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

[defenceless]

[how aqua moves is like music. it's effortless, beautiful, and enviable all at once, and rin can't help but think once or twice that the elegance is wasted on the guards. but at least they are not killing anyone, which is more than she could say for the most extravagant battle strategy that nevertheless ended in death. she doesn't have so much of a flowing melody to her own attacks, but there is a rhythm, as direct and to the point as the girl herself with an almost staccato beat: kicks, punches, spins, they're undeniably functional.

breathing out then in, relaxing as the fight finally concludes for the moment and she might rest, rin glances at aqua for the first time with nothing else calling for her attention. the blue magical energy that has crawled across her limbs like mechanical wiring disappears.]

I'm not. Are you?

[they must both be capable, as experienced in magic designed for healing as they are in magic designed for battle.]

[keeper]

[ She smiles, and gives a small shake of her head. ]

No. [ And, ] Thank for your assistance.

[ (Now that they finally have the time for proper introductions, it's really too bad the scenery isn't a little nicer...) The debris and damage don't do much for the overall ambiance, not to mention the nearby, quiet groans from the downed guards.

(Of course, they shouldn't linger here for too long, but Aqua highly doubts anyone will be getting back to their feet too soon after the sound thrashing.) ]

I'm Aqua. May I ask your name?

[ She's always been decent at remembering faces, and she doubts she'd forget this girl any time soon. ]

[defenceless]

[indeed, their surroundings could use a little improvement. rin makes do, though, casually stepping across the hard floor of the jailhouse and examining their handiwork with her hands on her hips.

hm. it's good of her to thank her.]

Are you sure I shouldn't be thanking you, as well? [allow her to explain.] You did amazing, out there. I don't know what to call the power you have.

My name is Rin Tohsaka. Feel free just to use Rin. You're from ALASTAIR, too, I take it?

[keeper]

[ The girl's words are generous, flattering even, though Aqua's natural instinct is to deflect compliments lest she flusters over them. (She'll do so with another, brief shake of her head.) ] It's just magic.

[ She doesn't mean it as false modesty, she simply doesn't perceive her own abilities the way another might. (Still, the evaluation is heartening to hear from another gifted mage.) ] Rin. [ She repeats; a nice name, short and sweet. ] It's a pleasure.

—I'm newly recruited, yes. Yourself?

[ Rin has an air about her that might suggest the same, though Aqua's aware that quite a few veterans have been thrown into their vigilante mix.

At any rate, ] ...We should probably leave while we can. Will you be all right from here?

[defenceless]

[instantly, rin narrows her eyes as though she's appraising her carefully—but it's nothing too offensive. right. "magic". she supposes it's the only answer that might make sense, though in her world, time manipulation magic is both rare and energy-sapping; that's not to even mention aqua's skills in other areas.]

The pleasure's all mine. I'll remember your name, Aqua. Unfortunately, I am a new recruit, joining in on this little escapade to make up for our allies' mistakes.

[she's rather to the point, but she's not especially unkind. aqua would be able to read that from her by now, as the reason why she's sort of checking the guards over for a second time is to ensure they really are still breathing. hopping down into a squat, she watches for the familiar rise and fall at one body, and seems satisfied with it.

soon enough, rin is ready to depart.]

Your concern is appreciated, but of course I'll be fine.

[she joins aqua near a wide exit of the room and smiles at her, ever so briefly, before she turns down a hallway that probably leads deeper into the jail instead of closer to the outside.]

You stay fine, too.