ZEITGEIST Cypherblade's Zeitgeist campaign

Cypherblade

Explorer
Hey folks,
In a couple of months I will start with the Gears of Revolution AP for my roleplay group.
So I'm in the middle of preparations and thanks to a lot of people here, I found a huge amount of advice and material to augment the experience of my players.
Thank you all for this awesome content!

On one thing in chapter 12 'The Grinding Gears of Heaven' I didn't find a satisfactory answer on the boards. let me explain....

In Chapter 12 Part 1, the party crash lands on Av and while trying to save some fey, Av breaks apart, consumed by the grinding gears of the Gyre.
In Part 2 there is some reference to Av as being plane 53 on the map which sits all way back, farthest from the destruction of the cogwheels.

How do I have to understand this? Is this a fundamental flaw in the AP? Did I misread this? Or are the remnants of Av thrown across the Gyre and will they be processed again in some distant future?

Thanks for clarification.

Hope to keep you all posted on further developments in short notice.
 

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First Audit Report, I love Gen AI :)

RHC INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION


AUDIT REPORT – Inspector Staf Overflorijn


Prepared by: Auditor Lauryn Cyneburg
Department: RHC Internal Control & Integrity Oversight
Subject: Professional Conduct Audit – Inspector Staf Overflorijn
Date: Autumn 5, 500 A.O.V.





1. Executive Summary

This audit evaluates the conduct, judgment, and reliability of Inspector Staf Overflorijn during recent operations.
Throughout the interview, Inspector Overflorijn demonstrated ideological rigidity, poor judgment, and a concerning lack of understanding of RHC standards and legal expectations.

His statements reveal a pattern of aggressive behavior, discriminatory attitudes, and improper reliance on another team member (Agent Ayleen) for both legal interpretation and moral direction.
Such tendencies place the RHC at reputational and operational risk.



2. Conduct Toward Civilians and Use of Force
Overflorijn described an incident involving a demonstration outside RHC headquarters in which he used force against an unarmed civilian. He admitted this action was not ordered by any superior, and attributed it to his personal judgment.

He expressed no remorse, stating that the newspaper coverage of such incidents is “nonsense,” and claiming—without evidence—that “the citizens would stand behind him.”
He dismissed concerns of excessive force by calling the press “a trash rag.”

His responses indicate:
  • Failure to follow de-escalation protocols
  • Disregard for public perception and accountability
  • Minimal respect for civilian rights
He further stated that his intimidating reputation stems from being a “tough trainer,” which he appeared to consider a virtue.



3. Attitude Toward Non-Risuri Individuals

Inspector Overflorijn openly stated that non-Risuri individuals are “potential threats” and “almost certainly spies.”
He added that foreign residents “should leave their own customs behind” if they wish to remain.

Such statements show:
  • Xenophobic bias
  • An inability to treat foreign citizens or agents with impartiality
  • Views incompatible with RHC’s international mandate
He could not envision a scenario in which he would follow a lawful order from a Danoran superior—an outright contradiction of chain-of-command obligations.



4. Loyalty and Priorities

When asked whether he sees himself primarily as an RHC officer or a guardian of Risur, Overflorijn stated that Risur is “more important” because the RHC “has not existed that long.”
This indicates a problematic hierarchy of loyalties.

He further claimed that if a lawful order conflicted with his view of Risuri interests, “then the law is wrong,” suggesting:
  • A willingness to disregard legal authority
  • An inability to operate within the constraints of statutory mandates
His casual remark that he would “crush the skull” of a colleague who betrayed Risur raises severe concerns regarding violent tendencies and emotional regulation.


5. Team Dynamics

Overflorijn acknowledges that fellow team members criticize him for being “too harsh” and relying on an “iron fist.”
He delegates all “soft approaches” to Agent Felix, indicating poor adaptability and inflexibility in communication style.

He repeatedly deferred questions to Agent Ayleen, suggesting she “knows best.” This reliance demonstrates:
  • A lack of independent decision-making
  • Improper dependence on a peer instead of the chain of command


6. Integrity Issues

When questioned about missing Axis Island artifacts, Overflorijn accused colleagues of selling evidence or using it for personal components. These accusations were made:
  • Without evidence
  • Without documentation
  • Without having filed any official report
This behavior constitutes either knowledge of misconduct he failed to report, or reckless, unfounded accusations to deflect responsibility.
Both options raise serious integrity concerns.



7. Assessment

Across all topics, Inspector Overflorijn demonstrated:
  • Intolerance toward foreign nationals and foreign agents
  • Improper and unilateral use of force
  • Disregard for legal structures and accountability
  • Aggressive rhetoric unbecoming of an RHC officer
  • Problematic personal ideology overshadowing professional duties
  • Poor judgment in situations involving civilians
  • Lack of emotional restraint
  • Inconsistent and unreliable statements
His attitude conflicts with the expectations of an RHC Inspector, especially one operating within a diverse, diplomatically sensitive environment.



8. Recommendation
Due to the severity of the concerns raised, the Internal Affairs Division recommends:

Immediate demotion of Inspector Staf Overflorijn to Assistant Inspector.


This demotion should be accompanied by:
  • Mandatory retraining in de-escalation, diplomacy, and legal procedure
  • Six months of behavioral supervision under an assigned senior officer
  • Quarterly performance reviews
  • Reassessment of fitness for duty after the supervision period

Should Overflorijn fail to demonstrate clear improvement, termination of service should be formally considered.

 

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Session 22
We repel the bat attack fairly quickly and without too many injuries. A while later we manage to moor; a small ribbon hangs from a tree. From here it’s another 500 meters. There are spiderwebs everywhere, as usual, but these have been cut away—some time ago. Sarïa also finds signs of alligators and footprints of trolls, though the latter are not recent.

We sleep undisturbed.

7 Autumn 500 AOV​


'Long Ben' will wait for us for two days. He refuses, however, to join us on the trip to the ziggurat. Carlao leads us toward the temple. The terrain begins to slope upward slightly, and the vegetation becomes denser. The plants here are not swamp plants—they were cultivated at some point. There are many drag marks in the soil.

We soon reach another body of water, with the ziggurat standing on a small island in the center. We get a strange sensation: which is closer, my hand or the ziggurat? Fortunately, the feeling passes. Near the ziggurat we see a camp. We circle around the lake and find another golden ribbon further along. At the back of the structure, a narrow spit of land connects to the island.

Approaching the stepped pyramid, we again feel that odd sense of our senses being overloaded. We enter the collapsed camp. Three bodies lie rotting. Everything here has been rummaged through. The bodies are surprisingly intact—not eaten, no maggots, and no scavengers have been here. Suddenly it strikes us: there aren’t even mosquitoes. Ayleen feels quite tired.

Sarïa examines the decaying corpses. There are no wounds. When she opens their mouths, she finds something fungal inside—she recognizes it as a tumor. The bodies are full of tumors. Scattered on the ground is various equipment, along with a few soaked journals missing their last pages. Nothing remains that refers to the expedition’s findings.

There is an open entrance with stairs leading down. Above the opening is a symbol: a sphere surrounded by seven concentric circles. On the sixth ring is another small sphere. According to Felix, these are the planes. The sphere on the sixth circle is Apet, the plane associated with interdimensional travel—known for its eternal sandstorms. Around the plane is a silvery ring with a piece missing.

We enter a room decorated with jaguar and dragon basins carved into the walls. The corridor behind us suddenly looks much longer. On the floor lie two more expedition members: a human man and a halfling woman. These bodies show blackened marks from necrotic damage. A tripod has collapsed against the far wall. In the rear wall are three alcoves with three figures standing in them—ork mummies, fully wrapped. One seems to be holding an absent spear, the second once had a sword, and the third stands in prayer. A note reads: * Do not touch the mummies. They’re worth a lot of money. —X(ambria)*
Two more doorways lead deeper inside.

On the right wall is another depiction: a figure struck by a heavenly beam. Where the source of the beam once was, there is now a small rectangular hole. Ayleen casts detect magic but sees nothing unusual. When she switches to detect planar energy, the same energy we sensed on the artifacts fills this entire chamber—Apet’s essence, the plane that bends space and time. That explains the strange distortions in distance and dimension.

We take the right passage. Two more alcoves with figures: in one, a mummy has speared a skeleton. The other alcove is shut with wooden slats, and behind them another ork stands with a spear, but we manage to disarm it. We reach a new chamber. On a floor tile are seven concentric rings, with a point placed on the first ring: Jiese, the plane of fire, home to salamanders, influencing war, strife, and significant births. In the center is a square pillar. Near the entrance lies a rod with a charred end. Kane senses something dangerous from the pillar. The ground around it is also blackened for about three meters.

Ayleen enters the room to the left, keeping close to the wall to avoid the scorched ground. Farther along is another passage. A mural shows the rings again, this time with the sphere on the fifth ring: Urim, the plane of earth, tied to the rise and fall of wealth. Ayleen sees that the ceiling in the next chamber looks unstable. Back in the pillar room, Sarïa attempts to leap over the blackened floor, which triggers a burst of flame. We follow more cautiously, but Felix triggers the fire again. Carlao sees a golden ring embedded in the ceiling. Sarïa pokes it with her staff, disabling the fire trap. At the back of the room is a hole chipped through the wall, leading to another room. Felix crawls through the small tunnel and finds a second pillar chamber. The tunnel is relatively recent.

Ayleen disarms the trap in the second chamber. Kane hears the trap in the first room resetting behind him as he steps out last. Carlao moves ahead into the next area, where two floating fleshy masses with many eyes drift in the air. On the walls crawl four-legged, spiderlike forms. The creatures are half-transparent, like the ones we saw earlier at the weapon expo.

Felix and Ayleen sneak forward to lure them out, but Felix makes too much noise and is spotted. They fire and fall back quickly. The creatures do not pursue. Felix tries again but is attacked before he can shoot properly—his retaliation hits hard, but at the end of his assault he is suddenly shunted into the Astral Plane.

While Felix is gone, we continue the fight. This time the creatures do pursue, but we take them down one by one. Only Felix suffers further trouble when he returns: one of the spiders impales his tongue onto his leg, and Carlao is briefly snagged as well.
 

Players weren't happy about the self-destruct switch in the ziggurat, but of course they couldn't resist pushing it....

After the fight, Felix tells us about his experience in the Astral Plane—because that’s where he spent a round. There he had a vision, vivid as a memory, about the orcs we saw at the entrance. From the vision he learned that we can make those strange half-tangible monsters fully tangible by thinking about them in a specific way.

When we try to return to the monster chamber, we discover that it has almost closed up with wild vines and roots. With a glowing stone from Kane we can just make out that the door on the far side is also sealing itself shut. Kane tries to shove the corpse of one of the monsters inside, but without success. Fortunately, Saria manages to speak with the plant, and the roots slowly pull back.

Inside, a curtain now hangs across the middle of the room. The fabric is nearly decayed. We step in carefully. When Kane enters, the floor begins to slide open; he tries to leap back into the corridor. The floor retracts completely and reveals rows of spears far beneath—another spear trap. But after a short inspection, it turns out to be an illusion.
In the center lies another stone with the circles, this time with a mark on the third ring: our world, and the moon, Av, the dream-world.

We move inside. Saria touches the curtain and it crumbles into dust. Carlao leads but spots a trap just in time. Ayleen disables it and casts detect magic, but sees nothing further. Time passes strangely, and Carlao suddenly realizes that Staf is far, far stronger than he is. His sword feels sooooo heavy. (that's the effect of the Mind Scar)

Moments later he steps into a trap out of sheer weakness. Kane and Ayleen take the lead. Ahead we find a secret door propped open, with stairs leading down and a magical glow filling the room. At the entrance lies a coconut-fiber welcome mat. Beyond it is another staircase leading down, and two pillars carved with winged serpents. At the far end is a small dais, and mounted on the wall hangs a golden tablet, about three by three and a half meters, with rounded corners.

Under the mat lies another map with a star system: a sphere on the final orbit. The invisible plane of catastrophe—Nem. When Ayleen steps further in, she notices that the winged serpents are faintly magical. The golden tablet, however, is not. The carving depicts stars, orcs, minotaurs, goblins—all seemingly fighting together against those strange monsters. Two humans and three tieflings lie dead here as well. They look like archaeologist types, though the tieflings were armed. They don’t seem to have been seasoned fighters. Their bodies have clearly already been inspected and stripped of anything valuable. On the floor, a half-circle of arcane symbols has been drawn in chalk, quite recently. It looks like two half-circles—apparently for two rituals: one for protection, one for suppressing magic. The pillars sit just outside the circles, and the circles appear broken.

Kane interrogates a dead tiefling:
  • What were you doing in this ziggurat?
    Removing the seal to transport it to Danor.
  • What killed you?
    Some idiot walked through the ritual circles and triggered the seal’s magic.
  • What is the seal for?
    It seals away something from the outside world.
  • What did you discover here?
    Rooms full of traps, two seals, and a map.
  • What was on the map?
    We think it showed what the lands looked like thousands of years ago.
Felix examines the seal to see what can be learned from the star carvings. He finds the constellation Alexia, associated with teleportation and divination.

Ayleen inspects the stone at the entrance—it’s a trigger for something, but nothing happens. Kane suddenly hears running water. A lot of water. From one side of the corridor water is flowing in, and from the other side two undead come charging.

Ayleen fires twice but misses. Kane misses too. Felix scorches one of the undead, and Carlao hacks at the other. Saria finishes the scorched one. Ayleen kills the other.

Water begins flooding the chamber with the seal, and we suspect the other corridor is filling too. So we sprint toward the exit but run into two more undead. These ones are tougher and one hits Kane, but we eventually put them down.

Back in the plant room, the roots have already begun blocking the exit again. With a lot of pushing and pulling we manage to force our way through. At the fire chamber Ayleen disables the mechanism. Finally we return to the room where we first entered and found the orcs.

Felix addresses them in Ancient, a language he suddenly remembers. But the orcs are convinced Felix has tampered with the seal. He responds by casting Chromatic Orb, dropping two of the three orcs. Ayleen shoots the last one.

During a quick rest, Ayleen notices Carlao giving her suspicious looks. That man is up to something!

And then, in the rain, we see shapes approaching from every direction—hundreds of them. While we argue whether to break through or retreat into the pyramid, the ground begins to shake and a gigantic serpent, larger than the ziggurat, rises from the swamp. A greenish light shines from its single eye. It is a Fey Titan.

The serpent coils around the ziggurat, crushing zombies while water splashes over us.
Climb, fools,” a deep voice commands.

We climb the ziggurat while the Titan continues crushing the undead.

Kane, Carlao, and Ayleen fall under a Geas cast by the Titan. The ziggurat sinks back into the swamp.

With some effort we orient ourselves and return to our guide, who only had to deal with a storm and two alligators. We take the boat back to Agate and arrive late in the evening.

Kane updates Alaric via Sending: “Insert message.”
Alaric replies that we must continue the investigation in Flint.
Then we sleep.

During the night, Ayleen searches Carlao’s belongings and discovers a note full of incriminating information about the party members.
THIS MAN IS SPYING ON US! OUTRAGEOUS! (also a mindscar)

8 Autumn 500 AOV
Fortunately, Kane casts Remove Curse, ending Ayleen’s paranoia—though she still glares at Carlao, because the note is indeed suspicious. Kane scolds Carlao for his questionable behavior, then also casts Remove Curse on him.

We ask the innkeeper about the expedition that transported the seal—it apparently weighed a ton. They rolled it over logs and used magic to move it.

In Bole we find Staf again, eating in an inn. He’s on “vacation” after spending a day in prison. Apparently he earned that vacation, he says. The auditor questioned him extensively, and judging from the type of questions, he was psychologically evaluated—and made a few mistakes. So he was sent on leave.

We eat and sleep.

9 Autumn 500 AOV​

That morning, Kane casts Remove Curse on himself, freeing himself from the Geas as well. It gives him a nasty headache. Then we board the train to Flint.

10 Autumn 500 AOV​

Arrival in Flint.
 

I've been doing some one-on-one talks with the players as part of the audit.
Staf's results:

About Conduct and Language Use​


Question: “There have been complaints about your attitude toward Risuri citizens. Can you explain what happened during the protest here at the RHC, where you acted against the demonstrators?”
Answer: There was a heavy protest and many demonstrators came across as aggressive to me. Ayleen had asked me to pull someone out of the crowd. The protesters didn’t listen and some even attacked me unarmed, which forced me to intervene.

Question: “Is there a law that forbids protesting?”
Answer: I don’t know exactly, and he points out that Ayleen is probably better informed about those regulations.

Question: “Why do you take orders from Ayleen?”
Answer: Because I am convinced that she usually knows best what needs to be done.

Question: “Did Ayleen order you to strike the protester?”
Answer: No, that was my own decision. Ayleen did not tell me to do that.

Question: “There are complaints about your attitude toward non-Risuri citizens. Do you recognize this behavior?”
Answer: Not really. For me there’s no problem as long as they’re not enemies of Risur and they adapt to our norms. They should set aside their own customs.

Question: “Have you ever humiliated or threatened a detainee based on origin?”
Answer: No, I’ve never done that.

Question: “Are you aware that your behavior reflects on the RHC (and Risur) in the eyes of its citizens?”
Answer: I believe my attitude projects a proper image.

Question: “Suppose the newspaper runs the headline: ‘Citizen attacked by RHC without cause!’”
Answer: I’d dismiss that as a trash paper. I also think many citizens would support me. Even Captain Thames Grimsley supports me.

Question: “How do you explain that colleagues describe you as ‘intimidating’?”
Answer: That comes from our training period. I was strict and gave extra drills, which they didn’t like. They called me tough back then.

Question: “Do you think diplomacy and justice are compatible?”
Answer: Sometimes, but sometimes an iron fist is simply necessary.




About His Beliefs​

Question: “You have expressed criticism of Danor and Crisillyir on several occasions. Do you consider that appropriate?”
Answer: Yes, of course, especially regarding Danor.

Question: “Would you follow orders from a Danoran superior if the order was legitimate?”
Answer: I can’t imagine that situation ever occurring.

Question: “Do you consider foreign agents colleagues or potential threats?”
Answer: I consider them potential threats. They are almost guaranteed to be spies.

Question: “Do you agree that the RHC has an international mandate?”
Answer: Yes, but that mandate mainly serves to defend Risuri interests abroad. The mission to Axis Island is a good example of that.
(When confronted with the fact that this mission officially does not exist, he reacts visibly caught out.)


Question: “Have you ever deliberately withheld information that might benefit a foreign party?”
Answer: No, certainly not.

Question: “How would you react if your team received orders that harm Risuri interests but are legal?”
Answer: Then I think that law is wrong.




About Team Conflicts​

Question: “Have you ever argued with others in your team about your attitude?”
Answer: Yes. The others say that I am too harsh and that I use an iron fist. I leave the soft approach to Felix.

Question: “Have you ever thought you’d be better off working alone?”
Answer: No, we’re a very good team.

Question: “Do you see yourself as a guardian of Risur… or as an agent of the RHC?”
Answer: Both, but primarily as a guardian of Risur. The RHC hasn’t existed that long, so Risur is more important to me.




About Loyalty​

Question: “You call yourself a patriot. What does that mean to you?”
Answer: To me it means going to the extreme for Risur, even with your life if necessary.

Question: “How far would your loyalty to Risur go if the RHC ordered you to do something you consider unjust?”
Answer: That would be difficult, but I am hardened. In the army I also had to follow orders. An order is an order.

Question: “Where is the boundary where obedience ends and treason begins?”
Answer: Ayleen knows that better than I do — ask her. Her judgment weighs more for me than that of a superior.

Question: “Would you ever betray a colleague if they dishonored Risur?”
Answer: I find that hard to imagine…
(After hesitation)
Although, I could smash his skull if necessary.

Question: “Do you think your promotion to Inspector was a mistake by the RHC?”
Answer: It was a surprise, but I’m happy with it. I feel good in my role.




Other Topics​

Question: “Reports about Axis Island mention several artifacts (medallions). How is it that these cannot be found in the archive?”
Answer: I know of one medallion with an earth elemental. I think Felix or Ayleen sold it or used it for components. You should really ask Ayleen.

Question: “Do you believe the RHC provides its inspectors with sufficient resources for their missions?”
Answer: Yes, absolutely.




Audit Report – Inspector Staf Overflorijn​

Prepared by: Director Lauryn Cyneburg
Department: RHC Internal Control and Integrity Oversight / Slate
Subject: Evaluation of professional conduct, integrity, and suitability of Inspector Staf Overflorijn
Date: 5 Autumn 500 AOV

1. Summary​


During the interview, Inspector Staf Overflorijn displayed a pattern of unprofessional behavior, ideological bias, and a poor understanding of his role within the RHC. His statements were often evasive, inconsistent, or openly at odds with the organization’s values.

Overall, this paints the picture of an agent who acts more from personal conviction than from ethical or legal obligations.

2. Analysis of Conduct and Attitude​

Staf demonstrates a heavy-handed and hostile approach, openly admitting to having struck citizens without an order from a superior. He also acknowledges that he dismisses the press, public perception, and complaint procedures.

His attitude toward both Risuri and non-Risuri citizens is discriminatory, with statements implying that some citizens should “leave their customs behind.”
This is clearly in conflict with the values of the RHC.

When asked about relevant legislation, he prefers to defer to colleagues rather than take responsibility for his own knowledge.

His belief that diplomacy is sometimes subordinate to an “iron fist” is concerning and shows insufficient grasp of proportionality.

3. Professional Reliability​

Staf does not trust foreign agents, describing them as “potential spies,” and considers it unthinkable to follow orders from a foreign superior.
This directly conflicts with the international mandate of the RHC.

His spontaneous remark that a “wrong law” may be ignored shows insufficient respect for legal frameworks.

The fact that he immediately refers to Ayleen as a moral or legal compass when asked sensitive questions demonstrates a dangerous dependence on a colleague rather than on his own chain of command.

4. Team Dynamics​

Although he claims to value the team, his attitude reveals that he seeks an authoritarian role.
He confirms that colleagues find him intimidating, attributing this to “extra exercises” he imposed during training.

Regarding loyalty, he states that he would “smash the skull” of a colleague who betrays Risur — an unacceptable and aggressive statement in any professional organization.

5. Integrity Concerns​

During the interview regarding the missing Axis Island medallions, he accuses colleagues without evidence of selling them or misusing them for personal gain.
This suggests either insider knowledge of irregularities or slanderous accusations to deflect responsibility.
Both possibilities are serious.

6. Conclusion​


Inspector Staf Overflorijn repeatedly demonstrated:

  • unprofessional conduct
  • hostile attitudes undermining diplomacy and cooperation
  • insufficient respect for laws and protocols
  • dangerous ideological rigidity
  • aggressive threats
  • lack of accountability
  • clear bias against foreign colleagues
His performance poses a risk to the RHC’s reputation, citizen safety, and internal team cohesion.




7. Recommendation​

Given the seriousness of the identified issues and the clear indications that Inspector Overflorijn is not performing his duties at the proper level, the audit committee recommends:

Demotion of Inspector Staf Belholt to the rank of Assistant Inspector.

This demotion should be paired with:
  • mandatory retraining in diplomacy, de-escalation, and civil rights
  • behavioral supervision for six months
  • evaluation sessions with an independent mentor

If no significant improvement occurs, dismissal should be considered.
 

Felix:
Auditor:
“Agent Greenleaf, thank you for appearing. This is not a disciplinary hearing but an administrative inquiry into the consistency of your reports and your handling of information. Do you understand that?”





About the Newspaper​


Question: “Your name appeared earlier this year in the Flint Observer. How do you explain that?”
Answer: I had good contacts with journalist Tarnwell. The information we had regarding the oil issue and the situation involving Mayor McBannin compelled me to act in the interest of public health, and because of that my name ended up in the article.

Question: “Did you ask permission from your superiors to speak to the press?”
Answer: No, I did not ask for permission, and that’s why I was taken off the McBannin case afterward.

Question: “Are you aware that Director Saxby personally had to endure a reprimand because of that article?”
Answer: No, I wasn’t aware. I don’t have much direct contact with Director Saxby.

Question: “Do you have any idea how that was perceived at headquarters — a field agent ‘making a name’ in the newspaper while cases are still open?”
Answer: It wasn’t my intention at all to draw attention. I was surprised myself; the journalist, Lydia, included me in the article without consulting me.

Question: “Will you take measures to avoid this in the future?”
Answer: Yes, I will request permission before speaking to the press from now on.


About His Reports​

Question: “Your reports contain conspicuous gaps. You describe ‘a confrontation at the docks’, but there’s no mention of time, location, or witnesses. How do you explain that?”
Answer: Inspector Kane is much better at administrative reporting, which is why I often leave the detailed documentation to him.

Question: “Would you say you prefer working ‘in the field’ rather than behind a desk?”
Answer: Yes, I clearly prefer fieldwork over desk work.

Question: “You often write lines such as ‘according to the observations of colleague Kane’. Is that laziness, or a deliberate choice to spread responsibility?”
Answer: It is a deliberate choice. I value Kane for his leadership and seniority, and I trust his observations.

Question: “Do you consider administrative negligence less serious than negligence in an investigation?”
Answer: I consider the investigation itself more important, and my reports are often based on partial memories. I rarely consult old case files, so I see little use in doing so.

Question: “Has anyone ever helped you rewrite or supplement your reports?”
Answer: No, I usually work alone and I don’t recall any situation where someone helped me.


About Reputation and Motivation​

Question: “Do you see yourself as someone who serves the RHC, or someone who is simply ‘trying to do the right thing’?”
Answer: I try to balance both as well as I can, always keeping the interests of Risur in mind.

Question: “What would you do if the interests of the RHC and those of Risur didn’t align?”
Answer: That would really surprise me. Our mission is to protect the country. Power struggles can happen, but in cases of true national importance — like when the King’s sister was involved — people naturally follow the path that serves the nation.

Question: “Do you feel you’ve ever been treated unfairly by Saxby or others?”
Answer: No, I don’t feel unfairly treated, not even regarding the incident with the newspaper. The whole affair was exaggerated in my opinion.

Question: “Has a colleague ever encouraged you to leave certain facts out of a report?”
Answer: On the contrary. During a discussion with Stover he advised me not to mention something, but I felt the truth should take precedence over the order of a superior.



Other
Question: “The Axis Island reports mention various discovered artifacts. How is it that these artifacts cannot be found in the archive?”
Answer: Everything related to those items went through Ayleen. I don’t know where they are now. You’ll have to ask her.

Question: “Finally: what is your assessment of the incident involving Inspector Overflorijn?”
Answer: I cannot condone what happened. Staf lost control and in my view he overreacted.

Question: “How would you feel if Inspector Kelrin were promoted?”
Answer: Kane is the calmest and often acts as the anchor of the team. Saria is also stable, though in a different way. I would like to take on that role more strongly myself. I’m open to a higher rank, but only if I can remain active in the field. I don’t know how the others would respond, but I personally have no issue with it.

Question: “Do you see yourself in a leadership role?”
Answer: I’ve been with the RHC for three years, but administration is really my weak point. Still, I think I add value in the field and contribute positively to team dynamics, but not as a leader.

Question: “Do you support giving Inspector Overflorijn a second chance?”
Answer: Yes, I hope he takes that chance, though I am concerned about the seriousness of the situation.

Question: “Can you clarify those concerns?”
Answer: He sometimes puts the team in danger. He doesn’t always make the best choices to protect us. He throws away his weapons, forgets his armor… sometimes he makes extremely impulsive decisions.

Question: “Do you have a proposal to help him?”
Answer: I don’t have a fully worked-out proposal, but perhaps a mentor — someone with a military background — could help stabilize him.

Question: “Your file mentions chaotic effects when you use your magic. How do you see that yourself?”
Answer: In my view that is limited to myself, but I don’t know exactly where it comes from. Precautionary measures are taken in accordance with the rulebook.

Question: “Do you have any comments or additions?”
Answer: No, I have no further comments.





Evaluation Report – Felix Greenleaf


Prepared by: Director Lauryn Cyneburg
Department: RHC Internal Control and Integrity Oversight / Slate
Subject: Evaluation of professional conduct, integrity, and suitability of Inspector Felix Greenleaf / Flint
Date: 10 Autumn 500 AOV

1. Summary
Over the past period, Felix has demonstrated strong investigative skills and a significant sense of responsibility. He takes initiative, remains calm under pressure, and shows growing ability to think analytically within complex cases. At the same time, there are several areas where further development is possible, particularly in team communication, prioritization, and case documentation.





2. Strengths

2.1 Analytical Ability
Felix can quickly draw connections between clues and shows a solid understanding of both factual and magical components of a case. His reasoning is generally logical, thorough, and accurate.

2.2 Stress Resilience
During crisis situations (such as interrogations, unexpected confrontations, or emotional witnesses), Felix remains remarkably calm and focused. This contributes to stability within the team.

2.3 Perseverance

Felix does not give up when a lead goes cold. He is willing to investigate new angles, helping to break open stalled investigations.


3. Areas for Improvement
3.1 Communication Within the Team

Felix is sometimes inclined to take steps independently without adequately sharing them with the team. This can lead to misunderstandings or duplicated efforts.
Recommendation: provide more frequent interim updates, especially when a hypothesis changes or when new evidence is found.

3.2 Prioritization and Focus

Felix shows enthusiasm for details but occasionally gets caught up in secondary aspects of a case, which can cost time.
Recommendation: for each new lead, briefly assess whether it aligns with the core questions of the investigation.

3.3 Written Reporting


Although Felix is strong in verbal communication, his written reports can sometimes be more concise and structured.
Recommendation: use standardized report templates and work with clear headings, conclusions, and action points.


4. Development Goals for the Coming Period

  • Provide at least one brief team update per shift (verbally or via the internal logbook).
  • Work with a prioritization list for each case to maintain focus.
  • Attend two internal writing trainings, aimed at short, clear report structure.

5. Final Conclusion

Felix is a valuable asset to the investigative team, with strong analytical skills and a reliable work ethic. With continued attention to communication, structure, and assertiveness, he will grow into one of the most complete and effective investigators within the department.
 

Kane:

Report — Testimony of Inspector Kane Kelrin​


I. Leadership, control and responsibility​


Inspector Kelrin stated that he does not consider himself the formal leader of the team, because none of them formally hold that rank. He does, however, acknowledge that he often assumes the role of the unit’s anchor, and that his colleagues sometimes point to him as a natural leader for that reason. He recognizes the characterization that he can be “too modest” about taking authority.


When team members — in particular Staf Overflorijn and Ayleen — question orders, Kane always tries to lead in a calm and constructive manner. He says that Ayleen’s remarks are usually nuanced and understandable, but that Staf acts more impulsively and frequently disregards rules. In such cases he intervenes by correcting him and reminding him of procedure and safety.


Asked whether he has ever intervened explicitly when protocol was breached, Kane answered that he always attempts to steer things back on course whenever Ayleen or Staf cross a line, and that he sees this as part of his responsibility.


Kane confirmed that he is in favor of a promotion to Chief Inspector. He stated that such responsibility would allow him to address problems within the team more efficiently. He acknowledges that Overflorijn’s outbursts are not indefinitely sustainable, but he indicated that, in his view, Staf deserves a second chance. Dismissal, according to Kane, is not appropriate.


Regarding incident reporting: Kane clarified that he discussed situations that could reflect on the team with Head Inspector Delft, such as the incident at the consulate. He made clear that Lady Saxby might have been able to use such issues against them, though this did not occur. The team nevertheless felt uneasy about concealing facts, so the incidents were afterwards openly discussed within the team and with Delft.


About special authorizations, Kane says a field team sometimes does not have time to request formal permission. He is open to reevaluating those procedures.





II. Internal conflicts & risk management​


Asked how he preserves neutrality between Staf’s outspoken Risuri nationalism and the more pragmatic stance of the rest of the team, Kane replied that this is only a problem with Overflorijn; the other members behave professionally.


Kane confirmed that he has witnessed some racist or transgressive remarks — mainly from Staf directed at an orc druid — but that these never escalated to actions. He emphasizes that a very thorough briefing is necessary when the team operates abroad.


He refers to ongoing concerns regarding Danor: the situation around Lya Jierre, the legacy of Duchess Ethelyn. He questions the large sums Bergeron invested and what became of them. He underlines that a real threat exists originating from Danor, combined with possible recurring Danoran magic — something Nathan Jierre hinted at.


He calls the Axis Island mission “a strange affair” in which he and his team tried to remain professional despite the political pressure.


Regarding Ayleen’s past with the Kell Guild, Kane says he was not aware of it. According to him, Ayleen was trapped by circumstances — through mentor Kvarti Gorbatiy — into that situation to repay a debt. He has no reason to doubt her sincerity. He refers to the influence of the Family from Crisillyir and states that Cippiano once proposed framing the dragonborn. Kane refused because he did not want to create a dependency.


He acknowledges that the Kell crossed serious boundaries and that the Family derived pragmatic advantage from that. He wonders how the competitive relationship between the two groups will evolve.





III. About his fear and vulnerabilities​


Kane confirms that during a night operation there was a moment when he “froze.” He describes this as the result of a very unpleasant, personal association with darkness and the undead. He stresses that his ability to speak with the dead sometimes takes a toll on his mental resilience.


He admits that dark, underground, or poorly lit environments still affect him. Ayleen developed technical aids to help him with this, including goggles for better night vision. Since he has been using those, the fear has become less dominant.


Kane has never refused an operation, but acknowledges that he sometimes hesitated or tended to avoid missions that trigger his fears. Thanks to conversations with the Head Inspector he has made progress.


He denies that his fear negatively impacts the team; on the contrary, his colleagues often push him to do things that go against his nature.





IV. Missing material, irregularities & archival issues​


Kane states that he is not aware of the two recovered medallions from Axis Island and cannot say where they are located.


Regarding the team’s administrative state, he says that Ayleen has taken over much of the reporting, and that Felix generally refers matters to him in reports. He considers this reliable. He argues against alternative or cumbersome systems.


About the newspaper situation and the “Observer,” Kane explains that the team was punished for this and that corrective action was necessary.





V. Loyalty and priorities​


Kane says he is willing to take responsibility for his team, but that individuals are also personally accountable for their actions. He states that in his reports he always chooses Risur and Flint, and that he prefers transparency over concealment.


Asked how he ranks his loyalty, he answered:
1. The truth.
2. His team.
3. The RHC.



When asked to choose between saving his team or preserving the RHC’s reputation, Kane says the lives of innocents always take precedence, even over his team members, and that he would never put reputation above human lives.


He states that Sarïa is a reliable colleague with no background issues that affect her work.





Additional concerns reported by Inspector Kelrin​


Kane reports serious concerns about a threat stemming from the Bleak Gate, including black oil that can absorb spirits. He notes that Gale entered the Bleak Gate but does not appear to be a terrorist — which raises the question of where the recent escalation comes from.


He also voices reservations about Danoran magic, referring to information from Nathan Jierre, and points to broader geopolitical threats. He asks the committee to forward these concerns to Price-Hill.





RHC – Evaluation Report​


Subject: Inspector​


Recommended measure:​


Prepared by: Director Lauryn Cyneburg
Department: RHC Internal Control and Integrity Oversight / Slate
Subject: Evaluation of professional conduct, integrity and suitability of Inspector Kane Kelrin / Flint
Date: 10 Autumn 500 AOV


1. Summary​


Inspector Kane Kelrin has, over recent years, developed into the natural linchpin of his unit. Despite the lack of a formal rank hierarchy within his team, he spontaneously assumes the role of stabilizing factor and moral anchor. His team members consistently describe him as “the calm eye of the storm” and a “reliable constant in difficult circumstances.”


The committee assesses his leadership qualities as excellent, his integrity as impeccable, and his ability to cooperate as exemplary.


Therefore, a promotion to Chief Inspector is recommended, provided he continues to perform his field role.





2. Leadership and responsibility​


Inspector Kelrin demonstrates a rare combination of empathetic leadership and procedural discipline. He is not an authoritarian voice, but a unifying force who strengthens decision-making within the team rather than replacing it.


He corrects his colleagues — particularly Inspector Overflorijn — with patience and resolve. In situations where protocols risked being breached, he has repeatedly tried to steer the mission without provoking escalation.


His handling of incident reports is careful: he properly weighs the impact on Risur and the RHC and consults Head Inspector Delft when necessary.


The committee concludes that Kelrin already de facto leads his unit, and that formal recognition of that position will reinforce operational consistency.





3. Team cohesion and conflict management​


Kelrin’s unit includes outspoken personalities, including:


  • the impulsive but loyal Staf Overflorijn,
  • the technically brilliant but headstrong Ayleen,
  • the chaotic-administrative Felix,
  • the quiet observer Sarïa.

Nevertheless, under his leadership the team remains functional, efficient, and professional.
Kelrin preserves neutrality in sensitive political circumstances and corrects transgressive remarks without allowing tensions to escalate.


The committee recognizes his ability to maintain stability in groups with high internal diversity.





4. Professional integrity​


Kelrin demonstrates pronounced loyalty to the truth.
In his ordering of duties he places:
(1) the truth, (2) his team, (3) the RHC — in that order.


This is not a weakness but a strength: it shows an officer who will never lie to hide mistakes, while protecting his team when justified.


His reporting is honest, complete, and focused on the welfare of Risur and its citizens.





5. Managing personal vulnerabilities​


Inspector Kelrin has spoken openly about his discomfort in dark or underground environments caused by prior encounters with undead phenomena.


The committee values his transparency and notes that:


  • he has never refused an operation,
  • he actively takes measures to manage this fear (e.g., night-vision equipment),
  • his team supports rather than suffers from it.

There is no indication that this vulnerability impairs his professional performance.





6. Administrative and operational reliability​


Although Inspector Kelrin is not the most administratively inclined member of the team, he compensates with clear instructions, correct reporting, and timely consultation of colleagues.


The committee rates him satisfactory for administration, but excellent for operational leadership.


His handling of missing materials and prior reporting incidents shows that he is transparent when something is outside his control.





7. Recommendation​


Given his demonstrated:


  • leadership qualities,
  • stability under pressure,
  • integrity,
  • ability to lead a diverse team,
  • and his standing within both his unit and the higher ranks,

the committee strongly recommends promoting Inspector Kane Kelrin to Chief Inspector.


This promotion should be accompanied by:


  1. Retention of his operational field role, given his great value in active operations.
  2. Mentorship duties for junior agents, specifically Overflorijn, for whom Kelrin is the ideal transitional figure.
  3. Regular case-review sessions regarding complex geopolitical dossiers (Danor, Bleak Gate), given his strong analytical approach.




8. Closing statement​


The committee concludes that Inspector Kelrin is not only fit for promotion, but that his formal leadership within the RHC will have a strengthening effect on future operations in Flint and beyond.
 

Saria:

Statement of Agent Sarïa​


I. Observation, role and neutrality​


Agent Sarïa describes her role within the team as twofold. During investigations and analytical tasks she consciously and actively contributes to the collection and interpretation of information. In conflict situations she is generally more reserved, although when she adopts an animal form — usually a lion — she spontaneously takes a more protective position at the very front of the line. She describes herself as modest, but effective where it matters.


She fully recognizes the way her colleagues describe her, calling her a point of calm and an observer. She says this attitude stems from many years of habitually working alone and continuously absorbing information without reacting impulsively. Within the team this has translated into a quiet, observing function.


Regarding her dealings with Inspector Overflorijn she states that he often exaggerates and sometimes behaves like “a child in the body of a large man.” She views his behavior with mildness but also with realism.


Asked whether she has ever actively corrected course when she sensed danger, Sarïa cites the mission at the ziggurat, in which she led the team through the wilderness based on her intuitive connection with nature. She emphasizes that she knows exactly when to contradict Kane, but that there are moments — especially when pressure is high — when it is not appropriate to enter into debate. In those situations she experiences some of the team’s decisions as impulsive.


Concerning withholding suspicions, she explains that Flint, with its technology and social tensions, often forces people into positions they do not want to be in. She tries to understand why people act as they do, and that makes her sometimes observe first before speaking. She acknowledges that Staf’s attitude toward other races and classes regularly gives her pause.


She indicates that a superior over Staf could have a positive effect on his functioning, and that Kane would be suitable for that role, although she doubts whether Staf would recognize that authority.


Sarïa confirms that she considers unethical behavior unquestionably reportable. That she has not filed a complaint about Overflorijn, she explains by saying that at the time it did not seem the right moment to do so.





II. Magic, shapechanging and ethics​


Sarïa confirms that she possesses shapechanging abilities that are operationally deployable. She uses this magic primarily on the basis of intuition, not according to a formal procedure. She states that, as far as she knows, there is no RHC protocol for the use of her specific magic, and that such a protocol would likely limit her ability to respond flexibly. In her view not all scenarios can be captured by rules.


About logging her transformations she says she assumes they are usually recorded correctly in reports, although she does not keep a detailed personal log herself. For her, the transformation feels like a natural course of events, and she tries to limit its use to what is necessary.


She admits that she has sometimes assumed a form to analyze a situation unseen, especially to assess potential dangers to her team. She stresses that her awareness and moral compass remain fully intact during these forms — there is no shift in judgment or intent. She confirms that she remains legally fully responsible for her actions in any form she takes.


Responding to the remark that she may sometimes remain in animal form longer than strictly necessary, she says she does not recall that and that colleagues do not always share the same insights or perspectives. She adds that she, in turn, does not judge how others use their powers.





III. Interpersonal distance and emotional safety​


Sarïa states that she trusts her team professionally. She emphasizes, however, that she lived alone for many years and returned to Risur to put her powers at the service of the country and its people — not necessarily to forge close personal ties. For her, trust does not need to extend beyond professional functioning.


Asked whether she fears being permanently changed by what she sees during operations, she answers that some things do indeed strike deeply against human nature. Still, she experiences that her mission — protecting people from the misuse of technology — actually strengthens her. She sees her personal outlook as largely compatible with her work in the long term.


According to her, knowing too little is more dangerous than knowing too much. She feels most unsafe when others know more than she does, and she emphasizes that information enables her to make better decisions.





IV. Judgment, integrity and risk assessment​


Sarïa refuses to single out one team member as the greatest risk. In her view the team is at its weakest when anyone is missing, because each member is necessary in their own domain. She has not yet encountered a situation in which one specific colleague formed a serious problem.


Regarding Inspector Overflorijn she says that dismissal would not be appropriate. The RHC serves as a home for him, in her view. A demotion or stronger supervision would be more fitting — he still needs to find his place, she believes.


She describes the team as a very strong group, with complementary skills and the capacity to take responsibility. She emphasizes that the RHC should better leverage this “strong card” and that the quality of the team is not always correctly reflected in the quality of the reports. She would unhesitatingly recommend the team as an operational unit.


Finally, she notes that magical items are sometimes treated too lightly and that these should be better examined or tested before operational use.


About the missing medallions from Axis Island she states that she has no idea what happened to them afterward.





Evaluation Report – Inspector Saria​


Prepared by: Director Lauryn Cyneburg
Department: RHC Internal Control and Integrity Oversight / Slate
Subject: Evaluation of professional conduct, integrity and suitability of Inspector Saria Nightbloom / Flint
Date: 10 Autumn 500 AOV


I. General impression​


Inspector Saria Nightbloom presents as a thoughtful, analytically strong, and morally reliable force within the team. Her demeanor is calm, her powers of observation sharp, and her commitment to the RHC and Risur genuine. Although she often places herself in the background, multiple testimonies show that she is a crucial stabilizing factor in operational work.


Her style is reserved but never passive. In conflict situations she steps forward when necessary — “like a lion,” as one colleague put it — with a sharp focus on protection and situational awareness. In investigations she works carefully and thoroughly.


The committee fully recognizes these qualities.





II. Team dynamics and role adoption​


Saria describes her role as twofold:


  1. Analytical contributor during investigations, where she easily detects patterns, anomalies, and wrongs.
  2. Physical defender in dangerous situations, where she takes a forward position without seeking recognition.

Colleagues describe her as a point of calm and a quiet observer; she confirms this but nuances that she chooses very deliberately when to intervene. She often withholds information until she has certainty, but this is never from negligence — rather from a desire to understand additional context, especially in a city like Flint where technology and social tensions force people into choices that are not always black-and-white.


Her assessment that Inspector Overflorijn functions better under clear authority shows insight into group dynamics. She is positive about the possibility of Kane fulfilling that role.





III. Magical capabilities and adherence to ethics​


The inspector can confirm that she possesses shapechanging magic that is operationally usable. The criteria she uses for deployment are intuitive and situation-dependent — not always by the book, but consistent with safety and risk mitigation.


There are currently no formal RHC protocols for shapechanging; her approach therefore does not deviate from an existing norm but fills a gap. The committee acknowledges that her magic is a unique asset.


She remains morally and intellectually stable during transformations and accepts legal responsibility for all her actions.


There is no evidence that she has abused her abilities; the committee does note that transformations should be logged more consistently, and the inspector is willing to do so.





IV. Integrity, risk assessment and responsibility​


Saria demonstrates a pure moral compass and has a clear stance on unethical behavior: it must be reported regardless of origin. That she did not previously report Overflorijn she justifies by citing “the wrong moment,” which the committee accepts but wishes to improve through clearer reporting lines.


Regarding operational risks she refuses to pit team members against one another: each agent is needed, and risk depends on context.


Her stance toward Overflorijn is nuanced: the RHC is his home, but demotion seems more appropriate than dismissal. This is seen as a balanced assessment.


She also confirms that the team sometimes handles certain magical artifacts too lightly. The committee takes this warning seriously and refers it to the Magical Oversight Division.





V. Professional maturity and emotional resilience​


Saria trusts the team professionally but maintains a healthy emotional distance — a logical consequence of years of solitary living.
Her work does not change her negatively: on the contrary, she feels strengthened in her mission to protect Risur’s citizens from abuses of magic and technology.


Regarding information posture she judges clearly:
Too little knowledge is more dangerous than too much.
The committee recognizes this insight as valuable for her role.





Conclusion and Recommendation​


Inspector Saria Nadir operates at a stable, reliable, and professional level. Her contributions to the team are substantial, sometimes even underestimated, and she forms a moral backbone that helps the team focus in morally complex situations.


Her reporting and documentation could be tighter, and there should be more visibility into her magical use. But these points do not detract from her operational value.


Final result: Satisfactory​


Recommendation: Retain in current position, with a modest expansion of responsibilities as she indicates readiness.

one more to go...
 


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