Chapter 1: Friends in Need

At Mikka's words, R3N-L3 simply tilted his head to the side. "My purpose is not to cull organics. However, if you would pose a threat to myself, I would be forced to eliminate you. And I do not take prisoners. My protocols dictate the severing of the head for humanoid lifeforms. Death is not instant, although it is remarkably quick. In the few moments between being healthy and mortally wounded, I believe the pain is immense." Raising his arm towards Mikka, R3N-L3's blade slid out with a pnuematic hiss.

"Proposal. To minimize loss of life, single combat is suggested. Your companions do not seem willing to fight to the death. The party of the deceased will yield their claim to the tomb and the entity known as Pyram. I promise to give as quick a death as I can to whomever faces me."

To R3N-L3: "Single combat to the death? I think you should reconsider, R3N-L3. If this was guaranteed to be an honorable combat, perhaps your proposal would have merit...but these are scoundrels, and would likely cheat without remorse. Or they could use the combat as a distraction, and assault us when our guards are down."

To the Company: "Enough posturing. You're no dragon-slayers, and I doubt you can overcome our entire party. And the construct has declared it takes no prisoners. Perhaps we can dissuade it from slaughtering you all...perhaps not. Leave now, without attempting any trickery, and live another day...and be thankful we're not amoral or bloodthirsty, as you all seem to be. And decide swiftly: we have pressing business."

"I am the most likely to survive any such treachery." R3N-L3 replied calmly. "Automata are rare, and the Wizard created very few true war-forms. I am difficult to exterminate, although not impossible. More difficult than organic lifeforms."

"Do you see now? Normally, they may have been inclined to target you, but instead they attack me. I am the most expendable individual in the regard of a soul, and the hardest to kill." R3N-L3 said to the others of his party, as most of the attacks he simply parried or took on his armored frame with economy of force. Then, just as he was talking, an arrow sprouted from the base of R3N-L3's neck, causing sparks to fly. The Automata regarded the arrow poking out of the gap between helm and chest plate for a couple seconds, before yanking it out. The metal rippled and shifted underneath his armor, leaving only a small scar.

"Negotiations have broken down. Regrettably, all of you but Sasha are now slated for termination." R3N-L3 intoned with a hint of regret, before moving to strike at Brutus.

It is with gritted teeth and anger that Lauretta watches as the group before her commit to their assault. Her hopes that they were bluffing were annihilated the moment an arrow sunk itself into the clockwork. If it had been anyone else, that may have been a lethal shot. If it weren't for the adrenaline, she would probably be wondering if his 'life' could even be compared to that of the others. R3N-L3 certainly didn't do anything to dissuade the idea that he was no more than an unfeeling machine with single-minded aims.

"By the High One, lay down your fucking arms!"

Her shout sounded guttural and savage, not like what one might expect of a priest. Still, it was the shout of a priest regardless. Her instinct was to slam the head of her axe into the nearest opposition, but it was the standards to which she upheld herself that stopped her. Even if this group struck first, Lauretta was committed to not taking life unless she had to. If that meant she was throwing herself upon a sword, then so be it.

The axe raised over her head and the ground thudded beneath the charge. Seizing the opportunity against the distracted Brutus, the axe aimed directly for his weapon.

Tzal hoped that things would be settled normally with some veiled threats, but it seemed that they were determined to attack. As soon as the flames and arrows started to fly, he opened his palm, and water coalesced and started to boil over it. He flung the boiling ball of water towards the group.

Aazim should've known these buffoons would choose poorly. He rushes forward, yelling out a battle cry in his native tongue to confuse his opponents.

He has no desire to stand in the back lines and sling spells from safety, at least not for this fight. He taps into his innate magic, calling upon the earth to protect him. Dirt and stone rise up to encase him in a tough shell; his blue skin is almost completely covered in the magical armor, and he now looks almost as tough as R3N-L3.

He then whispers a few words, and black tendrils slither from his hands, wrapping around Mikka, Pwyll, and Pyre.

"Can you feel fear gnawing at your minds? Can you feel your hopes and dreams withering? You are doomed; give up and accept your fates."

Arrow nocked, Wolfram draws back the string and lets an arrow loose directly at Pwyll. The insolence of them all. They deserve to meet their maker.

Fools!

With Brutus having been effectively disarmed, R3N-L3 suddenly turned his gaze towards the mage, before charging towards her abruptly, abandoning his earlier opponent. His mental register listed magic as the second-most pertinent threat to his existence, for he had been forged by magic, and by the arcane arts he could be unmade.

Gabalan makes few steady steps towards the group, while starting to spin his sling only to release the stone at Pwyll... that hits him with the full force in the middle of stomach. Then he jogs towards his enemies trying to be in reach of Pwyll while taking out his Short Sword.