----- Gimplefwick looks at the paladin and grins, "Aye, sadly enough, our boon companion, Slappy, met with an unfortunate accident," Gimplefwick gestures at the bound orc. "Whilst we were traveling, a fearsome darkness rose up out of the earth and the ground itself shuddered and stirred. A stench of brimstone and sulfurous fumes permeated the air and we were nearly overcome by its noisome foulness. We cowered with fear in the bottom of our wagon as a monstrous figure rose in the darkness. The only one of us with the courage to challenge it was our goodly friend, Slappy. He stood up and brandished his mighty sword and said, 'Begone, foul one. Back to the pits of Hades with you. Tarry not, lest my sword be bathed in your foul blood.'
-----Gimplefwick gestures above his head, "The monstrous being loomed closer at Slappy's challenge. As it came closer we could see it more clearly. It was twenty feet tall, if it was an inch. Scales of red adorned its murky hide and black wings sprouted from its back. Its noxious breath was near overwhelming, reeking of carrion and noxious substances. Its claws were like a handful of razor sharp daggers. Still Slappy stood resolute, facing the dread creature, daring it to harm us."
-----Gimplefwick continues, his voice rising in pitch as he is carried away with his tale, "Suddenly the denizen from Hell lashed out, knocking Slappy from the wagon. Through the mist we could see them battling each other, Slappy darting about, his blade darting and thrusting. The demon lumbering about, trying to crush Slappy with his enormous talons. But Slappy was too quick and soon had the beast pinned to the ground, his foot on its chest as he raised his sword up in the air for the final blow. To our horror as he brought the blade down to behead the evil creature, it enacted a final magic, turning Slappy into the loathsome beast you see before you."
-----Gimplefwick rubs his eyes and looks and says sadly, "At first he seemed fairly normal, despite his changed appearance, but as time went on, he became more and more violent, nearly attacking us on several occasions. Finally, we had to subdue him and tie him up. Now he is barely rational at all. He foams at the mouth and seeks to harm us at every opportunity. He who was once our best and bravest companion is now lowered to this, a bestial, venomous monster. He who saved all our lives, now will never see his family again."
-----Gimplefwick gazes imploringly at the paladin, "It is our only hope that we can find a wizard mighty enough to change him back to what he once was. Yet so few mages are willing to work for the pittance that we can offer, for we are but humble merchants with only the one cart that you see here. If only we could raise the many gold pieces it would cost to help him...but it would cost more than all of our merchandise and probably everything that you and your friends have."
-----Gimplefwick gazes at the bound orc pityingly, then looks at the paladin, "But enough of our problems. The least we can do would be to help you with your problems. Slappy would have wanted it that way." Gimplefwick turns away and buries his face in his hands and his shoulders began to shake as sobbing and wailing sounds emanate from him.