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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Albub's Avatar

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    Default Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Little Asha skipped happily through crowded market streets, dodging the shuffling crowds and looking for someone to play with. Normally she would be on her way home by now, her mama's workday finished, but today was special. Her mama was busy with a special job, and had given Asha a fistful of coppers to divert her attention until she was able to walk her daughter home. Asha wasn't sure what her mama did for work in the squat mud building she played outside all day, but she knew it was odd that today her mama left with a well dressed man to do some work for him at his house. Normally mama only ever left work alone, and always walked Asha home through the dangerous city streets.

    She chased a grubby boy around his parents' market stall for a while, and then almost went to sit with a pretty girl until she noticed her pointed ears. Mama told her that non-humans were dangerous. Even little ones like herself had older siblings and parents, and most non-humans were criminals or involved with dangerous people in some way. She was just starting to get hungry and look for a food stall when a kitten caught her eye. It was frolicking around the base of one of the big decorative fountains that dotted the massive market square. There were people everywhere and she was afraid it would be crushed underfoot, so she hurried to scoop it up. "What is this Mr. Kitty? Do you have a love letter for me?" She babbled idly as she fished a piece of paper out from under the kitten's collar. Asha could not read, her mother had not taught her in her 4 short years, but she figured she could show the paper to her mother later and see what it said. The paper cared not that she was illiterate, and as her gaze touched its surface magical runes glowed brightly before a powerful explosion vaporized the cat, little Asha, and a dozen other unfortunate market goers.

    At this signal, groups of masked men sprang into action. Reading from scrolls, they began pouring spell after devastating spell into the panicking crowds. Walls of fire scythed down milling clusters of glassy-eyed citizens, the crackle of lightning mingled with screams of pain and fear. The guardsmen on duty stared slack-jawed as the people they were sworn to protect died in droves around them before they too were slain by unfeeling masked attackers. A column of guards that had been on patrol arrived on scene and engaged one of the groups, dispatching masked attackers with ease until one pulled out a scroll and the whole melee was consumed in a bright flash, guards and assailants alike reduced to ash.

    More guards were arriving, starting to take control of the situation. Casters began throwing up barriers to protect the guardsmen from the brutal magical onslaught, and many of the attackers were engaged by relief columns from a nearby guardhouse. As they were cornered, more of the attackers pulled out scrolls that vaporized them and the valiant guards they were fighting. Then, as suddenly as it had started, the commotion in the market square had stopped. The air carried only the commanding shouts of guard officers, and the moans of the hurt and dying. The attackers had been slain or destroyed themselves. A guardsman's cry rang out "Sir! We have a live one here!"





    Kennan Tannerson put his head in his hands as his aide rattled off the latest casualty totals from the market attack. He hated how little anyone really knew about what had happened.

    The bastards had been thorough, there were very few civilian survivors and none of them were reliable witnesses at this point. None of the guards who had been on duty at the market survived, and even among the men who had arrived after the attack started very few of them had much to say besides "Dressed in black, used scrolls to cast their spells, lousy fighters." The only man that was going to be of any use at all in this investigation was currently recovering in a solitary cell in the dungeon, 10 stories below Kennan's office. He wanted to be interrogating him right now, but the man was their only lead, and his condition was unstable at best when he was taken into custody.

    "Get me the Clankers." he barked at his aide

    "Are you sure they are the best-"

    "Are you sure you want to question me when I'm in a mood like this?"

    "...Right away sir."
    Last edited by Albub; 2012-07-16 at 04:51 PM.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Kilroy burst into the small shack Ward used as a living space.

    Ward? Tannerson has sent for you, he's getting the clankers together. I don't know if you heard the commotion, but someone hit us, bad. We got a lotta guys dead, lotta dead civvies too. It's a mess. Tannerson doesn't know who's behind it yet, but we have one perp in custody. We need you at the station, the second we get something from that interrogation Tannerson is putting you guys on it. Must have him pretty worried if he's sending all of you at once.

    As Ward turns to face him he is clearly a little uncomfortable under the warforged's mechanical gaze.

    Look, we gotta speed this along. Are you coming with me to get Archive and the rest or are you just gonna head straight for the station?
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  3. - Top - End - #3
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    I'll see you at the station, report directly to Tannerson.

    At that, Kilroy sprints out the door and down the street. He shakes himself out, warforged give him the shivers. Nonetheless, he has to shake his head at the hateful graffiti painted on the walls of Ward's home. Rusthead or not, Ward was a fellow watch officer and a damn fine one at that.

    He made for the whitewashed walls of the temple district. Archive was not at her little hut, which didn't surprise him. He headed into the library it was attached to and scanned for glowing eyes. The librarian looked at his watch uniform approvingly, and pointed him towards a chamber in the back. Inside, Archive was flipping through an old storybook chronicling the exploits of Annon Myss, a mythical Doppelganger who was said to have sown chaos and fear wherever it went in the name of the Drow Goddess.

    I thought that the histories and factual accounts were more your style, not drunkards' fables and fairy tales. Kennan has requested your presence at the watch station. Ordered it really. We've been attacked, and the bastards did a very good job covering their tracks. We aren't sure what they were after, but so far it looks like it was either politically or religiously motivated. Tannerson thinks you might be able to pick out details we couldn't. I still have more clankers to track down, but head for Tannerson's office. He'll brief you on everything you need to know.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  4. - Top - End - #4
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    "Ah, yes. Fables and myth have roots in fact, and from there, new discoveries can be found. In fact, most fairy tales have some hint, some lead to a story long forgotten, a story to be told.", came the robotic reply.

    Archive gently replaced the storybook, and turned to Kilroy.

    "So, what do you think? Who do YOU think is behind this? What can you tell me from your vast experience in the field? What does your instincts tell you? What-"

    She stops herself, and nods apologetically.

    "I have a habit of wanting to know everyone's perspective. Everyone has a reason to do what they did, and what they know. I apologise if my vocal stimulus was overwhelming."
    Last edited by Vesth; 2012-07-17 at 10:36 AM.
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  5. - Top - End - #5
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    If you want my honest opinion, I think it's racially motivated. The Kaiser just relaxed immigration laws, and the market district is one of the most mixed population centres in the city. If the bastards were trying to scare away newcomers to the city, I'll bet they did one hell of a job. I appreciate what the Kaiser is trying to do, but wiser men than I have told him that he needs to be patient. We're a big city, attitudes aren't going to change overnight.

    At that Kilroy turns and leaves the library, heading off towards the slums.

    Damn rustheads, they make more than I do and they still manage to live in the rattiest parts of this city. I'll be lucky if I don't get mugged by nonhum's on my way back to the station.

    Kilroy throws open the door to Guard's shack and his jaw drops. A beautiful human girl is polishing Guard's mithral plate and holding an animated conversation with the warforged. It is clear that she is doing most of the talking.

    ... Aeryn? What the hell are you doing in this part of town. It's dangerous for a girl like you in the slums!

    Oh! Hello Kilroy. I'm off-duty today. It's been a long day for us, Guard took me to the temple district and had someone scry a djinni city on another plane! It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. On our way back a minotaur had some choice things to say about us, and then he tried to fight with Guard when we walked away. That's why I'm polishing him, his plating got absolutely filthy when he was throwing that minotaur around.

    Kilroy looks defeated when Aeryn describes her day with Guard, he takes a moment before addressing the warforged.

    Guard, I have an urgent summons for you from the desk of Kennan Tannerson. There's been an attack, and he's bringing in his best investigators to get to the bottom of it. I can escort Miss Aeryn home safely, but your presence is needed immediately at the market district watch station.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    "One moment while I gather my items...." Ward said as he turned to reach for his gear. He grabbed a few items then turned only to see an empty dorway and Kilroy's voice fading down the street. Ward gave a shrug. He knew humans were uncomfortable in his presence but this was brusk, especially from a fellow watch officer.

    The warforged stepped out from his shack and shook his head at the graffiti painted on the wall. Rusthead. It might be insulting if it were possible but the slur only showed their ignorance. Ward headed to the station, wondering about the disturbance Kilroy had been blathering on about.
    Last edited by PChubby; 2012-07-18 at 12:48 AM.

  7. - Top - End - #7
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Guard looks up at Kilroy when addressed and nods, closing the tiny notebook dedicated to his pet investigation. "Got it. I'll head right over."

    He sets the book on his nightstand, then picks up a bag from his dusty, well-made bed. His eyes meet with Aeryn's as she hands him the last piece of plating she was polishing.

    Their visit to the seer's lodge earlier was not 100% intended as a sightseeing trip - it took Aeryn's urging to get Guard to step away from the obsessive analysis associated with his overarching side quest and see how beautiful the whole picture was. "Thank you," he says to her as meaningfully as he can with that clipped, gravelly voice of his.

    He then starts running out the door, trying to make up for time lost by staying a beat too long. "Alright, you guys stay safe, okay? I'll see you back at the station, Kilroy."

    A muffled clanking sound follows Guard out as he stamps off through the city streets.
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-07-18 at 02:11 AM. Reason: Yay colors!
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  8. - Top - End - #8
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Guard! Wait!

    Aeryn's voice chimes after you.

    If you got picked on for walking with a human through here, imagine how bad it'll be if it's just Kilroy and me. No offense Kilroy, but I'd feel much safer if we walked with Guard.

    Kilroy looks pained, but Aeryn is already sprinting up the street to catch the shining warforged.

    Besides, Kilroy wouldn't let me do all the talking. They say walls are good listeners, but I think you're better. I doubt a wall would have enough patience to put up with me.

    Aeryn giggles at her joke, and slips her arm around Guard's as they walk.


    _______________________________________________

    As the warforged trickle in to Tannerson's office he briefs them on his understanding of the situation. Explains that it was a suicide attack, high casualties for all involved parties. Only a handful of surviving guardsmen, all of whom were currently being checked over by healers for physical or psychological harm. A lot of men were going to be having nightmares for the next few months. But, you have one of the attackers in custody.

    A short time after Guard's arrival Tannerson receives a magical communique.

    Right, so it looks like there are some absentees. Time is of the essence, so I'm taking you three down to the interrogation chamber to have a little chat with our perp. We'll leave the proper interrogation to some DoDT specialists that I'm currently trying to track down, but I'd like to get something from this guy so I'm not just sending you to the scene blind.

    He leads you down to the dungeons, and into a spacious interrogation chamber. The man is shackled to the wall, arms outstretched. His feet barely touch the ground. The stench of death is still on him, and he seems smugly satisfied. Tannerson turns to the three warforged.

    Well, who wants to cast the first stone as it were? I certainly have some choice words for the bastard, but there's something especially intimidating about staring into the cold eyes of a clanker.

    Clanker would be a slur coming from nearly anyone else, but this grizzled old human has been a staunch ally and dear friend for all of the warforged on the watch's payroll, and you know he doesn't have a prejudiced bone in his body.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  9. - Top - End - #9
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    "Analysing situation....

    It appears that the human would require some intimidation to get him to speak. Let me attempt to open him. Sir, please notify me if I'm damaging him, or his mind. The human anatomy is not my specialty."


    Archive whispers to the group, and then steps forward to face him, and her posture completely changes; aggresive and seemingly angry, she stares at the human for what seems to be a while, before letting loose an electronic screech at the prisoner.

    Spoiler
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    Using Staggering Note, not trying to cause damage; aim at the wall above his head.


    "Listen up, PUNY HUMAN. I am Archive, and I have seen smarter maggots than you.

    You will speak up, or you the next blast will be RIGHT INTO YOUR EAR. Do you UNDERSTAND?!

    Now, you will answer me truthfully and honestly, and perhaps we can save more lives and redeem your soul.

    Who are you, and what are you trying to achieve?


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    Intimidation check (if needed): (1d20+11)[13]
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  10. - Top - End - #10
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    The prisoner is startled by the noise, but doesn't flinch as stone chips are knocked from the wall above him.

    Nice noise box you got there, captain. Does it rub your back when it sings you to sleep?

    He smiles cruelly.

    You can deafen me, burn me, beat me to within an inch of my life. You need me, you need me until I spill my guts. Keeping my mouth shut is the only thing standing between me and a public execution. I'll keep quiet thank you very much.

    He resumes his cruel smile with an air of smugness. The captain pipes up angrily.

    Look you bag of filth, I'm a busy man with important things to do. I'm sure you think you're the most important criminal in the whole wide world, but your attack was not the only crime that went on today. Other prisoners need to be interrogated, other crimes need to be solved. I'm going back to my office, because for every minute I waste staring at your ugly face the mountain of paperwork on my desk grows. You can talk to these detectives, or not. But there's another interrogation scheduled in less than an hour and we're not postponing it so you can feel special. Now normally, due to racial tension, we keep the jail segregated. In your case, I think we can make an exception. We have a particularly nasty dragonborn in lockup. He's supposed to be solitary because he's been in a rage about something for a few days now, but I think a pansy like you might be a good influence on him. Now I'm not sure if he's hungry, or horny, but we both know that that public execution you're so worried about is gonna be a very, very attractive option after spending a night with the big guy. I'd suggest you be a little more open with my detectives for the next little while, because once your time in here is up, we're sending you to that jail. Your accommodations are going to be determined by how helpful these detectives found you.

    Without another word, the captain turns to leave. He can be heard chuckling to himself in the hallway. The prisoner is several shades whiter than he looked before.

    Noise box! The bastard sure doesn't know who he's dealing with. Ha ha ha, I wonder if Archive is any good at massage..
    Last edited by Albub; 2012-07-18 at 08:40 AM.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Guard looks the suspect up and down trying to size him up. The killer comes off as a grinning, plainly psychopathic idiot, but when someone does something this dire and over-the-top, it has to be for a reason. And when a whole group agrees to go along with the unthinkable at once, it's going to be one heck of a reason indeed.

    He decides to start speculating out loud right in front of the jerk and watch for some telltale scoff or smirk or wince. If he plays his cards right, he might even get enough of a rise out of him to get some blurted-out exposition...

    [(1d20+10)[25] for insight]

    "Well, you heard the man, Archive. He's not about to rat out all of his shady friends. Well, the ones that stayed behind and sent his group to die, anyway."

    "I think we can rule out the hate crime angle, though. The victims were mostly human, and he'd feel a lot more guilty if he cared about them."


    He keeps going on like this for a little while, naming various likely types of terrorist villainy in ways that could be interpreted as vaguely insulting to anyone who would involve themselves with such things.

    He bounces a few of ideas off of the relatively knowledgeable archive in the process. "Do you think this area might be of interest to any death cults, or something like that?" "What kind of historical sites might someone be looking to scare people away from?"
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-07-18 at 10:39 PM.
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  12. - Top - End - #12
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive plays along with Guard, keeping a watchful eye on the prisoner.

    "Death cults? Perhaps. But in the anals of history, they tend to focus on the collection of magical artifacts capable of mass destruction; Kilroy thinks it's racially motivated, but the pattern of the attacks seem to have little discrimination. I hypothesize that it could be a distraction, or to cause as much fear and panic as possible while they carry out their true plan.

    Though I have to admire how they could amass and brainwash so many people who can't think for themselves..."


    Archive bounces back a few vague ideas with her knowledge of the streets at Guard, and hopes to see what he could not.

    [spoiler]Streetwise: (1d20+9)[20]
    Last edited by Vesth; 2012-07-19 at 10:11 AM.
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  13. - Top - End - #13
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    The Prisoner looks stoic as Guards starts with him, but winces at the mention of his lack of guilt over human casualties. He also seems to stir a little at Archive's mention of brainwashing. He turns to her.

    You wouldn't know the first thing about free will you filthy Rusthead. Don't any of you ever fool yourselves into thinking your clanker hearts know the first thing about human emotions like guilt, or fear.

    With that he resumes staring at the floor, his face set a little harder than before.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  14. - Top - End - #14
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    "No? Alright, then maybe you can answer a question for me..."

    Guard is practically growling at this line of conversation himself. Who is this mass murderer to give him a lecture about guilt? Or humanity, for that matter?

    Just the same, this sure does seem to be one of his buttons - now to see what happens when it's pressed a few more times.

    "How is it, exactly, that certain humans can suppress their sense of guilt so thoroughly that they can wipe out entire city blocks without so much as an explanation? When you were staring at those families through that mask, what problem was weighing on your mind so heavily that you deemed liquefying them was an acceptable solution?"

    It's pretty clear that this prisoner does not want to be tricked or bargained with. It's also pretty clear that he already feels awful about what he did, and is just kidding himself otherwise. Some people never bother with giving answers until they start asking themselves the same questions.

    "I heard some of the report on my way up. The first victim's body was so charred that we haven't been able to identify her yet. All we know is that she was a little human girl who liked kittens. What happened when you found out that part of the plan? Did you just up and volunteer when you got the chance?"
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Ward's mind wandered as he walked and he arrived at the station slightly later than expected. He quickly headed downstairs to join the interrogation.

    He watched with interest as Archive and Guard tried their methods on the prisoner. The nuances of humans were still new to Ward. He had little luck with traditional interaction and had come to rely on his magical knowledge to impress or scare.

    After Guard tries his line of questioning, Ward decides try his methods. "Perhaps a more direct approach is necessary." He says to Guard with a whisper.

    Ward slowly approaches the prisoner and speaks with as cold and mechanical a tone as he can muster. "You may be correct in your assertion that my *clanker* heart does not know the first thing about human emotions but my *clanker* brain knows plenty about the arcane and it's effect on the human anatomy. Did you know that Argent Rain burns at over 8,000 degrees? It's so hot that the very air continues to sear flesh after the initial burst" Ward abruptly slams a hand against the wall next to the prisoner's head and leans in, his face a few inches from the prisoner's. "Now, I can give you a personal demonstration or you can tell us what you know."

    Spoiler
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    Arcana check in place of an intimidate with Arcane Mutterings:
    Preview screwed up the roll

    * post roll count doesn't match database
    Last edited by PChubby; 2012-07-20 at 04:10 AM. Reason: hit post too soon

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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive's voice softens a bit, playing out the scene.

    "Many people have died.

    Many innocent people have died.

    Do you think any cause is worth the death of babies or children?

    Children that have their whole lives ahead of them?

    Have you ever considered how many families you have destroyed, how many bright futures you have burned?

    You say you have emotions. That you have guilt and fear.

    Do you have a conscience? Or are you like us 'mindless robots'?"
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    It seems like the mixture of fear and guilt are finally getting to the prisoner.

    Shut up! That wasn't me, I didn't know anything about that little girl.. I... They just told us to wait for the signal! Once we heard the signal, we were supposed to take off the blinders and go. They didn't say there would be innocents, they didn't say anything about it! We just had our instructions, we were supposed to follow them or it would be very bad for us. Once the blinders were off it was too late, we were already killing. You don't just turn back at something like that, not with this crowd.

    The prisoner looks close to tears now, it would appear that he has been suppressing any guilt he might have felt, ignoring the scale of the atrocities he has committed.

    Oh gods, that poor little girl. Why? What was the purpose? They were all innocents..

    His eyes narrow suddenly.

    You rusthead bastards! You don't even care about that little girl, do you? Not even a shred. This was a trick, something to get me to say too much! No more, you won't fool me again.

    His expression hardens and he resumes staring at the ground.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  18. - Top - End - #18
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive pauses for a moment, letting his emotions settle, before talking again.

    They didn't say anything about the innocents.

    There's a lot they didn't tell you.

    Do you want the innocents to stop dying?

    DO YOU?

    You can prevent more people like that little girl from dying. You can.

    If you cooperate with us, we will do everything in our ability to prevent more deaths like these.

    If you don't, and more innocent people die because of your prejudice, well...

    Who do you honestly think is worse? Us 'rustheads' or you MURDERERS?"
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    "Uuuugh."

    More insults. Guard is glad to let Archive take care of it.

    Unrelated prejudice notwithstanding, he has to wonder why this guy would be protecting the same people who had tricked and enslaved him...

    Did they threaten his family? No, there were too many other culprits; it'd be a logistical nightmare even for the most organized of criminals... He doesn't seem to really believe in what, "this crowd," was doing, either... Was he originally just trying to impress someone? To fit in? Or was he telling the truth earlier, when he said he was holding his tongue to save his own skin?

    He waits a beat to see where Archive gets before asking these questions aloud.
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-07-20 at 02:46 PM.
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    I... I can't say much, they'll know someone lived. They'll send someone to kill me once they know the watch has someone in their custody. You've got to understand, these people deal in pain and fear. I cannot fathom the torment they would put me through as revenge.

    He looks around nervously.

    They have eyes and ears everywhere, I'd be surprised if they didn't have men in the watch itself. I can't tell you any names, but I can tell you where to look. Those were some powerful spells we used in that attack. Not many guys can make scrolls like that, even in a city this big. Some of them we made in-house, one of the head guys sat locked in a room producing scrolls day in and day out. The rest we bought. I only went once, to a guy operating out of the temple district. I forget his name, but he was in a little hut attached to the temple of Bahamut. He would be a good place to start, I don't think there are many vendors with his quality merchandise in this city.

    He has begun sweating nervously, and with a furtive glance at the door he asks:

    How safe is this dungeon anyway? Last thing I need is a blade in the back for trying to do the right thing.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Guard looks around thoughtfully. "I'd say it's as safe a place as any, but that might not mean much if your story is to be believed... and I am inclined to believe it, or at least to believe that you believe it. I'm just glad that you're thinking to do the right thing before something happens, rather than after. We are going to want some more details before we start any spy-hunting, though."

    He doesn't want to stay too long grilling this guy now that there is another lead, but the idea of letting him get killed unnecessarily isn't too appealing either...

    "Did they tell you anything, or did you overhear anything else? Even the way they got to you in the first place could be useful, or the name of the organization."
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-08-02 at 11:40 PM.
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  22. - Top - End - #22
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Hah, if I knew more I'd have told you. It's not like they're gonna go easy on me for not naming any names. Secrecy is what these bastards live by, I've never known in all my years as a criminal an organization that covers their tracks so neatly as they do.

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    It suddenly dawns on you that the tattoo on the man's neck (a common feature among the city's criminal element) is the same symbol you saw recently in the book about Annon Myss.
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive paused, noting the tattoo on the man's neck.

    "And, by chance, does this criminal organisation have anything to do with Annon Myss or a Doppleganger?" Archive asked curiously.
    Last edited by Vesth; 2012-07-26 at 10:23 AM.
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  24. - Top - End - #24
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    I don't know anything about any doppelgangers, but I did hear the name Myss whispered by my superiors now and again. I don't know who it is, I don't think they were ever at the compound. Someone powerful? Are they the doppelganger you're looking for?
    My apologies to any of the players in the 4th edition DnD games I was running. I know I vanished abruptly, you guys didn't deserve that.

  25. - Top - End - #25
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive froze for a moment, her processors kicking into overdrive.

    "We're done here, let's go."
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  26. - Top - End - #26
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    The mention of Doppelgangers combined with the suspect's conspiracy theories is enough to set Guard's figurative gears in motion as well.

    "Doppelgangers? Here might not be all that safe after all, then..."

    He doesn't quite catch how dumb this train of thought sounds, but at least he had the sense to wait until he was out of earshot of anyone outside of his task force.

    Guard remains hung up on this as the group discusses Archive's background explanation on Myss and prepares to investigate the scroll salesman lead. "I don't like it. If this really has something to do with a ring of shapeshifters, we're not gonna be gone five minutes before some impostor's gonna slip in here and silence our suspect unnoticed."

    "...what if we took him with us? I can cuff him to my left arm with some manacles and see if anything we run into jogs his memory. Then if anyone tries to assassinate him, we'll know, and if he turns on us, we'll know that too."

    ...and then I don't have to feel guilty for leaving him behind,
    he thinks unconsciously.
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-08-03 at 01:33 AM.
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  27. - Top - End - #27
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Archive pauses for a moment.

    "Yes, that'll make sense. Meanwhile, I want to visit the library to check up on Myss.

    One possible solution would be that I take the prisoner with me while I scour the library, while you check out the scene first."
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  28. - Top - End - #28
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    Default Re: Kennan's Clankers (4e) IC

    Guard waits a beat to see if Ward has anything to say on the subject, but Ward presumably just sort of shrugs. Guard repeats the shrugging gesture.

    "Works for me. You might want to ask where he got that tattoo of his, too."

    Guard picks up his equipment, quickly fills out the standard form to track where he's going, and heads out to the Temple of Bahamut uptown. (Or was it downtown? These semantics can be tough to keep straight sometimes.)
    Last edited by Dr.Gunsforhands; 2012-08-19 at 10:04 PM.
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