four lines across from it made of bronze.
Being flanked by two other dwarves. One being a much younger and handsome dwarf. Having long black hair and beard with a single metal tied at the chin. Having a shirt of blue and fur of black covering his shoulders. The other more militaristic dwarf is facing an eye patch over his eye with a beard in two tassels. Looking to be off duty at the moment but wears a red shirt and pants and a cape made out of a mountain bear. He stood at attention. The king then looked up from his book, finished reading his book of grudges and found no match to any previous transgressions against the two lizardmen and the bird. Aiming to make a new alliance as he burnt the bridge with the old one. He spoke.
Thrór: Hello strangers I am Thrór I and these are my son and grandson, Thorin and Thráin II
Thrór shows Kroq-gar his son and grandson which both of them bow.
Kroq-gar then stepped forward to the king.
Kroq-gar: Hello Lord Thrór, my name is Kroq-gar leader and last defender of the lizardman, to my left his name is Gor-rok, one of my generals
He made his gesture with his organic hand towards Gor-Rock who bowed his head. Now gesturing to the right with his mechanical arm to SkekTek.
Kroq-gar: And to my right is our lead scientist SkekTek
SkekTek bowed to the dwarf king. Kroq-gar standing tall and addressing the king on why they are here.
Kroq-gar: the reason why we are here is that we seek an alliance with your kingdom.
Thrór raise one eyebrow, stroking his white beard
Thrór: An alliance you say?
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yes an alliance, SkekTek will you explain the terms and condition
SkekTek: Of course my emperor
SkekTek said and stepped forward to the plate. Hoping to make his emperor proud.
SkekTek: Here are the terms and conditions, we will supply you with resources and golems and all we ask, is the blueprints to your artillery
Thrór looked at SkekTek for a while. Contemplating on the golems. Having it be some sort of magic and construction of the runic golems of old now passed onto myth and rumor.
Thrór: May I see these golems you speak of?
Wanting to see proof, SkekTek bowed his head.
Skektek: Oh course
Pulling out the golem crystal out of his pocket. Showing it all as it gleamed of pure white. Getting the dwarves' attention. He smirked at that thinking he's on the right track.
Skektek: observe
Enacting phase two he threw the crystal near him. The dwarves expected the crystal to shatter but instead it started to grow. From the legs then to its body then its two arms. And finally its head as it hunched over with large crystals on his back. Revealing the dwarves as it's the form of the golem. Thrór looked at the white golem stroking his white beard. Thinking this might prove useful in their conflict with the elves if the tensions ever reach a boiling point. But quickly dismissed the thought as there is still time to avert war. Shaking his head once he tells the bird what he thinks of it.
Thrór: Interesting
SkekTek nodded.
Skektek: Thanks to our head alchemist. We created this golem to follow any orders you will give it. You can have more if you accept our alliance offer.
Thrór thought for a moment. Thinking on the alliance part. He could have another ally. Perhaps mediator to ease tensions between the two but might need to have a year to test this new ally with them. Their cousins in the east say they should burn their homes with fire but that is too extreme with a transgression like that. He nodded that this needs some more debate with the others.
Thrór: Hmmm, I can see how this can benefit both of us, but I must discuss this with the others.
Kroq-gar nodded. All dwarves always have a council of elders to talk about how decisions should be enacted. That's how the high kings are elected and none of the dwarves have any issue with that.
Kroq-gar: I understand we shall take your to leave now
The trio bowed with the dwarves following suit. They were good guests for they deserve that much. Now walking back to their carriage with their dwarf warriors of armor shining like diamonds to escort them. Leaving Thrór and his kin to gather the remaining elder dwarves for a discussion. Having the White Golem follow them. Managing to keep up despite its sluggish speed. On the trip back there wasn't much to discuss. Just the standard congratulations and thanks. Kroq-gar smiled as he leaned back with the other two thoughts of how far they have come and if their adventure on the other side of the world would be different. Managing to get back with skinks attendants to assist Gor-Rok and SkekTek. Having one making plans on making more carriage variants and the other wanting to train the saurus to be an unmovable shield. Leaving Kroq-gar and Alfred to walk along as they approach the teleporter pad.
Kroq-gar: Alfred, in two days I'm meeting with an elder lich. Ainz Ooal Gown.
Alfred nodded.
Alfred: Of course sir. Do you want me to request the ceremonial armor for you?
Kroq-gar shook his head.
Kroq-gar: No, that won't be necessary. I have a feeling he might be more alike than I think.
Alfred raises an eyebrow at that.
Alfred: Hmm. What makes you say that?
Kroq-gar narrowed his eyes. From the way this Ainz character is different from all the other elder liches he faced. From his companion untouched by chaos taint yet still undeniably a demon. From Mazdamundi scry of the tomb being surrounded by green rather than dark clouds and sickly corrupted ground. Finally Oxyotl reports that the surrounding empires are not the humans of the empire, bordillo princes, araby, nor any combination for the races. Having them be some sort of isolated mass until now opened up. He turned his head as he gave out his hunch.
Kroq-gar: From my time with him. He doesn't seem to be any like the liches of faced before.
Now teleporting to the throne room balcony to watch over the city that was expanding over his very eyes. Alfred hmm at that.
Alfred: Hmm. Whatever the reason, Kroq-gar. I'll hold down the estate while you're gone. Until then.
Alfred pointed to the flying island coming overhead. Finding some terradons or large winged dinosaurs flying overhead in a v formation. Finding a certain skink wearing a headdress leading the flyers overhead. Kroq-gar smirked that tiktaq'to made it.
Alfred: Enjoy the view.
Now leaving kroq-gar to enjoy the moment of watching his city build and expand. With flyers and his residents moving around in their slumber to awaken. With his friends making their rounds to wake the others up. Finding more and more of his allies managing to make it while the others who couldn't make it report that they are in lustria doing okay. Breathing in and out that his world managed to stay intact for the most part he looked off into the horizon enjoying the view of the clouds sun that loomed overhead. He breathed out.
Kroq-gar: Wander what this world has in store for me.
Word count: 7000
How did I do