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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Eltab" data-source="post: 6825664" data-attributes="member: 6803337">I botched an interrogation session in Rise of Tiamat (not prepared) that resulted in the PCs killing a plot-important NPC in frustration.Set up a 4e-style skill challenge, not too long, that lets the CHR-heavy PCs get a chance to "do something" while their DPR-heavy friends lurk menacingly in the background.As noted above, decide what the target knows and how willing he is to tell it.DO include a few misdirections.  If the PCs just pound the stuffing out of him as Plan A, include lots; he's saying whatever comes to mind and doesn't care if it's right.Otoh, if the PCs go heavy on Insight and Investigate, let them have almost 100% accurate results.Give each PCs a chance to roll a die or two, so they all feel like they contributed.  STR 20 Barb w/ 2-handed Maul "Can I take a whack at him, Boss?" - but never landing a blow - will help pressure the subject.Think like when Bond got interrogated in the older movies (Dr. No is especially effective): show the first few blows, then cut scene to when he wakes up afterwards, looks like 20 miles of bad road, and is sore all over.Summary: narrate interrogation scenes, let the PCs' skills carry the day plus dice for extra bonuses.  Don't play the scene out minute-by-minute.</blockquote>