Chrysalis

Turns out they aren’t particularly impressed I’ve brought Odin along with me. No sooner have we entered the chamber than the guards are whipping out blades and the mages are slapping down shields around the core of their group.

Enid looks as confused as I feel, and there’s some rapid words exchanged. I put together a mind bridge and connect to her in order to find out what in the heck is going on.

[They’re upset you brought an Assassin Demon with you,] she tells me, eyeing Odin askance.

[A what?!]

I turn to look at the little demon.

[You’re an Assassin Demon?]

[I thought you already knew that.]

I probably did. I shrug.

[So he’s an Assassin Demon. So what?]

Enid gives me that look that tells me she's annoyed, and developing a headache.

[So they think you’re going to assassinate someone. Why else would you bring one to a meeting with an envoy from another group?]

[If I was going to assassinate one of them, why the heck would I waltz in with him in plain view of everyone? Besides, he’s not going to kill anyone. Odin, do you feel the urge to commit murder?]

[A bit, yes.]

[Shut up for a minute, Odin. What the heck, man? Seriously. Look, can you just explain to them he’s a friend of the Colony and we are not planning on having anyone assassinated. I only dragged him up here so he could stop being creepy somewhere else.]

describing

And frankly, I’m

to calm the brathians down long enough for them to put their weapons away, which in turn lets the Colony feel comfortable enough to stop pulling

going through several intermediaries, I manage to connect with the leader of the delegation, Eran Thouris, a sparkling purple-scaled lady, and

totally forgotten that this guy was an Assassin Demon, otherwise I wouldn’t have brought

seem somewhat rude to bring a demon of killing to a

the whole incident. In exchange for renegotiating a few percentage points

[Not happening.]

way I’m going to let them get away with shaving more profit

to talk about our deal? Are we going to move forward now that

it

to discuss our agreement and take steps that will enable us to start bringing your products to market. We have brought along our goods inspectors, who will remain with you here in the nest to supervise the packing of the merchandise, as well as

Royal Road, this story should be

is going to be an issue. For whatever reason, the craft-ants who fill up the countless workshops of the Colony are obsessed with quality. They grind their Skills day and night, cleaning up every little detail they can find in order to produce

sounds fine. I’m pretty sure we had rooms and work areas prepared

case these scaly negotiators were

another matter I wanted to bring up with you,] Eran continues, taking a long sip of

that your side of the agreement? We provide the stuff, you take

trying to negotiate for a better price,] she says, stalling my immediate complaint, [I’m trying to make sure this venture gets

forward with a large scroll that is placed on the table and unfurled in front of the delegate. What is revealed is a beautifully made, vividly

giving us this information for free?!

[Nice map,] I say.

Smooth.

stands to better

tend to be from well established sellers with a reputation for quality that people can trust. A good example you are likely familiar with is the sophos. Their custom designed pet-cores go for a premium all over

get it. Monsters, for the most part, want to eat people. People, be they golgari, human, brathian or ka’armodo, would rather they not get eaten. This clash of ideals is sure to create some tension. I don’t think I’d be buying from a company that stated its mission

people will be reluctant to purchase