hostility within party, what do you guys think?

[Mark]

However, the other characters argue that he was at such a low HP, he was dazed and really couldn't remember what happened clearly. Is this a clear rationale?

If the DM wants to change the rules and make this the case, that's up to him, but the other players (not the characters) are wrong. Characters have no idea what HP are.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

If I'd have been the Archer in question, I would have volunteered for watch duty that night, and proceeded to demonstrate the coup de gras rule as regards archers.

"Let's see, coup de gras does 3d8+12, that's 25pts of damage, make a Fort save vs DC 35 to avoid death. And that's the end of the campaign for me. Bye."