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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 2, 2004 14:13:43 GMT
[ModNote: Continued from The Big Day.] *Seargent Gladius had the unenviable task of figuring out exactly who, or what, had murdered Charles Redmun's two bodyguards, with lethally accurate throwing knives, and managed to kill Redmun with similar knives (his body had been teleported to another realm where it was found). Finally exploding Redmun's room, all without being seen at all. He began to look through what little evidence he had. He had spent a day looking through the crime scene, bodies and weapons in great detail. Nothing gave this murderer away. No one in the party had seen or heard anyone entering the Wolf's Howl apart from a tiger that had been ejected way before Redmun's death. He knew that his hard earned reputation depended on finding this killer and stopping him from killing again. Another local's murder, A thief called Tyler who was killed an a very brutal manner, had been ruled out as the work of the same killer. Tyler's murder seemed like the work of another, probably an agent of Lord Fear. The evidence on his desk made no sense, there was nothing that would help him. Gladius looked up, as the door of his office knocked.* "Come in, but only if it's important." *In walked the youngest guard with a much needed drink for Gladius, the sun from outside streamed into the office, forming shadows for a moment. Then the boy lay down the drink on the desk and walked out, shutting the door once more behind him. Gladius reached for his drink but a force seized his arm in a vice grip. A shadowy figure had appeared, its hand crushing Gladius'* "It seems the hunter has become the hunted, not that you would've caught me anyway. I need a more suitable enemy, perhaps your death will encourage them to put a more suitable rival on my case. Perhaps it will console you that your death will offer me a little amusement." *With this the startled Gladius reached for his sword, he tried to cry out but the shadows other hand wrapped itself around his mouth, silencing him completely. The shadow released its hand from his arm, Gladius, still failing to cry out used his free hands to pull out his sword. The shadow gave a mirthless laugh and with its free hand effortlessly wrenched the claymore from the guards hand. The shadow released its hand from Gladius' mouth and the seargant found he still could not cry out, he was struck dumb and his eyes widened with horror as the shadow thrust his own sword deep into his chest. The shadow pulled it out and swept it across his midrift, cleaving him in two. The man's top half slid from its chair and a huge amount of blood stained the chair, the desk, the evidence collected and the floor. The shadow surveyed the wonderful carnage it had caused and was satisfied, it waited for another knock and when there was no reply after some knocking, the person on the other side opened the door. The shadow was gone once more. The young guard's eyes opened in sheer terror at the brutal scene in front of him, the alarm was raised and guards dashed in from all other rooms of the guardhouse to be greeted with the grisly scene.* |
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 7:35:02 GMT
*It is several days, 4 murders, one riot and an arson attack after the murder of Gladius. The remaning 5 guards, one of whom is the young trainee, have gathered for an emergency meeting concerning the killing spree that is going on, Redmun, his two bodyguards, Tyler (although evidence suggest another killer did this), Gladius, the low-life Tern, Lars the beggar, two more members of the watch. They are no longer able to control Wolfenden, they have recieved a letter telling them two inquisitors are being sent into Wolfenden to control the situation. Plus they have a letter they cannot read as the only solid bit of evidence, the blacksmith that made their weapons has burned down and all marketplace weapons have either been sold or bumped up beyond their budget. Things look bad. |
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 14:15:02 GMT
*Interrupting this meeting there is a sharp rap on the door. No-one wants to answer the door, for fear that the killer may have returned. Eventually, however, one guard rises and slowly lifts the latch, his hand on his sword.*
*No sooner is the latch up than the door swings inwards and a tall man in a black riding cloak strides into the room, follwed by a similarly dressed woman. Ignoring the swords drawn all around him, the man walks to the front, anyone who opposes him is met by a withering stare which causes most to cower backwards. Soon the two reach the front of the room.*
Sit.
*The word resonates around the room in a tone of authority, and the guards all sit, sheathing their swords. The man takes a rolled-up scroll from his pocket and places it before the men.*
This writ neatly spells out your future, men. This is the document which appoints me and my associate as your new Inquisitors. It appears that this town has in recent times fallen into much disarray. Notably there have been a number of unexplained murders and magical combats in the streets. This will stop.
*The man lays his cloak on a chair, and although the gesture seems casual by the time it is lying on the chair it is neatly folded. Beneath their cloaks both the man and woman wear formal black attire, seeming out of place in the scruffy guard house.*
My name is Sir Edmund Locksley, you will address me as 'Chief Inquisitor' or 'Sir'. My associate *he indicates the red haired woman beside him* is Assistant Inquisitor Dreevis, or "ma'am" to you. There has been an inexcusable falling off in discipline here. Your new uniforms will be arriving shortly.
*Locksley silences the murmers that have broken out with a wave of the hand.*
You will now divide into three groups. Captain!
*The former captain of the guards stands up, nervously* You shall lead the first group in a re-construction of the local blacksmith, which I understand from the hubbub in the streets was recently burned down... we shall require new and better swords. Until this time I have brought some funds which will be put into such for all officers and sergeants. *He gives a sigh as he realises how few men this will be* As well as reliable men.
A.I. Dreevis will begin the investigation into the recent unrest with a second group, whilst the third will recruit a citizen's militia to quell the present unrest. I myself shall see to our supplies and gather exact information on the recent events in this area.
Dismiss!
*As the guards leap to their new duties, they can't help feeling that things are going to be different around here*
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 14:22:29 GMT
*One of the guards summons up the courage but decides that getting on the good side of this man would be a good idea*
"Chief Inquisitor, Sir, We have but one piece of evidence in the killings that you may wish to review. A letter left at the scene of the latest crime, It is written in mysterious runes and no one here can read them, the only bit in common writing is the word 'Ringmaster', referring to a local mage who has recently returned to the village. He is also hunting the same killer we are for personal reasons. Sir"
*The man salutes the Inquisitor and offers the key to the evidence box where the letter is stored before instantly returning to his given orders. He hopes he has made a good impression*
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 15:22:38 GMT
*Locksley looks as if he approves* Good to see that you are not entirely without initiative.... potential here. *He opens the box and casts his eye over the letter. As he was told most of the letter is indecipherable.* Hmmmm... I don't approve of personal vendettas, such actions interfeare with the workings of the proper authorities. This Ringmaster seems rather too involved for an apparently disinterested third party.... The Ringmaster.... I seem to recall hearing of a mage of that name... involved with assasins, and an undead mage of considerable power.... I even heard rumours that he caused a brief but highly dangerous shortage of magical power some time ago.... I shall make enquiries in the village.... [OOC: Continued in the Marketplace: 'Stock Enquiries'] |
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 22, 2004 15:19:37 GMT
[ModNote: Continued from Stock inquiries at Catherine Barter's shop.] *Phinehas storms into the guardhouse completely covered in his cloak, his face shadowed by his hood. A pale hand points at one of the guards.* You! I want to speak with the head Inquisitor. |
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 22, 2004 15:56:37 GMT
*Deputy Inquisitor Dreevis looks over at this demanding person, before letting the guard answer she says in a curt tone*
"The Head Inquisitor has only just returned from the market, I am his deputy so perhaps you could direct your purpose for visiting to me? If not then I shall fetch him for you."
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 22, 2004 19:46:43 GMT
*Phinehas looks the woman over, careful to keep his hood over his face.*
You look competent enough. I want any information you have on Lord Fear and Count Marcus Brinkatore, as well as any evidence of a Rogue's Guild operating in the area. I could also use a map of this place, if you have one handy.
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 22, 2004 19:53:11 GMT
*She looks puzzled at his demands, collects herself and takes a map from under the desk, she stretches out her hand offering it to him and speaks calmly but in a firm tone*
"The map I can give you, however as you are not part of the town watch or the Inquistion then we can't just hand out confidential information on local residents to the first person who walks in here completely in disguise. If you are a member of some law enforcement group then I'd need to see some form of identity and a good reason why you need it, and if you want confirmation on this I can call in 'his lordship', or the chief Inquisitor as he prefers to be known."
*She talks about Edmund in a slightly mocking tone but her expression remains serious*
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 22, 2004 20:03:58 GMT
*Phinehas notes the contempt in her voice and chuckles. He reaches out a pale hand to retreive the map and bury it under his cloak.*
So, you don't think much of him either, eh? His Lordship. Lordship my foot. I believe that authority must be earned, and I have seen "His Lordship" do nothing worthy of his title. Surely you do not believe that authority is something to be bestowed due to wealth and lineage?I have more royalty in my veins than any three of your "lords" put together.
Your so-called watch and the Inquisition are meaningless to me. I need this information, and I will have it, one way or another. I'm offering you the chance to make me grateful for saving me the effort of getting it through other means.
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 22, 2004 20:10:18 GMT
*Though she has had a lot of practice and disguising emotions whilst on duty she is impressed by this man's style, his shared dislike of Edmund is even better. Giving out the information is likely to cost her a lot though and responding to threats is equally frowned upon. She decides simply to repeat her previous statement monotonously.*
"We can't just hand out confidential information on local residents to the first person who walks in here completely in disguise. If you are a member of some law enforcement group then I'd need to see some form of identity and a good reason why you need it."
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 22, 2004 20:13:40 GMT
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were a living, breathing human being with dreams and ambitions. However, you're evidently no different than them. *Motions at the guards bustling around.* Thank you for the map. I won't forget that you were at least polite when I return to collect the information I need.
*Having said that he turns and begins to walk toward the door.*
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 22, 2004 20:26:57 GMT
*As he is leaving Dreevis notes his height, voice and the way he carried himself. She hates being considered a stereotype, she weights it up though and decides this man is probably just trying to trick her into giving him what he wants and if he does follow up any threats the inquisition can go to work on him. She can't help looking slightly upset as he does leave the guardhouse, but she remedies this by turning round and inspecting the guards.*
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 22, 2004 20:56:04 GMT
*Outside Phinehas chuckles to himself. He was impressed by this young lady for some strange reason, but she had made a mistake.* Should have had me arrested right then and there. She won't have the opportunity to deny me my demands at our next meeting.*He then wraps his cloak about him and heads into the shadow to watch and wait for night.* [ModNote: Continued in A New Home.] |
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 23, 2004 1:48:16 GMT
I never realised how much respect you had for my ancestry Dreevis... *Dreevis jumps as Sir Edmund enters the guardhouse* [ModNote: On his return from stock inquiries.] Dreevis: Sir, I.... Sir Edmund: Really though, if you are going to talk about your superior in quite such an obviously mocking tone, do have the courtesy to speak in a tone low enough so it can't be heard from outside the guardhouse. I think you are to used to buildings with glass in the windows, shutters are so less private.... *Dreevis knows better than to reply when Sir Edmund is in one of his more cutting moods* I have been inspecting the men, they appear to be improving. The citizen's militia is fareing none too badly either. I have recruited the Count Brinkatore's personal guard but... keep an eye on them. I do not trust the Count. Nor do I trust that figure who entered. I detected a distinct trace of elf in the air, and in my opinion they are always slippery cutomers. *As before, Dreevis is stopped from asking any questions about this deduction by a raised hand* A word of warning Dreevis. You are an excellent second-in-command. You are efficient and effective. Providing you remain so, I really do not care about your personal opinion of me.... However, you remain emotional. In your private life this is entirely acceptable, and no doubt enjoyable. In our duty it is dangerous. It allows penny-a-dozen philosophers to spout a few cliches and already cause your resolve to weaken. Do not deny it, turning away is highly defensive body language. Have your "hopes and ambitions" if you wish Dreevis, but remember that our duty is to serve an ideal of order. This is vital. *He turns to leave* Oh, and Dreevis. Remember. Titled I may be, beyond the title I give myself, but you know first hand that I do not draw my authority from that. First and foremost I am an inquisitor. Now, prepare for the arrival of some new, special troops. *Sir Edmund vanishes into the back office. Dreevis returns to her desk, wondering how often he has evesdropped in the past. She turns back to a motto written by Sir Edmund: "Careless talk costs lives" It makes her shiver* [ModNote: Locksley is next seen, chronologically, in Robbery.] |
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