"Hmm...It is an oddity," Yarina remarks thoughtfully, voice low, "If it speaks, I suppose it's worth questioning to find out how and if there are others. But be cautious, Meira."
Meira continues her slow walk towards the manticore. She has now stowed her bow at her back as she looks at the creature. "Manticore?" she says again, perhaps not yelling quite so much this time. She kind of ignores Yarina as she comes alongside without saying anything. Then she does give a moments glance at Gareth as he too warns about possible danger. And as she gets closer, she can see even more clearly the size of this thing. Her heart does race a bit faster wondering if this is really such a good idea. She stops still some 30 feet from the manticore. Trying not to sound nervous she says, "Manticore, why are you hungry? These lands should have plenty of game."
She sees the bleeding and wounds. She glances to the others, "I would see if it might speak. But at this point, mercy might be in just killing the thing."
Eldrin regarded the woman—Adabra—with a measured nod, committing both her name and her condition to memory. She was unharmed, though evidently shaken, and her words made her priorities clear: the manticore must be dealt with before any meaningful discussion could take place. A reasonable expectation.
His gaze drifts back toward his companions, now gathered around the dying creature in what could only be described as a sudden and perplexing crisis of conscience. Just moments ago, they had all been intent on striking it down; now, deliberation had replaced action. A peculiar shift in priorities, given that the very individual they had come to assist still awaited them.
He exhales softly—just short of a sigh—before turning back to Adabra with the practiced clarity of one accustomed to cutting through needless distractions.
"Understood. This matter will be resolved shortly."
With that, he pivots and strides toward the others, posture composed, expression unreadable. If he had any thoughts on the contradiction unfolding before him, he did not voice them—though the sharp glint in his gaze suggested he had already reached his own conclusions.
Lyralets her harmful spell vanish in her hand and, still a little unsure, she walks up to Meira. After Meira speaks to the manticore, the cleric offers, "Hmm... Manticore, if you answer my friend, I could heal you afterward! I'm pretty sure you'd prefer to keep using your wings to fly around rather than die from your wounds. Just promise to leave people alone and hunt only game, and only when it's necessary. Okay?" She extends her arm slightly, where another radiant glow begins to form—one that promises care and closing wounds, rather than the divine punishment of the gods.
Then she continues, "But do know that if you try to attack us, or if you break your promise, we will come back for you!"
As you approach the Manticore you notice this monster is emaciated. It's ribcage prominent under the hide stretched across it. The large monstrosity looks up at Meira when she asks her questions. "A dragon... took our... hunting ground. Need to... feed my... young." It struggles to get through the sentence, coughing as blood trickles out of its mouth. It looks at Lyra and nods as if to say, yes I would prefer to fly than to die. As it finishes its surprisingly articulate answer, it lowers its head back down to the ground resigned to its fate.
Yarina, you don't see any fight left in this creature. You're confident this monster is no longer a threat to the group.
Zephyros watches the Manticore closely. Ready to end the beast in a split second if it attacks anyone. His brows extend upwards as the monster talks to Meira, clearly surprised this... thing can have a conversation. The gruff soldier scoffs and shakes his head as Lyra suggests healing the monster. This motion of his head is the first time he releases his gaze from the Manticore. However, the momentary loss of discipline evaporates quickly and he returns his focus.
The armored man walks over to the creatures tail and thrusts the pointy end of his trident down into the ground, pinning the tail to the earth below between his trident's spikes. "We should end this threat for good. If we let it go, it may find easier prey then us next. Some unlucky child perhaps." Zephyros looks at Gareth and then to Eldrin, seeking an ally to his way of thinking.
"Wait! It knows of the dragon, the greater threat,"Yarina's icy blue eyes narrow and she raises a hand, approaching the creature herself, "Manticore, do you know where the dragon makes its lair? Where is the hunting ground it stole from you?"
Eldrin observes the conversation with interest, fingers lightly tapping his arm as he listens. What seemed a simple task—secure Adabra’s safety—has become a far more complex discussion. Fascinating.
He exhales softly, then steps forward, hands clasped behind his back. “Ah, but you see, the elven perspective on this matter is rather enlightening,” he begins, his tone calm and deliberate. “This is not merely a question of sparing or slaying a dangerous creature. The situation is more complicated than that.”
He gestures toward the manticore. “It claims a dragon has taken its hunting ground. If true, that presents a far greater issue than the fate of one creature and gathering more information first would be the wiser course.”
His gaze shifts to Zephyros and Gareth. “I do understand the concern. The manticore has attacked before and may do so again. But if we follow that logic, are we prepared to strike down every desperate creature that turns to violence to survive? Or do we only apply that reasoning when it is convenient?”
With a measured breath, Eldrin pauses before continuing. “Now, I am not saying we must let it go,” he continues. “But if there is knowledge to be gained here—if it can tell us more about this dragon or anything else of use—it would be foolish to dismiss the opportunity.”
After a brief pause, he glances toward Adabra. “Ah, yes. We did come here to ensure your safety.” His tone is polite, if slightly distracted. “I trust you’ll understand the momentary delay.”
He returns his attention to the group. “So, rather than rushing to a decision, perhaps we should take a moment to consider the options properly. Would that not be the more reasonable approach?”
"Ah, the dragon," Meira echos the manticore's answer. She seems lost in thought for a moment until others start to speak. Eldrin's comment draws her to look over at the elf. "Oh good, the elven perspective." In her head she thinks, 'Where was that vaunted wise reasoning moments ago when she practically ignored the dying manticore? Perhaps elven means slow and plodding.' She continues, "You're right, there are options. Yet you don't speak of them? First, there are young. That implies a mate somewhere. That's a bunch more of these creatures. Unfortunately, I do not know a lot about their habits, but perhaps others do?" She glances to Gareth, he seems like the sort that might know about wild creatures.
"Second, Yarina has asked already about the dragon - what can we learn," she continues. "Third though, if we save this manticore could we truly win it over to see us as friends permanently? And fourth, I wonder could the young be taken and trained? Well, more likely sold to someone else? Would they be valuable?"
Then finally she turns to Zephyros. "Or are we better to just end the threat these monsters pose?"
Meira then turns towards the manticore, raising her voice a bit. "Yes manticore, what can you tell us of this dragon. Perhaps we can help you and your young!"
"Wait! It knows of the dragon, the greater threat,"Yarina's icy blue eyes narrow and she raises a hand, approaching the creature herself, "Manticore, do you know where the dragon makes its lair? Where is the hunting ground it stole from you?"
Yarina, the Manticore uses its paw to point toward the mountains to the East. It struggles to lift its head to answer your question.
After a brief pause, he glances toward Adabra. “Ah, yes. We did come here to ensure your safety.” His tone is polite, if slightly distracted. “I trust you’ll understand the momentary delay.”
Eldrin, Adabra replies, "Not a problem, not a problem. I'll be here when you're done."
"Second, Yarina has asked already about the dragon - what can we learn," she continues. "Third though, if we save this manticore could we truly win it over to see us as friends permanently? And fourth, I wonder could the young be taken and trained? Well, more likely sold to someone else? Would they be valuable?"
Then finally she turns to Zephyros. "Or are we better to just end the threat these monsters pose?"
Meira then turns towards the manticore, raising her voice a bit. "Yes manticore, what can you tell us of this dragon. Perhaps we can help you and your young!"
Meira, the Manticore finds enough strength to thrash a little and growl as you mention taking and training or selling its young, but the effort exhausts the monster quickly. It lays still once again. It's clear this creature has extinguished its remaining energy and will likely die soon if the group does nothing.
"Ah, Meira, at last, you acknowledge the merit of the elven perspective. And rightly so."His tone is pleasant, though touched with the usual undertone of scholarly patience. As he speaks, his gaze follows the manticore’s feeble gesture toward the eastern mountains, his expression sharpening with interest. "So, the disturbance takes root there. The presence of a dragon displacing such a predator is no small shift in balance"
His silver gaze lingers on the dying creature before him. The manticore’s growl—however weak—was still defiant, but now its body has given in, its fate hanging in fragile balance. "Which brings us to this moment."Eldrin gestures faintly. "Its home is lost, its body broken. We have pried its knowledge from it, and now, the last thing it has left is the manner of its passing. And here, we find a question."
He tilts his head slightly, as though studying the moment itself rather than the creature. "Do we let nature take its course, allowing it to fade as all things do in time? Do we hasten its end, granting a swifter release? Or do we interfere, wrenching it back from the brink and forcing it to find purpose in what remains?"
His tone remains absent of judgment—simply presenting the thought, inviting it to be commented upon. His focus, however, remains on the greater shift at hand. "Regardless, a dragon has imposed itself upon this land, and set events into motion. The question is no longer where it is. It is what comes next."
(Does Gareth know more about manticores? I'll roll Nature.)
Nature - 21
Gareth takes a moment to recall what he knows about manticores. When Eldrin mentions the elven perspective, Gareth tries not to roll his eyes. He represses the strong urge to pull Meira away from the dying creature.
"As far as monsters go, these are pretty smart," Gareth sighs. "If you really want to question it, go ahead, but it looks like it's about to die. While it's unconscious, let me at least bind its legs so it can't strike out at us."
If no one objects, Gareth will use the rope in his pack to bind the creature's huge taloned legs together.
Meira heard the manticore's words and also saw its response to her words. She turns to Zephyros and Gareth. "It seems best to put the creature out of its misery. Go ahead."
She glances at Lyra, who had offered to aid the creature. "Probably safer for all this way for everyone around here long term. Though it was very kind of you to offer aid."
(Does Gareth know more about manticores? I'll roll Nature.)
Nature - 21
Gareth takes a moment to recall what he knows about manticores.
Gareth,
You are the authority on all things Manticore. In addition to what is listed in the statblock, you know they are lawful evil creatures that tend to hunt wild game, but are not above attacking people when desperate or they encroach upon their territory. They are very protective of their mates and young. They hunt in packs to take down larger prey. Some are known to have poisonous quills, but you're unsure if this Manticore is one of them. They aren't particularly intelligent but do have the ability to learn languages and converse. Rarely, they are used as shock troops in Orc hordes or Hobgoblin armies, but such arrangements are based on mutual respect, not through force or special training.
Zephyros calmly restrains his killing blow, as if with practiced ease. The bull of a man then gruffly blurts out, "What more could the beast tell us? That if we let it go, it may consider eating us another time?" The seasoned warrior bellows a laugh, and continues, "And we even offer to heal it! While mercy is honorable at times, I wouldn't consider sparing an evil monster one of those times."
"Too many times, have I seen beloved friends die because they told my to withhold my blow. I obey out of respect, but I cannot guarantee I'll hold for long, lest that creature," Zephyros eyes the Manticore aggressively, then glances at his comrades protectively. "Rear up against us again, and strike one of you down." The well-muscled man doesn't release an ounce of tension in his body as he speaks sternly, but cool and collected, as a father tells his children not to play with an axe.
Yarina watches the manticore’s trembling paw stretch toward the mountains, its blood pooling thickly beneath it. Eldrin’s words hang in the air—thoughtful, measured, and oddly detached. Her answer comes swiftly.
“There’s no purpose left in it. It’s suffering, and we’ve learned what we needed—the dragon is to the east.”
Unless anyone obligates, Zephyros strides over to the Manticore's head, and executes the beast. Upon the bloody battlefield, the sun shines above, glinting off the battle-forged soldier as he raises his polearm high, and plunges it deep inside the creatures brain.
Zephyros yanks free his trident, and glances over at Adabra. "Let's continue the mission." The grizzled man briefly states, as he walks over to the now-safe woman with purpose.
With the Manticore dispatched, you walk over to the windmill. Broken glass is strewn about the area. Grass and weeds are scorched in some places. Inside the confines of the iron fence are rows of herbs and other plants in various stages of growth. The windmill blades turn slowly from the cold wind blowing from the East. There are ruins just outside the door to the windmill. It looks as if there was once a cabin attached to the building, but was destroyed long ago. The door has been battered and beaten. Several quills are sticking out of the door. You hear Adabra on the opposite side of the door trying to open the door with no success.
"Stupid cat! Stupid door! Darn this thing...hrumph...open darn it!"
Seeing the woman struggling, Yarina steps up to the door and calls out firmly, “Mrs. Adabra, stand back! The door’s been weakened—I’ll get it open.” She plants her shoulder against the doorframe and sets her boot beside it, bracing herself. With a grunt of effort, she pushes forward with disciplined force, aiming to break the door inward.
Feeling the light warmth of Lyra's spell bolstering her strength even further, the dragonborn nods to her in thanks, pushing with renewed energy.
Eldrin had watched without reaction as Zephyros dispatched the manticore, the swift and practiced execution requiring no deliberation, no hesitation. Efficient. Purposeful. Brutal. The sun gleaming off bloodied steel, and then, as if the matter were nothing more than clearing a path, Zephyros had moved on.
A slight exhale escapes Eldrin—not quite a sigh, something more contemplative. He speaks as he watches Yarina brace against the weakened door, force once again applied to solve a problem. "There is something to be said for the direct approach," he muses aloud, his tone neither approving nor dismissive, but simply observing. "A problem is met with force. The obstacle is removed. No excess thought wasted, no energy spent beyond what is necessary. The battlefield favors such efficiency."
His gaze drifts toward the fallen manticore, its final moments reduced to little more than an afterthought in the wake of Zephyros’ decisive action. "Simple. Effective. And yet—"he tilts his head slightly, silver hair shifting as he considers, "—it lacks nuance. Brute force does not negotiate. It does not unravel motives. It does not ask whether an obstacle might serve a purpose beyond merely being in the way."
He glances toward Yarina now, watching the strain of muscle and sinew as she forces the door. "Still, it is difficult to argue with results. If a blade cuts cleanly, does it matter whether the wielder contemplates the shape of the wound it leaves?"
Eldrin folds his hands behind his back, letting the question settle, content to leave it unanswered.
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"Hmm...It is an oddity," Yarina remarks thoughtfully, voice low, "If it speaks, I suppose it's worth questioning to find out how and if there are others. But be cautious, Meira."
Meira continues her slow walk towards the manticore. She has now stowed her bow at her back as she looks at the creature. "Manticore?" she says again, perhaps not yelling quite so much this time. She kind of ignores Yarina as she comes alongside without saying anything. Then she does give a moments glance at Gareth as he too warns about possible danger. And as she gets closer, she can see even more clearly the size of this thing. Her heart does race a bit faster wondering if this is really such a good idea. She stops still some 30 feet from the manticore. Trying not to sound nervous she says, "Manticore, why are you hungry? These lands should have plenty of game."
She sees the bleeding and wounds. She glances to the others, "I would see if it might speak. But at this point, mercy might be in just killing the thing."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Eldrin regarded the woman—Adabra—with a measured nod, committing both her name and her condition to memory. She was unharmed, though evidently shaken, and her words made her priorities clear: the manticore must be dealt with before any meaningful discussion could take place. A reasonable expectation.
His gaze drifts back toward his companions, now gathered around the dying creature in what could only be described as a sudden and perplexing crisis of conscience. Just moments ago, they had all been intent on striking it down; now, deliberation had replaced action. A peculiar shift in priorities, given that the very individual they had come to assist still awaited them.
He exhales softly—just short of a sigh—before turning back to Adabra with the practiced clarity of one accustomed to cutting through needless distractions.
"Understood. This matter will be resolved shortly."
With that, he pivots and strides toward the others, posture composed, expression unreadable. If he had any thoughts on the contradiction unfolding before him, he did not voice them—though the sharp glint in his gaze suggested he had already reached his own conclusions.
Lyra lets her harmful spell vanish in her hand and, still a little unsure, she walks up to Meira. After Meira speaks to the manticore, the cleric offers, "Hmm... Manticore, if you answer my friend, I could heal you afterward! I'm pretty sure you'd prefer to keep using your wings to fly around rather than die from your wounds. Just promise to leave people alone and hunt only game, and only when it's necessary. Okay?" She extends her arm slightly, where another radiant glow begins to form—one that promises care and closing wounds, rather than the divine punishment of the gods.
Then she continues, "But do know that if you try to attack us, or if you break your promise, we will come back for you!"
(Persuasion: 10)
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Adventurers,
As you approach the Manticore you notice this monster is emaciated. It's ribcage prominent under the hide stretched across it. The large monstrosity looks up at Meira when she asks her questions. "A dragon... took our... hunting ground. Need to... feed my... young." It struggles to get through the sentence, coughing as blood trickles out of its mouth. It looks at Lyra and nods as if to say, yes I would prefer to fly than to die. As it finishes its surprisingly articulate answer, it lowers its head back down to the ground resigned to its fate.
Yarina, you don't see any fight left in this creature. You're confident this monster is no longer a threat to the group.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Zephyros watches the Manticore closely. Ready to end the beast in a split second if it attacks anyone. His brows extend upwards as the monster talks to Meira, clearly surprised this... thing can have a conversation. The gruff soldier scoffs and shakes his head as Lyra suggests healing the monster. This motion of his head is the first time he releases his gaze from the Manticore. However, the momentary loss of discipline evaporates quickly and he returns his focus.
The armored man walks over to the creatures tail and thrusts the pointy end of his trident down into the ground, pinning the tail to the earth below between his trident's spikes. "We should end this threat for good. If we let it go, it may find easier prey then us next. Some unlucky child perhaps." Zephyros looks at Gareth and then to Eldrin, seeking an ally to his way of thinking.
"Wait! It knows of the dragon, the greater threat," Yarina's icy blue eyes narrow and she raises a hand, approaching the creature herself, "Manticore, do you know where the dragon makes its lair? Where is the hunting ground it stole from you?"
Eldrin observes the conversation with interest, fingers lightly tapping his arm as he listens. What seemed a simple task—secure Adabra’s safety—has become a far more complex discussion. Fascinating.
He exhales softly, then steps forward, hands clasped behind his back. “Ah, but you see, the elven perspective on this matter is rather enlightening,” he begins, his tone calm and deliberate. “This is not merely a question of sparing or slaying a dangerous creature. The situation is more complicated than that.”
He gestures toward the manticore. “It claims a dragon has taken its hunting ground. If true, that presents a far greater issue than the fate of one creature and gathering more information first would be the wiser course.”
His gaze shifts to Zephyros and Gareth. “I do understand the concern. The manticore has attacked before and may do so again. But if we follow that logic, are we prepared to strike down every desperate creature that turns to violence to survive? Or do we only apply that reasoning when it is convenient?”
With a measured breath, Eldrin pauses before continuing. “Now, I am not saying we must let it go,” he continues. “But if there is knowledge to be gained here—if it can tell us more about this dragon or anything else of use—it would be foolish to dismiss the opportunity.”
After a brief pause, he glances toward Adabra. “Ah, yes. We did come here to ensure your safety.” His tone is polite, if slightly distracted. “I trust you’ll understand the momentary delay.”
He returns his attention to the group. “So, rather than rushing to a decision, perhaps we should take a moment to consider the options properly. Would that not be the more reasonable approach?”
"Ah, the dragon," Meira echos the manticore's answer. She seems lost in thought for a moment until others start to speak. Eldrin's comment draws her to look over at the elf. "Oh good, the elven perspective." In her head she thinks, 'Where was that vaunted wise reasoning moments ago when she practically ignored the dying manticore? Perhaps elven means slow and plodding.' She continues, "You're right, there are options. Yet you don't speak of them? First, there are young. That implies a mate somewhere. That's a bunch more of these creatures. Unfortunately, I do not know a lot about their habits, but perhaps others do?" She glances to Gareth, he seems like the sort that might know about wild creatures.
"Second, Yarina has asked already about the dragon - what can we learn," she continues. "Third though, if we save this manticore could we truly win it over to see us as friends permanently? And fourth, I wonder could the young be taken and trained? Well, more likely sold to someone else? Would they be valuable?"
Then finally she turns to Zephyros. "Or are we better to just end the threat these monsters pose?"
Meira then turns towards the manticore, raising her voice a bit. "Yes manticore, what can you tell us of this dragon. Perhaps we can help you and your young!"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Yarina, the Manticore uses its paw to point toward the mountains to the East. It struggles to lift its head to answer your question.
Eldrin, Adabra replies, "Not a problem, not a problem. I'll be here when you're done."
Meira, the Manticore finds enough strength to thrash a little and growl as you mention taking and training or selling its young, but the effort exhausts the monster quickly. It lays still once again. It's clear this creature has extinguished its remaining energy and will likely die soon if the group does nothing.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Ah, Meira, at last, you acknowledge the merit of the elven perspective. And rightly so." His tone is pleasant, though touched with the usual undertone of scholarly patience. As he speaks, his gaze follows the manticore’s feeble gesture toward the eastern mountains, his expression sharpening with interest. "So, the disturbance takes root there. The presence of a dragon displacing such a predator is no small shift in balance"
His silver gaze lingers on the dying creature before him. The manticore’s growl—however weak—was still defiant, but now its body has given in, its fate hanging in fragile balance. "Which brings us to this moment." Eldrin gestures faintly. "Its home is lost, its body broken. We have pried its knowledge from it, and now, the last thing it has left is the manner of its passing. And here, we find a question."
He tilts his head slightly, as though studying the moment itself rather than the creature. "Do we let nature take its course, allowing it to fade as all things do in time? Do we hasten its end, granting a swifter release? Or do we interfere, wrenching it back from the brink and forcing it to find purpose in what remains?"
His tone remains absent of judgment—simply presenting the thought, inviting it to be commented upon. His focus, however, remains on the greater shift at hand. "Regardless, a dragon has imposed itself upon this land, and set events into motion. The question is no longer where it is. It is what comes next."
(Does Gareth know more about manticores? I'll roll Nature.)
Nature - 21
Gareth takes a moment to recall what he knows about manticores. When Eldrin mentions the elven perspective, Gareth tries not to roll his eyes. He represses the strong urge to pull Meira away from the dying creature.
"As far as monsters go, these are pretty smart," Gareth sighs. "If you really want to question it, go ahead, but it looks like it's about to die. While it's unconscious, let me at least bind its legs so it can't strike out at us."
If no one objects, Gareth will use the rope in his pack to bind the creature's huge taloned legs together.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)
Meira heard the manticore's words and also saw its response to her words. She turns to Zephyros and Gareth. "It seems best to put the creature out of its misery. Go ahead."
She glances at Lyra, who had offered to aid the creature. "Probably safer for all this way for everyone around here long term. Though it was very kind of you to offer aid."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Gareth,
You are the authority on all things Manticore. In addition to what is listed in the statblock, you know they are lawful evil creatures that tend to hunt wild game, but are not above attacking people when desperate or they encroach upon their territory. They are very protective of their mates and young. They hunt in packs to take down larger prey. Some are known to have poisonous quills, but you're unsure if this Manticore is one of them. They aren't particularly intelligent but do have the ability to learn languages and converse. Rarely, they are used as shock troops in Orc hordes or Hobgoblin armies, but such arrangements are based on mutual respect, not through force or special training.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Zephyros calmly restrains his killing blow, as if with practiced ease. The bull of a man then gruffly blurts out, "What more could the beast tell us? That if we let it go, it may consider eating us another time?" The seasoned warrior bellows a laugh, and continues, "And we even offer to heal it! While mercy is honorable at times, I wouldn't consider sparing an evil monster one of those times."
"Too many times, have I seen beloved friends die because they told my to withhold my blow. I obey out of respect, but I cannot guarantee I'll hold for long, lest that creature," Zephyros eyes the Manticore aggressively, then glances at his comrades protectively. "Rear up against us again, and strike one of you down." The well-muscled man doesn't release an ounce of tension in his body as he speaks sternly, but cool and collected, as a father tells his children not to play with an axe.
Yarina watches the manticore’s trembling paw stretch toward the mountains, its blood pooling thickly beneath it. Eldrin’s words hang in the air—thoughtful, measured, and oddly detached. Her answer comes swiftly.
“There’s no purpose left in it. It’s suffering, and we’ve learned what we needed—the dragon is to the east.”
Unless anyone obligates, Zephyros strides over to the Manticore's head, and executes the beast. Upon the bloody battlefield, the sun shines above, glinting off the battle-forged soldier as he raises his polearm high, and plunges it deep inside the creatures brain.
Zephyros yanks free his trident, and glances over at Adabra. "Let's continue the mission." The grizzled man briefly states, as he walks over to the now-safe woman with purpose.
Adventurers,
With the Manticore dispatched, you walk over to the windmill. Broken glass is strewn about the area. Grass and weeds are scorched in some places. Inside the confines of the iron fence are rows of herbs and other plants in various stages of growth. The windmill blades turn slowly from the cold wind blowing from the East. There are ruins just outside the door to the windmill. It looks as if there was once a cabin attached to the building, but was destroyed long ago. The door has been battered and beaten. Several quills are sticking out of the door. You hear Adabra on the opposite side of the door trying to open the door with no success.
"Stupid cat! Stupid door! Darn this thing...hrumph...open darn it!"
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Seeing the woman struggling, Yarina steps up to the door and calls out firmly, “Mrs. Adabra, stand back! The door’s been weakened—I’ll get it open.” She plants her shoulder against the doorframe and sets her boot beside it, bracing herself. With a grunt of effort, she pushes forward with disciplined force, aiming to break the door inward.
Feeling the light warmth of Lyra's spell bolstering her strength even further, the dragonborn nods to her in thanks, pushing with renewed energy.
Athletics: 15 + 4 Guidance= 19
Eldrin had watched without reaction as Zephyros dispatched the manticore, the swift and practiced execution requiring no deliberation, no hesitation. Efficient. Purposeful. Brutal. The sun gleaming off bloodied steel, and then, as if the matter were nothing more than clearing a path, Zephyros had moved on.
A slight exhale escapes Eldrin—not quite a sigh, something more contemplative. He speaks as he watches Yarina brace against the weakened door, force once again applied to solve a problem. "There is something to be said for the direct approach," he muses aloud, his tone neither approving nor dismissive, but simply observing. "A problem is met with force. The obstacle is removed. No excess thought wasted, no energy spent beyond what is necessary. The battlefield favors such efficiency."
His gaze drifts toward the fallen manticore, its final moments reduced to little more than an afterthought in the wake of Zephyros’ decisive action. "Simple. Effective. And yet—" he tilts his head slightly, silver hair shifting as he considers, "—it lacks nuance. Brute force does not negotiate. It does not unravel motives. It does not ask whether an obstacle might serve a purpose beyond merely being in the way."
He glances toward Yarina now, watching the strain of muscle and sinew as she forces the door. "Still, it is difficult to argue with results. If a blade cuts cleanly, does it matter whether the wielder contemplates the shape of the wound it leaves?"
Eldrin folds his hands behind his back, letting the question settle, content to leave it unanswered.