Utter defeat

Karlach had both overestimated herself and underestimated her opponents.

These were not just common vagabonds. It was clear from their formation and stance that they were seasoned warriors. While their dealings with Zariel made the strength of their faith dubious, it was clear at one point they had been paladins of Tyr. They were an elite and dangerous fighting force.

Now, in her prime, Karlach could still have dispatched them with ease. However, whatever those illithid had done, it had made the tiefling much weaker. Her skills had regressed back to what they'd been when she was just a bodyguard! Combine that with the lower output of her infernal engine and she was a shadow of her former self.

She only got a few swings in before she was overwhelmed. That spell caster Trynn froze her body with a Hold Person spell, and it was all over from there. The bastards wailed on her with the flats of their weapons, battering her body and sapping her life force. It was a punch to the head that finished her, delivered by the leader Anders himself.

She heard his arrogant voice as she hit the ground. "Well, that was easier than I thought. I guess the pride of Zariel's legion is no match for the cream of Tyr's crop!"

His last words sounded like they were far away, the last thing Karlach heard before consciousness escaped her.

"Now, let's start on that 'bonus reward' I was talking about..."