Jusker Ragnos |
"We spare your life, and this is the thanks we get?" he asks casually. "Listen. The people in this city want to take your head. I might be able to let you keep it. But there's some things we need to know first."
Jorn Oathforge |
At Liath's mention of burning down the forest, Jorn looks absolutely livid. 'Ya could build a thousand homes with a wood like this, an' she'd burn th' whole thing t' the ground t' smoke out some bandits? I am gonna have t' keep an eye on that lass,' the druid thinks to himself.
At the suggestion of joining the bandits, the dwarf seems less put off, but not by much. "Better chance o' that workin', but it's risky as all get-out" he admits. He listens carefully to the others as they speak, trying to think of his own possible plan.
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath listens to both Tiasar's and Barbie's ideas. "These are both good ideas. Let's see if they would both work together. Since we can isolate the bandits, let's try each of your tricks, and see how they work."
To Barbie: I am going to make you look very important. Whenever I say one of the four elements, make some display of that. Like, if I say 'Don't make her rain fire upon you!' then make it look like you're producing fire.
Oh," she adds with a smirk, "if you happen to -actually- make some fire fall upon them, Bahamet will forgive. Remember, Victory requires no excuse. Defeat allows none."
To Tiasar, "First, cast some image to make me appear as big as this dungeon would allow. Then, while I am threatening him with bolts of lightning from Barbie's hands, every so often interrupt me with dulcet, soothing tones, promising him freedom from harm. In this way I will be the 'stick' and you can be the 'carrot'."
Liath asks for one of the bandits to be brought to a separate cell. Once he is re-chained, she enters, followed by Barbie and Tiasar. With great deference she asks them both"With your permission, my lady? My Lord" Then the fun begins.
"On your feet, worm! Show some respect when you are in the presence of Proscella Ignis, Mistress of Fire!"
Liath waits for some pyrotechnic display, and deliberately does not introduce Tiasar, adding to his mystery. This is no doubt followed by some spiteful comment from the headstrong bandit. Continuing,
"She is the reason your pathetic band was squashed this day! Thank Bahamut that you still have a tongue in your head to speak so disrespectfully! But I am in a forgiving mood, so I will give you the choice: Which would you rather have frozen off: Your tongue or your manhood? Speak quickly! It won't hurt...me."
She pauses for some show of ice or frost from Barbie, and Tiasar will probably step in and start asking questions. At the mention of 'where is their secret rebel base', she'll interrupt.
"Eh? The man asked you where your base was! Since you do not know how to use your tongue you'll not miss it when it's gone! You can still write...until your fingers are burned off!"
Another pause, more fire, and she lets Tiasar finish with a question.
While Bahamut frowns on torture, an open hand slap to remind the bandit that this is his reality might be sprinkled in.
After a half hour of that we'll see how it goes.
Tiasar |
"Yes, that sounds excellent. However my tricks are restricted to visual effects only, no sounds or smells or temperature changes. Still, sight is the most influential sense."
Tiasar takes on the demeanor of one of his teachers, a very stern old elf who always gave off the feeling of everything being less important than him. He does his best to gaze down at the bandits with little care, as if they are worms that are wasting his time. The whole time he keeps an eye on his image, making sure to keep Liath as terrifying as possible. Her appearance, he hopes, strikes fear into them.
Tiasar slowly steps forward, giving an exasperated sigh. "Such a waste of time." He looks down at the poor man. "I wanted to put your body to use, but they insisted you stay alive. Please, refuse to tell me where your base is. I do so need another test subject."
Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Barbara "Barbie" Schmidt |
Barbie looks astonished when she hears Liath's plan. "Fire? Rain? Milady, I'm afraid you got the wrong impression" she whispers franticly, but it's too late! Liath seems unstoppable, so Barbie quickly searches for anything that might help in this situation.
When Liath asks for fire, four torches-like objects casts dancing lights appear floating around the bandit, approaching him whenever he utters any spiteful comment.
At the mention of ice, Barbie shakes her head and whispers in a (hopefully) menacing tone "I'll rather burn him in acid instead. Much more painful..." and a bolt of acid springs from her fingers, hitting his square but not him... yet.
Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
"...Just a warning this time..."
Aid Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
DM Ancient |
Holy shit guys.
The room becomes filled with the smell of fear, which smells an awful lot like sweat, piss and shit. The bandit is unable to control his body as adrenaline pours through his system with no outlet. Bound to the wall as he is, fight and flight are not options. He screams out in fear before slumping into a heap on against the wall and foaming at the mouth. This one is out cold and the others are wide eyed and frightful. They couldn't see what happened but they heard the screams on a primal level. You bring the leader in and chain him next to his comatose comrade. He is instantly far more friendly.
Give me a list of questions and he'll answer as best he can.
Tiasar |
Oh by the Eye. Tiasar thought the man might be scared by their show, but quite an overreacting to minor magic. Once the leader appears to be friendly, Tiasar lazily waves a hand to Liath and Barbie. "I will call you should your services be required again. Make sure to keep this one intact, there are so many uses for a healthy body." He says, gesturing to the unconscious bandit.
- Where are your bases of operation?
- Where is your main base of operation?
- When and where are your attacks scheduled?
- Why are you attacking, if it's not just to make a living?
- Who do you primarily target?
- What would keep you from attacking a target?
- How do we find your leaders?
- Who are your leaders, and what motivates them?
- How does one join your group of bandits?
- What is your groups magic capabilities?
- How many numbers do you have?
- What are your groups strengths and weaknesses?
- Anything else you think telling me? it could save your life...well as you know it.
DM Ancient |
I...I don't actually know that much. None of us do. We get orders each morning in a letter. Never even seen the leader. Some of the men say they seen a large cat drop off the letter but that's it. Some men might know who it is but, no one that actually raids. And everyone keeps on the move. We never stay in the same place more than one night. There is always a watch and plenty of scouts. And we might have a caster or two. Nothing like you guys though. I think there might be two groups but I ain't never met them. Don't know most of the men. All I know is, you do something you ain't supposed to you get an arrow in the eye. Never even see it coming. Saw it happen once. Thomas thought he could grab some goods and get out. Next day I saw him pinned to tree." He then thinks for a moment, trying to come up with something more useful. Then it clicks. "Oh. If you find a camp and want to get past the sentries, you'll here a bird call and need to make the right response. The call changes randomly so it might not be useful soon."
He whistles twice in unknown bird calls. Two DC 15 nature checks to identify them and mimic the second.
Barbara "Barbie" Schmidt |
Barbie whispers in Tiasar's ear "Ask him where Hugo Schmidt is!" then she steps outside as per Tiasar's request. She doesn't go too far though, and stays where she can hear what's going on inside the cell.
Jusker Ragnos |
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
He steps back to let Liath try it her way when he obviously was getting nowhere. Can't argue with their results, he thinks after a few minutes as he watches the others go through what was clearly a planned spectacle. He recognizes the bird call immediately. "Artithian warbler. Good choice. Not like you'll get mistaken for a real bird; there aren't any this far south."
Tiasar |
Tiasar softens. Sometimes I forget the struggles of the world outside our leafy halls. "Well I was once so absorbed in a project I forgot to eat for sixteen hours, but you're right, I have never had that unfortunate experience." He wants to say something else to the man: We're not the bad guys, you don't have to resort to banditry, there are better ways. But the man was right, he made a choice, and his choice was to survive. It was at the expense of others, but harsh times breed harsh men. It was unfortunate, but not illogical. Tiasar leaves and goes back to the others, seeming lost in thought.
Liath Gwenilian |
After the interview Laith gives Barbie a high-five, holding the hand and transforming it into a Warrior's Handshake. "Well played, friend. Well played! If magic does not work out for you, I'll recommend you for the Inquisitors myself!"
Listening by the door, Liath slowly nods as the bandit answers Tiasar's questions. "It sounds like they have a powerful, shadowy figure heading it. No mere bandits would pack up every night. They sound more like an army on march than loosely-held lowlifes."
She shakes her head, glancing at Jusker.
"We can not infiltrate them. They are as slippery a force as I've ever heard of. We've special forces in the Silver Order that would envy them their mobility.
We have no choice but to man caravans ourselves and tempt them from their den. We will either kill them all, or, when they flee, we can follow them back.
Where is that druid with the bird? The next time the bandits run from us, Jusker, you can follow them stealthfully, and we can have the bird tail them from the clouds. Then we just wait until they stop running and attack them in the night when they are at their weakest.
What say you all?"
Tiasar |
"I say it is a plan they will anticipate. Even if it works we will only take out one small group and won't hurt the larger organization. We need a spy, but uur spy needs to be somebody that does not realize they're a spy." Tiasar looks up, nodding as the idea forms. "We scour Bastion for men that would be good candidates to be recruited and keep tabs on them. We have two birds at our disposal that could follow them without attracting attention, and Morde is capable of speech so he can tell us exactly where he is being taken. Recruits will probably lead us back to the boss instead of some group."
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath sighs. She would prefer her more direct plan, but Tiasar's plan also has merit. She's frustrated at this ephemeral enemy and feels the Silver Dragonspirit come upon her heavily.
She goes in to the room and approaches the non-leader that they originally worked on. "How much were you paid? What did they promise you? ANSWER ME MAGGOT!"
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath stomps back to the others. "These men seem to be motivated by fear and money. It may be that if we pool our megre coin we could bribe one or a few of the prisoners here, arrange a convincing escape, and then, once they are embraced back into the fold, have them report to us on the promise of more coin.
I like not this plan but it may be our best shot. Did we split our attention watching many candidates we've no promise that we'd see them leave, so many are the boltholes and tricks of misdirection at the enemy's call.
But this bunch is well cowed and might return to the hand if motivated.
What say you, Tiasar? You have them in your palm. I can give you ten gold pieces, which, in addition to your...tender ministrations...may be enough to warm them to our side and become a double agent."
Tiasar |
Tiasar shakes his head. Typical cleric type. "They are motivated to survive. In this harsh land I don't blame them."
"Whatever person is in charge I feel had a very good chance of seeing through a double agent. I still want to have a spy that doesn't know he's a spy. Alternatively, we could release him and follow him without his knowledge."
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath nods, knowing that even a bad plan acted on with vigor is better than the perfect plan never implemented.
"I bow to your analysis. I assume your bird shall be doing most of the following?
If we're in agreement, might we execute this plan in the morning?" she asks, rubbing her eyes after the long day.
Jorn Oathforge |
Jorn continues to think as the others discuss among themselves. Frustration and worry are clear on his face as he runs his fingers through his beard in a sort of nervous tick.
Barbara "Barbie" Schmidt |
Barbie looks perplexed: "I'm not comfortable with the idea of using an innocent human being as a bait. And what if they get hurt? Aren't we supposed to protect good people? And yet here we are, considering the idea of putting someone in danger on purpose, or at least not protecting them from a possible kidnapping!" Barbie's tone becomes more convinced with every word.
Stalkid |
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 3 + 2 = 16
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 3 + 2 = 22
"Why not Jusker?" Stalkid says suddenly. "He was right about the bird calls. He also seems to handle well in a fight." His eyes twinkle deviously, "Following an innocent seems fun, and I'm sure there are plenty of people willing to be paid for being part of the bandits, but I doubt it will end well for us. Jusker might not have as high a chance to be noticed - and if he is he was just your bodyguard, right Tiasar? So when the money runs out, he left for the bandits."
Jusker Ragnos |
"Why not me, indeed. Tracking, I can do; tracking without being seen is a different story, especially by people who live in these woods and probably know them well. Think I'd have better luck using your cover story, me wanting to join them."
After armor check penalty, my Stealth is a +0 lol. And I don't get a favored terrain until level 3.
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath's gaze falls upon Jusker like a warhammer. "Yes.... Why not Jusker?" She pauses, as if rolling an idea around in her head. savoring it, tasting it, finding it good.
"Why bother following every n'er-do-well in the city hoping for a lucky break when we have the perfect fop among us?
Tiasar, send your bird and we'll do your plan. With one twist.
Jusker is known to be in your employ. Tonight you two should have a very loud fight. Something about money. How Jusker is penniless and owed but will not be paid. Jusker, storm off in a huff and sleep in the stables. In the morning sooth your aching pride with cheap wine and many long walks. If this bandit-recruitment machinery is half as good as we've come to think, you should be approached in good time.
Then Tiasar's bird will simply have a familiar target to follow.
What say you?"
Jorn Oathforge |
Jorn frowns, but stops stroking his beard to nod in agreement. "Can't think o' anythin' better meself, an' yer plan seems th' least likely t' backfire in our faces," he admits. "In th' meantime, we should rest an' get ready. I got a feelin' we're still gonna be in o'er our heads."
Tiasar |
"I only wish I was a better liar. I have little experience with it. I suppose I could just imitate one of my more abrasive mentors again..."
Tiasar wants to spend some time rehearsing this little scene. I don't know if that would allow him a bonus or not, but regardless he is not overconfident in his ability to lie so he wants to be prepared.
Liath Gwenilian |
Liath smiles a cold smile. It makes you think she's contemplating the best way to stab you.
"Jusker, Tiasar has a point. Stay a moment and practice a bit. I'll ask the guards to see about some privacy for you two. It need not be high drama, merely a disagreement of something owed and not paid. And, mayhap best be quickly.
An' you think yourselves unable to pull this off, I could be asked to...contribute."
Liath asks the guard to re-chain the prisoners, and to keep a close watch on them. They may be usefull later. That done, she asks after some spare room, either a supply closet or cloakroom where plans of an un-public nature might be ran through.
"To make the argument complete," she says, addressing everyone, "Feel free to contribute and call Jusker things like a 'lowlife', 'thug', or 'greedy mercenary'. Such labels should only enhance his reputation.
As soon as you two are ready, lead on, and once in the street have at it. We'll all, except the disgruntled lowlife, reconvene at the inn."
Liath seems to have left out any reference that these are only deceptions and not actually what everyone thinks of Jusker, but surely that is only an oversight.
DM Ancient |
If that is what you want Argus is more than ready to comply. "Thank you for the help. I feel like I have two jobs trying to watch this town and my grandfather." They get the prisoners back in place and find a sitting room for Tiasar and Juskar if they want to practice.
+3 circumstance bonus to your perfom(act) or bluff tomorrow. Your rolls have been good so far. Hope they stay strong. I'll even let you use the better between your two rolls.
When you leave the castle it is very late. Even the drunks, well if there were any here, would be headed home. When you get to the tavern you find that your rooms, yes rooms, are payed for.
Jusker Ragnos |
Fop, low-life, greedy.. He smiles at Liath. "I'm beginning to think you don't like me very much..." He shrugs. "But it does seem like a solid plan. I just hope it's convincing."