epidemiology | EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Entry tags:

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

THE BARRIER

As promised, Arthur has the means to unlock that first, crucial step to saving the ALASTAIR recruits: unveiling the runes maintaining the barrier. He has sequestered himself in a rented room in the inn down the road from the prison; he’s at a good enough distance to keep his concentration unbroken, but near enough that he can reach the runes in question. The recruits are told to be ready, to wait for his signal before they take action.

The signal comes just after the stroke of 5 on the town’s clocks, at what would be dawn in a world of less darkness. There’s a shimmer in the air around the brick building of the jail, like the surface of a bubble. Then suddenly the runes are there: glowing bright green, flaming into existence at various points along and within the barrier.

There are at least 30 of them along the outside. They’re etched on walls, scribed into doors, carved into the very ground. These have to be destroyed first to make any progress, in any way the recruits are able to. Once these all have been broken, erased, or scattered (and some of them are cleverly hidden or out of reach -- have you checked the topmost brick in the clock tower of the jailhouse?), the first defense of the barrier has fallen. Then the jailhouse itself can be rushed, but magic is still hampered until every rune is destroyed. From there the runes can be found every few feet in the walls, ceilings, and floors of the jail, and only once each one is broken will the spell be completely lifted, magic and abilities restored to the area, and the inmates considerably easier to break out.

The recruits aren’t the only ones that can see those runes, though. The jailers are quick to react, and some spring to the defense of the runes while others rush to sound the alarm, calling even more armed guards to the area. Even city guards start to show up in response to the alarm -- there’s definitely a time limit on this venture. Dispose of the runes, rescue your friends, and be out of the area quickly, or you might just be overrun with armed, angry opposition.

THE ESCAPE

By the time those in the cells are finally brought out, it’s pandemonium. The guards, jailers and city guards alike, might not have been able to stop ALASTAIR’s recruits from destroying the runes and bringing down the barrier, but they’re determined at least to stop dangerous criminals from escaping into the city. And these criminals were due to be hung, so they’re not looking to take anyone down peacefully. They’ll be going for the killing blows.

The best chance will be to rely on numbers and scatter. In ones and twos and threes, people should be taking to shadowy alleys, slipping around corners, even dropping down into the sewers, if they have to. Anything to thin out and disappear. The most capable and destructive fighters are asked to stay as long as they can, giving the bulk of the rest of the escapees time to disappear into that unending night.

THE COOLDOWN

Those that helped free their friends probably won’t run into too many problems in the following days, unless you run into a guard with a few injuries and a long memory. The ex-prisoners, though, are another story. They were in there long enough that the men and women who guarded them know most of their faces quite well, and since they’re out of prisoners to guard, what else do they have to do but take to the streets and search? Ex-prisoners should play it carefully, then, if they don’t want to end up right back where they started. Guards are more than happy to cause an immediate fracas should they spot anyone that belongs in jail.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t go out at all! Just, you know, take a disguise with you. As if anticipating the rising demand for them, all local merchant shops seem to be stocking up on scarves, shawls, and bulky clothing. Isn’t that nice? Most of them don’t really care what anyone did to end up in jail, they just want to share in on those ALASTAIR-paid wages.

If spotted, townsfolk have varied opinions of the escapees. Some are mistrustful and bitter, and will immediately alert guards upon realizing who they’re dealing with. Some of them really don’t care. They’re tired of the darkness, tired of the conflicts, they just want to get on with life. One old man in particular seems to inexplicably love all ALASTAIR recruits, the ex-prisoners in particular, and will insist on buying a drink and playing a game of chess with any of them he runs into. The goblins, of course, have pretty good opinions of anyone on the wrong side of the king, and will be your best bet for finding lodging and food. Some of them might even think of you as a hero, or at least a roguishly charming vigilante.

Spend your post-breakout time well, and try not to make any more enemies.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ he meets her gaze for a brief moment and then looks away.

he gets that to a degree, but he can't talk. he likes a bit of control too, especially since it was ripped away from his hands so often in the past few months. even so, riku makes a point to walk behind her, to be protecting her rather than to be too much of a leading figure.

he's already figured that all of the control is not for him.

riku straightens and turns before she smirks to him, and he shrugs a shoulder. ]

Good thing I don't get stage fright.

[ as the first guard rounds the corner, a bright blue flame erupts in riku's hand, and he launches forwards--it blazes almost like cold fire as he shoves the man back into his comrades, fire alight on their clothes and providing a brief panic. he keeps his eye on clara over his shoulder. ]

[She has to rise up on her tiptoes and really swing the sword in order to finally destroy the rune, but she manages well enough, and spins about just in time to catch a guard charging toward her completely on accident. The blade of her sword makes blunt impact with the armor and she gasps in surprise, but decides to push forward, hard as she can. She manages to shove the guard back enough that she has enough time to grab hold of Riku's wrist with her free hand in order to drag him along after her as she runs. She laughs as they move, carefree and filled with adrenaline, letting go of him as they skid around a corner.

There's no one here but them, so she stops for a minute to press her back against the wall and catch her breath.]

We can't keep running aimlessly. We need a plan, an idea of where to find the people that've been captured.

[She glances back in the direction they've come from, and hear footsteps charging down a nearby corridor. She turns toward the sound, before looking over to Riku.]

We need a plan, a plan that involves running in the direction the guards are coming from.

[Pause.]

No. Not running from. Running to. The ones that've been pushed back, they're likely to know where we're all headed. They're bound to retreat back to the jail.

[ as she shoves the guard back, riku draws his arm back to grab hold of the back of the guard's shirt when clara grabs his wrist instead. a startled noise escapes him before she yanks him forward, and he runs after her, trying to keep up. all she does is run! doesn't she ever get tired of running?

he flattens his back against the wall alongside her, startled when a laugh of his own bubbles out of his throat. he quickly puts a hand over his mouth. where did that come from?

he shakes his head lightly before he exhales. ]

Right--they wanna make sure the prisoners don't escape.

There'll be more people fighting there, ALASTAIR and guards. It's probably the only time we'll get a clear shot.

[She heard that laughter, and that combined with his willingness to go along with her plan puts a confident grin on her face. She thought maybe she had dove in over her head, but they can do this. It's simple enough, really.]

Could be.

[She agrees with his assessment, nodding as she paces a bit and tries to figure out the best way she can be useful here.]

I was going to attempt to find Arthur's brother. Michel? See if I could keep him from going off in the middle of all the commotion. Once we get there, it might be best for you to scatter. I don't want you in harm's way because I'm trying to do something dangerous.

[ he keeps an eye out, looking around the corner and trying to sense at the same time. it's tricky--but not too difficult. he has to remember which sense he's using.

at her suggestion, he whips around to look at her with furrowed brows. ]

I'm used to this kind of stuff, it's not that dangerous. I'm not leaving you on your own--no way.

[ he takes her in for a moment or two before he turns back to glance over his shoulder. ]

Besides, a sword is useless without a shield.

I've handled a mace without a shield and did just fine!

[She protests, but knows deep down that he's right. She needs some sort of protection, but she can't ask him to do it. ]

Look, I appreciate you guarding me, but I can't ask you to do it beyond this. We don't even know each other's names. And you're -

[Young. But she looks young, she knows. And with her small stature, she looks defenseless. But she's not, and he clearly isn't either. Age has no matter here, no matter how much she wants to protect him because he looks young.

I need to keep Michel from doing anything that might harm a lot of people. And to do that, I'll need your help. I'm Clara, by the way. Clara Oswald.

[ she cuts herself off, and riku meets her eyes again, almost like he's daring her to say it.

he knows. he figured that's why she protested before, why she protests now. he never thought of her as defenseless, just someone in need of a partner in crime, as it were. she runs like she's used to someone running beside her.

he certainly isn't offended, but he's not keen on letting adults go off on their own without backup if he can help, especially when they do that to 'protect' him. he's not worth protecting, anyway. ]

Clara. [ and then, there's a quirk of his mouth. ] Or Ms. Oswald?

I'm Riku. I'll do whatever I can to help, just tell me what to do.

Just Clara. I'm not your teacher.

[She gives him an amused look, as she adjusts her hold on the sword she's carrying. It's starting to get heavy.]

Yet. Might be someday, but for now, just Clara'll do.

[He's a nice boy, and strong. She knows that despite feeling like she needs to turn him away, she's not going to. She's definitely used to having someone to run with, and now that she feels on the same playing field as the Doctor, she doesn't think there's anything wrong with her having a companion of sorts.]

Do you think you can spot how many guards are up ahead? If we knock them back enough they retreat, we can trail along after them and let them lead us where we need to go.

[ riku makes a noise and glances down the hall, closing his eyes and trying. his brows furrow, and he purses his lips. he raises one hand to press the heel of his hand against one eye. ]

Man, this'd be easier with something keeping the light out of my eyes. [ you know what they say--deprive one sense, the other increases. even so, he tips his head forwards before he opens his eyes, looking to her. ]

Five now. I think one of them went to the other side.

Here.

[Smiling a bit, she moves to stand behind him so she can press her hands over his eyes. She doesn't exactly have anything to make a blindfold out of, so that's just going to have to do. ]

We'll have to get you some fabric later to turn into a blindfold, yeah? For now, though, you're sure there's five up ahead?

Ah--

[ his entire body tenses. touch is such a weird sensation... he's really taken it for granted. being possessed tends to put everything in stark realization, doesn't it? he clears his throat, even as his ears get a little hot. ]

Five ahead, eleven behind them. I can't tell how many're deeper inside, they're too far away.

[It reminds her of the Doctor, the way he tenses up as she touches him. That, combined with his hair color and general disposition so far make her heart ache in an odd way that's painfully nostalgic. She misses the Doctor, and this boy doesn't help with that. Of course, it also makes her determined to keep an eye on him and make sure he stays safe, same as she would with her Doctor.]

All we need are a few we can follow back to the jail. Let's go.

[She adjusts her hold on the sword, finding her wrist and arm are getting sore. That doesn't deter her, however, and instead she just moves faster, hoping to send the group of guards ahead running so that they can slip in along with them. She's tiny and looks completely non-threatening, even with a weapon, so she allows the guards to laugh at her while she knows her backup will be right behind her and can be the one that gets things done.]

[ trailing behind her a yard or so, the guards start to laugh harder when riku steps up, but he glances at them before sending a shockwave of blackness, like ink made tangible, knocking them back and running after her.

he tries to close his eyes and move at the same time--he stumbles a bit, eyes snapping open, a frustrated grunt escaping him. it's hard to when he can't quite do both at the same time--but he's fairly sure that the two he just knocked out will be nipping at his tail soon, and that gives him enough time to catch up to clara.

the guards ahead, seeing the scramble, start backing up, retreating back deeper inside. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

i never got to say because i was too excited but: yay clara!

I am excited to have her here! It's a perfect setting for her

same here with riku!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject