Roleplay

Baphoment, unlike Malady it appeared, enjoyed their mutations quite a bit. Mutations for them meant mother acknowledged them and gave them this gift. Or at least they considered it a gift. These mutations didn't debilitate them or make them weaker, so they could care less what they looked like. Many of their followers, not just Aberrations, had taken to diving into the cauldron to become stronger and possibly mutate. Within their cult, if one entered the cauldron and couldn't make it out, they were not to be helped out.

Baphomet only made an exception one time, and one time only. And that was for the one thing in life they had come to love and care for as much as they do, their mate. Another Aberration from the wind tribe that was quite a different color scheme than them.

The similarities between the two dragons was what further helped Baphomet trust this dragon more than usual. Funny enough, one of Baphomets prized possessions was a Rotting Plaguebringer Effigy stuffed animal that was in their nest. Within the main area on a small, end table like stand, was a Plaguebringer Bone Scrimshaw as well as a Cinnabar Plaguebringer statue near the entrance to the lair like a stone guardian. These items, if ever missing, would be a declaration of war. To Baphomet at least.

Their obsession with Plaguebringer was pretty unhealthy. But they couldn't help it either, Plaguebringer made them, and Plaguebringer abandoned them. Their entire life ever since they were swept away for so long, they spent it trying to grow stronger and regain any fragment of their Mothers love. When they finally mutated, they saw this as their Mother deeming them worthy of love again.

Baph seemed almost surprised at this. "Genocide. How pointless." They mused before Omet spoke up "So a spoiled pretty boy determined to wipe the planet of a proud and wise species." Omet looked to Baph and they nodded. Perhaps it was their lack of action, or rather lack of bloodshed, that had them agitated. "We will happily accept this alliance." Omet started before Baph continued "That is of course, you provide the same services to our own should the need arise. You've made a very wise choice to recruit one of the most mutated and strongest groups."

Malady had never been disgusted or uncomfortable by his own appearance, not the way many other dragons seemed to be when they saw him. He didn't despise his poor vision or odd limp. No, the only reason he hated what he'd become was the circumstances that made him this way. The bitterness that accompanied his most painful memory.

He'd noticed the dedications to the Plaguebringer upon entering. He'd never had a particularly strong relationship with his deity- not like the spellcasters of the Twisted Reach had with theirs- but he'd respected her. Though the gods had fallen silent over the past millennium, most of their followers agreed that their presence and influence had not ceased. Malady agreed.

In fact, some small, naïve part of him even speculated that the Plaguebringer had respected him crawling out of the Wyrmwound on his own. And while she hadn't intervened, he wanted to believe she was watching him then. To see if he was worthy of survival at all.

Malady examined his claws in a way that made him seem detached, even though he hated Lux with all his being. That pearlcatcher was targeting his pack, and that was something he would not allow. "Spoiled yes. But he's got the magic and strength to back him up. He's dangerous, not someone you want to underestimate... he's nearly killed members of my clan. We will back you up in exchange for your assistance. Under all circumstances." He was startled that the aberration had agreed so quickly to the terms.

"If Lux catches wind of our alliance, you will end up his targets as well," Malady added. A warning.

Baphomet did not mind the fact that Malady seemed detached and disinterested. In fact, what appeared to be boredom from the Spiral seemed to excite the Aberration even more. To them, this meant said opponent might just be a nuisance. Like the occasional plant that tended to grow here. A recurring issue like ticks or fleas.

Baphomet never underestimated opponents, but with their superiority complex that borderlines a God complex, they were too confident for their own good. Granted this confidence was fairly warranted due to how strong and good at fighting they were, one day it would surely be their downfall.

Omet nodded when Malady said they will give the same in exchange. "Good, we trust you and the rest of your allies will keep to your word, as well will ours." He said before Baph continued "Besides, we could never decline a chance to gather a higher body count." They said with an almost sadistic smirk, both of their eyes widened a bit with a wild, primal instinct.

Hearing Maladys warning, Baph scoffed "Please, let them come. Let them find carnage." They said with a wide smile and wild eyes. Omet actually smiled in agreement to what Baph said, but otherwise said nothing. For now, Baphomet got up from sitting and went over to their chest. Opening it, Baphomet brought out an item before coming over to Malady. For the Spiral, they set a golden idol in front of them. "We care not what you end up doing with this, be it sold or otherwise. But its a gift." Omet said before Baph set the next item on the table. "This is for the one who sent you."

In front of the Spiral was now a tome that emit a soft golden glow. "We don't know what this book is for but we are fairly certain your friend will find better use for it." Omet said and Baph stretched their body out a bit before sighing. "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss before our meeting comes to an end? Also should we set up a day where I meet your friend?"

Malady was a dragon who'd always been taught to respect strength. From his days in the wasteland, he knew one thing. Physical prowess was the key to gathering reputation. And reputation was akin to power. As a result, Malady had spent his entire life garnering reputation, only to have it all end in what should have been his death. Similarly, he was aware this aberration's pride and confidence would not serve them well.

He didn't dare comment on it however. The last thing he wanted to do was offend them after the meeting had gone so well.

Malady took the idol and turned it over in his talons a few times. It was shiny and sleek, smooth to the touch. He nodded a with a deep bow of his head. "Thank you. I'll deliver it personally." Vesper was not known for hoarding treasures, but any gift presented to him was one he would not get rid of. He held a great respect for the customs of other dragons no matter what sort of gifts they gave or well wishes they sent.

Malady's ears perked forward with interest at the tome. "Friend?" He echoed, not making eye contact, too focused on the glowing tome. "What friend are you referring to?"

Malady would assume right, Baphomet didn't do well with anyone who questioned their power, strength, anything really. Especially after their mutations thanks to the cauldron. With their mutations they cracked down on doubters and those who questioned their ways. Baphomet had eaten quite a few hearts that didn't belong to them after being questioned, or a comment they didn't like was said. Baphomet tended to be difficult to converse with, much less form any sort of relationship with. They were generally laid back with most things, but certain topics when spoken about negatively tended to end in some sort of bloodshed within an instant. Surprisingly enough, none of Baphomets followers feared them in a sense a dictator or unjust ruler would. Their followers were loyal and dedicated to the cause Baphomet had laid out. The large Aberration never lied or left out details, that was one of their good qualities. "[u]The Golden idol is for you, in case there was any confusion. The book however is for your friend.[/u]" Omet stated. Baphomet didn't own a whole lot of things, but what they did own was treasured deeply and beloved by them. Their lair was in between minimalistic, and about as fancy as a lair could get out here. They had never received a gift from another dragon themselves, so they didn't mind that the other probably didnt have anything to give in return. Their tails uncoiled and sway side to side in opposite directions. "Vesper." Baph answered with a slight hint of excitement in their tone. One of the dragon species Baph personally favored were in fact, Imeprials. Their giant size and great strength was a sight to behold to the Aberration. However, they would always favor other Aberrations and mirror dragons over them. A dragon entered the lair but stayed by the entrance. It was another Aberration of larger scale, but smaller than Baphomet by about a meter. "Curator, we have located solid evidence that Sombre was here." Esurient sported skull heads and bone jewelry as well, but they carried a green lantern and had a tattered poncho like fabric around their neck as well as bandages over wounds and what almost appeared to be large cobwebs around their body. Esurient was a scout, and a powerful guard and they took pride in their job here. Baph hissed upon hearing the news "Well that's lovely. Double the guards around the entrance to the Seedscar for the next few days." They said before Omet piped in "[u]Ensure no nature flight comes close to the Seedscar, and you have the list of kill on sights.[/u]" Esurient nodded and bowed their heads before leaving. Baphonet turned their heads back to Malady "[u]Our apologies for the interruption. Since your now an ally, you should know about Sombre[/u]." "She's our half sister bent on destroying the entire plague flight and the land by allowing the Seed to bloom and spread. She sees our kind as a mockery to nature and a failure. She forces her ideals on others and kills any who disagree." Baph said with strong venom in their tone Esurient (lore is a WIP) [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/76894754][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/768948/76894754_350.png[/img][/url] Sombre (also a slight WIP but lore is avaliable) [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/64852391][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/648524/64852391_350.png[/img][/url]

Malady nodded deeply and tucked the idol and book into his shoulder bag. “I appreciate it thank you.” Truth be told Malady was even less of a treasure hoarder than Vesper, but he knew Lenore would love sitting it in their den. She was always vying for more things to use for decoration anyway.

“I don’t know if I’d call Vesper a friend,” he muttered.

The gift reminded Malady that he’d brought a peace offering as well. “This is something from the clan hoard.” It was a piece of jet black indonite with a glossy purple sheen- a very rare gemstone found only in the caverns of the Reach. “The finest we have and it’s quite valuable… and a powerful channeling stone if you have magic users.”

Then his features softened as he reach up to his wing and plucked off the talon of a roc he’d once defeated from the strings of bones he used to adorn his wings. “And this is a personal thanks from me to you.” Malady carried the bones of his victories with great pride. They were the only corporeal treasure he needed, so to give them up was a sign of great respect.

When the other aberration entered, Malady’s ears perked forward with interest. He bristled at the mention of a leader who took their loyalty to their element too far. “Sounds familiar,” he grumbled, picturing a certain jet black pearlcatcher.