epidemiology | 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

That's good enough. Now, if you don't mind.

[Having her come along behind might be a bit much. So, a bit rudely, he picks her up and zips off. Thankfully, not at a speed where friction would burn off clothing, as he was somewhat prone to.

Zipping around corners, he stops where indicated, instantly putting her down.]

Right here is the place?

[She's a little dazed when she's set down, but she quickly regains her bearings and looks for the mark she's made on one of the stone walls. Her fingers quickly run along it and she finds it quickly, nodding as she glances over at him.]

There's a door here. Follow me.

[Pausing, she feels at the wall and finds the grooves that enable her to grab hold and open the door up. The sound of footsteps clamoring in close have her moving faster, and the second the door is open enough for her to barge in. It's a storeroom, with a door that leads down into the sewers. She grabs hold of his hand and tugs him along after her.]

That's one hell of a ride, by the way. You're definitely giving me another go later.

When we get a chance, that is.

[Who knew if that was ever coming. Was more jailbreaks going to be on the menu for the future? That was certainly the question.

He took a quick moment to make sure no one was randomly appearing around the corner, though, and then hopped in after Clara, silently closing the door behind them.]

There'll be plenty of chances.

[She retorts, firm in her insisting that he will be able to show off later. She falls silent after that, leading the way down through the sewers to the way up and out. It's dark and disgusting, but safe.

Relatively speaking.]

How is it you're able to run that fast?

[Sewers, he's at least used to traveling down. He's been in one enough times.

Still, he gives a languid shrug.]

Oh, you know. A little bit of sugar, a little bit of spice. And a dash of everything nice.

[What a cheeky answer.]

[Oh, he's definitely cheeky. But luckily, so is she. His response gets her to stop walking just long enough to glance over at him with both eyebrows raised and an entirely smug look on her face.]

So you're saying you're what little girls are made of?

No one said little boys couldn't be made of it too.

[Far from serious though, he ends up snorting. And he realizes he probably shouldn't casual talk too much while in disguise. Otherwise, it'd be way too obvious to figure out his identity.]

Why don't we get you to the other end of this and I'll throw people your way. Defend the exit, if you get what I'm saying.

Is that what you are, then? A little boy? Good to -

[She's in the midst of her retort when he offers a suggestion, and she nods in agreement that it sounds like a decent enough plan.]

I'll run on ahead, make sure no one gets in. Bring down as many people as you can get your hands on. Don't worry 'bout me, I'll be fine.

Right-! Before I go...

[Whoops, a slight cough.]

...mind if I get your name? You know, for later.

[She gives him a smile as she turns to face him. He's got a personality on him that she finds amusing, so she hopes he does drop by once this is all over and they've got time to relax.]

I'm Clara Oswald.

[She points back in the direction they've come from, as if she's bossily telling him what to do.]

Go on then, go be a hero.

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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