The Last Paladin IC - Part II

[Maquise]

(Or she uses item-based magic, such as she did with the wand)

"No troglodyte brood would accept a failure such as I. While I would like to avenge their deaths, it is not our place to walk amongst you in the sun anymore. I am one of the few who recalls that there was once a time when our people ruled above as you do now, in great caves above the surface carved of stone. But we were driven down, and became like wild animals. We are a degenerate people, not long for this world. Nor do we believe in an afterlife; our existence is coming to an end, and there is no one who I can justify myself in the eyes of."

[Frosty]

(oh right. So maybe look for her hoard. She might have a lot of magic items stored away somewhere. Maybe a restoration scroll is in the loot)

"You know, as a rule, people suck. However, a person might be alright, and you don't sound like a degenerate or a wild animal to me. I could care less about what 'place' others might think you should or should not walk. Ask Grembler here if you want. Grembler, would you say that goblins are often looked down upon as a 'lesser race?' And would you say that has stopped you from helping and contributing and making yourself useful? How do I treat you?"

The paladin waits for Grembler to answer, and then continues, "Grembler made a difference today, and you, Great-mother, can make a difference too. The most important person you need to justify yourself to is...yourself. As long as YOU think there might a purpose to your life, you should continue living, and I think if more troglodytes are like you, maybe there is some hope for your kind yet. Perhaps take care of just a few eggs instead of all of them, and teach your young properly. I won't dictate to you what to do, as you have free will, but I do feel that accomplishing something constructive is the best way to make amends, afterlife or not. So, what will it be?"

[Maquise]

Diplomacy: (1d20+13)[14]

Apparently the effectiveness of your speech is lost in translation. The trog responds:

"I will not trade one enslaver for another. I have no reason to trust your words over those of Hers. And what eggs would I care for? How would I value one over another? No, it is better that all be allowed to perish, the young never suffering the cruelty of this world."

[Frosty]

Perhaps there's a way to save the eggs at least. "Tell me, do you know of the dragon that lives in the nearby tunnels?"

[Maquise]

"Old enemy of my brood, yes. Wants to destroy us and eat our eggs."

[Frosty]

"Are you *sure* his desire for destroying you or driving you out is to eat your eggs? He has told us of a new menance within your ranks, even if he did not specify the demon, which is why we came here."

[Maquise]

"I know my enemies, even ones that claim to be allies. It was a mistake to trust a foreigner from outside the brood. I will never do so again."

[Frosty]

"Then why ask me to send you and your eggs on the final journey? Are you not worried that I, as an outsider, would somehow trick you or betray you?" Karrin looks more sad than anything at this point.

[Maquise]

"If there is one thing that cannot be deceived, twisted, or have its nature changed, it is death. Death is the one unyielding fact."

[Frosty]

Karrin grits her teeth. "You've got that right. No more chances for the eggs. Fine, I will honor your request and end you. Will you at least consider giving your eggs to another troglodyte tribe then? Let them try to raise the young if they have the capacity for the extra children?"

[Maquise]

"You do not know us? Our ways are like those of savage animals. If we find eggs of another brood, we smash them so their young do not eat the food we could feed our young."

[Frosty]

"Fine. One last plea, and know that if you say no, I will respect your wishes. Would you be willing to let me try to find other homes for your eggs instead? I would not give the eggs to those that would treat your children as slaves. Even if you cannot raise them, perhaps someone can teach your children non-savage ways of life. I know you do not trust outsiders, and I dont know what I might show as a token of good faith. But consider this. If I cared not about you and your children, why would I spend time talking with you here instead of killing you and then stealing the eggs?"

[Maquise]

"I did not worry about such things because I know that my eggs require constant care from a troglodyte egg-layer (I think she means female) in order to hatch, and you cannot give that care. They will last for only a few hours without it."

[Frosty]

"Then come. Show me to the eggs. I will smash the eggs and then end your life without pain and suffering. If I could ask you a favor in return. Did this demon intruder have a hoard or stock of magical items...items of power? I believe there may be something in there to aid me in healing th wounds I have in battle with the demon. If there is such a hoard, can you lead me to it first?"

[Maquise]

The troglodyte exhales deeply, and you are not certain if that is a sigh. "I will show you these things."

She takes you up to a room. On one side of the room there is a large storage area, containing chests, cupboards and other such things. On the other side there is a metal cage containing a sleeping, naked human man.

"We kept things in this room. You can look here. I also think She kept things of Her own in her personal chambers, on the other side of the Hall of Power. If you don't find it here, you can look there."

[Frosty]

(Does she mean the room containing 19-J?)

"Thank you. Now let us go to your eggs. Even though you do not believe int he afterlife, do yu have any wishes concerning burial?"

[Maquise]

(19J is a secret room, only the succubus knew about. 23G is the room where she spent most of her time)

Your companions remain in the storage room while the troglodyte leads you to the egg chamber. It is well hidden.

"I ask now that you break the eggs, then take my head. I feel no further connection to this world. As for my body, do with it what you will. Most troglodytes consume the flesh of the dead, but I do not believe you would wish to."

[Frosty]

(so 23G is the demon's private chambers?)

"Just one more thing. Anything I should know about the sleeping man in the other room?"

[Maquise]

(Yes, it is. Also, Lyanna is with you. I forgot you needed a translator)
"He was captured by Her. She often liked to false-breed with him. I do not know where he came from. We were not allowed much with him, and he does not speak our tongue."

[Frosty]

Karrin nods and says, "Stay back. I will handle this alone." Standing over the first egg, she raises her sword and closes her eyes, praying for a few final moments to the Three Thrones for indications that what she is about to do is very wrong.

[Frosty]

(waiting for any sort of sign from her prayers. If nothing, I will post again, although I think Karrin will likely back off, unable to do it. She probably won't stop the troglodyte from killing the eggs herself though)

[Maquise]

For a brief instant, you recall a memory, a lesson given to you by your mentor, the elf Liriam:

"It is true that not every deed committed can be easily judged black or white, good or evil. The Thrones look into the hearts of mortals, see their intents and thoughts, and weigh everything in balance when they make their judgements. And so should we. Do not be eager to deal out condemnation.

But also, perhaps more importantly, remember that while not everyone can be judged black and white, you must be white. We are meant to be an example, to shine brightly before the world. So don't choose paths that may tarnish you, in the eyes of mortals or the gods. We are called to be exceptional."

[Frosty]

Remembering the lesson, Karrin gains some of the clarity she was looking for, and she lowers her sword. "I...I am sorry, Great-Mother. It appears that I value life too much to follow through on my promise. Call me a traitor. Call me a coward. It matters not, but I simply can't kill an innocent's in good conscience. Not yours, and not your potential children's. I will not stop you from destroying the eggs, but I cannot do it myself for it is against everything I hold dear." Karrin walks away from the eggs, goes to a wall, and steadies hersefl against it as she trembles, a few tears rolling down her cheeks.

[Maquise]

The troglodyte responds after a few seconds.

"Then leave me. Time shall do what you cannot. Go, then, if you value life so much, and save those that deserve it."

She escorts the two of you from the egg chamber. Once you are gone, in a show of brute strength, she collapses the entrance passage to the chamber, trapping her inside with the eggs.

[Frosty]

Karrin leads the others first back to the room where the troglodytes normally store their stuff. "Alright, let's go through and and see what we can salvage..."

As the group sifts through the stuff, Karrin asks, "I was doing the right thing...right? Would any of you have done differently?"

[Maquise]

Lyanna says, "I think so. You gave her far more than anyone else would have."

[Frosty]

(what does the party find the troglo store room? they'll head over to the demon's private chambers next)

"What about you Grembler? What did you think fo the situation? If you were in my shoes would you have been troubled by the choices?"

[Maquise]

(Did you put your armor back on?)

Grembler ponders your question. "Used to be, Grembler always try to help himself, not care about others. Now Grembler not sure."

As you begin to rummage through the stores, Grembler moves to talk with you privately. "Grembler thanks you for taking me with you. If you hadn't, Grembler prolly end up like trogs here. Before, we goblins work for horny, like the trogs. Instead, Grembler with friends who help each other out. Talk to each other, give each other things. Like when Lyanna gave you cloth. Grembler thinks you should get new cloth. Elf-cloth too tight; squeezes your teats." He says the last part matter-of-factly.

You find:

• One curved sword. It is inset with patterns that glow a fiery orange.
• A tan set of traveler's clothes.
• A shirt of mail.
• A longbow and quiver of arrows.
• A steel smallshield
• Some potions

While you are searching through the supplies, the sleeping man stirs.

[Frosty]

Karrin had not put her armor back on yet. She responds to Grembler, "But it'd still be better if you and I can convince whole goblin tribes to play nice yes? Right now maybe other goblins are dying because of hornies. If we find other goblin tribes and they play nice with tall folks, we work together against hornies, and maybe you will be less lonely as well. And you are right, elf-clothes ARE a bit small for me. Most elves aren't quite as well...endowed as I am, no offense, Lyanna." Karrin had just taken off Lyanna's clothes and returned them so she can check if the traveler's clothes fit her when the man stirs. "Are you alright mister? Do you need any food or water?"

[Maquise]

The man slowly rises to his feet. He has a lean but athletic build, with a well-defined upper body. His skin is a much deeper bronze than most people you have seen, which combined with his exotic facial features gives you the impression that he is not from this area.

"If you do not serve the serpent, then yes, I will accept food and water. I would also ask if you have any garments." His voice seems to confirm your suspicions, being thickly accented. You notice as you examine the clothes you discovered that they were likely designed for an arid climate and cut for a man.

The caged man keeps his head bowed as he speaks. You get the impression it is more out of respect for your modesty than shame on his part.