Tell them that you are satisfied to see they are alive. If you can muster up a better affirmation, so much the better.
She seems upset. Summon your King's hand to give powerful headpats.

>>1013099
This, also reward and praise Lylene for being such a good combatant and also assign someone to keep the other Vardek down

They seem to be horribly upset and are taking a somber stance. Perhaps they may have somehow lost a head? Eloquently request they face you for inspection. I don't like the thought of getting closer to her should something be wrong, that and approaching an underling is beneath you.

>>1013099
Keep your entourage around you until you can reveal what's wrong. Ask the hydras to face you, what did the damned Vardeks do to them? Maybe reveal some genuine concern.

>>1013099
support

Kalez 2021/10/31(Sun)21:42 No. 1014001 ID: 9b127b
File 163574173366.png - (473.83KB , 657x858 , Pentacle183.png )

Kalez looks back and waves a hand'Lylene, Sezeda. Lock the Vardeks in an empty cell'.

The two slither off catives in tow, Kalez then returns her attention to the Hydra "Hydra I am satisfied to see you are alive" she tries to inflect warmth in her voice, but it sounds more sardonic than genuine.

The heads of the Hydra snort and growl, unmoved by the words of sympathy 'Only because you still need us.' Mifal again speaking for the others

Kalez recognizes Lady Vardeks words as they are parroted by the witless dupe, Kalez shifts the conversation back "your poor arm and tail, are they healing well?" this time attempting a concerned tone.

The Hydra just huffs and shifts their weight, this Kalez knows is good, they are confused meaning there is at least some doubt in whatever Vardek told them.

Kalez ventures a request'Could you please turn around? I would prefer to speak to you face to faces'

The levity in the statement is not well received, in a swift movement the Hydra is facing the golden scorpion and looming over her 'YOU THINK THAT'S FUNNY?!' Fason bellows speaking for the first time
'You killed our friend!' Solia wails.
'She was kind to us, showed us far off places!' Laret hisses
Diavolo Channler. Kalez curses to herself, Vardek must have known revealing her fate would disturb the Hydra

Fason then adds 'Also our arm is better than ever' The Hydra flexes their improved talon

The Hydra seems ready to attack but there is some hesitation and is waiting for Kalez next move.

A) Kalez tries to calm her with words
B) Kalez attempts a spell
C) Kalez attacks
D) Kalez defends
E) Kalez flees
F) something else?

Defend, and since you leave us no further context make some lies up about how you had to kill her for the Hydra's own good, or perhaps how you regret the killing was necessary.
Did you save them because they were needed? No, you saved them because the opposite was true, no one believed they could be saved. The world turned their backs on them. You believed there was still a chance for them. There still is.

Okay, we'd really like to keep the Hydra, but they're in a terrible mood.

I say that we take a gamble. Don't do anything. Take whatever attack comes, and try to talk to her afterwards. It won't feel great, but it may surprise them enough to hear you out. Whether you lie or tell them the truth, say whatever you think will make them stop.

If you really doubt your ability to succeed that high charisma check though, focus on incapacitation. Cast Trap Maker + Lock Down on her main garment so that you can stop her if she tries to rush you down.

The animal needs to be tamed and know who's its master.

Attack, and demand that it learns its place!

"She wanted to see more. I wanted a diviner who wouldn't stab me in the back. It failed, and when she started ranting about how she was going to raze the kingdom and eat her friends piece by piece, I faced her down and stabbed her in the front. Multiple times.
And I will need you if I want to capture the madwoman alive, so Stand. Down."

>>1014001
A
"Think, Hydra! If I need you as a loyal soldier, need you enough to save you from death, then I must want to do everything to keep you loyal, correct? Therefore I would not have done anything to make you question your loyalty if there was any other way. Trust not in my empathy and heart, Hydra, trust in my logic and planning, and trust in your greatness as an irreplaceable interrogator and warrior. I need you now more than ever. Together, we shall do great things and thwart everyone who would spell our doom, through pain and through chain!"

Of course. Of course the somebody who saw the future would be good to the hydra if it would cause this to occur. That was clever of Diavolo. Has she left other surprises? Well, either way...
Appeal to your history with her? Throw shade at Vardek's motives?

"I get that you're mad, I'd be just as mad if somebody tried to hurt you. It's why I fought them, why I came here! If I 'just needed you' as Vardek put it, I could have just ordered some troops to retrieve you, but I had to see if you were alright myself!
I cared for you, made sure you were fed, protected you, gave you a life! Vardek, though, she just sees you as a way to hurt me!

I'd be a fool to ask you to forgive me for what I did to Diavolo. What I will ask, is that if you will still try to kill me after all I did for you, because *Vardek* desires it, (remove your hood) at least look me in the eyes and say it."

Also, ready a floor slip if this fails. Bigger they are, harder they fall.

>>1014008
This, and to add further to that. “What has Vardek really done for you other than show you these illusions and grandeur? It’s easy to be kind and to paint the outside world beautifully. But here’s something Vardek never did, make the hard decisions and put time into you.

You all know I’m the one who saved you from death. I got my best mage to save your lives even if he didn’t want to, even though Abin said he could only save a few of you I made sure he saved you all. I got my best to make sure all of you would come out alive.

Who trained you to fight? It was Midas, who taught you all to defend yourselves. So that you wouldn’t be defenseless against those who would harm you. Who taught you five to read and write, to have an education? It was Abin.

And this prison, it’s not the best looking compared to outside but it was the safest place for you all. I could have assigned you to some distant outpost. Someplace far from me, but I chose here because I wanted you five to be safe. Outside the castle, you will find Zealots who will hunt you down for the mere crime of existing. You might be able to take a few but given time, they will send greater numbers and more powerful members to hunt you down. While you sleep and while you wake. To them, the simple fact that you draw breath is enough for them to focus attention on vanquishing you.

Vardek wasn’t the one who saved your lives, she wasn’t the one who taught you all you know, she isn’t the one who provided you shelter and your essentials. She didn’t put the time and effort into you, she didn’t make the hard decisions. I did. Even if you despise me for it, keeping you in this prison was the safest thing to do for you because me and others care.” And I suppose as you remove your hood make one final statement. “To strike at me, you strike at everyone who really cares. You walk away from the people who have given all that you have. People who have made sacrifices Vardek never has.”

I'd argue retreat. What else is the hydra going to do stay in the cage forever? Let them be mad for a bit and then when their anger passes they will come to you again.

>>1014004
This has some wisdom behind it.

There are two possibilities that lead to Kalez keeping the Hydra. Either beat it into submission (risky, liable to cause reprisals later), or convince it to come willingly. Everybody's coming up with some elaborate lie to get the Hydra on our side, but the Hydra heard Kalez admit, without remorse, that she killed their friend. And the Hydra isn't *stupid*.

So let her get a solid hit in. It'll let her work out some of her anger, and it'll make Kalez look less haughty, and that'll provide much better odds of the Hydra actually listening to Kalez.

Kalez 2021/11/10(Wed)23:43 No. 1014789 ID: 9b127b
File 163661659721.png - (488.62KB , 657x858 , Pentacle184.png )

Kalez is truly tempted to force the Hydra into submission, but her hand is stayed by an immutable fact; She'd lose

The Hydra is powerful, more powerful than any in the castle realize, save perhaps Midas. The Hydra is powerful enough to ruin everything, powerful enough to ruin her . . . dream.

Dreams.
That's what this is all about.
Melancholy seeps into Kalez' armored shell as hot water on a meal crab.
Dreams of a better tomorrow.
The pain of memory boils under her chitin.

Azzeki notices her pain and seems tempted to comfort the scorpions' distress.

The Hydra remains oblivious.

Kalez motions for Azzeki to hold her position. she then lowers her hood.
the pain on her face is real, as is the sorrow in her words 'I too cared for Diavola . . . in my way'

The hydra is effect by the rare emotion of their jailer but clings to anger,'Liar! you killed her!' Fason voices.
Kalez' sigh comes out ragged'Yes I did, I hated what she had become but I hated myself more for twisting her in into the monster she became'

'Just like how you've twisted us!' Mifal huffs, trying to act strong.

'Yes just as I had Aebin twist all of you' Kalez admits 'I thought ending the monster would ease my guilt but it only weighed heavier on me'

Kalez pauses and a voice of understanding speaks from the head of Solia'and then what?'

The golden scorpion loathes sympathy and snaps back 'then the pain endured. Until today.' a fierceness returns to Kalez 'I no longer think Vardek was lying when she said Diavola lives, this being true places everyone in the kingdom in grave danger, even you she'll not see you as friend anymore.'
Kalez Reaches for the last of her fading passion 'I may not care for you in the way you like, but I AM keeping you safe, all of us in the castle are.' Kalez holds her arms wide a strike against me would be a strike on all of them. we need each other working together now more then ever to survive.

A moment of silence is followed by hushed whispers from the heads. the heads seem wary and Mifal speaks 'we will return to the upper level, for now.'

Good. Then with that crises averted, we all shall return to the normal level and get back to the important business of stamping out the rebels.

Not quite out of this mess yet but at least one of your best isn't being used against you. They might even make a great personal guard if you can regain their trust. Get to work on ideas.

Get everyone together and make sure the Vardeks are locked up. Once this prison is back under control, get back to planning.

I don't think she's ready for a hug so... Offer a hand to shake.

Kalez 2021/12/15(Wed)15:22 No. 1017495 ID: 9b127b
File 163961053726.png - (516.20KB , 657x858 , Pentacle185.png )

Seeing the danger has passed Sezeda and Lylene emerge from hiding
'Sssooo . . . what now?' Lylene asks.

'Now we leave this wretched place' Kalez hisses

and so the scorpion and her serpents make their exit.

Eeyfel 2021/12/15(Wed)15:23 No. 1017496 ID: 9b127b
File 163961062175.png - (408.12KB , 657x858 , Pentacle186.png )

Again Eeyfel walks across the castle courtyard, she is not alone this time.

Abin Nethar is with her, he is poor company with his harsh chiding demeanor but Eeyfel has been glad of his company.

The night has been dark, darker than it has seemed in many seasons. She chooses to comment on the unusual silence that greets them 'I don't hear Ulric's mumbling or scrapping, shouldn't he be working tonight?

Her jackal companion having been deep in thought responds with his usual snippy dismissal 'The useless wretch is probably off drinking somewhere' upon reaching the center fountain he turns to the small kobold.'I'm going to find Kalez she'll want to know what we've learned, You take these parchments to Midas immediately and inform him as well Nethar then activates the rune for the passage.

Eeyfel looks down the tree lined road leading towards the keep with a deep sense of dread.

The tunnel's grinding movement halt when fully open 'Oh and if you do see Ulric, tell the lazy lout that these trees need trimming' Nethar adds as he descends the stairs.

as her sole companion departs she only feels the dread deepen

Alright, let's ask the obvious question. What shady thing is Nethar about to do now that he's by himself? Something he doesn't want Kalez to know about, something for Kalez that others shouldn't know about, or just something normal that appears shady because it's happening at night?

Keep an ear out for intruders. There's always someone in this castle that wants to jump you.

Status check, how is your hand? Did you get Abin to look at that or are you planning to keep it a secret till it gets worse?

Eeyfel 2021/12/22(Wed)22:26 No. 1018152 ID: 9b127b
File 164024076209.png - (463.21KB , 657x858 , Pentacle187.png )

Fear dominates Eeyfel's every thought. not just from the darkness but from the treasonous parchments littering the streets. the very parchments she hold in her hands.

Abin Nethar wasn't afraid, as if imminent destruction was more of an inconvenience than a real concern.

Or maybe he already knew.

Eeyfel's boots clack again the paving stones, betraying her position to the ominous shadows. Again the kobold wishes her senior acolyte had not abandoned her to the night.

Abin must have already known, he knew we were all doomed. Eeyfel considers that perhaps her colleague welcomes death at least on some level, perhaps he intends to set his affairs in order and let the darkness come.

Eeyfel hear's a groan coming from a nearby tree

The acolyte freezes and decides that unlike Abin she very much would like to live.

Put the papers down and investigate this winded tree. Dark arts at the ready!

You have spells that could possibly light up the area around the tree right? Why not use one of those?

>>1018152
A groan could be Ulric, drunk as a skunk.

So, false alarm! Probably. Though you were ordered to tell him to trim the trees... but, on the other hand, you've not seen him, and you were told to deliver the documents to Midas immediately.

See if you can peek whether it's Ulric or not from the path. If it is, yell at him Abin told him to trim the trees. If it isn't or you can't SEE him... maybe just calmly walk onwards, holding carefully on to these precious documents.

I vote clutch the papers close to you and run away. There is trouble afoot and you want no part of it.

>>1018152
Have an escape plan in mind but stand your ground.

>>1018164 Yeah it could be Ulric, or it may not be. Just pass the message along as casually as possible to see if you get a response. Don't wait for it either. Get to walking or running, you have papers to deliver.

What exactly did you and Abin uncover?

Eeyfel 2021/12/28(Tue)14:34 No. 1018613 ID: 9b127b
File 164073087436.png - (316.21KB , 657x858 , Pentacle188.png )

Eeyfel is a power-thief acolyte and has the following spells
Sap health (steals life force and gives it to you)
Scry (allows you to see and speak to people in far off places)
Find treasure (detects nearby valuables)
shadow form (improves stealth)
acid dagger (launch a short range acid attack)

Eeyfel clutches on tight to the parchments, she and Abin had found them scattered across Chorum street. they are treasonous poetry with impossible insight. it had taken the two of them hours to collect one of each verse.

The groan is heard again

Suspecting it might be Ulric, Eeyfel peaks around the tree, and confirms a pair of boots that belong to the grounds keeper.

"Hey! No sleeping on the job!"

Isn't he supposed to be operating the lift that Eeyfel totally doesn't know about? Bother. Use Scry to warn the castle guard that someone has whacked Ulric. Then use Shadow Form to drag Ulric to safety, if you can.
Dump the verses in the flowerpot, you are on castle grounds in the dark and nobody is going to scatter them again.

You can already make out the faintest traces of blood, you don't want to join him in whatever was just done, so stay stealthy.

Cast Find Treasure to see if you can detect any close to the prone Ulric. It may seem random, but the simplest motives for someone attacking him would be that either they wanted his valuables, or they were trying to leave with stolen goods and were seen by him.

If you detect anything valuable being carried close to the body, then the suspect is right there and you can't help him. Use Shadow Form to get a look at the suspect without being seen yourself hopefully, and then go report what you've seen. If nothing is detected, you may be safe to simply peek out and see whether or not he's well before rushing to get help.

Should probably scry for help. After all his assailant is probably nearby and we don't want to join him bleeding on the floor.

Eeyfel 2022/01/03(Mon)19:11 No. 1019385 ID: 9b127b
File 164126591727.png - (342.71KB , 657x858 , Pentacle189.png )

Eeyfel feels that she should use her SCRY spell to get help, however she can only use it once without her crystal orb.

in addition she cannot cast any spells unless she puts down the parchments, which she is reluctant to do.

she's also not sure who to contact
A) Bowin should be at the stables feeding the molebeasts
B) Sergeant Geurrel should heading up the wall patrols in the area
though neither are formidable
C) Lady Eshekath serves as Master of Mercenaries,
D) and Captain Mazella leads the town nightwatch, either would could bring a sizable force but they might not listen to her.
E) perhaps she could contact someone else
F) or maybe it's best she just keeps moving.

Eshekath. The wall patrols might be down for the count too. Contact a central source.

Call Bowin for back up I trust him more to provid actual assistance

Captain Eshekath

Put down the papers. Step on them so that they don't blow away. Call for Sergeant Geurrel as they should be able to assist and they will listen to you.

Contact Bowin, better to get someone who listens and can be counted on to provide back up.

Lady Eshekath seems like a decent pick. Also, it was a tie between her and Bowin, so here's a nice tie-break vote.

Eeyfel 2022/01/12(Wed)00:01 No. 1020278 ID: 9b127b
File 164197447549.png - (340.42KB , 657x858 , Pentacle190.png )

Lady Eshekath, Eeyfel decides. The Master of mercenaries had an army of mighty serpents at her disposal, and Eeyfel had worked with them before.

She carefully put down the parchments and quietly whispered the incantations.

a window to another place opened in the air and Eshekath came into view.
The serpent started at the sudden intrusion then relaxed 'Oh! an Acolyte I wass indeed looking for one of your lot.'

This surprise Eeyfel 'you are?' she responded a little confused.

'Yessss, my daughter Lylene has missssed her shift again. have you seen her? I hope she isn't harassing the Duchess's sservents again'

Eeyfel can't recall any unusual serpent activity.

Tell you that you are not really aware of any serpent business and that she should contact Kalez, as she seems to really like the snakes. Then tell Eshekath that you have an unusual situation of your own, the groundskeeper seems to be injured and you need some backup. Ask for her to send over a serpent ASAP.

You don't know anything about her serpents, but that isn't what matters. You need backup, and fast. You believe the groundskeeper is injured and that his assailant may still be in the area, leaving you unsafe.

Her lateness may have something to do with this dead body you found in the garden!

Say you haven't seen Lylene and you hope she hasn't slithered into any trouble like what you just found. Report that you need help. The groundskeeper is incapacitated and you're alone out here, his attacker may still be lurking around. Ask to have a pair of serpents sent to your location for assistance.

Eeyfel 2022/01/19(Wed)11:04 No. 1020727 ID: 9b127b
File 164261906965.png - (292.26KB , 657x858 , Pentacle191.png )

Eeyfel trying to control the panic in her voice but isn't certain that she succeeds'I don't know where she is. the groundskeeper's been attack maybe she's been attacked too! I need soldiers here to secure the area.'

Eshekath narrows her eyes 'Where are you?'

'I'm in the outer courtyard on the main path' Eeyfel blurts out quickly

Eshekath ponders for a painful several seconds then responds'I'll sssend a team, they should-'
Just then a sound behind Eeyfel disturbs the kobold's concentration, and her spell comes to an end.

She hears parchment shuffling.

They’re after your heretical charms! Come out ready to blast ‘em.

It's the end of the day, you'll be at home resting soon if you make it out of this, let's blow through your spells.

Use Shadow Form and dive into the bushes. Then try to scope out the source of the noise and prepare to launch an Acid Dagger into them. It'll hopefully buy you enough time to run.

>>1020731
This

oh no they're after your poetry collection! That took hours to collect! protect it!

Eeyfel 2022/01/24(Mon)20:26 No. 1021227 ID: 9b127b
File 164308477148.png - (444.69KB , 657x858 , Pentacle192.png )

Eeyfel is torn between hiding and protecting the poetry, and as always fear wins her hand.
Eeyfel fears the wrath of her masters for failing in this task more then whatever monster is lurking in the shadows.

She readies a spell and turns to face her foe ... only to find a tiny figure standing before her. This is definitely not what she was expecting.

Eeyfel has no idea who or what it is. this unknown danger terrifies her even further.

what does she do?

Is that a vegetable? Eat it, they're good for you.

She sees you, but hasn't attacked yet. Don't get cocky because she's small, magic exists dummy.

You don't know what to think of this person, but they aren't harming you yet at this time. You already called for help in dealing with the gardener who might be dead or unconscious, so basically your job is done. Remember what happened last time you took the initiative and tried to go beyond your station? Oh yeah, you got punished by Kalez for giving her the info she needed. Just prioritize your own safety now.

Ask the small lady for the paper back, and then just leave. Don't threaten her, don't question why she's here, just take your pages back and leeeeaaaaavvvee. If she doesn't hand them over, then fire an Acid Dagger, grab the papers, and run for your life.

>>1021231
I draw my laser gun and blind her.

Suggestion 2022/01/24(Mon)21:22 No. 1021233 ID: b4bf25
File 164308817427.jpg - (771.26KB , 1920x2560 , IMG_20220108_090243.jpg )

>>1021232
And then I start to burn off her clothes

>>1021227
It's someone you've never seen before, so obviously it's an intruder. Strike to disable, capture and interrogate.

I'm going to have to vote for the "and I started blasting" route. You would know them if they belonged and right now they appear to be danger.

>>1021227
Eeyfel is an acolyte, you’d think she’d know whos who around the castle.
However, I think we should quickly look to see how Ulfric is fairing first. If Ulfric is actually injured then fire away.

>>1021255
He's on the other side of the bushes.

Strike before she can cry out. Acid dagger attack!

If it wanted to hurt you they would have already, politely ask that the creature doesn't read the treasonous papers. See if this is someone we can negotiate with but be ready for any sort of attack from them.

Suggestion 2022/01/25(Tue)15:22 No. 1021306 ID: 8edb27
File 164315296082.jpg - (825.01KB , 1920x2560 , IMG_20220122_091740.jpg )

>>1021293
No, blind them!

Eeyfel 2022/02/10(Thu)01:05 No. 1022999 ID: 9b127b
File 164448393776.png - (415.91KB , 657x858 , Pentacle193.png )

Eeyfel's terror solidifies into uncontrollable hatred.

She'll destroy what she doesn't understand!

Eeyfel casts ACID DAGGER
'Surrender or die vegetable!' she yells while launching the attack.

Eeyfel 2022/02/10(Thu)01:10 No. 1023000 ID: 9b127b
File 164448421062.png - (278.11KB , 657x858 , Pentacle194.png )

Acid sprays across the being eating into her clothes and body,
She cries out in pain.

Pain Eeyfel shares.
Vibrations from the vegetable's cry shudder through the kobold's entire body, making her head swim in this delirium forgotten memories surface.
Eeyfel DOES know what this thing is, Aebin taught it to her years ago as part of her training, he had TOLD HER they were extinct.

He spoke of a root called a Mandrake, and that their voices can kill.

>>1023000
Zone of Silence!

While their still a little shaken lunge at the plant person and use one hand to cover their mouth and the other to rip off their undergarments. Assuming this is successful keep your hand on their mouth and hold them between you and that pair or tall red glowing eyes. Keeping your hand over their mouth and holding them human shield style

Grab her by the mouth and pin her down. Use sap health to drain her energy, and tone down her awful scream. It should also help you recover from whatever scream she can get out before you act.

If you really wanted to be safe, you could try biting through her neck. Can't scream withiut vocal cords

Try to maybe ball your cape up and shove it in her mouth. You don't know what she's up to but you also don't want to die from screams. Hurting her might not be the best idea as causing her pain seems to make her scream and thereby hurt you.

Also as she appears to be some sort of vampire, do not put any of your body parts in her mouth.

>>1023007
Hm yeah that might be the case, especially seeing how she has two very suspicious holes in her neck.
>>1023002
I’ll change my suggestion to shoving a glove in her mouth but keep the rest the same

>>1023004
If she is a vampire consuming vampiric vegetable might not be the best idea

Screams probably aren't directed and making her scream is probably going to result in Ulric being dead instead of injured, probably best not to try to kill her unless you at least lead her away first.

Do vegetables even have vocal chords?

Aw crap. We destroyed the page it was holding. Be sure to be careful where we aim and fire a second blast. Try to knock it out with it.

>>1023070
That's a good thing, really, the fewer of these heretical leaflets the better.
Go for the restraint and strip. Gag them!
An undead plant? What is this heresy? Could it be an escaped servant of the wretched things kept under the castle you don't know about? And that cups symbol on their knickers. This doesn't seem like someone in Kalez's employ... not officially at least.

Eeyfel LW 2022/02/28(Mon)08:49 No. 1025011 ID: 9b127b
File 164606699745.png - (369.68KB , 657x858 , Pentacle195.png )

Eeyfel has suffered two levels of WILL drain

Eeyfel whips off her glove and tries to ram it into the mouth of the mandrake
The kobold delivers her attack with the strength and speed of a particularly drowsy hamster the mandrake in turn blocks with surprising speed and strength . . . neither of which were necessary to turn away the feeble strike.

'My dress! My dress!' the Mandrake's shriek is high pitched and shrill, Eeyfel feels her mind cracking like a pain of glass 'do you have any idea how difficult it is to get dresses made in my size!'

Eeyfel suffers a level of WILL drain
Eeyfel suffers two levels of WILL drain
Eeyfel is SHAKEN

'no' Eeyfel responds without thinking
close to her target she grabs out with her other arm in frustration, her hand grips fabric and she pulls.

The heretical leaflet's squeaking voice is like nails on a chalk board 'EEAAH! NO! you can't humiliate me like this!'
Eeyfel has resisted

Eeyfel steels herself and responds through gritted teeth'I just did'

Eeyfel 2022/02/28(Mon)08:52 No. 1025012 ID: 9b127b
File 164606715358.png - (446.55KB , 657x858 , Pentacle196.png )

She then realizes she's torn off the creature's underpants, she feels a bit silly.
Eeyfel's blood then runs cold as she sees the symbol on the garment.
a chalice and two red rivers.
The Legion of thirst.
Queen Nerexi's undead army.

A vampire.

But that's impossible she thinks. There's no way a vampire could make it across the see without mortal help.

What would be even less likely is that she's here alone, so if another one heard her screaming then you're about to get ambushed. Blind fire an Acid Dagger behind you juuuuust in case.

Great job Eeyfel! Even with your will drained, you dealt a humiliating blow to an enemy stronger than you're rated to fight against. You've gone above and beyond your station, and now it's time to GTFO.

You may not be aware that Ulric is standing right there behind you, but that honestly doesn't change anything. Here's what you need to know rn:

1: Your will has been drained heavily while in contact with this mandrake, and it's getting harder to act
2: Her underwear has the symbol of vampires.
3: She has fangs
4: If Ulric was defeated by a vampire, Ulric has probably been turned into a vampire

Forget the stupid papers, there is no shot the punishment they hit you with for losing them is worse than straight up being conscripted into some undead army.

Take your best guess as to which direction Lady Eshekath's backup will be coming from, based on who the nearest guards would probably be to the best of your knowledge, and bolt in that direction. I would have recommended casting Shadow Form to improve your escape into the darkness of the night, but if they choose to pursue you then you're already in a bad place.

Instead of that, prepare a casting of Sap Health the moment you hear footsteps chasing after you. The second they get near, try to counter their attack by draining their lifeforce. Probably not the intended use for the spell, but maybe you can try to drain their mental health to recover your own? It's worth a shot, you didn't take much physical damage in that encounter so the energy's gotta go somewhere. Maybe you won't end up SHAKEN afterwards.

You're the coolest kobold plz don't die or get turned into a vamp.

>>1025016
This

Pls no die, pls do consider possibility that there are more vampires RIGHT BEHIND YOU

If the gardener already got got by a vampire, then he must be a thrall...
Okay, retreat time! Shadow your form and run for the hills! Abandon the papers!

Eeyfel 2022/03/08(Tue)19:13 No. 1025696 ID: 9b127b
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Eeyfel hears breathing behind her

Resolve guides her heart
she has to make it to the inner gates.
Eeyfel makes a break for it but two steps is all she gets before a swift strike knocks her to the ground

Eeyfel is OUT of action and can no longer fight
The acolyte's head aches and her vision swims.

Eeyfel 2022/03/08(Tue)19:18 No. 1025697 ID: 9b127b
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Eeyfel tries to get up, but her body fails her.
she hears the clip clop of clay boots against stone

A familiar squeaking voice can be heard. 'how dare you lay hands on me!? Torique the charming!'

A jovial voice responds 'I dunno Tori, maybe she found you a little too "charming" and wanted a sight more' Eeyfel recognizes the man as Ulric

The mandrake shrieks in outrage 'UGH! I want to be adorable and cute! not perved over by trash vermin! I knew we should have gone with the red outfit . . .'

'No siree, you'd look terrible in red. I stand by that.' Ulric responds with certainty.

The squeaking voice seems read to argue then backs 'Humph! well I bet devouring this pest will make me feel better.'

Eeyfel can see movement in the towers and someone with a torch rushing across the rampart.
Help is coming
She just needs to hold out just a few more minutes.

Eeyfel needs to keep her enemies distracted some how.

Play up the scared little kobold angle, oooh you're just level two you don't give much XP, oh why did you ever go out alone today.

Show them your wounded arm where you were grabbed by undead that one time. Explain how they won’t want your blood because it is infected with rust and rot, drinking it will surely have adverse effects on them.

Alright Eeyfel, this is your one shot, you have to give this your all. If you fail, you're dead, the end. Or worse, you're dead, but you have to keep going as a vampire's thrall.

Begging for your life won't get you far, and you don't have any fight left in you to actually keep them away, so you're going to have to try and Bargain with them. The only thing that'll stop them from killing you is if they have something to gain from it, so you need to convince them that that something exists right now.

Now if you just start talking BS, then you're going to get identified as a liar and immediately killed, so try to find something with at least a hint of TRUTH you can bring up. And try not to seem as terrified as you actually are, fear will make you seem insincere.

"I've been forced to help ungrateful important people all day. I know what they're doing, where they are, and where they're going to be. Spare me, and I'll tell you whatever you need to know. I even know what happened at the prison."

Eeyfel probably doesn't know exactly what happened at the prison beyond "They're escaping", but if these guys had ANY involvement then showing we know that may validate that we are in the know. And if they don't know, then it may get their interest.

If that doesn't do it, throw out as many other hot tidbits as you can think of, and try to make one stick. If you don't say the right words, you're going to die, so try to get as many out as you can before you meet your end. Hopefully the right ones are among them, and you manage to live another day.

Maybe give them a slow sexy strip show as a distraction?

Slowly crawl away towards the light. Make sure to both inform them that their doom is coming and they should leave while also losing a few lose articles of clothing. Everyone knows that a damsel in distress gets farther when they strip down a little.

Eeyfel 2022/03/17(Thu)18:20 No. 1026519 ID: 9b127b
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'Ahhh ah! you don't want to eat me!' Eeyfel cries as she tries to crawl away 'my blood is tainted, I was attacked I-' She feels a heavy boot press against her back pinning the small kobold to the ground. Ulric could crush her with his weight alone, but merely applies enough pressure to prevent further movement.

The click clack of the smaller clay boots continues until the Mandrake comes into view 'I know about your curse. I feel it in the air, why do you think I revealed myself? Eeyfel has no idea how to answer that.

*Snrk*the large wolf is heard suppressing a laugh from above her. 'you did a lot more revealing then I suggested'

'Shut up Ulric! you know what I meant.' The vampiric plant snaps back 'Anyways I was going to help you tiny rodent. Help you find your place as a creature of darkness.' the Mandrake removes a hand from one of her clay gloves.

Eeyfel gasps anything that might buy her a precious few more moments'I can help you . . . I know things, the prison escape, everyone's plans I can-'

the predator however has no patience for the mewling of prey.'-But then you had to ruin my night. so instead I think I'm just gonna suck you dry.'

The mandrake hand latches on to Eeyfel's exposed arm
'oh and by all means keep pleading. it's real funny that you think I care about anything happening in this shit hole! sadistic glee spreads across the parasite's face as she drains the acolyte's vital essence.

scream for help. hopefully someone will save you

You know how to do this with magic, don't you? You can turn it against her.

Panic, and accidentally cast the first spell that comes to mind.

You bought some time, but not a lot. She's latched on, it's too late to buy any more. So instead, you should speed up the time between now and help arriving. Being direct would be the best way to go.

Scream for help, and don't hesitate to shout the names of your assailants as a big Fuck You to them if you don't end up making it. They might cover your mouth before you get the chance if they care about that though.

If you have any energy left you can use to move your body, point towards where you saw the moving torch. The only thing that might make Torique let you go is if she thinks reinforcements are coming. Or maybe she'll relish the chance to convert or eat more guards. It at least gives you a chance if they don't think you're worth it.

Sorry, but you don't have many cards left to play, so you better not hesitate to lay them all out if they'll give you even a fraction of a chance to survive this encounter. Try to hold out as long as possible, and don't give in. If you can stay alive for a second longer, that could be the very second help arrives, and Torique lets you go. And if it isn't...

Well, that's one second less she has to accomplish whatever her goals are here that you're taking from her. Don't go down easy, fight her drain 'til your very last breath.

Which hopefully won't be right here right now, because that would be very sad and would make me feel deep sadness.

panic ask why her vagina on her hand. Buy yourself some time by confusing her and maybe getting her partner to laugh at her some more distracting her further.

Make it weird. Imply sex things.

Cast sap health on Ulric and kick vegetable right in the clam! Try to use the element of surprise to scramble away or buy some more time.

Being killed or becoming a thrall to a carrot is the worst out of the 2 to be done in by, maybe try and buy SOME time by pleading to Ulric that you will be his thrall if he half kills you into being a vampire, with him hopefully intervening Torique feeding on you to stop you from dying for now and try and do some weird Twilight vampire romance talk to kill some time before he rips out flesh from your neck and hope backup does arrive before that happens.

Eeyfel 2022/04/07(Thu)00:19 No. 1028456 ID: 9b127b
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Eeyfel tries to scream but her voice feels weak, her whole body feels exhausted, She hears the Mandrake giggle with sadistic glee as her blood is drained from her.

The kobold is just about to drift off into oblivion when a pained cry startles her awake, she then hears a thud as Ulric heavily topples onto the ground.

The mandrake releases her and departs with a clatter of steps.
'you idiot Dwyte! you shot the gardener, get the little one!' a new voice shouts in the distance.
Eeyfel hears arrows zip over head an end their flight in the bushes

two serpents tower over her prone form, she extends her arms still clutching the pilfered cloth.
a serpent seemingly not noticing comment'Niole I think the little vermin esscaped into thosse sshrubss, should we perssue?'
Eeyfel uses all that remains of her strength to let out a desperate whine.
the second serpent; Niole looks down his eyes grow wide and he grips the cloth I wouldn't Dwite look at thiss! the first serpent; Dwite looks down and gapes i-it'ss gotta be a prank right?

Eeyfel's world goes dark her weakness finally winning out as she hears 'I ssure hope sso, we aren't getting paid enough to fight an army of the undead!'

Chapter 4 End