Confession Cleanses the Soul - Pain Clarifies the Mind
"I suspect that bird does not have our best interests in mind," Hanzo said dryly. "I dunno about you guys, but I'm not spilling blood just on its say-so. Not even for a king's ransom. There is some Hellknight-level weirdness going on in there. Just read the plaque."
"Maybe the bird's," Joriannika glared at the bird. "I don't know what kind of creepy people the family who used to own this tower were, but burning it to the ground is sounding better all the time."
"This is not why we're here. Or is it? Did the kobolds look for this treasure?"
Edit: I know raven familiars can speak a language. Is it possible this is a familiar? Maybe of that wizard we investigated? Maybe a rival wizard?
Guruthos subtly slides the mithril dagger from its sheath and holds it underhand (slight of hand to go unnoticed).
He then cautiously moves into the room, keeping a weary eye on the bird, while scanning the chairs.
The raven watches you but doesn't not notice the palmed weapon.
He then turns for a moment to each individual standing in the room, and gives something akin to a sigh.
"It's a shame really. You're all gutless vermin. I'm not asking anyone to lay down their life! Just a few drops of blood! Why do you hate poor Harzogopas? Alas, perhaps you're all too smart for your own good!"
With that, the raven suddenly disappears!
(Hit!)
(not poisoned!)
The raven turns invisible and within a matter of seconds, Joriannika screams as raven reappears, except it's no longer a raven. The creature named Harzogopas is still tiny, but has devilish looking wings and pointed tail, and burnt-red skin. He's flying right next to Joriannika and his tail has just stabbed her in the shoulder, dealing 2 points of damage. Luckily, nothing worse seems to have happened.
Round 1. Bold may act:
Thomas, Guruthos, Joriannika, Hanzo, Harzogopas
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 7/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP:? AC?
Thomas was as surprised as everyone, but his mind was still sharp. The spear in his hands already and the creature in reach, he carefully thrusted it past Joriannika's shoulder.
"هرگز به یک پرنده صحبت نکنید"
Another hiss escapes from Guruthos' mask, though this time it is most certainly not a laugh. He quickly flips the dagger in his hand, and flings it at the tiny monster.
Thomas thrusts his spear at the tiny vile creature, dodging Joriannika's shoulder and slicing his target's. Harzogopas gave a small shout of pain. Within a few seconds, however, the gash had partially resealed itself, healing the skin. With a smirk, he replied to Thomas, in Common, "And never turn your back on the Possessed! I see you in there, Bellmanok!"
While still looking at Thomas, his tail lashed out again at Joriannika.
+Poison
The alchemist got poked again but only barely; and not long enough for the devil's venom to work it's way into her veins.
Then, because he was paying attention to those two, Harzogopas completely missed the masked elf take aim. The dagger he threw, however didn't miss. The mithral dagger cut his arm only slightly, but it started to steam and hiss. Harzogopas shrieked in pain and fell to the floor!
"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please... Please have mercy! I'll tell you anything you want to know! I've been in this tower a very long time. I have valuable information! Please, I don't want to die..."
Bold may act:
Joriannika, Hanzo, Thomas, Guruthos, Harzogopas
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -13 AC: 17
"می خواهم او را بکشم!" Thomas shouted, but quickly gathered himself and continued "No!" Realizing his situation he withdraw his spear and added "I mean noone has to die. Just tell us who you are and what this place is!"
"I am Harzogopas. An Imp. My master, who resides in one of her chairs over there, was a...persuasion specialist for the Canteclures. This is their castle! If you all swear to spare my pathetic life, I can tell you anything you want to know about the tower. I also have information that may save your lives; but you have to grant me mine!"
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -11 AC: 17
A ferocious growl rips from behind the elf's mask, "No! We must destroy it! It lies!" As he speaks, Guruthos flips his bow from across his body, knocks an arrow, and takes aim.
The elf fires an arrow, nearly hitting Joriannika, missing the red-skinned nuisance by a foot or so. Harzogopas lets out a shriek that turns into a whimper.
"Ahhhgh! Will someone please control your friend?! ...P-puh-please...mercy...mercy...mercy...m...m..."
Bold may act:
Joriannika, Hanzo, Thomas, Guruthos, Harzogopas
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -11 AC: 17
Joriannika winced, and placed her rapier over the thing's heart. "Oooh, you nasty little thing! You'd better spill the beans right quick!" Huffing, she controlled her temper. Mercy was a virtue. Mercy was a virtue. Mercy was a virtue. She kept telling herself that while she glared at it. "But I won't kill you unless you try something stupid."
She glanced quickly at Guruthos' dagger. Why had it hurt this little devil so badly? The cut hadn't looked that deep, and it had laughed off Thomas' attack! What did Guruthos know that they didn't? Maybe he was a demon hunter! Impressed, she turned back to the creature and scowled to let it know she meant business.
"Being spitted by my rapier may not kill you, but I bet it would hurt a lot!"
Hanzo scooped up the dagger that had proven so effective, and moved to pin the imp from behind. It seemed like Guruthos had a bone to pick with it - maybe he had beef with the Canteclures, and that was why he was here? Who knew how old the elf was?
"No sudden moves. Whaddaya mean, 'possessed?' What did you do?" He didn't take his eyes off the thing, but he definitely didn't like the sound of that.
"No! We must destroy it! It lies!"
"Do what you must do, Guru. But at least be honest to us, because everyone knows that imps are devils and they're pretty trustworthy." Thomas couldn't care less about the imp, but saw a very easy way out from the tower investigation, if the imp was thoroughly questioned.
The imp quickly nods in agreement as Thomas 'defends' him.
"Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That's right. So, in exchange for my life, and your promise to keep that mad elf away from me, I offer you this:
Lady Tula Belhaim, the dragon-slayer from whom this backwater town derives its namesake, eventually married one of her fellow Slayers, Arturic Canteclure, and built a castle atop one of the town's hills. When they both died the same night, with no heirs, rule of Belhaim fell to distant relations of Arturic's, the Canteclures.
In 4500 AR, Baron Sarvo Canteclure, a mighty lord who did not tolerate lawlessness from his subjects, but also wasn't the brightest, joined an ill-advised rebellion against the Grand Prince, and his family and Castle Tula were destroyed in retaliation.
This tower was all that remained, thereafter superstitiously referred to as the Witch Tower.
I was here that day, when the soldiers of the Grand Prince came and razed this castle to the ground! They killed my mistress, shoving her repeatedly into that chair over there. ...But... they never found the treasure! The treasure of the noble Canteclure family!
The treasure I know lies beyond a secret door just - there!"
The imp points to the eastern wall, just north of the door you entered through.
"You will need to know a password though, and I will only tell it if you give me your word not to kill me. Otherwise, you're on your own!"
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -9 AC: 17
"You are fools!" the masked elf growls in frustration.
"There is no treasure, only lies and deceit from filth such as this! We must dispatch it immediately!"
He flips his bow back over his torso and draws his punching dagger, approaching menacingly.
As the elf approaches the devil, Harzogopas hissed out, "So be it." and made as if to disappear again, triggering what Hanzo had prepared for. Right before the creature turns invisible, the rogue strikes!
(Combat recommences)
Unfortunately, the imp is so small that Hanzo's attack misses and his target is no longer visable.
There is a moment of silence as everyone strains to hear if the imp is moving. But the clang from the dagger striking the floor, plus the elf's labored breathing, make it extremely difficult to tell if he moved or not. Essentially, he could be anywhere now.
Bold may act:
Thomas, Hanzo / Harzogopas / Guruthos, Joriannika
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -9 AC: 17
Guruthos snatches his dagger back from Hanzo, and jabs at the place where he last saw the imp.
His desperate jab wildly misses.
After all Attacks of Opp are resolved, Guruthos attempts to snatch his mithral dagger out of the grungy human rogue's hand and jabs again where the red-skinned devil was. And in his rage, misses entirely!
[ooc]After AoO's, bold may act:[/b]
Thomas, Hanzo / Harzogopas / Guruthos, Joriannika
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -9 AC: 17
Guruthos sees the diabolical beast jerk just as it did before it disappeared before, and thrusts his punching dagger upwards towards it.
The punching dagger skewers the imp perfectly, slicing directly up the monster's mid-section, but the devil's infernal resistance causes the dagger to glide harmlessly through.
Seeing the futility of using his mundane dagger, the enraged elf grabs for his mithril dagger in the human rogue's hand.
Seeing the futility of using his mundane dagger, the enraged elf grabs for his mithril dagger in the human rogue's hand.
[dice=Disarm I guess]1d20
The enraged elf grabs for his mithral dagger that Hanzo scooped up and, with some effort, pulls it from his grasp.
It is currently still Joriannika's turn.
Thomas and Hanzo, feel free to post what you'll do when it's your turn.
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -9 AC: 17
What is the matter with that elf? Thomas was questioning that man's loyalty and refused to aid him in his personal vendetta.
Joriannika backed up hastily, not wanting to be stung again. "Was that a for-real devil? I always thought they were bigger!" She hurried to the door, in case it had some intention to lock them in. She wasn't spending the rest of her life locked in a torture chamber!
Once outside, she calmed a bit. Looking back in, she asked, "Do any of you think it was telling the truth?"
"My ma always told me never to trust the devils," Hanzo said wryly, shaking the hand that Guruthos has torn his dagger back out of. Then he let his own mithral dagger drop from his sleeve into his hand.
"Of course, I think she meant the government, but still. It didn't answer my question, anyway." He peered uncertainly at Thomas and Guruthos. Of the two, Thomas seemed the least possessed.
"I wonder why it wanted us to spill blood in here?" He went over to examine the eastern wall, wary of the thing reappearing. "If there is a treasure, it seems worth looking into, right? Watch out, devil! I've got a real fancy dagger, here!"
Guruthos holds his punching dagger in one hand, and his flips the mithril dagger to an underhand position, and crouches in a defensive stance. He casts a sideways glare at Thomas and growls, "Possessed."
Thomas turns to Hanzo and Joriannika, obviously ignoring anything Guruthos does or says. "The treasure is probably what the kobolds have been looking for. I don't know much about kobolds, but they're not known for their deep historic knowledge. So probably somebody else knows about this and sent them..." He pauses. "Maybe we should just leave." I can come back later and try to find and reason with the imp. Hm.
Hanzo examines the wall and sees something strange about the some of the stones. As he feels the wall, something suddenly gives a bit and a door, made of the wall itself, swings open.
Hanzo and Guruthos hear small sounds, and both of you guess that the imp is moving, but you can't pinpoint where he is.
Guruthos feels something by his leg and suddenly the Imp has reappeared! But something's wrong. Somehow, he struck himself in the chest with his own tail! Shocked by his fumbly faux pas, he has fallen on his back, right at feet of the one who hates him the most.
Bold may act:
Thomas, Hanzo / Harzogopas / Guruthos, Joriannika
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -11 AC: 17
Thomas wasn't very much motivated to kill the imp. It was still a potential source of information. But maybe Guruthos would become a tiny bit friendlier if Thomas showed some commitment.
So he stabbed the prone imp knowing farely well that his spear won't actually harm it very much.
"There it is again."
The mithril dagger shoots down toward the imp in a scything motion.
"Oh no! Hanzo, don't open that door! You don't know what's behind it!" Joriannika's head swiveled between Hanzo and the two fighting the imp. On the one hand, she didn't want to run into troubles it could warn them about, but on the other... could you trust a devil? She'd already been stung! Her sore shoulder made her less willing to extend the benefit of the doubt to the thing.
With a glance over her (less hurting) shoulder to make sure there weren't ghosts or kobolds or anything creeping up on her, she told the fighters, "It's been kicking up dust where it lands! Keep an eye there!"
Hanzo had already reached that conclusion, and turned back towards the others. Seeing the imp had appeared again, and everyone seemed to want to kill it, he went with that.
Hurrying over to flank the creature, he stabbed at it with his mithral dagger.
The imp foolishly hurt himself, and the enraged elf helped the endeavor, slicing downward towards the devil, and he shrieks in pain when the silver dagger touches his skin.
Hanzo runs around and stabs at Harzogopas with the other mithral dagger, piercing its body, and met with agonizing screams as steam rises from the wound. He seems to go limp, then, but still breathing-if barely, until Thomas takes his spear and jabs it into the creature. That stopped the breathing.
combat over!
The room no longer holds a threat, and you are free to explore. Hanzo opened the secret door Harzogopas revealed and that Joriannika had already noticed (just hadn't had an opportunity to share with everyone yet).
What does everyone do?
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 6/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17-1/13-1/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Harzogopas HP: -26 AC: 17 Status: Dead
"Hanzo, was the devil lying about the treasure and the password? What can you see?"
Hanzo looked inside, finished cleaning off his dagger.
It takes a few moments for Guruthos to compose himself.
They think I'm a madman. They actually wanted to talk to it! Do they not know that creatures like that only weave lies?
He watches Thomas discussing the door with Hanzo.
Maybe some of them do know. The tiny fiend called him "possessed." Could it be that the Ageless sent him to betray me?
The masked elf contemplates the thought, then shakes it off as a paranoid fantasy with little evidence to support it. He will keep an eye on the strange human, but now he has a task to complete. He approaches Hanzo's door and investigates.
"Looks like there's no immediate treasure, but there's a hallway. It bends. No doors. No traps I can see. ...Heeeeeey, Guruthos! How you doing, buddy. You know I wasn't going to keep that dagger of yours, right?" Hanzo grinned widely at Guruthos and edged aside, letting the elf pass. He didn't want any crazy grudges directed at him!
Then again, it WAS a devil of some kind. Maybe Guruthos wasn't so crazy.
And there was no treasure! Stupid devil got what it deserved.
Hanzo shook his head wryly, and waited for Thomas and Joriannika to catch up, before following Guruthos.
Joriannika went over to examine the imp, not a bit squeamish... just a bit wary of getting something unholy on her.
Then she joined Thomas, not bothering with a prayer over the devil. It would have seemed a bit wrong to do it. She did murmur a quick prayer for Shelyn's protection, after being stung by it. Did evil enter through the blood?
"Maybe it was crazy, having stayed here for all that time since the Canteclures," she mused, trying to take her mind off darker thoughts. "I know I'd go stir-crazy a lot faster than that! Though if there's a passage, and it was hidden, stands to reason there's something worth hiding behind it. Hopefully not more dead people." She shuddered.
Guruthos peers at Hanzo from behind his mask, and mutters, "Yes, I know." Satisfied to let the matter drop, he sheathes the dagger and takes back his torch.
Once he has illumination, he examines the hallway from the door, looking for any signs of danger.
Before advancing too far down the hallway, It occurs to Guruthos that they did not take the time to thoroughly search the imp's chamber, so he returns to have a look around for anything of interest (i.e. anything the kobolds may have been looking for, or anything valuable).