The Butcher

The party approached the door, stepping over ten, maybe twenty bodies to get to its massive handle. They could hear crying within and didn't hesitate. They forced the door open, while pushing the bodies aside, and within came a sound that sent a thousand needles down their backs.

"Ah, fresh meat!"

Standing before them was a large demon, its small horns protruding from its skull. In its hands was a huge cleaver covered with chucks of flesh and blood from recent kills. Around the creature were hundreds of bodies, some stacked in piles - most in pieces as they must have been dismembered out of joy. The floor tiles were soaked with blood.

It was obvious this den was setup as a proud display - a trophy room perhaps to all that this things has killed. It was a mere display of power or accomplishment. It was a sight that would make any caring man puke.

To its side was a girl, her clothing torn to rags and her body red with blood as she scrambled on the floor trying to get away. Her attempts were failing her as she climbed across several bodies, slipping through them as easily as a child climbing up a muddy hill in the rain. Her screams echoed loudly throughout the chamber - desperate cries for mercy.

The Butcher turned its attention away from the girl and rushed the party - his great cleaver smashing down on them with precision, cutting deep into everyone he managed to hit. Some rushed in to save the girl, some rushed in to attack the creature. It didn't take long for Ivan to get singled out - it was as if this butcher knew a holy man would make a welcomed piece in his work of art.

Some were out in the hallway, firing magic and arrows - Astorol and Ivan were the only two left in the room, fighting their fears, and facing the blows of a wailing axe.

The girl was protected by Farador but it didn't take long for her to think otherwise - Farador was not all that convincing that he'd protect her and she went running off into the distance. It was only expected since she wanted to be nowhere near the creature that hacked away most of the people she had known and loved in town.

The party eventually destroyed the monstrosity and led the girl to safety. It was Astorol who got the final blow.

The girls name is Gillian, barmaid of the Rising Sun Tavern.

From the words of Farador:
"It's obvious the town folk were led here to be slaughtered. Men, women, and children too. The question is, did Lazarus know he was leading them to their doom? If he did, then I can't wait to meet him."

DM Notes: Here is a quick demo video showing the pathway to the Butcher:
http://dorpond.rptools.net/demos/DiabloButcherWalkthrough800/DiabloButcherWalkthrough800.html

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