Torture

[Trellian]

Two characters in the group I DM have been captured by the enemy, who desperately wants some information out of them. Check this thread to find out the nifty details of their capture. http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=85525

Anyway, I was thinking of having him torture them, as by the rules in BoVD, but am concerned that the Intimidate rules doesn't apply to PCs. Does this basically mean that they cannot be tortured? I know they are PCs and all, but they are still only characters, and I don't know if my players are good enough to roleplay this. As long as they know the bad guy wants them alive (at least for the moment), I fear they'll never give up anything. Any thoughts on PC torture? Maybe they can have a will save instead?

 

[StalkingBlue]

I'd be extremely reluctant to use Intimidate on PCs, or non-spell-related Will saves for that matter. Much too intrusive. I don't tell players how to play their PCs and as a player I'd deeply resent intrusion of that kind.
I've always thought of the BoVD torture rules as flavour more than workable stuff for my games.

I'd suggest that you think about ways to challenge the players. Give them a choice. They surrender a piece of information or else ... [insert whatever unpleasant consequence to hit the PC, their also captured friend, a third party they care about, or the rest of the world]. Make sure the threat can be executed provably, before their eyes, and immediately, if they refuse to cooperate. And have further threats in reserve for follow-up questions. Have magic support at hand to allow the BBEG to discern lies.

Ok, it's a non-rules-related idea. If it doesn't talk to you, feel free to ignore.

 

[Beholder Bob]

This is the method I've used prior to the VD book
He he he... I have always dwelt in the darkness..........

1st time: PC was told - we will brand you for every lie you tell. Mutilation always sucks. They then proceeded to brand him - starting on the arch of his feet, to the palms, then the face. The worst part - this occurred due to a misunderstanding - it was nothing personal.

2nd time: PC was tortured for the information regarding the location of another PC. After resisting several abusive efforts, he was given a final warning. He refused, so they castrated him. Then he broke. Gave up his friends. It didn't take any more threats. Once done, he surrendered everything, his friends location, his powers, other places he has to hide...

Every application of torture caused an automatic 1 CON damage (assuming the torturer makes his roll - if failed, roll a d(x) CON damage instead). The player made a FORT save for every such application and either had to break/tell the truth or else suffer a permanent stat loss determined by the type of torture (DEX, CON, or STR) as well as d4 CHA damage. The player controlled if and when he broke, the torturer decides how far he is willing to 'break the prisoner. The DC for the roll to avoid the permanent loss was determined by the method. The torturer makes skill checks (determined by the device used) each application or else accidentally apples too much 'effort', (one too many cranks on the old rack) rolling CON damage instead of applying it slowly. The PC can make WILL checks or bluff checks to counter the torturer's efforts - if successful, the torturer slips, applying too much force (rather then prolong your torture, you either egg on the torturer or you react stoically enough to drive him to 'try harder' and thus end your suffering).

BB

 

[Trellian]

The problem with PCs suffering "permanent" losses of anything at all, is that nothing is "permanent" in D&D. Extremities can be regenerated, injuries can be healed, ability loss can be cured. But I do agree with StalkingBlue that its risky to force the players to say anything they don't want. I may have to tweak the rules a little bit. Apply glowing coal to a person's face produces an ugly scar which, unless healed immediately, stays. Maybe a Heal spell can remove it, but it costs enough to make a pc think twice about it. The best idea is probably to threaten to destroy magical items, as most of my players are more concerned about those than themselves... I might also tempt them with that whoever speaks lives, while the other don't.. hehe.. that might create some tension around the gaming table.

By the way.. that castration idea was a good one.. it must be seven years or so since last time one of my players was castrated..