Cyborgs in Hommlet: Mysterious Artifacts

Cyborc confronts them with an offer to appraise their treasure, admitting he overheard their conversation. Before they could brush him off, he lists of prices the the few pieces of valuable armor and weapons they possess, impressing them with this quick assessment. "What's in it for you? Why do you want to help us?" Cyborc convinces them with his knowledge of local lore that he is interested in the history of the area, and hopes to gain something from what treasure hunters have found. Deciding between themselves, they agree to let him see the artifacts.

Reaching the stables of the inn, they find their hidden stash and find a secluded corner to show Cyborc what they found. One of them takes out a studded chalice out of the sack, along with crumbled scrolls and tablets. Cyborc's heart races as he recognizes the symbols relating to the evil god Tharizdun, who looks to utterly destroy any sign of life. Reaching into his knowledge of obscure religions and local lore, this seems to be the word of the cult of Elemental Evil, who were supposed to have been destroyed long ago in their temple. This explains all of the dark shadows roaming the forests and unexplained misfortune in the area. Cyborc now knows what he needs to do in Hommlet. He quickly fulfills his end of the bargain and appraises the value of the artifacts for the band of men. Again impressed with his skills and reasoning, they ask him to visit the buyer with them to stand as a mediator for pricing. Cyborc accepts, hoping this collector has more knowledge about the artifacts than he does.

They bring him along towards the village mill, which stands by a river that powers the building. Grain sacks are left propped up against the side of walls as workers have left for the evening. A woman dressed in worker's clothes comes out to meet them in front, a bag bulging with coin at her belt. "My master is away on business, but I will be doing business for him. Do you have what you boasted about?" The lead man unwraps the artifacts, keeping them out of reach from her. "First we're renegotiating the price. This appraiser gave us a price higher than what you offered!"

The woman smirked, and her appearance started to change. "It was never in the plan to give you anything!" Once her form settled to reveal a tiefling, she whistled, prompting a spring from nearby trees. Another woman, a cleric by the look of her equipment, collided a mace into the side of one of the men's head. The tiefling cast spells on another, and the other men drew their arms. "It's a trap!" Cyborc didn't want to be involved in any brawls, but he sees his options limited.

Take out your weapons and attack.

Plead with the tiefling to let you live.

Sneak away while the assailants focus on the men.