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Message: <blockquote data-quote="N0Man" data-source="post: 4834560" data-attributes="member: 64066">Yet again, I want to point out that this original discussion was about the PC's calling for a surrender through intimidation, and then killing them after they successfully surrendered.It's not about using the most evil villains and somehow they are voluntarily surrendering (which I've also never seen happen in a D&D game).Surrendering is giving yourself up to be taken prisoner or trial (and it might mean possible execution later, but it will be through legal means).  That's what surrender is.  To request surrender, and then turn around and execute those surrendering is an evil, uncivilized and dishonorable act.To claim that my objection is merely a construct of modern morality is absurd.  There have been codes of conducts for battle that have been recorded as early as in the very pages of the Old Testament Bible.What is being described is offering "no quarter".  This specific term has existed since at least from the end of the Middle Ages.  It certainly had it's place, and is well known as being a policy applied to Pirates.  Sure, this kind of policy was applied at times, but it certainly wasn't universal.  In modern times, it does qualify as a War Crime, but the perception of this being brutal or extreme existed before modern warfare.However, the extreme examples given to try to refute the legitimacy of honoring a surrender is of egomaniacal evil humans or monsters hell bent on domination.  These aren't going to realistically be surrendering anyway.  Such villains would likely be too brave or too proud to beg for mercy, or to accept mercy from their enemy (who they'd likely see as inferior).  Besides, they will know that even if they are treated justly, their outlook isn't good.Likewise, if you're in a situation where you know that you can't or won't take them prisoner, you don't call for surrender.  Doing so just smacks of someone trying to abuse a game system for more power, and I'd certainly put a stop to that as a DM.  If players want to fake offering surrenders, they'll find NPCs that fake accepting them, looking for an opening.The types to realistically surrender (without some ruse being involved) are going to be underlings, henchmen, and groups that can be reasonably quelled through force.  Executing these is most certainly barbaric, if not evil.</blockquote>

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