Alex gives a quick grin towards the pseudodragon, not quite understanding why the little creature decided to tell them about his master's personal afflictions, but appreciating that the little guy was there to do the job. 

His mood shifts dramatically however when Paulis pulls out the brains. Alex didn't consider himself a squeamish individual... but well, this sight makes him feel like one. Who put these brains into these jars? And then... Alex never liked it when people say that there is something God will not forgive. Unless God said that, then who are mortals to say otherwise. Sin is sin, and if someone wants to repent, truly understands the gravity of what they have done and deeply hate it, then who are mortals to deny them the chance of redemption? Isn't this torture just as horrific as killing? Isn't eternal punishment something that God is in charge of conducting? Does that mean that Alex would be willing to forgive a murderer? Probably not. But things like this just don't sit well with him. 

"Janus told us what you are planning," he says tentatively. Even if they don't agree on everything, he doesn't want to get into a fight. "Leaving the majority of the population behind isn't any better than killing them all. At least, that's my opinion. Janus at least has a plan that could result in an immediate ceasefire. Sure, if that doesn't happen then he's set his sights on committing the unthinkable and then removing his soul from existence as punishment, but still. I don't understand why we can't try both. I don't think that myself and these people with me are the only people in the world capable of working with you and or Janus." He sighs, "I'm sorry, I just can't get behind leaving so many people to die if it is in our power to stop it. There has to be another way. That's why we wanted to talk to you though, before just jumping on Janus's wagon. I don't like either plan, but I know that nothing can be achieved without sacrifices."

Suddenly he pauses, eyes going distant as he remembers the dream they all shared... 'save the world or save your friends' could that have anything to do with this? He grits his teeth. "Sacrificing people is no different than murder." 

He looks to his companions, anger showing in his eyes... which, though it's usually rare, has been happening a lot more recently than ever before. "What do the rest of you think? If somehow our team really is the only hope for the world, then I guess the fate of Lancea rests on our shoulders." After seeing Paulis's perspective, Alex is doubting whether or not he even wants the tortle's advice. Janus overreacted at things, but at least he didn't sound self righteous. Paulis on the other hand is literally torturing souls because he thinks he has the right to do so. 

This whole concept is borderline insane, and it leaves one wondering... should the 'Lancean way' really be spread across the worlds? Peace is not achieved by fear, and freedom is not free.

Still panting after her initial overreaction, Maya doesn't even notice the rest of the group minus her son head inside at least until the latter alerts her. Panicking, she attempts to catch up, only to trip yet again and almost fall on her face at the entrance... if it wasn't for Renar holding her at the last minute, if not, in a rather embarrassing way with his arms around her slender waist. "Um... Arigato (ありがと)..." Maya blushes as she rightens herself and quickly scampers to where everyone is. 

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 

He hobbles towards a tall, wooden cabinet and opens it. Inside are rows upon rows of brains preserved in a jar, ten for each row and seventy in total. Each one of them has a name and a date labelled on it.

"What you see here are the brains of murderers. They're all functional and conscious, they can still think and remember, but they cannot see, hear, or feel, they will be stuck in this state for eternity. Even the destruction of Muphrid will not be able to free them from their misery."

At the horrific sight of Paulis unveiling the preserved brains, Maya had to cover her mouth and turn her pretty face away from the rest as she tries not to vomit unexpectedly. She had never seen an actual preserved brain before, let alone know how the humans in Japan are able to even do it; Being from an ancient period where even simple modern technology had not been invented yet, the kitsune would obviously think something like this entire preservation thingy seems alien. After stifling for a few minutes though, she goes back into her emotionless expression. That is until she hears...

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 

Paulis grabs one of the jars and sets it on the table, "Once you have taken a life, you have lost everything—your honour, your dignity, your civilisation. It is the ultimate sin, one where even God will not forgive you for it, and neither will everyone else around you. It doesn't matter if you've killed one person, or hundreds, or millions, all murderers must be paid for their crimes, they must suffer, again and again, and even if their physical form no longer exists, their mind and spirit must continue to suffer." It's hard to read his expression, but from the tone of his voice, he's angry.

 

Suddenly she finds herself going into another existential crisis just because of what the amulet translated for her. Despite the fact that the tortle's idea of long-term peace is exactly what Maya is indeed aiming to uphold in both the Sword Coast and Japan, she was immediately put off by the statement after that. The only kills she had ever committed were over her daughter; Once with her first husband when she found he was trying to assassinate her and her newborn child for her race, and several more because they responsible for the death of her first child anyways. Her large chest suddenly becomes engulfed in mentalo pain as she clutches it. She had reasons for killing, yet none of them are because she wanted to do so for her own interest. She killed because she had no other choice. And because of this the kitsune mother and queen is already being branded as someone who needs to suffer?! Ever though she never killed at her own will?! What kind of reasoning is this?! No kitsune mother and their children would ever dare to grow up only to hear this.

Maya takes a moment to bare her teeth for a short moment as small tears trickle from her shut eyelids. Īe! Kore wa shinjitsude wa arimasen! Watashi ga ubawanakereba naranakatta inochi ni tsuite watashi o semeru nante, dōshite anata ni shinkeishitsu ni naru nodesu ka? Jibun o sukuu tame ni hito o korosanakereba naranakattanode, watashi ga kurushimudarou to kangaeru shinkei wa nanidesu ka? ! Musume o sukuu tame ni? ! Musuko o sukuu tame? ! Subete no satsujin-sha wa sono tsumi o tsugunawanakereba naranai no ka? ! Watashi to watashi no kodomo-tachi o tāgetto ni shita hito-tachi ni sore o tsutaete kudasai! (いいえ！これは真実ではありません!私が奪わなければならなかった命について私を責めるなんて、どうしてあなたに神経質になるのですか？自分を救うために人を殺さなければならなかったので、私が苦しむだろうと考える神経は何ですか?!娘を救うために?!息子を救うため？！すべての殺人者はその罪を償わなければならないのか?!私と私の子供たちをターゲットにした人たちにそれを伝えてください, No! This isn't true! What gives you the nerve to be accusing me for the lives I had to take?! What gives you the nerve to think I will suffer because I had to kill to save myself?! To save my daughter?! To save my son?! All murderers must be paid for their crimes?! Tell that to the ones that targeted me and my children!) She breathes for a moment as her chest shudders. Tabun, moshi karera ga... Karera ga watashi o osowanakattara... Karera ga watashi no kitsune no gaiken o riyū ni watashi o kyōhaku shinakattara... Sono toki watashi wa osoraku ningen to chōwa shite ikiteitadeshou! Watashi to watashi no musuko o shōgai satsujin-sha to shite kokuhatsu suru to iu kangae o dare ga ataeta nodeshou ka? ! Tokuni tanonda koto naikara! (たぶん、もし彼らが...彼らが私を襲わなかったら...彼らが私のキツネの外見を理由に私を脅迫しなかったら...そのとき私はおそらく人間と調和して生きていたでしょう!私と私の息子を生涯殺人者として告発するという考えを誰が与えたのでしょうか?!特に頼んだことないから, Maybe if they... they haven't assaulted me... they haven't threatened me for my kitsune appearance, then... then maybe I would've lived in harmony with humans! Who give you the idea to accuse me and my son as lifelong murderers?! Because I especially never asked for it!) She screams in her head. She imagines herself roaring like an actual deranged fox demon at Paulis, shattering all of the glass bottles containing the brains and potentially blow up some mines outdoors too. Yet... on the outside, she just can't bring herself to rant especially in her forbidden Japanese. All she could do was stand there in silence and soak the dark truth about this so-called 'peaceful' world, her clawed palms becoming incredibly sweaty as her meek behaviour takes ahold of her. 

'Sekai o sukutte kudasai... Tomodachi o sukutte kudasai... (世界を救ってください...友達を救ってください Save the world... save your friends...)' Maya thinks. She has zero friends in this world. The only one that are deemed the closest to her friend are in the Sword Coast, her son included. If Paulis is talking about saving Lancea, she's better off letting this world be destroyed. If he's instead talking about both Sword Coast and Japan though, then that's a different story. Alex is right though as her amulet translates his stance; Sacrifice is indeed a kind of murder. It sounds vague, but for now the kitsune assumes that the turtle guy is in fact talking about saving Lancea. Iya…… kono sekai nante dō demo ī. Dare no soba ni tsuku ka wa ki ni shimasen. Watashi wa hitori no kodomo o ushinatta koto de sudeni torauma ni natte imasu. Ima, watashi wa musuko ni futatabi shiawase ni natte hoshī to omotte imasu... Tatoe kono sekai ga hōkai shita to shite mo, watashi wa jibun no sekai de jibun no tatakai ni kachi, watashi ga nozomu heiwa o sai kōchiku shitai to omotte imasu. (いや……この世界なんてどうでもいい。誰の側につくかは気にしません。私は一人の子供を失ったことですでにトラウマになっています。今、私は息子に再び幸せになってほしいと思っています...たとえこの世界が崩壊したとしても、私は自分の世界で自分の戦いに勝ち、私が望む平和を再構築したいと思っていますNo... I don't care about this world. I don't care who we side with. I'm already traumatized by the loss of one child. Now I just want my son to be happy again... I want to win my own war in my world and recreate the peace I wish to have, even if this one goes down.) She stands in her thoughts. On the outside, because she's hardly making any noise, no one can tell what she's thinking. 

Mira

"Thank goodness you came, Maya. You should've seen how reckless your guardian is when he and Liivi dashed through the minefield like it was nothing..." Mira exaggerates. Dusting her dress after teleporting herself and the frantic kitsune, she widens her eyes when Maya trips only for Renar to hold her in a rather awkward position. There's no doubt, if they're doing things, they must have super close relationship... only people who act like this do so because... Mira thinks as she hops behind the rest save for Renar. That also got her thinking... if that boy has been wearing a hoodie, what is his actual race? None of the others seemed to have mentioned to her what Maya or Renar's actual species are they? They are definitely not human, otherwise they would've died by now. So they have to be something else... ah whatever. Like she promised, when she has time, she'll delve deeper into this case later.

Whilst she was taken aback by the living cantaloupe and seeing Paulis for the first time ever in person, Mira doesn't overly react otherwise. At least, until when Paulis takes out the preserved brains however, Mira immediately follows Mays suit with the head turn and cuffing of her mouth as she too struggles to hold in her disgust. EW GROSS! IS THAT WHAT AN ACTUAL BRAIN LOOKS LIKE?! WHO THE HELL DOES SOMETHING CREEPY AND STORE THEM LIKE THAT?! WHAT THE HECK! She screams in her head. Because she was so used to cleanliness and luxury, this practice of preservation is definitely not something she can handle at first glance, let alone over a long term period. "Ok... Paulis... I... get that you hate killers... and all but... we need... to have... a serious... talk here. We didn't come to admire... your 'display'... of brains that... might attract... zombies." She gasps for air when she barely recovers, only to hear Alek point out that they met his former enemy previously and goes into a state of panic.

"Wait Alek?! I thought we agreed not to-?!" Mira gasps when she hears him point out what Janus told them when she hopes the group would not just so they end up triggering Paulis. Then again, Paulis did mention that they all went to see Janus anyways so... Ugh what had she gotten herself into?! Speaking of which, Paulis is asking the rest to choose a side... again?! Hadn't they already made the decision not to side with anyone as long she inherits the royal crown? Why throw them back into this scenario?! Ugh...

Also, when Paulis mentioned that murderers must suffer for all eternity, she felt as if that there was a lack of empathy for them in a way. Well, not that she could comprehend that yet but still... what if there are some people out there who never enjoyed killing but ended up doing so? What if there are people who had no choice other than to kill? How would that justify the decision to let them suffer permanently? Not every killer should have a naturally malicious heart as her mother would once teach her. Some might have reasons they couldn't avoid for doing so. But for now, seeing how impatient Paulis is, she quivers a little when all eyes are on her.

"Look... a... as the next Queen of Platone..." Ugh why am I saying this?! I'm not a queen myself! I don't deem myself one at all! She shudders. "I... I'm more than aware of... what you're intending to relay to us. And... sigh... look you're not making this easier from our viewpoint." She flashbacks to what Alex said; Sacrificing is no different. Whilst she grew up with hardly any friend in her childhood despite her noble status, there are things she heavily values such as her adoptive mother and her big siblings, even though she know they have to be next in line. Not her. She clears her throat. "I don't know if you want an answer from me and the rest of us now but... I stand with Alex on this. Doesn't matter if we lose people; We will one way or the other, but I'd hate to see Lancea crumble to ashes as much as you'd hate it too. I also can't bear the thought of migrating to another planet... I mean, that Exodus thing you're planning sounds absolutely extreme to me. If we do end up fighting otherworldly forces, we will need to lose people. But I can't stand the thought of losing this homeworld where I only just begun to emerge from my luxurious domain. As the queen, I wish to uphold my values and fight for the cause of this world, the cause of the people I need to look after, good or bad. Not just these six that saved me... from that... Adelaide." She turns  to Alex however... "But... if we do end up in a war like scenario, people will have to die anyway. So... we don't exactly have a choice, Alek. It's either we sacrifice a few million people... or we sacrifice the entire planet and its inhabitants."

However, she does take a moment to notice that Alek, Renar and Maya have all shown some signs of either fear or insanity; The latter condition matching the latter two. Also Renar's response sounded weird. Is he really agreeing with Paulis or is he trying to cover up something that he wanted to say? Did Paulis somehow anger them? Or is it just because they can't stand the sight of the preserved brains either? She's afraid to ask for now. Turning to Shugo and Liivi, she also wonders what's going on in their mind, or if they even have anything to say for themselves about this entire... scenario.

Renar

Shaken from earlier, I struggled to regain my senses for a few minutes even as Okaa-san heals me. In fact the only that brought me to my senses was the latter screaming when she trip over a random rock. Instinctively, I sprang up from my feet and catch her in my arms. "Sigh Okaa-san. When will you ever become more careful?" I sigh, though my hands almost pressed against something... and widen my eyes. Uh never mind. "S-sumi masen (すみません)..." I Immediately let go of her and watch her take off with an embarrassed blush. Seriously, what was I thinking?! Either way, I couldn't just stand there and watch her trip clumsily for someone who think she's still able to make sure I'm ok... I mean... I don't mind but when you're surrounded by idiots who you cannot trust, let alone adult ones then... Sigh whatever. I may as well head inside last.

Inside, I paid no attention to Paulis' weird companions. Not that I have any interest in trying to find out what their species are, my eyes scan the entire building from the inside. I don't know what to make up from viewing the interior, but it looks akin to ones that I've seen on the TV shows that Rixi and Ethan have showed me in Japan. Other than that there wasn't much for my to pay attention to. Except that... when Paulis pulls out... the jars... I recoiled a little with my hand on my katana when that ancient Tortoise guy pulls out jar containing... brains?! No... uh... ok... Judging from the ladies' gagging reactions it seems that they've not seen what an ordinary brain looks like at all. In way, I'm kind of thankful that I've been exposed to modern technology and how humans actually preserve things like this, but still, that doesn't make it all the more unnerving to see. But... collecting the brains of 'murderers' he calls them... where did he even get those victims in the first place?! And do I even want to know how?! Ugh... Just when I thought this guy wa more sensible than that stupid Janus, the first I see is that. And the first thing I also hear from him is... wait... What did he just say?!

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 

"What you see here are the brains of murderers. They're all functional and conscious, they can still think and remember, but they cannot see, hear, or feel, they will be stuck in this state for eternity. Even the destruction of Muphrid will not be able to free them from their misery."

Paulis grabs one of the jars and sets it on the table, "Once you have taken a life, you have lost everything—your honour, your dignity, your civilisation. It is the ultimate sin, one where even God will not forgive you for it, and neither will everyone else around you. It doesn't matter if you've killed one person, or hundreds, or millions, all murderers must be paid for their crimes, they must suffer, again and again, and even if their physical form no longer exists, their mind and spirit must continue to suffer." It's hard to read his expression, but from the tone of his voice, he's angry.

My eyes expand in horror and anger, such that I could almost feel them popping out of my sockets. Underneath my disguise, my tail immediately points upright and stiffens in response. How dares he say that to me and Okaa-san, who have only killed because we had no choice! But, despite this, I took a moment to clear my throat and refresh my expression into a more uninterested one, even though my brain says otherwise...

"I agree. Murderers, they... if all they do is kill for their own satisfaction, for their own amusement, then... then what's the point of giving them mercy and respect in return if they just continue to do it, rather than to adopt this world's option of 'peace'?" I tell Paulis, just to get on his good side. Hopefully he takes my word for it because despite everything he says, I don't want to upset him or his guardians. The inside of me though, was a different story as my stomach gapens and shrinks, like I'm feeling constipated all of a sudden...

No... What... What do you mean, once I've taken a life, I must be paid for my crimes?! Are you insane?! What do you mean I have to suffer?! What just because I needed to kill other because they had been the ones disrupting peace with me and the shifters?! Just because was forced to kill others that have hunting my kind for centuries that makes me one of them?! What kind of reasoning is this?!  I couldn't help but scream in my thoughts. This guy isn't making sense either! And judging by Okaa-san's lack of response, I assume she has nothing to say as much as I do. Either that or she is also going through an existential crisis. Listen, you scumbag! I only killed because... because those humans... they tried to kill me first! They... Can you imagine how it feels to be targeted for nearly 300 years without peace? Please don't say no because surely your age would be around mine if not older! I kept ranting on, though outside I maintained a rather calm expression to let Paulis know I do understand him in a way.  I flinched when Alex mentioned Janus, his arch enemy and everything he said to us; The last thing we needed to explain to him if we don't want to anger him even more as I elbowed him.

Save the world, save my friends... If he's talking about Lancea, I've got zero interests to save this 'peaceful' world. Let it die for all I care, because I believe the Sword Coast inhabitant would be able to hold off most threats on their own if the time comes. Though I am sceptical of Golarion... Shifting myself to an uncomfortable position, I try to relax as much as I can as I take another deep breath so I don't accidentally spew out all of my anger... "What my teammates think, I will go with them. I don't have anything else to say. As long as I'm not forced to choose a side like those stupid armies I'm good." I tell Paulis without uttering a trace of hesitation in my voice. Inside though, neither option is good, and I know sacrifices will need to be made; I hope it's not involving the ones that I know, as in, the ones that I trust the most.

Right now, I don't consider anyone here as a friend. Other than Okaa-san, I can't even find the capacity to try and befriend them due to my deep distrust in others. Unless if I can somehow connect with someone, I honestly don't care if those people perish. If I had to choose, I really don't want this world to live. I'd rather go back to the Sword Coast alive and well... maybe take some of them with me too if they're willing. Though that means they'll have to fight in our war against Tiamat... during the climax.

Shugo grins as Alex lifts him off the ground and safely flies him across the minefield, it must be nice to have wings. Flying certainly beats walking. He does cringe visibly when Mira and Renar are nearly blown up. For being a so-called pacifist, Paulis seems pretty ruthless. When Alex drops him off, he turns his pack back around to re-position the egg on his back.

When Paulis finally sees them in only to show them his way of eternal torturing these so-called murderer brain's in jar's, his earlier thought is even more solidified. Paulis is ruthless, and clearly has twisted morals. This entire journey has made Shugo actually think about everything he'd been taught as a child, something he had avoided for a very long time. Thinking to hard about things tends to make them more complicated. The smile that had returned to his face before vanishes once again as Paulis speaks. Those thought's he'd had about the Lancian way push their way back to the surface once again as the tortle and Alex speaks about thier ideals. It takes a moment for the elf to react. Killing is wrong, there's no arguing with that, but there must be a difference between self defense and murder. In fact at some point when he was bored he'd stumbled across a dictionary, out of curiosity he'd skimmed through it a bit. The actual definition of murder is, the unlawful premeditated killing of another person. In other words, there must be malicious intent behind it. With this definition in mind, killing in war or self defense is not murder. However, there's also such a thing as aiding a murder. Standing by, telling no one or doing nothing to help, when you know a murder is about to take place is just as wrong as killing someone with your own hand. His hand twitches, to fight and kill others, or run and let the majority die. Despite what he's been taught there's one thing he knows. If his sister were threatened by a murderer, and he could save her life by killing that person, he would. No questions asked. Even if it meant eternal suffering for himself. He looks around at his new companions, he'd do the same for them.

"Alex is right. Leaving so many people to die, when one may have the ability to save them is no different then killing them yourself." He agrees with Alex's view of God's judgement as well, but he doesn't feel like he can speak of that freely. He'd never been very active with any churches, so he wouldn't want to say something wrong...though at this point those churches could be teaching corrupt religion and no one living would know the difference.

"To be honest, either way sounds condemning to me. Run and become the equivalent of a mass murderer, or fight and potentially kill many others. Neither are appealing to me. However, I'd rather condemn myself for the sake of the many by fighting for them, then to live knowing I left thousands to suffer and die. Whatever happens, once I pass on I'll leave it up to God to judge me. I've never cared about what people thought of me, so I judge me however you will, God's the only one who's opinion matters when it comes to your soul anyway. If he won't forgive my sins, then I'll let him tell me that himself."

He lets out a heavy breath.

"I too don't understand why we of all people have to choose these things. There's no reason you can't continue your plan without us, though I've already seen several flaws within it. First off, where will this portal even be taking us? You could easily leave this world and the majority of the population to burn only to toss the rest of them into another hostile planet. Not to mention what would bringing so many people to another world, and thus raising that world's population significantly do to that world's ecosystem and economy? Have you spoken with this other planet? Or do you expect them to simply welcome an invasion of immigrants into their world? On top of that how will you be choosing people to bring with you? Once word gets out that only a select few can escape, mass panic will erupt. Do you know what could happen if the world is thrown into chaos?" He shakes his head, "We did come here to hear your opinion, but we also came to give you a warning. Though from what I've heard you already know Adalaide is after you, which is good. Though we came to warn you that she plans to attack you soon."

As he speaks her name he once again becomes aware of the item in his pocket. Once he gets a moment alone, he'll be able to get his answer. However, right now the thought of her just makes him angry. Seeing those brains...Paulis doesn't seem all that much different than Adalaide and her associates. Manufacturing viruses for a so-called bloodless way to take over nations, keeping people alive to suffer for eternity, both of those things seem way less forgivable then simply ending a life. At least the victims can find peace in death, if they're hearts and souls have repented at least. For those true murderers, they'll face the wrath of God, which would certainly be more painful than any mortal method of torture...

He looks to his companions, though Paulis and his apprentice would still be able to hear him, "Well it seems we've at least made the decision not to just run, so I doubt we'll get any more out of Paulis. Even if we don't go along with Janus I doubt he'll tell us anything. If he's so stubborn he won't even talk to an old friend, he's not going to budge on this unless we say we'll adopt every one of his ideals...no matter how ridiculous." He glances at the tortle and dragonborn as he says this, he probably should have kept his mouth shut, but his brain is so overloaded that it just slipped out. Hooking his thumbs through his belt, he looks back to Paulis, "I think I can speak of the group in assuring you that we won't stop your plan. Unlike Janus you seem to believe you can pull this off without our help otherwise you wouldn't bother keeping it a secret. Though I hope you think about what I said about your plan. Right now I see no reason to get in your way. Especially if this portal can get those who are unwilling or unable to fight to safety while the invasion happens. However, if it comes to our attention that your plan will cause more harm then good to Lancea or the planet you tend to invade, we may have to step in."

He turns preparing to head back out, "Well I'm done here. We've warned Paulis about Cezars and Adalaide, so I think we've done our part." He pauses just past the others speaking to Paulis, his voice is bitter. A strange tone coming from Shugo, "It would be nice if you'd deactivate the minefield so we can safely see ourselves out. After all, I'd hate for any of us to die exiting your property, cause if we did, based on your ideals you'd be no better than those brains you're torturing."

Liivi was inscrutable on the outside when Paulis opened the cabinet to show off the brains.  'How in the world does he have there?' she wonders. 'They are functional? What does that mean? And they are conscious, think, and remember?' Many of the others seems equally appalled by this. 'How is this better than murder?' 

She holds her tongue while the others speak. Or don't speak, as is mostly the case with Maya. Though she can't help note that Renar speaks in that same strange language that so upset Janus. Mira's statement about 'when she is queen' brings a slight smile to her face.  Perhaps it is worrying that she hesitates a bit as she says it.  Though on the other hand, perhaps that's a good sign that she will be a strong, introspective leader.  Shugo finally finishes with what seems a clear rejection of Paulis' plan.  Other seem to be leaning that way as well.  Thus, she decides to being with an idea where she agrees with Paulis. "I have to agree that if we declare war on these other civilizations invading, then we have lost the pacifism that everyone seems so keen on imposing on others. I can't say I'm fond of the plan." 

She then continues, focusing on Paulis. "As for you, I am struggling to understand the very minefield you have outside your tower. If someone is killed, are you not a murderer by your standards? You in fact granted us leave to come visit us, but still attacked us by keeping the mines activated!  You may claim that it was not you directly committing the act.  But you clearly caused it to happen."  She pauses, "And others have already pointed to those abominable brains you've collected.  How is that any better than murder?" 

"I realize these things do not really influence whether or plan is a good one or not. But they truly make me question you Paulis. And if we have to trust you on details, I'm not sure it helps the case."  Liivi again pauses a moment. "I know you wish to divulge nothing until we've already agreed to help. But I have a few questions that I'd like to know in order to answer.  So I hope you consider providing us answers.  First, will your plan save everyone on Lancea? Most everyone? Is there a chance of saving everyone?"   She then continues on to her other question. "Second, wherever Lanceans would be going, how can you be sure there will be no group there opposing us?  Ready to attack us? Leadings us to either die or take up arms?"  

The tabaxi grows quiet. She seems to be still contemplating the choice before them.  She sees how Shugo has already basically prepared to leave. But she wants to hear what Paulis might say.  To her companions she offers, "My order seeks to follow our ancestors. And even are known to consult the spirits of our ancestors to truly guide is to heed the lessons of the past.  We know that there was a time when our forebears, with just cause, had to fight. We all agree that murder is to be avoided. Be if there is truly such a calamity coming, it may be time that we make the truly difficult decisions. Informed by our ancestors' ways."  

Quote from Rynn_Elocin >>

 

"I too don't understand why we of all people have to choose these things. There's no reason you can't continue your plan without us, though I've already seen several flaws within it. First off, where will this portal even be taking us? You could easily leave this world and the majority of the population to burn only to toss the rest of them into another hostile planet. Not to mention what would bringing so many people to another world, and thus raising that world's population significantly do to that world's ecosystem and economy? Have you spoken with this other planet? Or do you expect them to simply welcome an invasion of immigrants into their world? On top of that how will you be choosing people to bring with you? Once word gets out that only a select few can escape, mass panic will erupt. Do you know what could happen if the world is thrown into chaos?" He shakes his head, "We did come here to hear your opinion, but we also came to give you a warning. Though from what I've heard you already know Adalaide is after you, which is good. Though we came to warn you that she plans to attack you soon."

 

Paulis walks to the desk in the corner of the room, reaches into the cabinet, and pulls out a glossy stone tablet with a dull, black edge. On it is a drawn star chart, with the word Propriété de l'Empire français—4114 AD written on top. There are a bunch of jargon and sentences in a human language you can read but don't understand—it seems that this language also uses Latin scripts like Lancean and Alharisian... strange.

Amidst the text, you do make out a bunch of colourful dots—it resembles the Leo constellation, and one of the stars is circled red.

"There is a perfect candidate for our new home, it's Basiliscus, located in Regulus, a quadruple star system in the Leo constellation. Humans have been there aeons ago, and they didn't report seeing any signs of civilisation there." He taps on the tablet, and it zooms out slightly, "You will need to find more information about Basiliscus in human ruins, but for now, I'm certain that this planet will be liveable. We don't plan on living there forever anyway, if anyone tries to invade us in the future, we will need to move again, and we need to keep moving until we can find a place where we can be alone permanently." If Paulis' plan works, Lanceans will become a nomadic dimensional-travelling civilisation.

"The portal I can conjure is not stable enough to transport every person, which means there will be a lot of sacrifice." He looks down, "I will bring at least two of each animal to populate Basiliscus, for civilised beings, every current leader will come with me, and then I'll randomly pick the rest. Bring the artefact with us too, if it's in the enemy's hands, every one of us will die." If he wants to sacrifice 80% of the population, that means one in every four people is guaranteed to be on Paulis' list. If you really go with this plan, then only one of you will survive by the end.

"I will need to make sure that the 80% cannot fight back or defend themselves, because like I've told you before, killing in self-defence is still murder. If you fight back against our invaders in any way, that is murder. Those 80% will have to die for the betterment of our civilisation, and the only other option is to condemn ourselves by starting a war. I will choose the former over the latter on any day." 80% of Lancea is 5.6 billion, which still outnumbers the population of Toril and Golarion combined, but if those 5.6 billion can't do anything to fight back, then they're pretty much dead.

"You might think that you're not my enemy... but your action says otherwise." Paulis snaps his finger, and a wooden staff appears in his hand. "You have sided with that demon, you have sided with war, with a murderer. But I can see that some of you are still being indecisive about it." 

Karina and Canopus stare at Paulis and nod, it seems like they know things are about to get real.

Paulis extends his scaly hands to you, "Join me... or become the 80%"

There is one thing that's certain, though—Paulis wouldn't want to fight with you directly. He has diabetes, which means his wound will heal slower or won't heal at all, even a small graze could result in an infection or death—healing magic won't do anything either, since it accelerates the body's natural regeneration. He'll probably use his apprentice and his familiar to finish the job for him, should you decide to not join him.

Him having diabetes is also both a curse and a gift at the same time. You can't even knock him unconscious because he is guaranteed to die if the wound is too large—and if he dies that way, you are in trouble.

On the other hand, you can stall him for long enough until he gets a heart attack or dies naturally; you can defeat him without laying a finger. If he falls down stairs, he dies, if he trips on a rock and hits his face on the pavement, he dies. He's both very fragile and invincible at the same time.

"You're not even going to give us time to think about this?" Alex asks... more a statement than a question. He really doesn't want to fight this guy. Its strange. This whole time, ever since they met the People's Army, they've been trying to find a way to talk to Paulis. He'd thought that this tortle would have all the answers. That he was a trustworthy neutral party. Now he just sees a stubborn, self righteous hypocrite. 

"We came here to hear your side, not announce whose side we are on. I still don't know what you need us for, so maybe you don't need us at all. In which case, why does it matter so much to you if we decide to work with you? What are you going to do to us? I for one don't want to fight you, but if we do get into a fight and you win, then what?" Part of him wonders if Paulis will just decide to punish them for crimes he thinks they'll commit in the future. 

Sighing, he sits down, doing his best to make it clear that he has no intention of actually getting into a fight with this old guy. He doesn't want to accidentally become a 'murderer' plus they just spent all this time trying to get here partially to warn him about someone trying to kill him. 

"Let's talk about this more," he says, both to Paulis and Shugo from where he's sat down crosslegged on the floor. If someone attacks him, he'll be vulnerable but... well he's taking a leap of faith here. "So you say this planet is uninhabited... why is it uninhabited? You say it's habitable but... are there any plants on it? Or is it just a hunk of rock with a semi-hospitable atmosphere? If it is, then how long is it going to take to get it to where Lancea is now? How many people can it actually support? Will it even be able to support the amount of people you are planning to take?" He shakes his head, "But I guess you said we'll have to search the ruins for more information... so we really don't know anything about this planet aside from hopeful guesses."

"Still, even if it can support the twenty percent you'd be taking... you say the people selected will be random aside from the 'leaders'. What makes you think they should get a free pass? What if Adelaide is still ruling? Does that mean you'll bring a monster like her to the new world? What about the other leaders? How many of them do you actually think deserve to be set above the common folk? I get that people need leadership, but part of being a leader is also being a servant. They should be just as willing to lay down their lives as everyone else. Also...Does that include you too?" He's assuming that Paulis will come just to make sure they can actually keep making these portals whenever they need to move. "What about my friends and I? Are we going to fall into that random number?" He's not asking out of selfishness, he's asking because he wants to see what sort of person Paulis really is. Was he just going to expect them to go along with that? Knowing that his place in the new world is ensured while theirs is not? "Look, I don't have any qualms against sacrificing myself for the greater good, but don't you think that's something we should know about? What if some of us here aren't ready to die? What about those who have loved ones? What if only one person in an entire family is chosen? What will you do if people decide to stay behind rather than abandon their families?" He thinks about his parents and childhood friends who aren't present, and then his expression takes a darker tone, "You also said that you have to make sure whoever is abandoned can't fight. Doesn't that sound cruel? That's like ditching a canary in a mine, then sealing the exit so that it wanders around until it dies. You might not think of it as murder, but it really kinda is. Especially with the definition that Lancean culture has placed on the word." 

He leans back, trying to be logical even though he feels like he's just adding fuel to the fire, "And let's think about this whole becoming a nomadic people deal. ... who's to say there will be another uninhabited planet the next time Lancea needs to move? Even if there is, will you sacrifice 80% each time? That would ruin us! Do you really think that there is a place where Lancea can really and truly be alone? I mean... I kinda feel like we'd be better off searching the universe for another planet of pacifists." 

"Look... Like I said before. I'm not a fan of Janus's plan either... it just seems like you two both have your minds set on these being the only options. Maybe they are. Maybe I'm just a naive fool who always looks for the perfect solution even when one doesn't exist. I just... well, why would we have even come here to talk to you if we were just going to side with Janus anyways?" 

He crosses his arms, leaning forward again, "Still, that doesn't mean we appreciate being threatened. You say join you or become the 80%. So are you threatening to kill us? I won't fight you. I don't intend to get any blood on my hands. Honestly, I'm starting to think I should just go to the capitol and talk to the Church leaders about all this. I really don't think that you and Janus should be trying to decide the fate of the world. You are one person, and he is one person. Both with immense knowledge, but that doesn't mean you should get to choose the fate of the entire world. Does anyone else know about this threat? Is anyone else making plans to deal with it? Or are you intent on crippling the remaining 80%? Ensuring their demise if any other planet decides to fight them?"

He frowns, "Why are we even assuming that these other planets are going to attack us? I get that they are awful apparently... though I doubt everyone on both planets has the same views. There are good people there just like there are bad people here. But anyways, has anyone thought about trying to talk to them? What if this whole thing could be avoided by just coming to some sort of agreement. Even if we have to put on a charade about sun bombs or a portal. Do they know about our no killing laws?" If this whole ideal of no killing is kept in place by fear, then why can't they use the same tactic against their enemies? They don't need to know that Lanceans don't kill anyone. They don't need to know that the sun bombs would never be used against them. They just need to know that the Lanceans significantly outnumber them in population size, and that they have the ability to wipe them out if they wanted to. Alex doesn't like that concept, he'd rather just talk their way into peace, but still. If that meant not having a war, and also not sacrificing 80% of the humans and animals on the planet then it sounds like the best option. Which... likely means going with Janus's plan. But he's not going to say that out loud. 

Renar

I couldn't care less when Paulis drew the Leo constellation to try and reconsider our decision, but I did grit when he openly marks it red as if he thinks it's a big deal; How dare he disrespects Yurime-san's horoscope! And... now he's trying to coerce us into joining his side straight away?! What the heck is wrong with this guy?! Instinctively, my first action was to retaliate, but I had to control myself and keep an grip on my katana sheath... "Stand down!" I yell out, though I have zero intentions of retaliating. "What gives you the right to coerce us simple travellers by force, huh?! First you wanted to 'test' us instead of politely letting us pass and warning you of the threat that we, as a team, need to work together to help eliminate?! Why can't you just at least consider our ways to help save Lancea?! Save the things and the people you treasure, huh?" I then hear Alex rant on in his own way; The tone of his voice sounds almost condescending but otherwise, there was nothing I could fault on my end, but maybe others might have a different thought. "As he said, we're not on anyone's side, nor we can justify right now on who's word to believe this instant!" I take a moment to breathe; I felt my anger electrocuting my ears and my tail with each breath and I had to hold this in and act like the 'pacifists' this planet is. And besides, if this world gets destroyed, I can always just return to the Sword Coast with Okaa-san. I don't need you to transport me to some place I don't want to know, let alone understand after failing to read that language.

"Listen, old pal... We may not realise why you've been so paranoid and so holed up these days in your so called comfort zone, but this is all about gathering intel to help others. This is how we plan and act accordingly instead of just trying to make out last minute without a clear path of where we might be headed. In fact..." I grit my teeth as I say this. "Don't always expect people to take your side. And on the course of being isolated, you've been so distrustful to even hear our judgement. Testing us was already demoralizing enough, but  What's wrong with any of us using our heads, trying to weigh in the options, thinking carefully of how we might chart the course and not allow a major disaster... and..." I suddenly felt the urge to shut up or risk triggering an unnecessary combat with him and his goons. Ok fine... Paulis says we need to go to another stupid place? I'll take note of right now as I furiously scribble on my notes and accidentally tear the sheet off even though I didn't mean to.

"You think... we might not be your enemy... but our actions say otherwise." I repeat his words, letting go of my sheath just this instant. I suddenly have a flashback where I was surrounded by a squad of humans out to get me in the Neverwinter Jungle; Their words were exactly the same thing I had to relieve. And it wasn't a good one. "Those were the last words we all needed to hear... I needed to hear! Isn't that what I have to deal with from the day I was born? Isn't that... what I had to deal with, ever since I couldn't find my mother? When people picked on me just because I was different? How are we the same to you? What are we to you?! To the ones who are currently guarding you?!" I'm already thinking about it even though I initially couldn't be bothered to do so. Whilst sacrificing 80% of the population is a definite no-no even by my standards, having 80% of the population defenseless isn't the way to go either. Again I'm leaning towards having that 80% defend against themselves before the crisis should even occur; Because the world I care about is the Sword Coast (And Japan, sorry), I don't see why I'd have no reason to abandon. But I'd feel guilty to see this world die just because they're defenseless. I mean, even if it's to unite the planet together, is killing really such a big deal up until now? Even when one does not mean it? Because even a peaceful world cannot always uphold its motives. Sometime like now, there will always be one person to disrupt the way of living; The only way for a planet to stabilize is to have a balance of peace and conflict. They cancel out like Fire and Ice. There can never be full peace, and vice-versa.

And wait... the bunny girl... she's part of what? And there's she goes again with Loveless; All that awaits us is a somber morrow, no matter where the winds may blow. It's already making my ears curl in a rather annoyed way...

 Mira

At first, Mira was in awe when Paulis suddenly creates a constellation of Leo. That's a horoscope she's familiar with too! But then her mood shifts when Paulis threatens to the group to 'be that 80%' out of the blue. That was too sudden to be coerced by. First Janus, now Paulis? Seriously their ideas are intriguing but, what's a noble bunny and a bunch of misfit royals are to do with this?! She grits her teeth in fury, especially when even Alex, Shugo and Renar seem to have caught on board with this conundrum. "No... Paulis..." She steadies herself as small tears fall from her eyes. "Why? Why are you saying that in front of their faces? And in front of mine too? With your talk we... It doesn't matter who we side with. Either way we'll already be a part of that 80% no matter what path we'd take. So why..." She doesn't even want to know what this Basilicus place is. What if he's just leading the population into another trap?

"As Renar said, you can't always expect people to agree to your opinions. The way you've been rambling on for so long now... I'll admit, it's already deterring us more than you're convincing us." She steadies herself for a moment. "I mean I'm already pissed off that you wanted to test us instead of politely deactivating the mines and now this?! I expecting maybe just a little bit of your bright side as a reward for our courage yet all I hear from you is your endless stream of negativity! If there's anything that's consuming me more than your fears of this world being destroyed... it's nothing but negativity. What if my mother was to meet you right now only to hear you go on and... and tell this entire overload?! What if you shut down her dreams to meet with you before she can no longer do so?! I'd be just as disheartened as she would be, considering that I've never found the opportunity to help her meet you like I currently am right now!" However, she kind of gets the sense that Paulis might not be taking her words too well. So she takes a moment to fall back and place her paws on her chest. Sadly, when Paulis mentions something about heading to the ruins where the artefact lays, she misses all of the details.

However, the bunny queen does take note of Alex and Renar's anguish; Maya seems to be squirming too but other than that . And then she wonders how Liivi and Shugo are able to keep a straight face after all of this pep talk. "Shugo, please. you're only adding fuel to the fire." She calls out and latches onto his arm, before turning back to Paulis. "And... I'll admit I'm more of a Pathos and Ethos than a Logos kind of heir, but even I don't think sacrificing an entire planet would make sense if I were to trust my feelings. Wouldn't it be better to fight for the planet that all of us here love? I'm sure there are people . And... once this is over, we can revert to our methods of peace again. But these are just options that we're considering that, you might not want to hear..." That kind of contradicts it then she realises; Paulis again isn't one to take her words lightly. Shifting her tiny paws, she creates a series of green, spectral illusions, depicting her younger self, with her mother, on a trip to drink tea with Paulis, to perhaps gain something knowledgeable from this visit. She then includes Karina too and conjures an image of herself playing with her and reciting poems and ancient texts when the two of them are little.

"My friend... do you fly away now? To a world that abhors you and I?" She sighs once the illusions fade away (Loveless Act V). "Hmph. I know for sure that before you became obsessed with this end of the world drama... sometimes I really wonder if this was the tortle I hoped to meet one day; The wise one that would've been eager to share even an ounce of even something good of the things you have seen in your extreme life. I'm really disheartened that we came all the way here just to hear nothing but fear and desperation from you when... when we could've just relaxed. I mean, sure you distrust people but, even so... there are still some out there who view you otherwise as a wise and knowledgeable being rather than hated, myself included." And that got her thinking: surely there still must be something that Paulis would enjoy despite his terrifying visions. "Isn't there something else... something you wanted to see in your aging life that you perceive as good or memorable? Something you want to see happen that we can potentially obtain revive after... countless generations of inactivity? You know... You have a wish that you want to see come true, don't you?" She steadies herself, clears her throat and asks probably the most dangerous question that anyone would want to hear... The question that will ultimately choose where she'll stand.

"I really wish not to fight my mom's inspiration either but... What are your thoughts about me... reviving... the organisation that you either knew or were once part of? That you once swore your oath to just like my mother if I'm not mistaken? A dream that I think... a certain leopard woman in this room shares with me?"

Because Paulis already threw her off course when he mentioned that murderers do not deserve redemption, she paid no attention when he drew the constellation and spent the next few minutes daydreaming about going back home to turn the tide of the war against Tiamat. Cursing in her head in Japanese, she finds zero connections as to why the artefact would be related to the destruction of a world she'll never give her ancient soul to in the first place. However, after carefully weighing her options and especially now that Paulis is attempting to coerce her into joining him, the kitsune has second thoughts about her previous visit; It seems this tortle appears to be a lot worse than the more serene one she thought he would be. Like the others, she feels incredibly torn between saving Lancea, or saving the world she was in; There will be sacrifices no matter . And right now, wherever Paulis intends to bring her, she's incredibly hesitant. What if those new inhabitant repeat history? What if they just treat her and her son like lesser unwanted beings ever since she survived the dreaded Sengoku period? She shakes her head in refusal, obviously wanting to unleash her bottle anger at Paulis all the same.

But... once again just like last time, even as Mira reveals that she's part of an organisation that apparently has died out centuries ago on this planet, she refuses to other another word as her face remains wretched in pain and sorrow.

Liivi was rather surprised at the sudden change in tone from Paulis. "You do little to make the case for your plan Paulis. You give us little of the details and then threaten us even before we've had a chance to decide."  But in all the discussion, her attention is drawn most to what Mira has to say. 'Share a dream?' she wonders, as she is again left to wonder at what exactly the rabbit-woman is getting at. She debates in her head whether to ask more about this 'organization' that evidently Paulis and Mira's mother were a part of. 'Clearly I am the leopard woman she means, but seriously, what dream does she believe they share?' 

She finally turns to Mira, addressing her directly. "I would like to know more about this organization you allude to. That evidently Paulis was once a part of?" For a moment she takes a breath, wondering what more she ought to say. "As for myself, I belong to an organization that focuses on learning about, and even learning from, the ancestral spirits of our people. We try to bring our people to given honor to those spirits. And we serve as protectors of the community."  Unsure if that all will even make sense, she stops a moment. All she can really do at this point is hope she's conveyed her point. 

"I do think now though we have to make a choice of what to do."  Her attention now moves across all the members of the group now. "I'm not sure we pledge ourselves to either Janus or Paulis. On the one hand, we can't expect theeats, extortion, and likely violence will lead our people to a new home to preserve our peaceful ideals. Neither can we abandoned portions - a very large portion - of the people. There must be a way to save more - perhaps all." She clears her throat, but her voice and tone had remained rather level as she spoke. "We need to think for ourselves. To make decisions that are right and to hold to an ideal of responsibility for actions. Not simply accept this broad notion of murder that's evidently fixed in some people's heads.  We see what our ancestor did in the past.  They had to fight to stand up for themselves. It was not action taken to kill specifically.  But it sometimes meant taking a life when faced with a foe that will not yield and threatens your life."  

Liivi sighs. "I've not really pointed to a plan. Sorry. I see no reason for Paulis not pursue his goal of moving people to this new home. We need to find ways to save even more that way.  But for the rest, we cannot just allow them to be rendered helpless if there really are dangers coming to take them. Could there not be a path of diplomacy to be tried first? Before threats and sun bombs?"  

Having spoken, at a bit of length even, she stops, and looks at Mira.  "I don't know if we share the same dream.  I wish we had time to talk about these things and perhaps know each other better.  I can only hope that some part of what I said might match whatever plan you have with this 'organization'.  I just need to know more about it before I can even say." 

The elf pauses at the door when Alex says they should talk more. Shugo works his jaw for a moment before turning around, though he does not sit down. He continues to stand there with his arms crossed while the others address the old jerk. Side with him, or become the 80%?! Oh so now he's literally calling them murderers for not siding with him only to blatantly threaten them with death. As he thinks this he opens his mouth, about to voice that thought aloud when Mira latches onto his arm. Then his mouth snaps shut and he just scowls at the tortle. Janus had already rubbed him the wrong way, but Paulis seems far worse then that demon. Janus may be willing to take initiative and end a life with his own hand, but he hadn't threatened them. Paulis seems to believe he's not going to be a murderer when he is saying he's going to knowingly leave people to die. He scoffs, so much for random choice in who will service, this guy will clearly leave behind anyone who doesn't share his twisted ideals. That's just sick. 

This entire situation which has been piled on top of far to many other negative events has pushed Shugo over his breaking point. His usual jovial, carefree, seemingly naive self has all but vanished. Paulis clearly thinks Shugo and his friends can't touch him without becoming murderers. Well, if he wants to play that game... well let's test this jerk's morals right here and now.

Slipping his arm out of Mira's grasp, the elf takes his back and positions it on his chest, while staring at Paulis the entire time. The others seem to still be unsure of what to do, and while Shugo doesn't particularly like Janus, he knows for sure he does not want to side with this psycho.

"Our actions speak for us huh." He says bitterly, "What actions? We haven't decided to side with anyone. I honestly want nothing to do with any of this. I would have been content going about my business while folks like you and Janus worry about the apocalypse. I don't understand why it's so important to either of you that we of all people help you. If I hadn't come to talk to either of you, you wouldn't even know my name, and I would have gone about the last few years of my life never knowing the world was ending." A bitter smile crosses his face. "Ignorance is bliss after all, unfortunately I'm blistered, and I'm only becoming more so as you and your Ex-bestie spout your nonsensical causes. Only now you're deciding to rub salt in those wounds with your threats."

He glances at Mira who's mom apparently adored this Paulis jerk. "This is where that saying never meet your hero's comes from. Whatever your mom saw in this guy...he must have lost it years ago." His voice raises and he glances between the others as well, "Did you not just hear what he said? He said he wants to make the 80% he CHOOSES to leave behind incapable of self defense. In other words he's going to CRIPPLE them somehow before leaving them to die, and now he's threatening to cripple us as well dooming us to the same fate just because we aren't flocking to his cause. Sure he probably thinks making them unable to kill in self defense is saving their souls, but what he leaves and those who remain find a way to peacefully negotiate a ceasefire with these invaders?" He shakes his head, clearly anger. "I'm sorry but I can't condone that. And now look at him. Hiding behind his sickness. I don't intend to fight you or your brainwashed apprentice and glorified service dog. I'M not a MURDERER, and I don't fight without cause." Then he pats the pack on his chest, if Paulis is going to play dirty then so can he, "You think you can hide behind your disease and frail body? Well, if you try to cripple me, just know that you are at risk of MURDERING an unborn child."  Shugo has no intention of letting any of these jerks harm the egg, but he's going to shamelessly hide behind this shield as he intends to use Paulis's strategy against him. "I for one just want to leave. Add me to your 80% if you want see if I care."

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf >>

"Still, even if it can support the twenty percent you'd be taking... you say the people selected will be random aside from the 'leaders'. What makes you think they should get a free pass? What if Adelaide is still ruling? Does that mean you'll bring a monster like her to the new world? What about the other leaders? How many of them do you actually think deserve to be set above the common folk? I get that people need leadership, but part of being a leader is also being a servant. They should be just as willing to lay down their lives as everyone else. Also...Does that include you too?" He's assuming that Paulis will come just to make sure they can actually keep making these portals whenever they need to move. "What about my friends and I? Are we going to fall into that random number?" He's not asking out of selfishness, he's asking because he wants to see what sort of person Paulis really is. Was he just going to expect them to go along with that? Knowing that his place in the new world is ensured while theirs is not? "Look, I don't have any qualms against sacrificing myself for the greater good, but don't you think that's something we should know about? What if some of us here aren't ready to die? What about those who have loved ones? What if only one person in an entire family is chosen? What will you do if people decide to stay behind rather than abandon their families?"

"Nothing in this world comes without sacrifices. There will be a lot of pain and suffering after we migrate, but all of that is still way better than going to war and condemning ourselves to the ultimate sin." Paulis shifts his feet, "If you join me, I will guarantee that you, your friends, and your family get to Basiliscus safely. If you don't, it is the opposite—I will make sure you, your friends, and your family are excluded from the exodus."

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf >>

 

He crosses his arms, leaning forward again, "Still, that doesn't mean we appreciate being threatened. You say join you or become the 80%. So are you threatening to kill us? I won't fight you. I don't intend to get any blood on my hands. Honestly, I'm starting to think I should just go to the capitol and talk to the Church leaders about all this. I really don't think that you and Janus should be trying to decide the fate of the world. You are one person, and he is one person. Both with immense knowledge, but that doesn't mean you should get to choose the fate of the entire world. Does anyone else know about this threat? Is anyone else making plans to deal with it? Or are you intent on crippling the remaining 80%? Ensuring their demise if any other planet decides to fight them?"

He frowns, "Why are we even assuming that these other planets are going to attack us? I get that they are awful apparently... though I doubt everyone on both planets has the same views. There are good people there just like there are bad people here. But anyways, has anyone thought about trying to talk to them? What if this whole thing could be avoided by just coming to some sort of agreement. Even if we have to put on a charade about sun bombs or a portal. Do they know about our no killing laws?" If this whole ideal of no killing is kept in place by fear, then why can't they use the same tactic against their enemies? They don't need to know that Lanceans don't kill anyone. They don't need to know that the sun bombs would never be used against them. They just need to know that the Lanceans significantly outnumber them in population size, and that they have the ability to wipe them out if they wanted to. Alex doesn't like that concept, he'd rather just talk their way into peace, but still. If that meant not having a war, and also not sacrificing 80% of the humans and animals on the planet then it sounds like the best option. Which... likely means going with Janus's plan. But he's not going to say that out loud. 

"Neither I nor Janus decides the fate of the world, the people do, and they only have two options—fight back or run away." Paulis crosses his arms, "Once people know the truth—which they do not right now—everyone will have to choose a side, they don't have the option to not choose, because there was no such thing as a third option in the first place. Unlike other people, you get to choose first, you will get to influence a lot of people's options in the future, and by not deciding, you will be at a major disadvantage."

Paulis sighs, "These savages do not care about diplomacy or negotiations, they've hurt us in the past, they were responsible for the creation of USL, and now, they're going to hurt us again in search of the artefact that will grant them powers beyond comprehension. They do know about our non-killing law and they're going to take advantage of it—they will run around, killing goblins and innocent monsters because they think that's what heroes do, and we cannot do anything about it at all."

He raises a finger, "However, there is one region in Toril that is less... savage than other regions. It's Sword Coast, I've heard the rumours that the old alliance there got replaced by a much more progressive one, and they've developed the country to be ideologically similar to ours." He looks away. "Still, we cannot ally with them. Their leading members are murderers, and they might steal the artefact from us. If there is any country we're willing to ally, that country must also maintain the same pacifist stance as we do, and knowing the history of Toril and Golarion, there is no country like that at all."

"You can go ahead and try to negotiate with them, but I can assure you, they will not listen—and if they do, they will demand the artefact of our planet. It's not worth it." Paulis shakes his head.

Quote from PyromaniIsDeadThankGod >>

 

"My friend... do you fly away now? To a world that abhors you and I?" She sighs once the illusions fade away (Loveless Act V). "Hmph. I know for sure that before you became obsessed with this end of the world drama... sometimes I really wonder if this was the tortle I hoped to meet one day; The wise one that would've been eager to share even an ounce of even something good of the things you have seen in your extreme life. I'm really disheartened that we came all the way here just to hear nothing but fear and desperation from you when... when we could've just relaxed. I mean, sure you distrust people but, even so... there are still some out there who view you otherwise as a wise and knowledgeable being rather than hated, myself included." And that got her thinking: surely there still must be something that Paulis would enjoy despite his terrifying visions. "Isn't there something else... something you wanted to see in your aging life that you perceive as good or memorable? Something you want to see happen that we can potentially obtain revive after... countless generations of inactivity? You know... You have a wish that you want to see come true, don't you?" She steadies herself, clears her throat and asks probably the most dangerous question that anyone would want to hear... The question that will ultimately choose where she'll stand.

"I really wish not to fight my mom's inspiration either but... What are your thoughts about me... reviving... the organisation that you either knew or were once part of? That you once swore your oath to just like my mother if I'm not mistaken? A dream that I think... a certain leopard woman in this room shares with me?"

Paulis walks to the cabinet full of brains again, picks up a jar of brains, and sets it on the table. The label reads 'Renno Laurits (-2C 9978 CY; -1C 40 CY).  Leader of Rebels in Perkwunos, killed 12 million USL soldiers during the last years of the Second Planetary War.' Yes, he casually has Mira's ancestor's brain inside one of his many torture devices.

Beside his name, there is a painting of a statue of Renno—and you recognise it immediately; it's the same statue at the town square before someone cut its head off. Paulis is definitely the one who's responsible for defecating various statues around Perkwunos.

He didn't say anything, but you can tell that's a 'no' from him. Paulis hunts down murderers, he doesn't care which side they are on or who they're fighting for, he will punish anyone who kills. Judging by the date of Renno's extraction, Paulis probably betrayed the Rebels and started hunting them down after the new provisional government was established.

"My only wish... is to create a world of only victors, a world of only peace, a world of only love, a world without war and suffering. I will die from old age before any of that could happen, but I believe this new world we're migrating to has the capability of creating my perfect world."

Quote from Rynn_Elocin >>

 

He glances at Mira who's mom apparently adored this Paulis jerk. "This is where that saying never meet your hero's comes from. Whatever your mom saw in this guy...he must have lost it years ago." His voice raises and he glances between the others as well, "Did you not just hear what he said? He said he wants to make the 80% he CHOOSES to leave behind incapable of self defense. In other words he's going to CRIPPLE them somehow before leaving them to die, and now he's threatening to cripple us as well dooming us to the same fate just because we aren't flocking to his cause. Sure he probably thinks making them unable to kill in self defense is saving their souls, but what he leaves and those who remain find a way to peacefully negotiate a ceasefire with these invaders?" He shakes his head, clearly anger. "I'm sorry but I can't condone that. And now look at him. Hiding behind his sickness. I don't intend to fight you or your brainwashed apprentice and glorified service dog. I'M not a MURDERER, and I don't fight without cause." Then he pats the pack on his chest, if Paulis is going to play dirty then so can he, "You think you can hide behind your disease and frail body? Well, if you try to cripple me, just know that you are at risk of MURDERING an unborn child."  Shugo has no intention of letting any of these jerks harm the egg, but he's going to shamelessly hide behind this shield as he intends to use Paulis's strategy against him. "I for one just want to leave. Add me to your 80% if you want see if I care."

He was interrupted mid-speech by Shugo's rant, and as the elf speaks, he gets visibly angrier as the elf goes on. His dry lips are visibly shaking, his fist slowly clenching.

"You dare disrespect me, boy?" Even in rage, his voice remains calm and low. Canopus, who's perching on top of his shoulder, jumps up and hovers beside Karina. "Fine, so be it then, Karina..."

"Yes, sir?" The Dragonborn looks up to her master.

"Teach them how they should treat the elderly, and watch out for the egg." Paulis waves his staff, and with a puff of smoke, he disappears. Probably teleported outside somewhere.

Karina grabs her spellbook and readies a white magical aura in her claw, "I'm sorry it has to be this way, guys."

Canopus sighs, "I hope his blood sugar level doesn't spike without me."

You notice that the door behind you is still open, you can choose to leave without fighting Karina and Canopus, but since Paulis is angry, he might remotely set the mines to the highest power, and you might risk getting severely injured if you step on a mine this time. You might find instructions on how to deactivate the mine inside his tower, but you can't do it without knocking out Karina and Canopus first

Initiative:

Renar

Watashi wo... karakatteru no?! (私を... からかってるの, Are you kidding me?!)

That was the very first thing my brain could conjure as time stops flowing around me. Other than that, the only thing I could pick up was... Mira screaming over Paulis preserving one of her... wait... her preserved one of her own?! I mean, I had no time to process this either as Shugo yells out indiscriminately and stuns me for a solid fifteen seconds.

Shugo?! What the hell is wrong with you?! I wanted to yell out... except that I couldn't. All I could do was stare at what we had gotten ourselves into; Everything from Stupid Rixi to the messed Armies and now this... This deal with either Janus or Paulis... why... What have we gotten ourselves into... I wanted to leave desperately, but then I noticed Paulsi teleporting to... somewhere. And... now we're being left to fight these two?! Seriously?! After all of that effort?! Surely whatever Shugo blurted out, he must have a valid reason that can't be ignored. That shouldn't be ignored. That I couldn't pick up myself...

That settles it... I suddenly had this gut feeling that the mines would be a max power, given that this stubborn tortle doesn't seem to be anywhere right now! Urgh...! When I get back to the Sword Coast, I need to inform Rixi that we went into a trap; There's not a single artefact in this world that can help us. The only thing we have to defeat Tiamat, is...

Is... Uh...

My mind suddenly becomes filled with anxiety, anger and blankness. What did I want to say?! Um... well... I think... There's an alliance that has made progress in the Sword Coast, but Paulis doesn't want to ally with them either. And I know what that alliance is... Because me and Okaa-san... we're part of it... He doesn't want to take my side either; It wouldn't have mattered... He only judges people if they have murdered someone, not about their true personality. And not every 'murderer' I met kills for evil intentions... Me included.

But... even though I resent this guy more than Janus, the more I see it, the more I want to let this world die... 

I hate this world. This world... I want it to burn to the ground for all I care. I want this world to die. Screw the entire population. I only care about survival. And... Us Wildland Shifters... Let me go home... Let Okaa-san go home...!

Suddenly, I felt the words escape from my mouth before I could even think. "Last chance! Tell us how to deactivate his mines, now that we're here! Tell us calmly and peacefully like Lanceans you are..." My left hand slowly goes to my sheath as my clawed hand glows yellow. "...Tell us right now. And we'll leave at once... without any bloodshed!"

And then I clasp my mouth suddenly. Crap... what did I just say?! These guys are too stubborn! There's no way they'll...! Ugh whatever. Maybe that might've helped someone... I honestly don't care. How did we end up in this calamitous mess as usual, I kept repeating to myself with eery breath I took.

That aside, whilst I don't appear to be in the mood for fighting, next round I've already readied myself as us Wildland Shifters always do, even when we appear to be relaxed in some manner. I can also feel the sparks surging through my right paw too while that is happening...

Trigger: If we do end up fighting, whoever tries to attack first will instantly be slashed and electrocuted in the blink of an eye. If they decide to let us go in peace though, I won't do it.

Initiative: 16

 Mira

Quote from Culuril >>

She finally turns to Mira, addressing her directly. "I would like to know more about this organization you allude to. That evidently Paulis was once a part of?" For a moment she takes a breath, wondering what more she ought to say. "As for myself, I belong to an organization that focuses on learning about, and even learning from, the ancestral spirits of our people. We try to bring our people to given honor to those spirits. And we serve as protectors of the community."  Unsure if that all will even make sense, she stops a moment. All she can really do at this point is hope she's conveyed her point. 

 

Mira stares blankly at the leopard woman. What was she trying to ask about? And then it clicks her: She's... talking about the rebellion that only the rabbit herself knows. She doesn't know huh? "Oh! Uh... I'm so sorry, eheh! I..." She sheepishly laughs once she stops talking to Paulis. All this time she thought Liivi's ancestors had been a part of the rebellion her ancestors were in too. She never had thought that Liivi's ancestors would have branched off from the main one. "Um, I'm so sorry. I thought, um... you knew about this rebellion that my actual mother... my extended family before they all died... when you looked at that statue and agreed that those people should pay for what they did I..." She presses her palms together. "I thought there was someone who'd share my dream of reviving it, should the day arrives. I thought... I thought you knew how it all came to be and what we aim to fight for and all that. I thought you and your ancestors share the same motives as I do, you know... This rebellion thing being a common interest... But... I... I guess not. I'm sorry. I guess I was mistaken..."

But then her mood took a turn for the worse when Paulis pulls out another brain of... wait... He... what? Was he the guy that... judging by that... the... faceless statue... He... he did it...?! Mira gasps. That statue she had seen previously... the defacement of that valiant rebel hero... he... wait... that statue... it was one of her ancestors?! HERS specifically?! She grits her teeth in absolute anger. That defaced statue before... it was Paulis' doing?! And it was one of her own...?! No... this can't be true...!

"No... NO! WHAT THE-?! Y-Y-Y-YOU!" Mira screams in paranoia. Renno Laurits... she remembers him incredibly well. Her ancestor was part of the rebellion... Paulis has his brain, which can only mean one thing... "You... why... you were the one that betrayed... y-y-you-" Before she could even finish though, Shugo suddenly interrupts her and yells out... something really immature for someone like her; The straw that broke the camel's back. "SHUGO?!" Mira yells out when he suddenly triggers Paulis' bad mood. What has gotten into him?! And... watching Paulis suddenly vanish in the light of day and leaving his two apprentices to deal with the entire group... oh geez... Is this why her adoptive mother never wanted her to venture this far?! Was this what her mother was warning her about?!

Gritting again, she stares at the two that remained with hostile intent; Pain is evident in her furrowed nose. "The way I see it, you guys trying to force your pacifism on us is like turning back to the past." Mira scowls, the same green spectral clock that spawned behind her last battle appears again whilst her paws glow the same colour; Her northern accent getting more prominent as soon as her voice gets dangerously low. "How would knocking us out be any any different from the old ways of killing, huh?! You know... I was hoping when I become queen, I... I thought I could maybe propose an alliance especially with you two, since I hope you'd at least have some idea of reasoning. Guess I was wrong...!"

Hearing the hoodie boy speak out loud though, Mira takes it as him helping her stand her case and she too sides with his proposal. "Renar's right. You'd only be wasting your energy and time if you insist on forcing us to accept your deal, ironically enough. I take it Paulis has spiked the mines to unprecedented levels, so I'll say this again as the next Duchess of Platone: You tell us how to deactivate Paulis' bombs, either by your instructions or from your own memory... And we'll leave you be; I swear on my word we promise not to cross each other's paths again, if you comply."

She straightens herself up. "Oh and... if you don't mind... I'd like you to hand over that... brain... of that... Renno, my great grandfather, along with it. Please." Her tone lowers drastically at 'please'; Despite being a royal herself, it's clear that she will not back down without a fight if peaceful talks fail. In fact, they don't notice it but... she's already prepared a spell in advance and Readying her next move.

But... what if... Mira suddenly starts to have second thoughts when she reconsiders Paulis' words. What if, despite being the protector of my people, I will in fact need to sacrifice most of them... what if this world needs to die? No... Can't think of that! There are people who need me... Mother, my big siblings... Um... that's... that's it. Is there anyone else...? Wait...

Trigger: If her assisted persuasion fails, Mira will instantly mess up Karina's mind with Mind Sliver on round 2. If she succeeds, she'll let go of the spell.

Persuasion: 24

Initiative: 11

Liivi quickly had responded to Mira before her attention was grabbed by her ancestor that Paulis had been torturing. "There is nothing to be sorry about. I am not familiar with this rebellion.  I'm sorry I'm not, for I feel we may have common interests."  But further discussions would likely need to wait as things start to escalate.  When she learns of how Paulis is behind defacing the statues - one that is actually Mira's ancestor, it does disturb her as well. 'It is this that my people would not stand for. Her ancestor brought us to this society we have now. If Paulis is to eradicate it, he is only going to eventually erase the very thing he is so enamored about.' 

As Paulis disappears, and it seems his two associates will meet them with violence, she readies herself for action.  But despite that, her voice remains calm. "Karina. Canopus. I know not why you follow that mad man, but I'd suggest you just let us go - with the mines deactivated. I might remind you that should we die from those mines, you - as well as Paulis - are clearly culpable in those 'murders'.  Who knows what torture will come of that."  

She senses this is unlikely to resolve in peace.  But she is ready to draw her sword and defend both herself and her new companions. 

(Liivi Initiative: 12)

The kitsune mother suddenly finds herself on edge as both Shugo and Paulis do their own thing. The former screams out so loud that he stuns her once her sensitive fox ears pick up his ranting. The latter makes her choke again when he pulls out another brain... and causes everyone to freak out simultaneously; Too much sensory overload. Especially when Paulis teleports out and... now she's being forced to fight when she less expects it. Great. Just great. The first one said he wanted to save the world at the expense of their loved ones... The second wants her to sacrifice 80% of this population to save themselves... Both sound twisted. Based on her own values as well as her son's... what should she choose? She wanted to scream. But if she did then everyone minus Renar will target her for it.

And then it hits her: Shikashi… mondai wa… hokanohito-tachi mo… kazoku igai ni… shitashī hito wa imasu ka? (かし…問題は…他の人たちも…家族以外に…親しい人はいますか？, But... the thing is...do any of the others... outside of their families... is there anyone they are close to?)  She thinks. She cares about her family a lot. She cares for her son. For her daughter before she died. For those that do not treat her badly for who she is. That's why she aims to spread her peace. But these guys... Do they have anyone that they know and love? She doesn't know them well, but if they do have relatives hat she does not know off as of this moment... well, she knows Mira has mentioned her mother several times... But she shakes her head. What's the point of saving the entire world if there isn't anyone that they like or respect? If that's the case then... She's finally decided, unaware that her son is also siding with her on this matter.

As her claws sharpen again, it's pretty clear that despite her silence, she's already decided what she want to do, and where she wants to stand. If this world also has people that dare to twist the meaning of peace, then there's no point in saving a huge portion of the population, especially considering that, if she were to speak in Japanese again, she'll be hated just for that; Ironically, whilst she hates the tortle's behaviour more than the previous one, it's pretty clear she'd easily compare the harsh facade to her tragic rollercoaster during the Sengoku Period, when she experienced a life of loneliness and evasion from citizen and military forces alike, instead of the times where she feel like she's finally attained peace with the shifters, who have also befriended her only child.

Heiwa no nai sekai ga sonzoku suru ni ataisuru riyū wa arimasen. Kako ni uketa yōna atsukai o futatabi uketakunai. Watashi wa... Kono sekai ga shinde hoshīdesu! (平和のない世界が存続するに値する理由はありません。過去に受けたような扱いを再び受けたくない。私は...この世界が死んでほしいです。, There's no reason why a world without peace deserves to live; I don't want to be treated like I've been treated in the past again. I... I want this world to die!)

Initiative: 20

"How do they know about the artifact?" Alex asks, surprised. Is Paulis just coming up with excuses now? Is he just saying that to justify not trying? Or were there spies sent already? But.. the artifact is a newer discovery... so how in Lancea did this happen? Still, it seems rather foolish not to try and at least talk to these so called savages before jumping to drastic measures. 

Yet it seems his attempts to stay calm and civil have been for naught. Shugo's angry, and voices as much. In spite of the elf's words being justified, the fact that the elf is willing to use the dragon egg as a shield is like a gut punch to Alex. Sure, Shugo is banking on the fact that Paulis is fanatically sticking to the no-killing rules, but still... Then there's Renar and Maya, those two have been on edge this entire conversation... which makes sense considering well, they all have, but still. Something seems off about the two of them, like they've been taking something personally that was aimed at someone else. This just furthers Alex's suspicions about Maya. Though, he's not one to jump to conclusions, based on Renar and Maya's expressions it seems like they've already made up their minds about something, and he's not sure what that something is. 

On top of that Mira and Liivi seem to have settled the misunderstanding about their relationship to the rebels, only for Paulis to pull out the brain of Mira's ancestor. Okay, that's just too far. Not that the first brain wasn't too far but... well this is just too much. This whole concept is sick and evil. To so brazenly condemn the very people who made this civilization possible is despicable. They did what they thought was right just like Paulis is apparently doing right now. This whole issue is such a massive moral mess and it's so sickening. Murder is wrong. No question about that, but this is taking it too far. 

Nevertheless, Alex is not going to let Paulis's antics get to him. "I've read about people like this. Fanatics who latch onto a belief, clinging to what they think is right and condemning those who don't agree with them even when there are obvious flaws in their ideals. Nothing we say is going to change Paulis's mind, or Janus's, so this whole conversation is pointless." There is a perfect parable for this situation, but perhaps it would be wrong to even voice it. Voicing it would do nothing to change this, which is exactly what the saying is about. So, Alex holds his tongue in that regard, not moving from his place on the floor even after Paulis leaves and his friends prepare to fight. 

"I really didn't need him to guarantee our deliverance in exchange for our help," he says sadly. "Honestly that bothers me even more than the fact that he wants to sacrifice 80% of the population. He thinks he's doing a service to the world by doing that, even though from my perspective it's no different than executing them all. It's the fact that he's setting himself above everyone else, trying to bribe us into joining him by saying we're guaranteed safety one way and threatening us if we chose not to help. All the while he's probably guaranteed his own spot along with both of you," he gestures at Karina and Canopus. "He's being self righteous. If this was really going to be done right, it would be completely random. I have no problem offering up my life to save others. I would appreciate it if my family was guaranteed safety, but... well that's just as selfish as what he's doing. Other families would be split up, and we'd likely have people trading or trying to steal spots in this new world. The whole thing is a mess and I just don't see it working well even if we followed through. Lord, it could become an inciting event for anger and infighting which would cripple us further." 

He stands up solemnly, making no move to grab his weapon as he dusts off his pants and sighs, "At least Janus wants to try and negotiate. Even if we just want to bluff about actually fighting, make the enemy believe fighting us us a lost cause, that's better than abandoning so many people. But there I go again, trying to reason with people who've filled their ears with wax." He shakes his head, "I'm sorry. I don't want to be offensive, it's just really hard to have a conversation with close minded people who have no intention of hearing out the other side. We came here with open minds, hoping for someone who's more willing to listen than Janus. Instead we got someone with an even more walled off ideology. I don't know what you two think about this situation, but I have a feeling you're both already on Paulis's side. Which is your choice, and I don't fault you for that, I just wish that we could have actually had a conversation instead of a one sided argument..."

He sighs again, looking to Liivi, "I don't think they'll ramp up the bombs, and even if they do they'll just boost the power enough to... you know... permanently cripple us so we can't do anything to thwart their plans. That's probably what they're going to try and do now. After all, they are well aware that letting us step on a mine they put is murder... Or well, I guess it would just be the responsibility of the person who placed the mine in the first place." He looks coldly at Paulis's cronies, his face far from his usual cheery self. "Or will you be the better person and let us walk away to make our own uninfluenced decisions?"

He waits for a response, clasping his hands behind his back to show he has no intention of fighting, "I already said I won't fight you. Only tyrants choose to rule their people with fear and unjust punishment." He looks to Shugo, "I don't appreciate you coming down to Paulis's level... actually what you are doing is lower than that since you're literally trying to hide behind a baby." To the rest of the group he says, "Please don't fight. If they strike first then whatever happens is on them."

He looks back to Karina and Canopus, "Can't we just agree to disagree and go our separate ways?" He's hoping these two will be the bigger people and do what most people these days can't seem to wrap their minds around... end an argument civilly in spite of their differences. 

Persuasion: 18

Initiative: 18

He'll hold his action, but as soon as someone on the other side strikes first he'll cast Sanctuary.

Shugo's pretty much blacked out the rest of what Paulis has said, learning that one of those brains belonged to one of Mira's ancestors was the last straw. This guy's a psycho and there's no reasoning with him. It's a shame these other two have become so wrapped up in this madness too.

His dragon pommeled sword is out of it's sheath before Paulis's two goons are even ready. Though he frowns at Alex when the young paladin criticizes him. "I don't want to fight, I want to walk away. I've wanted to walk away this entire time. I'll still walk away if I can. As for the egg. Do you really think I'd let them hurt it? I'm just trying to make a point." He shakes his head, "Yeah I get I'm basically dirt for saying that, but still. I think my point has been made five times over."

He takes on a ready position, purposefully angling himself so that it would be harder for the enemies to hit the egg. He sure does feel like dirt for saying he'd play Paulis's game, but with the way these people fight bringing it's existence to their attention was probably for the best. If they didn't know he had it on him, they'd fight him at full force with no regard for where they hit him. Having it on his chest may make it harder for him to move, but it makes it easier for him to protect it if need be. This is probably the most frustrated Shugo's ever been in his entire life. Frustrated at the stupidity of this situation, and frustrated at being so frustrated he's stooped to their level. Now all he can do is try to contain himself so that if a fight does break out he can stay in a safe headspace.

"Like I said, I just want to leave."

Initiative: 15

Initiative:

DC25 Arcana check would reveal that:

"No, sir. If you disagree with Master Paulis, then you're his enemy—our enemy." The pseudodragon hisses. "You can go once you've decided to join us, but judging from your words, it is clear that you might not do that. Unfortunately, we will have to defeat you."

"That's right!" Karina chimes in, her claw twinkling with the essence of magic. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long, time to make Paulis proud!"

For some reason, it doesn't seem like talking is enough to snap them back to their sense, which only leaves you with two options: fight them or run away. Shugo, Maya, and Liivi should choose what they'll do on this or the next turn.

Having had enough of this nonsense, Maya decides to bare her sharp teeth and fight; A queen like her does not surrender cowardly. And she's sure her son won't back down from a fight either, as the Wildland Shifter she's always been part of. If they want her to become a killer, then so be it.

Action: Flicking her tail underneath her coat, a small white flame suddenly comes out from underneath her disguise and launched straight for Karina, who is an ice type (DC 13 DEX for Karina or else 3 Radiant)

BA: She'll hold her healing word for now, especially considering that speaking forced Lancean will not do her matters. But if someone does get injured, she'll heal 6HP instantly; If no one gets injured this round, she'll save her spell slot.

"What foolishness," Liivi says as she springs into action.  It doesn't seem they have any safe path out of here unless they confront these two.  She focuses inwardly a moment, calling upon the spirits of her ancestors to air and guide her.  Drawing her greatsword, she heads for Karina, hoping to diminish her spells first.  She takes a swing, aiming to keep the blow from being fatal. 

(Bonus Action - Rage; Greatsword Attack: 7, Damage; 7 slashing, if it hits, target has disadvantage on any attack that isn't against Liivi, and when the target hits a creature other than Liivi, that creature has resistance to the damage dealt by the attack.)