Paridon: The Dark Metropolis (Ravenloft)

[kinem]

Outside, Calahan will pat on Father Berman's back and offer him some of his pipeweed.

"Wanna try? Extra strong tobacco from Saragoss.
- But be careful, it is said that one begins to see the ghosts of the fallen
if one smokes too much of it in a row..."

An attempt at reconcilliation?

"Thanks" Father Berman replies as he accepts. "I've always wanted to see a ghost. Ghosts are spirits who refuse to accept their proper fate. They can not be at peace until they fully accept the greater wisdom of Lady Ezra. That is why this symbol" he touches his butterfly amulet "holds a certain power over the undead. What a ghost truly needs, though, is to be persuaded of his fate."

(Speaking softly, not to be overheard, to Callahan and Perrin) "Speaking of fates, we must decide what to do with Alek. I would like to have him charged with murder, by way of the exploding mask, as well as drug dealing, and other crimes with the aim of seeing him hang. Yet some of us seem more inclined to reward his fingering of other suspects with leniency. What do you think?"

 

[industrygothica]

Darian moves toward the woman but stops short, and instead goes to the corner, in the shadows. "I know," he whispers, defeated.

Looking down at the cobbled floor with the shadows dancing on his face, he refuses to look at her, refuses to hurt her again.

"Tell me of the one called Brass," he says quietly.

 

[Rhun]

(Speaking softly, not to be overheard, to Callahan and Perrin) "Speaking of fates, we must decide what to do with Alek. I would like to have him charged with murder, by way of the exploding mask, as well as drug dealing, and other crimes with the aim of seeing him hang. Yet some of us seem more inclined to reward his fingering of other suspects with leniency. What do you think?"

"Yes," says Perrin, keeping his voice low. "I would like to see that little bastard get his comeuppance. I think we should throw the book at him, at least once we have what information we need. Right now I think we should head back to the gnome distract so I can do a little digging and see if I can't come up with something on this "Brass" character."

 

[jkason]

Ru Brike, barbaric human monk

Finished with his speech, Alek stops looking at Darian with a gasp. He lets himself collapse, shaking his head. After Ru responds, Alek responds weakly, "Thank you, Ru. I apologize for ever doubting your nobility."

Ru catches Darian's glance for a moment as they leave Alek's cell--and he feels it, just as fleeting as the glance, a single throb in his head. Nothing that you would think or suspect--it certainly is not bright like the sun, and a quick glance feel like nothing more than the everyday fleeting mystery discomforts everyone feels. But it was indeed in the glance.

As Ru approaches the others on exiting the cell, he whispers, "Someone keep an eye on Darian for me, will you? I have to speak to Gis about a few things."

If one of the other constables agrees to wrangle Darian in his absence, the monk makes his way back through the station, not sure which subject to broach first: free Alek, or the possible compromising of his fellow officer...

 

[kinem]

Father Berman looks up, slightly surprised at Ru's request.

He whispers back "Has Darian given cause to suspect him of something? And do you intend to tell Gis of this? You should tell us; it is not meet to keep secrets on this team."

 

[jkason]

Ru Brike, barbaric human monk

Father Berman looks up, slightly surprised at Ru's request.

He whispers back "Has Darian given cause to suspect him of something? And do you intend to tell Gis of this? You should tell us; it is not meet to keep secrets on this team."

Ru hesitates a moment, then says, "There's something behind Darian's eyes."

He shakes his head, frustrated. "I don't know how else to explain it, but when I catch Darian's gaze, it's not just Darian gazing back. Father, you probably understand these things better than I do. Does that make any kind of sense?"

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

"Thanks" Father Berman replies as he accepts. "I've always wanted to see a ghost. Ghosts are spirits who refuse to accept their proper fate. They can not be at peace until they fully accept the greater wisdom of Lady Ezra. That is why this symbol" he touches his butterfly amulet "holds a certain power over the undead. What a ghost truly needs, though, is to be persuaded of his fate."

"Be careful not to get an overdose, good Father. Makes the stomach sick from time to time as well..." Calahan grins his twisted grin, and lights his pipe.
Breathing deeply, he seems to relax a bit, as he whiffs the greenish smoke out...

"Speaking of fates, we must decide what to do with Alek. I would like to have him charged with murder, by way of the exploding mask, as well as drug dealing, and other crimes with the aim of seeing him hang. Yet some of us seem more inclined to reward his fingering of other suspects with leniency. What do you think?"

Calahan grunts, like a tired dog.
"As far as I am concerned, letting that son of a tiefling escape will never be an option.
For me, he is the main responsible for Torhan's death, and I won't forget that. Ever."

 

[kinem]

Father Berman sighs, and replies softly. "Ru, that's not much to go on. It might just be that the stress is getting to him - and to you. Or he may have overstepped his bounds, done things he was not meant to do, and started down a dark and slippery path. If a man is not careful, he could slowly change into a monster, step by step sinking further into madness as he goes beyond natural bounds of behavior, thinking at each step 'this is not so bad; I will relax my guard against it'.

Or in the worst case - well, you've all heard the rumors. Dopplegangers and demon possession may be a myth, for all I know. But we know some monsters are real. I can't rule out the possibility.

Or perhaps Alek has charmed him with some fey magic. We must watch for signs of it, but I intend to throw the book at Alek and hopefully put an end to the perp once and for all. Do you agree as well, Ru?

I will examine him as best I can. Tomorrow, I will attempt some divinations. In the meantime, we should just keep an eye on him."

 

[jkason]

Ru Brike, barbaric human monk

Or perhaps Alek has charmed him with some fey magic. We must watch for signs of it, but I intend to throw the book at Alek and hopefully put an end to the perp once and for all. Do you agree as well, Ru?"

Ru shakes his head. "Alek was even disturbed by what he saw in Darian's eyes, and I think we've all seen just how unshakeable that one is. Whatever it is, I don't think it's Alek.

"And on that subject, I..." the usual sturdy man falters. "...I told Alek I'd see about getting him released," he says after a deep breath. "We can send an escort with him, say it's for his protection so we can keep an eye on him, but really, I'm not sure what we can hold Alek on any more. We have no real proof of his drug business; have nothing to refute his claim that our exploding madmen left his employ quite some time ago. And, frankly, he's just suffered a terrible loss of his family. Dealing with that should keep him busy for a while, at least, and his ... resources ... might even prove valuable in finding this builder of monsters; after all, he has a personal stake in this now."

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

"Then, let me be his escort."

Calahan meaningfully touches the long knife in his belt.

"Maybe he'll even have an unfortunate accident on his way home, that rotten little bastard."