"Very well. I would prefer to avoid unpleasantness, and I would rather avoid bloodshed if possible. And of course I have no need of the tactical advantage I give up by allowing you egress." Bareen rasps dispassionately.
Responding to Borric he says, "The curse is not broken if the Golden Hound is stolen, or given away, as my case illustrates. My research indicates that a thief is cursed, but someone gifted the statue is not - though I have too few examples for my conclusions to be sound, and most are anecdotal. My best guess would be that giving me the Hound would not alter your employers plight in anyway.
However, I will not face the Hound with you because you will loose. It will howl, half of our number will flee myself included, my own will has long since been broken by the creature. The rest will fight, your blades will glance off the beast, but it will tear you apart, one by one, like rats before a terrier. Those who fled will be left alone, save for the one dearest to the accursed's heart. It seems to strike those afflicted first earliest, so it will come for the boy first and thus seal my fate forever - I do not think I could bring myself to hold another dear if I had eternity.
So you see if I were to give you the boy, it would seek to kill me. For the curse would be his and he has nobody else in this world, but this wretched old man. Numbers do not matter, these men work for gold, not for love, or valor, they would flee - and sensibly before the beast. I would flee. You cannot win, we cannot win, do not think my soul has shriveled into this diseased black thing lightly. I am damned because my own son, sold me the Golden Hound, he told me he could not accept my charity, but would sell me the statue. He knew, but I cannot blame him. Part of me wishes to blame his seed for his crimes, but I know it is naught but an excuse.
I was a good man, but am no more. If you slay me I wish you the best in facing the accursed creature. Silver pierces its hide, but beware as it targets those who bring it to bear. I would also ask that you see the boy cared for, you seem like good if foolish men. But I am afraid the odds are against you. I have little fear you are a match for me, let alone the Golden Hound." The last is said with genuine regret...
[sblock=OOC]Will saves vs Wall of Text! DC 16 (Its a joke not an APG spell I promise)
Takes full advantage of getting a chance for a "villain" to monologue.
Also note the party have healing potions and Bareen appears to be both very intelligent and very sure of his own victory...[/sblock]
