Amadeo examines one side of the tubing and scratches his chin. "Definitely hollow. It's probably designed to contain the goop, then release it under certain circumstances. There's tiny holes along one end of this thing, but they seem to be where it was actually connected." He takes another tube and holds it up to its counterpart, nodding. "Yeah, like here. They're meant to hook together tightly, then release from one another and unleash the ooze to melt you from the inside out. Blood, organs, the works."

Tyrion, midway through chewing a bit of chicken with some potato, looks grossed out and sets his fork down. "Must we really? While I'm eating?"

Amadeo looks up, blinking through the magnifying glass. "Oh, sorry. Didn't realize I was thinking out loud." He sheepishly puts the tools down, rubbing his eyes and relighting the globes. "This is too weird." Sitting back, the wizard sighs. "I can't think of any reason someone would do this to themselves. Money, fame, making a statement?"

"Harken- I mean, Bardok said their leader commands respect and loyalty. I know people who do so through fear, but these guys, it was almost like they really believed in whatever he was doing...Fanatics, just like my people." Anna shakes her head in shame.

Amadeo takes the elf's hand and squeezes it softly. "You alright?" She nods and squeezes his hand in return. "Yes. It's just sad to think that there are people who believe that strongly in a cause."

The halfling folds his arms. "Some folks will do just about anything if it meant the world would bend to their desires."

"There's good sides to that too. I've known paladins who would happily give their lives if it meant the world could be safe for one more day." Hope finishes her plate and sits back. "I've also known some bad ones..."

"Bad ones?" Anna asks curiously, and Hope nods. "Oathbreakers, they're called. Holy warriors who forsake everything good in the world in order to serve some evil power or another." As she speaks, her eyes glance over to the greatsword in the corner of the room before she looks down at her feet. "They're the worst of the worst. Paragons of light corrupted by the dark. A twisted monster in mortal form, seeking the ruin of others to satisfy the wickedness within."

Her teeth clench, and Anna takes her hand, linking the two of them and Amadeo. "That sounds like something more personal for you."

"You could say that. There was a man once. He was my hero for a long time. The best of the best." Hope looks out the window as a rolling thunder picks up, the glass panes beginning to 'plap' and 'plop' with incoming rain. "I was seven when I lost my faith in the idea of heroes. I decided then I'd stick up only for me and mine."

"Hope...What happened to you?" Anna sits down, scooting her chair next to the tiefling and leaning down to look her in the eye. Hope looks back at her, taking a deep breath.

"Sir Hamund Dane of the Myrmidons. He happened to me."