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

[winces]

[ something sparkles in her eyes a little, the corners of her lips tugging wide. ]

Who's Marin? [ ARE THEY YOUR GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND??? ] And what's ice cream?

[ninmu]

Marin is... my friend. [ a pause; then, barely, he shakes his head. ] No, that's not right. Marin is much more than a friend to me. She is my most important person.

[ he says this all with a totally straight face and the same exact tone he's been using the entire time... but he's being serious, honest. Belatedly, he adds: ] And ice cream is an Earth food created from sugar and frozen cow's milk.

[winces]

[ most important person...

OH MY GOSH, ARE YOU IN LOVE ]

You must miss her an awful lot...!

[ninmu]

[ MAYBE ]

... Mm. It's lonely without her. [ he has no shame, so he just admits all of this freely... ] That's why it's important that I finish this mission quickly.

[winces]

[ omg she's going to cry... her heart already hurts... ]

Oh gosh.. that's so beautiful... I hope you'll be reunited with her soon—!

[ninmu]

[ olivia chill ]

Beautiful? [ he glances down at her as they walk, red eyes shining under the cowl draped on his head. ] ... I don't understand. But I also hope to be reunited with her soon.

[winces]

[ olivia has no chill ]

That, that's it! That's what so beautiful... Your feelings for her... The way you ache [ ache??? ] for her presence again...! Ugh, it's more powerful than any beautiful balled I'd ever heard!

[ninmu]

[ if melan knew shame, he'd be embarrassed right now... but he doesn't. ]

Ache... That's right. My chest hurts sometimes when I remember she's not here. [ beat. ] How did you know that?

[winces]

Oh, that's just what happens when you're in love.

[ ?????????love? ]

When you're not around that person, your heart aches like a part of you is missing!

[ninmu]

"In love?"

[ here we go ]

[winces]

Yes, love! That's what you feel towards her, isn't it? Like you can't go on without her, like the absence of her is a physical, painful hole in your chest. How the thought of her smile makes you smile in turn! And the only thing you wish for in life is for her to be happy!

[ninmu]

[ he stares at her for a second or two as they walk, making a 'hmm' noise in thought. Then, his gaze goes to the ground in front of them, and he hums again. ]

I... see. Yes. Hm. That sounds right. [ still as stoic as ever, but the tone of his voice at least seems to shift to something more curious. ] I don't understand well, but love is... painful. But it's good, too.

[winces]

[ suddenly, olivia finds herself faltering. she hadn't quite used such words, but now that he mentions it it just seems so blatantly obvious. as if reminded of that, olivia can only waver as some of her enthusiasm dies. ]

Y-Yes... It can be painful. Love is making yourself vulnerable, and giving someone else the opportunity to hurt you. B-But they can also make you the happiest you've ever been. That's the gamble you have to take, I guess.

[ninmu]

Marin would not hurt me. [ even if she tried, she's too small and squishy?? melan may be misunderstanding things again. ] ... Being apart is painful, though.

[ oh well. that's why he has to finish this fast!! He does notice the change in her attitude this time. ]

Sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad.

[winces]

[ she laughs suddenly, high and nervous. ]

Oh no — you didn't do anything! I made myself sad, I guess... but I'm glad you've found someone special to you... I hope you get to see her again soon.