A book and many things to do

[Iron Dragoon]

"And did you start negotiating? What were their expectations?"

[Anastasia]

"They want you to impress them in a spell exhibition, one champion to show them unique magic." Tangulus folds his hands together, "Of sorcerous magic in particular, not divine or clerical magic."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I imagine they're going to try and learn whatever spell I show them... I can circumvent that, I believe, unless they have some special trick, but... What do you think Emily? Space Compression? Acid Cry? Solar Convex? Aerial Assembly?"

[Anastasia]

"I'm not sure, but having options will help. That does seem to be the purpose of it, but then...why not ask for the spells?" Emily says, "It doesn't make sense. Be more direct about it, we're negotiating as it is." A thoughtful frown crosses her face, "No, it doesn't make sense at all."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa looks thoughtful, "Perhaps... A way to establish ranking? Dominance? To see if our best is a threat or not? If our best is no threat, they attack? If we outmatch them, they try to scheme for whatever they can?"

[Anastasia]

"They were sincere," Tangulus says, interjecting with that. "Ugly things, hateful things without a doubt, but I believe it's how they determine rank or power, or perhaps some sort of mating ritual." He clears his throat at that, "You may be in for an interesting time if the last is true."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa snorts, "Better than them have shown interest. Still, that's all they asked for, or was that the entry fee to start negotiating the real price?"

[Anastasia]

"They indicated that was all, but I'm not certain I trust them on that, sincere about the contest or not," Tangulus says, "I believe they were mostly likely being opaque rather than it being a result of politics."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa considers, "Think you can get them to agree to a location of our choosing? I don't want to set ourselves up for an ambush if this goes sideways on us."

[Anastasia]

"They're insistent on the valley," Tangulus says, "Sufficient treasure may lure them out, but they seem clannish and uninterested in leaving the area."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Hm. Let me consult with my people. In the mean time, please enjoy our home. We're still establishing things, but we have good foundations. You might find a reason to establish a more regular trade route here."

[Anastasia]

A nod, "I don't trade, but I know many who would be interested."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Then please, see what we have to offer. There's always money to be made for contract negotiators. We'll let you know when we've come to a decision."

[Anastasia]

Thus Tangulus goes out and Emily looks over to you, "That went better than I feared it could," she says, "Will we take them up on it?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"There's an angle I'm not seeing, but... I can't imagine they have a spell caster more powerful than any of us. The issue is the 'one champion' part. It's laughably reckless to let any of us go solo when they can bring all of theirs. He'll have to negotiate a set number of attendees. I'm pretty good at masking my magic, so I think I'm the best option to fulfill their challenge without making them stronger unnecessarily. Let's get the others in here and see what they think."