Raghh!
Samuel takes advantage of the brief opening before his companion charges forward to release his crossbow bolt at the nearest one.
Raulzig, too, unloads his crossbow at one of the wretched creatures, hoping to make it before Calain's wide back gets in the way.
That depends on your answers, worm. In fact you're going tohave to try VERY hard to stay alive! Now answer when asked.
"Perhaps you didn't, but some of your associates were not nearly as intelligent, so you may have to prove that you are trustworthy before we truly believe you. To start with, you can tell us who you are, and why you are living so close to a gnoll infested village. We can proceed from there based on those answers." Samuel speaks softly as he reloads his crossbow, but does not return it to an immediate firing position, rather holding it by his side, ready but not an immediate danger.
Calain simply stares at the creature, waiting for any threatening moves.
You serve? Are there gnolls here or just your kind?
Raulzig whispers to Samuel's ear (Perception DC25 for others to hear):
It looks like these creatures are obsessed over gnolls... If we show any intent of harming the gnolls they are likely to warn them.
Samuel just cocks his eyebrows as the strange creature talks of gnolls as if they are gods, convinced the entire race must simply be inherently insane, a bit annoyed that he actually agrees with gnolls on something, even if it is something as minor as these pugwampis. "Why do you worship them if they spurn you?" He asks more for the sake of continuing conversation while others figure out a better plan than any desire to talk with such annoying little pests.
You haven't said a damn thing worth sparing your life. I am telling you this buildingis ours now. We are much mightier thanGnolls. I am KING Calain, God of the Areanaand no man or Gnoll can kill me. You WILL lead me to your leader in this building where he will submit to me or I will destroy him and stab his eyes so he wanders the next life a blind fool.
He wanders over and puts the point of his Nodachi on the pugwampi's chest.
Accept. Or I end you now.
"Easy now, Calain, no need in being a bully. I'm sure that this fine creature here is perfectly capable of understanding the value of his own skin without being constantly reminded of it. Taking us to his leader, though, is not a bad idea." Turning back to the pathetic creature, Samuel hides his revulsion as he speaks politely to Krafty, having learned that getting information out of folks often involved a fair bit of tolerance, even if that tolerance was not entirely the preferred path. "Also, we seek to deal with the gnolls on behalf of our employer, and any cooperation you give may help spare the lives of at least some of your "gods" by limiting the amount of collateral damage that will probably be inevitable given the distinct cultural differences. To start with, how many are there, of what clan, and who is their leader?"
Pashaj shifts pensively. He stretches his legs along the length of his spear, all the while keeping his weapon ready and his ears attuned to noise from the rest of the temple.
Raulzig attempts to make it easier for the pitiful thing.
"Look, the Gnolls, may they be glorified, are harassing the human settlement. In their might, known to you, they made it hard enough for the humans to request parlay. King Calain here was chosen as the best human warrior to match the Gnoll Chieftain, may he be praised. Your information will help us to pick the best way to appease the Gnolls, may they be glorified, without extra blood. If you don't tell us enough, we will be forced to fight through to him and many Gnolls, may they be praised, will be slain. Now speak."
You lead us to the king...NOW.
Pashaj scowls at the ruse, but says nothing.
Pashaj follows the creature, though he takes care to see that Calain precedes him. When a quiet moment arises, he presses his fingers once more to the barbarian's armor and whispers holy words. The breastplate continues to shine like a torch.
Calain catches up to the Pugwampi as it fumbles with the door. He leans in close and says, Walk and quietly, just a little in front. If you scream for help, you will die choking on the noise.
Raulzig follows with a scorn on his small face. "Taking this wretch with us spells nothing but trouble", he mutters under his breath superstitiously.
"It may be wiser for you to introduce us. Calain has a way of scaring people into striking first because they think they are about to die. The fact that most of the time they are probably correct doesn't help matters any."
I am a generous king. I will allow him to submit to my rule and worship.
Dot
Pashaj whips around as Krafty speaks, spear in hand.
While waiting for the gnoll chief to arrive, Raulzig concentrates on sensing magical energies of the area, with an emphasis on the macabre ornament.
He also checks if there is anything easily flammable in the immediate vicinity.
Call to him, let him see me and know his doom has arrived.
Calain continues to brandish his Blade. He gives a nod to his casters, if they were going to use spells, now was the time.
Calain looks at the ridiculous creature.
Samuel remains unperturbed through all of this; even the strange decor doesn't seem to phase him. He just wants to get the pugwampi out of here with as a little damage to himself and his group as possible. He keeps his crossbow ready, but is holding it as loosely as he can while still keeping the bolt in to make it clear that he is perfectly willing to try the talking route.
"These creatures are frightened of you." Pashaj looks to Calain. "Will that be enough? You have come far in this, and that is yours to say."
Calain looks to his friend and keeps the scowl on his face and talks loud enough for the'king' hear, They will either serve or leave. This is My Temple now. If they flee they will live. If they serve they will be rewarded. If they fight, those who attack me will know death. It is a fair deal.
A god of Life and Death. You can choose to be free and Leave or stay and serve.