Cratchet stammers, "I have seen enough grotesqueness for a year much less a day here on the table. Constable I will leave you to your job while I report on all of these developments to the Mayor". The Advisor takes his leave as you all head upstairs.
The Constable follows you up to the attic where he inspects the bodies still in the chests where you found them. He turns to you all and frowns his hand hovering on the hilt of his sword, "They seem freshly dead, are you saying you had nothing to do with these deaths?!"
Aye, if not fer us lookin' around our mate's house, you'd 'ave never found 'em. Seems like ya got alot t'do here. Sure ya want us t'be takin' ya to the first murder site too?
Derrick shakes his head. "Officer, we are innocent of this. We came here to tell them of Kensington's passing, and found them here when we chose to investigate an empty manor, as we thought it suspicious. You can check our weapons for their blood--I'm sure you won't find any. We don't have time to stand around like this."
"These kills are not fresh. A foul magic was used to preserve the bodies. I cannot imagine to what end though.." The wizard shakes his head in disgust at the thought.
Well the servants let us in, saying that the masters of the house were out Constables - I hope this proves that we didn't kill the family as they were dead, it seems, before we arrived.
"Very well I do believe you but as there are four of you and one of me... well you can understand for a moment I felt I may have been led into a trap. Especially if there are creatures running about who can look like anyone.
Let us head back to the scene of your combat last night. Later I will return here with some of my men and investigate this occurrence further. We will take the bodies to the local mortician to prepare for their proper burials, no doubt the family must have some next of kin somewhere in the city. I am sure they will thank you for uncovering this heinous act!"
You are able to lead the Constable to the scene of the combat from the night before. There are a few bloody splotches on the cobblestones but no bodies to be found!
Constable Crier begins to ask those in shops and homes nearby if they heard or saw anything. Some locals admit they heard sword play for a few minutes, "Round here guv'nor that ain't strange at all".
No one though admits to seeing any bodies or anyone moving any bodies.
The Constable looks grim as he turns to you, "You said one got away it seems he..."
Before he can finish his sentence three Constables approach your group one was on duty last night, "You four! The Inspector has been looking for you lot all morning! Where is the damn prisoner, you were supposed to deliver him to the station last night!"
The bloke escaped in the fightin', but afore the swords were drawn, we found out he wasna' yer murderer.
Derrick starts at the news. "Wait--the Inspector is looking for us?" He casts a glance at Marco and the others, clearly disturbed. After all, the Inspector was one of the creatures they'd killed the night before. "Summat ain't right, Marco," he whispers to his friend.
The Constable looks confused, "Escaped in the fighting? How do you know he was not the murderer".
A second Constable speaks up, "Of course the Inspector, he is the one who is letting you all in on this investigation, if it was up to most of us we'd lock you all up for interfering in Constable business".
Constable Crier responds, "Perhaps you should bring us to the Inspector. It is Inspector Logan you speak of correct?"
The second Constable nods in response to Crier's question and responds to him, "Crier is it? You don;t work Blackchapel normally right? What are you doing here?"
Crier plays it cool, "I am here as a liaison to the Mayor". He turns to the rest of you, "Gentlemen unless there is something else we should look for here it may well be time to see the Inspector yes?"
"Interference? With all due respect, Constable, it seems our group has made more headway in a few days than you have for weeks." Derrick folds his arms and levels a look at the officers. "Last we spoke with the Inspector he knew we were leading our own investigation, in our own way, and he didn't want to interfere with that. Time is of the essence, and we need to speak with a contact of the Divinity."
The monk glances to Constable Crier, but he doesn't catch the man's hidden gestures. "As a fellow liaison, surely you understand my desire to work first with my elders."
The Blackchapel Constables give Derrick a hard look, "Made headway? You lost the only Divinity be damned suspect!!! You'll come to the station with us and give an official statement or we'll drag you down there!!!" The third one screams.
Crier interposes, "Gentlemen, I will accompany these men to the Divinity contact and I vouch that I will bring them back to the Inspector by the end of the day is that acceptable?"
The first Constable sneers, "If this lot is not there by the time the sun disappears from the sky they'll be hauled in whether they like it or not!" The three walk away speaking among themselves.
A crowd has gathered as the confrontation. A few familiar faces are in the crowd but as the confrontation comes to an end the crowd disperses.
As they get farther away Constable Crier whispers to all of you, "Something odd is indeed taking place. I wish to stay with you for this visit and the visit with the Inspector later in the day, are you agreeable to this?"
I'm not much fer gettin' "hauled in" anywhere. I do think we need to stick together. Mayhap these constables were all on the side o'the shifter Inspector?
Constable Crier grimaces, "If that is the case we may well be in trouble".
The group heads to Williby's home which is right on the border of Blackchapel. The Constable knocks on the door and a voice answers, "Gimme a minute..."
The door is opened and standing before you is a man still in bedclothes, he has a long white beard but short kempt hair.
Marco recognizes him as S.H. a regular at the Twin Sons Pub, though you do not know him well you know him from chit chat at the bar. He eyes all of you and the Constable with bleary eyes, "How can I help all of you? Wait, Marco is that you?"
Aye, 'tis SH. You the divinity contact?
This can't end well.
Williby cackles at Dunstan's statement, "If the Divinity is sending you here then you must be wanting to hear about my heretical theories. Come on in come on in".
He pulls a pot of tea off of a hot plate, "I've not enough cups for you all, not too many people visit me anymore. Not since the mists rose and split us off from the rest of what we once were".
Constable Crier clears his throat, "I am fine thank you Sir. Tell me what exactly are you a contact of?"
Williby pours hot water in the four mugs that he has that are not to cracked to drink from. "I am a Sage, or was a Sage of the supernatural. But as the Divinity position on such creatures dos not allow for such beliefs my knowledge is frowned upon these days".
The early morning breaking of your fast was interrupted by a summons from Father Kellen. The High Priest of the Divinity rarely calls upon an Acolyte of your station much less to his quarters.
You immediately rush to his door which you find slightly ajar. He is seated behind his small writing desk writing a missive. He looks up and motions you in, "Acolyte Bannock please come in and shut the door behind you".
Excellent - the more the merrier.
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A big man wearing heavy armor trods into the office of the High Priest, his thick boots making deep impressions in the high-piled rich carpeting. His weather-worn face gives an impression of deep concern yet also intricate planning. No fresh-faced acolyte is this one, but a veteran of some action, who has seen both the horrors and joys of life. His right pauldron is painted white, the motto of the Apothecary scrolled below it: "Vitam aut Mortem" Death or Healing.
A places both hands breifly over his chest and gives a respectful Sign of the Aquila before greeting all present.
His deep voice reverberates through the room in the manner of one who often needs to yell above the din of battle. "Greetings, High Priest Kellen.
And greetings unto you as well, Brother Tramsen. I once was blessed to witness you in the sparring rings. Your technique and devotion is quite impressive. I look forward to seeing your work in the field.
But that will have to wait. Father Kellen, I was not given a full briefing on the matter at hand, but there does appear to be a matter of lost suspect?"
"Well, sort of." Khalid chimes in. "We've been investigating the recent rash of murders in Blackchapel. Working with the local constables led us to a Dr. Arturus. Upon investigation though, we found, that while the Dr wasn't what he seemed, he was not responsible for the killings. He was also able to reveal the very inspector and group of constables that we had been working with, to be a group of shape changers. The vile things even had a mole in our group." Khalid shakes his head at the fate of Wyatt. "We were able to kill most of them the group impersonating the constables, but we suspect that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg."
there does appear to be a matter of lost suspect?"[/b]
"Well, sort of." Khalid chimes in. "We've been investigating the recent rash of murders in Blackchapel. Working with the local constables led us to a Dr. Arturus. Upon investigation though, we found, that while the Dr wasn't what he seemed, he was not responsible for the killings. He was also able to reveal the very inspector and group of constables that we had been working with, to be a group of shape changers. The vile things even had a mole in our group." Khalid shakes his head at the fate of Wyatt. "We were able to kill most of them the group impersonating the constables, but we suspect that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg."
Williby raises his eyebrow, "A shapechanger eh? There are many different types of shapechangers.
Dopplegengers are able to perfectly mimic their victims even read the thoughts of their victims ahead of time to ensure they can masquerade as them more successfully. The truly dangerous ones though are the ones that consume their victims thereby gaining a measure of their powers.
Then there are the creatures which are men wearing the skins of animals or vice versa, animals that wear the skins of men.
Which type of shifter were you facing? Also, this Dr. Arturus, he is known to me, how was he not what he seemed?
Impersonating Constables? Yes I am not surprised it would be a good way for them to hide their crimes. The question is have they replaced the Constables or simply impersonated them..."
"Greetings, High Priest Kellen.
It was rumored that Brother Tramsen was investigating these murders in Blackchapel. I once was blessed to witness him in the sparring rings. His technique and devotion is quite impressive. I look forward to seeing his work in the field.
But that will have to wait. Father Kellen, I was not given a full briefing on the matter at hand, but I get the sense that this is why you have called upon me yes?"
Father Kellen frowns, "Yes, too many whispers in these halls these days. Still your insight serves you well Acolyte Bannock. I have indeed called you here for this reason.
Master Qwinn has convinced the council to grant to Derrick several items which may aid in tracking down these murderers. Just this morning though a contact of mine within the office of the Mayor informed me of a most disturbing incident. He informed me that the vile creatures that may be behind the attacks are the dreaded Dopplegangers.
Many myths regarding these creatures have been postulated by Sages, myths which until now could not be verified. Indeed this presents a golden opportunity for the Divinity.
I wish for you to join with Derrick and his allies and capture one of the creatures for further inspection by the Divinity. Their forms are an abomination to Mankind. We must unlock a way to trap them in the human form or we must destroy them as a walking blasphemy".
He reaches into his desk and produces a set of manacles, "These manacles will reveal the true form of any shapechanging creature and prevent it from using mind altering powers. Have you any questions?"
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Bannock pauses and contemplates what the High Priest just said, now, to only him. He grasps the manacles gazes intently at them, as if they held answers.
"Indeed this is disturbing news. If foul Xenos of this type are actively engaged in murders, that might speak of a greater plot. Indeed, apart from random murders, this might speak of...assassination. Do the victims have any common bond? Is this political? Financial? Or perhaps some instrument of terror?
And what methods have been authorized? Are we allowed to...purge heretics in pursuit of the goal?"
None would question Bannock's devotion.
"These ones were all gray and nearly featureless. One of them was able to cast spells.. just like our friend Wyatt." Khalid grimaces at the implications that brings in light of their new information.
Williby nods sagely, "Might be that one did consume your friend and used his magic against you. Hope you managed to kill that one in your battle if not he'll be a dangerous enemy in the near future. You have exposed their secrets now, they'll not relent on slaying you to keep that knowledge hidden.
What about Arturus?"
Kellen sighs, "In this city, murder is quite common. Life is not for the weak but for the fittest. If the weak are culled from the herd so be it, that will strengthen man as the ages move forward. While we are without question the highest form of life that does not mean that there is not room for improvement.
That said, these murders in particular that young Derrick has looked into appear to be connected to a series of murders that occurred 13 years ago also in Blackchapel. If the research of our scholarly brethren is to be believed the same pattern took place 13years before that. It may well be that indeed these murders do have some common bond which form a greater plot.
The time for inaction has come to an end. But, before we move against what quite possibly may be the Politicians and their servants, we need to be 100% positive that something sinister is taking place here.
I need you to assist Derrick in uncovering this plot. In this I give to you the highest authority to Purge the Unclean as you see fit. However, at least one of these creatures will need to be captured and returned to us alive as discussed. Make sure your actions do not run afoul of local law enforcement, we are not prepared to challenge them should you be accused of murder of a human being.
Derrick and his allies should have weapons you may need in this task. Go my son, if the pattern holds true, there shall be three more murders on three successive nights before they are stopped. And stopped they must be if we are to unravel the mystery behind them..."
MAY HE LIVE FOREVER!
Well, we sort of let Arturus go, seein' as the bloke aided us with the constable, or shifter, or dopple...whatever.
Williby considers Marco's statement, "If you believe that he is no longer important then let us waste no more time speaking of him though it seems clear to me that he must be of another type of shapeshifter than the ones you currently struggle with..." Williby is interrupted by Derrick, "A moment my friends, I must step outside".
Derrick steps out for a moment and Constable Crier speaks.
"If these creatures can look like anyone how can we combat them?"
Williby smiles, "Three ways. One never split up from one another, if one of you is alone you are vulnerable and could well be replaced as happened to your friend. The second is magic which allows you to see the true form of a creature, unfortunately this is powerful magic and few possess it. The last, protect your own mind. There are spells which give you fortitude of the mind to resist their mental intrusions. As you have seen, they can be slain despite the natural armor that coats their body. The trick is figuring who is one of them".
Derrick steps back inside, "Good news. The Clergy of the Divinity is sending a representative to assist us in our investigations".
Father Kellen smiels, "Hold a moment my son and I shall locate him".
He then begins to cast a spell, several moments later he opens his eyes.
"They are located at the edge of the Blackchapel District with a man named Williby. Go to his home and there you shall find Derrick and his allies. May the strength of the Divinity remain with you my son".
Williby states, "I shall make some lunch while we await your new companion".
For a half an hour you chat idly considering all that you have learned thus far. Soon enough there is a knock upon the door and Williby answers it. A big man wearing heavy armor trods, his thick boots thudding heavily on Williby's rickety wood floors. His weather-worn face gives an impression of deep concern yet also intricate planning. No fresh-faced acolyte is this one, but a veteran of some action, who has seen both the horrors and joys of life. His right pauldron is painted white, the motto of the Apothecary scrolled below it: "Vitam aut Mortem" Death or Healing.
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Bannock enters and give greetings and introduction to all gathered. "This seems to be a dirty task that we are set upon, but I have faith that our strength will be up to the task.
With that said, have we a plan or any current leads worth following? That we are looking at a pattern would seem to indicate an evil plan, of either a single long-lived individual, or, worse, a cult that adheres to some unholy timeline for their own unspeakable gain."
Well now, it seems that we are bein' suspected of doin' the murderin' ourselves, and the constable wants t'see us when we leave here. Thing is, we already disposed of the constable as one o'the strange creatures, likely committin' the crimes.
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Bannock looks back, askance? "Eh? It seems the evil lacks either sense or honor. Never would a -sane- law enforcement agent suspect us, loyal servants of the Divinity of Man, as foul slayers of the innocent. Indeed, it must be that he is the evil one, and he throws accusations at us in vain attempt to throw off the scent.
Here, the holy father has given me these manacles, which will reveal a foul shape-changing Xeno when clasped in its embrace. Let us appraoch this false constable and put him to the question! We shall fill his foul mind with pain until his Heresy leaves and all that is left is the truth."
Constable Crier grimaces, "If we force those manacles on Inspector Logan and we are wrong there will not be a prison deep enough in which they will throw us, that includes me for agreeing to aid you against one of my fellow Constables. Is there some other proof we can bring to bear against this Inspector?"
Williby interjects, "For what it is worth, these creatures generally slay and replace their victims. Mere impersonation is used by these creatures when they operate in isolation not in cults or cells as seems to be the case here in this city". He chuckles a bit, "Who would have thought it, a lifetime of research on the supernatural which seemed to be amounting to nothing may well save lives. I am glad that my long distance friend Dr. Van Richten encouraged me to stay the course these past few years..."
Crier sighs, "At any rate, the presence of these manacles takes care of the second problem that Williby presented to us. Have we a way to protect our minds from these creatures? We must soon go and meet with the Inspector the day is getting short".
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Bannock scowls. "If he is a loyal servant of Man and has no Heresy to hide, he will submit dutifully to a minor test of Purity. Let he that has nothing to hide face the manacles with a light heart. Once his innocence is proven, he is honor-bound to bear us no ill-will.
Only if he is Unclean will he resist, and in so doing commits an act of treason in itself. Whether he resists because he is a shape-changing Xeno, or does so because he is a Heretic who does not recognize the divinity of Man will be no issue.
As far as our minds, I have no suggestion. We must needs cling to our Faith to see us through. Perhaps artifacts of use will later come to light. Caesar praesidium."
Crier shakes his head at Bannock's suggestion, "While he may lack honor if he refuses to wear the manacles we cannot force him to without a fight and if we are wrong..."
If we accuse 'im and he denies it, then we 'ave a fight right in the precinct. How do we propose gettin' the shackles on 'im? If 'e is what we expect, then 'e has no honor, Bannock.
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Bannock harrumphs. "If he is of flawless heart with a faith that is unquestioned, then he will submit peaceably, secure in his own purity. If he refuses then all present in the precinct who are loyal servants of Man will aid us in seeing that the Divinity's will be done. So long as all other Constables are also not servants of Chaos, then this should be without problems."
The Apothecary seems steadfast that in his frontal-assault approach. It's clear that any other plan that involves subterfuge or guile will need to come from some direction other than Bannock's.
Unfortunately, the real world doesna' work like that, Bannock. We've already been burned once by these blokes. Let's at least have our accusation out o' the precinct, if possible. I'm not one fer bringin' down the whole place on our heads. We can send a messenger t'ave 'im meet us in Blackchapel.