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

Man, you talk a lot!

[ But Bolin is oblivious in the best of times, and pretty good at flat out ignoring people when he's not interested in what they're saying. It's not even something that he does consciously as much as he does through sheer force of determination of seeing only what he wants to see.

So he handedly ignores Gintoki's complaints, not relinquishing his grip for whining or bad smell. Instead he turns on his heel, palm out in a sweeping motion that raises a thick wall of earth to send a crowd of city guards tumbling all over each other to the side. With the way clear, he starts his dash forward, trying his best to sidestep assault with both his and Gintoki's considerably bulks combined. ]

Don't worry, I'll get you to bed!

[ He really had tuned most of the whining out, but he picked up on the fact that Gintoki's tired. It makes sense. ]

You're annoying.

_{[ Gintoki says in defeat. He can't complain, really. He isn't in his best health with his highest energy. In fact, he is pretty fatigued and starving— if somebody wants to carry him, fine, he doesn't care. Though, he can't help but pay Bolin some attention of how he was acting and behaving.. it really was an honest and noble kind of response— brave.

He appreciates it— just doesn't show it. ]}

Oi, you're just trying to make the headlines so you can impress people, aren't you? _{[ it's either that or you're worried about him.. which you deny in the other thread. ]}

[ You're annoying, Bolin would shoot back immaturely if he wasn't already distracted. There's way too many bodies all over the place, fighting and snarling. It's not quite like the clumsy violence of the brawl, and it seems like the city has just had enough of these strange figures and organizations doing as they please in the town.

So Bolin turns to their good old friend the alleyway; ducking behind a building before looking up. His free hand goes out to make quick pulling gestures in front of him, making a small staircase out of the brick of the building's wall. It's blissfully easy to make his way upward then, wobbling a little when Gin's weight causes him to loose balance, but still making a good, steady climb. ]

They wouldn't be good headlines for rescuing someone like you. [ A reply, sounding both unimpressed and friendly. ] Since they'd probably get angry someone helped you out of jail—where are you staying anyway? The inn?

_{[ Bolin actually feels Gintoki grip onto his body when he feels him toppling from his balance, teeth gritting together. You're making him anxious, Bolin! ]}

You don't have to keep doin' this. You know, this carrying thing— I'm not Princess T**dstool. I'm telling you— how are you just able to move the ground like that? It doesn't make sense.. just like your haircut! Everything about you is irritating.

it makes perfect sense!

[ He's shaking his head, baffled by Gintoki's complaining. With a few more steps he's the roof, and Gin will finally have his freedom as Bolin upends him onto the roof, taking a step back to flatten the steps back into the wall so that none of those pesky guards follow them back up.

Then, he observes the older man with his hands on his hips. ]

So. Now what?

_{[ Thank god he can walk on the ground again without Bolin's assistance. He follows Bolin's shift, though, also pressing his back against the wall. ]}

Are you wanting a medal or something?

_{[ Gintoki scoffs, and then he says: ]}
We look for another way to go back in.

_{[ hang on a moment.. ]}

What?

[ Bolin frowns, staring at Gintoki like he's wondering if the older man had hit his head or something. ]

Why do you want to go back? Are you getting homesick? [ Didn't it smell really bad in there? Couldn't Gintoki do with a shower first? It's kind of baffling, and Bolin follows up with: ] You said you wanted to sleep!

There are still people who need help.
_{[ Gin keeps his hand on the hilt of his bokuto, now that he has obtained it and begins to tip toe across the roof. Great. ]}

That way, I know I'll actually get to sleep.
_{[ isn't that another big softie comment coming from him? It sure is. ]}

[ Gintoki's answer gets him to calm down, his incredulous advance quickly recoiling thoughtfully. That's not a bad point—Bolin doesn't want anyone to be left behind either. Who knows what the guards would do to any remaining prisoners in their wrath at having let the others escape.

So it seems like they're going back. ]

Okay. [ Bolin turns toward the edge of the roof again, looking toward the prison. ] I guess I can open up a hole and we can have a look around.

Of course we can. _{[ If you can save him, you can surely save others. ]}
Maybe next time ask before you sweep somebody right off of their feet and onto your shoulders too, idiot.
_{[ He scoffs. Don't mind the tsun. Watching Bolin spring into action and work to get him safe, well. it's a very nice sentiment. Gintoki just has issues with saying thank you and feeling flattered.

He shifts, though it looks like he wants Bolin to take the lead. How interesting. ]}

Know of anyone who needed help im particular?

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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