Re: Parting Shot

From: JEFFREY KYER <jeff.kyer_at_...>
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 00:17:48 -0000

• In hw-rules_at_egroups.com, "Roderick and Ellen Robertson" <rjremr_at_s...> wrote:
  > > Note, of course, that there is no game rule against taking
  prisoners &
  > > then offing them later, even just a couple of minutes later when
  the
  > > combat ends... no game rule, but maybe a few moral restrictions,
  > > should that bother your characters...
  >
  > Well, and if you get a reputation for slaughtering prisoners you
  *might* be
  > able to get into a Gagarthi band, but no-one reputable will want to
  > associate with you...
  >
  > RR
  

I am remembered of something from my very first D&D game way, way back in the 70's.

We were attacking a caravan and one of our fighters screamed out (with a cracked voice at that) "Surrender! We take no prisoners!" It took us some moments to figure out why they fought to the death.

But I agree, killing prisoners after taking their surrender is something that will get around and haunt the "heroes" for a long time. Blood feuds can happen from it. Lunars will dispatch assassins. Your chief will consider you not honourable. The family will start to look at you askance. I'd think you might have trouble finding a good wife -- everyone likes to have Killer-Gust around in a fight but to live with him? Oh, and the wergilds you are paying out will beggar you. Don't expect a lawspeaker to give you extenuating circumstance.

And, of course, Gagarth would love to have you around.

Lots of penalties for taking the easy way out. The most "convenient way" is not the best way most of the time. Besides, I thought the game was about heroes.

Jeff