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Message: <blockquote data-quote="haiiro" data-source="post: 1747738" data-attributes="member: 1891">The "Promise of Darkness" (Session 3)Interrogating Valic ZellRealizing that Cupric's ghost sound would expire long before Valic was likely to wake up naturally, the Follies returned to discussing what to do with their prisoner."I can make him talk," Talishmere intoned darkly. A perceptive observer might have watched for his hand to twitch towards the hilt of his greatsword, but the twitch never came. Tal meant this in his bones."I can make him fall in love with me," replied Tuggle."I don't want to see the results of that," Tal shot back, giving the orc a light kick in the ribs for emphasis.After a bit more banter, the Follies had formulated their plan. With Valic still bound, blindfolded and gagged, they would ask him a list of questions -- starting with those that could be answered with a nod or shake of his head. Since they didn't know whether or not he spoke Common, Artemis would get things started in Orcish.Calling forth the least of Torm's blessings, Talishmere used a cure minor wounds to bring Valic out of unconsciousness. Once Artemis had established that Valic did indeed speak Common -- and conveyed to him that he shouldn't try to cause any trouble -- Cupric started in with their questions.Drawing on his vocal training, he altered his voice (sounding like a cross between a pompous priest and a drill sergeant) and fired them off in rapid succession: Were you hired by the guards? Were you controlling the giants on the docks? Do you work with dogsbloods and ogres?In response to each question, Valic shook his head or shrugged, as if confused.Rightly suspicious, the Follies changed tactics: Cupric looped one of Jaehn's mandolin strings loosely around Valic's neck, and asked Tal (referring to him as "Jurvius") to come forward. Tal placed a dagger at Valic's throat, at which the orc flinched back.Cupric said, "It seems that some of your answers can't be conveyed with a simple yes or no. We are going to remove your gag, but if you scream or call out, we will be forced to harm you. Do you understand?" After a moment's hesitation, Valic nodded his assent.Once Artemis had given him some water, Valic proceeded to answer Cupric's questions somewhat more clearly -- at first. When asked why he was blowing his whistle during the dockside battle, however, he replied, "I like to whistle."At this, Vicktor moved Tal aside and crouched behind the orc. Almost languidly, he gently placed his hands on Valic's shoulders and chest."My friend, I remember your pretty whistle, whistle..."At this, Valic squeaked, sat bolt upright, and blurted out, "I'm sorry I lied!"Vicktor smiled, glad that the orc remembered him so well. From that point forward, Valic was completely forthcoming -- and visibly relieved as soon as Cupric called Vicktor off (using the name "Jamis").</blockquote>

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