What are the stakes ? Not for the PCs (who are in deep), but for the guards ?
On one hand, they might have arrested criminals who try to con their way out of trouble. Are those people well-known ? Do they have connections ? Can they make life difficult for the guards if this is a "misunderstanding" ?
On the other hand, what happens if the guards believe them and let them go ? What is the risk for the city ? What is the risk for the guards themselves ? Can they be fired ? Can they be accused of conspiring with criminals and be arrested themselves ?
Weigh the risks and the advantages. The guards will go the more reasonable way unless they have a good reason to go the other. This might be that the PCs remind the guards they *do* have connections. This might be that the PCs sweeten the deal - a not-so-little bribe might go a long way. If their story is convincing enough, or if there is "reasonable doubt", then let them roll to see if they can convince enough guards to make a difference.
Otherwise, the guards will go the safest way. Arresting someone is not a big deal when there is no public pressure to make it an abuse of power. Most citizens would applaud that "criminals" have been arrested. If they are innocent, they have nothing to fear from the judges, right ? (right).
What are the stakes ? Not for the PCs (who are in deep), but for the guards ?
>>> pretty high, their capt is in the room badly wounded along with a dead crime-lord and wounded body guard. so doest look good for party tbh.
>>>On one hand, they might have arrested criminals who try to con their way out of trouble. Are those people well-known ?
two of the party are wanted criminals
>>>Do they have connections ?
***yes but not high up enough to make a difference.
>>>Can they make life difficult for the guards if this is a "misunderstanding" ?
***not really. the guards are elite palace guards (new recruits). their primary job is to stamp out crime in the city. using force or questionable methods is their calling card.
>>>On the other hand, what happens if the guards believe them and let them go ? What is the risk for the city ? What is the risk for the guards themselves ? Can they be fired ? Can they be accused of conspiring with criminals and be arrested themselves ?
***the guards are incorruptible. the risk to the city is high if they are spies or working for any number of criminal organisations that are known to them. the guards cant be fired but their boss (the capt of the guard) will be unhappy with them if they let them go without proof of who they are.
>>>Weigh the risks and the advantages. The guards will go the more reasonable way unless they have a good reason to go the other. This might be that the PCs remind the guards they *do* have connections. This might be that the PCs sweeten the deal - a not-so-little bribe might go a long way. If their story is convincing enough, or if there is "reasonable doubt", then let them roll to see if they can convince enough guards to make a difference.
***there is reasonable doubt but the guards are in a hurry so might let them go on the condition they report for questioning the next day to prove their identity/story. failure to do so will result in a warrant for their arrest.
>>>Otherwise, the guards will go the safest way. Arresting someone is not a big deal when there is no public pressure to make it an abuse of power. Most citizens would applaud that "criminals" have been arrested. If they are innocent, they have nothing to fear from the judges, right ? (right).
***they could arrest them on the spot and escort them to the nearest guard tower/checkpoint but they are probably more concerned with getting their wounded boss back to the barracks. The party are wanting to avoid any entanglement so will likely go along with being let off on condition they report for questioning. The guards will want to take a close look at each of them before letting them go. they might even confiscate something they have and ask them to collect it when they report for questioning?
might take their weapons?