>>5190767The mantid runs its blade-like appendage through its mouth, a dozen thin tongues lapping across it in a rapid, rasping motion to clean it. The way its face forms a more human maw, only to then crumble apart into so many distinct mandibles and papillae is… Unnerving. So, too, does it upset with its reply:
“I am no coward. I hunt the strong. I admit misgivings about fighting two men and two beasts at once… But I will issue my challenge. I will not flee mortals, not even these… Paladins.”
Your smile feels more forced now, as you say, “I wish you would reconsssider, my friend. These humanss will not fight honourably… They are sspecialisstss in sslaying demonsss, and they do not value to integrity of ssuch a challenge.”
It’s a guess, technically—you don’t know how they would react to a demon challenging them to what amounts to an honourable duel.
>14“I will be the judge of that,” the demon hisses and clicks. “I will test their mettle!”
Your smile is gone now.
“You may join me in this, Liberator,” the mantid allows, as if in deference to your displeasure. “You are owed gratitude, and it would make the numbers more even—the battle better.”
What do you do? This devil won’t be reasoned with.
>Agree to aid the mantid in battle against the Paladins>Refuse—it’s on its own, for duels are dumb and immature>Refuse, but lend aid from above, at an opportune moment—sneak attacks are NOT dumb or immature>Leave, while the getting is good>Attack the mantis-demon—it will be easier to beat, you reckon, and then you can stuff it in your scroll-case and leave with it as your prisoner>Write-in 