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In response to Spiegel's intent to be hide, and remain in reserve, Alan replies quietly.
"Be careful, I have no doubt's that this Fagan has no compunction about killing us all. Or rather, trying to kill us all.
Alan looms above poor Sweetchuck's diminutive form, holding his Hammer loosely against his shoulder, oblivious of those that had stalked their approach, and what that might imply about their arrival.
"So what you are saying is that you didn't order the hit on your own ... 'family'? Losing your grip on your earstwhile allies? These recent murders sound like something your 'friend' the Flaying Slayer would do. Perhaps he's sending YOU a message, that whatever deal you had has been... shattered.
Perhaps it would be safer for you, and your crew to tell us a few things about who's slaughtering those under your 'tender' wings, before they decide to move on to the bigger fish."
Alan appears completely unconcerned to have crossbows aimed at him, looking Fagan in the eyes, waiting for him to make a move to attack, or surrender some information. It's as if he feels like he's protected by his God, and therefor immortal or something.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly he settles in behind cover, eyes on the door Alan and the others had passed through and out of his sight.
This thoughts turn to fallen comrades, killed in battle against Pitaxian forces. He had been the sole survivor of an entire platoon, the same would NOT happen to Alan and the other Watch Officers, he would kill...or die, to prevent it as fate dictated.
Roedar looks at Elbin and Spot, almost prancing as he nervously moves about. "Hightower has cleared the way," he says, nodding at the open window. "Get in if you want protection," his squeaking ever more pronounced. He then casts "Blessing of the Watch", hops inside, and takes a (covered?) position where he can shoot through the window with his crossbow.
Milo casts Mage armor on himself before entering. He makes sure his wands are loose and easy to reach in his sleeves. While Fagen is talking Milo spends his time trying to pick out all those pointing weapons at the team?
"Now you listen 'ere copper out there the laws on yer side but in here I makes the rules. Ace should have told you to have soem manners comin' into my house.
Yer right, I didn't order them that died killed, but that means I have a problem I gotta deal with. I didn't call for no Bobbies, this is my fight. If ya think I'm letting you arrest that monster yer mistaken cause I'm gonna kill it. I ain't for arrestin' no monsters."
His posture is aggressive but he's keeping space between you. Some of the hands holding crossbows are a heck of a lot steadier than others.
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Alan listens to Fagans rant, and breaks into a smile, fearlessly responding with a firm voice.
"Ah, Mister Fagan, let me clear a few things up. I know very well that your grip is not just bluster, that your threats have weight.
You have my respect for the civilization that you have ...wrest forcibly out of an area of chaos. I disagree, vehemently with some of your methods, and perhaps a day will come that we can discuss those, at length.
But back to the matter at hand. These murders need to stop. Now. Arrest is by far preferable, but they need to STOP. ALL those who dwell within Mivon are entitled to our protection, asked for or not.
The fact that we are here at all, should demonstrate this. Should you choose ... poorly, and interfere, perhaps some of yours will be arrested. Perhaps yourself. Perhaps some of those grieving parents who think their long lost children are dead, will be reunited.
Perhaps we find that which hunts your children, and bring it to justice, before more are killed.
Should you be concerned we'll go easy, the slaughter of two of Mivon's own, yes, even yours, will bring the full weight of the Law upon the culprit... and If they will not come willingly before the law, where they can protest for justice in the courts, they will come under the power of the sword, and face a higher court. I understand that Pharasma is ... uncorruptible, unbiased, unrelenting and universal in her review of ones deeds.
Should you or yours wish to aid in this hunt, any of the Watch can, and will relay information.
As for Ace ... he is still reluctant to speak of his time in your care. I've learned far more about you and yours from official reports."
While Alan's voice is level, and calm, there is a brief undertone of menace and his speech is directly to Fagan, it is pitched to take advantage of whatever acoustics the building they are in has, to reach ALL that are within earshot.
::SNEEEZZZZEEEEEE::
Spiegel mutters under his breath ever so quietly in Orcish.
"Well s*#t...there goes the surprise option...
Sorry for the delays folk but I'm back and ready to rumble.
Tackleberry's shot does seem to give them pause but they move on.
Elbin and Spot duck into the basement and disappear into the shadows, the goblin has like a +20 modifier if you care that much on perception let me know.
Instead of making this a messy initiative I'm just going to do it this way for this combat PCs involved have a total of +5 innit which is better then 2 baddies at a +2
So take your actions. Bear in mind at this point you're in the middle of an alley they have plugged either end and are 4 on one side 5 the other. There's a fire escape and the basement widow. They have to close 15 f to attack on either side and will provide flanks unless you pull something out or take a superior position on the board.
These guys are chumps so this should go fast.
As you're about to try and get a runner to Callahan one of the guards says Spindleshank want to talk
Fagen hides his emotions as well as he can
"Alright copper, I'll give ya a chance to see if you got what it takes to put a stop to this."
"The fairies like the tea shop that's come by way of Tian-Xia called Gran Yukai's Wabi Sabi teas. You can find them there sometimes, or leave a message with the proprietor but heaven help you if you cause trouble there."
"Even if they ain't there you can at least talk tot eh patrons or maybe run into them."
Visibly gives Amelia an up and down, I could um go get you some" -he actually blushes a little as the other guard smirks.
[/b]
”That sounds just about right...I really am enjoying working with you She, you have excellent instincts.”
Seeing the guards blush, stammer, smirk, and appraise Amelia strikes a somewhat provocative pose for a brief moment.
"Why...how polite of you Officer, a cup for myself and my friend She would be excellent...I would surely not forget such a gallant act, it is the small things that matter after all."
Roedar takes a quick look to see where Elbin disappeared to, hoping to either follow (if things go south) or keep track of him for questioning later.
Roedar looks back out the window "Squeak, squeak, squeal, chatter," and blows his whistle. He then, surprisingly calmly, aims his crossbow, fires, and drops to the ground. Very quickly, he crawls 5 feet to the other side of the window, and tries to stand back up. His ankle twists in the rush, leaving Roedar prone. "Ouch, but Ha! See if they can keep track of us now. We'll be firing from every angle!"
She Who Always Tries also smiles at the guard.
"Fruit juice of some sort? That sounds wonderful"
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Alan smiles warmly (and genuinely), at Fagan's offer of actionable information, completely oblivious of any fear he may or may not be radiating.
After a moment to allow either of his companions a chance to speak up, Alan continues.
"I am pleased that we've all agreed to discuss things civily. It's always so much more pleasant. There are more than a few here in Mivon alone, that it is unwise to cross. Your words of warning will be taken to heart. They sound like you know from the experience of seeing something happen."
”Well...this is a bit more obliging than I thought you would be Fagan, so I figured I would join in this little chat.”
Spiegel lets his First & Basil security badge show openly and obvious to Fagan.
Spiegel offers Fagan a tusky smile that is anything but friendly.
Fagen pulls a card of his own, it is one given to clients of First & Basil
"You want to know about pies lad, ask yer boss. Mind you ask politely they have much larger predators then yerself lad even if yer a bit to old to be one oh my boys.
I gave ya yer lead sir paladin, kindly take this mercenary and that lil traitor and get the hell off my property.
Since there were 2 PCs in the scene and the one that wanted a combat stated "bot me" I'm going to narrate this one away.
With Tackleberry raining down bombs and crossbow bolts, Hightower using a reach weapon from the fire escape landing, and Sven plugging the entrance to the basement the old guard types find themselves badly outmatched as they need an 18 or better to hit Sven, and can't hit anyone else this becomes frustrating and painful for them.
Tack, Sven and Hightower all ko 2 a piece before the remaining 3 run for it. These were 1st level fighters.
”Alan...you got point on this...it is your call what thread we pluck at in all this dirty business. But my gut tells me if we leave this one to his druthers he is like to keep on abusing folk for his own ends, like the bully he is.”
Spiegel turns back to Fagan.
”You have no idea what kinda predator I am Fagan...though keep up with your dark dealings and someday soon, you may well find out. In fact, I look forward to that day, wheel never stops turnin’ Fagan...never.
”The next we meet, I swear by the blood of Mivon’s fallen soldiers, my brothers and sisters at arms, I will see you in chains, or if need be, put you down like the rabid hound you are Fagan. They gave their lives for Mivon, and I will not see their blood that soaked the churned earth spilled for naught while you tear down what they fought and died for. I am the wolf that will ever be at your heels, running you down for a chance at your throat!”
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"Mr. Fagan has been quite courteous, and provided useful information that pertains directly to our investigation.
As such, I have already re-assured Mr. Fagan, that we did not specifically come here to bring him in. Barring actions on the part of him or his children, that course is the one I intend to hold to."
Alan rests on hand on Sweetchuck's shoulder (assuming I can reach ... without compromising my grip on the earthbreaker still slung across a shoulder)
"This visit has been enlightening all around, I personally was particularly interested in seeing how conflicting loyalties were stretched, for example, Cadet Sweetchuck's loyalty to you, to his 'family' or friends, the children he spent more than a little time with, and to us, the Watch.
Were he the traitor you named him, given the number of times you name has come up in our Official Reports, our conversation would have been far ... different.
Officially, he provided the information that those that were murdered were once under your care, and that you might know something of value. This limited information proved to be true."
"Until the day we have that 'other' conversation Mr. Fagan, unless of course, you cleave closer to the Law."
Alan's surprise flits quickly across his face when Fagan's sleight of hand produces the business card, and his facial expression while pleasant occasionally hardens as he talks. At length, as one blindly confident predator, to another.
Fagen smirks
[spoiler=also in Orcish]
"They fought an died so that their children struggle and die in the winter's cold without me? Are you under the impression I invented poverty? Look around this neighborhood and tell me how much of your watch's budget on magic baubles could do more here. You work for a system that buries the poor so that the rich may live comfortably."
He punctuates his speech by spitting on the ground. someoen says something in draconic from behind him and he and several fo the "boys" disappear.
Okay spoiler tags have limits :P
We can move this to the Tea shop if you like, or you can regroup with others.
”Hope they serve something stronger than tea at this...tea house"
Having a spell in his memory that could render the Invisibility 10' radius worthless Milo isn't impressed. He remarks to the air. "Profiting off the misery of others while claiming you can't change the causes? A weak excuse, especially for one who makes his profits off children."
He joins the others as they leave. "Still, in the end dead men don't need lawyers." Having now met the infamous Fagen Milo isn't impressed.
"Well! That went a lot faster than I thought it would! Great job. Is anyone hurt?" Roedar brushes the dirt off himself and looks around to assess how everyone came out of the fight. He checks his ankle and decides it's fine. "Manacle these guys and let's take them in for questioning. Anyone seen Elbin and Spot?"
Sven wiped the blood off of his shield. ”Aye. Lucky we had a choke point. Nay way they were going to get past that. Let’s see if there are any we can bring back for questioning.”
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If everyone is cool I'm saying you all return to HQ to discuss your next steps.
Elbin and Spot are waiting for you when you get there, claiming he was promised protection.
If everyone is cool I'm saying you all return to HQ to discuss your next steps.
Elbin and Spot are waiting for you when you get there, claiming he was promised protection.
Upon hearing Elbin asking for protection, Roedar talks to Murtaugh and Sven, "Let's get an interrogation room and see exactly what Elbin knows and wants. He's been on the docks for years, right? Is he really in serious danger? We protected him in the fight, but sounds like he wants more. Hope he knows a lot about these gangs and that bard..."
Sven nodded in agreement. "Aye. We got lucky here. These fookers aren't playing around, they were out for blood. Next time they'll bring something to crack open our defenses, if they've got half a brain. Let's get back to the watch house while we've got the upper hand."
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As the group walks back to the station.
"I think our best next course of action is to return to the Station, report our findings, and then either visit the Tea shop, visit the crime scenes to look for overlooked clues or back to the original plan, stalk the streets and hope we provoke the killer. Personally, I think visiting the Tea shop first might prove useful. A quick visit to your Firm might also be interesting."
Milo perks up a bit at the thought of visiting a tea shop. There was a good chance of meeting attractive young ladies in such places. He did try to stay professional though. "I would like to visit the murder sites, between our various abilities we could turn up some sort of lead."
Once back at the watch house, with the prisoner secured, Sven took his helmet off and sighed. ”Roedar, can’t say I like this development. The city has openly showed everyone that they spared nay expense to equip us, and still these thugs throw themselves against us. They aren’t afraid. Ye ever seen anything like this?”
He scans the room for Murtaugh, "Hey! Murtaugh!" The slight squeak is almost lost in the volume of his shout. "Let's get a room and talk to Elbin. He wants protection; we did that. Let's get information!" Roedar turns back to Sven, "Come on, Sven. Meet you in the interrogation room with Elbin and Spot."
”Yes She, I believe we have let Spindleshank simmer long enough, and my throat is un-parched and tongue still silver. Let us see what we can learn.”
I'm gonna have a chat with the armory master and see if I can't scare up some cold iron pellet grenades and maybe a cold iron weapon bigger than a tooth pick, but I ain't sure if the firm will give up the goods they got bout Fagan. Watch or no...the Firm don't take kindly to anyone mucking up their doings, what ever they are”
Okay with much hand waiving you arrive at the station about the same time. Team Waterfront has some washout ex-watchment to book which causes a bit of a stir and you find out Elbon and his "dog are waiting for you in a interrogation room. He has asked for Roedar in particular.
Spindleshank has also been transferred to the station for questioning.
Most importantly what are you reporting and when you've decided whos questioning who we shall proceed.
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Sitting down to write his report, Sven crossed his feet and stuck out his tongue in concentration. He was never one for letters. He was always much happier to use his hands, either at the forge or on the streets.
He began the report by focusing on the first letter. It was important, or so his tutors had once told him, to get the curves just right. It felt like making art, to him. He was never happy with that...much rules were rules, so he had to follow them. With painstaking detail, he wrote in immaculate cursive:
The bastards aren't afraid of us. We went to the waterfront and found the goblin. He was afraid, and now we know why. An entire gang attacked us! Bunch of idiots had to be put down with my shield. We secured the goblin, and some of the fools. They should be made to be afraid of us, lest their fellows hurt others. Talk to Roedar for more."
He checked over the letter, making sure that the craftsmanship met his standard. Happy to have done a job well, he filed it.
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Alan nods in agreement with Mr. Stillwater's assessment of the interesting facts.
"Law Firms are notoriously protective of their clients information, but, there are ways of asking, that result in some useful information being acquired. Besides, not everyone who carries such a card, IS a client of the firm mentioned."
Alan spends time writing up his report for the files, trying to include every splinter of information he'd managed to gather. He also makes a copy for himself, one for Lt. Callahan, and one for the files he'd spent some time reviewing.
Our initial investigations of the recent string of murders led us to a known associate of the deceased, one Ludius Fagan. Fagan is a suspect in a number of cases going back several years, and has been accorded near mythical status. Can confirm suspect answered to the name, with the following description: an "enormous looking man, built like a sumo wrestler if a sumo wrestler was dressed like an impoverished Victorian". See Watch Files numbered F2879ab3 through F2882de9 and CC a copy of this report to those files. Our interview with Fagan was held on his turf, surrounded by members of his gang, who displayed a willingness to resist arrest.
Note: This willingness should be kept in mind if/when a serious attempt to arrest Fagan for his crimes is made. A careful balance between overwhelming force, and a team small enough not to scare them all into running to ground will be needed.
Fagan disavows responsibility for the murders, but provided a lead, that the Fey he is want to use as a lash to keep his gang in line, are known to frequent a Tea Shop, that deals in exotic imports from Tian-Xia, called Gran Yukai's Wabi Sabi teas. He made care to note that the proprietor might be able to relay a message if needed, and that those who bring trouble to the shop are quick to regret it.
Note: Fagan referred to Watch Cadet Ace Sweetchuck numerous times as a Traitor. Watch Cadet Sweetchuck comported himself with honor, and appears to have carefully balanced conflicting loyalties. Fagan may still make an attempt on his life to prevent him actually becoming what he was named.
Note: Fagan made an implication that he is a client of First and Basil, but failed to name his attorney of record. As a prestigious Defense firm, his claim is both logical, and concerning. The crimes he is suspected do include high value kidnap and ransom, as well as miscellaneous low level work. If he can afford to have an attorney on retainer, the number of unreported crimes may be significantly higher than previously suspected.
Currently open lines of inquiry: Tea Shop, First and Basil, revisiting Murder Scenes, using Ace as bait near the crime scenes.
After filing his report, Alan asks around to see if he can find Amelia, wishing to ask a few careful questions before pursuing that lead any further. If he finds her doing an Interview, he waits patiently in the observation room.
Turning to head towards the interview room, Amelia notices Alan (limeade guards are around and know just where She and I are, so..)
”Ser Alan, you appear to be searching for someone or something...can I be of any help?”
Spiegel heads for the First & Basil guard barracks, his brow crinkled despite his best efforts to keep a calm facade.
I will meet back up with the rest of you ASAP.
She Who Always Tries waits to see whether Amelia is going to be long. Spidleshanks can wait a little longer
Lt Valasca Callahan to assembled watch
"Okay so as I see it we have two cases, the gang violence and the murders. We got witnesses of the gang violence issues to question but just a fairly sketchy lead that might be a trap for the murders.
In my opinion we have a few approaches we can take. we can go on good faith and try the tea shop, or since we know Fagen has been involved in crimes we bring him in and force out more details.
Recommendations?"