Discovery of a Plot
Sylvar Moves Closer.
Sylvar casts
Message, and points discreetly at Sir Denby; he seems to receive the message, although he is clearly shocked by the experience. Sylvar surmises that perhaps Sir Denby is unfamiliar with such magicks.
As Sylvar edges another 10 feet closer, Sir Denby does his best to keep the guards focused on him. He spits on the ground, and says,
"Ok, you boys are right. Perhaps I should just surrender, as a sign of good faith. After all, there's no need for bloodshed. We're all friends here, whether you believe me, or not."
As Denby is saying this, Sylvar casts
Detect Thoughts; he begins concentrating, as the following dialogue occurs:
Paulek: "Whatever you say, sir. Sure, we'll be your friends. And we don't want any bloodshed, either. Yeah, that's it."
Edward: "We do, however, suspect you might be drunk. We're gonna have to arrest you, and let you sleep it off in a cell. But you'll be out in a day's time."
End of first round; Sylvar, you detect several minds within your cone of detection.
Denby eyes Sylvar for a long moment, and then says:
"Edward, I don't mind spending a day in the stir, if that's what it will take to convince you. But I just wish you'd use some sense, boy! How many drunks do you know that speak this clearly, and are willing to have a polite conversation? You should know better, I taught you better! Most drunks are angry, and the ones that aren't..."
Edward: "...Can't think, speak, or stand up straight." He finishes the man's sentence, pausing for a moment, as the shadow of a doubt enters his mind.
End of second round; Sylvar, you can now tell that there are three minds within your cone of detection: Denby (Int 17), Edward (Int 11) and Paulek (Int 10)
Paulek: "So why'd you draw your sword on us, then? And why haven't you put it away yet?"
Denby: "You pups drew down on me, first, remember? I'm not putting this thing down until I know for sure that you won't try to string me up like you did ol' Roundtree."
Edward: "He had it coming, for what he done, raping that girl. How do you know about that?"
Denby: "If you'll remember, I was angry at you for not following procedure! I was out for the day on patrol, and I return to find that you'd hung the man without even consulting a priest!"
Paulek: "That was cut and dry! Everyone knew that Roundtree done it. No one besides Denby even blinked an eye. I still don't think you're Denby. But you're just as naive as he is!"
End of third round; Denby's will is strong, you cannot pierce it, his thoughts are a mystery to you. The same goes for Edward; you cannot read his thoughts, although you surmise that this is due less to his strength of will than it is to his intense concentration. You guess that his mind might be so intent on trying to determine the truth of the matter, that it is (unknowingly) blocking your spell.
Paulek's Thoughts: ~This arrogant cur needs to be taught a lesson! He'll be sleeping it off, alright. If I have anything to do with it, he'll get 20 lashes before he goes in that cell, for his sassy lip! The nerve of this guy, trying to tell me I did wrong! If he doesn't drop his sword in the next few moments, we'll settle this with blades!~
SITUATION: The two guards, whose backs are to the party, haven't noticed yet that they have an audience. A few bystanders have stopped to listen in, also. Denby stares at Sylvar, uncertain as to what he's up to. Sylvar is 60 feet away from Denby, and only 50 feet away from the two guards. Dewydd and Vale are 15 feet behind Sylvar, and Lathir is 5 feet to the south of them.
WE ARE NOT IN COMBAT YET! THIS IS JUST AN OVERVIEW!

[Everyone: What do you do?]