"First question, who the hell are you? Second question, who the hell do you think you are. And finally, go die in a hole. I should have died a long time ago but Tyr needed a swordarm. The way I see it, I died on his quest already. The least anyone could do is finally let me have my peace." 

While a bit taken aback by Chalaska's restraint, Narz hadn't needed to be told twice. Later he would quietly reflect more on the human condition and misconceptions on their society. But that wouldn't be for much later. In the meantime, he curtly nodded to Chalaska, then looked to Torsus ready to cut off any spiel from the old man that might do more harm than good; only to be blindsided by Rollo instead. 

He turned sharply at that point to Rollo, growling gutturally for just a bit there, before cutting it off sharply in a forced act of restraint. "That is enough, Rollo." He said tightly, glaring at the man. "The matter of your continued existence can wait. So can your questions. Do not think that further agitating the situation or anyone out of fleeting feelings will expedite your wishes. This I swear to make certain." He adds, losing his accent a bit along the way, and somehow hardening his stare further as well. 

Which might've been all the more impressive not clearly bloodied and bandaged up a bit himself. Yet, his eyes never waver for a second. "So leave it be." He looks to Torsus. "That goes for you as well, such that it matters. Whatever your previous engagement was will have to be settled a different way and elsewhere. So, if you don't mind..." He trailed off there, stating more than asking for compliance, but waiting all the same for some response from the two. He intended to have some short words for Dakkurz as well on the way out, but... that he'd wait a bit more on once the group was on the move.

Claire looks between Rollo, Chalaska and Narz, and the rigid stubbornness starts to fade form her expression, especially when Chalaska is able to use Tyr as a speaking point, whom Claire knows nothing about.  She knows very little about Rollo and never made an effort to learn, she finally realizes, and so she probably doesn't have the ability to sway his heart on the matter.  Narz's comment gives finality to her deflation, as he was right; it was time to go.  Wordlessly, Claire casts her eyes downwards as she turns to leave, and her feet carry her away.  Her hand grips her Holy Symbol tightly as she reflects on her anger and her naivete.  "I need to do better," she mutters quietly to herself.

Rollo clenches his jaw and shoves his way past everyone to the exit.

With the vampire finally vanquished, Aeyd sucks in a much needed breath before getting hit with a wave of lethargy. Thankfully though, it doesn't last long, and she goes under the assumption it was due to Narz spell losing effect on her. Great spell, would have been bad if it lost effect in battle though, she thinks with the frown.

Upon hearing Chalaska's voice, she turns just as Claire points out the ashes the vampire had been rendered to. Her expression goes stoic for a moment, only to soften into worry when Rollo appears, sullen and pale, asking for an end. Her lips part, only to clamp shut as Claire and Narz speak to him. Her gaze is adverted to the ground as her arms hug her sides, feeling guilty, with the feeling remaining as she follows behind the group to the exit.

With the terms more or less set you all leave the tunnel and head out of town. With the Zhentarim presence in Bargewright dead or arrested you seem to have continued the trend of the previous group of adventurers you took over for. Over the next few days in Bargewright the arrested Zhents would see trial and quite possibly execution given Chalaskas temperament and Narz would be officially declared dead within the community. The order to "never return" likely meant just as much for Narz's own protection than to remove a burden from the commanders shoulders and rid herself of the frustrating Tortle. In the neighboring town Womford would hopefully return to some semblance of a peaceful existence now that the vampire preying upon them had been destroyed.

Unfortunately you walk away with no real reward other than being allowed to leave with your lives and freedom. You walk away from Bargewright, banished from returning and with one of your companions finding himself in a state of undeath. Rollos desire to die had been made clear to you all but you agree to at least not talk about it until you're well and truly out of town. Dakkurz and her last few remaining goblins, Gum-Gum and another pair whose names you don't really know follow along, not sure where to go or what to do at this moment. Their numbers destroyed in the fight against Rollo and the Zhent Lieutenant, it seems unlikely Dakkurz's band of good leaning goblin mercs will ever truly recover. 

Its up to each of you to decide for yourselves if your time spent in Bargewright was a success or a failure. You may have brought peace to a small community but you still lost quite a bit and there's still the matter of the innocents who died because of your actions which may or may not rest on any of your individual conscience's. 

You finally get as far as you can from town before setting up camp. There's still about an hour of daylight left but you already have the fire doing. Now seems like the best time to discuss the vampire in the room.

 Once the initial flush of emotion finally burned away, Narz had fairly promptly returned to a more calm and professional veneer during much of the journey beyond the city limits. Even the pain of fresh injuries fail to disturb the mask. But when it came to Dakkurz and the remainder of her band, a glance had been spared at some point on the way out, before the wizard looked away and frown, letting the veneer crack for just a second.

More words needed to be said.
More question to ask before the day was fully out.
....
He would hold his tongue for a bit longer.

Long enough for a semblance -- the beginnings perhaps of a camp being set, before finally breaking some unspoken vow of silence, for all intents and purposes. "Her name was Chalaska Muruin, Senior Sword. Or as Dakkurz here has put it before, a 'fancy' title for the one that runs that own militia, for what little that would matter to you at this point." He opened, regarding Rollo. "The answer you were due... I would offer some form of recompense for the lack of decorum on my part. But given the circumstances..." He trails off there making some offhanded dismissive gestures.

"There is much to be discussed, and-..." He glances to the horizon. "-time might be limited, to expedite certain matters. So, they shall be settled first." Narz spares Dakkurz an almost -- JUST almost apologetic seeming look, conveying some awareness of her band's circumstances being of some greater import than what should've been a simple solution. But then his attention is back on Rollo and the rest, hands at that point set arest on his knees while seated before the fire. "You seek a quick release from your current existence. Now that we're beyond the city, I would not stop you, assuming I even could." He lets the faintest hint of a smirk show before again taking on the calm veneer. "But even you know there was some truth to her words. Chalaska. Your quest is hardly finished, and somehow you think you've done enough in your god's name? You are many things, Rollo. Despite your arrogance -- and make no mistake, you were arrogant to have brushed off Dakkurz warning over 'discomfort with cities'. But, neither I, and some of the others I bet, took you for a complete fool."

"If you wish to run from your duties demanded by your god, then so be it. If you wish to run from penance in this... unlife for your actions, manipulated or not, then so be it. If you believe yourself that weak and scared to endure this trial and find a cure, then so be it. You are free to make your own choices again.... Any personal feelings of mine aside from before, we had /willing/ risked our lives to give you this opportunity. To deny you that choice any further would be to truly make it all for not." He then looks moreso toward the rest of the party. "Or am I wrong?"

Claire picks uneasily at a twig she’s procured from the ground, but she sighs with relief when Narz breaks the silence. When he addresses the group, Claire nods in affirmation, and then clears her throat awkwardly.  “Erhm... I know what my duty is as a conduit for The Light.  If I woke up tomorrow and could no longer wield it, or could no longer feel it’s presence, that wouldn’t mean my mission was over.  I still know what I’ve been called to do, how I’ve been called to act.  I don’t know much about Tyr, or your relationship with him as a follower, Rollo, but just because you can’t feel him doesn’t mean he can’t see you, or that he’s not watching over you.”

Rollo looks annoyed and spits on the ground. "You want me to continue a quest for a god I can never have connection with again? Continue living as an abomination out of zealous devotion to a god that will no longer have anything to do with me. And as for the rescue, I thank you for it but if I had been able to I would have asked you to kill me originally.... But you are right. The mission is not done. Giants must die. And now they will have an even more difficult time killing me, since I'm already dead." He gives a ghost of a smile. 

Dakkurz remains silent through most of the talking, simply looking into the flames, her conflicted feelings on the matter clear in her face. My first instict if to grant your wish. I don't trust vampires, and though your mind was not your own, I lost most of my crew to you. But I can't agree that you'll never have a connection with your God again. You are all heading to Waterdeep yes? If there's someone who knows of a cure its in the City of Wonders. I won't be joining you however. I still plan to fulfill the job I agreed to and secure that tower for you. Besides it may prove a nice place to Bunker down for the rest of winter before the real heavy snows kick in. But we should continue in the morning along the road. Next town is Red Larch. Theres a shrine there dedicated to any and all gods. With luck Rollo might find some guidance there. 

Likely to everyone's surprise, Torsus had no words. Though they also likely wouldn't (immediately) realize it was more due to a severe, internal struggle, than a lack of response. And everyone had already said most of what he would have said had he the ability to speak. His 'aura' had grown to almost be a corona when they saw the vampire had finally been laid low. So Torsus stood there, eerily silent for the entire conversation. Teeth gritting, as if he were fighting to get out of his own body. 

His arm tense, veins bulging despite his meager arms, as his left arm attempted to reach for his right, all the while his arm resisted him for every inch. Sweat began forming on the tortles brow, his lips moving as if speaking a hundred times in a second as everyone spoke of Rollo's fate within the tunnel. His chest would have been expanding and contracting rapidly. The only audible part being the air slipping through his nostrils at a rapid pace. His left index making contact with the ring there. His eyes shooting wide, furious, and after another long moment of struggle, the ring was rubbed, slightly twisted, and his visage relaxed. And he said nothing.

The entire walk, out, he said nothing, and had shivered like one suffering from an eating condition in full effect, or like one who's muscles had been strained to their limit, bruised, and beaten and were slowly, but surely recovering. It took until they were almost at camp before he seemed to fully recover from the ordeal.

He allowed himself to continue recovering as he sat silently, breathing slowly when the resurgence of the conversation began in almost the same manner that it had begun. Torsus closed his eyes as he listened to the back and forth. Finally straightening up, though not standing. A-hem. If I may include myself in this discussion. his voice seemed weaker than usual. Dakkurz, I feel for your losses. I am not of your kin, so I do not know how shallow or deep your bond with your fellow warriors might be, so pray forgive me if I step on a yard rake. But your warriors faced giants, multiple times. And then took down a creature of the night in his own temple. Be proud of what you and yours accomplished. It is no small feat. And while it will not return those who lost their lives, you may tell the tale of your heroics once you have completed your task.

And spread word of your accomplishments. If any doubt you, they may ask Goldenfields themselves. Most will find the first being true to be enough. Those who don't will, one way or another, discover that indeed, a vampire had been slain in the city you claimed, and knowing how prim and proper Chalaska is, she will atleast admit that your kin had assisted in it, even if they do not mention you by name. You can rebuild, and with this, you can grow, and swell. And your kin will gain ever greater love from the people, and reduce the hate from those who are against your kind. In doing so, honoring your fallen.

As for Chalaska herself... he said, taking in a breath, then another, and one more yet before proceeding. And had she chosen to stay her course of executing Narz for doing what must be done, I would have killed her myself, with or without your he said, gesturing to the whole help, or died trying. I had saved a particularly potent spell just for her, that would have forced her to be a hypocrite before I ended her. However, it luckily never came to that.

So now I take a risk, in trusting you all. But first... he says, looking to Rollo. Your words spit on me, as well, warrior. it was stated matter-of-factly, but not accusingly. And while we are all throwing issues on the table, I feel, after what experience we all .. more or less, just shared, I will add one more .. I suppose, two more cards on the table.  Firstly, however.... Rollo, you may take the cowards way out if you wish... he says, intentionally provoking the barbarian. But you did not choose this course. And for now, it is a boon to your power, and a wound to your pride. Either I have found what I have sought for so long, or  I will find my end.

He cleared his seemingly dry throat as he pulled his waterskin up to quench it enough to allow himself to speak once more. But you are so ready to give up, and so easily. Like a youngling who was given not the gift he wished for on the solstice. Let me show you what I have suffered for three times your lifetime, child. his hands weaving intricately, speaking words in the Infernal language. A cube of illusion surrounded everyone in the camp. The area around them disappeared, the fire disappeared. Replaced with the smell of decay, and a sickly colored sky of every putrid color imaginable. Maggots writhing everywhere in bloated, half-eaten corpses. A presence seemed to notice this, as decay-yellow eyes locked onto the party, and a hound, half decayed started to run for the party, and though unable to properly smile, it smiled nonetheless, bleeding malevolence.

Then the world turned black. Nothing was visible, even darkvision failing to pierce it. The darkness seemed infinite, and an endless chill permeated the air. The darkness felt empty, yet it was impossible to feel that you were alone. You could tell something was watching, tasting your fear as if it were a cuisine, and if your tension fell, it seemed ro rise to greater heights as whatever was in this world of black approached to feast on you if you were unwilling to provide it sustenance. It was always out of sight, no matter how hard you tried to spot it, to sense it. Every nightmare you had ever experienced seemed to come flooding up from memory, every terror, seeped from your pores. And just before the illusion was dispelled, a single flash on monochromal light exposed it for what it was.

As the image faded, Torsus fully expected to be attacked by atleast one person, and brought his shield up, just in case. I have more to say but I cannot say more without waiting on others reactions.

Rollo is silent for a long time before speaking. "I would tell you to go to the hells but I see you've already been there. You wish me to suffer as you have, fine, I can see the justice in that. Since I did not let fourteen of Dakkurz's people see their true potential then that is what I shall give. Fourteen lifetimes of work, in their names, to help make the world better in the ways they cannot, because of me." 

"Since this is the way, I have three conditions. The first is that we are not going to be finding a cure for me. If I am to serve these fourteen lives then it may take me longer than my current lifespan. If that is the case then I will need to use this curse of undeath to accomplish what needs to be done." 

He turns to Dakkurz. "Second, I would like you to write their names on me. A permanent reminder that I am not living my life, but theirs."

"Third," He turns to Claire, "should you still be there when the fourteenth life comes to an end, do not bring me back, no matter what. Once justice is paid then I shall take whatever end finds me, regardless of where that leaves me."

He looks to the others to see if they have more to say.

Dakkurz considers for a moment but finally nods in agreement. That works for me, though it can wait until we reach Red Larch. What about the rest of you? Does that sound agreeable?

While the promise of rest would normally set ease within the weary Aeyd, the monk simply had other things plaguing her mind. As they traversed forward and away from Bargewright, she couldn't help but pass worried glances in Rollo's direction, a frown near permanent on her face now. She had fought to keep the barbarian alive, but she didn't realize just how much he had truly lost. While she wasn't as in tune with a god as he or Claire was, she couldn't imagine how he felt being forcefully separated from their connection. It wasn't fair! Why did it have to be him?

A talk needed to happen, and she was glad that Narz had been the one to start it. She wasn't entirely sure how to breech the topic itself, but at least he was able to do it with no issues. The monk listens, intently so, to everyone's opinions on the matter, though mainly to Rollo's. 

Then Torsus speaks, and she remains respectful to him as well. However, at the sudden change in scenery, she can't help but go on the defensive, up until she realizes its another illusion, though she doesn't fully relax up until the spell is finished. Her gaze fixates on the ground before her. That is what he's been through...? She frowns at the thought.

When Rollo speaks again, she looks back to him, her frown remaining. She would have wanted to assist in the effort in finding a cure for him, but if he had been against it... "If it is what he wishes, then so be it." She says. If it gave him a purpose to keep going, then she would have no qualms with his choice. 

Although Narz looked a bit annoyed himself at Rollo's reaction, the hobgoblin bit back any retort and let things go in a sigh through his nose. The rest that follows from everyone takes the hobgoblin on such an emotional journey, of a sort, that even his usual calm veneer threatens to crack a few times. Eventually at some point he covered the lower half of his face behind a hand in as much an absent-minded gesture of thoughtfulness as it was to make sure nothing slipped past.

But still, there were the little things. A nod of approval to Dakkurz in keeping true to her contract despite the circumstances. A raised brow at first for Torsus, as he talked of feeling for their losses. Although in the next few breathes to follow, any hint of admiration and growing respect...immediately vanished on his plans regarding Chalaska. At that point Narz buried his face behind a hand and bowed his head for a bit there.

Then came the... demonstration. The first part leaving him more visibly confused yet curious. So much so, he hadn't even remotely flinched as the creature charged them, far more intent on studying it and trying to piece together what it might be. With the shifting of the illusion into that which was more felt than truly seen at first, Narz' scholarly curiosity dissolved with the unnatural pressure approaching visible concern, before his face turned stony altogether. By the time the image faded away, Narz' eyes had been affixed on where he last saw Torsus. But much like the rest, attack would be forthcoming. He just stared mostly at Torsus with jaw clenched, but ears open to the response from the others.

"... Agreed." He says without looking to Dakkurz. "As for you, Torsus, uh... I have many questions. Some I think I have the answer to already, and others I'd prefer to hear from you. But I take it that last one is the one... you made the deal with for your powers."

Claire seems frightened by the illusion at first, but having seen Torsus weave a spell, and seeing the rest of the group calm as the visions pass, she holds her composure.  Despite working through confusion at the exact nature and meaning of the things Torsus shows the group, she at lest understands that his point is to convey the suffering he's been through.  As the image fades, she waits for the others to speak before chiming in.  Claire's tone of voice sounds like she's trying to smile but the expression doesn't cross her face.  "That gives us 14 lifetimes try to light some hope in you, Rollo, provided we don't die first."

Rollo gives a small grunt, almost a laugh, at Claire's statement. "What? You want more than that? Fourteen will be enough. And hope died long ago, buried in a pile of rubble with my friends. The only things that kept me going for my first life were devotion, duty, and anger. Mostly anger." As Rollo stands there it strikes you just how old he actually is. His brown hair is streaked with grey and his skin is covered in thousands of scars that seem to have been layered over each other through out the years. It honestly looks like death changed very little about his looks.

Torsus had remained tense for several moments after he dispelled the grand illusion, but when no attack was forthcoming, he slowly relaxed. Rollo's reaction however was the farthest from the mark of the reactions he could be aware of. He let out a heavy sigh, as if the information he had just shared had been the world upon Atlas' back, another deep breath before  he responded first to Narz. And I have no intention of hiding anything anymore. Either you he said his head facing to everyone will kill me in my sleep, choose to aid me, or somehting in the middle. Though I had to hide it until I was sure of something, which brings me back to you... he says to Rollo. 

Another heavy sigh and a shake of disbelief in his expression. How you got that I wished you to suffer from that demonstration, child, I'll doubtless never know. But you are wrong. I have spent the last half century of my life he began, now addressing the whole group (Obviously aside from Dakkurz) looking for those... his fingers immediately rubbed the ring on his hand in the same way a young child would cling to a blanket. This will likely answer many of your questions Narz, but you are only half-correct on your assumption. The latter ... was the first power with which I made a pact. Before it all... I was powerless. Unable to cast a spell, and too weak at arms to fight well, I had to rely far too much on my shell to protect me. I had been born with some degree of weakness which hindered me. I sought to overcome this the only way I could, as I had attempted to learn spellcraft, with no luck. The weave would not answer my call. If I wished to see the world without succumbing to the first thing to overcome my natural defenses....

I am not permitted to speak of how this came to be, due to promises, but I can still tell you how it happened. I found myself within a hidden archive, when I discovered how to contact my first master. D...Dendar, the night serpent. At the time I was less knowledgeable. I thought they only sought service in return for power. How Nieve I was. 

He said, closing his eyes as if remembering a different time. But no, they require...  far more. Every creature I kill with my powers, becomes fuel for his hunger as their souls are devoured by the unending black. My other master... is Kezef, the hound whom.. I have come to discover has killed gods. I had expended my powers when a large force of Kuatoa assailed me. In desperation, I called out for aid and Kezef answered. Through him I was able to fool them into thinking I was something I was not, and in turn, i became enslaved to two terrifying masters. One who offered power, the other offering trickery. Both of which you've seen me employ.

And now, they both fight over whom will claim me when the void of death claims me. 

His composure shifts, subtly, and he looks more deflated, but his fingers slip from his ring as he swallows hard. Addressing everyone but Dakkurz.

After seeing how willing you all were to Aid Rollo, it gave me the barest of hopes that you all may just be what I have sought all these long years. That when we are done with our tasks, and I have assisted you all with any you also posess, you might help me find a way to break these... contracts, I suppose would be the only word that sounds right. To free me of the nightmares that plagued me for half a century, and the constant gnawing of my mind that I am only spared from now, due to a trinket and free my soul from the coming torment fueled by the ire of two primordial beings. he focuses on Rollo once more... If that will satisfy you, consider it a duty. For there may yet be redemption. I realize I have derailed this  quite a bit, but I have held back for so long, that finding the threadbare possibility has left my tongue loose.

So no, Rollo, I did not seek for you to suffer. But to help an old, foolish tortle find his salvation from a fate of his own making. As for your question Dakkurz, I apologize again, but yes. I would be agreeable to that.

Sympathy crosses Claire‘s expression, but when she realizes the old man won’t be convinced of anything currently, she crosses her arms and turns her nose up and away from Rollo, some of her usual self settling back into place. ”Well I can be just as stubborn as you are, dear Rollo.”  Then she gives Torsus a stern look.  “The Light abandons no one who seeks redemption.  But if I am to assist you, I will have no more of this speak of killing people simply because they weld authority.  You looked upon Chalaska with hatred, and escapaded-... escalated tensions with her at every turn, despite her simply doing her job.  If you continue to threaten other people because you find them inconvenient, we are going to have problems.”

Narz chuffed, not denying the thought of slaying Torsus hadn't been entertained at some point since the raid. But how he might've done so given the fact the Tortle hadn't slept naturally was anyone's guess. Irregardless the hobgoblin politely listened to the rest, combing his beard and only briefly losing track to ponder the names put forth by the Tortle.

Knowledge Dendar: 22.
Knowledge Kezef: 24.

"Mn... on that point, I would have to agree with Claire. Though clearly both Masters of yours have done a number on your psyche, Torsus, it is one thing to kill in the name of another, willingly or not." He side-eyes Rollo briefly before his gaze is back on Torsus. "And another thing entirely to further damn those you kill to the very torment or utter annihilation of spirit as the ones you would ask us to help you escape from. Especially when such a fate is undeserved. As much as some aspects of both her and human society might chafe, such lack of forethought will you only lead and those around you to eventual ruin." He explained, and again finds himself giving Rollo a meaningful look before setting his attention on everyone as a whole.

"But in any event, unless there are any objections, we'll have to add your issue to our growing list of things to see to in the near future. So unless there's more that needs to be conveyed, best we all finish dinner, set our watches, and get some rest." Narz pauses for a bit there to hear for anythign more before getting up to see to Vigo and Spaz, and then set up the Biodome, offering everyone but Rollo entry. If asked, Narz explains quite plainly that "you'll have to forgive me, but I rather take precautions going forward".