Part 12: "Mercy is a luxury they can ill afford."

Seraphina observes the small, red-scaled kobold named Vhis, who sits helplessly bound before her. The creature is considerably smaller than the average kobold, and her heart aches at the sight of it. Despite the apparent threat they posed, she can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the diminutive creature.

Vhis's hands are tightly tied behind its back, its legs bound, and a gag silencing its snout. It's a stark reminder of the vulnerability they've imposed on this being. Seraphina knows that, as much as she might question their actions and beliefs, they should at least attempt to gather information. There might be valuable insights hidden within this small, unlikely source, and Seraphina is determined to uncover the truth.

With a sense of purpose, Seraphina approaches Vhis, and despite the gag, her eyes convey a sense of curiosity and compassion. She reaches out to gently remove the gag, and, in the simplest terms she can muster, she begins to ask the bound kobold questions, hoping to better understand their situation and motives.

Lorett's voice is calm yet determined as he speaks, trying to reassert some sense of order to the situation. "Seraphina," he says, "before we proceed, we need to talk. We've been through a lot, and Nida..." He glances at Nida, who is closely observing the scene.

Nida seems to be shifting her focus from Seraphina to the tied-up kobolds and then back to her companions. Her expression remains resolute, her body language tense, showing her unease with the situation. Nida knows they need to decide on a course of action, but she also feels the weight of their recent violent encounter with Korgar and Groth.

Although eager to get answers from the kobolds, Seraphina listens to Lorett's advice. She understands the importance of discussing their next steps collectively. For a moment, she lowers her gaze to the ground, reflecting on her earlier naivety. With a sigh, she nods in agreement with Lorett's suggestion, ready to engage in a dialogue to determine the best course of action.

Lorett looks at Nida, trying to maintain his composure despite the tension in the room. "Nida, this is important. We can't just rush into decisions. We have to figure out what to do with them." He nods towards the tied-up kobolds. "We can't let emotions dictate our actions."

Seraphina joins in. Her voice is soft but firm. "Nida, I understand that this situation is complicated, and we've all been through a lot, but we need to approach this carefully. It's not just about our feelings; it's about making the right choices."

Nida, standing her ground, crosses her arms. "I don't trust these creatures. We've seen enough of their kind doing terrible things. You may feel the need to be merciful, but I won't shed a tear if they get what's coming to them."

[Persuation: Seraphina 10+5 vs. Nida Wisdom check 18+1: Fail]

Seraphina, her eyes filled with empathy, steps closer to Nida, her voice gentle. "Nida, I understand your anger and fear. I do. But we're different from them. We can show compassion and understanding. By doing so, we can rise above the violence and hatred."

Nida remains resolute, her expression unyielding. "I've seen too much to believe in that kind of goodness. If we let them go, they might come back to haunt us. Or worse, they might harm others."

Seraphina sighs, realizing that Nida's experiences have shaped her in a difficult way to change. "I won't force you to do something you're uncomfortable with, Nida. But we should at least discuss it further and decide together."

Lorett, though conflicted, adds, "We're a team, and we should make this decision as a team. Let's keep talking, and maybe we can find a compromise."

Lorett suggests, "How about this? We can question the kobolds to understand their intentions and if they pose any threat. We can decide what to do from there if they give us any reason to believe they're dangerous. If they genuinely seem harmless, we can consider letting them go. What do you think?"

[Decision check: Nida 6, Lorett 2, Seraphnia 2]

Nida, clearly agitated and still harboring intense animosity towards the kobolds and hobgoblins, looks at Lorett and Seraphina with a hardened expression. She demands, "I want you both to leave the room. I don't want your foolish ideals or sympathy for these creatures to cloud our judgment."

Lorett stands his ground, meeting Nida's gaze. "Nida, we're not letting them off the hook. We're simply gathering information to make the best decision. Remember, we're in an unfamiliar place, and their knowledge could be valuable. We can't afford to act recklessly."

Seraphina chimes in, her voice gentle yet firm. "Nida, I understand your anger, but we must approach this situation cautiously. Leaving the room now wouldn't serve our purpose: to learn more about what's happening here."

Lorett's patience finally wears thin as he raises his voice at Nida. "Nida, enough of this! Your anger won't help us here. We can't afford to act impulsively. We need information, and if we let your rage dictate our actions, we might miss out on something crucial. Get a hold of yourself!"

[Intimidation: Lorett 15+0 vs. Nida Wisdom check 19+1: Fail]

Nida's eyes bore into Lorett as she retorts, "This isn't about anger, Lorett. It's about justice. These creatures are vile, and I won't stand by and pretend they're worth anything. But it seems that Seraphina's naivety blinds her to the truth. You as well!" Her words are filled with conviction.

Feeling the weight of Nida's words, Seraphina can't help but look down, her trust in the inherent goodness of all beings shaken. She remains silent, her internal struggle evident in her pained expression.

[Oracle "Does Seraphina stop Nida by force?" Not likely -2: 10 Maybe][Wisdom save DC12: Seraphina 2+4 Fail]

Tension fills the room like a storm cloud as Seraphina steps forward. She reaches out and places a trembling hand on Nida's chest, her voice cracking with emotion as she speaks, "Nida, I beg you, please reconsider. We can't let anger and hatred divide us. We've been through so much together, and I don't want to lose what we have." Tears glisten in her eyes.

But Nida's resolve remains firm. She looks into Seraphina's eyes, her own filled with disappointment. "I've made my decision, Seraphina. This is about justice, and I won't let my beliefs be swayed."

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts "Eldritch Blast" with "Repelling blast".]
[To hit: Eldritch Blast 13+5 vs. Nida's AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 5 Force, pushed 10 feet]

As Seraphina feels the weight of their crumbling friendship, a surge of frustration and helplessness washes over her. Desperate, she raises her staff and casts an Eldritch Blast at Nida, hoping to force her back and end the confrontation.

The blast strikes Nida, pushing her forcefully backward. The room falls into a stunned silence, the damage done.

[Wisdom save DC12: Nida 15+1 Success]

Tears glisten in Nida's eyes as she looks at Seraphina. Her anger and frustration have given way to a deep sense of hurt. She can see the sadness and regret in Seraphina's eyes and the uncertainty in Lorett's expression. Nida drops her pike, her hands trembling as she struggles to find the right words to express the turmoil within her.

Nida and Seraphina stand there, facing each other, emotions running high, but tears still held back. The room feels heavy with the weight of their disagreement, and they begin to have a heartfelt discussion about the situation and their differing viewpoints. Nida's anger is palpable, and Seraphina's sense of duty is equally strong.

Nida and Seraphina face each other, the charged atmosphere in the room still lingering. With a hint of resignation, Nida speaks, "You... you struck me..."

Her staff is still pointed at Nida. Seraphina nods with a mixture of remorse and determination in her eyes, saying, "I did."

There's a pause in the room as the weight of the situation sinks in. Nida finally breaks the silence with a hint of self-awareness, "I guess I had it coming."

As Lorett observes the two women, he senses the change in their dynamic. Nida, known for her fierce determination and combat skills, and Seraphina, admired for her compassion and love for all living beings, now stand on the same precipice. Their shared determination and resignation have brought them to a crossroads where their paths may diverge. The events of this moment will leave a lasting impact, and their group may never be the same again.

[Wisdom save DC10: Seraphina 12+4, Success]
[Wisdom save DC10: Nida 17+1, Success]

Nida's grip on her pike loosens, and she slowly lowers it to the ground. Seraphina, with a heavy heart, also lowers her staff. Her eyes reflect the turmoil she's experienced and speak with a sense of remorse, addressing Nida. "Nida, I am sorry," she begins, her voice tinged with sadness. "I had to make a difficult decision: either allow you to strike down those creatures and leave, or stop you and stay. It feels like in either case, our paths may have led us in different directions."

Nida averts her gaze from the kobolds and focuses on Seraphina, her expression a mix of emotions. She's unsure how to put her feelings into words. After a moment of contemplation, she turns to Lorett, who still appears somewhat shocked by the situation. Gathering her thoughts, Nida finally speaks, addressing Seraphina. "I believe that would have been the case," she admits, her tone heavy with resignation. "You did what you thought was right."

[Oracle "Does Nida leave?" Not very likely -4: 3 No]

Nida's voice carries a mixture of sorrow, understanding, and forgiveness. She acknowledges the fundamental difference in their perspectives on the world, respecting Seraphina's unwavering purity of belief. Nida lowers her gaze as she admits her own struggles with the impurity of her experiences. "I can't blame you, Seraphina. I envy your view of the world, how pure it is," Nida confesses. She looks up at her friends and continues, "I forgive you and am sorry on my part. I will not leave, not today. We crossed a line today. Now that we know where it lies, it shan't be crossed again."

Lorett, attempting to break the tension with a forced jovial tone, remarks, "Well, I suppose it's good that we all survived this ordeal without anyone getting hurt." He adds a fake chuckle, but it doesn't mask the lingering unease in the room.

[Decision check: Nida 1, Lorett 2, Seraphina 1]

The women share a glance, and then, in an unexpected twist, they both break into faint smiles. At that moment, tears well up in Seraphina's eyes, and she walks over to Nida, embracing her. Lorett takes a step back and scratches his head, slightly awkward in the face of their emotional reunion.

With the immediate tension diffused, the trio starts brainstorming what to ask the tied-up kobolds during the impending interrogation. They consider the questions they need to pose to gather essential information from these creatures.

Nida takes charge of the discussion and shares her ideas on what they should ask the kobolds during the interrogation.

Nida: "First, we must get everything they know about their leader. He's been feeding us stories, and we have no way of knowing the truth. Second, we should find out how they entered the temple. That might help us understand where the black-beasts came from. And third, we should figure out what their plan is after this."

Nida and Lorett consider the fate of the kobolds after the interrogation. Concerned about their well-being, Seraphina asks what they plan to do with the kobolds. Nida glances at her but remains silent while Lorett offers his perspective.

Lorett says, "Taking them to the authorities is not an option. It's just as dangerous outside with the beasts as it is inside this temple. We can't risk letting them go, either. We need to figure out what to do next."

Seraphina, driven by her compassion, suggests leaving the kobolds tied up in their current location. While leaving them behind is painful, she believes it's the best option, given their limited choices. She explains that once the temple is clear of danger, the dwarves can come and decide their fate. This way, the kobolds will be safe from the immediate threat of the black creatures outside, and the dwarves can determine their destiny.

[Decision check: Nida 5, Lorett 4, Seraphina 2]

Still harboring resentment towards the kobolds, Nida agrees to Seraphina's suggestion. She emphasizes that any attempt by the kobolds to lie or escape would result in dire consequences.

Seraphina nods, understanding the need for caution and pragmatism in this situation. She adds, "I know this isn't ideal, but it's the best option we have at the moment. Let's make sure to get all the information we need from them and ensure they understand the consequences of deceit."

Lorett chimes in, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. He suggests that they should establish rules and conditions for the kobolds' stay, including cooperation during interrogation and non-aggression if they are to be left tied up.

Nida nods in agreement, saying, "Agreed. We need to be cautious, especially after what just happened."

The group agrees to these terms, understanding they are making the best of a difficult situation. They then prepare to begin the interrogation of the tied-up kobolds.

After Nida's statement, Lorett, noticing the unintentional irony in her words, raises an eyebrow and offers a wry smile. He asks, "After what just happened? Really, Nida?"

At first, Nida seems a bit puzzled, not immediately grasping the irony in her words. After a moment, it dawns on her what Lorett is referring to, and she can't help but smile sheepishly. She nods, acknowledging the unintended reference, and says, "Right, well... that was... a unique situation."

After Nida's statement, Lorett, noticing the unintentional irony in her words, raises an eyebrow and offers a wry smile. He asks, "After what just happened? Really, Nida?"

Seraphina bites her lip, choosing not to say anything. She is still grappling with the recent violence and isn't comfortable making jokes about it. She remains silent, her thoughts weighed down by the violent outburst and its consequences.

On the other hand, Nida smiles sheepishly as she realizes the irony in her words. She nods, acknowledging the unintended reference, and says, "Right, well... that was... a unique situation."

Seraphina, who understands Draconic, translates the kobold's pleas for mercy to the others. Vhis seems terrified and is desperately asking not to be killed. He specifically implores the blue-haired lady (referring to Nida) to be kept from him. The desperation in Vhis's eyes is palpable, and his rapid words indicate his fear of what might happen to him. The kobold's pleas tug at their conscience, presenting a difficult moral choice.

As Lorett drags Vhis to the corner and removes the gag from its mouth, the little kobold starts speaking in rapid Draconic, its eyes darting anxiously from one group member to another. Seraphina's understanding of the language allows her to follow its frantic pleas.

"Mercy, please!" Vhis cries out, and his voice is filled with fear. "Don't kill me! Keep the blue-haired lady away from me!"

Vhis clutches its bound hands together, practically quivering with trepidation. The desperation in its eyes is evident, and it attempts to make itself as small as possible in the corner as if seeking refuge from a looming threat.

Lorett takes out a dagger and points it at the kobold, a stern look on his face. "Speak common," he commands.

The kobold's eyes widen, and it nods frantically. "Sure-sure, sorry sir, sorry sir, silpefreni, sir," it stammers in common, its small frame trembling with fear. It glances at Lorett, then bows repeatedly while mumbling a few Draconic words to himself, roughly translating to "forgive me, please."

Lorett relaxes slightly, though the dagger remains at the ready. "Good. Now tell us everything, and we might consider showing you some mercy."

The kobold, still visibly frightened, begins to recount how it and its companions came to be in the temple. Its words are accompanied by more nervous bowing and scraping as it tries to appease its captors.

"What 'wants' to know, sir? Sorry-sorry. No want trouble." The kobold shifts uneasily as it waits for further instructions.

Lorett leans in closer to the kobold. His tone is stern yet inquisitive. "Tell me everything about your boss and your group. How did you end up here?"

[Story prompt: work snake message]

The kobold swallows hard, sweat trickling down its scaly brow as it begins to speak in its high-pitched voice. "We follow Chief Drukash, big-red hobgoblin. Very strong, sir. We follow Drukash and promise to help. Drukash said dwarves here, temple to Moradin. Promise riches."

Lorett nods, urging it to continue. "Go on. What's the plan?"

The kobold's voice trembles as it spills more details. "We come through small hole, sir. Find dwarves already here, workers. They run from us. We make plan to hide in room, wait for them go. Then bad things happen outside, very bad. We not know what, sir."

Lorett leans back, his mind racing. "Bad things, you say. What are these bad things, and what will your group do next?"

The kobold hesitates, then utters, "We wait for signal from Chief Drukash. He send message through 'snake,' sir. Then we move, do what he says."

[Insight DC10: Lorett Nat20, Success]
[Oracle "Does the goblin lie intentionally?" Not likely -2: 1 No]
[Oracle "Does he know the details?" Likely +2: 11 Maybe]
[Oracle "Does he know their purpose in the tunnels?" Not likely -2: 2 No]
[Oracle "Can he tell where they came to the temple?" Likely +2: 14 Yes]

[Intimidation DC10: Lorett 10+0, Success]

Lorett tightens his grip on the kobold's horn, his expression unyielding. "Listen here, little one," he says in a low, threatening voice. "We don't have time for games. You're not telling us the truth; we can make this unpleasant for you. Now, start from the beginning. Who are you, where did you come from, and why are you really here?"

The kobold, who now reveals his name to be Pothoc, winces under Lorett's grasp, his eyes wide with fear. "Okay, okay, sir. I tell truth now. My name... my name Pothoc. We from outside, from tribe. Not know leader before, but he come one day and say we follow him for treasure. He give us names, say it fun, like a game. Not fun now, sir."

Lorett eases his grip slightly, signaling that honesty is the way to go. "All right, Pothoc. And the hole you came from? How'd you end up in the temple?"

Pothoc takes a deep breath, relieved to be telling the truth. "Hole in mountain. We follow new leader Warrith inside, dark tunnels. We hid in room, scared of other dwarves. Then loud noises outside, sir. Scary. We wait for leader's signal."

Lorett remains cautious but senses Pothoc is telling the truth this time. "And this 'snake' that Chief Drukash mentioned... What's that?"

Pothoc shakes his head, bewildered. "No snake, sir. I don't know. Maybe leader is lie again. He scary sometimes."

[Insight DC10: Lorett 1+5, Fail]

Lorett releases Pothoc's horn and steps back, exchanging glances with his companions. He knows that their interrogations haven't revealed all the answers yet.

[Persuation DC12: Lorett 7+2 Fail]
[Oracle "Does the kobold see a need to lie?" Most likely not -6: 11 Maybe]
[Oracle "Does the other kobold know something Pothoc doesn't want to tell?" Likely +2: 9 Maybe]
[Oracle "Has Pothoc done something he is afraid to tell?" Most likely +6: Nat20, Yes]
[Oracle "Has he done something that will affect the party?" Likely +2: 10 Maybe]
[Orable "Is it going to lead to his immediate demise?" Most likely +6: Nat 20 Yes]

Lorett reiterates, "So, you are Pothoc. A new leader came to your tribe. Warrith, you say? And he led you to these tunnels. Is the hobgoblin we killed the leader Warrith?"

Lorett's questions make Pothoc nervous, but he responds as honestly as possible. "Yes, sir. That's right. Warrith led us here, and the hobgoblin you killed, he was leader Warrith. But he say his name different when outsiders ask. So, we confused."

Lorett nods, satisfied with the confirmation. "Very well, Pothoc. And the chanting and rituals we've been hearing in the temple? What's the purpose behind it?"

[Insight DC12: Lorett 8+4, Success]

Pothoc frowns, uncertain. "Not sure, sir. We never allowed to go near. Leader say it dangerous, and we obey."

Lorett notices that Pothoc is not being completely truthful, especially about the chanting. He narrows his eyes at the kobold and presses further, "Pothoc, you know more about the chanting, don't you? What's it for? Tell us the truth, and your life will be spared."

[Intimidation DC12: Lorett 16+0 Success]

Pothoc swallows nervously, realizing he can't deceive Lorett any longer. "Yes, sir," he admits, his voice trembling. "The chanting... it's for something bad. Leader Warrith wanted to use it to bring a powerful creature, a serpent, a snake. But it's dangerous, sir, very dangerous!" The kobold is getting terrified for saying so much.

[Insight DC10: 3+4 Fail]

Lorett, still skeptical but not wanting to push Pothoc to the brink, tells him that, for now, he can go back to where the other kobold is tied up. Lorett emphasizes that if he cooperates and provides more information later, he may be shown mercy.

With a firm but gentle grip, Seraphina seizes the bound kobold, believing him to be Yagpa. She drags him to the same spot where Pothoc was a moment before. Her fingers deftly remove the gag from the small creature's mouth.

[Oracle "Is the other kobold willing to speak?": Nat 20 Yes]

The kobold's words flow out in an anxious, high-pitched frenzy as soon as the fabric comes loose. The words tumble from his snout like a waterfall, spoken in Draconic. Seraphina listens intently, comprehending each word, her celestial heritage giving her a natural affinity for languages.

The kobold's shrill voice pierces the air, his tone filled with fear and desperation. "My name isn't Yagpa. I'm Silit!" he vehemently exclaims, as if reaffirming his identity is paramount. He gestures towards his companion, Pothoc, and continues his rapid speech. "That one is Pothoc. The leader is Warrith! The injured one is Dequit!" His speech becomes even more frantic, emphasizing the truth of his words. "Is the truth! Is the truth-truth! I don't lie! No! I don't!"

Seraphina maintains a composed and empathetic expression, hoping to calm the distressed kobold and gain his cooperation. She lets him vent, understanding that it's essential to approach the situation with patience and kindness in such dire circumstances.

[Insight DC10: Seraphina 10+2 Success]
[Oracle "Does the kobold say something that isn't the truth?" Most likely not -6: -4 No]

With a gentle and reassuring smile, Seraphina nods at the frantic kobold, signaling her belief in his words. She leans in closer, trying to ease his anxiety. "I believe you, Silit," she says softly.

The kobold, visibly relieved by her response, shifts his gaze towards Nida, his eyes filled with fear. His trembling voice trembles as he implores, "Blue-hair don't kill me, no? Not at all?" His plea reflects his terror, hoping to avoid any harm from the enraged warrior.

Seraphina's soothing voice continues to reassure Silit. "You're safe as long as you stay calm and continue telling the truth. We only want to know more about your group and the situation here. So, please, help us understand." Her tone remains kind and compassionate, trying to alleviate the kobold's fear.

[Persuation DC10: Seraphina Nat1, Fail]

Silit, the kobold, looks puzzled and somewhat anxious as he observes the mixed emotions in Seraphina's eyes. He can sense that she might be concealing something, and her reassurance doesn't entirely convince him. He hesitates and then asks, "Why she looks at me that way? Kill in the eye?"

He still appears on edge, unsure of the group's intentions and whether they truly mean him no harm.

[Oracle "Does the kobold try to escape?" Most likely not -6: 17 Yes]
[Insight DC10: Seraphina 12+2 Success]
[DEX save DC15: Seraphina 2+0 Fail]

In a sudden burst of desperation, Silit, the kobold, headbutts Seraphina, surprising everyone in the room. As he does so, he quickly realizes that the small room offers no escape. With his hands tied, he is limited in his ability to evade capture. Fearful and cornered, he looks around the room, contemplating his next move while trying to avoid being caught.

Seraphina

[To hit ADV (target's hands are tied): Pike 2/13+5 vs. Kobold AC 12: Hit]
[Damage: 4+3 Piercing]

However, Nida swiftly strikes the escaping kobold with her pike, ending his desperate attempt to flee. The small room is filled with tension, and the lifeless kobold lies on the ground. Seraphina, feeling a mix of emotions, puts her face in her hands and sighs, acknowledging the unfortunate outcome.

Nida's voice, firm and unwavering, states, "We had rules, and the rules were broken." With a resolute expression, she cleans her pike and moves to grab the lifeless kobold's body, preparing to drag it out of the room.

Seraphina backs against the wall, her demeanor fraught with disappointment and sorrow. She had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but the events unfolded beyond her control. As Nida takes the kobold away, the room remains filled with a heavy silence, punctuated by the weight of their choices.

Lorett poses the question about further interrogation, seeking clarification on their intentions. The remaining kobold is visibly terrified, its wide eyes reflecting pure dread as it sits in a pool of urine, a trembling and pitiable sight.

[Decision check: Nida 1, Lorett 3, Seraphina]

Having previously experienced the distressing outcome of their interrogation, Seraphina asserts that they already have sufficient information. However, Nida, ever the pragmatic one, points out that vital details about the entrance and the kobolds' path into the temple remain unknown. She persuades the group to consider the gaps in their knowledge before making a final decision.

[Intimidation DC10: Lorett 7+0 Fail]
[Oracle "Does the kobold have anything to share about his journey to the temple and this room?" Likely +2: 15 Yes]

Lorett takes a firm stance before the cowering kobold, his expression resolute as he questions the creature about any additional information concerning their path into the temple and the room. His stern gaze bores into the kobold's fearful eyes.

"Tell me, is there more to your journey here?" Lorett inquires, the intensity in his voice underscoring the importance of the matter. The kobold, unable to meet his gaze, shakes its head. But Lorett can discern the deception in its eyes.

[Insight DC12: Lorett 16+4 Success]

"You're certain?" he presses further, knowing that the creature is withholding information. The kobold reluctantly nods, confirming its earlier statement. The air in the room grows tense as Lorett's suspicions heighten. Without a word, he retrieves his dagger, seizes the kobold by the scruff of its neck, and hurls it across the room. The creature tumbles and lands in a huddled heap, its body language revealing its fear and anxiety.

With his dagger in hand and a stern expression, Lorett approaches the kobold, who has been unceremoniously thrown across the room. He stands before the terrified creature and asks, "Are you ready to provide more information to me, or would you prefer to continue our discussion with the barbarian woman?" The kobold, still gagged and genuinely fearful for its life, swiftly nods in agreement.

[Intimidation DC12: Lorett 18+0 Success]

Lorett looks down at the trembling kobold and smirks as he says, "Oh, you want her to continue, don't you?" The kobold, desperate to avoid further interaction with Nida, immediately shakes its head in a rapid, break-neck motion. Its eyes widen in terror as it realizes that the prospect of facing Nida's wrath is far more frightening than cooperating with Lorett.

Enjoying the kobold's discomfort, Lorett takes a moment to savor the situation before calling out, "Hey, Nida, do you have a minute?" The still-gagged kobold lets out a muffled scream and vigorously attempts to shake its head in a frenzy, fearing the impending confrontation with Nida.

Lorett and Nida stand beside each other, ready to interrogate the trembling kobold. Lorett addresses Nida, "Yes?" and informs her that he will ask the kobold a few questions and that it needs to answer truthfully. With a sly smile, Nida inquires, "And then I can have it?" She glances at the kobold, her intent clear. Lorett gives the kobold a meaningful look, warning it that its fate depends on its cooperation.

The kobold, understanding the gravity of the situation, alternates between looking at Nida and Lorett, its eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope, silently pleading for a chance to survive.

Lorett carefully removes the gag from the kobold's mouth and asks it the first question, "How did you come to this room?" Pothoc, his speech still rapid but now understandable, quickly explains that they had fled through the tunnels, being chased by the black creatures. Dequit had opened the door, but he got hurt in the process. They managed to get inside and close the door, hiding from the monsters. They had been hiding in this room for almost two days before the party arrived.

[Insight DC10: Lorett 12+4 Success]
[Oracle "Is the kobold telling the truth?" Most likely +6: 18 Yes]

Pothoc's voice quivers as he recounts the ordeal, glancing nervously between Lorett and Nida. Lorett sees in Pothoc's eyes that it is being truthful.

Lorett nods and proceeds with his questioning. "How did you get into the temple in the first place?" he asks.

Pothoc explains that they entered the temple through a tunnel that led to the mountains. This tunnel's entrance is some distance away from the door with the chanting. He emphasizes that they had no prior knowledge that the temple was filled with monsters, which led to their desperate escape.

Lorett summarizes the kobold's story, confirming, "So your leader, Warrith, led you into the temple, and you were caught off guard, prompting you to run away from those monsters. Is that correct?" The kobold eagerly nods in agreement.

As Lorett inquires about the bag of treasure, the kobold looks at him, clearly taken aback. However, Lorett's wry smile makes it apparent that he isn't buying into the innocent act. "Yes, that's what I thought," he remarks, exposing the deception.

Lorett presses on, asking, "A few dwarves were killed in the process, were they not?"

[Oracle "Did the kobold kill dwarves to get the loot?" Likely +2: 19 Yes]
[Insight DC10: Lorett 6+4 Success]
[Oracle "Does the kobold lie about not killing the dwarves?" Most likely +6: 23 Yes]

The kobold frantically denies it, insisting, "No no no. We found these! They were in a room with a table! True! Is honest!" Its stammering attempt at innocence is unconvincing.

Lorett, clearly seeing through the lies, turns to Seraphina. "Do you want to ask this one anything? I think I am done," he says, looking back at the kobold, his dagger still in hand.

[Decision dice: Lorett 1, Seraphina 1]

Seraphina nods, her heart heavy, knowing what must come next. She steps back, leaving the kobold to face its fate. The creature's eyes dart frantically between the three adventurers, a mixture of fear, desperation, and hope in its gaze.

Nida takes a deep breath, her expression stony. Her hand grips her pike tightly, and she approaches the kobold, its fate now sealed. The creature quivers, fear etched across its scaly features. Its voice wavers as it pleads for mercy in a language Lorett or Nida can't understand. Nida raises her pike, and there's a brief silence filled only with the kobold's desperate cries for clemency.

In one swift, decisive motion, Nida brings the pike down, ending the creature's existence. The room falls into an eerie stillness as the life drains from the kobold's eyes. Its body crumples to the floor, a stark reminder of the harsh choices they've had to make in these treacherous depths. The moment is heavy with the weight of their actions, a testament to the harsh reality of their quest, where mercy is be a luxury they can ill afford.