Arik thinks hard on Pavok's question.
"I can only think to bribe the beast. Let us see what we can find in the ruins."
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"It looks like it was leading us to the ruins, maybe were walking into this creature's trap if we keep moving to them."
"It looks like it was leading us to the ruins, maybe were walking into this creature's trap if we keep moving to them."
I did mention before when you were chasing it that you were indeed chasing it deeper into the ruins. By this point you guys are a ways into the ruins. With no compass or visible sky markings, it is difficult to tell which direction is which. I will need survival checks from you to know what direction you came from.
Survival:
Mus'ad is able to gauge what direction they have chased the figure and lead the party back to where they first entered the ruins.
Faznir asks, behind Jen:
So where's the beast? Won't it come out and fight?
Pavok looks all around while clutching his two weapons, then he starts to search the walls of the ruins for any symbols. "I guess she found out what lures us out." he gives a uncomfortable chuckle.
Mhykir helps Mus'ad, pointing out landmarks he noticed during the chase. If they make it back safely to where they started, and joins Pavok in searching for clues.
With the help of Mhykir, Mus'ad is able to find the way they came. You get a sense that it could be dangerous to progress to much further into the ruins so you instead head back to the edge. Once there you devise a plan. Mhykir is able to deduce that the creature has followed you back to the edge of the ruins. The best way to capture the beast or even just lure it out is probably to use one of your own as bait. Give the Lamia the impression that one of you is alone and it may come out to where you can, if your feeling merciful, capture it, or if your feeling not so merciful, kill it. Also, you can simply leave the ruins.
Take some time to plan amongst yourselves and once you have reached a consensus, let me know and I will move us along.
I am small, and I do not require a weapon to fight effectively. I will be our bait to capture this monster."
Arik's voice is steady and determined, but his eyes house a shadow of doubt.
"I'm dead to my people already...what does it matter if I die to the rest of the world."
The dwarf seems steeled by his own words and stands staring at his companions: waiting for their response.
Mus'ad nods at Arik's offer of acting as bait, opinion of the dwarf rising somewhat.
"Alas poor Arik, I knew him well"
Pavok looks for the dwarf, "Damn Arik you beat me to it ,and no need to talk about dieing you got me and Torag are watching over ya." He gives his dwarven friend a reassuring smile.
Faznir moves to Arik's side, and suddenly shouts:
The sorcerer mounts Arik's camel, face red from screaming and apparent anger.
He turns his camel towards Mus'ad.
Let us be gone and leave this failure behind. He deserves the blisters he'll get walking alone back to town.
Just a moment before leaving Arik's line of sight, Faznir turns around, smiles and offers a quick blink of an eye to the dwarf.
Mhykir seems taken back at Faznirs sudden harsh and unprovoked attack, and stands frozen as he departs. As soon as he catches the wink he nods and without so much a glance at the dwarf he mounts his camel and follows.
Seeing the rouse, Arik plays along.
"No! Please don't leave me here! I don't know the way back!"
Arik will wander and find a good stout wall to lean against so that nothing can sneak up on him. There, he pretends to despair.
*crosses fingers*
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Okay, you all leave poor Arik's fate in the hands on an unknown foe. I took the liberty of making your stealth checks for you all so you be hidden but stay close enough to be able to rescue Arik.
Almost an hour after you all disappear, your stalker finally makes a move on the lone dwarf. She leaps out of the shadows to quickly approach Arik. She stops just shy of tackling him but close enoungh to impose.
What you can all see is a creature that from the waist up isa beautiful naked young woman. From the waist down a somewhat scrawny lions body. Even though the human part if the creature is quite attractive, it has quite a few scars and looks somewhat starved. Her catlike eyes are wide with desperation. She reaches out for Arik.
"You! You are the one who is going to save me from this exile. I will be welcomed home and no longer hated by my own kind. Now you just be a good little man and come with back to my people. This doesn't have to turn violent. I....per.....prom....promise *pant pant* that you will be......fine." She seems to struggle with her words as if she doesn't want to say them. Looking at her, she seems very weak. You probably couldnt beat her by yourself but one or two others would be plenty to take her down. She is reaching out ti touch you now. How do you respond?
"Before we go anywhere, are you hungry?"
Arik slowly reaches into his pack and offers the creature 3 of his own rations.
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** spoiler omitted **
You all see Arik pull something out of his pack and offer it to the creature.
The Lamia pauses at the sight of food. Her eyes are now wide with hunger. Drool escapes her mouth. She stares at you in disbelief. "You offer me food? Why? Why must you tempt me this way?" She recoils a good few feet away. She then start wimpering. "Why are you offering me food? I planned to sacrifice you. This.....this is a trick. So you can escape......Right?" She starts moving towards you cautiously and unable to keep her eyes off the food. You succeeded in you diplomacy. Now you just need to talk to her and maybe you can resolve this peacefully. She seems confused, tortured even.
The rest of you see the Lamia recoil and seem intimidated by whatever it was Arik withdrew from his pouch. Do you watch and see what Arik will do next?
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Arik sits cross legged on the ground and eat another ration himself.
"Please, share a meal with me." He offers the food again and adds in a loud, sincere voice. "I will not harm you."
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At the generosity of Arik the Lamia is soon over taken by hunger and lonelieness that she buckles before the dwarf. She drops her dagger and sits before Arik. Arik hands her some rations.
The Lamia takes the rations and begins to devour it greedily. After she gorges herself a bit she looks at you with a defeated expression. "I disagreed with the matriarch. It was really serious. Our people hate the gods and all things to do with them. I wanted to know why. They say we are cursed and are hideous. Am I really so ugly?" She asks as if she really wants to know.
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" I do not find you ugly. In truth, I see distinct advantages in having a form such as yours. You are gracefull. Not to mention, most women of my race have longer beards than I!"
Arik roars with laughter for a moment, then calms himself before speaking again.
"You have been fair with me and you have been honest and forthright. I think it only fair that I do the same for you. I am not truly alone. My companions are nearby, though I do not know exactly where. You planned to sacrifice me...our plan was to capture you alive. I will not do it if you're uncomfortable, but I can call out the them to join us if you'd prefer. They will not harm you. I won't allow it."
"Now that I've met you though, I see there is nothing to fear. People fear the unknown. That fear may be what drives your people to hate the gods. I have had my doubts about the purposes of gods, but I think they are merely personifications of ideals. Most mortals need examples to show them how to act and behave. I feel that is why some people hold fast to their gods."
Arik shakes his head forgetfully.
"I'm so sorry, I have forgotten my manners. I am Arik Brynn. What is your name?"
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She listens, seemingly in horror at what you say. She then hangs her head. "I cannot return to my people. What you say is what I have always believed. We spend to much time hating the gods and not enough trying to grow and develop our own way of life." At the mention of your companions she shows surprise. She then relaxes. "It is fine. If you will spare me, then I will not flee before or friends." At your introduction she nods. "My names is Samal the exile."
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Arik stands.
"Please give them the benefit of the doubt. It will likely take them some time to remember their manners."
When everyone gathers, Arik does a more formal introduction.
"Friends, this is Samal the exile. She and I are kindred spirits: both exiled from our kin in damnable shame. She had intended to capture me for a ritual sacrifice before her tribe. But not now. She has a beautiful mind, cognitive and philosophical. Samal, these are my friends."
Pavok will put away his weapons and come out slowly with his hands up in a non threatning manner. He looks to the Lamia and proceeds to introduce himself, "Hello my lady, I am Pavok Kor'tell a humble servant of the forge father, and a lucky friend of Arik." He moves beside Arik so Samal doesn't have to look two direction while talking to them.
Mus'ad slowly pushes Al Gasreed forward to near where Arik and the Lamia are situated. The elven blade remains across his legs and he does not speak, merely fixing Samal with a cold stare.
Ah yes, another exile. I am Jen, the only master of the arcane arts to have ever come from the people of the plains. They were jealous of my success and my knowledge of the unknown, blaming me for a series of harvest failures. This is my cat, Whiskers. He's much smarter than he looks. She turns to Whiskers and whispers. No no no, I didn't mean that you looked dumb. I just...we can talk about this later.
Why were you exiled, if you don't mind me asking?
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As Arik's companions approach, Samal watches them closely and cautiously. In a moment of self consciousness she covers her exposed chest with her arms and begins to blush. "Um hi." She mutters under her breath. The human half of her is quite attractive with the exception of the scars that are all over her body. She looks to be either 18 or 19.
I'm giving you knowledge that you would have gotten if your Religion score were a 15. You know Lamia's are a race cursed by Lawful good gods to the form you see before you. This form caused them to develop extreme hate for the gods. The hatred is inherit from mother to daughters making the "race" inherently evil. The aura of evil surrounding Samal is very weak. What you can guess is that whatever inherent evil she may possess is not entirely affecting her free will. The motivation is weak at best. However this aura can still provoke, even if she does not desire to, evil actions. She is truly suffering. Though she seems passive for the moment, she could still be dangerous.
Mhykir puts away his sling, and before walking towards Arik casts guidance on himself, then limps out, leaning on his staff as he makes his way over.
Bowing his humbly says 'My name is Mhykir Millan, and I too know the sorrow of leaving ones tribe, the gods both gifted and cursed me, and for that I was cast out. I am at peace now with my fate, over time you may find your place too.'
[ooc]Better roll diplomacy, using my guidance bonus ;)
Mus'ad does not move from atop Al Gasreed, and continues pointedly staring through the slit in his tagelmust.
Jen pulls off the outer-most cloak of her sweeping array of cloaks that she calls a robe and holds in front of her.
Perhaps you'd like this? The desert sun can get quite harsh. She offers it so that Samal can cover up, but doesn't actually mention that particular reason.
Samal looks at Jen confused. "Thanks. But since there is no sun, that isn't the problem but thank you. I accept your offer." Samal takes the cloak and wraps it around herself. She looks at the rest of you. "So, you are all exiles?" Suddenly Samal starts to cry. "You are being so nice to me. More than I deserve. Why?" She really starts bawling now.
The Aura of evil is dwindling. Still there though.
"How d'ya think we all got together? We're a bunch a desperate exiles in one way or another. You fit in nicely, and for my part, you're welcome to join us."
Arik offers an old shirt as a handkerchief.
Seeing that the threat of the creature is no more, Mus'ad slips his gaze and scans the surroundings. Such a pitiful creature
"We best understand you and your situation since we experience a similiar one as well." He gives her a smile and shows her his death brand, "My people tried to kill me for protecting anothers innocents, but fate freed me and guided me here with others like myself. We all might have been exiled in different ways but the fates drew us together so we could do something great like save this land, and help you find your path."
Faznir awaits until Samal can cover herself, and approaches.
My eyes deceive me, for I see a beautiful creature with the graces of delicate felines and the comeliness of an sylph maiden. It's sure to be a mirage, but in the case it is not, let me introduce myself, dear Samal. Although I've been called the Desert Wanderer and Bringer of Joy, but my name is simply Faznir Farin, at your humble service.
He bows to the lamia, offering to take her hand.
Samal wipes the tears from her eyes. "So, we are kindred spirits, what happens to me now. Will you all move on and I stay here? I do not recommend you stay anywhere near this place unless you are prepared to fight the rest of my kin. They are many and they are much stronger than I. Though the riches of this ruin remain untouched. There are few places you can go without encounter members of.....my.....former tribe."
"Of course you may come with us! You have a family now should you want it."
Arik pauses, a heistant look flitters across his face.
"Samal? What kind of riches are we talking about here? It may be worth it to risk a brief forray into this place with an experienced guide."
Arik smiles.
Faznir pats Arik in the back, and offers:
Although I'm certain to affirm that neither me nor my brave companions have greed rooted in their hearts and minds, we still are strangers stranded in a foreign and unknown land. We only have what we carry, and that's not much. Any so-called riches would work wonders to allow us to survive in this hostile environment and assist us in reaching our goals. Right, fellas?
Mus'ad continues to listen dispassionately. While I may not be suffused by greed, a soldier only fights for his paycheck...
Mhykir cringes a little as Arik mentions treasure hunting, but nods his head as Faznir speaks.
He gives a soft smile to Samal, "You more then welcome to join us, we'd all be happier if you do come with us and it would stop me from worrying about your saftey." He then shakes his head and Ariks treasure fever.
"I would say it would be worth the danger only if we knew that treasure contained something to help us on our quest, But if its only coins and gems then we shouldn't bother cause it will only slow us down out here."
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Samal seems to brighten up when you mention she can join. "Wonderful! It has been two years since I was last a proud member of a tribe! Thank you all so much!"
At the mention of treasure, Samal seems a bit uncomfortable. "Well there are places that I could help you sneak into but it is extremely dangerous. My kinsman are far more powerful than I. They travel through the ruins in pairs. If they stumbled across us while we were exploring, we may not survive the encounter. I'm no match for them even one on one. But I wont turn down my new friends requests for aid. In addition to money and jewels, there are also a nice sum of magic items to be had. A large amount of it used to belong to the civilization that used to be here many years about before Aradina was built. This city in not part of Daiga's original design. Also there are the years of explorer's goods that have been stored by my people. A lot of folks wonder into these ruins hoping to hit the big time over the millenia but we have been here a very very long time. There are few who have escaped death at the hands of my ancestors or my currrent tribe. So their things have piled up over the years also. Lots of treasure to be had for sure. Though unless you are as strong as a titan, I do not see you getting past the others to get it all. I know a few places we might be able to sneak into though. Still, it is very risky as my tribesmen tend to wander throughout the ruin. So I can't promise we wont be caught."
If we could be caught, we should assume that we will be caught and prepare accordingly. What makes your kind strong? Are they excellent swordsmen, powerful magi, skilled archers? Are they resilient in mind, body, or perhaps have fast reflexes? The more we know, the safer we'll be in confronting them.