You see a demon. The loathsome purplish creature is pacing back and forth agitatedly in the magic circle.
It sighs angrily. "I am Bahk-Shah. I am bound to welcome you."
In frustration, it rakes the invisible barrier around it with his claw. Then it calms down. "I am bound to welcome all comers to the home of the mighty drake."
0
drake
0
"Sulfras, mightiest of dragons. He placed me here to greet, and give warning." He speaks the words with loathing.
0
dragons
0
"There are five. And this one has bound me."
0
bound
0
"Pfaugh! I was a servant of Erika, and for that I earned good pay! But here, I languish."
0
erika
0
"Arch-incantatrix." The demon looks around to make sure nobody is listening. He looks at the walls unusually carefully. Strange. He turns, and speaks lowly. "But she has not forgiven this slight. One of her statues is here!"
0
statues
0
"It is well-hidden indeed. If you, like me, are one of hers, you will know what to do with it. And watch out! The walls have teeth!"
1
stnd
0
A statue of a drake looks out over the fumarole. Occasionally, it scratches itself.
"Hiss."
"Hiss! Hiss!"
1
divulge
0
It turns around, sits on its haunches, and stares at you. "Greetings, master! Hiss! I have spied on the drake, and I have secrets to tell!"
1
secrets
0
"It seeks the scepter and circlet. For what, I don't know, but I've heard him talk of them. And his treasure too!"
1
scept
0
"It already knows it is in the Tower of Magi."
1
circlet
0
"Sulfras doesn't know where it is. But the demon does!"
1
treasure
0
"It is all trapped! But - the trap on the southeast gold chest is broken. He plans to fix it, but thinks nobody dares steal from him!"
0
circlet
0
It grins evilly. "Yes, I know. Erika was looking for it. She found out that it was hidden in the town of Spire. I tried to go get it, but she held me back."
0
warning
0
"Sulfras requests nobody take the east passage from his chamber without permission. Those who disobey will die in fire."
2
stnd
0
An enormous dragon, four times the height of a human, a hundred feet long, its mighty length coiling and uncoiling, rests on a bed of hot coals. When he sees you, he bares his fangs in a grin. They are black.
"I am Sulfras. I am a lord of my kind. Bow down before me!" Such is the command of his voice that you do so, without intending to.
"My actions and machinations are private, and you should not presume to ask." You shudder involuntarily. "But, I am looking for some assistants."
2
private
0
"Exactly."
2
assist
0
"Yes. Some humans have expressed an interest in that passage to the east. The passage I control."
2
passage
0
"They, or at least this puny group called the Scimitar, expresses interest in passing it. Interesting things are beyond. I may allow you. But you must ask permission."
2
permission
119
2
circlet
0
"A silver circlet, brought down by some pathetic humans some time ago. I've only heard of it, I don't know where it is, but it is of great interest to me. And that is all you need to know."
2
scepter
0
Without warning, he roars, and vomits a mighty gout of flame into the air. You almost faint. "Stolen from me! I know not who the thief is, but I know where it is! The Tower of Magi! Fight them! Get it! If you would pass here, get it!"
He breathes flame again. It's very unnerving.
2
control
0
"I happened to live on top of it. I see no need to let you fools and insects pass for free. My siblings might, but I am no fool."
2
sibling
0
"Fool Motrax would. He should die for stooping to befriend you! He betrays our race! At least Pyrog controls, instead of befriends. But you are beneath are notice, and we should treat you that way!"
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
26
stnd
0
25
stnd
0
You sense someone or something is there. It's eerie.
