"I wouldn't trust them." Brok says as he munches on a rat leg.
With an insane look in his eye, Keil bares his teeth and slashes his dagger across the man's throat.
As the prisoner's blood spills on the floor for everyone to see, Keil curses in a most foul tone. Showing clear displeasure with the human he advances towards Grezzor and those gathered around him. Speaking subdued, the fetchling scorns, "Our Lord was clear on this matter. Avoid. Contact." Speaking louder for the others to hear, Keil continues as though seeking permission, "I say we ask another about this Rappan Athuk. Perhaps we can pry a more suitable answer from his tongue." The shadowy man's cold eyes scan the room to survey the other human's reactions, settling on the bandit known as Tall Jack before turning his back to the prisoners and resumes speaking quietly to Malzii and the goblin. "We do as we see fit, yes. But these humans are walking dead. Mere tools at our disposal." Keil exhales to try and calm himself then, his hands on his hips and his head down whispers, "They admit having contact with Zelkor's merchants. Do not risk setting them loose...where's the first place you think they will go to resupply? What's more, our presence is valuable information to the right people. With Tall Jack beaten, their loyalties lay with no one save a purse of golden coins. "
Avoid any contact with anyone from Zelkor’s Ferry. (Jun 25, 2015, 03:12 pm)
Grezzor looks coldly at the man's slashed throat and back at Keil - "It is still a waste of a tool" - he shrugs - "Broken tools have no use" - he continues pensively - "As for the half breeds, I say bring them along, and have them prove their usefulness as combatants"
"Arlok hungry. I eat humans while we rest."
Arlok goes over to the one that Keil just killed. Puts his foot on his chest and rips one of the arms off.
"Raw huh?"
"Was going to cook at green flame, but Arlok still weak. Meat is meat. It still warm."
He smiles as blood drips from his maw.
"A waste? " Keil smiles devilishly as Arlok rips into the bandit, "I think not."
Licking his lips, the shadowy man raises his dagger as he moves to join Arlok in the feast. Wiping red liquid from his chin the fetchling eyes the humans and contemplates what to do with them...Ahh, yes, the green flames. Arlok has given me an idea.
The empty space in his gut satiated for the time being, Keil recruits the assistance of Raaz and moves the bound and helpless Tall Jack to the table. Sitting him next to his half eaten brethren, Keil takes a moment to rip out the dead bandit's liver. Grabbing the Tall Jack by the hair, Keil yanks the bandit's head back and holds the liver over his head, "Mmmmmm, care for a morsel?" Keil's foul breath assaults Tall Jack's nostrils as the fetchling lets the liver drip over Jack's face. Chuckling Keil releases Tall Jack's head, stands back and takes a bit of the vital organ. "Ahhh. Now then, there has been talk of Rappan Athuk. I'd like to know more."
The bandit Tall Jack watches with a sick look of horror on his face as Arlok cannibalizes his former comdrade. As Keil continues with his 'meal' Tall Jack retches violently and nearly tumbles to the ground. Raaz holds the man firmly upright and hisses, "No laying down here. Enjoy the show."
As Keil holds the freshly dripping organ above his head Tall Jack gags again before crying out "Look, I know nuttin' 'bout Rappan Athuk and what it holds there. I'm sure there be lots of gold in there but goin' there is suicide...Hey look ya gotta listen to me! There ain't no need ta do this! I kin guard yer loot 'n watch yer backs even if ye wanna loot the place! That place be filled wit' many monsters 'n ye need all the bodies ye can get! I be with ye! I SWEAR IT by Baalzebul!"
Keil's yellow eyes narrow as he listen's to Tall Jack's words. Sneering the fetchling takes a moment to size the bandit up. With utter disdain the shadowy man retorts, "You may yet get your chance delinquent." Keil steps back and folds his arms pensively. Tapping a finger on his sleeve, a slow grinch-like grin creeps across his black face, then speaking with the same hate filled tone, "For now, start proving your worth! Where's the loot?"
"The....the barrel! Under the table!" The former bandit leader blubbers piteously. As you look about the room, you do see this room contains several bedrolls, a table made from a plank of wood placed over a pair of dilapidated old barrels, and six rickety stools.
A closer looks does show a total of 175 gold pieces stashed away in one of the barrels that support the table.
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Getting tired of the whole charade, Varg walks up to Tall Jack, pulling him down so that Tall Jack is looking straight into the dwarf's grey eyes.
I don't care if you stay or go. But, if you go, we will hunt you down and then my hungry companions may decide to have a snack . . . before you are dead.
With that, he releases the man's shirt and walks away.
Grey was usually one to let others lead. His role was that of an advisor. Sometimes, though, more direct action was necessary.
He put his hand on Varg's shoulder and shook his head. "You should care. He cannot be trusted."
"This does present an opportunity however." Grey continued. He waved over their new orcish companion.
"Gubdagog , kill these humans." Grey ordered.
Speaking in infernal Keil puts up his hand to stay the orcs and addresses Grey, "Wait! I want to use them to solve the mystery of the fire room. Let the humans snuff out what dangers lurk there first, then, if they survive, your orcs can finish them."
"Pick one then. The rest are unnecessary."
"We need to get Arlok healed and then kill the not-deads in the next room. We'll never be able to trust the humans, we should kill them before they cause trouble."
Raaz speaks up from where he is watching your prisoners (and the orcs) like a hawk. "I have no healing magic to spare. That is why you are a part of this team, little one. As for the prisoners, I will only say this. The more to guard, the less to trust."
Grey silently looked at Keil and waited.
For a moment, Keil is crest fallen. Being told to put his toys away before he was done playing will do that to a fetchling. Fortunately Malzii's words reach the shadowy man's ears and the prospect of a BBQ lifts his spirits. Rubbing his hands together, Keil weighs his options as he looks over the remaining bandit and Tall Jack. "Start a fire Malzii, there's a couple of pigs to roast!" Advancing on the last human, Keil slides his short sword from beneath his cloak, grabs the man by the hair and plunges the blade into the side of his next and down into the bandit's chest cavity. As the human drowns in its own blood, Keil looks up, "This one holds little promise for my plan. That one on the other hand..." Removing his blade, Keil lets the human slump to the floor and goes to inspect Tall Jack's weapon. "Hmmm, yes much promise in this one." Keeping the weapon, Keil chuckles to himself then helps prepare a nice cooked meal of heart, lung and maybe a little whiskey.
Keil slaughters the bandits with a casual brutality that causes Tall Jack to struggle against his bonds, sobbing and gibbering hysterically. Finally Raaz brings the end of his spear on the back of Tall jack's head putting an end to his hysterics. The grisly work done, you all settle in to rest for the remainder of the night munching on the remains of your 'meal'.
You set up your watches as normal and keep an eye out for any threats. Fortunately nothing troubles you throughout the night and you manage to get a restful sleep. As you wake up you can see Tall Jack is still unconscious and is in no shape to walk.
Grezzor doesn't even notice the slaughter going on, ignoring it completely and instead finding a corner to rest in, unfolding the recently acquired magical scroll, and perusing it again with a smile while Sting skitters about until he finds a cockroach and feasts on it.
His belly full, Keil waits for the others to have their fill then wraps what meat and other juicy morsels remain in a few old rags previously used to store rations. As the group settles in for some rest, the shadowy man walks around the room, secures the secret door to the zombie chamber and checks all other entrances to make sure they have been properly closed. Then, choosing a comfortable corner, retires for the night. He sleeps soundly, curled up in a ball with his bedroll the fetchling can be heard giggling in his sleep as he relives the day's events.
As the night sky once again chases the sun from view, Keil awakens feeling refreshed and ready to take on the evening's next challenges: dismissing a few zombies and investigating the room with the green flames. But not without the godling. As the main muscle of the group, Keil looks in on Arlok with the knowledge that this evening's festivities may be put on hold if the warrior's condition remains poor.
Arlok stands and pats the Kobold on the head.
"You heal Arlok, Baalzebul happy. Keep Arlok safe. Arlok return favor."
He breaks the hand off from whats left of the arm.
"Here you go. Best part. Arlok was going to eat today, but you help Arlok."
He looks to the rest of the group.
"We rest long enough. Can Arlok kill talky one? He tried kill Arlok, Arlok promised death and Arlok no break promise."
He waits to see if they give him the go ahead.
Looking a little sheepish, Keil tries to smile but the effort comes off as merely barring his teeth at the godling. Addressing Arlok in common Keil replies, "I've plans for that one. If he survives the magic contained within the green fires, you may keep your promise with him. Till then..." Keil bows awkwardly then holds up a gloved hand to show patience.
With the group up and refreshed, Keil goes over a few options of things to do, starting by addressing the obvious - how to deal with the zombies lurking in the room next door, "However, leaving them works to our advantage. Particularly if we choose to use this chamber in the future. Of more concern are the unexplored chambers and corridors. And, " the fetchling smiles mischievously in Tall Jack's direction then notes that the human is still unconscious, "of personal interest, those fiery bowls."
While the others discuss what to do next, Keil moves over to the bandit, looks the human over then the shadowy man nudges it with his foot attempting to wake the man. Failing in his attempt the fetchling complains, "Anyone know how to get this meat bag moving?"
"Arlok have idea."
He walks over to the man and pulls up his leather skirt and starts to relieve himself.
"Arlok always need to go after sleep."
He smiles back to the group.
"I wait Keil, you try what you think."
"We don't don't need human awake now if we want to kill not-deads in the next room. Just leave him here while we kill them and see what is in stone box."
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"Sorry goblin Brok, Arlok no stop when starts."
He stops peeing on the man and continues to pee beside him unless he has already awakened and then he just keeps peeing on him.
Despite Arlok's best efforts the bandit Tall Jack remains unconscious. Arlok is feeling much better however thanks to Malzii's magic.
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Varg awakes, comforted by the cool solidity of the stone floor. While the others dismember the dead bodies and relieve themselves on the sleeping prisoner, Varg begins a slow routine of stretching and praying, showing amazing flexibility for one of such a stony demeanor.
So, when do we move on, the walking dead are not going to wait all day. He pauses before correcting himself. Ok, so they will probably wait, but even I have so much patience.
Grey chuckled at his companions and pulled his mask off the wall.
As you prepare to move into the room where the zombie guard the sarcophagus, the orc Hegug speaks up. "We watch over human piss bucket. Make sure he live. Be careful, wise one. Not-dead bodies guard box. No idea what in box. Also trip wire in middle of room. Used as way to slow enemy passing through room."
Brok goes back over to peek in and see what the undead are doing.
The shadowy man stops in his tracks. Slowly turning to face the orc Hegug Keil shakes his head before addressing the witch, "Grey, their place is at the front with Brok." Pointing a bony finger at the two green minions he motions for them to make their way to the front of the line. As they pass the fetchling sneers, "Grey has your trust but mine isn't free."
Watching the orcs suspiciously Keil takes up his bow and tests the string. Then his yellow eyes spy the long bow left behind by last nights dinner. Putting his old bow to the side, Keil takes up the long bow and pulls back the string. Grinning to himself Keil keeps this one then moves over to the entrance.
"Arlok ready. We kill undead things. Arlok follow goblin Brok."
"I am ready" - Grezzor adds.
The shadowy man stops in his tracks. Slowly turning to face the orc Hegug Keil shakes his head before addressing the witch, "Grey, their place is at the front with Brok." Pointing a bony finger at the two green minions he motions for them to make their way to the front of the line. As they pass the fetchling sneers, "Grey has your trust but mine isn't free."
"They are my people, Keil. Their place is where I say it is. Someone needs to stay with the human. They are both wounded. Would you have us spend magical resources to heal them? Would you have someone else guard the human? You were the one who wanted him kept alive. If you want them at the front of the fight, then you need to kill your piss-stinking pet. Pick one."
Grey clearly wasn't angry, and didn't seem to care which path Keil chose. He moved near the doorway and prepared for the battle ahead.
"Mine is tied and unconscious. It does not require, guarding." The fetchling opens the secret door and knocks an arrow in his bow then adds, "Course if you'd rather not spend precious resources on your own people, who am I to judge?"
Leaving the orcs behind to guard the unconscious Tall Jack, Brok moves to the secret door and cracks it open The goblin ranger sees immediately nothing has changed from what he observes. The zombies all stand motionless around the sarcophagus.
His keen eyes also spot the tripwire that bisects the chamber as well. As the rest of you take positions in the chamber you all see the zombies start to stir...
Brok levels his crossbow at the closest zombie and lets fly.
he curses at his poor aim, drops his crossbow, moves into the room (move action up to 20'), and draws his sword.
Arlok move in and readies his glaive to strike.
He strikes the same one if the readied attack doesn't drop it. Assuming they advance on him.
The fetchling watches as the muscle begins to make its way to the top of the corridor. Seeing a bottle neck forming, Keil's black teeth flash as he spits his displeasure on the floor. As he awaits the outcome of the godling's blade, Keil turns his eyes to the orcs and their ward.
In spite of their brief argumrnt, Grey took a moment to bless Keil with the Lady's favor before the fetching moved into the fray.
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Before opening the door, Varg ties his bedroll (or a grappling hook if someone has one) to some rope.
When the door is opened, he moves next to Arlok and then tosses the bedroll/grappling hook over the tripwire, prepared to pull it back to set if off to hit the zombies should they avoid the wire when they approach.
Use the trap as a weapon.
Attack-toss bedroll/hook: <-- not sure if there is a (-) for the distance
--> not sure of the AC, probably 10, 5 or 0
Ready Action to pull rope and hopefully set off trap
Arlok strides into the chamber and awaits the approach of the zombies, followed closely by Brok whose initial shot flies wide. He is joined by Malzii, whose sling shot flies over the zombie's head.
Keil, aided by Praetor's magic, moves into the room and waits to let an arrow fly. Vargrenz easily snaps the tripwire in two but is disappointed to see no other effects occur.
Raaz takes up a position behind the front line fighters ready to strike with his own weapon.
Keil feels a tingling sensation down his spine as Grey's magic works its wonders over the shadowy man's body. Feeling a bit more confident as the party takes up their positions, Keil spies his chance to strike. The string of his longbow creaks as it is drawn back to the fetchling's ear, his yellow eyes focus on a target then slim black fingers loose the arrow.
With no line of sight, nor a secure area to move into, Grezzor simply observes the combat from the back.