Chrysalis

A nice, light touch. That's always the correct play. Keep it friendly, no need to shout or get angry, that stuff never defused anything. Believe me, I know. You gotta smile through the screaming, that's how you get your bacon out of the frying pan. So far, signs are good! The powerful Golgari warrior, encased in gleaming metal, is yet to stab me through the face, so let's call the initial salvo a victory!

[You would be Anthony, I presume?]

The mental voice that comes back to me is deep and powerfully resonant. Just by touching that mind I can tell that this guy is not ordinary. There are depths of power here that he hasn't yet displayed. A sleeping aura that boils beneath the surface, controlled and concealed. I get the feeling that if this guy were to really cut loose, not only my pets and I, but also his allies would be impacted by it.

[That's me. One big 'ol ant.]

[You were once a human, were you not?]

[That is indeed the case.]

[Interesting. I presume you choose to surround yourself with these monsters for security, yes?]

He gestures towards the eerily still wall of ants that cover the tunnel walls and ceiling with one hand as I watch him carefully for any sign of motion. If he moves a single toe, I want to see it happening in advance. Come on antennae, don't fail me now!

[I'm not sure what you mean. I've been more welcome and treated far better amongst them than with any 'civilised' race I've come across so far. With the possible exception of the Sophos.]

[Monsters rejecting the Sapient to consort with monsters. I'm hardly surprised.]

What?!

[That attitude may be part of the problem, uh, what was your name?]

creatures such as you. Why do you wish to talk with me, creature? We have business to

issues. Serious problems

want to fight? I think we both know that were we to continue, every

hard to read the man's emotions, his face being hidden behind the intricate helmet he wears along with the armour. Now that I'm close enough to get a good look, the armour is super fancy. Smooth, burnished surfaces, elegant lines and incredible fine detailing. I'll be shocked if it isn't enchanted. The cores must be socketed somewhere inside the suit, which makes sense. They'd create a weak point where they placed anywhere else. Such a suite must be immensely

pleased to give their lives to achieve our mission. Which, I might add, is exterminating you and

of your members against mine? I'll give you a hint at how

moved, and now indicates

of your kind, down to the last, so that no further infestation will spread to threaten the empire of stone. I know not what you seek

According to your own words, more of your people will die here in this tunnel than have perished at my people's mandibles, so far. If you actually care to keep your people alive, then turning around,

around me maintain their eerie, inhuman stillness, all eyes locked on the gleaming figure encased in metal. Even to me, it’s a creepy scene. When I include Crinis,

[Just chill out, Crinis.]

[He stabbed you, Master!]

[I'm aware…]

[Twice!]

don't attack

[Fine…]

tunnels around

a few beats and I feel compelled to

make a decision, guy. Either you turn around and walk away or we

muses, [they don’t behave as they should. I presume that's because