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

[ it's in his nature to stay active when there's a goal to be met... but then, it has to occur to him that now that the resentment is wasted for a group who won't throw them a single bone. no help and no orders. so he'll play along.

hell, it might even be kind of nice. that is, if his opponent is anywhere relatively closer to his skill level at chess than his two genius friends. Levi looks to him discerningly before moving his next piece, one of his own knights not too far behind. ]

Is that so. I probably should have been more receptive. [ ... ] Would you say you're good at this game, Archer?

[ It is Archer's nature to be active as well, but he can be patient, too. The situation is calm for now, but anything can change, and quickly, at that.

He watches Levi make his first move before following suit. A faint, ironic smile touch the corner of his mouth. ]

I would say I know enough to play the game - its mechanics and how it works.

[ The old man didn't have too much trouble beating him, but he didn't try that hard, either. ]

What about you, Levi?

[ while he'd seen the conclusion of the match for himself, he's certain he can't judge Archer's skills by that alone. perhaps the old man really had some tricks up his sleeve. perhaps Archer simply went easy on him. in any case, his answer is both vague and humble.

Levi's lips twist as if to suggest that he doesn't like not to know. but he adjusts, contemplating his next move with a glance over the board. ]

If I've learned anything noteworthy, it's only because I've lost to a few strategists enough times to pick up their moves.

[ hence his own is decisive when he makes it—but in his overlying strategy, anyone clever enough could see weak spots still exist to be exploited. ]

[ Vague and humble is fairly accurate. As a strategist, Archer generally keep things close to the chest, and pride isn't something he has very much of. He simply does what he has to do, regardless of anything else.

The match with the old man was more a matter of humoring him than truly seeking victory. He hasn't decided just yet which tact to take with Levi, but he'll keep his options open. ]

The best way to learn, some might say.

[ Even losses can be turned to something positive with the right mindset. ]

I've forgotten as much as I've learned.

[ No reason to take a time waster like this too seriously, right? He's not overly concerned now that he can see Archer's not the type to brag. Funny how many wonders that can do a person. That being said, Levi seems less happy about his judgment on his two friends, gauging by his face.

Well, loathe as he is to admit it, that may be true... but more importantly, what is that other thing supposed to mean? Levi moves his next piece. ]

You've forgotten?

[ No reason, at all. If he wins, he wins; if he loses, he loses. He won't rub it in Levi's face or complain, either way.

He moves another piece. ]

Heroic Spirits such as myself are considered guardians of humanity. Time has no meaning in the place where we are recorded in that we can be summoned into different eras of human history.

At the end of each summoning, in most cases, the slate is wiped clean in preparation for the next time our service is required.

[ He hates it, but one wouldn't guess as much by the way he says it -- even and matter-of-fact. ]

EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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