Cephas listens carefully to Tamryn's words and nods.

"An excellent example of recognizing that the first options presented to you in a given situation are rarely the only options.  Taking a deep breath and a little time to think things over can often produce new alternatives that are more acceptable.  Of course, some of the courses suggested might take weeks or months to come to fruition, and it will be extremely rare that you have that amount of time to work with in the assignments you are given here. 

"If I may be so bold, try and distill that down into some general principles that would guide your decision-making in more than this one specific situation.  In particular, I am intrigued as to the fundamental beliefs or principles that would cause one to utter, 'Such should not be given charge of women, or of anything really, including their own life.'"

"Very good.  Way to think 'outside of the ... basket'?  No, that's not right.... Nevermind, it will come to me, carry on."

Tamryn considers the old elf, ruminating on his reply.

”My apologies, Brother Cephas. My former position required me to discern opportunities ripe for exploitation and old habits die hard. I had forgotten to take our allotted mission time into account.

If we must act in haste, we should at least attempt to entice the man to serve our needs before it all becomes viscera and hoarse weeping.  Better to make a new contact we can use in the future than not.

However, there are some folk who are more ravening beast or parasitic worm than person. In those cases, once we have the information we seek, there is no harm in eliminating their threat. Besides, fear can motivate change as much as friendship.”

“I think we all agree that letting him keep his brothel is out of the question. If we let him keep it, we are no better than he is. However, he doesn’t need to know that. If he doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would change his ways, we could simply lead him to think he can continue running his brothel. Once we have what we need, we can either try to convince him to give it up, or we can take him out.” 

Kyrsa listens intently, though even the thought of brothels causes her stomach to turn.

She nods to Tamryn, "I must agree, it really depends on the person in question. Sometimes torture might work, if he is truly afraid of pain, he may simply spout out the truth without putting much thought into his words. However, it is never clear whether or not to trust words that came from the mouth of a tortured individual. I do not think it would be wise to resort to torture unless absolutely necessary. I do also agree with Mina, allowing this...person...to keep his brothel with no strings attached might result in him becoming the ringleader in the future. Which in turn would mean that, if we had allowed him freedom for the 'greater good' he might just resurrect that which we used him to destroy." 

She pauses, thoughtful, "If we promised to leave his small organization alone, without all of our members present. We could stage an assault later using the members he did not before see. If done carefully, no one would know it was the same group who'd 'promised' him freedom. On the other hand, I would not wish anymore hardship on the women he has in his care, and there are many things that could go wrong with such a ploy." 

She shakes her head, "If possible, I would like to speak with some of the women within his brothel. Perhaps a few of them would be willing to help. If there are any among them whom he trusts, we could potentially use them to get information as well."

Akyan nods, "I agree, the women could potentially be more reliable than their... master. After all, he could be playing us. He might just see us as a way to make a profit. Or he could just be trying to satisfy us so we stop investigating."

Tamryn nods.

”I think we are agreed then that, barring something extraordinary, that the man is to be removed and that an alliance with his employees is to be preferred. Do we have a general notion of how best to acquire the information? I prefer surveillance and infiltration to torture myself, but I am persuadable. What do you think?”

Cephas smiles.  "Good... good.  You are starting to use the most deadly weapon available to you!" He reaches up and taps his nearly-bald pate with a bony finger.  "More than skill with bow or dagger, more than mystical ability to manipulate elemental forces, the most effective tool you have to make real, lasting change resides between your pointy ears.  Use it!"

He clambers to his feet with the aid of a staff.  "Continue to ponder this example and discuss it among yourselves.  This was an actual situation encountered by one of our teams.  I will not reveal to you how they resolved it, for you should act according to  your own moral compasses.  But it would not be bad to talk to the more experienced operatives to see how they deal with these conundrums. Very well, you are dismissed for today.  I am to remind you of your next activity, which begins in two hours in the courtyard.  Good day."

[You are free to continue the discussion, to explore the compound, to role-play however you wish, rest, eat, polish your weapons, etc.  When everyone is ready to move on to the afternoon, state that here].

Mina listens to the others deliberate and she is impressed by all the options that are brought up for such a situation.  She had thought what the teacher had originally stated were the choices, like multiple choice.  "You're right, circumventing the pimp and talking with his uh, employees could really garner some good information."

Looking to Tamryn, "I also prefer surveillance and infiltration to torture, but there is a place for all I would think.  Also good to know the limitations and understandings within their own group as well."

Tamryn snaps his fingers.

”Excellent point, Mina. Perhaps before we tackle the problem of acquiring the information, we should catalog our team’s relevant abilities. I, for example, am willing to seduce possible informants, test fine wines for poison, and case any luxury hotels we are required to infiltrate. I spare you, colleagues, these burdens because I know your devotion to the cause and I’d hate such obstacles to distract from our mission. It is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. 

So tell me, if it isn’t a bother, what talents you bring to our circle of friends?”

After listening to the dialogue quietly for a while, Jhaartael interjects: "There are other, more - reliable - ways than physical torture to get direct information. My specialties are using the Weave to enchant others to see things from a different point of view. If I am prepared, I may be able use this power to make him understand the pain he has put these women through and nudge him to provide us the information we need by suggestion." 

"I much prefer using means to potentially rehabilitate a wretch rather than to use violence, or betrayal", on this last word he glances at Akyan, " to achieve the good end. Of course, where imminent danger of another's life is concerned, then it is defense, and that is another matter."

Before Cephas leaves, Jhaartael will respectfully ask him "Master Cephas, is there a place in the compound where one may research? I am in particular interested in learning spells which may be of use to us in our missions."

Akyan pointedly ignores Jhaartael's comment. "I agree with Mina, I personally prefer surveillance. I do have some experience doing with infiltration, but I find that it is just as easy to gather information by simply listening than by asking questions. Draws less attention too. I also prefer intimidation over torture. The though of pain, or the thought of loosing something dear, can loosen tongues, just as easily as physical pain. Fear is a powerful tool, and a far less messy one at that."

"As for my skills, I am experienced with thievery, infiltration, and assassination." He says this in a matter of fact way, there is not a hint of gloating in his voice.

Quote from CyberusFaustus >>

Before Cephas leaves, Jhaartael will respectfully ask him "Master Cephas, is there a place in the compound where one may research? I am in particular interested in learning spells which may be of use to us in our missions."

 Cephas replies gently, "I am merely your brother, not your master.  Our resident wizard is a friendly young gnome, only two or three hundred years old, but very knowledgeable. She goes by "Breezy" although that is not her proper name.  She maintains a small library for her personal use, but might not mind sharing if you ask politely. Her office is in the Administration building."

Another sun elf has been part of the group, but not pulling much attention to himself. He's on the smaller side for elves, at just below 5 feet and around 100 lbs. Initially dressed in dark leathers, hood, and mask, before changing into more casual clothes in the barracks. If you can call the fine ensemble he wears casual, at least. This also reveals his bronze skin, black hair, and silver eyes.

He kindly refused to take part in the physical training, instead sitting to the side and seemingly observing the others. Though, you could swear he was snoozing at times. At breakfast he can be heard asking if there is any Kaeth, that well known hot black stimulating drink, on offer. His meal also focuses on grains and fruits and other sources of long lasting energy.

At the start of class you learn he is Galinndan Xiloama, second son of a minor noble from Waterdeep. His breakfast seems to have hit the spot, as he becomes more attentive all through the discussion. He's been nodding at times, and trying to hide small yawns. After their teacher leaves, he finally speaks to his new teammates: "I apologize for being quiet all morning. I would have normally gone to sleep around the time we arrived here, and didn't have enough of a warning to really change my rhythm."

Kyrsa nods to Akyan's words, "I have seen many things thanks to my time in the military. I have never enjoyed the thought of torture, but I have seen times when it was a necessity..." 

She hesitates, "I must admit that, during my time as a commander, I was placed in charge of...overseeing some interrogations. I hesitate to offer my skills on that front, but I can't say I don't have experience." She looks uncomfortable as she says this, memories flashing through her mind. 

"I have had extensive battlefield experience, though I realize that such abilities may not be all that useful to us. However, I have also dealt with some infiltration and stealth missions during my years of service." She sighs, "Though I will say I am a bit rusty, since I have done nothing of the sort since I left the military."

Jhaartael thanks Cephas for the lesson and for pointing him to Breezy.

For DM:

Quote from CyberusFaustus >>

Jhaartael thanks Cephas for the lesson and for pointing him to Breezy.

For DM:

He will seek out Breezy's office. If he finds her, he will introduce himself as a novice School of Enchament wizard seeking to learn more about the use of the Weave in enchanment. In particular he is interested in learning to turn hearts and minds in more subtle and non-violent ways. He will ask her if she might please provide him any advice, guidance or research assistance she has to offer. He realizes he has much to learn as he has only but begun his studies.

 

Tamryn smiles at Galinndan.

"It is nice to meet another connoisseur of the finer things. You must tell me of the best places to revel in Waterdeep."

Then abruptly, he turns to Akyan and Jhartael, throwing an arm over the nearest shoulder of each and trying to get them into a huddle.

"Gentlemen, I feel like we are keeping secrets and that is no way to start a collaboration. Is there anything that needs to be said between you two? If so, I suggest you do it now, while witnesses (and potential seconds) are present."

Jhaartael stiffens. He looks wide-eyed and speechless at Tamryn. A thousand thoughts race through his head.

Is it possible that there are Tel-quessir who have forgotten or have never learned of the betrayal of Lolth and her followers? Or the thousands of years of blood between the Telquessir of the Underdark and those of the surface? Or the inherrent mistrust of the Ssri-tel-quessir who had been corrupted to become the Drow under Lolth's fell dominion - the Drow who had striven time and time again with aggressive ambition to overtake and destroy the tel-quessir of the surface?

But he says none of this. He inhales, composing himself.

Then he says, cautiously, "I would like to know how a male Drow escaped the Underdark, and has made his way into this company."