Part 11: "Tie them up."

The situation had taken a strange and uncertain turn. Having faced numerous life-threatening challenges, a group of adventurers now finds themselves in a perplexing situation. Lorett, their scout and skilled archer, is halfway through a doorway into a room occupied by unknown figures. Behind him, Nida, the blue-haired barbarian nursing her wounds from the trapped door, and Seraphina, the celestial-bound warlock with both offensive and healing abilities at her disposal, await any guidance on how to proceed.

Lorett cautiously extends his hands into the room, his head poking out, and speaks calmly and measured, "Whoa. Take it easy. Let's talk." His words hang in the air, inviting communication rather than confrontation, as he hopes to defuse the tension in this unexpected encounter.

[Perception DC10: Lorett 5+6 Success]

As the figure within the room shouts, "Don't come in! Leave and close the door," Lorett shifts his position slightly, allowing him to catch a glimpse of the person speaking. His expression undergoes a subtle but distinct change. His eyebrows furrow, and his eyes narrow in scrutiny.

The figure, a larger creature, is now more visible to Lorett. It holds a longsword pointed in his direction, poised defensively. Behind it, two smaller beings clutch daggers, trying to conceal themselves. The atmosphere is tense, with an air of caution hanging in the room.

Lorett observes the figures within the room, taking in their appearances and demeanor with keen attention.

The speaker, a red-furred hobgoblin, is dressed in brown leather armor, blue and black pants, and sturdy boots. His black top-knot hair is adorned with a stained headband, giving him a martial appearance. His muscular build and solemn expression indicate a readiness for combat, suggesting that he wouldn't hesitate to defend himself or his companions if need be.

The hobgoblin sitting on the floor, however, presents a different picture. Burns and blisters marred his face, and he wore a black tunic and loose trousers. Clutching a dagger in his hand, it is evident that he is in a disadvantaged position, unable to see clearly. Lorett discerns a defeated air about him.

As for the two smaller figures, the kobolds, their light red scales, long snouts, and small horns mark them as members of their kind. They sport ragged cloth pants that were too large for them but held together with a simple piece of string. Gripping their daggers with both hands, they appear frightened, poised for a hasty retreat if the situation allows it.

As Lorett recognizes the figures before him as hobgoblins and kobolds, a surge of intense emotions washed over him. These very creatures wrought havoc in Ildoren, inflicting destruction and death upon his friends and fellow townspeople. The memories of the burning buildings, the chaos, and the loss of loved ones flood his mind, igniting a deep-seated anger and resentment.

His fingers tighten around the grip of his dagger, and his narrowed eyes start to bear into the red-furred hobgoblin who had spoken. The sight of them brought back painful memories and a thirst for vengeance.

[Wisdom DC10: Lorett 8+2 Success] || Check if he can keep his cool

Yet, Lorett knows that acting recklessly could endanger himself and his companions. He needs to tread carefully, assess the situation, and find a way to ensure his and his friends' safety.

Lorett, still grappling with the surge of emotions from his past encounters with these creatures, manages to regain some composure. He shifts his stance to appear less threatening and tries to convey a message of non-hostility.

Dialogue encounter

Instructions:

• NPC Dialogue rules: Discussion happens with charisma-based skills and Oracle answers.

• TSAT's "Emtions table" dictates the current mood of the NPC and the way that it affects the dialogue. When an NPC is reduced to a -6 modifier, it will attack immediately. The emotional degradation can be gradual or change rapidly based on the discussion.

• The starting emotions are: hobgoblin (A) with the longsword: Determined 0, hobgoblin (B) with burnt face: Disoriented -2, both kobolds (A and B): Stressed -3

• The difficulty interactions change based on the modifier, where a -2 would be DC12, +2 would be DC8, etc.

• In oracle-questions, the modifier is rounded down to -2 if the modifier is -1, 3 would be rounded to 2, etc., in steps of 2.

Encounter starts.

Lorett takes a deep breath, his voice steady as he addresses the figures before him. "Look, we're not here to harm you if you won't harm us. We just want to understand what's happening here. Can we talk?"

[Persuation DC10: Lorett 9, Fail]

His words hang in the air, carrying the weight of the tense standoff. He keeps his gaze fixed on the red-furred hobgoblin, searching for any signs of hostility or understanding in their eyes.

[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Grumpy -1.]

The hobgoblin with the sword narrows his eyes as he assesses Lorett's tone and features. He seems to pick up on the resentment in Lorett's voice, and his own words carry a hint of suspicion and defensiveness. "Oh, you're a half-elf. I know your kind," he retorts. "You're off to kill my kind on the first sight. You stay there!" The hobgoblin's grip on his sword tightens, and he takes a step closer to the other hobgoblin, who remains seated on the floor.

Seraphina, standing behind Lorett, whispers to him, "What's happening in there, Lorett? Are they hostile?" She watches the tense exchange and awaits his response, ready to act accordingly.

[Perception DC8: Hobgoblin A 15+0 Success]

The hobgoblin, still wary of the situation, calls out, "Who's there? How many of you are lurking in the shadows?" He squints at Lorett, his suspicion evident in his voice as he doubts the half-elf's honesty.

Lorett, trying to maintain a calm and non-threatening tone, responds, "It's just the three of us. Travelers who seem to have lost their way."

[Deception DC11: Lorett 2+0 Fail]
[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Disgusted -2.]

The hobgoblin, growing increasingly suspicious of Lorett's intentions, retorts, "Half-elves are the deceitful sort, aren't they? You better leave now, or I won't hesitate to make you."

Seraphina, hearing the exchange, cautiously approaches the doorway. She looks at Lorett and asks, "Mind if I step in for a chat? It seems like our friend here isn't too keen on your face anymore."

Lorett, maintaining his stance at the doorway, responds to the hobgoblin, "Actually, my friend here would like to have a word with you as well. She's a lot more diplomatic than I am."

[Persuation DC12: Lorett 19+0 Success]
[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Grumpy -1.]

The hobgoblin, after his initial resistance to diplomacy, seems to reconsider as he looks at Lorett. He then begrudgingly says, "Fine, you hide your face, and we can talk for a bit. But remember! One wrong move, and you won't live to regret it."

[Wisdom check DC12: Lorett 13+2 Success]

Lorett quietly steps back from the door, letting Seraphina take the lead in the conversation with the hobgoblin. He moves over to Nida and whispers to her, sharing what he observed in the room with the hobgoblins and kobolds.

[Decision check: Nida 5, Lorett 2]

Nida's eyes narrow, and her grip on her pike tightens as her anger surges at the sight of the hobgoblins and kobolds. She takes a step forward, ready to confront them, but Lorett quickly moves in front of her, placing a hand on her chest to gently push her back, silently urging her to hold her ground for now.

[Athletics contested: Nida 16+5 vs. 16+3, Nida wins]

Nida's determination overcomes Lorett's attempt to stop her, and she strides forward, pushing past him with a resolute purpose. She approaches the door where Seraphina stands, welcoming the hobgoblin into conversation with a friendly demeanor.

Seraphina introduces herself, speaking calmly to the hobgoblin. "I'm Seraphina, and we mean no harm," she reassures him in a soothing tone.

[Persuation DC11: Seraphina 17+5 Success]
[Perception DC10: Seraphina Nat 20 Success]

As Nida approaches with her pike in hand, Seraphina turns her attention toward her, casting a stern look in her direction. Her gaze conveys a clear message, urging Nida to remain calm and not to make any aggressive moves.

[Decision check: Nida 6, Seraphina 6]

As Nida looks into Seraphina's determined eyes, she quickly realizes that her companion means business. The intensity of Seraphina's gaze conveys a sense of urgency and caution. Nida respects her judgment and, with a determined nod, halts her advance, stopping two steps before the door.

[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Distrusting -2.]

The hobgoblin's senses sharpen as he raises his sword, his attention drawn to the faint sounds coming from the hallway. He calls out, "What's that? Is there someone trying to come here?" His tone is laced with suspicion, and his stance becomes more defensive as he peers toward the doorway, attempting to discern any hidden threats.

Seraphina maintains a calm and reassuring tone as she responds, "There's nothing to worry about. May I step into clear view so that we can speak more openly?" She tries to convey her peaceful intentions and willingness to engage in a dialogue with the hobgoblin.

[Persuation DC12: Seraphina 3+5 Fail]
[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Frustrated -3.]

The hobgoblin's voice trembles with a mix of fear and aggression as he vehemently refuses Seraphina's request. "No, you cannot! If you step into the room, I will kill you!" His grip on the longsword tightens, and he remains on edge, ready to defend himself and his companions.

The hobgoblin's gaze shifts briefly to the two kobolds, conveying the gravity of the situation. The smaller creatures clutch their daggers nervously, clearly anxious about the escalating tension in the room.

Seraphina observes the injured hobgoblin with a sympathetic gaze. She offers a genuine gesture of goodwill as she suggests, "Perhaps as a sign of our intentions, I can provide some healing to your wounded companion. We don't wish to cause harm."

[Persuation DC13: Seraphina 8+5 Success]
[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Distrusting -2.]

The hobgoblin nods in agreement and reiterates his condition. "Close the door behind you and move to the other door before you approach him. Do anything suspicious, and we won't hesitate to defend ourselves." His tone remains cautious but somewhat open to the idea of receiving help for their wounded companion.

Seraphina assures her companions that everything will be fine and quickly explains the hobgoblin's condition. As she starts to close the door and move toward the other one, Nida voices her distrust of the situation. "What wounded one? Wounded how?" Nida questions, to which Seraphina responds, "He has wounds on his face." Lorett adds his agreement, but Nida remains skeptical, expressing her lack of trust in the circumstances.

[Decision check: Nida 5, Lorett 3, Seraphina 3]

Lorett, standing beside Seraphina, tries to persuade Nida to trust their situation and let Seraphina proceed. He calmly explains that healing the wounded hobgoblin can help them build goodwill and potentially gather valuable information. His words convince Nida to step back and allow Seraphina to continue with her plan.

With determination, Seraphina steps into the room and closes the door behind her. Meanwhile, Lorett and Nida remain on high alert just outside the door, ready to intervene if they sense any danger or hear anything suspicious happening inside the room. The tension in the air is palpable as they await the outcome of Seraphina's interaction with the hobgoblin and the wounded figure.

[Seraphina uses her ability "Healing Light" to heal Hobgoblin B with 2 HP]

As Seraphina touches the wounded hobgoblin's forehead, a faint golden glow emanates from her fingertips. The hobgoblin, still tense and gripping his dagger, feels the blisters on his face begin to recede and vanish. Slowly, he opens his eyes and finds himself gazing into the radiant figure of Seraphina.

"That should help a little," Seraphina says softly, her voice carrying a soothing tone. The wounded hobgoblin blinks in surprise, clearly experiencing a mixture of emotions, including gratitude and confusion, at this unexpected act of kindness.

[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Grumpy -1.]
[Hobgoblin (B) emotion Resigned 0.]
[Kobold (A) emotion Resigned 0.]
[Kobold (B) emotion Resigned 0.]

Seraphina stands up from her healing gesture, her celestial energy still faintly shimmering around her fingertips. She takes a step back towards the door, her eyes locked onto the hobgoblin she just healed.

"Like I said," Seraphina begins, her voice calm and reassuring, "we mean no harm and don't wish to fight. We just wanted to talk."

[Persuation DC11: Seraphina 10+5 Success]

Her words hang in the air, carrying the sincerity of her intentions. The hobgoblin, still clutching his longsword but with a less aggressive stance, eyes Seraphina cautiously but seems to be considering her words carefully.

[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Determined 0.]

The hobgoblin, his grip on the longsword slowly relaxing, regards Seraphina with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. He takes a moment to study her celestial features and then asks, "Now, what do you want then, Aasimar?" His tone is still cautious, but there's a hint of curiosity in his voice as he waits for her response.

Seraphina nods and proceeds to open the door, keeping a cautious eye on the hobgoblin with the longsword. The door creaks open, revealing her companions, Lorett and Nida, just on the other side, ready for whatever might happen next.

As the door opens and the hobgoblin sees Lorett and Nida, he immediately raises his longsword and shouts, "What are they doing there? I didn't give any permission to let other people in!"

[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Grumpy -1.]

Seraphina, trying to defuse the situation, quickly responds, "I apologize if there was any misunderstanding. They are with me, and we only wish to have a peaceful conversation." She maintains a calm and diplomatic tone, hoping to ease the tension in the room.

[Wisdom check DC14: Nida 3+1 Fail]

Upon seeing the hobgoblin in the room, Nida starts to move forward, her grip tightening on her pike. However, Lorett steps in her way once more, blocking her path and holding her back. He gives her a stern look, silently urging her to exercise caution and restraint.

[Persuation DC14: Lorett Nat 20 vs. Nida WIS check DC14: Success]

Nida meets Lorett's gaze, her eyes filled with determination and anger, but she heeds his silent advice and stops in her tracks. The tension in the room remains palpable. Seraphina tries to defuse the situation, explaining that their concern for her safety had made them anxious, leading to their tense demeanor. She emphasizes that they meant no harm and just wanted to ensure her well-being.

[Persuation DC11: Seraphina 7+5 Success]
[Hobgoblin (A) emotion Determined 0.]

The hobgoblin, his sword still raised and pointed toward them, speaks with suspicion in his voice. "I still can't understand why you're so determined to enter this room. What is it that you're truly trying to achieve here now that you're inside?" His gaze, particularly focused on Nida, who appears on the brink of exploding with frustration, shows no signs of relenting.

Seraphina takes a deep breath, attempting to keep the tension at bay as she speaks calmly, "We're here to explore this dungeon complex. You see, the corvuses attacked the quarry and the temple, and we're trying to find out why. We don't mean any harm to anyone here. We just want to understand what's happening and make sure it doesn't pose a threat to anyone else." She raises her hands slightly to show that she means no harm.

[Persuation DC10: Seraphina 16+5 Success]
[Oracle "Does the hobgoblin lie about their purpose in here?" Very likely +4: 20, Yes]

The hobgoblin slowly lowers his sword, his expression less hostile now. He nods thoughtfully and says, "We came here for a similar reason. We heard rumors that there might be people need of rescue in this temple, so we decided to investigate. My name is Mighki, by the way, and these are my comrades, Sneakrit, and Vhis and Yagpa."

[Insight contested: Seraphina 13+2 vs Hobgoblin Bluff Nat20: Fail]
[Insight contested: Nida 2+1 vs Hobgoblin Bluff Nat20: Fail]

He gestures towards the injured hobgoblin and the two kobolds, who still have their daggers at the ready but appear less tense. The hodgoblin, Sneakrit nods. One of the kobolds, Vhis gives a hesitant wave. Yagpa looks too afraid to do anything.

Mighki continues, "We've been here for a while now, and we've faced some dangers. We also heard strange chanting from deeper within the temple, and we've been trying to avoid it. So, you see, we have similar goals, and it might be wise for us to join forces and explore together."

Seraphina, though still somewhat suspicious, acknowledges Mighki's sincerity in his eyes. "Very well, Mighki. We may indeed have some common goals here." She turns to her party and nods. "I believe it's in our best interest to cooperate for now. Let's close the door and continue this conversation without any monsters ambushing us."

Sneakrit, a slightly shorter figure than Mighki, stands up with an air of determination. Mighki gestures towards him, introducing him to the newcomers. "This is Sneakrit," he says, "our dedicated door-opener." Mighki's expression then darkens slightly. "Unfortunately, we 'lost' our tools," Mighki does air-quotes, " and we've been stuck in this room ever since." Yagpa, one of the smaller kobolds, shifts uncomfortably behind Sneakrit, seemingly feeling guilty about something.

[Perception DC10: Lorett 9+6 Success]

Lorett, with his keen eye, notices a set of broken thieves' tools hanging from one of the doors. It appears to be in a state of disrepair, rendering it useless for opening doors or locks.

Seraphina, sensing that the tension has eased somewhat, continues, "Very well. We need to start planning our next steps." She chooses her words carefully, trying to maintain a sense of cooperation. "I believe the chanting is coming from a place where there might be people in need of rescue, to be honest."

Dialogue encounter ends.

The party receives the experience from this encounter as if the enemies were defeated. If they come to a situation where they need to destroy them, no experience is given.

[Experience gained 84 XP per character.]

As Nida gazes at Mighki's party, a deep sense of discomfort gnaws at her. Their appearance, their words, and their very presence seem to weigh heavily on her conscience. She can't shake the feeling that their kind, hobgoblins and kobolds, are responsible for the destruction of nature and the senseless killing of creatures for sheer pleasure.

With every word they speak, Nida's gut churns, and she becomes increasingly convinced that everything that comes out of their mouths is a lie. While Seraphina may appear more trusting and naive, Nida's instincts are on high alert, and she remains skeptical of their newfound allies. The tension in the room lingers as she grapples with her inner conflict, unable to ignore the distrust that has settled deep within her.

Seraphina, eager to gather more information, continues her discussion with Mighki. She inquires about how his party entered the temple and what led them to their current location. Her curiosity drives her to uncover the details of their journey and perhaps find common ground or shared insights into the mysteries of the temple.

[What story does Korga tell prompt: meddle correct dedicate]

Mighki begins to recount their journey into the temple, explaining that they had ventured in with a dedicated purpose – to correct a meddled situation. He elaborates on how they had received word of disturbances and possible prisoners within the temple, and as a group with a strong sense of justice, they felt compelled to intervene. Vhis and Yagpa both nod their heads.

According to Mighki's tale, they had entered through a concealed passage they had discovered during their exploration. The passage had led them through winding tunnels and chambers, eventually bringing them to their current location. Along the way, they encountered traps, creatures, and obstacles that challenged their resolve and teamwork.

Mighki emphasizes their sincere commitment to aiding anyone in need and restoring balance within the temple. He hopes that, through their collective efforts, they can uncover the truth behind the temple's mysteries and bring relief to those in distress.

[Insight contested: Seraphina 8+2 vs Hobgoblin Bluff 14-1: Fail]
[Insight contested ADV (Distrust): Seraphina 3/19+2 vs Hobgoblin Bluff 14-1: Success]

As Mighki finishes his tale, Seraphina appears to accept the story, though she still harbors some reservations. She understands the group's desire to help and their commitment to justice. However, the circumstances of their meeting and the overall situation in the temple have made her cautious.

With a hint of trust in her voice, Seraphina says, "I appreciate your honesty, Mighki. It seems our goals align, at least for now. Let's work together to uncover the truth about this temple and its mysteries. The chanting we've heard might be the key to it all. If you have any insights or information that could aid us, please share it. We'll also do our part to assist in any way we can."

[Sleight of Hand DC12 (Lorett's Passive Perception): Nida 18+2 Success]

Nida's suspicions and discomfort around Mighki's group continue to grow as she discreetly tightens her grip on her pike. She glances at Lorett, expecting him to share her unease, but he appears to be fully engrossed in Mighki's story. Nida's instincts are telling her that something isn't right, and she remains on high alert, ready to react if the situation takes a turn for the worse.

[Wisdom check DC14: Nida 11+1 Fail]

In a sudden and unexpected motion, Nida loses control and lunges forward, thrusting her pike toward Mighki. Her action takes everyone by surprise, including her own companions.

[To hit ADV (target on the ground): Pike 18/Nat20 vs. Mighki AC 17 (no shield): Critical hit]
[Damage: 8+4+3 Piercing]

In a shocking turn of events, Nida's uncontrollable hatred leads her to lunge her pike forward with tremendous force. The pike pierces through Mighki's chest, driving deep into his body until it strikes the cold stone floor below. Blood spurts from the wound as Mighki's eyes widen in disbelief and pain.

The room falls into stunned silence, broken only by the sound of Mighki's labored breathing. His companions are frozen in shock, their weapons lowered but ready. Seraphina and Lorett stand aghast, unable to comprehend the sudden violence that has erupted.

Nida, her eyes filled with anger and determination, pulls her pike back, leaving Mighki's lifeless body sprawled on the ground. With her weapon in hand, she turns toward Hidtin, her intent to strike again clear in her eyes. The air is thick with tension, and the fate of this ill-fated encounter hangs by a thread.

Encounter starts

Enemy: 1 Hobgoblin (leather armor, no shield, dagger, Sneak attack, DEX 16 (+3)), 2 Kobolds

[Initiative rolls: Nida 10+2, Lorett 1+3, Seraphina 2+0, Hobgoblin 8+1, Kobolds 8+2]
[Order: Nida, Kobolds, Hobgoblin, Lorett, Seraphina]

Nida

[To hit ADV (reckless attack): Pike 13/13+5 vs. Sneakrit AC 14: Hit ]
[Damage: 4+3 Piercing]

Nida, driven by her uncontrollable rage and a relentless desire for vengeance, strikes at Sneakrit with wild abandon. Her pike pierces through his leather armor as if it were paper, and he lets out a strangled cry before collapsing to the ground, life draining from him rapidly.

Vhis

Vhis, overwhelmed by fear and witnessing the brutal demise of his comrades, loses control and wets himself. He falls to his knees, his eyes wide with terror, and stares blankly at Nida, who stands over Sneakrit's lifeless body with her pike in hand.

Yagpa

As Yagpa, the other kobold, curls up into a ball on the floor, trembling in fear, he pleads desperately in Draconic for mercy and help. Seraphina, understanding his words, immediately cries out to Nida to stop the violence.

"Nida, please, enough! He's surrendered. We don't need more bloodshed," Seraphina implores, her voice filled with anguish and concern. She steps forward, trying to calm her enraged companion, her eyes filled with tears for the chaotic situation that has unfolded.

Nida stands over the fallen kobold, her pike still in hand, her breath ragged with anger and adrenaline. She hesitates for a moment, torn between her deep-seated hatred for these creatures and Seraphina's plea for restraint.

Encounter ends.

Nida's voice, filled with authority, pierces the tense silence. "Tie them up," she commands, and her companions, Seraphina and Lorett, immediately heed her words. With haste and determination, they retrieve some rope from their packs and proceed to secure the trembling kobolds, Vhis and Yagpa.

The small creatures offer no resistance as they are bound securely. They continue to shiver in fear, their eyes darting around the room, wide with terror. Nida, standing a few feet away, holds her pike at the ready, a formidable guardian over the prisoners. The room remains enveloped in an oppressive atmosphere, and uncertainty looms as the party contemplates their next actions.

Lorett rises to his feet, his expression a mix of shock and concern. "By the gods, Niyandrazill! What was that?" he exclaims, his voice filled with disbelief. Lorett has spent years alongside Nida, battling threats in the wilderness, but her sudden violent outburst has taken him completely by surprise.

Nida, still visibly agitated, doesn't immediately respond. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself before she begins to explain. "I saw through their lies, Lorett," she says, her tone resolute. "There was no way those vile beasts could have anything helpful to offer. I couldn't let Seraphina's naivety put us all in danger."

Nida, her emotions still running high, finds a spot against one of the locked doors and sits down, her gaze shifting between the tied-up kobolds and her two companions. The tension in the room is palpable, and it's unclear whether the trust among the trio remains intact after the violent encounter. Nida's expression is stoic, revealing nothing of the turmoil within her.

As Seraphina gazes at the two trembling kobolds before her, a profound sense of regret and self-doubt washes over her. She can't help but question her own beliefs and the naivety she's carried with her throughout her life. Her parents had instilled in her the values of goodness and fairness, and she had extended those principles to every living being, believing it to be the right and noble path. Yet, recent events have shaken her convictions to their core.

The encounter with the goblin from the previous day had been an eye-opener. She had seen the evil and deceit it harbored, and she couldn't ignore the possibility that other creatures, like these kobolds and hobgoblins, might share similar traits. A single tear forms in her eye, a testament to her inner turmoil. Why had she been so naive, so quick to believe that everyone had the capacity for redemption?

With clenched fists and a determined resolve, she reflects on the choices she's made and the consequences of her actions. She glances at Nida, who sits in stoic silence, and then turns her gaze to Lorett, who stands nearby, seemingly lost in thought. Seraphina knows that they, too, must be grappling with their own conflicting emotions. The trio finds themselves at a crossroads, their beliefs and values challenged by the harsh realities of their world. The weight of their decisions hangs heavy in the air, and they must now navigate the uncertain path before them.