Random stories

I never really understood why we stood out so much.

When I was born this area of land was gifted to my Father as a reward for his services in the last war. The truth looking back now his rivals, that he didn't even know he had, just wanted a potential "hero usurper" removed, and so sent him along the borderlands of the Empire.

The area was lawless, thinly populated, and completely undeveloped except for a single fort that was to be his castle.

The dragon attack was, unexpected, to say the least during that time. It was a young one, seeking treasure, infamy, and etc but young dragon versus famed war hero wielding that enchanted blade didn't end as it had hoped. Then, instead of slaying it, my Father offered it a deal one it, quite literally, couldn't refuse.

"Become a sworn protector of my lands, and I will spare you and grant you treasure as payment for your deeds."

So the dragon, Gratimere, and its small gang of kobolds were the first. A flying, fire-breathing beast was a powerful ally, but the kobolds, in my belief anyway, were the real prize then. Industrious, loyal, quite fearless when defending their home, and quite clever they proved an invaluable workforce then, and still do today.

Then when word got out about the "human warrior who tamed a mighty dragon" started spreading the local orc chief, seeking another worthy trophy, sought him out. As fierce and strong as orcs are, well, the war Father fought in was against orcs. After his victory the orc tribe was, by orcish law, his now to lead. That got around to other nearby tribes who's respective chiefs sought the same as the first.

Still don't know if they stopped trying, or if they just...ran out of local chiefs.

Their knowledge of the local area proved of far more importance then their fighting skill. Untapped resources, easy pathways, and herbal knowledge was a godsend in that time.

After that my Father started catching on, and began actively seeking out the local nonhumans on more peaceful terms. Lizardfolk, Goblinoids, Nagas, intelligent beasts, and others of the like. Each one coming to respect my Father, and see the opportunities joining the growing Kingdom.

I grew up around them, learned from them, and cherish them each they are my people, and I am now their King to which I will not let them down.

Also because growing up around a population of mainly nonhumans has affected my social skills, quite immensely, and I have no idea how to function in other kingdoms. So it's this or bust.

Seriously how was I supposed to know humans use thin gloves to challenge others to duels instead of headbutts.? Also have you seen human women?

Rail thin, unnaturally smooth skin, freakishly small eyes... Ugly as sin I tell you.

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Submitted by GdogLucky9 on Wed, Apr 19, 2023 to /r/WritingPrompts/

The prompt

Your small, otherwise unimpressive, kingdom is suddenly one of the strongest powers in the land. This is due to the sole reason that, unlike other rulers, you're happy to work with the local orcs, goblins, dragons, and several other races that are usually attacked on sight.