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

[beyourrock]

[Pearl smiles a little broader, but at the sight of the man suddenly having a spear in hand has drawn off most of the men, except for the one charging right for Sebastian. Quick on her feet, Pearl rushes in to meet the guard's weapon, with her own. She manages to push the man back with her sword, causing him to stumble back a few steps. With a swift hop, straight into the air, she spins herself around, to give the guard a swift kick to the side of his face. The guard is sent flying, and tumbling, across the 'battle field' a few yards away.

Pearl lands nimbly, on the tips of her toes, before she lowers herself flat on her feet.

She looks over her shoulder at him and smiles again.]

I don't believe I caught your name. [She turns to face him, offering her hand.]

I'm Pearl.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian notes that the way she fights is absolutely like a dance, even ballet, and he only finds that appreciation growing. It's quite interesting to watch, since he's certainly never seen anyone carry themselves with such grace in a fight. Even Francis, who carried herself with poise when she held a sword, was still not quite so light on her feet as this.

When she lands, he almost feels that he should give applause, even if it's lightly joking more than it is serious. Instead, he bows his head to her rather deeply, which is a gesture of concession and respect. ]

It is a truly a pleasure, Miss Pearl.

[ And for once, he means it instead of simply being politesse. With the last guard gone, Sebastian turns the spear in his hand to a more neutral position, and his opposite hand comes up to his breast as he gives her a more formal bow. ]

Sebastian Michaelis. It has been quite enjoyable to fight at your side, I must admit.

[beyourrock]

[Pearl offers him a small bow in return.]

It's an honor to fight at your side, Mr. Michaelis. [She says with a small smile as she straightens back up again.] I've never met someone of your sheer power before. I must admit, you are the walking embodiment of 'never judge a book by its cover'.

[She meant no offense by it. His attire and just how he held himself... she certainly didn't expect him to be such a combatant. His speed, his raw power... it was all so amazing.]

Where did you learn fighting techniques like that?

[cutlery]

Why, thank you.

[ It's clear that no offense is taken, because as soon as Pearl says it, Sebastian smiles quite warmly. He definitely takes it as a compliment, since, well, that was definitely intentional. He wanted to have a pleasant, unassuming appearance, since the surprise of he extent of his abilities was something that he absolutely used to his advantage. In this case, it hadn't quite mattered, but he was sly and underhanded enough to use that difference ruthlessly when he needed to. ]

Though I am afraid I do not have a very satisfactory answer to that question, so you do have my apologies... Some of it is hobby, since I enjoy things like fencing!

[ He laughs ] ...But more than that, I think it is just an attribute of my people, really? That is what I would be most likely to attribute it to, at least. We learn to fight as soon as we are able.

[ The way he talks about it, it would just seem that he's talking about a group of warrior people, but no. Of course it's not that, and he absolutely knows how his words come off, since it's intentional. He doesn't want to admit that he's not human, but what he's said is technically true. Demons dealt in bloodsport, after all. ]

And you? Your own fighting is quite elegant.

[beyourrock]

[His people? She takes a look at him up and down, once again. Like stated previously, she shouldn't judge a book by its cover. He looked human, then again, she did as well sans the giant gem on her forehead, and she wasn't human. But she wouldn't pry, especially with someone she just met. But fencing... hmm, that's one style of blade fighting she had yet to try. That'd be something to look into.

Pearl blinks, a small blue hue rising to her cheeks. She waves her hand dismissively with a small giggle.]

Haha! Oh it's nothing! Just a little something I learned on my own. Studying and all that! Using what I know and intermingling it all together...

[Fighting and dance moves? What could possibly go wrong right?]

[cutlery]

[ The blue rising to her cheeks makes his gaze focus very briefly on that, because how unusual. Does that mean her blood is blue? Ah, he supposes he shouldn't wonder about such a thing, but if nothing else, he does find that a bit charming. It's unusual, and for him, that's something a bit exciting and interesting. ]

Ah, then not so different! That is what my own would amount to... I would hesitate to even call it a style.

[ He looks towards the building, then nods as he turns to toss the spear quite far as if it were a javelin. He's strong, and it shows in how far he throws it, but that's just to get it away so that no one else can use it. He claps his hands together as if dusting them off, and then nods to her. ]

Well! That said, shall we continue? I believe we should likely to continue to flee at this point...

[beyourrock]

[The Gem follows his gaze towards the building and renews her grip on her sword. There were probably plenty of runes to attend to. And seeing Sebastian here gave her a sense of relief. They had the necessary hands to help in this situation.

Pearl nods confidently as she stands up just a little straighter, her shoulders erect. They'll get into the jail in no time.]

Yes, let's.