Worthy Core

Two days after the mysterious warrior had gone up to Worthy Dungeon (and incidentally, never come back down), the Grassbrook Challengers camp was in the midst of setting up an entirely new and unplanned set of tents and other support structures. Messages had come in the day before from the capital to both Field Agent Alizz and Commander Paulados to inform them that the camp would be required for a rather unusual purpose - a small diplomatic summit. In fact, a Valleylander party had already arrived at the border, and the patrol's reports on their presence had arrived only minutes after the official notification.

Neither of them were particularly happy about it, as it wasn't exactly part of either of their job descriptions. The Challengers Association had agreed to play the role of neutral ground for the summit as a favor to the Crown, but it fell to Alizz to actually have to do the work of hosting it with almost no warning or preparation time. Meanwhile Paulados was now responsible for negotiating on behalf of the Rainlands, despite having no diplomatic experience and not really having been given any explicit authority on what matters he could negotiate on. In fact the actual purpose of the summit wasn't even made explicitly clear, although it didn't require a lot of guessing to assume the new dungeon would be at the core of the matter.

So it was that Alizz and Paulados found themselves standing at the entrance to the Association camp with their second-in-commands by their sides, and a large tent intended for holiday festivals hastily erected behind them. Before them, escorted by a Rainlander patrol, came a group of a dozen orcs, minotaurs, and oddly enough one earth elemental, the party clearly made up mostly of soldiers going by their weapons and equipment. It wasn't a large enough group to pose a real military threat, but they were certainly capable of putting up more than their share of a fight were they to be attacked. Paulados was uneasy about the fact that there was no clear ambassadorial figure in the approaching group, but given that he didn't want to look bad to his own superiors he was willing to put up with the task of at least listening to whatever his opposite numbers had to say.

Rather than any sort of political figure, the one who steps forward to greet the pair is an elder orc warrior, a man wearing exceptional-quality leather armor and whose dark hair already had a number of streaks of gray running through it. Halting a dozen paces away from the entrance, he slams his right fist against his chest and greets the waiting officials in a strong voice. "Greetings! I am Darrosh of Tash'Narc, Thornwood Commando, and I thank you for offering us your hospitality on such short notice. I come to represent the interests of the Valleylands on a number of, ha, local matters of importance."

Commander Paulados nods in response. If there's a more formal, official way for him to answer a diplomatic request like that the soldier doesn't know it, so instead he decides to go with what feels natural. "Welcome, Darrosh of Tash'Narc. I am Commander Paulados, officer in charge of the local garrison, and with me here is Field Agent Alizz, local representative of the Challengers Association. I must admit, I'm surprised to see a soldier of your rank leading this little gathering, rather than some drider sorceress or whatnot. I hope if you'll forgive me if I'm not the most polished on all of this diplomatic business, but I am curious to hear what brought you out here."

The orc gives a wry chuckle. "We have that lack of polish in common, and I'm afraid the abrupt nature of all this is my own fault. I pushed to call this meeting as soon as possible, and given my close posting to the border and my own, shall I say, personal reasons for wanting to see this through, I was able to talk those over-thinkers into committing to action." Noting Alizz giving him a look, he turns to address her directly. "Don't take my comments the wrong way, Field Agent. I hold the Challengers in high regard, and although we haven't met, I do know you by reputation. I'm told you're one of the best in the business, and I consider myself fortunate that you're the one posted here at this time."

Alizz smiles, deciding it's time for her to start playing host. "I suppose I know what you mean, as there is a reason I went into Challenging and traveling abroad myself. Do you and your people need some time to rest? We do have some refreshments prepared in the large tent directly behind us, if you would wish."

"If you could direct our porters as to where we can set up our own tents for the night, it would be appreciated, but otherwise I'm ready to begin the talks now, if that suits you and the Commander."

With a nod from Paulados, Alizz gives a slight bow to Darrosh. "Of course. If you'll follow me."

A few minutes later, six seats had been taken around a large table inside the festival tent: Alizz and Kelsey for the Association, Paulados and Harnriel for the Rainlanders, with Darrosh and a minotaur introduced as 'Yarro Tossrock, Warrior Mason' for the Valleylanders. As Association staff move about to serve drinks and snacks, Paulados decides to get matters going. "So, Darrosh. I'm afraid I was not notified of any specific agenda for this meeting, and while I can certainly make some guesses as to what this is all about, I'd rather hear it from you instead of making assumptions. So, what brings you to my neck of the woods, eh?"

Darrosh leans forward, hands clasped in front of him. "There are two main items on my 'agenda', Commander, and yes, you can probably guess what they are: the new dungeon on Triple Peak Mountain, and the two Valleylander soldiers you're currently holding prisoner. Now, I am not a diplomat by training, but I do know for a fact that any trained diplomat would probably want my head for what I'm about to say: I recognize that the Valleylands are currently in, shall we say, a very weak position on both of these issues."

Paulados can't keep himself from grinning. While he is astute enough to recognize that such a frank admission is a diplomatic blunder, he still feels a bit of kinship for the orc across from him who has simply chosen to ignore diplomatic traditions. "I have to say that was my take on the situation as well. Not that I have any interest in extorting you for ransoms for your people or anything as crude as that, but they were very certainly in violation of the accepted diplomatic agreements between our nations."

The orc grunts slightly. "The agreements are not quite so clear-cut as that, Commander. While there were agreements to not base military encampments in the mountains, the question of individual scouts is more...ambiguous. But whatever the case may be, I'm hoping to resolve the matter today." He pauses to clear his throat, before fixing the Commander with a renewed gaze. "Let me get to the point. While the Challengers Accord allows for Valleylander civilians, registered with the Challengers Association, to have access to dungeons within Rainlander territory, in regards to this 'Worthy Dungeon' we wish for more. We would like to arrange for an agreement for serving military officers to use the dungeon for training, just as both of our organizations do with other dungeons within our respective borders."

At this, both the Rainlander and Challenger officials share looks of slight surprise between each other. Paulados responds first. "While I was somewhat expecting for you to demand control of the dungeon, it sounds as if you're accepting that the mountain falls within our territory, if you're asking for our permission."

Darrosh's face darkens. "That is what our higher officials would surely do if they were in my place. But I am not interested in drawing this out for months or years only to have no conclusion. Frankly, I personally don't give a damn on which side of the line on a map the dungeon falls. I care about the pragmatic issue: getting access to the dungeon for my soldiers. I'm prepared to offer concessions to make that happen."

While Paulados and Alizz likely share similar questions, it's Alizz's curiosity that comes to the fore first. "Forgive me for asking, Commando, but we both know the Valleylands contains numerous dungeons suitable for military training. Why are you so intent on gaining access to this one?"

The soldier nods, as if he's glad Alizz brought the question up. "Because this is not an ordinary dungeon. In fact, we didn't even know it was a dungeon when we sent our scouts out to take a look at the place. What this is, is a godsdamned Dragonlord plot. I don't know if it's taken seriously here in the Rainlands, but those of us in the Valleylands recall from our time in the bastard's 'service' that the mountain is considered, at least in their reckoning, spiritually important to the draconics. And if our reports aren't mistaken, there appears to be clear signs of Domain meddling in the development of the place. I for one am not comfortable with such a thing taking place right on our doorstep. I know our nations don't get along, Commander, but I think we can both agree the Dragonlord's schemes are not something we wish to have pass unchallenged."

In response to all that, Paulados shrugs. "I've also heard the theories presented, but the Dragonlord is always up to mischief of one sort or another. Not that I'm turning down any offers, but I'm not sure I see any reason to leap to any extreme conclusions."

Alizz has another concern, however. "Allow me to clarify one point, Commando. If you consider this dungeon a threat, I hope you don't intend to destroy it?"

Darrosh shakes his head. "Merely to monitor it, to prevent the Dragonlord from twisting it further, and perhaps neutering any unusual threat it already poses. If we destroy it, we can't learn anything from it, and I'm aware that destroying a dungeon you consider to be within your territory would be...diplomatically upsetting. Even I'm not willing to step on that many toes."

Paulados nods along. "That is a good point, thank you for bringing that up, Field Agent. I think it's safe to say any agreement for access would have to include harsh penalties should a Valleylander soldier damage the place. Aside from that, what's your offer, Commando?"

"In exchange for access, and the safe release of our two scouts, I am prepared to make some concessions. First, to help cover the costs of...'providing security' to the site, we are willing to pay an on-going rate, for as long as the deal is active. Additionally, I brought a few rare items from my own personal collection to cover the release of our soldiers. For example, from my personal forays into Spider Swamp, an Exoshield, and a pair of Spider Slicers." Motioning to his minotaur officer, the man begins pulling items out of a bottomless bag. The 'Exoshield' was a shield shaped as, and perhaps made from, the abdomen exoskeleton of a Giant Spider. The Slicers, meanwhile, were a pair of daggers with hilts shaped like pointy spider legs, suitable for stabbing from either direction. Of course that was secondary to the toxic enchantment they both held, inflicting a magical poisoning on anyone cut by them.

The Rainlander officer raises an eyebrow at the offer. "Offering personal gear, even high-tier items, seems like an unusual move for a diplomatic exchange. Beyond currency, my understanding is political or trade concessions or the like would be more traditional fare."

Darrosh grins. "Not the sort of trade items I keep in my personal armory, I'm afraid. If you're saying you're not interested in these sorts of goods..." He trails off, unsurprised when Paulados interrupts him.

"No, no, I'm willing to keep an open mind. Please, continue." As the military officers get back to it, it's only the beginning of a long chain of negotiations and offers that would go on well past the fading of the light.

Hours later, an exhausted Alizz returns to her tent. The smaller issue of the two prisoners had been agreed to, while the larger issue of dungeon access would probably have to be finalized the next day. The deal was quite in favor of the Rainlanders, an unusually generous olive branch from the Valleylander side, but Paulados had still requested that matters wait until at least the next day to be formally concluded. For now they all needed a break, and Alizz needed a good cup of tea. Unfortunately that would have to wait a little longer, as a sudden voice from the tent's flap startles the drider woman.

"Hey, Alizz! Now a good time? Don't mean to bother you." As the drider spins around, she sees a figure she'd almost managed to forget about - almost. The warrior woman from the other day stands before her, her voice as fresh and cheerful as if it were still in the early morning.

"Ah! You're back! I, ah, I must confess I'd rather assumed you were...unsuccessful in your attempt on the dungeon when you never returned. Or did I just miss you earlier?"

The tall woman waves away her concerns. "Nah, nah, it's all good. Spent a couple nights camping out in the place. Pretty friendly host, y'know, if you know how to approach em just right, eh?"

Alizz's face goes blank. "Oh, no. Not more of you."

The warrior's face is unreadable inside her helmet, but the tilt of it indicates confusion. "Huh, what? There's more of me?"

The drider sighs. "As if those three Dungeon Perverts weren't enough! Has this place gotten such a reputation already, that you're coming from so far away? 'Pretty friendly', my eight-legged ass. Please don't tell me that you have some network inside the Challengers I haven't heard of, talking about which dungeons enjoy the...the physical acts you lot display beyond just your combat skills!"

The warrior pauses for a moment before suddenly stepping back and waving her arms. "Huh? ...OH! Whoa, whoa, not like that! The dungeon and I are just, good friends! Honestly! Trust me, that's not happening." She pauses to mumble under her breath. "...Unless I get really, really drunk again..." Clearing her throat, she tries again. "But, because we got off to such a good start...as friends..I actually had something I wanted to ask you, on the dungeon's behalf."

Alizz narrows her eyes, but does feel a bit curious about what in the world a dungeon might possibly want. "...One way or another, you're definitely one of the odder people I've seen come through one of my camps. But, alright, I'll humor you. What is it you, or rather, Worthy Dungeon needs?"

Back on track, the woman's voice regains some of its earlier cheer. "I'm looking to perhaps hire a few talented folks..."