The Royal Throne room of Crypto Kingdom is buzzing with confusion, as a loud arguement echoes from the pillars closest to the throne. Zenon, the mysterious wizard, is arguing with His Majesty and nobody can recall seeing him in such an agitated state ever before - a feat that is not appropriate at all, least before the Majesty himself. There are few within the realm who would dare to use such tone with HM, Zenon being one of the few, and even he does not do that.

"This is a death wish!", Zenon exclaims, "There are things better left alone." He turns to the nobles around him, "There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested!"

"Fools, all of you! What I have sealed away I sealed away for a good reason, and you wish to break the seal... and for what, glory? Wealth? I swear to you, cursed be all of you who send your servants to such certain doom, as their blood will stain your hands even if you will not shed a drop of blood yourself! And it is not only the blood, it is their very soul that will haunt yours forever more should you pursue this madness!"

He then calms down, continuing "but if it is to happen, then be so. But know that there are things so vast, ancient and unknown in existence, that mankind will never be nothing but ants or cattle at most in the greater perspective. You have been warned. I can arrange this pursuit unwillingly, but I will take no responsibility of its outcome. I have a... friend, a brother, who can assist you in this matter, but to reach him we need to go beyond the fabric of this world before our eyes and tear the very veil of universe to step to the unknown. Know that this is not a matter of military might - this is a matter of treachery and manipulation, dangers that lurk in the minds of man, and madness that haunts those trapped in asylums. Such are the ultimate horrors that reach beyond the understanding of man. And should you succeed in obtaining such a dragon, even a black one that is, it will inevitably come at a great cost."

He walks away down the hallway, mentally exhausted and worried. Before leaving the throne room, he turns back one last time and says, "bring only your sword, tools and protective garments. No army can breach this veil we will tear, and only a small group of exceptional heroes has any chance of fleeting victory. Five honest and most wise and intelligent men and women of finest kind have the best chances, but even then I will already prepare graves and mourning for them once the veil breaks. May God bless their souls."

He turns away, stands still for a moment, lets out a long sigh and disappears into the ominous mist outside.

----

Dragon Quest is to be held in 2-3 weeks!

I would prefer to have it on a Saturday or a Sunday, e.g. 3 pm UTC. I would expect it to last for few hours, although it's hard to predict. I already forgot who were "officially" signed up, so please PM me/post here so I can put your name below, just before the "lambs to the slaughter"-sign:

1. Moo
2. Red Erin
3. Martti (hmc_)
4.
5.

We will settle a time with the participants that is most optimal for all.


Best of luck to ye *evil laughter*