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

[One of the first things Sieglinde had learned upon coming to the outside world was that people outside of her village considered her a child. It had been baffling, offensive even to someone like her who had been raised as a lord, relied upon, but over time she became able to brush the knee jerk response to defense aside.

So she simply nodded at the question, gesturing to the bed she sat beside, small (unnaturally so, actually) feet dangling several inches above the floor where she sat perched on the edge of a pulled up chair.]

That is correct- please, take a seat.

[But she didn't behave like a child- not now, at least, with the situation as dire as it was, already looking the older girl over, evaluating what injuries she could by sight alone.]

[It's certainly a strange sight, a young girl speaking with the authority of an adult, but even if it leaves Alisha puzzled, she's not one to be rude. Especially considering that she's the one who came here for help in the first place, she'll take what help she can get.

She takes a seat on the bed easily, looking around the room with interest (and noting that the girl's feet are unusually small, even for a child).]

Are you by yourself here?

[As Alisha takes a seat, Sieglinde is already swiveling about in her chair, pawing through a box on her desk and coming back with a glass vial and clean square of gauze.]

For the moment- the person assisting me is out renewing my bandage supply.

[And considering he was amazingly fast, she didn't expect to be alone for too long.]

- Now, your most grievous wound?

[She's glad to hear that as she assumes that this person must be the girl's caretaker.]

Of course. [Rolling up her sleeve, Alisha reveals a wound wrapped in bandages stretching from her shoulder to just above her elbow. It's clear that the bandages could use some changing, but the wound itself isn't too deep.] I tried to take care of it as best I could, but I admit, my knowledge only extends to first aid.

[Sort... of...

Sieglinde's gaze remained level, however, all business as she reached forward to carefully cup the older girl's elbow in a small hand, delicately steadying the arm as she examined it by sight alone at first, nodding along with her words.]

It's good enough field work, well done. Now, excuse me-

[She reached to begin undoing the bandages, carefully unwrapping them with care to disturb the wound as little as possible.]

The cause?

[Sword or arrow?]

[Look.... let her believe while she can.....]

A sword. I was careless and didn't watch my side as well as I should have.

[Sieglinde might lecture patients on the regular, but... when it came to violence like this, she was left with nothing to say.

Instead she simply bared the wound, examining it carefully before she reached for the chain around her waist, pulling up the end and uncorking the potion attached to the ring there, moving to carefully pour it on to the wound.

- it would sting, but. Not nearly as much as getting the wound had.]

... is there still fighting going on outside?

[She winces slightly at first, but she's dealt with far worse, and she remains as still as possible to hopefully make it easier for Sieglinde.]

Not at the moment, no, but tensions remain rather high. Naturally, many of the citizens and guards aren't particularly happy with us... [But she doesn't want to worry a child too much with this, so she smiles, reassuring.] But it's alright. Right now, we're safe.

[Remaining still will help, and it does let Sieglinde work easier. This level of wound... It was something she could heal with magic, but hers was limited, and she worried she may need use it on more mortally wounded patients in the future if they made it to her door. It put a furrow in her brow as she stared down at Alisha's arm, suddenly confronted with the moral dilemma that came of both magical and scientific abilities.

Was it ethical not to do all you could for a patient if there might be more in the future? But what if there weren't?]

- was your face seen? Will you be in danger after this?

[That would affect her judgement, on which to do. Heal her arm with magic, or stitch and bandage it away.]

It's possible. While the guards gave me no trouble while I was out today, it is difficult to know what might happen next. This could change as soon as tomorrow.

[Danger is inevitable in places like these, for a knight like her. Even with her renewed resolution and efforts for having peace talks between her country and another, a desire for peace didn't mean it was a time to let her guard down. Obstacles came in many shapes and forms, but life-threatening ones weren't new to her in the slightest. It was a truth she'd long since accepted.]

However, you needn't worry over that. As a knight, I am always prepared for the possibility of danger.

[That settled it. Sieglinde was new to these sorts of dilemmas, but she knew she couldn't let the older girl go out and risk fighting while injured if she ran into trouble with the guards.

... and she didn't even know if Masamune was alive or not, so saving her magic for him...]

In that case, I will use a spell- you are not averse to magic?

[It was best to check when it wasn't a life or death situation, after all.]

Not at all. [If anything, she's just surprised by how many people here have magic or otherwise supernatural capabilities. (Although she's starting to get the feeling that this is going to be a fairly normal occurrence, despite what she's used to.)] If you believe it to be the best course of action, then I shall trust your judgement.

[Granted, magic differs between people alone, and who knows about worlds, but from her brief time with Sorey and the others, Alisha certainly remembers the healing magic of the Seraphim and how much handier it was compared to traditional medicine and healing methods.]

It is the faster one.

[Still, Sieglinde was surprised at her own magic. Magic that came of her own will, and not the "science" of herbs and chemicals and potions. In preparation, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, settling in to a more focused state.]

As I see thee weltering in thine blood,

[The spell didn't require words, but the focus needed came easier to Sieglinde with them, and she held Alisha's arm carefully, murmuring the spell.]

I call upon the goddess who governs,

[Languages long gone were interwoven amongst those that ALASTAIR's devices translated, but by the time her words died away, the slash across Alisha's arm had largely closed, leaving only a shallow cut behind.]

[She remains silent, letting Sieglinde work her (literal) magic. As the wound begins to heal, she already starts feeling better, her arm much less sore than when she had walked in. Like this, the cut would hardly get in her way if another fight was to come. Looking back at the girl, she smiles in gratitude]

Thank you, miss. My arm feels much better now!

[Once the spell dies away Sieglinde takes a moment to return to herself, one last, long breath before she opens her eyes again and inspects the wound-

Better. She released the girl's arm and reached for an ointment, moving to begin smearing a bit of it along the cut.]

That is good- now you needn't worry in case of trouble with the guards that may occur from now on.

Indeed. Whatever they may try to do now, I'll be ready for it. [Or here's hoping at least. Who knows what else could happen here next? She's trying to stay optimistic here.] Is there any way I could repay you for you trouble?

You need not concern yourself with such a thing-

[She brushed away such an offer with a wave of her hand.]

This is all I can do- so it is the least I can.

But you've done so much! [Sieglinde might not think much of it, but for Alisha, there's a lot to be thankful for when she's not waiting through the process of regular healing.] Please, I'd like to show you my gratitude in some way.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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