Torture

Low-Tech: Torture

Torture was part of many cultures' justice systems. Death sentences were commonly carried out by agonizingly painful methods, while less-lethal torture was considered a legitimate means of extracting information or a confession. Indeed, the Romans didn't consider a slave's testimony to be legitimate unless obtained through torture.

As explained under Interrogation, torture need not involve physical injury. Exposing someone to his phobia is torture; so is depriving him of sleep. The techniques described here are mainly forms of physical torture, though. All give +6 to Interrogation rolls. Many involve specialized equipment. Simply displaying such an instrument to the victim is worth +1 to Interrogation]] – more, if he suffers from appropriate disadvantages (Cowardice, Phobias, etc.). Implements hideously decorated with spikes and monstrous faces (see Decorated Equipment) might give another +1 for this initial display.

Iron Maiden (TL3)

Reputedly used in medieval Europe, this grisly device was in fact a Victorian fabrication. As customarily described, it was an iron box shaped in the likeness of a woman, its halves hinged and equipped with adjustable, inward-protruding spikes. The victim was placed within, the box closed, and the spikes slowly inserted, causing much pain...but avoiding the vitals to prevent a quick death. If a torturer did have such a device, he could inflict 1 point of impaling damage whenever he liked on any body part except the vitals. $5,600, 300 lbs.

Water Torture (TL0)

There are many ways to torture someone with water. The simplest is to hold his head underwater – or place a cloth over his face and pour water onto his mouth and nose – and drown him slowly (see Suffocation). Another is to force him to swallow an excessive amount of water (inflicting agony) until intoxication causes death. These methods are TL0. Such torture is risky at TL0-4, when techniques to clear the lungs and restart breathing weren't generally known (see Ventilation). A mistake may mean that your victim dies before you intend.

A water dungeon is a water-filled chamber. One version involves placing the victim in such a prison so that only his head is above water. After a few days, he develops skin sores and muscle deterioration. Roll vs. HT daily; each failure means -1 ST and -1 DX. Another variant involves continually pumping in water and giving the prisoner a hand pump. As long as he continues to operate the pump, he won't drown. These tortures were TL4 in the real world.

Most fanciful was so-called "Chinese water torture." This allegedly involved dripping water on victim's head continuously for weeks until he went mad. Supposed examples appeared at TL4.

Whip (TL1)

The whip is a simple, direct torture method, provided that the victim is restrained and unable to flee. Whipping, or flogging, was also a common form of corporal punishment. Caning is similar, but uses a thin cane rather than a whip; it was more common in Asia. These methods call for little more than the Whip skill and a suitable weapon.

If using a weapons-grade implement the victim will suffer damage as if he were in combat and is unlikely to survive for very long. Thus, less-lethal whips and canes are commonly used for torture and punishment. A light, flexible cane, a knotted rope, or similar specialized device does 1d-4 crushing damage, and is $10, 2 lbs.

Punishment whips do less damage but cause great pain. After being hit, the subject suffers moderate pain for the next second only – but if struck repeatedly over successive seconds, this progresses a step a second to severe pain, terrible pain, and agony. Further blows extend the agony's duration. See Afflictions: Pain. Flogging customarily involves the target being pinned or tied down and lashed until he's in agony, giving agony's usual +3 to Interrogation and Intimidation if you stop and make demands.

The Rack (TL2)

This is a wooden frame with wrist and ankle restraints attached to either end. The top restraints can be adjusted by means of a roller and ratchet system. The victim is slowly "stretched" to death as the restraints are ratcheted up, suffering extreme pain at first, then dislocation of joints, and finally separation of limbs from body. Each time the rack is adjusted, roll a Quick Contest: the rack's ST vs. the higher of the victim's ST or HT. If the victim loses, inflict swing crushing damage for the rack's ST on each limb and the spine (see New Hit Locations (Martial Arts)). Natural DR with the Flexible or Tough Skin limitation has no effect on this damage. A ST 20 rack: $800, 150 lbs.

Torture Kit (TL2)

This consists of a variety of small devices for causing pain: knives, pincers, hammers, metallic slivers or bamboo splinters, irons for heating in a fire, vises for crushing bones (e.g., thumbscrews), etc. Only the torturer's imagination limits variety and complexity! $150, 8 lbs.

Surgical equipment can also be used as improvised torture equipment.

Torture By Pleasure

Neurostimulator (TL9)

This is usually a handheld device or implant. It uses direct neural induction to produce the low-power Euphoria irritating condition of the euphoria machine. It does not require a neural interface, but works only as long as it is in contact with bare flesh, plus a second after. The intensity increases to incapacitating ecstasy if applied to erogenous zones. The neurostimulator takes a few seconds to build up to full intensity. It is ineffective as a weapon, but it can provide a +2 (quality) bonus to both Erotic Art skill and to Interrogation skill with a cooperative or restrained individual. $100, 0.2 lb., A/1 hr. LC3.