"He asked if I was his brother. I told him no and they attacked. Are we going to question them or just execute them?" Torod seems annoyed at Imiria changing the subject and questions.
Ellaria looks at the prisoners silently, then turns to the others, "We should interrogate them and get as much information as we can regarding the fort and the bandits inside before proceeding. I at least think that we should try and use these potions for that."
Gets bored and sits down across from the bandits, she begins throwing tiny pebbles which get progressivley larger as she throws them at the tied up bandits....
"You best be providing quick answers to the ladies questions, if you want to keep your eyes!"
Eadric looks at Imira throwing stones. Imiria, please stop that.
He then looms over the bound bandits again. By the powers granted me as Justicar of the Greenbelt, I find you all guilty of banditry! You are hereby sentenced to death by hanging! <pause for effect> However, if you three shall tell us everything you know about the Stag Lord's fort... Pass phrases. Layout. How many bandits are currently within. Names. Any significant abilities they might possess... Everything!! He draws his sword, pointing it at the three men. I will grant you a reprieve from your death sentence! I swear, if I think for one second you are speaking falsely or aren't being totally forthcoming I shall hang you from your neck without hesitation. Speak the truth and tell us what we want to know or suffer the consequences!
Eadric motions for the others to separate the men. Take them some distance and question them separately. That way we will know when one lies, as his answers won't match the other twos...
Looking back to the bandits, Eadric add incentive to get their tongues wagging. The one who provides the most valuable information will be given the opportunity to have their sentence commuted.
Eadric thinks to himself, We could accompany some of them to the fort as "new recruits" to the Stag Lord's cause. That should help facilitate us entry. If they don't betray us first...
If each of you would question one of them while I will drift back and forth between you all, I would think that best. We can question them all at the same time.
Imiria, you can go with Obi...
"yah hear that shrimp!"
"I heard him say can, not will." Obi says, unfazed by the jab. "Keep insulting people and you will always be small, no matter how tall you get."
Eadric sighs audibly. Imiria... you are trying my patience. Perhaps you should sit down and be quiet for the time being...
nods helplessly........
Torod stands and draws his scimitar. "Since no one has any questions, the beheading can begin?" Torod almost seems happy at the prospect.
Eadric listens to the man speak. His face impassive and unreadable. When the man finishes speaking, Eadric sighs and motions to Torod. It looks like we have someone who does not place value on our generous offer, or his life. You may proceed with his execution.
Sense Motive
"By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, it would be my pleasure." Torod slays the surprised bandit with exptreme prejudice.
As he's cleaning his weapon, Torod asks "Was any part of what he said true? Can we trust the numbers he gave?"
I believe the pass phrase was a complete fabrication.
As for the rest? The names and the numbers, I cannot tell for sure. Perhaps one of the remaining prisoners will be more forthcoming. Eadric turns and lets his gaze fall upon remaining bandits.
Dovan of Nisroch, a man who likes pain and cruelty... Obi shudders at the memories that description brings back.
"I hope they are, for their sakes. Life is a flame that should be allowed to go out on it's own." Obi says as he let's a spark travel along his finger in plain view of the bandits.
Well gentlemen? Who wishes to tell us what we want to know? This time the truth?
"Tell him the rest of it. And anything else that we need to know."
Changed recently? Why? Do they change it often? On a timed schedule or due to other reasons? Events? The whim of the Stag Lord?
You don't seem to be very convincing... we walk up and offer the incorrect pass phrase and we are likely in trouble, out in the open with them behind the palisade raining arrows upon us.
If we do decide to try it... perhaps one of you should come along... help lend credence to our deception. That and I can make sure you suffer first if you have lied to us...
"What was that phrase that he," pointing to the dead bandit, "gave us?"
"I could make them suffer, Eadric. I could knock them out and set their clothing on fire, so that even if they live the smell of their burning flesh haunts their dreams." Obi tightens his scarf without realizing it, and those that know his past realize he's speaking of personal experience. "It is not pleasant."
Ellaria looks suspiciously at Obi, uncertain how can there be such hate in the small halfling.
Eadric raises an eyebrow at Obi's comment. I don't believe that will be necessary my friend. I think these men are more motivated to help than they were before.
Eadric turns to everyone, Let us get on with it then. I, along with one of these gentlemen, and whoever thinks they can pass as a bandit, will ride up to the fort and give the pass phrase to get the gate open. Any others will use the potions to gain access while invisible. Once inside, hopefully with the element of surprise, we will attack.
Anyone have any objections or suggestions?
And just in case my earlier comments weren't clear enough... I am NOT interested in more prisoners. Please execute your duties with extreme prejudice. Our success here, and our very lives will depend on our efficiency here. Make no mistake, we are in a tough situation. Out numbered and in unfamiliar environs, this fight will hinge on our ability to remove threats as quickly as possible. I expect no quarter or mercy to be given. I shall grant none in return.
Today we ride for good! Today we remove a great evil from this land! A blight upon the Greenbelt! Today we ride for each other! It has been my honor to ride with each one of you! May the blessing of Cayden be upon you all!
After his speech, Eadric mounts up and prepares to ride to the fort.
Before they depart, Eadric leans over and whispers to Obi. If we survive, be sure to compose a suitable ballad of our actions here this day. And as an apparent afterthought he adds, And Obi. Let the fire out! Burn them all!
He then straightens up, locking eyes with each of his companions, giving a subtle nod to each in turn, before kicking his horse into motion towards the distant fort.
"Are you going to take the herbal liquor an get them drunk?"
We could take it as part of the loot/tribute... yes.
That's not the code phrase. I'll just go along with it and hope. "We're not out for a ride. Open up we have loot for the Stag Lord."
Bluff
Int
"By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?" Torod says in mock anger to hide his concern. He keeps his eye on the crossbowman waiting his response.
"Yeah." Torod moves inside the palisade, making sure that the others are also in (and that the invisibles have room to get inside) and starts to proudly show off their 'loot'.