Look, you're both Lawful folk, right? If he wanted a tree so badly, he could've could have had the courtesy of knocking on your door first.

"You'll upset the resident dragon if you don't."

tippler 2021/12/22(Wed)11:45 No. 1018092 ID: eedbeb
File 164020233576.png - (223.34KB , 1000x1100 , p7.png )

It seems your polite words haven’t worked, and now you either need to threaten the human or try to get him out of here as quickly as possible. The problem with humans is that if you give them a pebble, they’ll try to take the whole mountain.

-Threaten, with a helping of spear pokes
-Help him with the tree

Yeah, spear versus axe, let's go! You're sure to win because your speed is superior.

>>1018097
I think spears lose in the weapon triangle

Still, threaten. What possible help could you offer with the tree?

Diplomacy has failed. Use the spear.

Just help him with the tree. It's too cold to start a war.

Sooner they get the trees they want, the soon they leave. Go help out.

But if you move it will be less early in the d*ng morning and you will not be waking them up. Or you could do this one just later. It is too early for this.

tippler 2021/12/22(Wed)15:21 No. 1018119 ID: eedbeb
File 164021530560.png - (223.87KB , 1000x1100 , p8.png )

You activate your wings with a whisper and flap ominously about the man’s head. “Leave or the dragon’s wrath will fall on you!”

“Holy shit!” the man jerks away from your glowing form, which only results in him thrashing around in the snow. You poke him firmly with the business end of your spear.

tippler 2021/12/22(Wed)15:21 No. 1018120 ID: eedbeb
File 164021531134.png - (273.63KB , 1000x1100 , p9.png )

“Leave!”

“I’m going, I’m going!” The man takes his axe, sled, and lantern and hurries away, as fast as one can hurry away while wearing snowshoes.

Good riddance. Clean up any fallen branches. They could be dried and tossed onto a fire

>>1018133
This, mention that you hope your display of force doesen't make him come back with a vengance. Now you're awake though, what do bolds do in the ice-times

Ugh why would we chase away the loud human and then immediately do work? Go the fuck back to sleep.

tippler 2021/12/23(Thu)07:56 No. 1018182 ID: eedbeb
File 164027496070.png - (215.50KB , 1000x1100 , p10.png )

Now that peace and order have been restored, you have to decide what to do.

-Sleep/cuddle with Weasel
-Chores (suggest chores)
-Hunt (suggest game)

HUNT! For adorable snow rabbits that look at you with the cutest, beadiest little eyes that make you want to hug them.

Then it reveals a jaw full of misshapen and jagged teeth which scare you, but you go after it anyway because MEAT

>>1018186
This

tippler 2021/12/23(Thu)12:34 No. 1018202 ID: eedbeb
File 164029168589.png - (172.59KB , 1000x1100 , p11.png )

>Hunt
Since you’re already out and awake, you might as well check your traps for rabbits. In the winter the cute creatures make little paths in the snow to food and you’ve had some snares set up that you check daily.

You position yourself based on nearby landmarks and start walking. The first few traps are empty and you stop to reset one that was knocked over.

tippler 2021/12/23(Thu)12:34 No. 1018203 ID: eedbeb
File 164029169106.png - (218.90KB , 1000x1100 , p12.png )

You finally see a trap that has a rabbit in it, and you rush over to investigate. The creature is still alive and snarls at you with its mouth full of sharp teeth. You quickly put it out of its misery.

What do you do to prepare the rabbit?

Stick a stick in it and pack it in the snow. A rabbit-pop!

Cut the meat into thin strips of bacon and jerky, then marinate in oil.

>>1018203
Rabbit stew.

Jerky so it preserves

tippler 2021/12/23(Thu)20:30 No. 1018243 ID: eedbeb
File 164032020303.png - (195.72KB , 1000x1100 , p13.png )

There isn’t an immediate need for meat, so you clean the rabbit and take the carcass and hide back to the cave. You’ll smoke the rabbit whole and tear it into jerky.

Weasel is up and awake by the time you return, and you tell her about how you frightened the human away.

tippler 2021/12/23(Thu)20:30 No. 1018244 ID: eedbeb
File 164032021107.png - (191.46KB , 1000x1100 , p14.png )

“Good job. I just hope he doesn’t come back with friends.” she says.

“Would a human really do that over a dumb tree?”

“I don’t know, humans are bizarre, I’d keep an eye out.”

Suggest house/cave chores to complete.

Clean up the tables and make sure the cave's dining area is clean.

Maybe you should make a door, or get the materials for it so you can have a warmer place!

Chores? True kobolds don't do chores! They make traps. Set up a glue trap at the den entrance

tippler 2021/12/24(Fri)10:43 No. 1018278 ID: eedbeb
File 164037139146.png - (158.16KB , 1000x1100 , p15.png )

>True kobolds don’t do chores!

Right, you’re not doing chores, you’re conducting marvelous kobold schemes of power and grandeur, such as cleaning the dining area, sweeping away the wood ash from the fire pit, and making breakfast.

tippler 2021/12/24(Fri)10:43 No. 1018279 ID: eedbeb
File 164037139834.png - (301.17KB , 1000x1100 , p16.png )

You examine the entrance to the cave, which is large but could feasibly be blocked with some wattlework. It would take time to weave a fence from sticks and boughs, but it would also make the cave much warmer.

-Pursue wattlework door idea
-Other

Door sounds great

wattlework!

tippler 2021/12/24(Fri)15:47 No. 1018299 ID: eedbeb
File 164038965942.png - (137.01KB , 1000x1100 , p17.png )

>Door
This task will take you most of the day, you need to collect somewhat flexible slats of wood and a bunch of dry grass. You set out to the frozen lake to get some willow branches.

You see some other kobolds ice fishing in the snow. To your pleasant surprise, you see one of the gnolls you befriended as well out on the lake.

tippler 2021/12/24(Fri)15:47 No. 1018300 ID: eedbeb
File 164038966739.png - (179.21KB , 1000x1100 , p18.png )

“Hello!” you wave from the bank to the gnoll, one of Rhortra’s older children you think.

She holds up a fat trout and beckons to you.

Head over and say hi to fish holding friend!

Head over, see what's up

tippler 2021/12/25(Sat)09:24 No. 1018330 ID: eedbeb
File 164045309724.png - (182.93KB , 1000x1100 , p19.png )

>Head over
You tromp across the ice to the where the gnoll has cleared a patch of snow and is sitting on a stump, dangling a short rod over a hole in the water.

“Your name’s Meli, right?”

“Yes, and you are little Germ.” she rumbles. “I have plenty of trout, if you’d like to trade or buy a few.”

-Exchange money for fish
-Exchange goods for fish
-Talk to Meli about the humans

Ask if the humans are bothering them too

human talk is for the best since you established you already have meats

tippler 2021/12/25(Sat)12:49 No. 1018345 ID: eedbeb
File 164046534008.png - (161.29KB , 1000x1100 , p20.png )

>Humans
“I have enough meat, thank you. I was wondering if you’ve had any trouble with humans recently? This morning one came close to our cave and I had to threaten him to get him to leave.”

Meli grunts and twitches her fishing pole. “We’ve had trappers come on our property to catch muskrat. They don’t listen when we tell them to stay away.”

tippler 2021/12/25(Sat)12:49 No. 1018346 ID: eedbeb
File 164046534681.png - (271.83KB , 1000x1100 , p21.png )

You and Meli reminisce on the good old days when there weren’t any humans around the mountain because the great dragon had killed them all.

Meli sighs. “If they keep spreading it won’t be long before they try to drive us away.”

It sounds as though we'll have to drive them away ourselves, eventually.

You remember vaguely that the dragon gave you the wings and power and money to make it so it'd be easier for you to protect yourselves should this happen. Maybe suggest forming a small community so that they can't strong arm you. A small group of connected caves, something simple.

And if they push back you can be like "hey, we're the dragons blessed, seriously stop being greedy or itll be bad."

tippler 2021/12/25(Sat)20:34 No. 1018397 ID: eedbeb
File 164049329411.png - (165.06KB , 1000x1100 , p22.png )

“Not if we drive them away first! I already scared one human today without trying very hard, I bet if we all got together we could make a difference.” you say firmly.

Meli shakes her head. “How many kobolds are there, several hundred? There are a handful of gnolls and at least a thousand humans in the town. There’s no way.”

tippler 2021/12/25(Sat)20:35 No. 1018398 ID: eedbeb
File 164049330310.png - (117.65KB , 1000x1100 , p23.png )

“Why do they have to be so greedy?” you grumble.

Meli jerks her rod but doesn’t hook into anything. “I’m sure they don’t think they are being greedy. They are only providing for their families like we are. As a group they’re a terrible destructive force but the individuals don’t feel the need to change.”

Good thing that can never happen to us haha. Continue gather junk for the door

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)11:41 No. 1018429 ID: eedbeb
File 164054766555.png - (177.57KB , 1000x1100 , p24.png )

Hopefully if the humans ever decide to be jerks the great dragon will annihilate them again. On that happy thought, you bid Meli farewell and continue collecting supplies.

You drop off the willow branches at home, then go back into the snow to dig up thick armfuls of dead grass.

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)11:41 No. 1018430 ID: eedbeb
File 164054767363.png - (170.87KB , 1000x1100 , p25.png )

After some late lunch and a quick check on the smoking rabbit, you head out for your final load of grass. You only get a short distance from your cave when you see a strange robed figure struggling through the snow.

Say hello and ask what they're here for.

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)17:02 No. 1018455 ID: eedbeb
File 164056693130.png - (200.91KB , 1000x1100 , p26.png )

“Hello there! Do you need help or something?” you call out.

The figure stumbles closer and you see that they’re an old female human. “Ah, little creature, I have had so much trouble walking here, my health isn’t what it used to be.”

“Why did you come?” you ask, unable to keep the suspicion out of your voice.

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)17:02 No. 1018456 ID: eedbeb
File 164056693781.png - (151.28KB , 1000x1100 , p27.png )

“I’m one of the town shamans and we recently heard a very disturbing rumor about dragon magic in these parts.” The woman peers around like she expects the magic to show itself from behind a tree.

-Invite the old woman into your cave to get warm
-Tell her there’s no such magic and not to worry
-Tell her there is such magic and to worry

Groan and ask why it matters, pointing out, if she forgot, that the last time the humans got quite uppity, the dragon retaliated, and was in fact not slain, so this is STILL her domain that she *allows* you all to live in.

Thats my interpretation of:

There is such magic, she should worry

You can invite her to the cave while you talk too, even. Because you'll have to lease with them anyway given how everyone else is like "what noooo why should we bother they're way more numerous than us"

Of course there's dragon magic, there's a big ol' dragon around here. Can't have dragon magic without a dragon

>Invite the old woman into your cave to get poked with sticks get warm

"Tell her there’s no such magic and not to worry."
"Does a tiny little creature like me look capable of using powerful and harmful magic?"

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)20:31 No. 1018484 ID: eedbeb
File 164057948972.png - (207.91KB , 1000x1100 , p28.png )

>All three???

“Of course there’s dragon magic ma’am, this mountain is the home of a very fierce dragon.” you remind the shaman curtly.

“Oh that old thing is always sleeping, we don’t worry about her. Gregory said a kobold was using magic to fly, glowing red and everything! Have you heard of such a thing?”

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)20:31 No. 1018485 ID: eedbeb
File 164057949810.png - (145.84KB , 1000x1100 , p29.png )

You sigh very heavily. “Ma’am, even if that were true it doesn’t sound at all harmful. How about you stop by my cave and get warmed up, and then you can be on your way.”

“Thank you, you’re very kind.” the shaman simpers.

tippler 2021/12/26(Sun)20:31 No. 1018486 ID: eedbeb
File 164057951266.png - (217.95KB , 1000x1100 , p30.png )

Weasel isn’t happy when you bring the hooded woman to the cave and explain the situation.

“Germ, now all the humans will know where we live!” she hisses. “Worse, they’ll suspect we have magic.”

“Well I didn’t want to leave her to die out there.” you grumble. “Look, I’ll tell her to respect our privacy.”

What do you say to the woman to earn her silence?

Heed my warning, hooded creature. The dragon's magic watches over us forest critters. The dragon knows who's naughty or nice. If you ever come back here uninvited, so too will the dragon.

Bribe the old shaman with rabbits

These are not the kobolds you are looking for.
I wouldn't want to wake up my mom either.
I'd like for our races to get along (from way over there). Do you want some wood? I could try to cut down a tree, I guess.

Don't disrespect mo- er, the dragon, lest she catch you napping.

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)09:00 No. 1018509 ID: eedbeb
File 164062443206.png - (258.89KB , 1000x1100 , p31.png )

You fetch the finished rabbit and prepare a tasting plate of jerky with some tea. The shaman happily accepts and starts eating.

“The dragon may be asleep, but her magic watches over her favored critters.” you begin. “If you think you can take over our land, you’re wrong. Tell your people that our races should get along, but not interfere with each other.”

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)09:00 No. 1018510 ID: eedbeb
File 164062443966.png - (192.28KB , 1000x1100 , p32.png )

“Very wise, kobold. I had no intention of taking over this mountain but I will tell Gregory and the others to be more mindful of where they get their Necromas trees.”

The shaman stuffs a handful of jerky in her mouth and chugs the scalding tea.

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)09:00 No. 1018511 ID: eedbeb
File 164062444676.png - (201.16KB , 1000x1100 , p33.png )

“Would you like to join me for my family’s celebration dinner? As a show of good faith.” she continues.

-Visit the human town with the shaman
-Politely refuse

Tell her that you appreciate the offer, but would rather spend the holiday with your loving wife and the friends you've made here in the forest already.

Also like, that's some kidnapper second location bullshit, we do not trust her enough for that. That's the kind of offer where we feel like we'll celebrate as stuffed heads mounted on a wall if we take her up on that, be sure to let her know that you aren't actually trustful of her yet.

>>1018512
Basically this, she’s also being real dismissive of what amounts to basically a genuine diety of yours that exists, which you do not like, what’s their necromancy holiday about?

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)12:37 No. 1018527 ID: eedbeb
File 164063744824.png - (245.37KB , 1000x1100 , p34.png )

“Can you tell me a little more about Necromas? I know it’s a big human holiday but that’s it.” you say.

“It’s a lovely time, gifts are exchanged and family gathers for merriment and a feast.” the woman explains. “We celebrate the birth of a legendary human lich who spread his teachings across the world.”

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)12:37 No. 1018528 ID: eedbeb
File 164063745902.png - (184.60KB , 1000x1100 , p35.png )

Sounds very suspicious, like you’re going to be kidnapped and mounted on the wall.

“Thanks for the offer but I have a lot of work to do.” you say lamely.

“That’s fine, I appreciate the hospitality.” The woman gets to her feet and you point her toward the best way to the river.

tippler 2021/12/27(Mon)12:37 No. 1018529 ID: eedbeb
File 164063747505.png - (242.51KB , 1000x1100 , p36.png )

“I hope we don’t have any more trouble.” Weasel grumbles. She kisses you firmly on the head and helps you put together the wattlework door that you place in the cave opening, leaving enough gaps that smoke can escape.

What do you eat for dinner?

Eat the remaining rabbit jerky with berries you plucked the other day.

Old lady. -Wait, dammit.

Whatever remains of our rabbit.

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)07:14 No. 1018569 ID: eedbeb
File 164070445632.png - (266.67KB , 1000x1100 , p37.png )

“We should have eaten that old lady.” you say suddenly as you’re preparing the rest of the rabbit and a berry sauce for dinner.

Weasel snorts. “I couldn’t see her under that cloak, what if she didn’t have much meat on her bones?”

“I can work with bones. We’d boil them to make a jelly soup!”

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)07:14 No. 1018570 ID: eedbeb
File 164070446407.png - (125.71KB , 1000x1100 , p38.png )

You spend the rest of the evening joking and laughing with Weasel by the fire until she pulls you into the warm nest.

Snuggle with Weasel!

>>1018570
Follow her into the nest. See what she wants to do.

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)14:29 No. 1018610 ID: eedbeb
File 164073054120.png - (180.64KB , 1000x1100 , p39.png )

You snuggle with Weasel in your cozy nest, taking the necessary precautions to avoid an unplanned egg. Once you’re tired and ready to sleep, Weasel murmurs in your ear.

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)14:29 No. 1018611 ID: eedbeb
File 164073055123.png - (205.28KB , 1000x1100 , p40.png )

“Would you want to have a kid sometime next spring? It’s a big commitment so no pressure. I think once we have a little more furniture and start a chicken coop we’ll have plenty of food and room.”

What do you think about having children?

>>1018611
Once you're ready? Yeah.

>>1018611
Yes. But only when we're ready to have children.

Would be nice to have some extra hands around so you can go flying more.

Hell yeah we're up for having a little 'bold running around.

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)20:34 No. 1018648 ID: eedbeb
File 164075245457.png - (230.94KB , 1000x1100 , p41.png )

“Yes, I’d love to once we’re ready.” You kiss Weasel on the horn and go to sleep. Your dreams are filled with little red whelps flying around your head while you call for them to come to dinner.

tippler 2021/12/28(Tue)20:34 No. 1018649 ID: eedbeb
File 164075246475.png - (144.49KB , 1000x1100 , p42.png )

Due to the unfortunate circumstances of the previous morning, you sleep in. Long after Weasel’s left the nest to tend to the fire and make breakfast, you’re still curled snug in the bed, chasing shreds of your dream children.

You jolt upright when you hear a masculine voice calling from the woods.

“Kobold! Kobold are you there?”

I guess that's enough sleep. Grab a bite to eat and munch on it while you see what he has to say.

He better have a good reason to wake you up this early in the morning, otherwise… you’ll be kinda upset. Go see what’s so important that he’s actually seeking you out.

Grab spear and prepare to poke

Be careful. He could have brought an "army" now.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)07:02 No. 1018683 ID: eedbeb
File 164079013722.png - (223.36KB , 1000x1100 , p43.png )

What does Gregory want? At least it’s light outside this time. You drag yourself to your feet, have some bone broth to fill your stomach, then strap on your snowshoes and grab your spear.

You stealthily approach the tree where you found the human last time, checking to make sure he hasn’t brought any friends.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)07:02 No. 1018684 ID: eedbeb
File 164079014325.png - (234.54KB , 1000x1100 , p44.png )

When you see he’s alone, you clear your throat.

“Yes?”

Gregory yelps and turns to face you with a vaguely spherical wrapped brown package in his hands. He holds it out to you.

“As thanks for helping our shaman yesterday and apologies for my rudeness I wanted to give you this gift. It’s a Necromas skull.” he stutters.

Accept his gift, but open it right in front of him, and check it thoroughly when you get away before bringing it to your cave. Make sure this isn't some sort of trojan horse and he's actually being a good guy. If it's all safe, cool! What a swell guy showing his respects. If it's a trap, end his life right here for threatening you and your mate under the pretense of an apology.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)09:44 No. 1018690 ID: eedbeb
File 164079984782.png - (178.95KB , 1000x1100 , p45.png )

You take the package and unwrap it to reveal a clean skull missing its mandible.

“That belonged to my neighbor’s daughter, poor little Yori, she died of pox a few years ago and we exhumed her body for the holiday.”

Humans are bizarre. You turn over the skull in your paws but don’t notice anything suspicious.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)09:44 No. 1018691 ID: eedbeb
File 164079986058.png - (191.43KB , 1000x1100 , p46.png )

“Does it do anything?”

“We place the skulls above our Necromas trees so they can absorb the tree’s life essence, then we keep them as a good luck charm the rest of the year.” Gregory explains.

-Keep skull
-Destroy it once Gregory has left

Ok keep it. Tell him you accept his apology and to just come later in the day if he wants to chop wood.

>>1018696
This, I mean I think that as a kobold keeping skulls and stuff should be pretty rad to you all, just put it in your bone pile!

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)11:40 No. 1018702 ID: eedbeb
File 164080684244.png - (225.64KB , 1000x1100 , p47.png )

Little weird to have a human skull lying around the cave, but on the other hand it’ll make for a rad conversation starter when you have the in-laws over.

“Thank you for the gift, Gregory.” you say firmly.

“Let me know if you’re ever in the village, I’d be happy to show you around.” Gregory looks eager and slightly nervous, like he’s still expecting to be poked.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)11:40 No. 1018703 ID: eedbeb
File 164080685276.png - (204.61KB , 1000x1100 , p48.png )

You bid Gregory farewell with the gnawing feeling that you’ve made a friend. You go about your tasks for the day with the skull at your hip and a strange optimism in your heart.

tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)11:40 No. 1018704 ID: eedbeb
File 164080685826.png - (172.15KB , 1000x1100 , p49.png )

Thanks for reading.