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Alan re-exits the building after completing his errand to find the two diverging groups discussing the magical phenomena from earlier. "Well, without getting into the technical aspects, particularly since I wasn't able to ascertain the precise details... There are a few more potent spells that have a trigger that releases the full effects, be it from one spell, or an accompanying secondary spell. The example I'm most familiar with, as it is one that Abadar might one day decide I'm worthy of, that is commonly known as the Mark of Justice. When cast, you specify a specific condition, such as breaking the law, if the person the spell is cast upon meets the condition, such as by stealing something, whatever the penalties are happen. Another common example is a magely spell that's typically tied to a teleportation effect that triggers if they get hurt badly, they teleport to predefined safe location. I'm guessing, but I suspect it's the latter spell that was used today."
Alan returns to the interview area after some time and catches the group of Cadets filing out of the interview area/Watch offices. "I went and found what help we're going to be able to get. Hopefully, we'll not only be able to clear up any more traps waiting in our interview rooms, but they'll be able to pick up some sort of information from the layered spells aura's." Seeing that his fellow Cadets were headed one way, and Amelia was headed the other, he changes his trajectory to catch up with her. "Amelia? If you don't mind waiting a moment, I'll walk with you for a bit. I had a few questions that I was hoping you'd be able to answer. I just need to report in to those inside about the back up I found."
Alan grimaces after hearing the Amelia relate the events that lead up to the attack. "While there are more than a few things that could have caused this, I suspect the most likely is a contingent spell effect triggered by the confession Spindleshanks was making. We will need to warn the others doing the interrogations immediately, and bring in a potent spell weaver to examine each of our recently acquired captive's for spells and curses. For examples, there's a Mark of Justice, that I may yet one day be able to bring about, that has a similar style of contingent weaving, but is unable to bring death to a transgressor like this one did. I'll go see who I can find, and interrupt the other interviews. Nice work on saving our informant! Sounds like we could get quite a bit more information." Alan leaves the interview room, and interrupts any other interviews in progress to warn of the possibility of the subject spontaneously coming down with a severe case of dead, and then goes looking for a Senior member of the Twinklefoots to examine those in captivity, and then potentially Break the Enchantments that bind them.
Alan meanders between the observation rooms for each of the interviews in progress, trying to be handy if any of them need his heavy handed skillset, when he hears Amelia's shouts. He quickly relays her cry for help, and then hurries to see if he can serve as a healer, or to subdue a threat. Upon seeing Spindleshank being murdered by actions unknown, he hurries into the room, closing the door behind him.
Alan pauses a moment while on his way towards the interview observation rooms. "If I may, could I please see the files for the former guards? I'd in particular, like to know the reasons for their discharge." There's nothing worse than a failure to uphold the Law, when it is one's sworn duty to do so.
Alan summarizes the suggestions listed in his report to the Lt and the associated Cadets, Guards, and others gathered at the briefing. Currently open lines of inquiry: Tea Shop, First and Basil, revisiting Murder Scenes, using Ace as bait near the crime scenes. "Lt. I'd be honored to wait in the wings to assist as needed. Would you prefer to have me reserve 'Good Cop', 'Bad Cop', or 'Worse Cop'? I know my strengths, but I know I don't always ... catch the more subtle things, the nuances of how a witness responds to a question. Make him answer, certainly. I excel at that."
My apologies, stuffs blew up many much lots. I'll hit OT tomorrow morning, around 9? 10? am. Tuesday was a day that if it could go wrong, it did, and we're still dealing with the repercussions, even after an 11 hour day. I don't want to half arse a post thing.... so I'll try and get something up asap.
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.
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."
my bent half copper, is for Team Murderbait, to swing back (as a group) to the Watch Barracks before moving on to the Tea Shop, possibly in the aforementioned Bait formation. This gives us the opportunity to make a report, and/or possibly juggle the teams, so that should disaster strike, someone knows where to
Team Murderbait:
"Mr. Fagan has been quite courteous, and provided useful information that pertains directly to our investigation.
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.
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... we were followed on the way in, so I'm sure that they knew you were there before hand, but, the Dice Gods are a fickle lot. Allow me to tell you a tale, of pain and woe...: I was running a game, about a decade back, for a trio of lucky young adventurers, who had managed to finagle a bit more cash than normal through some clever role play, and some dumb luck. Being somewhat squishy (a homebrew Thieves guild game, with a Sorcerer, a Rogue, and a Bard as the entirety of the party), they decide the best offense, is a good defense, and pump their AC as much as they could. I suddenly start having some issues hitting the party with normal encounters, so I dive into my MM, and find a creature that's CR appropriate that will hit on a 5. A 5's easy, right? I drop my fancy dancy Shadow Mastiff on the party in the next game. Round one! I roll a 4. The party? Headshot, Crit! Sneak Attack!.
Alas, my tale does not end there. The next time we gathered to Dungeons and Tangents, but a few moments in game later, they continued exploring ... a sewer, I believe, and were attacked by a small group of Drow Slavers! The party Sorcerer, managed to get himself a wee bit separated, and was looking down a T joined cross corridor. What did he spy some distance down the tunnel, but a Wicked Drider waving 4 blades of fire!
Little did the Sorcerer know, but not only were those Flame Blades, that only needed to hit with a touch attack, but I had allowed something truly cruel. Keen Edge on all 4 blades. I ruled, that the Drider charged up, and cut off all 4 of his arms. The sorcerer smiled, took a 5' step back, and unleashed another Lightning Bolt to put the poor twisted spiderkin (and me), out of it's misery. Needless to say, I have a ... poor relationship with the Dice Gods. I'm told I tell a good story, but to NEVER touch the player's dice.
Team Murderbait: 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.
Team Murderbait: In response to Spiegel's intent to be hide, and remain in reserve, Alan replies quietly.
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.
Team Murderbait: After listening to his comrade's quick answers to his suggestion of learning more, Alan lines up to accept the loan of a cold iron dagger. As he accepts the blade he reflexively tightens his grip, as the hair at the back of his neck stands up straight. He calmly and casually straps the blade to his belt, and then slips back on the mailed gauntlets that complement his brilliant attire.
"I suspect there's more to it than a cold iron knife, but I am reassured. Shall we see what sort of trouble lurks? And perhaps quell this ... spree."
Team Murderbait:
"While I'm eager to bring Justice to Fagan, and those that share his darker tendencies, I'm equally concerned with learning a few things about his ... allies. Weaknesses, Strengths, Special tricks, attacks or even methods of escape."
Alan's eye's glitter and gleam briefly, as he continues. His phrasing seems ... well practiced, and perhaps even Dogmatic. Bandits of any kind, are a plague that eats out the heart of any civilization. Those that are kidnapped, and forced to a life of crime against their will, can be saved. Those who relish in bringing harm to others ... may not be savable. After giving his righteous speech, if there's anyone still listening, he continues yet further, at least it's in a more reasonable tone. "It is likely that if Fagan can call upon one or more Redcaps, that it is possible his other enforcers are also of the First World. Half an hour or two of research before hand, might save more lives than if we rush forth. I think the time invested into some brief investigation will provide dividends. The lives saved, might in fact, be our own."
Team Murderbait:
Alan listens to Sweetchuck's confession, and looks startled for a moment, and then abruptly looks extremely concerned for the poor lad. Those nearest may hear a quiet oath in Dwarven, (something about counterfeit coins).
"Ace? I swear, I shall do everything in my power to keep you safe from those you have escaped from. I know it's difficult, but the more you can tell us about those involved, the better prepared we can be." Alan remains quiet for a while, other than an encouraging word to coax more out of Sweetchuck.
I see threads being woven, and I'm content to follow as they weave in ... many different directions as needed. The up and down nature of the work ... contrasts to the old work, which was (as I've likened to others), like trying to guide a drunken sailor, as he lurches from one crisis to another, with one hand tied.
"Ma'am. I am at your disposal for any of these tasks, and feel that I would be a valued asset for any of these teams. I've skills in gathering information, and persuading others to talk, similarly I'm quite handy in a fight. I'm concerned that Sweetchuck doesn't have enough back up, no offense to a professional such as yourself Mr. Spiegel. I suspect that either myself or Mulancy should at the least accompany this group, and the other might be best served down at the Docks. Both of these assignments seem like they could go south FAST, and having someone on hand to pull someone back from Pharasma's grip, would be very useful. As an option, regardless of which team I'm with, I'd suggest making be the 'obvious' protection detail, and having someone else shadowing as the less obvious back up. We Abadaran's tend to stick out."
While in one of his many trips around the Academy and associated buildings, he runs into someone asking for cadets to help out in the field. His first inclination is to immediately sign up, and realizes that he's already put pen to parchment in doing so. Knowing his skill with his Lord's favored weapon, and seeing the bulk of the business end, he spends at least some time at the practice range trying to gauge how poorly it will affect his aim.
Once satisfied with his barely adequate accuracy, he moves on to the rest of his practice, prayer and studious efforts. Perhaps they'll station me near where Mr. Clement's office is, and I can check in either before or once I'm off Duty.
During the time he was not on an official task, at practice or in prayer, Alan continues to whole heartedly dive down the rabbit hole of the Watch Library and Archives, starting with the official reports of the kidnapping of the halfling lad, and the numerous official and potentially speculative reports of the child labor crime king pin, and then into the official reports on any other kidnappings, both where the victim was recovered, and those where they were not, going back a decade and a half. Could there possibly be a common thread binding these items together?
In Alan's spare time, he starts a new project, reviewing copious current genealogical records of Mivon's rich and affluent. For any that ask, his responses include such things as: "To better serve the city, I need to know it's inhabitants, and this is helping do that." "It is easy to make enemies if you do not know who is related to whom. It is time to learn these little intricacies." "You may not know, but I was raised by the local Abadarnan Temple as an orphan, and I've never known anything about my family. This research has many uses, perhaps I'll stumble on something about my own past... It might be wishful thinking, and I'm happy with the education that the Temple provided, but... it would be nice to know." He particularly pays special attention to Noble/Rich Merchant houses with children, specifically houses with children between the human equivalent ages of 8 and 20, and Halfing houses with individuals between 18 and 60, and mixed/unusual race houses in general.
Alan stares silently at the note in some confusion for a moment, and then a realization dawns. The note might have been from the enigmatic young man he'd inadvertently saved by subduing the Halberdier at their recent active duty event, en-route to cleaning up the barrage from behind the bar. Alan sits for several moments and ponders the notes it's ramifications.
After sitting and thinking serious thoughts, he spends a period of time making discrete inquiries to try and trace the path of the note within the Watch facilities, mentally making note of anyone's hands touched the document on its way to his bunk. While not specifically seeking her out, should he run into Commander Callahan, he'll ask for a moment of her time. He ends his travels in the Watch's Law Library, to continue his research on the legal ramifications of what he's discovered.
Alan stands at parade rest during their tongue-lashing, with his typical blissful gleaming eyes, letting the dressing-down wash over him without showing any emotions. Ranged Weapon? Check, but I was ordered to the table and to watch the rear. Watch Issued light crossbows? I was not aware that the watch issued the Lord of Commerce's favored weapon. I will have to replace this sling as soon as possible. Commander Callahan must be really pleased with us, that's the mildest verbiage she's used on us, ever. ______ During the wrap up at the party, while checking on the wounded Alan briefly stops by some of the only awake party-goers, the Lady of the hour, and her newfound friend, the attorney. "Ladies, are either of you injured? No? Excellent. I hope your Ladyship's successes continue to stand out as above and beyond, your guests partied till they dropped, and there was even an exciting amount of light entertainment. May Abadar watch over you and yours, and bring continued fortune to match the investments you make." "By your leave"
On the front of the refilling of ranks... I took a quick look over the recruitment thread, and Alma (the ghost), seemed the most intriguing from a technical standpoint, and might fit... the others I had been curious about withdrew, or were barely more than an interest dot, or were drawn off of the Echo Bonded archetype, which had it's problem of being not easy to look up. You had said you had a couple of Alternates in mind? On the subject of maps ... I like maps! But I think we managed well, with a little extra work all around.
Alan spends a few moments helping secure the prisoners, and then makes a round to check for wounded, and offer healing. He even heals the enemy, once securely cuffed. When he gets to the one Hightower laid low her, he holds his own hammer at the ready, before laying a hand on the foul fop. If needed, the foul mannered fool gets bopped again, and back to sleep.
"Everything OK over here Hightower? You look injured as does this one. Friend or Foe? Foe? Excellent work!"
Alan nods to the remaining surrendering Vixens. "Your surrender has been accepted. Please step back against the wall, it will go better for you." Alan then looks back at the remaining few gang-members, and sets his sights on the leader of the merry band of hooligans, and makes his way to subdue another criminal. As he makes his way over he offers the Drow a very small window of opportunity to surrender before bludgeoning him as well. "Spindleshanks! Surrender while you can! Things will only get worse for you and yours from here on out if you don't!"
Enforcer (Combat): : Benefit: Whenever you deal nonlethal damage with a melee weapon, you can make an Intimidate check to demoralize your target as a free action. If you are successful, the target is shaken for a number of rounds equal to the damage dealt. If your attack was a critical hit, your target is frightened for 1 round with a successful Intimidate check, as well as being shaken for a number of rounds equal to the damage dealt. (L1 Feat)
Alan is, as usual, oblivious of all things above and beyond the immediate, here and now, and strides cautiously, and purposely towards the bar, barely slowing down due to the dimmed light trusting his faith to guide his feet, brushing lightweight chairs out of his path, and detouring slightly around such tables too large to similarly brush aside.
In a quiet vocalization, intended just for the few allies nearby, Alan pipes up again.
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