Coraline looks to see if the druid is still in need of healing, and asks on behalf of the gathered company, 'please tell us what you know of the humanoids' incursion into your land, lady Amaranth, and any else that you deem of note.’
Coraline is also interested in the makeup of the druid's gear but does not press that issue.
Having satisfied himself that the archer is carefully secured, Tate will turn toward those that are close by, and hold up his hand for their attention.
"Please grant me a few hours alone with this captive. Thank you all for your aid. I need some private time with him, if I am to find out what I think we need to know about this force. Perhaps one of you could go to the other captive, and hear what it has to say, then come back here in a few hours."
As he talks, he starts laying out some tools on a leather tarp that he spreads under his captive. A flensing knife, Some tiny skinning knives. A Small balanced stone hammer without a handle. Some pliers. A small pot of salt....
All of them are cleary visible to the hobgoblin.
Tate will wait until the others have gone before starting to talk. His face is very calm and impassive. He looks like he is relaxing himself, and preparing for something.
He looks at each of the newcomers in turn, standing next to his tools, and the slowly twisting hobgoblin.
Hans looks uneasily at Tate's collection of "toys".
"Er...I say, I hate bandits as much as the next fellow, but they don't deserve anything more than a good, clean neck-stretch. The beasts of the land and the birds of the air can tell us all we need to know, methinks."
In elven. " Intimidation is a subtle art. Please trust that I will not do evil here. The greater good requires that this creature not know that. We must know their plans in order to save lives, and contain the threat this force poses. I will not do evil here."
He searches their faces for comprehension.
"Huh?" Hans scratches his head in confusion.
"This blessed sister of the savoured sting will explain. Please leave me to my work."
Tate touches his finger to the Callistrian scripture embroidered on his armour. It reads:
Guard your house. Strike down they that trespass.
Guard your family. Return wrong done to them threefold.
Sometimes the shepherd has peace, and wisdom.
Sometimes the butcher has bloody work, and wisdom.
Guard your home and let those who defile it tremble.
"You don't know me yet. I hope you will grow to trust my judgement in time."
DM Nightwish
Coraline marvels at the unique subtleties and refined manner of which Tate seems to need to orchestrate his craft. She herself found it easier to use raw, less sophisticated, yet effective charms.
In goblin ‘Oy you!’ Coraline use the tip of a dead twig to poke at the nostril of the half conscious hob leader.
As the hob reflexively comes to, she points at Barley Rye, who’s foot wide mouth and slobbering jowls are a dagger’s length away from his privates. The war puppy of carnage locks eyes with the hob leader.
Again in goblin ‘My friend seems to have fancied your taste, I’ve never fancied the taste of hobgoblin myself, too rough on the exit you know, but these red mastiffs will eat *anyone*, and to be honest you do look plump … where was I, oh right, look there’s no way you’ll be freed. And if we send you back they’ll probably kill you anyways because I’ve seen drunk dwarves who were asleep fight better than the likes of you … but if you tell me a few things … well then you’ll make it to a cell, where you’ll be fed, maybe even traded off for ransom, if whomever you serve thinks your important enough, or there’s this’
On cue Barley gives the hob’s inner thigh a long wet, lingering lick.
Hans just stands there, watching warily.
As Claret goes through her routine with the mastiff and hobgoblin, Cal sticks close by, posing with his dagger and warhammer, smashing a nearby tree trunk with an occasional mighty blow from the blunt weapon.
"I'd suggest you tell us what you know, fool," he says curtly in common after Claret has finished her speech in the goblin language.
Diego takes a moment, letting the shocking grasp'd hand get almost close enough for the hob's hairs to raise, then pulling it back again.
Intimidate rolls to intimidate or to aid if lower than Claret's: 1d20+11=27, 1d20+11=15, 1d20+11=19
Red Feather begins to sing a unnerving funeral dirge, as he dances around the hobgoblin, as if preparing him for death, even as far as brushing a bundle of weeds about him with a sad look on his face.
Intimidate Check (To assist) (1d20+4=8)
But is probably looks silly to the trussed up prisoner, as it is a human funeral dirge, and he probably doesn't understand any of it.
Coraline looks to see if the druid is still in need of healing, and asks on behalf of the gathered company, 'please tell us what you know of the humanoids' incursion into your land, lady Amaranth, and any else that you deem of note.’
"I am grateful for your offers, but you should save your strength for your companions. I am not without healing magics of my own, though I find myself envious of the mass healing abilities of your faithful. I am capable of doing the same thing, but am far less learned and adept in its application."
"As for what I know of the goblinoids and their incursions of late, I am afraid I know little more than you. It does seem strange, however, that they should travel in the company of beasts such as that great hound which I fought. Such beasts are generally found on the battlefield, aiding an army or horde, but rarely on such minor incursions as small raids and banditry."
"There is someone I know who may have more knowledge of this than I. But I have not seen her in some time. We had arranged to meet a few days ago, but she never arrived. She had taken refuge in an abandoned and ruined manor house near the forest's edge just a day's travel or so north of Drellin's Ferry. If she is still there, she may offer some valuable insight. A young gnome, her name is Yalla."
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I'm going to allow Intimidate to be included in the skills for which a Ranger's Favored Enemy bonus applies. It simply doesn't make sense to me for it not to be.
Both goblins are surly and uncooperative at first, but the sight of so many enemies seeming so eager for a pound of their flesh, as well as the sight of Tate's "toys" and Diego's charged fist loosen their tongues a bit after a few minutes.
What exactly are you asking them?
"If you'll permit me to examine them, I may be able to tell you something of that bow and armor that seem to vex you so. As an elf, the natural affinity for such magics runs in my veins and may afford me a better grasp of their nature."
Appraisal to identify bow: 1d20+17=31
Picking up the bow, she looks it over thoroughly, chanting the words for Detect Magic, and after a few minutes, she hands the bow to Amie. "This bears the mark of your goddess, little cousin, and you or one of your companions may find great use for it. It is known as an Oathbow. When you place an arrow upon the string, it will speak to you, and you will know the words by which it may be commanded. Be wary, though, for it is quite single-minded. Upon a designated enemy, it provides a much greater focus, but at the expense of other enemies or weapons so long as the enemy you designate remains alive."
Appraisal to identify armor: 1d20+17=33
She then takes up the armor and gives it a thorough examination. "This armor is extremely well-crafted. It will provide better protection, most likely, than any studded leather that you presently own, but is still inferior to more durable types of armor. To a user of arcane magics, however, it provides an additional benefit in that its reduced weight allows full motion and will not interfere with spellcasting. .
‘Perhaps the hobs were testing your peoples’ defenses, or their resolve. This group is a mere a advance scouting party, the leader over here was very keen on keeping out of the initial fighting but kept close watch over the combatants. And they certainly have a lot of raw power for such a small band.’
‘Maybe this hob can shed some light to our inquiry,’ Coraline turns back to the hob leader.
Amie looks over the bow again and turns to Amaranth. “This is a marvelous weapon, I knew that when I laid my eyes on it.” She sets it down next to the armor. “However, I am not in need of another weapon. I saw to the crafting of my own bow myself and it serves to me a greater purpose than just a bow. It none of my new found companions desire this weapon, I will take it then, but as a servant of the divine I lead the simple life and will pass this blessing on to another. Thank you very much for identifying these treasures for us, Lady Amaranth.”
She then lowers her voice and begins speaking in elven. “I do now know of your purpose in these woods, though I assume they are your home and you seek to protect them. I ask of you Lady Amaranth; if you have no other pressing matters you would accompany us for a short time, perhaps guide us to your friend, Yalla’s home. I have my own reasons for coming into these woods and I know at least one for them differs from my newfound companions. If you would join us for a short time I would greatly appreciate more of your generous help.”
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"There is someone I know who may have more knowledge of this than I. But I have not seen her in some time. We had arranged to meet a few days ago, but she never arrived. She had taken refuge in an abandoned and ruined manor house near the forest's edge just a day's travel or so north of Drellin's Ferry. If she is still there, she may offer some valuable insight. A young gnome, her name is Yalla."
"Then we must find her and rescue her if necessary. Can you lead us to the manor?"
"Then we must find her and rescue her if necessary. Can you lead us to the manor?"
"Indeed, as soon we end the questioning of these hobs, we ought to check up on this gnome." A greedy look comes over Diego's face. "And I would love to have a look at that armor! I've never seen much use for armor, but if this is as beneficial to arcanists as it seems, !!"
Tate will wait until he is alone with the hobgoblin. He will also ask Amie to come in about a half hour.
DM
I am going to assume that the hobgoblin and I share a language, and that I am left alone to get to work.
To the hobgoblin:
"You are a warrior. I will not waste your time with threats. I will simply lay out your options. I have power here. I have strength here. All you have is a choice on how I should proceed."
Tate will make sure the hobgoblin is making eye contact.
"Option one: You can tell me everything you know about the leader of your band, and of the one that is gathering your people and equipping them for war. I will check your intelligence against what is extracted from the leader we caught. If you tell the truth, and our magics confirm it, I will let you take one weapon from the ground here, and we will finish this. You will die a warrior's death, or you will slay me, and have a chance to gain freedom. You will be master of your fate again either way."
Tate holds the hobgoblins head toward the tools of his trade.
"Option two: You can lie to me. I will use our sorcerors and the intelligence given by your leader to find out you have lied to me. I will then use all my skills to kill you in the most painful way possible. You are the twelfth being I will kill in this way. Perhaps you have heard of Galt? I learned things in Galt that would surprise your torturers. You will not die a warriors death. Instead you will die like a pig or goat that is gored by an ox, and crawls broken to die."
Tate allows the hobgoblin a quick drink from the lid of his flask of brandy.
"Option three: You can stupidly remain silent. I told the others that I would not do evil here. I did not lie to them. To let you go without finding out what you know will make it hard to prepare for the threat you pose. That is to allow harm to come to the innocent by inaction. That is evil. F~+!ing you up to the point where your species is hard to determine is by far less of a strain on my conscience than you may suppose. Good does not mean weak. Good does not mean kind. Good means doing what must be done so that the darkness does not swallow the light. They call me Tate the butcher. Make your choice." \
Assuming the captive chooses option one or two:
Here are the questions Tate will ask.
- What is the name of your band?
- How many men at arms are in the force you represent?
- What arms do they bear?
- Who manufactures your weapons?
- What spells have you seen cast by the leader?
- What fortifications and defenses do you know of?
- What doctrine do you follow in battle?
- What importance do these woods have for your band?
- What are your unit objectives?
- How soon are you expected back?
- Describe your salutes and signs.
- What types of creature are allied with your leader?
- How much are you paid?
- What are your rules of engagement?
- What agents do you have in our lands?
- What are your passwords?
- What priests and healers serve in your force?
- What do you think will happen next in this war?
- What is the promised outcome or reward for your loyalty?
- Who do you respect the least in your army?
- Who do you respect the most?
Tate and Nightwish
"Option one: You can tell me everything you know about the leader of your band, and of the one that is gathering your people and equipping them for war. I will check your intelligence against what is extracted from the leader we caught. If you tell the truth, and our magics confirm it, I will let you take one weapon from the ground here, and we will finish this. You will die a warrior's death, or you will slay me, and have a chance to gain freedom. You will be master of your fate again either way."
Tate should be interogating the leader as well. I was actually thinking of giving the leader that very same option but did not think the party would go for it – even as far as healing the leader a bit to make it seem ‘fair play’. After giving us all the information he knew or was willing to divulge I was going to cast one cure wounds on the leader , lay a sword on the ground, untie him and make the offer ‘between your freedom is only me …’
Also I think the druid should have a say in what we do with the prisoners.
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What is the name of your band?
"We are the Red Hand, and you will rue the day you chose to stand against us!" he answers, in broken Common.
How many men at arms are in the force you represent?
"Many thousands! Our numbers will cull your human herds like cattle!"
What arms do they bear?
He does not know much beyond what his small band carried. He has heard of ballistae and some talk of seige weapons, but he doesn't know what kind.
Who manufactures your weapons?
Giants. Imprisoned dwarves. Beyond that, he doesn't know.
What spells have you seen cast by the leader?
He has never met the leader.
What fortifications and defenses do you know of?
Where?
What doctrine do you follow in battle?
"Kill elves. Kill dwarves. Kill humans. You may have won this battle, but your numbers are too small to stand against the unleashed hordes of the Red Hand. My brothers will feast on your flesh and suck the marrow from your bones!"
What importance do these woods have for your band?
"We were sent only to determine what number of human or elven enemies cower in the dark of the trees."
What are your unit objectives?
Just what he told you above.
How soon are you expected back?
"If we do not report back in a tenday, our Defilers will unleash the fires of the dragons upon the tender twigs or your forest!"
Describe your salutes and signs.
"Hah! You are even madder than you are puny! Your tools and toys are no match for the tortures my commanders will visit upon me if I give you that! Do your worst!"
What types of creature are allied with your leader?Our goblins will make a frenzy of your encampments. Our gnolls and bugbears wield magic as well as they wield bows. Our giants will stomp your huts into the soil and grind your bones beneath their heels. And pray that you die before you meet the many and varied spawn of the wyrms. But you shall not live to see that day, I promise you. The great Wyrmlord Koth and his bull-faced monster of a lieutenant Karkilan will make gravy of you long before the true battle is joined!"
How much are you paid?"Paid? We are paid in the blood of humans and elves! We are paid with the promise that we shall soon rule these lands. No coin carries greater value or honor!"
What are your rules of engagement?"What? Engagement? First you want to talk about war, and now you want to talk about romance? Have those breeches made you dandy, boy?"
What agents do you have in our lands?"What agents? We need no such secretive means! Disguising your strengths has never been the strong suit of humans!"
What are your passwords?See "signs and salutes" above.
What priests and healers serve in your force?Defilers, warlocks, great sorcerors, dragon adepts, many more.
What do you think will happen next in this war?"Next? We will raze your homes to the ground. Even now the Red Hand gathers in many places, and our warbands ravage your towns in preparation for the Day of Ruin!"
What is the promised outcome or reward for your loyalty?"To wear your skin as a cloak!"
Who do you respect the least in your army?"Kavlost. He once tried to desert. I thank you for bringing him to his just ends," he says, gesturing toward one of his fallen companions.
Who do you respect the most?"Of those whom I have met personally, there is none greater than the Great Wyrmlord Koth. His magic and prowess in battle have no equal!"
"Then we must find her and rescue her if necessary. Can you lead us to the manor?"
"There are other things to which I must attend, but I can set you on the path toward it. It is surrounded by shallow forest and farmland, and any local townsperson can direct you to it, though it is a ruin. Blackmoor Manor, it is called."
She then lowers her voice and begins speaking in elven. “I do now know of your purpose in these woods, though I assume they are your home and you seek to protect them. I ask of you Lady Amaranth; if you have no other pressing matters you would accompany us for a short time, perhaps guide us to your friend, Yalla’s home. I have my own reasons for coming into these woods and I know at least one for them differs from my newfound companions. If you would join us for a short time I would greatly appreciate more of your generous help.”
"I thank you for your invitation, but there are other pressing matters to which I must attend. I will offer you aid when and where I can. My people's blood runs in your veins, and the trees will hear your words as they hear mine. Whisper your need of me to the leaves, and I will find you when I am able. If your need is dire, try to stay near the oaks, for among them help might be found."
To the Lady Amaranth:
'Is there any message or any tidings you wish us to deliver to your fey friend, m' lady. Will the gnome be able to provide aid to your cause ? And is there any token of yours we can give the fey to prove that we have had words with you?'
For my Company of heroes
The great Wyrmlord Koth
Interesting, and now we have a name …
Giants. Imprisoned dwarves made our weapons.
Uh, oh.
Our number are in the many thousands!
Uh, oh.
our Defilers will unleash the fires of the dragons upon the tender twigs or your forest!"
Umm … Uh, oh.
Defilers, warlocks, great sorcerors, dragon adepts, many more.
Is it getting warm in here ?
now the Red Hand gathers in many places, and our warbands ravage your towns in preparation for the Day of Ruin!"
Yeah, that can’t be good.
Questions for the hob leader:
Where did he come from ? How did he come to power ?
Who does he serve in turn ? Surely even he has a patron.
Who ordered your strike here ? What importance do these woods have for your army?
How many days march is your main force from here ?
How does your warlord have maintain such a force ? How do you supply your army ?
What types of creature are allied with your leader?
What wizards, priests and healers serve in your force? What are their name’s and what have you seen them do ?
What types of dragons have joined your force ?
Have you seen beings from other planes other than these hell hounds ?
Do any humans march with your warband ?
What was your army's next objective.
"Milady, it will be an honour and a privilege to do a favour for you, and for druids everywhere. If I die, pray think of me from time to time; that's all I ask."
Hans bows deeply again.
"We should head off, if we're going to help this "friend" of the druid," Diego says with a sarcastic tone.
"Eh? You mislike this adventure, do you Master Diego?" Hans inquires with a lifted eyebrow. "Or perhaps you mislike druids!"
To the Lady Amaranth:
'Is there any message or any tidings you wish us to deliver to your fey friend, m' lady. Will the gnome be able to provide aid to your cause ? And is there any token of yours we can give the fey to prove that we have had words with you?'
She draws one of her scimitars, and you notice that the blade seems to be made of the same blood-red material as her armor. With it, she shaves off a sliver of that strange armor of hers. In response, the armor seems to take on a amorphis quality, reforming itself into its original form, as if the slice had never been taken. She hands you the sliver of material. It has the cool feel of metal, but it also vibrates with a soft hum. When you touch it, a sense of sorrow and regret touches at the edges of your mind, not to the point of altering your own emotional state or anything, but enough that you are aware that the material is somewhat sentient.
"Give this to her, she will recognize it. Only three others wear similar material, and she will count any of us as an ally. She will know that it came from me; and because your own blades could not slice the armor in such a way, she will know that it was given willingly."
"Milady, it will be an honour and a privilege to do a favour for you, and for druids everywhere. If I die, pray think of me from time to time; that's all I ask."
"I shall, Little Brother. Thank you for coming to my aid earlier, it gave me the break I needed to finally overpower that thing.
"As for your friend, do not hold his disdain against him. I do not know what he has endured, but judging from the cant of his ears and the bitter taste of his tone, I can guess that he has not been received kindly by my race in the past. Indeed, more than one of your companions appears to be of similarly mixed heritage, and if any or all of them feel the same distrust, they are well justified in those feelings. Ours has not been a legacy of openness toward them."
Raising her voice slightly so the gathered half-elves can hear, she adds, "There are reasons why some among our race find the solitary lives of druids and rangers preferable to the petty, prejudicial and even xenophobic politics of the elven court."
Raising her voice slightly so the gathered half-elves can hear, she adds, "There are reasons why some among our race find the solitary lives of druids and rangers preferable to the petty, prejudicial and even xenophobic politics of the elven court."
Diego looks slightly less disdainful and nods his head toward her, and says in Elven, "I am glad to hear that there are some who do not share these views yet. My grandfather was not so liberal as you."
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Yes.
Yes.** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Taking the amulet, Amaranth turns it over in her hand, squinting to read the tiny script carved into its ivory surface. "Strange, the script is in the style of the elves of the Mierani Forest, they being among the most xenophobic of our kind. But the language is Hallit, the tongue of the northern Barbarian tribes. Perhaps between the two, you might find clues to your parentage. The word inscribed translates as "firefoot."'
Amie gives a strange look at the amulet. Taking it back gently and placing it back around her neck she looks back at Amaranth. “Thank you for your insight. Perhaps during my travels I will be able to find out more. Though right now I must focus more on the task on hand.” She bows her head in respect and walks away. Giving a low whistle she calls out Ben from his place among the trees and begins tending to him.
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Tell me of your leader and his captains.
You get pretty much the same answer as Tate got from his hob.
Where did he come from? How did he come to power?
"I do not know where he came from. The Kulkor Zhul come from all regions of the Inner Sea and beyond. He is a bugbear, and he comes from where bugbears come from! But he wields great power, and he tows a minotaur at his heel."
Who does he serve in turn? Surely even he has a patron.
He serves who we all serve - the Dragonborn, Azarr Kul.
Who ordered your strike here ? What importance do these woods have for your army?
Our leader, Wyrmlord Koth, ordered the strike. The woods serve no importance except that they harbor many cowards who would hide from our conquest! Cowards who will only strike from the back and from the unseen shadows. We were sent to determine their number and to impress upon them the foolishness of standing against us."
How many days march is your main force from here?
"Not far! You should flee while you can!" He won't give you specific locations or distances.
How does your warlord have maintain such a force?
Those who oppose Azarr Kul are doomed. He is born of the Dragons, favored of Dahak, himself son of the Dragonqueen herself! The tribes quickly fall in line!"
How do you supply your army?
"How does any army supply itself? These lands are rich with food and crop. The mountains are rich with ore."
What types of creature are allied with your leader?
"Many kinds. Goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears, gnolls, trolls, giants, ogres, dragons, dragon-kin."
What wizards, priests and healers serve in your force? What are their name’s and what have you seen them do?
"Wyrmlord Koth is a mighty sorceror in his own right. I've seen the land tremble and trees fall at his word. Great gouts of flame spring from the heavens at his call. Beyond him, there are many others - sorcerors, wizards, warlocks - but I do not know them."
What types of dragons have joined your force?
"Better you should ask what types have not! I'm sure you can guess. The colors are brave and strong, and they see the wisdom in allying with the Champion of Dahak. The metals, well they are the cowards we expect them to be! There are others still who are a mystery even to the dragonborn, but those who have joined us are more than enough to lay your homes to waste!"
Have you seen beings from other planes other than these hell hounds?
"I have not, but there are mages and priests in our ranks who are capable of summoning such aid."
Do any humans march with your warband?
"Not on my watch. But I cannot speak for the rest of the Kuklor Zhul. Humans are weak-willed and will sell their mothers for the proper coin. Do not be surprised if even those you travel with secretly carry the Red Hand beneath their cloaks."
What was your army's next objective.
"Go to what is left of Drellin's Ferry and see for yourself!"
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Everyone who is still wounded, go ahead and put yourselves back to full hit points. You'll be traveling, and it'll take a couple days to reach the Manor (which will be replacing Vraath Keep, for those of you who have read the module), and at least a full day to reach Drellin's Ferry, if you choose to go there first, either of which is plenty of time for Amie, Sevegny and Hans to take care of any healing needs that remain.
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While the group is tending to its wounds, deciding on the distribution of treasure, and talking to Amaranth, you all hear a high pitched bark from back in the trees.
Coraline is the first to notice that Barley has disappeared into the trees, but he emerges a few minutes later, his snout and forelegs covered in ash and gore. At his feet rests a lumpy, misshapen object. He looks up at Coraline, barks happily once, then picks up the bundle in his massive jaws and drops it at her feet.
Upon close examination, it appears to be what remains of a charred and partially eaten human or demihuman torso, with the arms still intact. Most of the clothing has been eaten away by stomach acids, and it is decayed to the point that you can't tell if it was male or female. But surprisingly, the gauntlets that it wore, and what looks like a pair of eyeglasses tucked into a few strands of uneaten cloth, appear to have escaped the ravages of acid and flame without a mark on them!
Upon close examination, it appears to be what remains of a charred and partially eaten human or demihuman torso, with the arms still intact. Most of the clothing has been eaten away by stomach acids, and it is decayed to the point that you can't tell if it was male or female. But surprisingly, the gauntlets that it wore, and what looks like a pair of eyeglasses tucked into a few strands of uneaten cloth, appear to have escaped the ravages of acid and flame without a mark on them!
Using Identify, Diego will attempt to, well, identify the items...
Appraise: 1d20+17=31, 1d20+17=23
To Lady Amaranth:
'I have never seen the likes of that which you have just entrusted to me my lady, if I may, I would ask where it came from. Or even what exactly 'it' is?'