If need be, Mia could cast Daze to try to stop him.
Tallina catches up with the fleeing tiefling, opening a horrendous wound across his back with her scythe. Staggering, the tiefling attempts to crawl away.
Laris leans down to the dead librarian, whispering a short prayer over him.
"Can someone explain what they were doing here, it feels like more than just mindless pillaging?" she directs her question towards teh remaining librarians.
As you cut the last librarian free, he clambers back to his feet, shaking his arms to get the blood flowing once more.
Well, yah see ma'am. Me and the lads 've been hunkering down here is whats left of our 'brary for the past few days. Keeping quiet like. Ol Jory over there was daft enough to answer the door bout an hour ago. Id've smacked the fool in the head meself, but it seems kinda pointless now.
Dragging the cultist back into the library, Tallina sets him down near the entrance.
"Why would you answer the door? And does anybody have any rope to tie up the unconscious cultists with? Man, what are we going to do with them when we don't have a meat locker to shove em in."
She looks up and realizes there are people who might not understand her meat locker quote and looks down quickly.
"Well, maybe a broom closet might work."
He had failed to protect someone. Once again, he was too weak and the enemy was not even a demon. The shame so great Verim did not speak and could not face the survivors nor The Elf in grief.
Verim goes through the gruesome and arduous task of pulling all the fallen enemies to a further corner; away from the others. He then ends them with his shortsword, ensuring a painless death and proceeds to loot them. Making sure to look carefully for any signs of cultist leads among useful things. For the man in Banded Mail, Verim removes his head and crushes it with the mace. He does this in eerie silence, making no jokes, not laughing with a stern face.
With his back turned to the rest as he crouched Verim listens to the Librarian and speaks up during his activity " She means the men we just killed Old Man, Why were they making the woman stack books around the rest of you? Things like that... " going back to his task at hand. The doubt rising in his mind" If I don't get any stronger... I won't be able to help anyone.. "
Grimacing at Verim's act of brutality, and moving to shield sobbing female librarian from watching, Conan does his best to answer the questions before him. I don't reckon the broom closet survived lass, it used to be through that door back there, cept ain't nothing there now but rubble. Don't reckon much of anything survived after that thing attacked a couple of days ago. Swatted those crazy wizards around like children tossin the bones. In all me years, ain't never seen anything like it.
The man whose brains your friend is painting our floor with? Don't rightly reckon I know what the damned idiot thought he was about. Something bout bein on the winnin side. Now, if you lot want to find a comfy spot for our friend, I reckon I kin care for him until you find someplace safe. Don you worry none, we won't be openin any more doors till you come back.
Though she understands the concept of "safe over sorry", Mia can't help but show an expression of ewww at the head removal.
"What kind of thing was it that you saw? What did it look like."
Walking outside, Conan fishes around in the rubble for a few minutes before returning with a desiccated worm. I'm not rightly sure how to describe it ma'am. Never seen anything like it 'fore. And I've seen a fair bit. It walked like a man, but was covered in writhing worms.
"That sounds disgusting."
She looks up at the others.
"Any ideas?"
[ooc]If you need a reroll for that, here you go. If not and the result from previous roll would be taken...all the niftier.[/ooc
Maxwell scoffs and rubs his eyes as his dayvision comes back. "A worm, you say?" he asks as he points a slight dark beam towards the tiefling that the druid had dragged back.
"Well... we've the fortunate of having folks to ask, now don't we?" he says. "Maybe we should just beat it out of them? I'm sure no one would object to that idea. After all, they've been prone to doing that, no?" he asks with a small chuckle.
During the conversation Maxwell hunkers down over the body of Chelab, shaking his head. "Also, before anyone ousts me for this, I'm making use of every resource we run into." he points out as he unties the slightly battered armor from the man's body. Over the course of a minute he unbinds his own and puts it on. "It's kind of eerie that he had the same size as myself, it seems." he points out as he tests the rotations.
Verim snickers as Maxwell places on the armor smacking him on the back and noticing it not secured in all the right places based on his hurried nature. Through the grisly scene of death Verim started to cheer up " Well let's hope it gives you better luck than the coward who wore it.. I assure you I don't have any twins. Next armor we run across is mine however. I'd rather it be on someone less weak. " Adjusting Maxwell's Shoulderpads and greaves. " The rest of them won't be speakin' much however.. They are already dead. From the way they acted Im sure they didn't know much, considering they only came a few hours before we did and apparently the attack was a few days ago. "
Although the idea of deliberate brutal beating makes her feel reluctant, Mia knows Maxwell is right at some point. Crazy people can sometimes listen to physical over verbal.
Next armor we run across is mine however. I'd rather it be on someone less weak.
Mia giggles.
"Perhaps the next opponent is a kobold fighter."
Verim looks over to Mia with a sullen smile that eventually picks up " Those little buggers can be quite the hassle with a little training Lass. If I struggle with him to the end, then he was strong.. Strength isnt always about size, even I know that. I was more talking about conviction, which clearly this man had none as he went after a helpless person in the middle of a fight. One I... could do nothing to stop. " Looking away from her again.
Watching Maxwell don the armor and shrugs.
"I have no problem with it. Although I'm one to talk, look at how much stuff I've been taking as we go. I've found a new cloak, a new grill, some shiny rocks, and some money. The only thing we haven't gotten to is a nice hot bath, and I swear to the gods if by the time we rid this city of demons if I haven't had one I am going to scream."
She looks around a bit.
"And no, getting bathed in hellfire doesn't count."
"I think Mia was saying that you'd struggle to fit into a Kobold's armour." Laris says delicately.
Mia nods.
"Sure was."
Verim blinks and rubs the back of his neck embarressed, so much so he starts laughing to himself, " Ahhh! Well ofcourse I wouldn't fit! A Kobold's armor might barely fit for my codpiece.. Barely.. harhar! " Clearly making a half-joke at Laris' expense.
Once giving Maxwell a once-over and tightening the straps, he slaps the man hard on the back to test its sturdiness and smirks " Well, at least your issues with dodging will get covered by simply hoping the armor deflects it.. hoping. Now I can call you the Bloody Knight! Perhaps Goresworn? " seemingly muttering a few more names to himself.
After which Verim responds to Tallina and raises a brow sniffing himself, " Well it has been some time hasn't it? As long as you all ladies are around however, at least I'll have a much better scent to mask mine. Truth be told I wouldnt mind you takin' a bath.. though I'd rather see what Wendaug's hiding under all those cloaks! " snickering for a moment before getting to business. " All playing aside, Avaresiel we have taken you to your destination, and though you know what has befallen it, will you do me a favor? Don't fully despair.. These people are scared. Show them your courage, the courage to travel here blind. become their pinnacle of sanity so that they have hope. And We will try and make sure that Hope becomes reality. The Worldwound has attacked.. it's time we fought back! You all remember those letters from before? I think we might want to go cultist hunting on the way to dropping our passengers off. "
Searching Chelab's body, you find two potions, a light steel shield and his mace (magic). He also has 29 gp. There is nothing that would connect the man to the cultists.
Abrikandilus
Verim shows the potions and mace to the more magically inclined individuals in the party. " Here, found some potions and I think this mace is a bit more than meets the eye.. even after smashing his head in. " He examined the Light shield, but noted it was of no particular quality. It did seem odd that a man with no connection to the cultists, simply acted so vile. Maybe he was Vile at the start. Verim pockets the gold for now simply to hold on to it; there wasnt anywhere to shop for now.
"Yeah....it's pretty gory."
Verim looks to Mia a bit ashamed " I'm sorry you had to see that.. It's why I pulled him to this corner. I don't want you to see me like this, I'm sure you like the other Verim much more eh? I just couldn't have the chance of him coming back after what he did. I felt the person he crushed, at least wanted the same to happen to this man, the dishonor of it. " sighing at the act but not shifting blame.
"What's done is done....as the big people say. It'll probably not be the last time crazy people lose their minds.
Apart from the blood...there's something with the mace isn't there?"
"Verim, this is a guiding sort of mace. It's got increased chance to hit. So...yes..you take it."
Verim grimaces at Mia's response but concedes it makes some sense, He takes the mace into his hand " Though its not the weapon's fault it's master was cruel, I'll hope to redeem it. Merc-code says you use what you can get. This is a pretty easy weapon to use however... And I already have one gifted by you earlier. Perhaps someone else has use for it? " Scanning over the party which for the most part all have a certain weapon style.. and this one was much too big for Mia. His eyes finally settle on Wendaug for longer than a moment " You don't seem to be wearing much on you.... in the way of weapons that is... Why not make sure you are equipped? Think of it as a gift from your soon-to-be suitor " he says much the same as when they 'flirted' before, looking to the party to see how THEY would react.
" I mean.. so far you've... saved me a few times ... even when we were on opposite sides before.. Though it'd be temporary and no means a replacement for our promise.. "
Having her cloak, the warrior his morningstar, the grumpy man his armor, the paladin her sword, and the halfling her potions somebody has been missing out on items.
"Well, if not Wendaug, what about Ms. Laris? She seems to be in the thick of it with her song, it will only be a matter of time until something figures out some of our tricks and goes for her first. A good heavy mace would suit her fine I think."
Verim seems unsettled a bit by that knowing his warrior's intuition kicking in. " It's not that I havent noticed Laris' position, it just seemed like she was one to use her Glaive.. to good effect too if you saw.. Like your new Scythe. A weapon with a longer reach also tends to keep enemies on their toes.. Like how I use mine. She can also cast spells, though Im not fully sure which ones. I have no issue giving it to her, simply thought of giving Wendaug an option if her arrows weren't cutting it.. much like I would offer a Bow to Laris if possible to grant her a ranged decision. "
Laris smiles at Verim, "Truly it is fine, Wendaug is most likely a better warrior than I, and if her motives were untrue she has had plenty of chances to leave us, we should extend the same courtesy and treat her as part of the group."
Laris examines the potions that Mia seems to have had no luck with
Wendaug accepts the mace with a wry grin. Where would I go if I left you? I would be hunted below ground and have no knowledge of the overworld.
Verim grinned, though not as vibrant, as even though Wendaug may have lessened the severity of the situation with her tone, it was no less true. Handing over the mace with little hesitation, he looks to her " Hey Hey. Don't make it sound like a hopeless situation, its not all bad. I mean, we got to meet.. and When everything is all said and done and we drive the demons back or find a haven. You'll be free to leave.. err.. If you want. Though I'd be a bit sad... I guess. Lann here is the ambassador of your people so if we find a group of Crusaders you won't be hassled once negotiations are through. We'd have our Dinner, I'd tell you about this world BEFORE this attack and .. you'll be free " He moved to the door afterward leading her along if she was apt to follow.
Verim re-strapped his shield and gripped his Glaive ready to head out once more if need be. " Well, we have so much time, but I'd rather be stopping anymore carnage if similar situations are happening throughout Kenebres. Tell me when Everyone is ready .. the decision to stay is up to the Elf.."
From the doorway, where he watched the fight, Horgus Scowls, Hurrmmmph, If you two are done flirting we need to get moving. It won't stay daylight for long and I have no intentions of trying to survive out here after dark.
Glancing over to where several of the other librarians are fussing over Aravashniel, Conan wave you onwards. We'll take care of the lad for now. I reckon we'll be safe long as 'body opens the damned door. Just make sure you don't be forgetin us.
One of these days Gwerm, you're going to find arrows sprouting from your back and nobody will help you.
Verim gives a curt nod to the Librarian and raises his shield to the sky " I'll hold you to that Ol' Man. Verim doesn't forget a promise either, I'll surely be back for you. I'll swear to Arqueros, I shall. " placing it back into a comfortable position. He chuckles and lightly nudges Wendaug in the side from the contact with Gwerm " Oh, don't mind him either, He's just jealous he doesnt have a nice woman to talk to like you. I think how he talks is his only way of communication. If he wastes time complaining, it means he actually cares enough to say something. Riiiiiiiight? " Verim leans over to Horgus chuckling.
The phrase "Take care of" doesn't neccesarily help Maxwell's thought processes, and he'd already come to the conclusion that almost no one in this city could be trusted to maintain their common sense. Despite the fact that the Librarians had just been tied up, and one of them had had their skulls crushed, he double checked the man's phrasing.
Maxwell just shakes his head. "You're worried." he points out as he walks up and pokes the man in his chest gently. "Fact of the matter is no one's just gonna open that door. They're gonna walk in and kill every last one of you, and it wouldn't be the first time they tried that today." he points out bluntly, while gesturing to the crushed head of the other librarian. "Tell us what you're concerned about." he commands, crossing his arms as he tries to tone out Wendaug and Horgus's bickering.
Conan turns to face Maxwell, Are ye daft? What's not be be worried about, the whole damned city is either burned or infested with demons. Cultists be dancin a merry jig in the streets, and half of us would ne'er make it if we all went. A group that size wouldna go unnoticed.
Nay lad, I reckon we'll be stayin here until things calm down a wee bit. And Ne'er you fear. I doubt Jory'll be openin any more doors.
Verim shouts up after playing mediator between the two, noticing Maxwell confronting the Librarian on a topic. " Oi, Max, Now normally your the one complaining about wasting time, has that armor slowed you down in more ways than one? The man's Old and just brushed against death. He isnt going to do anything rash anymore. Just leave him alone, besides, though Aravashniel might be blind, I don't think those four could overpower him anyway.. More like cling to him, since he was the only one that knew these.. Rift..wardens? "
Tallina wonders why people are having disagreements, after all they all have a common enemy.
"Now now, no fighting each other, save that energy for the demons. We have a city to move through, and we need to do it quickly. Like Horgus said, it's going to be dark sooner than later."
"Max, you're just being paranoid," she said, having been quiet for a while now to make sure her fury was in check - wasn't good for morale when the paladin looked ready to tear someone's head off at a poor choice of words.
She put a hand on his shoulder, partly to calm him but also to try and get him to lower his head a bit for her to whisper something to him. "It's an Ulfen thing; don't show how much you care about something. Hard, gruff exterior, big ol' softie on the inside."
"" Alright, Alright.. But then again when it comes to demons, I don't have to be nice. I just hope I can remember what I do this time... heh.. heh. " A slight hesitation in his voice as he straps the possessions of the Teiflings on his person, 6 good blades and some armor so Tallina didnt wear herself out.. though it meant he would be carrying extra.
Which reminded him, " Oh right, So these cretins had a few light blades, anyone else want one? Could prove useful if you get in a tight situation. " pointing to the Kukri strapped to his thihs at the moment.
Leaving Blackwing, the party resumes travel towards Horgus' manor, avoiding the larger bands of roving tieflings and cultists. Eventually the alleyways and streets converge on a small market, now in ruins. Pawing through the abandoned stands of merchandise, a trio of short but stocky beings with hideously deformed features occasionally cackle in glee as they find an item of interest, and destroy it.
Walking into the room, Maxwell looks the creatures over with a strange curiosity, but despite that, he still had a stone of indignation in his stomach at just the sight of them. With his patented scowl, he lets his flail extend within his hand, stopping it just before it hits the ground, and begins walking towards the creatures with little worry.