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

[ He certainly could! But this isn't a fancy party, alas. Or probably more like "good," because that's honestly embarrassing of him... ]

[ Though as Dipper turns his attention to the rune, so too does Sebastian. It draws out a thoughtful hum, since as he straightens, he brings his hand to his chin. ]

Yes, I do suppose so.

[ He glances to the guard, then back to the rune. He imagines they have some time, but probably not too much. ]

That is a bit high to simply jump and grab for... Would you happen to have an idea on how to access it a bit more safely? I will assist in any way I can.

[ With a thoughtful hum, Dipper gives a cursory glance around their surroundings. After a snap of his fingers, he crouches down next to the guard and begins to unfasten a knife strapped to their side. ]

If I climb up on your shoulders, then maybe— [ Briefly, he pauses. ] ... You don't mind, right?

[ That's a rather fancy suit there and his shoes are kind of dirty... ]

[ Before Dipper even asks, Sebastian nods in agreement, which is probably answer enough... But he also looks surprised when Dipper asks, and he's quick to shake his head, even holding up his palm as if to say that he doesn't need to worry about it. ]

Why, no, not at all. It is more important to be rid of those runes, yes?

[ Actually, he's just surprised that he asked. That's so considerate... He's not used to this...

But with a brief nod of his head, Sebastian crouches so that Dipper can climb onto his shoulders, so he really doesn't seem to mind. He can clean his suit, after all! Even if he'll cheat to do it, most likely. ]

Please, go ahead. I will keep you steady.

[ Wow, Sebby.

Anyway, Dipper cracks a lopsided grin; polite and helpful, he could get used to this! With no time to waste, he heaves himself upon the other man's shoulders, carefully balancing himself. ]

We probably don't have a lot of time, [ Dipper begins, in way of an explanation. ] but these bricks must be awfully old, right? This might not break the whole thing– [ He gestures with the knife in one hand, using the other to hold himself still. ] –but perhaps if I could just chip part of the rune off... Y'think that'd break part of the spell?

[ As Dipper climbs up onto his shoulders, it truly does seem that Sebastian doesn't mind terribly at all. He doesn't falter under Dipper's weight, and he carefully starts to stand once Dipper is settled. He's a tall man, so hopefully it won't be hard to reach that rune. ]

That should work, yes.

[ It makes sense, at least. He has a bit more interest and background in such thing than he would freely admit, but markings of magic were rather delicate things. Even a smudge out of place on a summoning circle, for example, and— Ah, well. No need to worry about that, really.

He looks up towards the rune, but he starts to reach into his suits jacket for something. ]

I have something that should work quite well for that purpose, at least? Unless you have something a bit more suited than a knife.

[ That's the idea; Dipper isn't what one could call a thoroughly versed expert, but he is familiar enough with magic, and the rituals tend to be awfully precise. He can't punch a wall, but all that's really needed is a mere crack.

Dipper's halfway through straightening himself up before freezing, eyes falling back down. ]

—You do?

[ A knife's all he could find around the area in a jiffy, but... ]

What do you have?

[ Honestly, the knife is probably less embarrassing... Sebastian reaches into his jacket to pull out a silverware knife, of all things. He'll hold it up for Dipper to take (handle offered to him rather than the blade, of course), which might seem thoroughly ridiculous. There's matching the appearance of an English butler, and then there's pulling silverware out of your suit jacket. And yet, Sebastian explains quite seriously: ]

It may not seem like much, but I imagine this will do. The manor's cutlery is kept quite sharp.

[ Which, if Dipper does take it, he might realize that Sebastian isn't actually exaggerating or playing a joke on Dipper. That knife is actually extremely sharp, since Sebastian takes special care to sharpen the ones he keeps on his person himself. They're meant to be used as projectiles, after all. ]

[ And take it he does. After carefully inspecting it: ]

Wow, you weren't kidding. I hope nobody ever tries to eat with this.

[ Granted it was in this guy's jacket so maybe not..... Man this guy's weird, which leads to another question. ]

So, let me guess—you're either a secret assassin in disguise, or some sort of superhero's assistant. It's gotta be one of those two, right?

[ Sebastian laughs gently, and he shakes his head. ]

Oh, goodness me, no... Calling myself anything so grand would be quite presumptuous of me... [ Why does he sound like a grandpa when he says stuff like this?? True mysteries. ]

I am simply one hell of a butler.

[ At least he doesn't leave it simply at that, which may or may not be because his catchphrase is embarrassing and I refuse to let him. ]

A butler who does a bit more than simply cooking and cleaning, mind you, but a butler all the same. I serve an earl who is in such a position where he is quite often in need of a bodyguard, to put it simply. That is the role I fulfill for him.

Eh, close enough, if you ask me.

[ That's like almost the same, whatever. Dipper discards the first (older, duller in comparison) knife by unceremoniously tossing it aside; as it clatters upon the floor, he cranes his head upwards, one hand holding himself up against the wall while aiming with the other. ]

Now let's get this outta the way— Lessee here... Think you could stand on your toes a bit?

[ Not because Dipper is short, no. It's high up there!! ]

Certainly. Please be careful, that said.

[ Since Sebastian really doesn't want to play "catch the child from falling" today. But he does stand on his toes, which gives a few more inches of height for Dipper to be able to reach the rune. ]

Is that enough, or shall I find something in addition?

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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i walked right into that one

at the very least, i'm sorry