EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

[futurologists]

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.

Comments

[sediments]

[ Okay, not an option then.

Bolin starts to make a quiet whine when it seems like Archer's going to abandon him, though he doesn't really get the chance. The devil dog finally rears enough energy to charge at him again, its growls audible even among the noise of people all round them, and it's eyes a fierce red.

Yelping, Bolin starts back immediately, a fist swinging upward to raise a wall of rock between him and the dog instinctively before he turns back to Archer, eyebrows drawn together in distress and resignation. ]

Okay, okay! You can kill it!

[anti_altruisms]

[ Eyebrows raising slightly at that display over power, twin blades materialize in Archer's hands, nonetheless. He'll cut the thing down if it persist and tries to break through the wall, but otherwise, he'll take no initiative. ]

With power like that, you should be able to handle it yourself.

[ Just sayin', Bolin. ]

[sediments]

[ The little beast doesn't, in fact, burst through the wall, but it does make quite a sight, its small body leaping right over the rather sizeable wall that Bolin had raised. And at this point, Bolin makes no pretences, turning sharply on his to duck and cover behind Archer, ignoring the persistent sense of deja vu. ]

I'm not gonna kill a small animal!

[ But he's not stopping you, Archer. You cold-blooded monster. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ You're not trying to stop him, but you're calling him a cold-blooded monster? Rude, Bolin.

Archer scoffs. ]

You won't kill it, but you'll allow me to.

[ He smiles. This is the part where you should be afraid, Bolin. ]

Should I offer you its remains?

[sediments]

[ There's a not all too unfamiliar feeling creeping up Bolin's spine as he stares up at Archer—regret. It's regret. Archer seemed like a nice enough guy, but there's something a little morbid about his smile, and suddenly Bolin's not sure whether he'd rather try his luck with the man in front of him or the dog.

It's a quick decision: the hound is quickly snarling and approaching, its strange goopy fur and frothy mouth making it all the more ugly sight. His movements are quick despite his reluctant expression, and Bolin's steps in front of Archer rather easily, hands up in a more complex, circular movement this time, rock cracking and shattering cobblestone as it rises up, a dome emerging from the ground to trap the hell hound.

But large enough that it has space to move.

There's a beat of silence before Bolin turns back toward the servant, somewhat hesitant. ]

So that'll be a no for the remains thing.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer watches. In fact, he's actually a little impressed. Mages generally have an affinity of some sort with the elements, but he hasn't seen it done quite like that.

The smile lingers, but it's maybe just a little less scary. ]

Good to hear.

You handled that rather well.

[ And all by your lonesome, too. Good job, Bolin. ]

[sediments]

[ Resisting the urge to preen, Bolin just throws his hands up with a sigh. ]

I try not to use my powers for evil.

[ Though the dog itself had been demon spawn, so he figured that it evened out. Who knows if it would be able to get out, maybe someone would smash the dome open out of curiosity, and the beast would once again be on Bolin's trail.

He purposefully sidles up to Archer's side. ]

So. I'm Bolin.

[anti_altruisms]

[ No, Bolin, just because he told you, you did a good job, this is not an excuse to preen. Or to latch onto him like they're suddenly best friends.

Archer stares at him. ]

Archer.

[ Yes, that is his "name", and yes, that is all you're getting, Bolin.

He turns to walk away. ]

You should finish whatever business you have here and leave.