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

[keystaff]

[The wind of sorts takes her by surprise as well, reminding her of Windy. A particular card she definitely seems to favor using to restrain opponents rather than outright battling them.

The disapproval is still obvious enough that Sakura almost looks a bit sheepish. Hoping she wasn't getting in the way rather than helping somehow, as she intends. But she's still determined, and grips her staff as she gives a nod.]

I--I know! I just don't want to hurt them. They're just doing their jobs, aren't they?

[Attempting to make sure the prisoners are not broken out of the jail and all. She can't really blame them for that.]

[invisiblade]

[she casts her gaze back to the fallen men for a moment, her expression indifferent. what Sakura says is true, however:]

They chose this path, they knew of the risks involved in this way of life.

[unblinking green eyes settle upon the smaller girl once again. she seems so delicate... Saber too must have been that way at one point in time... right? she can't remember. it was a lifetime ago, and a part of herself she's long since shed. as she stands before the other now she is rigid and unsympathetic, nothing at all like the wide eyed optimist she'd been in her youth.]

To serve the king is to become a weapon for his cause. Not one of them would think twice about striking you down if it meant honoring that oath to their beloved ruler.

[it's a harsh truth, and one Sakura is probably a bit too young still to hear but if she insists on being a part of this then Saber feels compelled to give it to her straight. sugar coating the truth when your life is on the line isn't doing anyone any favors, especially not Sakura.]

You may not wish to harm them, but you should reconsider showing mercy to those who would sooner rob you of your faith in others.

[keystaff]

I...I know, they chose this and they have their duty with it. But even so.

[That doesn't mean she wants to hurt them if there is another way. If possible. Of course, eventually time might change that and she could get more jaded and bitter as a result of her experiences, here or back home, but even so. For now, that is what she strives for. Regardless of such harsh reminders and realities when she's already seen at least those two bodies at the earlier celebrations.

Showing mercy could backfire. On anyone. Let alone to Sakura herself. She's still so young, even as independent as she strives to be, as idealistic and hopeful as she is. It's hard to face such cruel and scary truths like that.]

Maybe. But showing mercy might mean they might later do the same for someone else. Still. I can be careful.

[invisiblade]

[it's not as though Saber wishes to see the smaller girl robbed of her youthful innocence, but better to receive warning from an ally than experience betrayal by the cruel hand of an enemy.

if it were possible Saber would rather see Sakura kept out of harms way, tucked away somewhere safe and held far away from the bitter reality of a world that has fallen to chaos and ruin. Saber herself was born into an age of darkness, a country in need of salvation where she was predestined to become the light that would guide the land to peace and prosperity. she was merely fifteen years of age when she first set foot on the battlefield. it would be better, to shelter someone so young from such an ugly affair altogether. but as Sakura herself has chosen to fight, it cannot be helped. to remain silent in favor of sheltering her from the unsightly truth would not benefit either of them.]

I understand your wish for no harm to come to anyone, but it is a fool's wish. You cannot protect everyone, so be prudent in your compassion. Recognize those who are deserving of it, and exercise extreme caution.

[Sakura doesn't have only herself to think about, either. she may think she's doing what's right by attempt to spare anyone any grief, but if she's not careful she'll wind up doing more harm than good. if something were to happen to her, it affects everyone close to her, too.]

I am telling you this not only for your own well being, but also for the sake of our comrades whom you are risking your life to save. I suspect they would not wish for any harm to come to you at their expense. You must think of how your actions here will impact them as well.

[keystaff]

A fool's wish....maybe.

[She's quiet, giving a nod as she listens and considers what Saber says. It's not wrong. Not really. Of course Sakura needs to be aware that what she does has an impact on others. Others worrying about her getting involved in all of this.]

Yes. I think I get what you mean. I don't want to worry everyone.

[invisiblade]

[at least she seems to have gotten her point across... for the most part. Saber's expression softens the slightest bit, regarding Sakura with more of a sympathetic air than before.]

Is there someone of particular importance to you, within the jail?

[keystaff]

A lot of people are.....but nobody I knew from home or anything, like some people here. But even so. They're counting on us to help. To get them out.

[Surely they can't manage to complete their missions if they are separated, if some of them are locked away like this, after all. It has to be all of them working together. One of them currently locked away might be the one person to help figure this all out.]

[invisiblade]

Your courage is admirable.

[it would be easy for a person of Sakura's age to shy away from confrontation. to allow for things to pan out without getting involved and to simply hope for the best.]

For someone so young to have such strong determination, most likely ALASTAIR has seen the same spark in you as I do now.

[Saber just doesn't want to see that light burn out.]

[keystaff]

You think that's why they brought me here to help? Maybe. I just figure....we all have to do our part. If any of us want to get back.

[Of course, this includes those currently still imprisoned as well. It really would be easy for her to try stay out of things, given her age. To let everyone else take care of it instead.]

[invisiblade]

You were summoned here for a reason, so it very well could be.

[bravery, courage, determination... these are all necessary qualities for someone destined to be a hero, or something along those lines....]

Though I believe it is unfair to expose so young a person to the ways of war, we are unfortunately left with little choice in the matter.

[keystaff]

Y-yes, exactly! They wouldn't have brought us here if they didn't need us! Or think we could help somehow! So...so I'm going to do my best!

[With whatever they might need help with, whatever she can do to assist others in all of this, whether it be healing the injured from fights, or collecting items, or helping decorate and put on a party to raise morale.]

We...we don't have a choice. But that doesn't mean we can't try make the best of it anyway.