Raithe speaks again in his ear, not whispering, in an almost cheerful cadence, which is disturbing given the situation. "You know what I look like! And my friends here. But it is going to go much easier on all of us if you are not able to see us and be tempted to try anything rash. Now. Answer the questions!"

Cadence raises an eyebrow, and addresses Velda, "He's murdered people, ruined families, bullied people into evil acts and tried to take over the entire town for his own gains. There is no reason to hold back on causing him pains."  She directs her next comment to Iarno, "You are an evil person and deserve to die. Give us a reason not to simply kill you, please try. Your hesitation is insulting and lame. Before you perish, you can still feel a lot of pain.  Stop stalling. Your impertinence is galling." 

“Why did I create the Redbrands? What is my purpose in this town?” Iarno repeats Cadnece’s earlier questions. (The only ones he’s been asked if I’m not mistaken) There’s another moment of silence as he gives careful consideration to his answer.

“Well I was sent here by the Lords Alliance to set up a constabulary bringing law and order to this region... I would say I was well on my way to doing so. Given a few more weeks and there would indeed by law and order in this town again. Thanks to my good gentlemen.”

Iarno falls silent again having answered the questions asked of him. (Again as far as I’m aware that’s all he’s been asked. Unless I missed something)

“If that’s all you wanted to know, you could have just asked me without all of this ... this... extra theater. Though perhaps you are looking for employment. I suppose I could help you there...”

"Who is this good gentleman? And why are you abducting people?" Raithe says, closer to his other ear.

“Why the people you clearly intimidated into doing nothing and apprehending me to bring me ... here. Wherever that is exactly. As far as abducting people, I have done no such thing. Which is far more than I can say about you I think. Though you may feel what you have done is somehow better. Often times “unpleasant business” is needed to accomplish things for the betterment of a group as whole. Perhaps not for everyone individually... but most people.”

Raithe allows Gert’s friends to answer the claim that he hasn’t abducted anyone.

Nova had pursed her lips in thought, pondering on what she was about to say when Cadence would roundhouse kick the man to the face. The druids eyes would widen in some surprise of her own and continued into confusion as the conversation went on. It wasn’t quite the escalation she was expecting, or planning to take, but it happened, so she’d roll with the punches, or kicks. Since he was talking, Nova would simply blurt the first question that came to her mind. “Why were you invisible then?” Not that he could see her, but her head would tilt. “And Sildar was looking for you.” 

“Why I was merely testing my latest batch of invisibility potions when my familiar told me an armed group attempted to grab him and that I should make haste before they grabbed me... It would seem i evaded then only to run into you lot.”

At the mention of Sildar his expression changes along with his mannerisms and he almost seems ... nervous but it’s difficult to tell. 

Nova would scrunch her nose to herself. Where is Sildar? She had asked upon their arrival. Mismatched eyes would look to the others. “Can I go get Sildar?” 

At Iarno's responses....Cadence does a full body eye roll.  You doubt it would be possible for anyone to more completely and totally roll their eyes than she has. 

Cadence shrugs to Ixi, "Sure thing go for it. Seems like it causes our friend her a sinking feeling in his stomachs pit."

She turns her attention back to the wizard, "If you were here to set up a constabulary, why setup base in a hidden basement in the ruins like a mercenary?  Why did you have innocent people stuck in cells?  Why did your men and thugs have so many parallels? They were picking on the weak, and terrorizing the meek. Your ridiculous story is caput. Start telling the truth or you'll feel my foot." 

Velda swallows hard, and then steps in front of their prisoner. Making sure to block his entire view with her face, she yanks the blindfold off. In a strained, quiet voice, she says:

"I have killed hundreds of people. I have caused an unbelievable amount of pain. I have done so without question, with only my own survival in mind. I have lost everything and everyone that was dear to me. I have burnt down my own existence just to be free. That is how I found this lot. They have become a source of trust and a place of family for me, someone who only has the faintest memory of what that even means. I'm telling you this so you understand the depths of cruelty I am capable of and the bonds that tie me to these people.

Your men abducted our friend and attacked us, unprovoked. Unlike you, I'm aware that I'm not a good person. I'm aware of the evil I do and cause. But also unlike you, I try to become better. I try really hard. But you're making it oh so difficult for me right now. Where is our friend? Why were we attacked? And why are you afraid of Sildar?"

“If you must know why. I saw an opportunity to turn a profit and accomplish the goal I was sent here for. Is that so wrong?” Iarno retorts rather haughtily. “I,” He continues placing a lot of emphasis on it, “Didn’t put anyone anywhere. As I’ve said, my good gentlemen have carried out some unpleasant business to be sure. But isn’t law and order a subjective idea anyway? After all those that hold the gold makes the rules… or in some cases better weaponry or greater numbers.”

He pauses for a moment to let his words sink in. “You are the one drawing those parallels, not I. What does that say about you? Who is really the villain here… Further I have done nothing but tell the truth. And at this moment I see no reason why you insist of keeping me here any longer. Assault and kidnapping are also … against the law is it not?”

Iarno manages to say all of this before Velda steps in front of him and says her piece (at least that’s how I’m imagining things) In response to Velda’s questions, “I’m afraid I don’t know who your friend is any more than I know why you were attacked. Who said anything about being afraid of Sildar?” It seems obvious that he is growing more and more uncomfortable. Though its not entirely clear as to why…

Shifting uncomfortably he continues, “Now if that’s all you claim to have on me, I really must insist that you release me at once.”

Nova, if you are going to leave to search for Sildar please roll an investigation check. (that will help me determine how long it takes you to find him. Or alternatively, you are welcome to RP your search if you would like. He is in town so it shouldn’t be that hard to find him.)

Raithe stage whispers, in the other ear: "But we have evidence you and the Black Spider are working together. And kidnapping people. So you are lying. Tell us your plans or this will get uglier."

She skitters her hand creepily on his scalp, spiderlike, and then starts searching again through the mage's pockets, patting him down for anything hidden on his person, removing any items or jewelry he's wearing. She's suddenly not sure he's been adequately searched. Investigation: 4

Cadence shrugs to the group, "He is incapable of taking the situation seriously. Might as well kill him and dump his body mysteriously. He's demanding we let him go?  He's a joke and he doesn't even know. He doesn't know anything but lying. Nobody will miss him or go crying."

She pulls out a short sword, "If you prefer I can cut his throat.  Then maybe feed him to a goat?"  

Before Cadence gets to do anything with her sword, Velda gives Iarno a straight jab across the chin, splitting his lip: "I have no issue being the bad guy here... as long as I get the truth out of you."

Nova’s eyes would dart, jumping around the room to each party. She’d stand herself up slowly, backing a way a little before spinning on her heel and dashing out. The druid would go sniff out Sildar.

In her haste, Nova would stumble a little down the stairs but would recover like it was something she meant to do. Pushing herself out the door, Nova would pad her way towards the town masters hall. 

Investigation: 21 

Cadence points at each person in the room casting Message and says, "Oh, I'm just teasing. I don't actually find murder pleasing." 

Raithe as you mention the name ‘Black Spider’ Iarno shudders slightly. You wouldn’t have noticed it if it weren’t for your hand skittering along his head like a spider. Your search over his person, double checking to make sure your group hadn’t overlooked anything comes up empty. You’re unsure though if there isn’t anything to be found, or if you’ve missed something.

His face goes white during Cadnece’s threatening words. Giving you the sense that he very much values his life and would be willing to divulge just about anything to save his own skin. He opens his mouth about to speak as Velda socks him across the jaw.

He looks positively terrified that you might actually try and kill him and seeing Nova leave finally drops his charade.

“I was aware of the Black Spider during my time in the Lords Alliance.” Then mutters under his breath ... “buncha do gooders” He alternates looking around at the three of you as he speaks. His voice is trembling slightly as he continues, “I brokered a meeting with the drow. During the meeting he asked that I keep the town of Phandalin under control so that he could search for Wave Echo Cave.” Feeling he’s finally told you what you wanted he slumps down against the wall. All pretense if maintaining his posture gone. A trickle of blood runs down his lip as he looks very concerned for his well being.

Cadence speaks in a cheerful voice, "See? That wasn't so hard! If you'd started with that your face wouldn't be marred. Do we find Black Spider at the castle? Or has he left alone the vassal?" 

Raith grins, and keeps an eye out by the door for Nova's return with Sildar, or for anyone else taking an interest in their room.