Death is Complicated [MA1]

[L'Orr-hui]

The illithid waits patiently, guessing the illumian had the same understanding of the scum's character as they did. But they were ready should they need to act.

[Flession]

"How would you price a promise that when death finds you, it won't be because of your avarice?" She gazed straight at the man.

"Sure. If the gods allow me that luxury to decide how I end up." The Half-elf nods in agreement.

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"Gods likely have little interest in the manner of your death. The task to make it right is mostly on you. And you and I both know these poor sods who think of jumping don't get it right. Desperation and despair lead to each other. But you can break that wheel. As can he, even now."

The last sentences she accentuated by quick rotation of the symbols around her head. When speaking, Akh Uur Hoon she had been rummaging in her robes for some jink. She had spoken those sentences loud enough for those in line to leap to hear as well.

[Flession]

You are starting to get a crowd from your statement, while the others around the half-elf are not enjoying the large amount of attention.

((Roll me a persuasion check with advantage due to the public shaming))

[Akh Uur Hoon]

Akh Uur Hoon was more persuasive than she could have ever dreamt of being.

MA1. Persuasion. Advantage.: 2d20k1 20

[Maybe some Dead Contracts will be signed today?]

[Flession]

The hooligans nod their heads, feeling that the more attention they keep drawing, the less worth this whole endeavor becomes.

"...fine. Keep your damned jink." He nods to his two companions and let go of the man, giving you both a dirty look before turning their backs and leaving the scene. The man you saved from getting robbed gives a deep sigh, a look of life in his dead eyes returning.

"So you really think that things can change, huh?"

[Akh Uur Hoon]

As the yobs depart, Akh's attention landed on the man.

"I really think that there are better ways and better timing to depart than this. What has led you to consider jumping?"

[Flession]

There is a long, deep sigh at Akh and he grew quiet. "Lived with my beau for a few years here in the Hive. Did odd jobs to survive. Was happy with him, like to think he was the same...then..."

He stared out into the distance. "We went out one night. Hit up a few taverns, blow off a little stress. Let go of his hand for a moment...just one moment..." He takes a deep breath. "Disappears. Just.. silence on that street. No one was there..." His body begins to shake a little as his eyes turn red. "Don't see him till a few weeks later. Well...what was left with him." He continues to shake and the tears of began to fall...

"His head and a few others were on the street corner with their heads on a pike, his own organs were sewn together like a tophat and stitched on his head. It...it was the gods damned Kadyx..."

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"I understand your misery in the face of such senseless cruelty. I actually know how it is to lose someone who was a part of you and not be able to find them again. The path to any solace is very difficult after that." Her words carried genuine gravity of such experiences.

"...The evil the was done cannot be undone, but it can still grow. I know about Kadyx as little as the next cutter but their method makes one thing clear - they want to sow terror and despair. They want their murders to trigger more violent deaths. By jumping today you'd give the tormentor of your beloved the last laugh. By approaching life and death on your own terms, with a calm mind, you can at least deny the evil its satisfaction."

She lay a hand on the man's arm.

"Perhaps there is something that can still be done to alleviate your pain. Were those pieces of his body given to the Mortuary?"

[L'Orr-hui]

The Kadyx

The illithid pondered the revelation in silence, letting the conversation continue with an ear open.