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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 8266407" data-attributes="member: 2012">"You have been busy," Oakfirst replies. "It sounds like he might be some sort of Enchanter. There are ways to cast magic without using the traditional hand gestures and materials. He abilities are something for The Five and the Wizard Council to determine. But, I know Commander Mildenhall well, and he will be very cautious when dealing with the doppelganger." He pauses. "While the Prison Tower is likely where this Mani would have ended up in the end, I wasn't going to indulge Captain Launceleyn's ego.""So, you never found young Aceron. Hmm, let's hope the doppelganger didn't murder him and lied to you about his fate. It doesn't surprise me that Geoffrey Suggitt has disappeared from his post. The young man is troubled and his entire family is a mess. If it wasn't for my high regard for Arcanus Appolyon and his willingness to help try to straighten the man out, I'd have dismissed Suggitt from the Elites years ago. More than likely he is drunk and face down in a bed." He pauses again while passing the closed gate of the Lord Mayor's residence. "Guards being absent from their post at the Gate of Scales is more troubling. Its watch post is key for the security of this ward. For there to be a secret passage leading out of one of its cells is major contravention. It's hard to believe that the Elites stationed there wouldn't have known about it, and if that is the case, that means the corruption in the ranks of the Regulars and Elites goes well beyond what I've suspected.""I haven't heard of any major escapes happening at Post #30," Custodio says. "It's always had a good reputation among the Elites. A prime assignment with a lot of recognition.""Yes, that's why we should be worried," Oakfirst replies. He glances at Tim and Vinccenzo. "For it to be abandoned just as you're ambushed by the Rising Swords while transporting the doppelganger to the barracks cannot be a coincidence. And from what you've described, it doesn't seem like we're dealing with foul play. Someone has been paid to look the other way.""Or were in on it," Custodio adds.The Gate of Scales comes into view and you can see that Akos, Breva, and Tuck are gathered outside the guard post along with the Regulars guards Mariana and Roland. There are numerous citizens gathered around them asking questions and making requests to speak to an Elite. When the Lord Commander comes into view, the two guards quickly come to attention."Commander Oakfirst," Roland says while saluting. "I hadn't expected you to come deal with this situation. Lieutenant Covington and Arcanus Noguera are already inside with Sergeant Astagnory interrogating the prisoners.""I know," Oakfirst says grimly before heading towards the door to the guard post. "Custodio, stay here with Sir Tymbeck and the Sectarian. I must go deal with Captain Launceleyn's lapdog." He disappears inside and you can hear him order both Herleva and Arcanus Noguera out.Herleva rushes to stand next to Roland, her eyes wide. "He looks really angry."The human woman who comes out with her shakes her head in disbelief. "I knew this was going to happen. I hate it when the Second Captain orders me into a mess. Why -- oh why -- doesn't she just reassign me?" The tall woman sighs and shakes her head.Oakfirst slams the door to the guard post shut but that doesn't stop you from hearing his voice raised in anger at the lone Riftwatch Elite left inside. What is troubling is that Lieutenant Covington yells back him with vigor. The argument goes on for a good ten minutes."How does he get away with saying that crap and not lose his position in the Elites?" Roland asks, flabbergasted."From what I've heard, he's too valuable to get rid of," Custodio says. "He's one of the best investigators in the Elites." He looks at Tuck. "He's probably better than you at tracking people down. Plus, his family is very well... connected to both the nobility and the citizens of the Undercity.""I have a feeling he might get reassigned this time," the arcanus notes. "That will make my life easier.""Don't count on it," Custodio says. "He's a favorite of The Five. Even this mess with the Iron Gate likely won't tarnish him too much. The man is brilliant. The fact he's an arrogant standish doesn't seem to matter. He's not a bad man, just hard to work with.""You will follow my orders, Akia, or I will have you reassigned to the Bluffside Mountain Rangers!" Commander Oakfirst yells from inside the post. The silence that follows is deafening.The crowd around the guard post thins out even more. Soon there are only a handful of onlookers left. Most of them are dumbstruck by the Lord Commander's vitriol towards such a highly respected member of the Elites."People, don't just stand there gawking, go home!" Roland orders.Soon only Lord Reddish and another man is left standing around your group and the Regulars. Tim notes that the other man doesn't look like a servant or even a local. He looks like he could have some goblin blood in him.The Lord Commander comes out of the guard post with a middle-aged man who seems like he'd be more at home on the streets stealing coin purses. His ruddy hair is slicked back (almost greasy), and he has a scruffy face and appearance. While he wears the uniform and sash of a Elite, it doesn't look like he takes very good care of his clothing. His boots and his weapons, however, are immaculate."Arcanus Noguera, you are to remain here and help figure out what in the Nine Hells has gone on here at Post #30. Custodio will have oversight while you are working alongside this group of heroes. Is that understood?""Yes sir.""I still say you're making a m-," Lieutenant Covington says in a weaselly voice. The man's voice oozes with spite and arrogance."One more word out you, and that reassignment begins now," Oakfirst growls.The man says no more."Sir Valencia, Sir Sciarra, Loremaster Akos, Mr. Tuck, Sectarian d'Lucio," Oakfirst says. "I see you've met Arcanus Castellana Noguera. She is a diviner, so you should find her useful in finding out what has happened here. I looked at the hole in the floor -- it should not be there! -- and the passageway underneath, and I looked over your prisoners. They seem secure enough, but I will send a full detachment of Elites that I personally trust to take them into custody for transport to the barracks." He shakes his head. "It's too bad about Odhran. While I didn't know him personally, I'd heard good things about him in my reports. He was likely on his way to becoming an Elite some day. Tragic.""Sir, I'll let you know what we find," Custodio says."Yes, regular reports this time, Vecchi. No slacking off the paperwork... to me or to Sir Silvon.""Yes sir."Oakfirst pulls a pouch off his belt and tosses it to Tuck. "A stipend from Lady Pomander for all your good work so far. While you haven't brought the Renegade to justice yet, bringing in the Old City Killer is a boon for Bluffside. I'm quite impressed. But, don't get too distracted from your mission. Del Cannitha is the prize we really want."The Lord Commander looks around. "Where did Master Relgar go? Did the Wizard Council call him back?"It is at this point that it dawns on Tim and the others that Relgar hasn't been with them for some time. The group has this sense that he is fine, but he has gone his own way and hasn't been part of the team for some time. It's strange. It's almost like he faded into the background."And who is this?" Oakfirst motions to Falen. "Someone new working with you?" He moves to shake the half-hobgoblin's hand. "Or are you just a newcomer to our fine city? I hope these recent troubles won't put you off staying in Bluffside?" Oakfirst doesn't balk at Falen's heritage. The man has likely seen all sorts of people in his time as the head Bluffside's guards. "I am Lord Commander Reginald Oakfirst. Your name, sir?"OOC: The pouch contains 500 platinum pieces. The pouch is a bag of holding.</blockquote>

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