Unfortunately for Piyap, no hug was imminent. But by the time Doozey had turned his attention once more upon the ongoing exchange between the others, the fiend gets the sense the halfling's wariness of him had at least somewhat lessened. For now. Though the occasional twitch of an ear, and habit of always trying to keep the imp at least within his peripheral vision remained very much at play.
Later when pointed at by Seranolla, Doozey snorts, and then with a flippant gesture to his mouth and a look seemed to say 'That's easier said than done now, ain't it?'. A thought then seemed to occur to him, and after some scribbling away at his makeshift notebook, he shows Seranolla(and by extension anyone wanting to read it): "This might be coming from eastside of the shire, but I heard once that Druids been known to 'wake up' trees or somethin' too to defend forests. So, couldn't you do something similar since you're part tree? If you just need the materials, we can go get'em for ya."
Pipyap just waits in silence as he notices that the conversation has moved on. The excitement of finding Halvin has been replaced with sorrow and apathy. The imp is experience emotions that are new to him. CRAP gets a feeling this adventure is very much over for Pipyap.
Seranolla reads Doozey's message carefully and smiles. "The trees don't hove tongues either, and they can talk just fine when provided a little bit of magic. Why would it be different for you?" As for the other part of the message she reiterates: "I have made peace with the next chapter of my life. I do not have it in me to try to out-trick a fey Lord. I'd lose even if I wore to manage such a feat. I am not interested in it and I shall certainly not involve you lot in it any more than you have already been involved." She looks pensive for a moment and jokes: "Perhaps that's how treants are made. I'd be a fetching treant, don't you think?"
She then encourages you onward. "Do not waste any more of your time with me. Don't you have a fey lord to visit?"
"So, no-one in Phlan will know of what you did for them either? Is there anyone we can tell, any message you would have us pass on to loved ones or family, the Emerald Enclave even?"
As much as Doozey scoffed, rolled his eyes, and even grumble at various points in response to most of Seranolla's answer, the stoutling hadn't really have it in him to try and sway the elder, let alone stubbornly deny or argue against her words. And after a few moments of letting the words settle in mind, the tension in his shoulders began to ease. "... Mn... Aye. Righ' om." He admits as he looked down once more towards the path to the elves.
But just as he took the first step in the direction of the path, a low whine from Biscuit has him turning back looking mildly annoyed at the beast... until he noticed the mastiff was looking towards the villagers. ".... Mm.... Fair, fair. Memae-"He looks to Denae, waiting long enough to meet her gaze, before gesturing over to the pair and giving her a questioning look soon after.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I am not dying, Utar." The old gnome reassures the Tormite. "I do not need to say farewells. My journey will simply be different. I shall serve Witchthorn, that is true, but other druids may still share in my wisdom, and that includes the Emerald Enclave, as long as they are welcome into this forest." She gently gesture to Doozey, offering him another warm smile: "I don't expect my power to completely disappear either. As Doozey mentioned, perhaps I'll be able to animate myself once I get used to my new form. Speak with druids and rangers, understand what it is like to be on the other side of plant-walking. I am about to embark on a journey of understanding not many other druids can claim they have." She shifts her smile to a comforting one and offers it to the whole group: "You are not losing me."
She looks again at Doozey, just as she earns his vocal agreement. She smiles again and offers open arms to the whole group. "I'd take a hug before you all go, nonetheless. The next one might be quite... barky."
Denae's attention is stolen by Doozey some moments after that. "Right..." She clears her throat. "Perhaps I can lead these two here back to Serelis. We'd have to go past his hut anyhow if we were to find our way out of the forest and into Kabel's Hill by the only trustworthy path we know in these woods. Maybe Serelis can play the ranger-liason role he likes so much and complete the delivery of the villagers back to the town proper. I'd catch up with you lot on the way to Greenhall, or perhaps a bit later. I move faster on my own..."
Pipyap's ears twitch at Denae's offer: "I'd like to go back too. Nothing in this forest for me anymore."
Torm's lost left hand! It feels to Utar as if this forest, or more specifically, the fey who live here exact a high price. First Doozey, now Seranolla.
Still, the old gnome's words do not go unheeded by the half-orc, she is simply embarking on a new adventure, one she has likely always pondered given her vocation "It's a good job we know a couple of rangers then, don't think you can avoid CRAP this easily!", he says before kneeling and embraces her. "This will have to do until we meet again, even if you will be a bit more barky then."
Standing and waiting for the others to say their not quite goodbyes, he turns to Danae, "That sounds as good a plan as any. Do we want to further explore the den of the beasts we encountered earlier on the way?"
If he isn't the first, Biscuit certainly makes sure he's a close second tto get a hug from Seranolla! One he most happily returns with a few doggy kisses and Boofs, promising to return and share many more stories if she was going to be a tree for a while. Doozey, on the other hand, is... he at least puts off any hugging in the immediate moment to address Pipyap and Denae. Or more accurately, to take a few moments to again write some things down before handing the note off to Denae.
While she's reading the note, Doozey immediately whips around to Utar and forms an X with his arms while shaking his head. "We go om paff am be omy om paff! Yo', eh, yo, em.... mmmn! Ugh! Om. Paff. Omy! Aigh?"He says, eyes narrowed as he glanced from Utar and Neya.
Meanwhile, Doozey note to Denae (if she accepted it) says the following:
"Hate to be bother, but considering the delicacy of what I need said, I ask for you to play translator for a bit 'fore ya go. And if you're not up for it, then so be it. But if not, can you say ta the imp the following:
"There's one last thing Doozey wants to settle up with you Pipyap. A deal he's willing to offer you in exchange for some measure of continued autonomy on this plane of existence. Otherwise, as a Grey Hunter he's obligated to destroy or contain you to ensure no innocents are not harmed in the future by fiendish influence. Refuse or run, and he will hunt you down immediately and send you back to the hells. What say you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya also partakes in hugging Seranolla. “Thank you for your help. I wish you the best as you transition to the next, rather intriguing chapter of your life.”
@Ori/Doozey: You recall whatever details you deem appropriate concerning the Order of the Profane Soul (trademark pending... 😁). I am comfortable letting you take the lead here but let me know if you wish to work out those details separately.
As CRAP comes to terms with Seranolla's fate, hugs are shared as desired and appropriate. Biscuit is sure to sneak in some doggy kisses as well. Seranolla enjoys the moment and hugs those willing extra tight. "I look forward to your future visits," Seranolla tells Neya, Utar, and Biscuit while hugging each of them.
When Utar makes a suggestion regarding another potential stop on the way to Greenhall, Doozey is quick to try and silently remind him of the agreement made when the group changed their minds (i.e., when you turned back after partially making your way down the Greenhall path.)
To the side, Denae nods in agreement with Doozey's request. She turns to Pipyap and summarizes the note aloud after reading it: "Oy, imp! Mr. Badger here says that if you depart now, he will hunt you down like the devil you are. Should you want to remain in this plane, you must accept his offer." She looks back at the halfling for a moment and adds: "The details of which I am sure are about to be written down... so, hang tight."
Still sporting a general disinterested demeanor, Pipyap looks up to hear the details of the offer.
(OOC: I would go with calling them 'The Tarnished', but Elden Ring is a thing so back to the workshop)
Rather than be upset at Denae taking some liberties with his message, Doozey actually crossed his arms and nodded approvingly up at the woman. But with ball once more back in his court, the stoutling holds up a finger in a halting gesture, before then returning to scribbling something down.
"You wiw, uh, weave from fowem. 'ave, eh, o'fear, Pipyap. Wom way or over." The stoutling said, snorted, but otherwise continued to write over the next minute or so. After recieving all the love Seranolla was willing to shower, Biscuit bounded back to Doozey side and laid his head on Doozey's shoulder, much to the halfling's chagrin. "Awrye, awyre." He groused while hand Denae over the note. If any of others wish to do the honors or read it for themselves, he simply shrugs and motions for them to go ahead. Yet from the time the note is handed off to well after Denae translated his wishes, Doozey is watching Piyap like a hawk, waiting patiently for the lazy fiend to show his true colors... or not.
The deal is as follows:
'If Pipyap agrees to Doozey's terms, he is to make a Blood Pact with one Doozey Redfoot, requiring only for him to cut the palm of his hand and offer it Doozey. I, Doozey, will do much the same, shaking Pipyap's hand and completing the pact after performing the necessary hemocraft ritual. Functionally, the pact will bind Pipyap to Doozey's service similar to a familiar for the next 30 days. After which, the bonded pair, if both are in agreement, may renew the pact, strengthening it, or sever it at the time. The exact details of the pact may not be shared with any individual(s) entity or organization outside of those present at the time of the agreement without the express permission of Doozey Redfoot. Pipyap may not during these 30 days may not participate in the trading or acquisition of souls, directly or indirectly, unless otherwise given permission by Doozey Redfoot.
Though there could be other ways, the main ways the pact can be broken in the following ways: 1) If Doozey Redfoot intentionally harms Pipyap directly. 2) If Doozey Redfoot is killed by no direct or indirect result of Pipyap's actions or negligence. 3) If Pipyap returns to the hells without being directed to do so by Doozey Redfoot.
In the event the Pact is broken or severed, Pipyap is to return to the Hells by the swiftest known means available to him.
(@Lerus: How much of the above is actually possible I leave to your discretion, as Doozey, as smart and as wise as he is thanks to a combination of magic items and natural wit, would likely still be limited in the potency of the Pact given his understanding and depth of control over hemocraft. At the VERY most I only hope for a possibly flawed find familiar situation when it comes to the two, so he can at least summon Pipyap as necessary over the course of those 30 days.)
When all is said and done, and should Pipyap agree to the somewhat... slightly, maybe unfavorable pact, given the freedom he had at the moment, Doozey would actually look taken aback for a moment. But so long as Pipyap held out his bloodied hand in acceptance of the deal, Doozey saw to taking a claw to his own, use some of the blood to form a sigil, and then finally shake Pipyap's hand. Supposedly, or so Doozey anticipated at least, having only witnessed something similar once in the past, the two would feel a slight prodding or stabbing sensation alongside experience fleeting sharing of emotions before the pact was sealed, leaving behind but a scar and a matching sigil on the palm of their hand.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Skimming over the note, Denae quickly discards the idea of paraphrasing it. "A contract; I must not mess up these words then." She then proceeds to read it word by word, including any typo or mistakes Doozey may have placed on the parchment in his rush.
Pipyap listens attentively but hesitates. "You offer a renewed link to Redfoot..." He pauses then, his devilish attention to contractual details surfacing. "...but no link back to the Material plane. If I die here under your faulty command, gored by a tentacled panther or tricked by a witch, your wording guarantees that the pact is broken because I will have returned to the Hells without it being a direct order from you to do so." He frowns. "If I refuse, you'll kill me now and I return to the Hells. If I accept, I still have to live in fear of dying without a chance to return since the pact will be broken. And to top it of, while I live in fear I would serve your every whim." Pipyap spits on the ground. "Your offer gives me nothing. You'd make a worse devil than me."
He flaps his wings for a second or two without leaving the ground: "Revise your offer," he counter-offers.
@Ori: Depending on what you do here, I may need a persuasion and/or an arcana check, maybe even an intimidation check too. Feel free to roll them and I'll use them as/if appropriate.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey put on his best poker face; but, with every type and mistake spoken aloud, there's a faint coloring of the cheeks. But when it came to Pipyap voicing his "concerns", the stoutling rolls his eyes, sighs, and takes out another piece of parchment to scribbling away once more. As he did so, however, he at least tried to put further thought into the binding process, wondering if truly he could amend it further... and if even should for that matter.
In the end, the latest parchment is passed on to Denae alongside a small but grateful smile from the halfling.
Written on the parchment with only slightly more care than the last is the following:
"Doozey Redfoot's 'offer' is to turn something of a blind eye to your continued presence upon this plane, and even extend some small measure of my protection in disuading other less understanding folk from rightfully ending your tenure here. Not to mention the staying of my his hand, so long as you're willing to play ball. However, to assuage some concern, Doozey shall-..." The rest of the message leads into what amounts to some arcane technical jargon that essentially promises the following:
'Once per day, Doozey shall lend a measure of his life force through the bond(ie. Spend X amount of hit dice) and create a ward. The ward will not so much as prevent Pipyap's demise, but instead capture his essence and secure it in a pocket dimension that will restore him over time(ex. Possibly over course of 24 hours) using that life force, similar to wonderous figurines), preventing Pipyaps return to the hell. After which time, Pipyap will be released from the pocket dimension within 10ft of Doozey. If Doozey fails to provide enough energy for the ward, the more significant amounts will be forcible extracted via the binding magic(ie. Doozey will incur ranks of exhaustion or perhaps even a permnant loss of Max HP) to supplement the ward.'
'As an additional cavaet of this pact, neither party may lie to the other during the 30 day period.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Denae glances at Neya before continuing, and then Utar. She has a doubtful look in her eyes. She holds the next piece of parchment and reads it word for word, her voice less confident than before. Pipyap is given some time to think. He paces from one side to the other, fluttering above ground every now and then. "A devil being offered a contract... pathetic..." He paces some more, temperature rising around him a couple of degrees. "Fine!" He finally says, looking Doozey in the eye. "But I must be released every now and then for my own freedom, not just when you have use of me. And I want meelk, chiz, meat, and... and... hoogs. Deal?"
There is no breeze in the air, but the leaves of the tall trees within the Quivering Forest rustle all the same.
Doozey rolled his eyes, crossed his arms, and scoffed at the request. If a moment goes pass... and another.... and finally another with Pipyap still looking determined to see things further ammended, even if only informally so, the stoutling began to regard the fiend with a look that bordered on conveying respect for the devil-kin's determination. It's Biscuit's concerned whinning that breaks Doozey's focus long enough to finally note the change in the atmosphere.
An omen? Or perhaps a certain Hag saw fit to do a bit of direct snooping? Either way, Doozey conveys with another message that the group had a cook that could perhaps see such 'extravagancies' can be stocked. But as far as the devil's freedom, it isn't without further conditions, such as no more killing of either livestock or humanoids unless dictated otherwise by Doozey, and Pipyap having a designated chaperone for the first tenday so he could be taught more do's and don'ts. Only a few more, or so Doozey promises.
If/When it eventually comes to sealing the deal however, a hesitant Doozey looked to Neya and Utar for any final word of guidance.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We were told devils tended to keep to the letter of pacts they make as part of their nature," Neya says recalling what Seranolla told them earlier in the day.
"Yes, yes," Pipyap hurriedly agrees to Neya's reminders and then turns to Doozey more directly: "Add my requests and I agree to the chaperone thing and the no killing unless commanded. No need to kill cows for meat if you are agreeing to provide meat already." Pipyap then waits for the amendments to be penciled into parchment and prepares to share blood with Doozey, as the contract calls for.
Noticing that the halfling is looking at Neya and Utar before finalizing the arrangement, Pipyap also looks at the other CRAPers in anticipation.
Sensing no further input from either Neya and Utar to be eminent, or perhaps simply out of impatience born of nervousness over the whole deal, Doozey looks to Pipyap and nods, accepting the imp's quirky last request. And while there was a part of him ever gnawing at the back of his mind and demanding over analysis of the exact perimeters of the deal, the halfling clenched his jaw... and followed through on completing the pact; his curiosity and hope ultimately winning out in the end.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Parchment amended and other voices raised in concern, the deal moves to its completion point. With a slow, deliberate movement, Doozey takes a knife and opens a wound on the palm of his left hand. Pipyap takes the knife and raises it high above his head. Without hesitation, the imp moves the blade across his own hand, slicing through flesh with a sickening ease. Blood spills on the ground.
The ground beneath your feet begins to tremble, and the very forest seems to groan in response. As halfling and imp shake hands, their blood seeps into each others' veins but also into the earth, feeding whatever powers the Quivering Forest may house. The air grows colder, and the shadows deepen. A palpable sense of dread clings to the forest like a malignant fog.
Pipyap's form is then pulled toward the ground. Much like Seranolla, the imp's legs begin to sprout (and then turn into) roots. His entire form shrinks in size and becomes barky and gnarled. The process is painless, but it is clear that Pipyap is not enjoying it. "What is happening? This is not a familiar's ritual... what?" Soon, the imp looses its ability to speak, as his face becomes rest as wooden as the rest of his now tiny body.
Unfortunately for Piyap, no hug was imminent. But by the time Doozey had turned his attention once more upon the ongoing exchange between the others, the fiend gets the sense the halfling's wariness of him had at least somewhat lessened. For now. Though the occasional twitch of an ear, and habit of always trying to keep the imp at least within his peripheral vision remained very much at play.
Later when pointed at by Seranolla, Doozey snorts, and then with a flippant gesture to his mouth and a look seemed to say 'That's easier said than done now, ain't it?'. A thought then seemed to occur to him, and after some scribbling away at his makeshift notebook, he shows Seranolla(and by extension anyone wanting to read it): "This might be coming from eastside of the shire, but I heard once that Druids been known to 'wake up' trees or somethin' too to defend forests. So, couldn't you do something similar since you're part tree? If you just need the materials, we can go get'em for ya."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Pipyap just waits in silence as he notices that the conversation has moved on. The excitement of finding Halvin has been replaced with sorrow and apathy. The imp is experience emotions that are new to him. CRAP gets a feeling this adventure is very much over for Pipyap.
Seranolla reads Doozey's message carefully and smiles. "The trees don't hove tongues either, and they can talk just fine when provided a little bit of magic. Why would it be different for you?" As for the other part of the message she reiterates: "I have made peace with the next chapter of my life. I do not have it in me to try to out-trick a fey Lord. I'd lose even if I wore to manage such a feat. I am not interested in it and I shall certainly not involve you lot in it any more than you have already been involved." She looks pensive for a moment and jokes: "Perhaps that's how treants are made. I'd be a fetching treant, don't you think?"
She then encourages you onward. "Do not waste any more of your time with me. Don't you have a fey lord to visit?"
"So, no-one in Phlan will know of what you did for them either? Is there anyone we can tell, any message you would have us pass on to loved ones or family, the Emerald Enclave even?"
As much as Doozey scoffed, rolled his eyes, and even grumble at various points in response to most of Seranolla's answer, the stoutling hadn't really have it in him to try and sway the elder, let alone stubbornly deny or argue against her words. And after a few moments of letting the words settle in mind, the tension in his shoulders began to ease. "... Mn... Aye. Righ' om." He admits as he looked down once more towards the path to the elves.
But just as he took the first step in the direction of the path, a low whine from Biscuit has him turning back looking mildly annoyed at the beast... until he noticed the mastiff was looking towards the villagers. ".... Mm.... Fair, fair. Memae-" He looks to Denae, waiting long enough to meet her gaze, before gesturing over to the pair and giving her a questioning look soon after.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I am not dying, Utar." The old gnome reassures the Tormite. "I do not need to say farewells. My journey will simply be different. I shall serve Witchthorn, that is true, but other druids may still share in my wisdom, and that includes the Emerald Enclave, as long as they are welcome into this forest." She gently gesture to Doozey, offering him another warm smile: "I don't expect my power to completely disappear either. As Doozey mentioned, perhaps I'll be able to animate myself once I get used to my new form. Speak with druids and rangers, understand what it is like to be on the other side of plant-walking. I am about to embark on a journey of understanding not many other druids can claim they have." She shifts her smile to a comforting one and offers it to the whole group: "You are not losing me."
She looks again at Doozey, just as she earns his vocal agreement. She smiles again and offers open arms to the whole group. "I'd take a hug before you all go, nonetheless. The next one might be quite... barky."
Denae's attention is stolen by Doozey some moments after that. "Right..." She clears her throat. "Perhaps I can lead these two here back to Serelis. We'd have to go past his hut anyhow if we were to find our way out of the forest and into Kabel's Hill by the only trustworthy path we know in these woods. Maybe Serelis can play the ranger-liason role he likes so much and complete the delivery of the villagers back to the town proper. I'd catch up with you lot on the way to Greenhall, or perhaps a bit later. I move faster on my own..."
Pipyap's ears twitch at Denae's offer: "I'd like to go back too. Nothing in this forest for me anymore."
Torm's lost left hand! It feels to Utar as if this forest, or more specifically, the fey who live here exact a high price. First Doozey, now Seranolla.
Still, the old gnome's words do not go unheeded by the half-orc, she is simply embarking on a new adventure, one she has likely always pondered given her vocation "It's a good job we know a couple of rangers then, don't think you can avoid CRAP this easily!", he says before kneeling and embraces her. "This will have to do until we meet again, even if you will be a bit more barky then."
Standing and waiting for the others to say their not quite goodbyes, he turns to Danae, "That sounds as good a plan as any. Do we want to further explore the den of the beasts we encountered earlier on the way?"
If he isn't the first, Biscuit certainly makes sure he's a close second tto get a hug from Seranolla! One he most happily returns with a few doggy kisses and Boofs, promising to return and share many more stories if she was going to be a tree for a while. Doozey, on the other hand, is... he at least puts off any hugging in the immediate moment to address Pipyap and Denae. Or more accurately, to take a few moments to again write some things down before handing the note off to Denae.
While she's reading the note, Doozey immediately whips around to Utar and forms an X with his arms while shaking his head. "We go om paff am be omy om paff! Yo', eh, yo, em.... mmmn! Ugh! Om. Paff. Omy! Aigh?" He says, eyes narrowed as he glanced from Utar and Neya.
Meanwhile, Doozey note to Denae (if she accepted it) says the following:
"Hate to be bother, but considering the delicacy of what I need said, I ask for you to play translator for a bit 'fore ya go. And if you're not up for it, then so be it. But if not, can you say ta the imp the following:
"There's one last thing Doozey wants to settle up with you Pipyap. A deal he's willing to offer you in exchange for some measure of continued autonomy on this plane of existence. Otherwise, as a Grey Hunter he's obligated to destroy or contain you to ensure no innocents are not harmed in the future by fiendish influence. Refuse or run, and he will hunt you down immediately and send you back to the hells. What say you?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya also partakes in hugging Seranolla.
“Thank you for your help. I wish you the best as you transition to the next, rather intriguing chapter of your life.”
Extended Signature
@Lerus: Here ya go, as discussed.
-Arcana: 15.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Ori/Doozey: You recall whatever details you deem appropriate concerning the Order of the Profane Soul (trademark pending... 😁). I am comfortable letting you take the lead here but let me know if you wish to work out those details separately.
As CRAP comes to terms with Seranolla's fate, hugs are shared as desired and appropriate. Biscuit is sure to sneak in some doggy kisses as well. Seranolla enjoys the moment and hugs those willing extra tight. "I look forward to your future visits," Seranolla tells Neya, Utar, and Biscuit while hugging each of them.
When Utar makes a suggestion regarding another potential stop on the way to Greenhall, Doozey is quick to try and silently remind him of the agreement made when the group changed their minds (i.e., when you turned back after partially making your way down the Greenhall path.)
To the side, Denae nods in agreement with Doozey's request. She turns to Pipyap and summarizes the note aloud after reading it: "Oy, imp! Mr. Badger here says that if you depart now, he will hunt you down like the devil you are. Should you want to remain in this plane, you must accept his offer." She looks back at the halfling for a moment and adds: "The details of which I am sure are about to be written down... so, hang tight."
Still sporting a general disinterested demeanor, Pipyap looks up to hear the details of the offer.
(OOC: I would go with calling them 'The Tarnished', but Elden Ring is a thing so back to the workshop)
Rather than be upset at Denae taking some liberties with his message, Doozey actually crossed his arms and nodded approvingly up at the woman. But with ball once more back in his court, the stoutling holds up a finger in a halting gesture, before then returning to scribbling something down.
"You wiw, uh, weave from fowem. 'ave, eh, o'fear, Pipyap. Wom way or over." The stoutling said, snorted, but otherwise continued to write over the next minute or so. After recieving all the love Seranolla was willing to shower, Biscuit bounded back to Doozey side and laid his head on Doozey's shoulder, much to the halfling's chagrin. "Awrye, awyre." He groused while hand Denae over the note. If any of others wish to do the honors or read it for themselves, he simply shrugs and motions for them to go ahead. Yet from the time the note is handed off to well after Denae translated his wishes, Doozey is watching Piyap like a hawk, waiting patiently for the lazy fiend to show his true colors... or not.
The deal is as follows:
'If Pipyap agrees to Doozey's terms, he is to make a Blood Pact with one Doozey Redfoot, requiring only for him to cut the palm of his hand and offer it Doozey. I, Doozey, will do much the same, shaking Pipyap's hand and completing the pact after performing the necessary hemocraft ritual. Functionally, the pact will bind Pipyap to Doozey's service similar to a familiar for the next 30 days. After which, the bonded pair, if both are in agreement, may renew the pact, strengthening it, or sever it at the time. The exact details of the pact may not be shared with any individual(s) entity or organization outside of those present at the time of the agreement without the express permission of Doozey Redfoot. Pipyap may not during these 30 days may not participate in the trading or acquisition of souls, directly or indirectly, unless otherwise given permission by Doozey Redfoot.
Though there could be other ways, the main ways the pact can be broken in the following ways:
1) If Doozey Redfoot intentionally harms Pipyap directly.
2) If Doozey Redfoot is killed by no direct or indirect result of Pipyap's actions or negligence.
3) If Pipyap returns to the hells without being directed to do so by Doozey Redfoot.
In the event the Pact is broken or severed, Pipyap is to return to the Hells by the swiftest known means available to him.
(@Lerus: How much of the above is actually possible I leave to your discretion, as Doozey, as smart and as wise as he is thanks to a combination of magic items and natural wit, would likely still be limited in the potency of the Pact given his understanding and depth of control over hemocraft. At the VERY most I only hope for a possibly flawed find familiar situation when it comes to the two, so he can at least summon Pipyap as necessary over the course of those 30 days.)
When all is said and done, and should Pipyap agree to the somewhat... slightly, maybe unfavorable pact, given the freedom he had at the moment, Doozey would actually look taken aback for a moment. But so long as Pipyap held out his bloodied hand in acceptance of the deal, Doozey saw to taking a claw to his own, use some of the blood to form a sigil, and then finally shake Pipyap's hand. Supposedly, or so Doozey anticipated at least, having only witnessed something similar once in the past, the two would feel a slight prodding or stabbing sensation alongside experience fleeting sharing of emotions before the pact was sealed, leaving behind but a scar and a matching sigil on the palm of their hand.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Skimming over the note, Denae quickly discards the idea of paraphrasing it. "A contract; I must not mess up these words then." She then proceeds to read it word by word, including any typo or mistakes Doozey may have placed on the parchment in his rush.
Pipyap listens attentively but hesitates. "You offer a renewed link to Redfoot..." He pauses then, his devilish attention to contractual details surfacing. "...but no link back to the Material plane. If I die here under your faulty command, gored by a tentacled panther or tricked by a witch, your wording guarantees that the pact is broken because I will have returned to the Hells without it being a direct order from you to do so." He frowns. "If I refuse, you'll kill me now and I return to the Hells. If I accept, I still have to live in fear of dying without a chance to return since the pact will be broken. And to top it of, while I live in fear I would serve your every whim." Pipyap spits on the ground. "Your offer gives me nothing. You'd make a worse devil than me."
He flaps his wings for a second or two without leaving the ground: "Revise your offer," he counter-offers.
@Ori: Depending on what you do here, I may need a persuasion and/or an arcana check, maybe even an intimidation check too. Feel free to roll them and I'll use them as/if appropriate.
Doozey put on his best poker face; but, with every type and mistake spoken aloud, there's a faint coloring of the cheeks. But when it came to Pipyap voicing his "concerns", the stoutling rolls his eyes, sighs, and takes out another piece of parchment to scribbling away once more. As he did so, however, he at least tried to put further thought into the binding process, wondering if truly he could amend it further... and if even should for that matter.
-Arcana: 22.
In the end, the latest parchment is passed on to Denae alongside a small but grateful smile from the halfling.
Written on the parchment with only slightly more care than the last is the following:
"Doozey Redfoot's 'offer' is to turn something of a blind eye to your continued presence upon this plane, and even extend some small measure of my protection in disuading other less understanding folk from rightfully ending your tenure here. Not to mention the staying of my his hand, so long as you're willing to play ball. However, to assuage some concern, Doozey shall-..." The rest of the message leads into what amounts to some arcane technical jargon that essentially promises the following:
'Once per day, Doozey shall lend a measure of his life force through the bond(ie. Spend X amount of hit dice) and create a ward. The ward will not so much as prevent Pipyap's demise, but instead capture his essence and secure it in a pocket dimension that will restore him over time(ex. Possibly over course of 24 hours) using that life force, similar to wonderous figurines), preventing Pipyaps return to the hell. After which time, Pipyap will be released from the pocket dimension within 10ft of Doozey. If Doozey fails to provide enough energy for the ward, the more significant amounts will be forcible extracted via the binding magic(ie. Doozey will incur ranks of exhaustion or perhaps even a permnant loss of Max HP) to supplement the ward.'
'As an additional cavaet of this pact, neither party may lie to the other during the 30 day period.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Forgot also the persuasion check: 13.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Denae glances at Neya before continuing, and then Utar. She has a doubtful look in her eyes. She holds the next piece of parchment and reads it word for word, her voice less confident than before. Pipyap is given some time to think. He paces from one side to the other, fluttering above ground every now and then. "A devil being offered a contract... pathetic..." He paces some more, temperature rising around him a couple of degrees. "Fine!" He finally says, looking Doozey in the eye. "But I must be released every now and then for my own freedom, not just when you have use of me. And I want meelk, chiz, meat, and... and... hoogs. Deal?"
There is no breeze in the air, but the leaves of the tall trees within the Quivering Forest rustle all the same.
Doozey rolled his eyes, crossed his arms, and scoffed at the request. If a moment goes pass... and another.... and finally another with Pipyap still looking determined to see things further ammended, even if only informally so, the stoutling began to regard the fiend with a look that bordered on conveying respect for the devil-kin's determination. It's Biscuit's concerned whinning that breaks Doozey's focus long enough to finally note the change in the atmosphere.
An omen? Or perhaps a certain Hag saw fit to do a bit of direct snooping? Either way, Doozey conveys with another message that the group had a cook that could perhaps see such 'extravagancies' can be stocked. But as far as the devil's freedom, it isn't without further conditions, such as no more killing of either livestock or humanoids unless dictated otherwise by Doozey, and Pipyap having a designated chaperone for the first tenday so he could be taught more do's and don'ts. Only a few more, or so Doozey promises.
If/When it eventually comes to sealing the deal however, a hesitant Doozey looked to Neya and Utar for any final word of guidance.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We were told devils tended to keep to the letter of pacts they make as part of their nature," Neya says recalling what Seranolla told them earlier in the day.
Extended Signature
"Yes, yes," Pipyap hurriedly agrees to Neya's reminders and then turns to Doozey more directly: "Add my requests and I agree to the chaperone thing and the no killing unless commanded. No need to kill cows for meat if you are agreeing to provide meat already." Pipyap then waits for the amendments to be penciled into parchment and prepares to share blood with Doozey, as the contract calls for.
Noticing that the halfling is looking at Neya and Utar before finalizing the arrangement, Pipyap also looks at the other CRAPers in anticipation.
Sensing no further input from either Neya and Utar to be eminent, or perhaps simply out of impatience born of nervousness over the whole deal, Doozey looks to Pipyap and nods, accepting the imp's quirky last request. And while there was a part of him ever gnawing at the back of his mind and demanding over analysis of the exact perimeters of the deal, the halfling clenched his jaw... and followed through on completing the pact; his curiosity and hope ultimately winning out in the end.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Parchment amended and other voices raised in concern, the deal moves to its completion point. With a slow, deliberate movement, Doozey takes a knife and opens a wound on the palm of his left hand. Pipyap takes the knife and raises it high above his head. Without hesitation, the imp moves the blade across his own hand, slicing through flesh with a sickening ease. Blood spills on the ground.
The ground beneath your feet begins to tremble, and the very forest seems to groan in response. As halfling and imp shake hands, their blood seeps into each others' veins but also into the earth, feeding whatever powers the Quivering Forest may house. The air grows colder, and the shadows deepen. A palpable sense of dread clings to the forest like a malignant fog.
Pipyap's form is then pulled toward the ground. Much like Seranolla, the imp's legs begin to sprout (and then turn into) roots. His entire form shrinks in size and becomes barky and gnarled. The process is painless, but it is clear that Pipyap is not enjoying it. "What is happening? This is not a familiar's ritual... what?" Soon, the imp looses its ability to speak, as his face becomes rest as wooden as the rest of his now tiny body.
In the distance, a horrid cackle feels the air.