Chrysalis

Knowledge of Demon societies of the Third Strata is limited, to put it mildly. I've no idea why you would contact me seeking such knowledge, it's hardly my area of expertise! I suppose it is true that my academy has amassed the most records regarding deep delves of the Dungeon, but that doesn't mean I've had the opportunity to read them all!

Honestly Ranlon, I don't know why you waste your time in that third rate college of yours. A scholar with your pedigree would be more than welcome here at the tower. I know of your distaste for 'petty nobility and their feckless children', as you have put it, but surely you must be feeling the pinch, rolling around in the dirt with those commoners.

As far as Demons and their ilk, I have managed to scrounge up a few records for you. Only a few groups have ever admitted to making contact with the Demon clans, the Legion, a few Mercenary companies of renown and several of the old empires. All of their public statements on the matter agree that the Demons were cordial, did not attack and allowed them to leave in peace, but in every other way they were detestable. Trickery, lies, deception and entanglement supposedly come as second nature to the Demon clans, making any negotiation with them a tangled nightmare.

A few successful trades have been reported, but those were only secured after shrewd bargaining and open threats of violence and retaliation from both sides.

Everyone knows that the different clans differ vastly from one another and that the wild 'beast demons' infest the tunnels of the third strata, but specifics are just impossible to find. I've put the word out that if a text should be unearthed from the archive with pertinent information to have it brought to my attention but that is the best I can do for the moment.

Do consider my offer Ranlon, I'd hate to see a mind so bright rot away for such paltry people.

Excerpt from 'Letter to Ranlon' by Magio Scholar Barrentalio of the Gold Tower.

Tiny, Crinis and I eventually retreated to a higher chamber and settled in for some rest time. I was vaguely aware of the immense amount of activity throughout the colony but so long as there was no attack or dire need of me I intended to let my aching body rest up.

in and out of torpor and complain endlessly within my own mind about my aching core. Perhaps it was a little sad, pathetic even, but dammit, a little

I decided I'd had enough sitting around on my backside. Even Tiny looks like he might pass out from sheer boredom if we don't go and fight something soon. Emerging from our chamber the frenetic atmosphere that has pervaded the colony hits me right in the face. Workers are rushing around with mandible loads of dirt, carting it to the surface for disposal and then rushing back down into the depths

way down into the nest and eventually run into the Carver

is

ant turned towards me and responded somewhat tersely. "Finally emerged Senior? The hatching of the next wave of pupae is

mutter,

that the colony needed to expand, especially the farming operation. The need for Biomass, experience and

… that

stutter, "anything for me to do? I'm happy to

family for, after all?

moment" Tungstant immediately cuts down my growing enthusiasm, "preparations are basically complete and the hatchlings are expected any moment. The others

is off, zipping down another tunnel and heading towards the brood chambers, leaving me somewhat

This feels strange.

the catalyst for most actions around the colony for so long, it's weird to wake up and find that not only have plans been made without me, they've been completed! The twenty have done exactly what I wanted them to do and take the lead for the colony without having to consult me, so why do

of loss, I rush to into the Queen's

cried, "am