Ronk awakens, sputtering and choking, looking panicked and bewildered. Once he assesses his situation, he looks around at your group with his piggy eyes, his face a mix of fear and animosity.
"Hello, Ronk. Now, before you say anything let me make myself clear: if you don't cooperate or if we think you're lying to us you're going to take a one-way trip off the side of this cliff. Every bone in your body shattered on impact, all that was once Ronk laying broken at the bottom of the ravine. In fact, we've prepared a little demonstration for your benefit."
Auric nods to Gendo to push the other barrel with the decoy goblin over the cliff.
Bluff:
Though his words are hard, Auric has trouble delivering such cold-blooded threats so at odds with his character.
William walks over to the edge, stands gazing down at the plummeting barrel until the echoing crash at the end of its descent. He visibly winces at the sound. Looking askance at Gendo, he moves up to Ronk, carefully side-stepping Auric and speaks, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"Ronk, they really mean to do it. You know big folk; they're strong and mean and always get what they want. I want to help you. Tell them what they want to know. I don't want to see you go splat like that one."
He points to Gendo.
"That one! He threw five others over the side before you woke up, just for fun! And he knows you hate him! Tell this one what he wants to know, please Ronk! I can't stand to see any more goblins go splat!"
Bluff:
Ronk's face goes pale, even the purple blotches on his face and head seem to lighten.
"Ronk talk if you don't splat him. What you want?"
"Very smart, Ronk. Didn't I tell you guys he looked smart? First questions: where did the dwarf and the gnome go? When do you expect them back?"
I fix Ronk with as predatory gaze, the hint of a maliscious smile on my face.
Ronk gives a shudder and avoids Gendo's gaze, then turns to Auric.
Them two went south, supposed to fetch prisoner from secret place. Don't know when they get back. If not back before the Master returns, they be in trouble. Master be angry. Good. Ronk hate dwarf and gnome."
My, my, my, but that is a lot of hate from one creature. My voice almost pleasant.
So, if you hate the dwarf and gnome so much, what can you tell us about them? Are they fighters? Or are they like you and with talents similar to your own? When I ask the last question, admiration comes across with my words, genuine admiration.
"They have powerful magic. Master treat them like equals. Ronk don't think so. Seen master raise piles of dead to serve him. Dwarf and gnome can't do that. One day Ronk will be as powerful as the Master. Zapzser...Zapazapa...gnome good at taking minds. That why he ride ogre. Gnome also want to mate with Master's mate. Sick." Ronk purses his lips in disgust.
"Dwarf funny. He not like fight. Use magics to summon many things to fight for him. Magic not like what Ronk see before. Brings things out of nowhere, poof! Dwarf hate other dwarves, think because of marks on face. Still hate goblins though. Threaten Ronk once with bunch of little dirt men. Ronk hate him."
Jon smiles at the vehemence in the goblin's telling.
Auric nods. Matches what we've read in the necromancer's apprentices' journal.
"Where is your master now? And what is he seeking?"
Sense Motive (just in case):
"Him go to old ruin. Say something about vampire dust. Ronk glad he go alone. Blood-drinkers very powerful. Master not worried, but Ronk not want to go, just in case one still alive. More scary than dead thing under hill."
Ronk, you're power is undeniable. Now, if my associates are willing, and you yourself are willing, we let our past battles be forgotten, in order to establish a working relationship with you. Not with you being subservient to any master, for you should be your own master. A relationship where you are given the respect of your skill and talent amongst equals. The first step in that relationship would be to help us help you exact retribution against the dwarf and Zapzser the gnome. Besides, isn't it their fault that has caused your current predicament? Shouldn't they pay for what has befallen you? Shouldn't you, Ronk, be given the respect due your own gifts and talents?
My words come out matter-of-factly, as though I am repeating the obvious.
Ronk narrows his eyes at Gendo.
"You no make big talk to Ronk. You shoot Ronk in face and hit in throat. Ronk hate you too. Wish you and dwarf and gnome all get stuffed in same barrel then lit on fire."
"Well, there goes our chance to be best friends. How long ago did your master leave for the vampire dust?"
I start sliding the barrel that Ronk is 'tied' to toward the edge.
Have it your way Ronk. I did what I had to to stop you from hurting me. Now it looks like I am going to have to do something you'll regret at least for a few seconds. Can't have someone with your power running back to his master afterall, now can I.
Ronk's piggy eyes bulge from their sockets as the barrel is moved to the cliffside.
"Wait! Wait! Ronk deal with you. Ronk answer questions and you not toss Ronk off cliff. Deal? Master leave yesterday. Take about half a night to travel to ruins. If no problems, Master should be back by nightfall. See? Ronk good at answering questions."
Auric tries to fight down the panic welling up from his chest.
Too soon. Way too soon.
He weighs Ronk's words carefully, trying to see if it's just a ploy to avoid being thrown off the cliff.
Sense Motive:
Ronk appears to sincerely not want to go over the cliff.
My voice hard and cold,
NOT. GOOD. ENOUGH. RONK. You're still holding out on us. Spill it or we see how long it takes for you to hit bottom.
I make like I am going to push the barrel, hesitating a moment for the big push.
Ronk gives a shriek, struggling against his bonds as he sees certain doom approach.
"Ronk sorry! Tell you anything you ask! Anything! No kill! Just tell Ronk what you want! Aieeee!!!
"We're just going to go over this one more time, Ronk. Did Varas the necromancer go to the ruins by himself? Is he truly expected back tonight- along with the gnome and the dwarf? Their prisoner: has he been harmed? The sooner you can give us the truth, the sooner you'll safely be out of your present situation."
Diplomacy:
Sense Motive:
How far away is the secret place where the prisoner is being kept? And how many others travel with you and your master? I adjust the barrel, not actually moving further forward, just as a way to keep him squirming.
Ronk looks a bit overwhelmed at the threat of plunging over the cliff compiled with the barrage of questions. He spends several long moments catching his breath before responding.
"Yes, Master Varras go alone to ruins...should be back tonight, if nothing stop him." he says, still speaking strangely due to the wound to his mouth, "Gnome and dwarf, not sure. Always whispering, those two. Ronk not sure, but think they doing things Master not like if he knew. Only saw prisoner once, old dwarf, beat up bad. Gnome feed prisoner poisons to keep prisoner still. Ronk not know just where place is, but guesses. Small valley south of here, full of trees. Hard to find if one not know trails. Gnome and dwarf went alone, mostly. Gnome has ogre he rides. Too lazy to walk. When they go before, take two days before they return. So if they take same time, arrive here late tomorrow, maybe next morning. Master travels with dwarf and gnome, Moxug, Ronk, and ten goblins that left tribe to serve Master. Thinks you killed them all or make them flee. Ronk tell truth, all of it."
Auric nods.
"All right, Ronk. Very good. Did you have a camp plan for when Varras gets back? For instance, did he tell Moxug to meet him first or to not have a fire? Do you have an all- clear signal or were there no specific plans?"
"Master make signal, show magic green light before walking to tower. That way archers don't shoot at him. They shoot pretty much anything comes near tower. Then wait for dwarf and gnome to come back with information from prisoner. Then...Ronk don't know. Master not interested in lost apprentice. Spends time reading big book."
Auric pulls off the rope supposedly keeping Ronk attached to the barrel.
"We're satisfied.", he says before stuffing the gag back in Ronk's mouth and bundling him back into the tower's basement.
Once he emerges, Auric looks to Will, Gendo and Jon.
"We might be in trouble, guys. We're wounded, out of healing magics and it seems all of our enemies will be converging on this point by tomorrow at the latest.... If we can ambush and corner Varras when he gets here, we might be able to put him down. But the gnome and the dwarf... that might be a bit more complicated. I'm guessing the Duke won't mind if we use his sword to help even the score and I remember his apprentice's journal saying that the necromancer's cloak offers some protection from the gnome's charms. I don't know. What do you think?"
We have the advantage of knowing more than our adversary's at this point. They only know that they have been chased, but not by who. However, I believe that if we stay and confront them, it will only set us up for an insurmountable challenge. We know that these villains are powerful. I say our best chance of success would be to head off after the gnome and dwarf. The old beat-up dwarf, my voice becomes both filled with concern and hopeful,I believe to be one of the masters from my home, quite possibly even my own mentor, Master Heyward. However, if Varras is by himself, we can ambush him and stand a chance of succeed in stopping him. OR at the very least, ascertaining why he is doing what he's doing. In either case, I have the distinct feeling that Ronk will not be long for this world when Varras finds out what happened
William: "Is there any way we can use this place to our advantage? If we could somehow lure Varras to the trapdoor on the top level, we could drop him right into the basement. Or to the bottom of the ravine, if we get him onto the bridge once it's rigged to collapse...though that might work better with the gnome and the dwarf; they've got the ogre to put a lot more weight onto it."
It seems that this Tower gives us the best chance of defense. However, didn't some goblins run off? Our quarry could end up being forewarned. Regardless, upon further consideration, I say we make a stand here.
"From what little I know about mages, if we just surround him and grab him he may not be able to do much to us. Of course, that backfires if it turns out that he's the only necromancer from across the ocean that's bigger than me with a wrestling championship behind him..."
Auric paces back and forth for a moment.
"Here's what I think we oughtta do: we get as much rest as we can during the next few hours and lay out our ambush before sundown. Will, if you've got any spells left, maybe you could conjure up some fake goblins to man the arrow slits or the top of the tower- or wait until Varras gets into the tower and then drop a puddle of grease behind him to cut off his exit. We may be able to just put some barrels or sacks together to make goblin silhouettes: he's a human, so he might not be able to tell the difference at night. Jon, Gendo and I put together concealed positions down here at the base of the tower- we jump out and surround him once he's clear of the door. From there, we just take him out as fast as we can. Something goes wrong, we try to rush him into the trap door."
He shrugs.
"Not exactly brilliant, I know, but keeping things simple seems like the best thing we could do. As for the other two... dropping the bridge would be the simplest and safest method, but Ronk did say they were the only two that know where your Master is, Gendo. Unless we can take the necromancer alive and get him to tell us first. Hmm. We can leave that open for now, depending on how tonight plays out."
I listen intently to Auric's words. I absently rub my right hand on my chin, as I process it all, my face furrowed in concentration.
Your plan is simple and direct. My mentor always stated that when faced with a challenge or obstacle, the simple choice is wisest. With more time and prep I am certain that other options would present themselves.
I fold my arms across my chest, However, simple and direct may be the last thing our quarry would expect. An over developed sense of hubris would go a long way in that regard. Til now, we have reacted to our quarry...now our quarry will react to us. Let us rest and prepare as Auric has directed.
William mulls over Auric's plan.
"I've only used one illusion for the day. I could do another, and still be able to grease the doorway. If we can rest long enough, I'll be back to full strength. Sounds dangerous, but I certainly wouldn't want to try to fend the three of you off in a wrestling contest. I'm better with my bow, so I'll stand clear and be ready to plug him with arrows if he gives you the slip."
The halfling runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath and looking around.
"What do we want to do about the barricade? If Varras sees the thing burnt up he might be wary..."
Ronk wriggles a little in his bonds, looking distinctly uncomfortable with your conversation.
"Umm...Ronk tell you all sorts of things. If you not drop Ronk of cliff, maybe you untie him now? Then Ronk get far, far away and not trouble you any more. Yes? Good, brave, strong hoomans."
I turn to William, cocking my head slightly to the side as I listen to him.
That gives us something extra to use, William. As for the barricade we could always rebuild it with the few remaining barrels.
I then turn to Ronk and look at him as he pleads to be let go. I slowly walk to Ronk, my facial expression becoming cold. I look down at Ronk, my eyes simmering with malice, as I talk in a matter-of-fact tone of voice:
Ronk. You have been most forthcoming. However, when an olive branch was extended to you to help you become your own master, you threw it down with your refusal. And now you plead to be released? WHen we have no way to verify the veracity of your words. That would be foolish on our part. Especially since I have NO DOUBT that, just like a dog, you WILL go running back to your master. A hint of anger begins to enter my voice as I talk to Ronk.
Your master, the word master spews forth from my mouth with unbridled anger, my voice harsh,is responsible for the deaths of several people that I called friends. Your master, ransacked and laid waste to my home, kidnapping my mentor...the one person who has shown me kindness and compassion since the day I breathed my first breath. Your Master and all who have made the mistake to follow him on his path are vile creatures of the worst sort - small-minded, tired, weak-willed vermin!!! My voice contorts in rage as I yell in Ronks face.
Intimidate Check:
I close my eyes as I master my myself, shaking slightly as I regain my composure. I look at Ronk squarely in the eyes.
No, Ronk. You will not be released. You WILL answer another question though. The tone of my voice leaving no doubt that an answer will be forthcoming.
Varras is supposed to provide a flash of green light to signal his return. What type of return signal was supposed to be made to let him know that all is as it should be?
Ronk trembles at Gendo's anger, giving a whimper and attempting to squirm back from him as best as he can in his bonds.
"Ronk signal back! Make flash of light with magic from upper window to let master know we know him and not shoot him with arrows."
I don't so much as blink or nod at the confirmation. I lean down, putting my face right in front of Ronk, our noses seperated by handspan, my eye locked on his, blinking in a slow deliberate fashion. My voice gets lower to add emphasis to my words, still with same 'you will answer' tone in my voice,Yes, Ronk, you have told us much; Only to withold more. Is your signal to be a simple magical flash of light? Or is it to have a special color like Varras'? Are you supposed to answer immediately? Or delay for a set amount of time?
I pause a moment, allowing my questions to sink in, a bit of anger seeping back into my words,Consider carefully before you answer Ronk. Because if you make the CHOICE to lie, when this is all over, I will personally break every single bone in body before throing over the cliff. By my blood I swear it so.
The complexity of your question seems to begin to strain the limits of the goblin's cleverness, but after a moment's pause as he puzzles out what you say, he replies.
"Ronk has spell to blind enemies with bright flash of light. Only one color, only one flash. Boom! and done. When guards see master's light, they tell Ronk. Ronk goes to window and casts spell. Master sees flash and knows it okay to come in. That all. Ronk swear by barghest's beating heart."
I give a single deliberate nod at Ronk's admission. Without taking ym eyes off of Ronk, my tone respectful, William. This Light Flash spell of which Ronk speaks is something that you are familiar and can perform? Or will I have to convince Ronk to do it for us?
Anger creeps into my voice when I say the word 'convince'.
"Are we ready for this plan, then? Await the Necromancer, ambush him and interrogate him? Then collapse the bridge on the dwarf and gnome?"
I give a single deliberate nod at Ronk's admission. Without taking ym eyes off of Ronk, my tone respectful, William. This Light Flash spell of which Ronk speaks is something that you are familiar and can perform? Or will I have to convince Ronk to do it for us?
Anger creeps into my voice when I say the word 'convince'.
William shakes his head.
"I can create light, but not the bright flash he's described."
Ronk attempts a smile.
"Ronk do it for you. Not so easy from bottom of cliff, but easy from top of tower."
Auric looks up from constructing the new barricade, casting a wary glance between Ronk and Gendo- the former to judge his mannerisms for signs of treachery, the latter for signs that "threatening violence" will change to "committing violence".
Sense Motive:
I relax my posture before turning to William, Auric, and Jon.
It seems we may have some difficulty luring Varras into the tower. I believe Ronk is speaking true, however I am less inclined to believe that he will perform the signal. Any suggestions?
William: "I could stay with Ronk upstairs. If he's kept tied he should be compliant. His hands may be free to cast the spell, but if he tries to help his master I'll put so many arrows in him he'll look like a feathered porcupine," he says with a cheery wave to Ronk.
"Oh, and I'll see if I can't get some of the smoke smell out of the tower. With luck I'll get rid of some of the goblin stink as well."
Your door barricade now consists of several old barrels stacked up in the doorway. Not much of an impediment, but it blocks line of sight and the point of entry.
Auric: Gendo seems cool. Ronk appears desperate to remove himself from his barrel predicament and Gendo's presence, and seems sincere in his offers.
"At some point we must either trust in Ronk's self-interest or simply do away with him. If we offer him his freedom and life in exchange for this task, I believe we can safely assume he'll do it. Of course, after the Necromancer is captured. Let us prepare for the Necromancer's return." Jon will find a quiet corner and meditate upon his mistletoe and the order of nature.
"All right, Ronk. We'll take you at your word. Help us out at the top of the tower tonight and you'll be a free goblin tomorrow."
I am not inclined to agree. However, each of us may only be judged by the choices we make.
I close my eyes a moment and let out a deep breath before turning back to Ronk. I am being sincere, my tone plainly evident.
Ronk, I stand before you, a member of the monastery wronged with violence, murder, and theft by Varras. While Varras leads the way, you and others that follow Varras, are as guilty of the crimes as Varras himself. Tonight, when he returns, you will have a choice. You will have the power to continue to be subservient to Varras, ordered around like a lackey, treated lower than the others that would follow him. OR you can throw off the shackles of servitude and help us. You would be free. If you wish to atone further for the wrongs to my friends and mentor, I could escort you to my monastery, where you would be given the opportunity to expand your own knowledge. I am certain that you have seen with your own eyes, that the path to power is knowledge.
I give him a moment to process what I've said.
You have much anger at me for the damage to your face from the crossbow bolt which I fired at you. That action was one warranted by the fact that you and your companions attacked my companions and I first, putting us in a situation to defend ourselves. I do not, will not regret defending myself or my companions. You may think that I make 'big talk', to use your words. Well, big talk it is. However, is is true big talk. By my blood I swear it so.
To emphasize my point, I pull a dagger and cut my hand. Not enough to do any real damage, but enough to allow a bit of blood to drop from a clenched fist.
Our fate is in your hands.
I then, proceed to wrap my hand to staunch the blood flow and sit down in a corner to meditate.