[@bloonewb]

Ophion and Aerta received the message from Merat at the same time, and both rejected it immediately. If a being of pure evil wanted them to do something, it was almost certainly a bad idea. Most of the mages came to the same conclusion, although a handful of naive, foolish, or weak-willed magic users took the opportunity to open fire on the kobolds, only to be quickly stopped by their commanding officers. 

Being a magic user, Adykon had also received a similar message. While he was primarily a fighter, he had some skill in magical combat. More than Aerta, in fact. She was mostly a ritual sorceress, after all. He charged at Merat, moving as fast as he could, and put himself between Rughoi and the monstrosity, rallying some of his own men to assist in this seemingly suicidal endeavor. 

"I don't know what you are or how you came to be, but I will end you!" A vainglorious boast, but one which served to inspire the troops. They liked that kind of trite speech. It was a role the red-scaled dracon had been forced to play time and again since becoming a hero. Or having the title of hero thrust upon him, as it were. Adykon drew his blade and hacked at Merat, knowing that this could only buy some time before he and his followers were overwhelmed. If aid didn't arrive soon, he'd have to retreat. Reluctantly, Adykon called out to the closest thing to reinforcements within shouting distance.

"Rughoi! I don't know if you can hear me, but if you have any troops left willing to save your halfbreed rear, now's the time to call them and throw them against this thing!"