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Listen to Geiger's orders to the letter. That was the mission she was given.

Akava kicked the doorway to the tavern open. The dragonborn was no longer wearing the cloak to hide her draconic features. An air of confidence surrounded her as she approached the old one-eyed agent. This was seen as arrogance by patrons in the tavern and they stepped cautiously behind her ready to strike.

The rogue felt them coming. She violently twisted her head and opened her mouth and threatened with a bellowing hiss. They froze in their tracks. Satisfied she turned to the man who gave her the mission a month ago. The agent squinted skeptically, surprised to see the dragonborn return. He crossed his arms and waited for the object in question to be presented.

Akava glared and slapped her tail on the wooden floor at the audacity of the old man. “You think I come empty-handed?"

“Ay, yer nothin' compared to the others I sent. Hand it over. If ye truly have the crown."

Akava looked around and saw that the men were creeping forward again. She chuffed out laughter nearly falling to the floor. “You think me a fool? The dragon star gem can control any dragonkin the user wishes, It's worth my weight in gold."

Everyone stopped when they heard this. Muttering amongst themselves, schemes in schemes. The one-eyed man didn't like being exposed, “Who told ye the crown's purpose?"

“Torture. But that's not important, I'm not going to hand this powerful artifact to some lackies I want to give it personally to the one who ordered its capture."

“Yer in no position to give commands missi." He tilted his head giving an invisible command. Two burly men stood up on opposite corners of the room. Akava saw them making their way to the counter.

“I would call off your lackies if I were you," Akava said taunting, “The gem wasn't the only thing I managed to find." She pulled out a wand with an ash wood handle. The tip of the wand had a boney human finger fused with the wood. The chatter and bets on the upcoming brawl stopped. Everyone's eyes followed the deadly instrument.

The old man laughed, “Now I know yer pulling me leg. Yer a disgustin' scalekin. Stealing the crown and a death wand is outside of yer capabilities."

“Fine."

Akava waved the wand at the tavern and several patrons took cover behind chairs or dove across tables. The two large men were bare-chested humans, every definition of the word hired muscle. They froze in their tracks as the wand was pointed at them. In a one-on-one fight, the dragonborn would have had a difficult time defeating just one. Then she saw that half-orc in the back. The one that had made an advance on her those many nights ago. His pale green face was more scarred than she remembered. He wasn't intimidated by the wand's presence. He stood defiantly and opened his arms mockingly.

She leveled the wand at him and spoke, “Die."

The wand glowed an eerie green light and then faded. Everyone checked themselves to make sure they were still breathing. Even the two bulky men. Several cups were sent to the floor as one man collapsed. The half-orc was cold as stone. Akava's muzzle was toothy, and her eyes blazed with power. She turned the wand at the two big bodyguards, and they retreated to their respective corners.

Now that she wasn't going to be interrupted, she returned her attention to the agent. “Now, take me to the individual that ordered the theft of the dragon star." The old man grumbled but promptly pulled his hands up once the wand was aimed at him. “There are 14 more charges on this wand. I will make it 13 if you even think about double-crossing me."

“Fine. Let me send word to the patron. The boss will be personally notified."

“I wouldn't have it any other way."

The old man left the tavern. Akava idly thumbed the wand and used the bone tip to scratch between her shining black ridges over her eyes. When the man returned, he somehow looked even more unhappy. “I sent word. it will take a day till word gets back. Until then, I hope ye enjoy yer stay in the inn, try not to sleep too heavily." He handed her a key to a ground-level room. One of the worse ones for a rogue to take as the attacks can come from anywhere.

“I'm rather busy tonight so I don't think that will matter." She slid the key back and left the tavern to finish up her preparations.

The night was crisp from having just rained. The bar was the only spot of activity in Ten Penny. This was perfect for the rogue to prepare her master's plans. She ducked behind the alleyway and lock-picked the root cellar's entrance. The musky smell of mold and expiring foods choked the dragonborn. She didn't linger, as she scoped the place, she rearranged some dried goods to make room.

Two alleys down she stashed the carriage that she traveled to the town with. Several barrels were hidden under a burlap bag inside. She heaved a few of them to the cellar. To anyone that was observing it would have appeared to be a normal delivery. Three barrels were all she needed. She pulled out an exploding rune scroll and smacked one of the barrels. The scroll exploded into ash and the barrel was then marked with a blazing red rune. The first step was complete.

To make the barrels appear like the rest she grabbed a piece of charcoal and started to draw on the barrels. She carefully etched them with the Middlemen's symbols. After she completed the forgery, she took a torch to the charcoal branding the barrels. It would take a significant skill to determine if the barrels were planted. The first half of her mission was complete. She just needed to deliver the crown and ruin the reputation of the guild permanently.

Akava spent the night in the carriage with the remaining barrels. Making sure the barrels weren't discovered and avoiding any would-be attackers were good enough reasons for the rough sleep. Before the sun broke there was a commotion in the tavern that woke up the dark-scaled dragonborn. Heavy fighting in the streets broke out outside of the nearby tavern but what was usual, was the sound of heavy armor. The small village wasn't known for having knights or guards. Akava was rightfully curious as to what was going on.

Guards were pounding some street urchin in the street. Their armor had been branded with the royal seal of Dragonbane, a black silhouette of a dragon with gold lightning streaking across its outstretched wings. Akava drew skeptically closer listening to them hurl insults at the low-ranking rogue. When she got close enough to draw their attention the boy scrambled away. Their royal purple cloaks sashayed as they faced the tall dragonborn. “You must be Akava the rogue." One of the armored knights called out. She couldn't figure out which one was talking as their armor obfuscated their faces. They stepped aside but had their hand on their sheathed swords. “Don't try anything funny scalekin. You speak any tongues, and we will cut it off." Akava walked between them. No doubt the boss arrived, the kingdom only bothers sending their heavy infantry to backwater towns for destroying uprisings or escorting important dignitaries.

The awaited dragonborn stepped through the doors, her blazing emerald eyes looked through every man in the room. The one-eyed agent was on his knees to another armored individual in a purple cloak. The man in question was wearing a full plate in pristine condition. A vicious-looking rapier hung off his hips. He removed his helmet to reveal his face to the dragonborn. His elegance of golden hair and piercing blue eyes of royalty were diminished by a rounded from a lack of a hard life. A perpetual smile mocked the dragonborn. “You have caused quite the stir dragonkin. I'm lord Repor. You will address me as master."

This royal bedwetter was a high-ranking member of the royal court and the chapter's guild master. Being a lowly underling, Akava only heard of some of his exploits. This individual got the reputation as a dragon slayer and worked with the upper crusts in Dragonbane's empire. A scoundrel through and through. Akava bowed smirking at the condition of the agent who was going to wrong her in so many ways. The young master sneered and faced the dragonborn head high, “Let me see the item, I want to make sure it's the real deal."

She flourished her claw and produced the golden crown with the metallic blood sphere as the jewel. The Repor's eyes were wide with amazement. Transfixed by the object he mindlessly walked toward the powerful artifact in the dragonborn's black grip. She slid the object back into her satchel snapping the man back to reality.

Repor cleared his throat, “Right. Of course. No consequence to me. Your wishes will be granted. I'll make sure of that." There was venom in his voice. When he finished speaking, he kicked the one-eyed agent in the head. Akava wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a sign of goodwill or to show how cruel he could be. Didn't matter to her either way. Her motives were hidden.

“I just have one question master," Akava's voice was sincere and apologetic, “Who ordered the procurement of the dragon star?"

“Grand Duke Wiscot Dragonbane. He rules over the city of Highplains to the east. A very powerful ally and 18th in the line for the throne. With the help of the artifact, he most likely would become the next king." Akava bowed her head deeper when hearing the name. Repor continued, “I'll see to it that you are comfortable during the trip. My men will not harm you."

Akava heard the rattling of metal on metal. The guards that were standing outside joined the party inside. They cursed and spat their insults at the dragonborn, “Try anything I'll see to your black hide decorates my wife's ball gown." The threat felt hot on her back as the guard stepped closer.

“Watch out you bumbling moron," Repor warned, “This isn't a kobold. Your armor will burn with a single breath." He drew closer to Akava and looked her in her emerald eyes. “She's a dragonborn and is closer to a true dragon than the smaller dragonkin." She humored his attempt to show off his knowledge with a smile. The motion was empty of course. He was a monster, and his scent carried the blood of dragons.

“Lady Akava, I want you to join us on our day trip to the kingdom where we will meet the grand duke."

“I'll join you, but I will be taking my own carriage."

She felt eyes burn the back of her neck. There was a tightening of leather as they clinched their fists they were insulted by something she said. The young master waved his hands, “I can understand your hesitation toward my hospitality. But I assure you no funny business will occur." His hands caressed her muzzle and put his face inches away from hers.

The man felt something bony poking up to his chin and the guards drew their swords. Repor's smile faded as he eyed down and saw the handle of the wand. Swords were at each side of her throat ready to cut her down. Stone-faced Akava glared through the nobody that called himself master, one word and he would die. His hands rose slowly and motioned for the guards to step back. “I see you have gotten your claws on other artifacts as well. Powerful ones at that," his voice broke as he finished talking showing his young age.

Akava smiled. “It's a tough world when everyone wants your scales. Tell your goons if they draw their swords again, it will be the last thing they ever do."

The two men backed a few more steps and sheathed their weapons. No amount of armor would stop the word of death from tearing their soul from their body. Akava's twitching tail ceased moving. Cleared of aggression she put away the wand.

The trip would take three days. Three days of being on guard constantly. She refused any hospitality the band was offering. The food no doubt was poisoned and daggers were aimed just out of reach. The entourage he traveled with was a confusing lot. Whores, musicians, and muscle. When they weren't fornicating, they were plotting and scheming against each other. From an outsider's point of view, it was a traveling circus of performers, but it was only to entertain one man. The lord loved to party every night.

Akava slept light in her carriage, carefully watching the remaining barrels she stashed away. No doubt the first trap already went off in the village. There was no chance she would be caught early. Not until the final trap is set.

“There's the city over yonder." Repor roared out, pointing to the horizon. It was the last leg of the journey and Akava was exhausted. She hadn't slept soundly for a single night. Not that she could the sound of the women screaming and the drunken revelry. The only thing keeping her focused was her true master's words and the love of another.

“Come on out Akava, join us for the final day." One of the guards yelled out to her.

She peered out careful to not stick her neck out too far. “There's the lady of the hour, you've been inside your carriage the entire trip, I was afraid you might not trust us," Repor said the same slimy line before. The twitch of Akava's tail kept her from jumping out without peering behind every rock and tree. The bonfire was blazing bright, and the bards were playing lutes and singing. The noise made it difficult to concentrate. The dragonkin reluctantly slinked out of the carriage taking one last look to make sure her secret stash wasn't discovered. The lord bowed graciously to the dragonkin. “An honor to have you join us. You haven't partaken in any of the festivities."

“I don't care much for partying." Her tail lashed out below her. He was wanting something.

“But my dear, I have been the most gracious host. Is there anything your heart desires? Drink, meat, flesh? I can make it happen." Akava wrinkled her snout at the offer. She was already sent to her death for the crown, and she would see that they never get it. Repor approached carefully, “Can I at least touch the crown? I promise to return it."

Akava's eyes blazed with anger. Something glowed about the performers as they sang. One man drew her attention. He was trying to manipulate her with a spell, but it had failed. She looked over at a bard strumming a lute and could feel the tugging on strings. The strings made an irritating sound to her, like dying cats. Akava stood defiantly uncontrolled by the musician causing Repor to take a step back.

“No, I shall not. The crown is too precious of an artifact, and I want to see it in the hands of the patron and rightful ruler." She pointed the wand out at the bard. “Die."

The musician dropped dead. The final song he sang was strings snapping as the wooden instrument was crushed under the weight of his corpse. Repor ground his teeth glancing over at the bard before composing himself. “Business as always. You're going to worry your scales off." The silence only lasted for a minute till the band resumed playing. “I know your kind despises my kind but let me just see the crown. I just want to touch the object that will be making us all rich."

“The second I hand you the crown you will use its ability to control me. I know all about the powers of the gem."

“Oh, but my scaly maiden." He lifted his fingers bringing down her snout to his eye level. “I swear I won't use the power of the crystal on you."

Akava growled low and long. It was probably under his command that the bard tried to cast the unknown spell on her. She worked too hard to show her true hand, but maybe if she gave him a nibble it would at least shut him the fuck up. He felt a cold metal object in his hands. His eyes were wide with wonder as his fingers roamed the smooth crown.

“Just remember, if I feel the creep of the crown." She pointed the death wand at him. “You'll be next."

He caressed the metal and smiled wildly to himself. The gold soaked his warmth like a sponge. “I wouldn't dream of it, dear. You're so much more valuable of a dragonborn than your scales." He was now dancing with the object as if all his wildest dreams were coming true right before his eyes. “This is it. I can finally take control of the entire guild."

Akava rolled her eyes stepping away toward the group disposing of the dead bard. She offered some help and kicked the dead man in the stomach. No doubt if she were weaker-willed, the spell would have taken her entirely.

They didn't even bother digging they just chucked his corpse over a small water channel off the side of the road. It was fortuitous as Akava could nab the corpse and stash it away without anyone noticing.

The cunning dragonborn pulled the wand out and snapped the artifact in half. There was a sharp hiss and green energy poured from the broken ends of the wood. The final steps to Geiger's plan were falling into place. Only one item was left in her pack, a scroll of sculpt corpse. After its use, she would only have her wits to keep the act going to destroy the guild and fulfill her purpose. Thankfully a corpse was ready, she wouldn't need to kill another target.

She read the scroll and stuffed a cocoon into the mouth of the corpse. A handful of her loose scales burst into white light. The corpse morphed into a copy of her. There was a strange feeling when she stared at her own body. But she shook those feelings. She wasn't going to die, she was going to live a new happy life. The old bard's clothing was tossed back into the river. It was only a matter of time till the stench would get someone's attention inside the capital city. A smile crept on her muzzle. She was going to perform her purpose beautifully.

While she was performing her secret acts the guards looked over their master. They spoke briefly to each other just in earshot.

“I don't understand. Why doesn't he just take control of her now and kill her? There is no need for her kind to step into the city." The other guard shrugged, the sound of his metal armor audible to the man who was stroking the crown. The lord shot an angry growl.

“Don't you think I know this?! She has a death wand and can easily kill us with a single blast."

“B-but lord, you have the crown. The gemstone is far stronger than some skalekin."

Repor stood tall and smiled again. His guards were right, what did he have to fear? All he had to do was put on the crown and take control of her before she could retaliate. “Maybe your right. I should test the crown before gaining a kingly ally. No sense in him having all the fun of controlling dragonkin."

He slipped the crown over his head and took a deep breath. The fit wasn't quite right as it rode higher on his head of blond hair than he'd like. Actually, he looked quite foolish with the poorly fitted princess's crown. But he felt warmth. Concentrating hard on the lone carriage that Akava insisted on bringing. After a few minutes of staring, he wondered if he was using it correctly or if the crown was a fraud.

The dragonborn stepped out clasping her head. Her angular head thrashed side to side she looked toward the origin of her pain. A shudder rippled through her body, and she smiled running toward Repor. “Master, you called out to me?" Her voice was softer and filled with longing.

The master was laughing loudly as the dragonborn stared at him. This only caused her to tilt her head confused as he nearly fell over. The others in his band joined in the laughter. He pulled the crown off and waited to see if there was a reaction from the dragonborn. But her draconic expression remained stagnant, just a happy dimwitted smile. Like a puppy who was looking at its owner.

“This is fantastic!" Repor's cries roared over the entire camp, “Her soul is now bound to me!"

“What are you going to do with her now lord?" One of his companions questioned looking at the black-scaled slave.

“We should kill her." Another man stated.

“No," The master said placing the crown back on his head. “She is useful, the crown still needs to go to Dragonbane. He will want to know the true power of the crown and our little dragonborn will help demonstrate the power." His eyes were reflecting the blazing bonfire. He would however like to play around with the once proud Akava. She does deserve to be punished a little for her idle threats.

He focused on the dragonborn and stepped closer touching the exposed black scales on her body. “It's a shame I can't skin you yet, your beautiful onyx scales would make for a nice cape. Maybe after all this is done, I will turn you into some underwear so that you're forced to soak up my sweat forever."

The dragonborn just leaned into his touch. Her features had no sign of the hostility she once had. The lord frowned.

“Damnit, it's no fun when they have no will left. The crown is too good." The dragonkin was completely pacified by the crown. He decided to test the bounds of her devotion and waved her away, “Go off and be the camp's entertainment while we start packing things up."

Without any warmup, she moved to the center of the camp and spun on her talons. Her strong tail lashed as a counterweight while she balanced on one leg. Everyone started to laugh as they commanded the dragonborn to take up ridiculous poses. Walk on her hands and stand on all fours like a dog. One individual even brought out a dog treat and called her forward so that he may balance it on her snout. No command was too demeaning to Akava.

As the band of miscreants grew bolder knowing she was completely pacified they started to demand her to strip and bear all to the men. Some of the group found the thought of her body as disgusting and went off to perform their duties instead of participating in the strip show. Others laughed themselves into the dirt claiming she should never be allowed to wear clothes like the common kobold slave.

Akava bowed graciously and without any hesitation, she started to strip her leather armor piece by piece as she danced around the dying fire. As more of her beautiful black scales were revealed she felt liberated. Each scale flickered with the dim light like polished stone.

Her beauty went unnoticed by the humans. They actively turned their heads when she made their way to them sauntering her hips and lashing her tail femininely. Some of the guards laughed hardily at the debased lizard. They shoved each other forward trying to pressure the others to sample the foreign body presented to them.

“Go ahead and put on this bit and bridle now," Repor ordered tossing the humiliating device at her talons.

The dragonborn leaned down lifting her tail high. Her vent was exposed to the viewers behind her. The show quieted the men down as they became transfixed on her body. Akava placed the bit in her mouth and tightened the bridle. It looked silly but she just smiled as her jaw was parted slightly from the metal rod.

Akava looked around the camp. The sun was now beaming on the horizon. Her dark scales were now a shadow as everything around her was bright. All eyes were on the naked dragonborn. The bit caused her to drool.

“All right, come here and I will discuss what you will do when you meet the future king." He patted her on the head like a horse as she approached. “All right, good pony. Go to your carriage and get dressed in your normal clothes. I'll have someone else drive you through town. If the citizens catch sight of you there will be no end of trouble. When we get to the royal court you will strip off all your clothing again and deliver the crown to Dragonbane. Understood?"

Akava nodded enthusiastically and hopped back into her carriage spitting out the bit. Her claws traced over the barrels bearing the mark of the Middlemen. Within no time she would be in the city.

The city of Highplains was pristine. Citizens were all dressed to impress in flowing outfits and padded coats. The store windows were filled with clothing and other fancy goods. The laps of luxury and willful ignorance of outside struggles. The kingdom had it all.

As the caravan got closer to the castle grounds more and more guards started to flank them. Repor wore a shit-eating grin the entire time. When the caravan finally stopped he hopped out and shoved the captain of the guard out of the way.

“Move it," Lord Repor said, “I have very important business with the Grand Duke right now."

“Not until I check you and your companions for weapons." The captain countered. His armor blazed with the symbols of Dragonbane.

“Please, I don't get my hands dirty." Repor's smug attitude was starting to wear the captain's nerves thin. “The rapier is just for show."

He took the weapons away and then started to rummage through the rest of his cohort. Akava stepped out of the caravan which stopped all searching. The guards surrounded her with javelins pointed at her smiling face. “Dragonkin are forbidden from entering!"

“Relax she's pacified, she's the reason I'm vising Duke Wiscot." He idly thumbed the precious red metal on the crown. “I'm here to personally deliver it."

The captain calls his guards away with a hurried wave of his hand. “I'll be keeping an eye on you dragonkin." He glared fire at Akava who wore a thousand-yard stare and drool still dripping from the bit in her mouth. Repor called her forward and she joined his side wagging her tail like a puppy. He grabbed the reins and guided her into the large palace doors.

The gold-leafed iron doors opened slowly. The doors creaked under the tremendous weight revealing polished white marble floors. The stone would have made an awful racket if it weren't for the ruby red carpet that pointed like an arrow toward the throne room.

Repor walked with his head held high dreaming of the riches and women he would be getting for this most joyous day. A king with the dragon star could conquer everything. Even a dracolich could be brought under their rule. Endless power and possibilities.

They stopped just short of the throne room entrance. A beacon cross highlighting the god of justice was etched into the stone door. Dragons were depicted on all sides vaporizing as they touched the beacon. The end of the era of dragons.

A royal advisor opened the door, his eyes furrowed anger at the intrusion, “Grand Duke Wiscot has heard your plea, you better not disappoint." The party soon had an audience with a blond-haired mountain of a man. Golden armor depicting the same god. On his back was a shimmering brilliant, gold-scaled cloak. The man looked furious, grinding his teeth at the intrusion.

“Your organization better present results Repor. I already had to execute several of your rogues for crossing me in the past." As he spoke guards slowly filed into the room. “So why is it you brought a dragonkin in my presence?"

The ever-clever Repor bowed graciously to the duke. “I am but a humble servant of the crown future king. I bring a gift."

“You either are the dumbest man I have ever met or the luckiest one. Speaking as though my father will select me for the crown while simultaneously belittling my honorable brothers. Paladins, holy knights, and blessed souls. You aren't even fit to call yourself a dragonslayer."

“My lord." Repor rose his head, “But I have killed the great silver wyrm Ghahwhi he was quite ferocious."

“You jest. The 'great wyrm' was nothing more than a hatchling fresh from his egg and you also lost a dozen men to tie him down so that you can take the final blow. I should strip you of the dragon scale lining your cloak. Dragons are to be conquered one on one. We are their betters, and we show it in battle. Now quit insulting me and show me why you are here of I shall execute you."

Repor hands the crown to the dragonborn and barks out in a hushed tone, “Get over here bitch."

The dragonborn stops staring blankly and strips off her armor. She is bare before she touched the crown. The guards are taken aback by the show of submissiveness the dragonkin is presenting. She sets the crown at the stoop of the steps. Guards point their spears at her, ready to strike at even a flinch. The naked dragonborn bows with her head pressed to the carpet, “Master, I am entirely under the effects of the dragon star."

None of the guards move a muscle and the duke motions to his left. “Is that so dragon?" A wrinkly old man walks in, leg movement hidden under a thick white robe. His eyes were glazed like a frosted cake. He peered over at the duke and then the crown. The crown was picked up at a snail's pace. Only the sound of his rough aged fingers rubbing the golden object could be heard.

The old man nodded to himself and then produced a jeweler's eyepiece. As he continued to examine the object making small 'hums' and 'ohs'. The object glowed a brilliant white and filled the room with floating runes of power. The party Repor brought were stunned and fell back from the surprise. The ancient wizard waved his hands and the runes swirled and spun. His head twitched rapidly at each sigil and then they vanished. The crown was set gently back onto the floor.

The old man's dry voice broke the tension. “It's a warming enchantment. An overly complicated and nonsensical warming enchantment."

Repor nearly ran into a spear as he charged the throne, “Liar, I have her completely under its spell!"

The wizard ignored the cries and wandered to the duke's side like an old man who forgot where he was. The duke stared at the dragonborn. Her scaly body was still at his feet. “Get up Akava."

She got up, a blank thousand-yard stare across her face.

He looked her naked body over and furrowed his brows getting up from the throne. His guards stepped close beside him spears drawn at her. She showed no signs of fear. The Duke circled her several times in the utter silence of the royal court.

A guard burst open shattering the silent examination. He rushed to the Grand Duke and whispered carefully into his awaiting ear. The careful expression Wiscot had faded to one of fear. He looked over at the dragonborn and pulled his sword on her stabbing her in the chest. The dragonborn smiled gleefully as the cold metal retracted from her body.

Wiscot looked at the unnatural wound his blade made. No blood, no tissue exposure. It appeared like a small crack in a leaky dam. Water trickled down to the marble floor. Then it rushed out of the wound. The dragonborn fell to the floor her purpose fulfilled.

“What's going on!?" Repor shouted while looking at the dragonborn's body liquefy into crystal clear water, “What did you do!?"

“Guards, take them away." Wiscot ordered waving his retinue over, “I too want to know what's going on."

“I refuse!" Repor grabbed at the discarded leather armor Akava left behind. The guards surrounded him and apprehended his companions. He felt for the item that would save him and pulled it out only for a great pain of realization to shock his very core. The wand had been shattered. The guards grabbed him by the arms and heavy irons were clamped around him.

The dominos fell, one by one.

_____

Repor and his group were imprisoned awaiting trial. Being a kingdom of justice, they prided themselves on seeing a fair and true judgment.

The evidence was damning. Inside the dragonborn's cart were wyvern poison bombs. A forbidden weapon powerful enough to coat the kingdom in a thick cloud of poison that would wipe the city streets clean of life.

Repor denied these claims. Telling the Grand Duke that he had been set up.

This may have been the case if they didn't find the corpse of the dragonborn. The copy that entered the throne room was nothing more than a simulacrum. Because of Repor's connections, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume he could gather the resources for such a convincing copy.

Wiscot believed that the man received a fake dragon star crown and tried to pass it off as the real deal by having a simulacrum of the dragonborn. A trick that had almost worked if Wiscot was an absolute moron. The insult to the Grand Duke's intelligence alone was enough to have him executed.

The rest of the Middlemen disavowed the man. Desperately trying to hold on to the organization's power they've accumulated with the empire. But it wasn't enough, the fate of the guild was sealed.

Ten Pennies, one of their controlled towns was discovered to have been wiped out by a wyvern bomb. Bodies of citizens and rogues were dead in their homes as the thick cloud escaped the cellar. The investigators discovered barrels of foul dragonkin poison. Building and storing such weapons is a heavy violation of the crown.

The entire guild became enemies of the empire, losing all their connections and freedoms. The Middlemen were no more.