epidemiology | EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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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

[ unfortunately (fortunately?), he's quite adapted to moving quickly from one operation to the next. keeping busy with a head full of important plans to be settled. in fact, it might actually trouble him to stay on his ass too long knowing all of these things were being left unresolved.

but that's not for their superiors' sake. not in the least. his expression stays perfectly level as if in line with that much. ]

It's ALASTAIR that's to blame for all of this. [ she's not wrong about that. ] But they've got a noose around all of our necks—much tighter than any grasp this city's crown might lasso around them. No one knows the extent of their power, and yet many of us have so much to lose.

[ himself included. it's inferable enough in the way he brings it up. ]

If we were to halt our efforts here, we might not get a chance to see a glimpse of it before facing their punishment. Not to mention the civilians risk going mad and destroying themselves if this continues. Our choice is between one set of risks over another.

Agreed...

[Levi was right. Everything he said was right. Who knew how strong ALASTAIR was. Right now, it was proving to be stronger than anyone could expect. They had them all in the palm of their hand.

She had to get back home.

Pearl nods in agreement but exhales heavily, to let her tense shoulders relax. She holds her bag of supplies closer to her chest.]

So! [It's best to move onto a happier subject. At least, for now. While they still had time anyways.]

What brings you into town, Levi? Are you seeking out the new recruits? Gathering supplies?

[ yeah... well, she's got a point. he doesn't entirely blame those of them who are off screwing around now that they've got something of a breather for once. and until more is done with the interrogation of Michel, they may as well be sitting ducks anyway.

so the shift Pearl takes on has him following suit with that in mind, a hand coming up to rest on the back of his neck as his shoulders slouch. he glances to her bag, then back to his. ]

Oh. I just wanted a cup of tea. [ he sighs. ] It's been harder to be stingy with our funds than I expected. How about you?

[Pearl smiles brightly as she shrugs her shoulder.]

Mn, well, back on earth, they have these holidays during the end of the year! I don't know the specifics of it exactly, but it's a time of giving and care to those you care most about. Friends and family!

[The Gem smiles wider as she pulls out items from her bag to show them.]

I have ideas in mind for a lot of people already! A sweater for Gilgamesh, some baked goods tor Kida, I'll probably make some treats for Riza's pup I've heard in passing... maybe I can make a few of these 'stockings I've heard about...

[Better stop her while she's ahead, Levi.]

[ it's not an outlandish concept to expect from a holiday—there are other occasions like it in his own world. but he wasn't aware of this particular tradition himself, so firstly it only inspires him to watch and listen as he starts to consider the theme. then he pays more attention to the names involved, and begins shaking his head midway. ]

Oi, hold on. That sounds like a lot of work. [ not to mention... ] Even for that guy... You're really going all out with this, aren't you?

[ still, he can't necessarily object if it's not interfering with anything important. ]

Is this an occasion a lot of recruits are familiar with?

That guy? You mean Gilgamesh? Well, of course. He's been very kind to me since our arrival here. I don't see it as work, it's a pleasure for me to work on things like this. Makes time go by faster, especially during the night when everyone's asleep.

[She taps her chin in thought.]

Hm, perhaps? I know it's a common Earth tradition.

Is that all it takes?

[ —confirmation that he means Gilgamesh, in his own way. he's not trying to be combative, really. if he was, he wouldn't just as quickly brush off the comment. it's just that it's hard for him to imagine she hasn't heard of his exploits by now, even if he hasn't shown that side of himself to Pearl. ]

Hmph. I suppose I can understand it... [ at least, he can understand the part about it making time go faster. it's not dissimilar to the kind of distraction he enjoys himself. ] Although if it means nothing to them, I can't say I have any desire to reward the other recruits willy nilly.

[She frowns a little at his first comment, but shrugs it off, progressing with the other subject at hand. There was no need to argue. Pearl knew Gilgamesh was obnoxious towards others. She had seen that from the network. But, maybe if people got to know him a little better...]

At least they would take the gesture to heart. [She would hope so anyways.] We've all been hard at work, we all deserve a little something every once in a while, wouldn't you say, Levi?

[ despite what he may agree that they deserve, his tendency is one towards, well... "tough love" is a bit too kind a description. when the stakes are dire, there's no room for coddling. those who acted responsibly were only doing the job they were expected to. with this in mind, the way he raises his eyebrow looks severely discerning. ]

Hm...

[ but—he does have to realize the distinction here, of being a part of a seemingly rankless group like this. their standards weren't going to be so deeply affected by him personally, and camaraderie among them isn't a bad thing to come by. ]

Well... perhaps. At least allow me to offer a hand.

Offer a hand...?

[Pearl blinks but she waves her hand dismissively with a small laugh. Levi had been through so much, he didn't have to help her with her silly gifts...]

Oh please, Levi, you've been running ragged! Settling those groups for the jailbreak, leading the charge, and the jailbreak itself. You deserve some time to relax.

[ frustrated as he is with their captors for all the need to shed blood... he's been through worse. not to mention, he's not the only one who'd been hard at work. so he turns his nose up skeptically. ]

And haven't you been doing the same?

[ though if that isn't enough to make his case, he has another reason, too. ]

Doing things like that... you said it yourself that it's distracting. If it helps out our teammates, too, that's not something I can argue with.

Me? Oh no I'm just...

[She was just there to help. If anyone needed assistance, she'd be there. Pearl never really saw herself as a leader. Nor was she ever made to be one. The Gem holds her bag of supplies closer to her chest, smiling bashfully.]

Well, how good are you at baking?

[ while it could be argued that there weren't a lot of stand outs among them to choose from (in Levi's eyes), he did ask her for her help because he'd witnessed her to be capable. for him, that may as well go hand in hand with considering someone else's viewpoints.

and the serious face he keeps makes the display of his hand gesturing the "O.K." that much more ridiculous, but there it is. ]

Top notch. Just tell me what to do.

[She can't help but chuckle. Levi seemed like such a serious young man, but he seems more than willing to help out with baking. Of all things... The Gem peers into her bag and frowns a little.]

Hmm, I think I need a few more supplies. I'm sure I can trust you to gather some ingredients for a pie? [She fishes into her satchel at her side to hand him a small bag of coinage.]

Here! This should cover for some of the ingredients. Plus, a little extra for your help.

[ some things had always come naturally to him. fighting was a skill he had bled for, under the guidance of men who'd been brought up the same way. but housework, preparing food, making ends meet—those type of things were survival. keeping himself and the people around him safe and in good health.

so if anything, he's glad to make it his busywork. after a moment of hesitation in taking her money, he accepts the bag into his outstretched palm. ]

No need. [ that is, he's sure to bring change... but they've got a deal. ] Where should I meet you?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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