Role

Chapter 1

(Note: somehow didn't realise I'd not put this in until going to add an
update, so sorry for massive bulk submit. Backstory is entries 1 through 4,
summary is 5, update is 6.)

"The hell is this supposed to be?"

The Jaette Kragma stared at the spindly specimen the slave trader was
presenting on a chain. The small lizardling female was spindly, with bright
scales and large fearful eyes.

She was also about as physically imposing as a one heart without its arms,
and was absolutely not the storm giant male in the prime of his life he'd
been assured he would be coming to buy.

"Hey, hey," the trader waved his hands in what was probably meant to be a
placating gesture, but only served to make Kragma want to punch the slimy
crook in the mouth. "I know it ain't what we agreed, but hear me out here.
These lizards live longer than even the elves, and these ones don't start
crispin when you give them iron pickaxes to hold."

"This one probably couldn't lift a pickaxe if you gave her all day. What is
Sitran going to use her for?"

The trader shook his head, tapping his nose with a dirt-crusted nail. "See,
she's just a kid. Give her a few years and she'll be as tough as any elf,
mark me words. Got this one right out of that Ysigrath swamp I did."

"I'd not mark your words if you told me she had claws and a bloody tail."
Kragma sighed. They were in need of hands though. They'd been losing a lot
of slaves lately. "Fine. How much?"

"Thirty gold and not a copper less!"

A few minutes later and with a great deal of threats, Kragma departed with
his new acquisition. She cost him seven silver pieces.