This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Eclaire had walked over to Ram inspecting his wounds a bit before walking beside Tala. She had done her best to offer a smile but it had come out somewhat confused looking? This was not her intention but it was how it had came to be. She looked to Mood with a more sincere confused expression.
"Tala.. Didn't double cross anyone."
She said softly both to Mood and to the raving thug.
The man had looked around to see all of his friends were already dead he had let out a somewhat defeated chuckle before looking up to Eric.
"Boss is harsh.. But if I don't tell you squat my family won't need an alert. So go ahead.. And kill me. I'm not blind fool, I see all my comrades are dead. Why would I trust someone who works with a double crosser and has already killed everyone? Why would I risk my family on someone threatening me? No, I knew what could happen.. When someone starts a fight blood is spilled. Tala started a feud with our boss, I was the blade of retribution. Clearly I failed, there will be others though.. I'm sure you're aware of that."
The man hadn't seemed afraid that was.. Until Ram had come over. Despite knocking the big guy over once fear had started to invade his gaze. He had managed to close his eyes and look away to avert Ram's downward gaze. "It was easier when it was just the damn rogue.." He thinks to himself.
As Tala looks around she finds the weapons and armor on each of the thugs. The two archers had been wearing studded leather armor! All in total they had 200GP for taking the job and a note. "Come back with Tala.. Dead or alive. -Virros" the note mentions to meet at the agreed location but it was kept rather vague in the note for rather obvious reasons. Tala of course finds two longbows a greatsword a greataxe a longsword and a shield.
OOC So I roll deception as a sort of DC to read somebody but it doesn't mean they are lying or telling the truth either way XD 17
Also everyone gains 70 EXP each! And of course they have gained a chance to short rest if they wish!
”Cut the crap! Virro is the type of man that sends you out to harm people for coin. If your working for him willingly you have no qualms about harming others! You are your buddies certainly had no problem threatening us or taking my friends lives. I wana know where your supposed to meet and how many others are back in the city. Answer truthfully or I will make sure Virro has one more reason to look for me!”
"Forced loyalty, uh ? The more I hear 'bout those Vorpal Swords the less I like 'em. Something I don't get, though ..."
He crouches and, in an oddly gentle manner, lays a hand on Tala's bow arm.
"If she stole as much as you lot claimed, then why's she here taking odd jobs ? How much of a quick spender can someone be ? Also, it's obvious you knew you'd find her here. So tell me ... your own spies, or outside informants ?"
He cannot take off his mind the runaways that Eric tried to chase, but developed the habit not to be too quick to trust the most obvious answer. Seeing as the man seemed to flinch from him, he locks his eyes on him, trying his best to get a good read of his reaction or bits of answers.
Ellaria stays silent throughout the interrogation, but keeps sharp watch, absorbing all the information she can get her hands on. She is not one for social confrontation, but it is always useful having as much information on hand as possible.
Daggers is making slow circles above the ruins and the group, keeping an eye out for any other surprises. He has been given strict instructions to reach out to Ellaria if there is any unexpected movement.
-
OOC
Daggers does not have a high intelligence, but has a decent wisdom. My understanding was that familiars could provide the help action with any action they could reasonably do. This would exclude things such as INT checks for knowledge or things like picking a lock if they don’t have opposable thumbs. If you want to run differently, I am fine with that.
Investigation Roll for Ellaria (straight): 25
Perception check for Daggers (advantage due to keen sight/hearing): 17
Took a short rest. Rolled a hit die and used Arcane Recovery to recover a spell slot.
The man had looked at Tala he seemed ready for her to strike him down.
"You probably only understand money Tala.. But like I said I won't risk my family by telling a thief who doesn't even understand "Honor among thieves" anything."
He had closed his eyes ready for the arrow to enter his body before muttering a soft prayer before Ram had walked over asking his own questions.
"I don't know why she's taking jobs! You can check her for coin if ya want she's got plenty on her! Maybe she needed a party to stay safe? If so it was a damn smart ploy.. Kept her alive today for sure."
Ram had asked him about spies or informants.
"Again.. I can't tell you anything big guy, I can't put my family on the line."
He seemed a bit more willing to talk to Ram in this moment. His gaze was still averting but he was at least talking instead of clamming up completely. Ellaria notices something in her investigation.. They knew Tala had a group but something doesn't add up. These people.. Well.. It wasn't a matter of pride but rather logic. They were not equipped to fight this large a group. Had they thought Tala only had a few companions? Or had they poorly planned? Thinking of it logically it didn't seem wise. Ellaria had found some strange hidden pockets in one of their boots claiming an extra 100 gold!
OOC I'd say the familiar could help with wisdom based things and such, but as investigation is an INT skill I'm not entirely sure how an owl would aid in a Investigation but a perception check for sure they can use sharp animal senses to point something out.
No what you said works.
No INT skills or things that require thumbs but Wisdom skills that make sense like perception I think works for sure. Hell I'd even count insight as trusting the owl's "Animal instincts"
Ellaria will mentally take note of the lack of organization and preparation of this group and pocket the extra money. Both things to be discussed later once the others have finished with the remaining thug. She will then deliberately prop herself up against one of the outer walls staring down the interrogation, trusting Daggers to keep an eye out on their surroundings.
-
OOC
All of that with Daggers sounds perfectly reasonable.
Tala lowers her bow and looks the man dead in the eye.
”If you think what I did was about the money then its you who knows nothing. Blind loyalty to a group of people who think might gives them the right to take from those without it doesn’t justify actions. Maybe you really do care for your family I dono. I do know that what I saw in Greybrook was families getting hurt by the Vorpal Swords because they refused to comply. If you actually have a family out there waiting for you is that the kind of man they value?”
Tala puts her bow away and turns to her companions.
”Once your all ready l’ll tell you my story with the Vorpals. I dono this man and his story, only the truth I saw.”
Tala walks over to Ram and pulls a tightly packed pouch out and gives it to him. She look up at him.
“I’m no saint but I know wrong when I see it. Count it if you want, its all there. I would never spend any, it belongs to the people in Greybrook. Earned by the labor of their hands, taken by the Vorpals because they have the strength to do so. My only wish with it is that one day I will be able to return it to them.”
- So you don't mind hurting other people's families and here you are acting as if you would give everything for yours, like some kind of savior? And you have the nerve to think that Tala's actions deserve your punishment? I wonder what your family thinks about this. Do they even know what you do?
He doesn't say much else for the moment, as he thinks Ram and Tala are better suited to lead the interrogation.
Goramar gives a quick glance at Ellaria, looting the corpses. As it seems, she has ordered her owl to cover them up. He somewhat nods to himself, appreciative of that pragmatic attitude, as most of his own attention is currently taking by the interrogation. He keeps a straight face as the Vorpal Sword makes his case. He mutters for his companions.
"Don't wanna take that decision for everyone, but killin' a disarmed man ain't my style. Also, ain't know that man either but looks to me less like blind loyalty than forced loyalty. Some people'll do the worst things when they got families to feed, so that wouldn't surprise me. My take is, we ain't gettin' more out of him anyway."
His eyes then narrow on the pouch Tala shows him, showing signs of conflicted feelings.
"Ain't sound like ... an impossible dream, at least." he says carefully. "Wish I'd known sooner, but I get why you wouldn't brag 'bout it to strangers, so, that's appreciated at least."
He turns back to the Vorpal Sword whilst Eric pursues with the interrogation, not having further question for now.
Tala after hearing some of the other party weigh in will ask the man a question.
”Perhaps the Gods have blessed you this day. I dono if your full of it or genuinely have a family being held in some way to force your hand. What is your name and what are your intentions if we let you go? I would advise you to answer honestly?”
The man had looked at Tala with a solemn look and a long sigh.
"Sometimes you gotta do what you can to feed that family.. Respect be damned. You're saying it wasn't for the money? It was such a large sum of gold I had always figured.."
The man had seen all the gold intact and her words to Ram with a surprised look.
"What?! You didn't spend any of it! That can't be true you had to have.. At least some.."
The man had begun to look rather conflicted by Tala's words and by her actions. The man had looked to Eric with a soft scoff.
"You think you're the first to berate me? In this life there is money, but there is nothing else. I had a priest once tell me the same exact things."
Though he seemed stern with Eric he now couldn't bring himself to look towards Tala or Ram at this point. He looks to Ram surprised he wouldn't kill him.
"Now you.. I haven't seen.. A large man with such brute force. You killed my comrades in the blink of an eye but I don't understand... Why you'd spare me.. Even knowing the risk..."
The man stared downward not out of fear now but it appeared there was now another reason he couldn't make eye contact with Ram. Eclaire had stood beside Tala and nodded.
"I knew you weren't a thief, you had you're reasons."
The man had heard Tala's words as they rang through.
"I don't know.. I wasn't expecting to live. Me living.. May actually prove more difficult in the end. If I'm seen alive.. All my boys are dead and Tala is out and loose.. The boss may think I colluded some sort of deal with you.."
The realization slowly begins to dawn upon him.
"I don't think.. I really have a choice. I.. I have to die. It's the only way they'll be safe.. He'd never believe you'd spare because of the kindness from you're hearts that.. Isn't Virro's style."
Tala will look at the man who seems surprisingly honest.
"Look I don't doubt Virro would do something like that and I still don't really trust you. That said however I understand protecting someone you care about. Way I figure you got a few options. You could try and sneak your family away but Virro might make you his next hunt. You could try and help us take him down. Once he is gone you would be free to return to your family with no danger to them. Or you could fake your own death and disappear. Ultimately you have to decide what works best for you."
Eric shares the gaze with Ram and Tala and sighs. He would have killed this guy on the spot. But come to think of it, Tala's proposals would work best for the group ... if the man decided to help them in return.
He seathes his rapier, looks at the Vorpal thug and says:
Ellaria is maintaining her presence at the back of the group, watching and calculating. Cataloguing everyone's responses and body language in her mind, absorbing all she can about everyone present.
Eclaire had looked at "Ram" for a moment as she tilted his head clearly confused by the gaze had had offered her before. The thug had looked at Ram and Tala while giving Eric a slight glance before looking back downward.
"Take Virro's down..? You think it's possible..? I suppose.. I can take my family and run. You're right even with me dead.. They may still be in danger if you all find him without my help.. He'll presume I spilled before you decided to kill me. He'll make an example of my family even after my death to warn the others not to do the same.. Virro's is hiding in Spire Mountain. It's near the capital of Radiance.. In Dawn City but that's several days from here."
As the man looked at the ground the party could hear some rustling before a man with blonde hair and green eyes came from the forest. He had appeared to be wearing an emblem. One that had meant something to Goramar/Ram. The man had appeared to be in his late 20's but rather experienced by the way he had held himself. Looking over he had seen Goramar for a moment before his eyes lit up.
"Is that.. Elliot's boy? I'll be damned! Ahh, looks like you're unit's hit some trouble out here huh? Who are these fresh faces? New Watchers I take it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Eric relaxes a little bit when the man finally gives in and tells them Virro's location.
- Spire Mountain, huh? Virro won't be missing your group for several days, so I guess we can finish what we came here to do before going there.
The sudden rustle of tree branches makes Eric's hand go quickly to his rapier, and when he sees the newly appeared man and how he approaches Ram he asks the half-orc:
- Friend of yours, Ram?
He doesn't unseathe his weapon, but doesn't move his hand away from it either until Ram confirms.
OOC:
History check or something like that to see if I know something about Spire Mountain? 6
Also Insight check, just to make sure that the thug isn't lying (though my wisdom sucks...) 2
OOC:
I'll roll again in case the advantage is allowed! Thanks for that! Intimidation: 8
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Eclaire had walked over to Ram inspecting his wounds a bit before walking beside Tala. She had done her best to offer a smile but it had come out somewhat confused looking? This was not her intention but it was how it had came to be. She looked to Mood with a more sincere confused expression.
"Tala.. Didn't double cross anyone."
She said softly both to Mood and to the raving thug.
The man had looked around to see all of his friends were already dead he had let out a somewhat defeated chuckle before looking up to Eric.
"Boss is harsh.. But if I don't tell you squat my family won't need an alert. So go ahead.. And kill me. I'm not blind fool, I see all my comrades are dead. Why would I trust someone who works with a double crosser and has already killed everyone? Why would I risk my family on someone threatening me? No, I knew what could happen.. When someone starts a fight blood is spilled. Tala started a feud with our boss, I was the blade of retribution. Clearly I failed, there will be others though.. I'm sure you're aware of that."
The man hadn't seemed afraid that was.. Until Ram had come over. Despite knocking the big guy over once fear had started to invade his gaze. He had managed to close his eyes and look away to avert Ram's downward gaze. "It was easier when it was just the damn rogue.." He thinks to himself.
As Tala looks around she finds the weapons and armor on each of the thugs. The two archers had been wearing studded leather armor! All in total they had 200GP for taking the job and a note. "Come back with Tala.. Dead or alive. -Virros" the note mentions to meet at the agreed location but it was kept rather vague in the note for rather obvious reasons. Tala of course finds two longbows a greatsword a greataxe a longsword and a shield.
OOC
So I roll deception as a sort of DC to read somebody but it doesn't mean they are lying or telling the truth either way XD
17
Also everyone gains 70 EXP each! And of course they have gained a chance to short rest if they wish!
OOC
150/300 EXP is the total now and with that nat 1?
Eric can see the man truly is ready to die for the sake of people he cares about.
Tala looks at the man with fire in her eyes.
”Cut the crap! Virro is the type of man that sends you out to harm people for coin. If your working for him willingly you have no qualms about harming others! You are your buddies certainly had no problem threatening us or taking my friends lives. I wana know where your supposed to meet and how many others are back in the city. Answer truthfully or I will make sure Virro has one more reason to look for me!”
Tala will aim her bow at his eye.
Goramar uncrosses his arms, frowning.
"Forced loyalty, uh ? The more I hear 'bout those Vorpal Swords the less I like 'em. Something I don't get, though ..."
He crouches and, in an oddly gentle manner, lays a hand on Tala's bow arm.
"If she stole as much as you lot claimed, then why's she here taking odd jobs ? How much of a quick spender can someone be ? Also, it's obvious you knew you'd find her here. So tell me ... your own spies, or outside informants ?"
He cannot take off his mind the runaways that Eric tried to chase, but developed the habit not to be too quick to trust the most obvious answer. Seeing as the man seemed to flinch from him, he locks his eyes on him, trying his best to get a good read of his reaction or bits of answers.
Malon : Kalashtar Ranger
Goramar : Half-Orc Ranger
Ellaria stays silent throughout the interrogation, but keeps sharp watch, absorbing all the information she can get her hands on. She is not one for social confrontation, but it is always useful having as much information on hand as possible.
Daggers is making slow circles above the ruins and the group, keeping an eye out for any other surprises. He has been given strict instructions to reach out to Ellaria if there is any unexpected movement.
-
OOC
Daggers does not have a high intelligence, but has a decent wisdom. My understanding was that familiars could provide the help action with any action they could reasonably do. This would exclude things such as INT checks for knowledge or things like picking a lock if they don’t have opposable thumbs. If you want to run differently, I am fine with that.
Investigation Roll for Ellaria (straight): 25
Perception check for Daggers (advantage due to keen sight/hearing): 17
Took a short rest. Rolled a hit die and used Arcane Recovery to recover a spell slot.
OOC
Investigation: 19
Perception: 21
The man had looked at Tala he seemed ready for her to strike him down.
"You probably only understand money Tala.. But like I said I won't risk my family by telling a thief who doesn't even understand "Honor among thieves" anything."
He had closed his eyes ready for the arrow to enter his body before muttering a soft prayer before Ram had walked over asking his own questions.
"I don't know why she's taking jobs! You can check her for coin if ya want she's got plenty on her! Maybe she needed a party to stay safe? If so it was a damn smart ploy.. Kept her alive today for sure."
Ram had asked him about spies or informants.
"Again.. I can't tell you anything big guy, I can't put my family on the line."
He seemed a bit more willing to talk to Ram in this moment. His gaze was still averting but he was at least talking instead of clamming up completely. Ellaria notices something in her investigation.. They knew Tala had a group but something doesn't add up. These people.. Well.. It wasn't a matter of pride but rather logic. They were not equipped to fight this large a group. Had they thought Tala only had a few companions? Or had they poorly planned? Thinking of it logically it didn't seem wise. Ellaria had found some strange hidden pockets in one of their boots claiming an extra 100 gold!
OOC
I'd say the familiar could help with wisdom based things and such, but as investigation is an INT skill I'm not entirely sure how an owl would aid in a Investigation but a perception check for sure they can use sharp animal senses to point something out.
No what you said works.
No INT skills or things that require thumbs but Wisdom skills that make sense like perception I think works for sure. Hell I'd even count insight as trusting the owl's "Animal instincts"
Ellaria will mentally take note of the lack of organization and preparation of this group and pocket the extra money. Both things to be discussed later once the others have finished with the remaining thug. She will then deliberately prop herself up against one of the outer walls staring down the interrogation, trusting Daggers to keep an eye out on their surroundings.
-
OOC
All of that with Daggers sounds perfectly reasonable.
Tala lowers her bow and looks the man dead in the eye.
”If you think what I did was about the money then its you who knows nothing. Blind loyalty to a group of people who think might gives them the right to take from those without it doesn’t justify actions. Maybe you really do care for your family I dono. I do know that what I saw in Greybrook was families getting hurt by the Vorpal Swords because they refused to comply. If you actually have a family out there waiting for you is that the kind of man they value?”
Tala puts her bow away and turns to her companions.
”Once your all ready l’ll tell you my story with the Vorpals. I dono this man and his story, only the truth I saw.”
Tala walks over to Ram and pulls a tightly packed pouch out and gives it to him. She look up at him.
“I’m no saint but I know wrong when I see it. Count it if you want, its all there. I would never spend any, it belongs to the people in Greybrook. Earned by the labor of their hands, taken by the Vorpals because they have the strength to do so. My only wish with it is that one day I will be able to return it to them.”
After listening to Tala, Eric says to the thug:
- So you don't mind hurting other people's families and here you are acting as if you would give everything for yours, like some kind of savior? And you have the nerve to think that Tala's actions deserve your punishment? I wonder what your family thinks about this. Do they even know what you do?
He doesn't say much else for the moment, as he thinks Ram and Tala are better suited to lead the interrogation.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Goramar gives a quick glance at Ellaria, looting the corpses. As it seems, she has ordered her owl to cover them up. He somewhat nods to himself, appreciative of that pragmatic attitude, as most of his own attention is currently taking by the interrogation. He keeps a straight face as the Vorpal Sword makes his case. He mutters for his companions.
"Don't wanna take that decision for everyone, but killin' a disarmed man ain't my style. Also, ain't know that man either but looks to me less like blind loyalty than forced loyalty. Some people'll do the worst things when they got families to feed, so that wouldn't surprise me. My take is, we ain't gettin' more out of him anyway."
His eyes then narrow on the pouch Tala shows him, showing signs of conflicted feelings.
"Ain't sound like ... an impossible dream, at least." he says carefully. "Wish I'd known sooner, but I get why you wouldn't brag 'bout it to strangers, so, that's appreciated at least."
He turns back to the Vorpal Sword whilst Eric pursues with the interrogation, not having further question for now.
Malon : Kalashtar Ranger
Goramar : Half-Orc Ranger
Tala after hearing some of the other party weigh in will ask the man a question.
”Perhaps the Gods have blessed you this day. I dono if your full of it or genuinely have a family being held in some way to force your hand. What is your name and what are your intentions if we let you go? I would advise you to answer honestly?”
The man had looked at Tala with a solemn look and a long sigh.
"Sometimes you gotta do what you can to feed that family.. Respect be damned. You're saying it wasn't for the money? It was such a large sum of gold I had always figured.."
The man had seen all the gold intact and her words to Ram with a surprised look.
"What?! You didn't spend any of it! That can't be true you had to have.. At least some.."
The man had begun to look rather conflicted by Tala's words and by her actions. The man had looked to Eric with a soft scoff.
"You think you're the first to berate me? In this life there is money, but there is nothing else. I had a priest once tell me the same exact things."
Though he seemed stern with Eric he now couldn't bring himself to look towards Tala or Ram at this point. He looks to Ram surprised he wouldn't kill him.
"Now you.. I haven't seen.. A large man with such brute force. You killed my comrades in the blink of an eye but I don't understand... Why you'd spare me.. Even knowing the risk..."
The man stared downward not out of fear now but it appeared there was now another reason he couldn't make eye contact with Ram. Eclaire had stood beside Tala and nodded.
"I knew you weren't a thief, you had you're reasons."
The man had heard Tala's words as they rang through.
"I don't know.. I wasn't expecting to live. Me living.. May actually prove more difficult in the end. If I'm seen alive.. All my boys are dead and Tala is out and loose.. The boss may think I colluded some sort of deal with you.."
The realization slowly begins to dawn upon him.
"I don't think.. I really have a choice. I.. I have to die. It's the only way they'll be safe.. He'd never believe you'd spare because of the kindness from you're hearts that.. Isn't Virro's style."
Tala will look at the man who seems surprisingly honest.
"Look I don't doubt Virro would do something like that and I still don't really trust you. That said however I understand protecting someone you care about. Way I figure you got a few options. You could try and sneak your family away but Virro might make you his next hunt. You could try and help us take him down. Once he is gone you would be free to return to your family with no danger to them. Or you could fake your own death and disappear. Ultimately you have to decide what works best for you."
"Be honest I didn't plan on this mess ..."
The Half-Orc winces, thinking about how not a moment earlier he almost got skewered himself.
"But here we are ... I'm down with Tala's offer."
He eyes Eric and Eclaire with an interrogative gaze for a moment, before turning back, towards Ellaria and Mood.
"For better or worse, looks like we're knee deep in it now. What's your take ?"
Malon : Kalashtar Ranger
Goramar : Half-Orc Ranger
Eric shares the gaze with Ram and Tala and sighs. He would have killed this guy on the spot. But come to think of it, Tala's proposals would work best for the group ... if the man decided to help them in return.
He seathes his rapier, looks at the Vorpal thug and says:
- Choose wisely.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Ellaria is maintaining her presence at the back of the group, watching and calculating. Cataloguing everyone's responses and body language in her mind, absorbing all she can about everyone present.
Eclaire had looked at "Ram" for a moment as she tilted his head clearly confused by the gaze had had offered her before. The thug had looked at Ram and Tala while giving Eric a slight glance before looking back downward.
"Take Virro's down..? You think it's possible..? I suppose.. I can take my family and run. You're right even with me dead.. They may still be in danger if you all find him without my help.. He'll presume I spilled before you decided to kill me. He'll make an example of my family even after my death to warn the others not to do the same.. Virro's is hiding in Spire Mountain. It's near the capital of Radiance.. In Dawn City but that's several days from here."
As the man looked at the ground the party could hear some rustling before a man with blonde hair and green eyes came from the forest. He had appeared to be wearing an emblem. One that had meant something to Goramar/Ram. The man had appeared to be in his late 20's but rather experienced by the way he had held himself. Looking over he had seen Goramar for a moment before his eyes lit up.
"Is that.. Elliot's boy? I'll be damned! Ahh, looks like you're unit's hit some trouble out here huh? Who are these fresh faces? New Watchers I take it?"
Eric relaxes a little bit when the man finally gives in and tells them Virro's location.
- Spire Mountain, huh? Virro won't be missing your group for several days, so I guess we can finish what we came here to do before going there.
The sudden rustle of tree branches makes Eric's hand go quickly to his rapier, and when he sees the newly appeared man and how he approaches Ram he asks the half-orc:
- Friend of yours, Ram?
He doesn't unseathe his weapon, but doesn't move his hand away from it either until Ram confirms.
OOC:
History check or something like that to see if I know something about Spire Mountain? 6
Also Insight check, just to make sure that the thug isn't lying (though my wisdom sucks...) 2
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra