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

[Pearl flinches at the sight of someone jumping down. But she can't help but stare at the man's ears. Of course, who wouldn't. But she doesn't think it strange. If anything, it's fascinating. Possibly a new recruit? None the less, he's offering assistance.

The Gem smiles and looks back at the guards surrounding them.]

Thank you. I appreciate the help. I get ahead of myself sometimes.

[She holds up her sword once more, noting his own in a small glance to the side.]

How about I take the left, you take the right?

[His ears twitch as he looks over their opponents. He recalls what he was told, and what he heard--not to kill, if at all possible. It's early yet. He can follow that order.

Koltira takes a horn, carved of bone and ornamented in silver, from his belt. Its sound is a baritone call, deep and rumbling, and attended by a sudden gust of snowy wind. The wind energizes rather than chills, giving both him and Pearl a boost to their speed and reflexes. He doesn't quite know what to make of Pearl--she's clearly not human, judging by the gem on her forehead alone (not a common physiological trait, even in Azeroth). But she is, for this moment, an ally.

He brandishes his sword, its blade rimed with frost and shimmering blue.]

As you say.

[Woah. Pearl feels her hair swirl in the gust of wind, tousled, along with her cloak, but they soon rest. The gust was rather pleasant. A rush of newfound energy rushes through her limbs. She renews her hold on her sword. Whatever this man did, it helps her immensely, more confidence fading into her features.

Giving a nod of thanks, she sprints forward, surprised by her own speed. This was much faster than what she was able to do before. Even then, she's faster than average humans. This was... something else. Was it that horn of his? Magic? Whatever the case, she's thankful for it. She dodges attacks with ease this time around, knocking down most of the left side of what was agreed upon.

Most end up on their backs, thanks to sweeping motions by Pearl and her legs. Balancing on one foot at times, bending and turning at inhuman angles. Some even fly upwards a few feet, only to come crashing down. Not a single one was killed. That wasn't the point here.

That rune was the current goal.]

[Pearl's balletic movements are not lost on Koltira. It's clear that she's swift and precise, even without the Horn of Winter's boon. But he doesn't have much time to admire or observe. His own set of opponents approaches, and he must deal with them--without killing them.

He makes an irritated noise in his throat. Holding back is easier in one-on-one combat, but most of Byfrost's greater strikes are meant to deal lethal damage. He can see the runes flickering pale green; crimson red. Ready. But no. He focuses himself, and they switch to frost.

Swinging his sword, but making no contact, Koltira creates blast wave after blast wave of icy force. The men are pushed back, but more than that, they are frozen in place: ice crystal form rapidly around their boots, then climb up their legs, their waists, their chests. Soon, the majority of them are immobilized.]

We must hurry.

[He jerks his head back at the rune.]

Can you reach it?

[Pearl watches his movements in the corner of her eye. His sword doesn't directly strike them, but that wave of magic impresses her none the less. How the men froze. Non-lethal, but very much effective.

The Gem follows her gaze up to the rune in question.]

I think I can. I'll see.

[Her gem on her forehead glows gently, as she concentrates. bending her knees once more, she leaps upward towards the rune on the wall. Everything seems to be in slow motion for her as she leaps upward. This should be easy. A simple strike to the rune. That's all she needs. To destroy it and weaken the barrier.

But as she approaches it, her leap upward is too short. Her eyes widen as she starts to flail her limbs in the air. Thinking quickly, she thrusts her sword into the wall, to keep herself from falling to the ground.

She's just a few yards away from it too.]

Dear stars... [She lightly curses under her breath, clinging to the hilt of her sword.]

Hold on!

[Koltira can't jump that high. Instead, he starts to climb the wall, physically tearing out chunks of stone as he goes, carving himself a path. A hissing sound follows him as he climbs; to make the job easier, he's causing bursts of localized decay--parts of the wall are all but melting onto his palms.

Normally he wouldn't be so messy, but he's hurrying, both because of Pearl's precarious position and because those ice tombs will not last forever. ]

Edited 2015-12-07 03:51 (UTC)

[She looks down to Koltira and watches in surprise as he climbs. Was he melting the wall? In her amazement, her sword shifts, starting to pull itself away from the wall. With a sharp inhale, she looks up at the rune.

Closing her eyes, she reaches into her glowing gem, pulling out an ornate spear. She holds onto the hilt of the sword with one hand, bracing her feet against the wall, and brings the spear back. Pursing her lips, she aims. And fires.

The spear goes flying up striking the rune's own markings, causing it to flicker and spark. Its energy soon fizzles out, its own glow dimming silently.

And at the same time, her sword comes loose from the wall.]

[That's nicely done--except for the part where Pearl looks like she's set to fall. Koltira throws out his wrist, and a whip of purplish-black energy crackles forth. It wraps around Pearl's waist and then pulls her back and down, unfortunately not too kindly. It's like a tape measure sliding bac]

I've got you.

[He slings an arm around her, securing her place against his side. She's a little heavier than he expected ...]

[The save reminded her of back home, where a certain purple Gem saved her with a whip-lkie weapon a handful of times. Around the waist each time. She's easily tugged back out of harms way, her sword falling to the ground. Before it lands, it disappears in a flurry of sparkles.

Pearl blinks owlishly before she looks at tge pointed eared man, sighing with a grateful expression.]

Thank you. I thought my sword was secure enough but... obviously I was proven wrong.

[She lifts her gaze.]

At least that rune has been dealt with.

[He glances at the sparkle-flurry with interest, his ears perking forward. That's something he hasn't seen before, either. It's pure magic; that is, energy without any kind of human or material channel.]

Yes. You did well.

[He jumps down from the wall, landing neatly on his feet, and sets her down afterwards. Koltira steps back from her, inclining his head to one side. Now that the dust has settled, he can sense the thrum of her magic--that, in fact, her entire body is a construct of the same.]

What are you?

[Once she's set down, she dusts herself off and tidies herself up as best she can before she's taken aback by the question.

What are you?

Pearl glances up at the pointed eared man, blinking a few times before she sighs heavily. Brushing hair away from her gem, it softly glows.]

I'm a Gem. A magical rock from space, in simpler terms.

[That description doesn't put him off at all. He nods as he examines the gem shimmering on her forehead.]

This body is not your true body.

[It's more of a statement than a question, though he does seem like he's waiting to have his assumption confirmed.]

[Pearl hugs her arms absentmindedly, her gem glowing a little brighter. She brings one hand up to gesture to the glowing object.]

This is me.

[Koltira's seen a lot of things in his life/unlife, but sentient rocks--at least sentient rocks quite like Pearl--are rare.]

A pearl.

[It's matter-of-fact, not incredulous or disbelieving. He nods at her, because whatever she is, her competence in the fight is undeniable.]

My name is Koltira Deathweaver, Pearl. Knight of the Ebon Blade.

[He bows with typical blood elf flourish.]

I am at your service.

[Pearl furrows her brow at the statement. Yes. A pearl. But he didn't know about what pearls really were. She brushes it off as surprise settles onto her face. She raises a hand to her mouth, to keep it from becoming agape.

There were so many knights here. Excitement seeps into her ballooning chest, but luckily she steels her emotions. Now wasn't the time to gawk. Pearl offers him a bow in return, folding one arm over her chest.]

It's an honor to meet you.

[She stands straight, tilting her head.]

Deathweaver... That's quite the surname.

[He shakes his head; it's no honor to meet a death knight. Not in the eyes of most, anyway.]

It is not a family name. It's an epithet.

[Well and horribly earned. He glances 'round, the tips of his ears turning this way and that. Searching for another rune, for the next part of the mission.]

But I'm glad to have met you, as well. Glad that there are some people with skill among this lot.

[He offers her a blood elf salute--two fingers, index and middle, touched to his forehead and then swept to one side.]

I must go on to the front. We'll meet again.

[Pearl furrows her brow. An Epithet? But, it's best not to pry. Especially now. They had the next steps in their mission to complete. The Gem gives a firm nod to the pointed eared man, offering him a small smile.]

I'll hold you to it.

[She says with certainty.]

Good luck!

[And with that, Pearl rushes off to find another rune as well.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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