"Listen. I have nothing against the use of 'enhanced interrogation' techniques on Alek, but the first step must be to interview Pigglemorth. He is the only witness who is willing to cooperate. I have good reasons for my suspicions, but right now we are trying to feel our way around in the dark. Pigglemorth's testimony should shed enough light on the situation for us to know how to proceed."
"There's a secondary problem," Ru offers. "Given what Pigglemorth did to his own daughter, I'm not sure how credible a witness he makes. It seems fairly easy for a master manipulator like Alek to simply paint him as a madman whose testimony is completely unreliable. If Pigglemorth can't point us to some concrete evidence, I fear that--however much we might resist the idea--we may have to let Alek return to his life."
As he says the last, Ru's gaze falls warily to Father Berman.
"Of course, getting our hands on the source of the drug might just provide that proof."
"I am sure I can present Pigglemorth as a reliable witness. That is one reason I want to interview him personally. If it becomes a contest of he said - he said between the two gnomes, then it should be no contest at all - Alek is an obvious smooth talking liar. The judge will see it that way, no doubt.
As for just letting Alek return to his life - that is never going to happen." Father Berman stares straight at Ru. Absentmindedly he strokes his dragon pistol.
"It is possible that the drug production was done at Combledorn Manor, which was burned down perhaps to cover it up. But we don't know that yet. The interrogations may shed light on that."
Ah... I be understanding says Cliff, to attempt to hide his complete and total confusion of the situation. So Alek be the bad guy and this Pigglemouth be the good guy? Well then... He finishes the last few bites of his meal in a hurry. The day's a'wasting, and we got us some 'questionin' to do.
He stands up, hikes up his pants, and tucks his beard into his belt again. Lets be going. We can get in a few 'ours o' work before this lord 'as 'is meetin.
Skyler nods at the good priest's words, finishes off his spot of tea, and prepares to follow.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
"As for just letting Alek return to his life - that is never going to happen." Father Berman stares straight at Ru. Absentmindedly he strokes his dragon pistol.
Ru tilts his head to one side, neck cracking in response, but says nothing further. As the others move to question Pigglemorth, he goes with them, though anyone paying close enough attention might notice that he's careful to make sure at least one other constable is between himself and the pistol-toting Father at all times.
Accessible at almost any time: http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm
Complete Arcane
Complete Scoundrel
Complete Mage
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Monster Manual 3.5E
Monster Manual 2
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Spell Compendium
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These I can access rarely:
Complete Adventurer
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Draconomicon
Complete Champion
A few assorted Monstrous Manuals... I can't recall which ones.
I MAY be able to access the Forgotten Realms and Eberron Campaign settings.
"I'll listen from the outside, I still think one should be able to pass unrecognized as policeman. Those two could know me by sight, but probably not as a law enforcer."
OOC: active sense aura, everyone gets +2 to listen, spot and initiative
Rhiannon nods at Darian's comment. A tear wells up into her eye--a result of the blushing, no doubt.
for Darian
She knows Ru, but doesn't realize it.
Everyone heads down into the bowels of the dungeon, to the cells.
The dungeon cells.
Underground, a woman's wails fill the hallway. Standing near the entrance, a surly, bearded human in enforcer garb chomps at the end of a cigar. With a wry, twisted smile, he says, "That's Torhan's girl. She's been crying and wailing all morning." With a chuckle, he adds, "Your girl's much more quiet, Darian."
As the man heads upstairs out of the dungeon, he looks at Rhiannon and adds, "Ma'am. Name's Fitch. Let me know if you need any help with that crew you're attached to."
The jailer shakes his head. His graying hair is cut short, and he wears a tight-fitting, unadorned plate armor. "Welcome to the dungeons, I'm Mogson, and don't let Fitch color your view of us. You're here to see who? Pigglemorth? Yes, right this way."
Paying no attention to Sasha's calls, Mogson opens Pigglemorth's cell and steps back, out of the way.
Pigglemorth's cell.
Inside, a small man, sits cowered. Still dressed in a workman's leather apron, he sits among the filth on the floor, looking up to see who enters, eyes registering only some familiarity. He says nothing.
Without pause, Skyler steps into the cell. He takes a quick look around, and then steps out of the way to let his fellow constables past him. He remains quiet, staring at Pigglemorth, his hand on the hilt of his blade. His face is stern as he simply stares at the man, his obsidian black eyes promising things that could only be unpleasant.
Intimidate +9 to an Aid Another attempt by whichever constable is going to question Pigglemorth.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
As he watches his companions prepare, Ru bites his lip, fearing he knows where all of this leads--fearing more the small thrill in the back of his mind at the prospect. His monster nearly killed you. He deserves it.
Shaking his head clear, Ru pushes through the others to kneel on the ground near Pigglemorth. Pitching his voice calmly and evenly, Ru spoke:
"Mr. Pigglemorth, I realize our cells aren't as clean and tidy as a well-managed workshop, but surely the bed would be a nicer place to rest yourself than the stone floor?"
Rhiannon quickly brushes her sleeve across her eyes, wiping away the tear forming as the man met her gaze briefly. She followed the others below, paying close attention to Fitch, as he singled her out. Perhaps it was just because she was a woman, but her experiences made her naturally suspicious.
Spoiler:
Sense Motive Check on Fitch(+2)
"Thank you Fitch, I'll keep that in mind..." She replied politely as he departed, turning to follow the others quietly. It wasn't long before Mogson led them to Pigglemorth's cell, which Skyler entered immediately. Rhia followed shortly after, nodding politely to the man before speaking briefly.
"Good Morning, Mr. Pigglemorth. I hope you haven't been treated too poorly during your stay here... we'd like to ask you a few questions, I hope that's alright."
Spoiler:
Aid Another Either Bluff or Diplomacy (Whichever is most appropriate for 'buttering up' someone for the next person.)
Bluff: +6
Diplomacy: +5
Accessible at almost any time: http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm
Complete Arcane
Complete Scoundrel
Complete Mage
Complete Divine
Libre Mortis
Heroes of Horror
Drow of the Underdark
Monster Manual 3.5E
Monster Manual 2
DMG/PHB
Psionics Handbook
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Spell Compendium
Tome of Magic
These I can access rarely:
Complete Adventurer
Complete Warrior
Complete Psionic
Races of Stone
Draconomicon
Complete Champion
A few assorted Monstrous Manuals... I can't recall which ones.
I MAY be able to access the Forgotten Realms and Eberron Campaign settings.
Last edited by Theroc; 14th May 2009 at 05:19 PM..
Reason: Corrected something because I suck at math
Darian steps into the room behind the others, giving no attention to the gnome on the floor. Again he finds himself contemplating the many cracks in the walls as the interview proceeds behind him, his tall frame casting an elongated, flickering shadow across the floor. He stands with his hands nonchalantly clasped behind his back, his fingers absently fidgeting with his rose-shaped signet ring, listening... waiting, his face growing hot with the anticipation.
He'll let the others speak first, let those new to the company attempt to prove their worth, and even let Calahan have his fun. But when the course is run, and there are still truths to be told...
Darian closes his eyes and sighs quietly. He licks his dry, cracked lips, and can already feel the purging of sins yet to come.
OOC to IG: I was kind of hoping Darian would take the lead, since he has the best Intimidate and/or Diplomacy scores out of the group.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
OOC to IG: I was kind of hoping Darian would take the lead, since he has the best Intimidate and/or Diplomacy scores out of the group.
OOC
Perhaps we can reserve Skyler's aid another attempt for when that time comes? Darian would never mind taking the lead, but since the others have already started, he's more than willing to sit back and wait for a more appropriate time to display his skills. Now, there are certain individuals with whom Darian will automatically take the lead, regardless of who does what first (Suki, for instance), but this gnome isn't one of them.
Not knowing the details behind the incident, Cliff doesn't feel as if he should be the one doing the questioning. He stands outside of the cell and looks in. Fully armed and armored, Cliff is an intimidating sight, and he uses that intimidation to assist.
OOC
To positively change the behavior of the prisoner, Cliff attempts to be intimidating with a +7.
Skyler remains silent, glaring at Pigglemorth, but waiting to see if his companion's more diplomatic ways will gain some solid information.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
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