☆ Event Log: Snatched, Part Two

[faileas]

Event Log: January, Snatched - Part Two

I. A Great Escape (20th, Evening) It's been a miserable six days for the Mirrorbound and refugees kept locked away in a basement cell block, subject to all kinds of torment and experimentation. They're a resilient sort, though, and their efforts to organize and bolster each other are not in vain. As the time passes with no sign of the City Guard drawing close to their operations, the Rathmore family grows overconfident, and characters can hear them talking to each other about another mass-kidnapping in the works. The best opening comes late on the night of the 20th. A few of the family's numbers are out - notably, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother are attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, and Constance is making an appearance at the Coven. This leaves the more inexperienced cousins in charge, the lesser known Rathmores with no particular skill outside of cruelty. Changing of the guard begins as usual, a handful of Rathmores delivering some sparse rations and taking their time to choose a few prisoners to remove from their cells, but this time, the Mirrorbound bite back. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Daenerys and Asura, along with the prisoners preparing an organized revolt, a fire started in the torture room provides chaos and cover - and one dead Rathmore cousin, whose body gives up some of the keys to a handful cells. Time to play the cards you've held close to your chest over days of torture, your held-back spells, your tricks, your items that weren't confiscated. A mass escape isn't likely, with so many people still present in the building and so many of the captives injured and tired, but with enough of a distraction in the form of a prison riot, which may be enough to overpower the three Rathmores initially left in the cell block, a handful of scrappy Mirrorbound may make it out to safety before reinforcements arrive. a. The Escape Attempt There is one door out of the cell block, the main, heavy, warded door that the Rathmores enter and exit from every few hours. It's locked down tight - but it's possible to power through it, pick the lock, or charm it open. On the other side of the door, in the greater basement area, they'll find themselves free of the Bond dampening. Witch magic make take some time to return, depending on whether they were drugged or only charmed, but it'll be important to move quickly. The Rathmores' basement area is large - the size of the mansion above and the grounds put together, and they'll find themselves on the lower of two levels. The cellblock turns out to be a room within an even bigger room, with the stairs at the opposite end. The dangers are numerous: magical and mechanical traps set in areas marked off-limits, illusions intended to confuse and turn people around. There is only one completely safe path from the cellblock door to the stairs, unless they take the time to disarm the traps and illusions with their returning magic and abilities. That safe path is faster but more exposed, with two or three Rathmores in pursuit, and also the other people that could occasionally be heard outside the door - young aristocrats in on the kidnapping, who thought the Mirrorbound would be sent home. They're just as surprised to see you as you are them. In fact, it's not difficult to overpower these non-Rathmore kidnappers; they're obviously shocked to see Mirrorbound still here, in such states, and some are quite angry, or scared to learn what they've inadvertently gotten themselves into. A good handful flee instead of fight, but some others follow through on the shouted orders to go after you. Use the chaos your appearance causes to your advantage. Once escapees reach the upper basement level, up the stairs and through a hidden door, a few more traps remain, but up here, it looks more like a normal basement; servants' quarters, empty for some time now, storage rooms full of antiques, and winding hallways connecting them. It's easier to hide in this dusty maze to escape any pursuers, and eventually, they find the servants' exit out onto the back grounds. From there, freedom is just a run and a decorative, wrought-iron fence away. b. The Chaos Back in the cells, everything descends into chaos. The Rathmores are furious; while two or three of the cousins go after the escapees, the rest begin to gather down in the cell block, put out the fire, and the interrogations begin. They don't bother taking prisoners out to torment them now - they can't, with their torture room charred and smokey. Their main focus is forcing prisoners back in, and locking everything down with magic and heavy chains, to ensure no one else gets out. They grow more vicious now, and they begin speaking directly to the captives - they want to know which ones got free, how they managed it, who helped them, where they're going, who they're going to tell. Those who refuse to talk will be gagged or muzzled or simply beaten without finesse, and they'll move on to the next captive. Preying on the Mirrorbound's camaraderie with each other is the tactic they quickly turn to, hurting one to try and make another talk. The talk outside the main door grows louder in these few hours, angrier. Occasionally one of the Rathmore cousins will go out to spin some lies, or simply shout down any protesting. Some of the enchantments were damaged in the riot, though - they can hear you, just as well as you can hear them, muffled but still mostly clear. The more they hear from within, the more the confusion outside grows; all the better for the escaped Mirrorbound. ..."What's going on? Those were Mirrorbound that got out-" "We thought you were sending them home!" "You told us there was no risk, that this would make them leave-" "You don't need to worry about that! Go back upstairs!" "Someone needs to get a message to our Uncle Thomas immediately-"... They're all panicking as their grand plans, flimsy as they may have been, start to crumble around them. It's just a matter of time, now. The OOC post for the escape plotting is here if anyone needs to refer back to it! Eight characters will be escaping first thanks to a joint effort. The rescue will be underway within two hours of their escape, but those two hours are likely to be unpleasant for characters who remain in captivity. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

II. The Cavalry (21st, Very Early Morning) The City Guard is closer than the Rathmores think. Thanks to Mirrorbound investigative help, not always strictly legal but still appreciated nonetheless, they've all followed the clues back and determined a possible address. By the evening of the 20th, several members of the Guard and Witches from the Coven, along with any Mirrorbound who followed the trail, are camped out at a manse nearby, the home of a wealthy widow eager to see her nasty neighbors knocked down a peg. Without solid evidence, the Guard can't get a warrant cleared to search the property owned by a Mr. Barclay, assistant to Thomas Rathmore, but solid evidence comes as soon as eight Mirrorbound manage to fight their way out of captivity, returning to friends and Bonded. They are the last piece of the puzzle, and now legal action can be taken. Theodore Rosethorne, leading a small group from the Coven, sends out a magical message to just the Mirrorbound - they've been found. Anyone who wishes to help bring their missing fellows home, anyone who can help with much-needed healing, or anyone who wishes to bring their captors to justice needs to show up now, because time is of the essence. The Guard can't mobilize more men quickly enough in the middle of the night to be useful and they need all the hands they can get, without a floor plan of the mansion or solid ideas of the captors' numbers. They can barely wait an hour for more hands to arrive before it begins. a. The Rescue Sowilo, Theodore's Bonded Fae and a skilled hand at illusions (and seeing through such), leads the rescue efforts, along with some of Theodore's Witches from the Coven. With information from the escapees, they plan to go through the back, take the servants' exit, and make their way down to the basement levels, while Theodore's assault team will go through the front doors, making as much noise as possible. Sowilo's illusions will keep their presence masked at least until they get into the house. The aim is to get through as quietly as possible, find the cellblock, and secure a safe route to take the prisoners out without them getting hurt any worse than they are. It's easier said than done. Magical and mechanical traps of various types litter both basement floors, and heavy illusion work has been placed to obscure the way. Splitting into smaller groups to disarm the traps and deal with the illusions will be necessary, as the entire group will make its way down to the cellblock as quickly as possible. Sowilo hopes they face little to no resistance, with Theodore's group doing their job, but a few, Rathmores and otherwise, are bound to try and stop them; in that case, they will have to fight. "Make sure you can argue a case for self-defense, if you have to hurt them," Sowilo will tell the rescuers and later the freed prisoners on the way out, wings fluttering agitatedly. "Let them be arrested and publicly humiliated in court - ruin their whole family line for generations to come." He's not happy about it either, and will overlook some of the captors getting a taste of what they deserve, but deaths are not permitted on his or the Witches' watch: anyone who takes things too far will find that the person they're attacking has simply vanished - a convincing illusion - before they're handily knocked out with a spell. They face less resistance than the assault team, but less is not none; a few of the Rathmores are determined to salvage their efforts, and some of their unwitting aristocratic cronies have sided with them. Once they reach the cellblock, dismantling the enchantments that keep the prisoners restrained and addled is the first order of business for some. Others can start unlocking cells and helping people out of their restraints. Protection for the escapees on their way out will also be necessary, as well as medical attention back at the temporary base camp. The main focus has to be on those lost friends and loved ones, bringing them back out to freedom and making sure they're tended to - not on revenge. b. The Assault Theodore Rosethorne, along with some members of the City Guard and some Witches from the Coven, leads the assault. While the rescue team goes around the back, they plan to go through the front door, as loudly and conspicuously as possible. The mansion is large and needs to be swept from top to bottom for perpetrators and evidence that can be used in court. Those joining up with this team are warned that it needs to remain legal - the Mirrorbound and the refugees, all of them, have a very shaky, uncertain legal status within the city, and a mass murder could severely harm what good will they have from the locals as well as their status here. After all, many are still neutral to positive on the Mirrorbound, but that could change in an instant. The Coven will take as much responsibility as they can, but they cannot accept the blame for a senseless slaughter. Splitting into smaller groups will be necessary in order to cover more ground quickly. The aim is to locate, subdue, and arrest as many of the culprits inside as they can. The Guard provides magic-suppressing cuffs, and the Coven a basic knock-out spell, but since many will not go so willingly, some degree of force may be unavoidable. If there's one thing the rich fear, it's a legal black mark on their family name and reputation - the Rathmores will fight back harder than their underlings, but they're also the ones they need alive to face the justice system. Those outside the family, those who only knew about the kidnapping portion, are a mixed bag - some might fight back, siding with the Rathmores, but some might give themselves up once the realization of what happened in that basement sinks in. Once they make their entrance, things move quickly. Several wealthy aristocrats either flee or fight, but their attention is thankfully pulled away from the basement and toward the upper levels. There are dozens of rooms to search, and many are cluttered with an old hoarding family's antiques, furniture piled against doors and windows blocking access to some areas, hundreds of nooks and crannies among the sheer amount of stuff provide cover for culprits to hide in. It's going to be work to ferret them all out and bring them in. Worse still, the Rathmores have collected dozens of cursed or enchanted objects that may be used as weapons against the forces of justice. Some degree of force is expected, but still if anyone tries to take things too far, they might find themselves slapped into cuffs or knocked out with a spell themselves. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

III. The After (21st On) Activity continues all through the night and late into the morning at the former Rathmore estate. All the Rathmores and a couple dozen other wealthy aristocrats are brought out in cuffs over the course of several hours, while all the prisoners are liberated to receive medical attention and reunite with their loved ones. The Guard take statements from everyone who will give one - what they witnessed, what happened to them, what they know - and all who were affected are told they will be invited to testify at trial. A gathering crowd forms at the end of the street, wealthy neighbors aghast at the horrors they're learning had occurred right in their District. Most are disgusted with the once-prominent family. On the steps of the Parliament building, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother, all sitting members of Parliament themselves, are publicly arrested in front of colleagues and on-lookers early in the morning. Constance Rathmore is taken out of the Coven roughly in magic-suppressing cuffs, surrounded by a small group of furious Witches, students of the Coven who spent the week trying to find the missing Mirrorbound and refugees with Divination. They escort her to the prison themselves. All who are arrested are transported to holding cells of their own within the City Guard - all except those requiring urgent medical attention, who will remain cuffed to their hospital beds until trial. Nessie and Mhairi make an appearance at one point to give the Mirrorbound their sincerest apologies for what happened, and Mhairi delivers the news that they're pushing for an expedited trial in Parliament, in order to keep Thomas Rathmore from bribing any contacts. They, along with Theodore and Sowilo, and the Guard, are all open and forthright with what will happen next: public trial and a certain conviction, followed by sentencing. They don't expect that the Rathmores will get away lightly; what they did is too public and too horrific for even the anti-Mirrorbound wealthy to stomach. Those others who were involved, who weren't aware of what was going on behind that metal door, they'll still face justice themselves, no doubt. In the meanwhile, those kept hostage will need all the help they can get to reach something resembling normal again. Hug your loved ones, nourish your Bonds with each other, and begin trying to heal together.

Welcome to Part Two of January's event log, Snatched! An aftermath summary of the trial and sentencing will go up on Feb. 4, the day after the City Tracker deadline, so get your submissions in if you have them! More politically-oriented characters may find an opening in the near future to enact change within Parliament and provide their own representation within the city...

And as a general reminder, please make sure to use content warnings where necessary in your headers!

Comments

[showsnopiety]

[At least he seemed apologetic. But...well. She sighed, and adjusted her blanket a little further. At least this way, she could be assured of being politely and as humanly as possible.

And too, she wouldn't show some disturbing sights.]

You didn't scare me sir.

[Her voice is quiet. Not because of abuse, but because it's her normal voice.]

But I thank you for the courtesy, though I'm no lady. I happened to be one of the few who escaped early. I'll be sure to find your lady Daenerys, and speak to her, show that I am well.

Who are the others you are searching for? I may know where they are. And- if I may have your name as well?

[She didn't just want to call him bloodstained yelling man. It was a mouthful.]

[heartsbane]

That is a relief. I don't want to provide a disturbance is all.

[ Jorah figures the last thing she wants or needs to deal with is a man curious to know the whereabouts and status of those put through a very traumatic situation. a command is a command, however, and he knows Daenerys will find much comfort to know at least one of the others is safe and sound. that along has taken weight off his shoulders, and she may notice how he's slowly grown more relaxed with each second that passes. ]

She will surely be happy to see your face. I do not— I fear to ask how often the two of you saw or even heard one another, but... yes. Good.

[ a solid nod to himself, as if he was trying to gather his bearings and thoughts at the same time. she asks for his name and his brows perk, and he quickly shakes his head apologetically. ]

Of course. Jorah Mormont. It is nice to meet you, Caren. [ he recounts the other names Daenerys had given him, but instead of rolling them out one after the other, he just specifies: ] I am looking for those that might have been taken and held captive along with you. Have you seen any of the others yourself yet?

[showsnopiety]

It would take more then hearing my name shouted to disturb me.

[She's not ruffled, just watching him, cool and curious, her gaze moving over him, and his face. It's strange. She doesn't see Dany as a Queen. She remembers the shivering woman, small and young, wanting to hear stories with happy endings.]

I'll be sure to see her if she wants to see me-and if she's well enough to.

But...yes. I've seen a few of them already. One, being Asura. He's not in any state to speak to anyone from what I saw of him.

[heartsbane]

Aye. Tensions are high, especially for you and the others. I have no idea what you were all subject to the last six days.

[ and he doesn't hope to pry and learn of the specifics from anyone. the wounds, both emotional and physical, are far too fresh. ]

She is resting for now. When you have had your fair share, I think your presence may provide her some comfort.

[ most names are foreign to Jorah, but if Asura is anything like Daenerys, he doesn't doubt Caren's words in the slightest. it brings a somber look to his face. six days of confinement isn't a long prison term by any means, but that only speaks of the damage done in such a short period of time. ]

—But are you okay, miss? I am sure plenty have offered, but please, if there is anything I can do... I am at your disposal.

[showsnopiety]

You don't want to. If I did not already promise the City Guard that I would testify, then I wouldn't tell it to anyone.

[But she did. She knows she got off lightly, and she escaped early, like Dany did.]

I'll be sure to visit her. As for myself...

[Caren shook her head.]

No thank you. You're truly being kind, but it's best if you saved your energy for your lady. You called me a lady but I've no value as such- merely a common born woman, and damaged goods at that.

[heartsbane]

[ his lips purse together and he gives her a solemn expression. being forced to recount whatever nightmares one suffered is never pleasant. to think that it is to help this city and its political factions rubs him the wrong way. one could argue that they've all been kidnapped and brought here.

maybe that is an argument no one really needed to spend time having right now. Jorah will go ahead and shelf that kind of pessimism for later. ]

I am in no position to offer you advice or council, but you should only do what you are comfortable with. Those responsible will find their punishment, through the guard or otherwise.

[ speaking of pessimism, though— ]

We are all of the same rank and status here, miss. I will not refer to you as a lady if it provides discomfort, but please, you mustn't think of yourself like that.

[ he's sure his own queen might feel similar to herself. such a disheartening sight. Jorah wishes he could do more for this woman, even if she may be a stranger. still, though, he respectfully keeps his distance and tries to be delicate in his wording, well aware he is in no right position to tell her how to feel. ]

I know how fragile the mind and body feels after an experience like this. Perhaps not to this extent, but I know.

[showsnopiety]

[They've been used by Nessie and te city to solve their problems more then once. It's not right. Was it worth it? She's less and less sure each time.

They're being taken advantage of, have from the start.

Caren would have politely argued with Jorah, since arguing would make her feel better (She liked bickering; it was a fun way to talk to people) but the last thing he said.

Caren went still for a few moments.]

Do you?

[Where there might have been reined in emotions but for a touch of sadness, there's anger now. Slow flowing, slowly raising, but intense as she stared up at his face, unblinking.]

You presume much, Sir. You may have felt the pain, May have had faced torture of a different sort, but you don't know me.

Did you think me a mere girl that would weep into your arms, and find comfort in your bed if you sad all the right pleasing sounds?

[heartsbane]

[ ah. well. Jorah might have pushed too hard or said too much. he should have known better. even empathy could be taken the wrong way in moments like this, with tensions high and trauma undoubtedly weighing down on her. it is too late to take his words back, and he stands there, silently listening as she questions his experience and even his intent. some might get defensive and justify themselves, but he remains calm. his emotions were spent inside the mansion, spilling blood in the name of his queen. ]

You are correct. I do not know you. You would do better in the arms of someone you trust, or perhaps in the arms of no one at all. Everyone processes their pain differently.

[ he doesn't take any offense to her accusations. there are plenty of people out there who would exploit or hope to gain something from being kind to someone who appeared to be vulnerable. ]

I apologize for any assumptions I made. Offering council is a... muscle memory I have not learned to get rid of, unfortunately.

[showsnopiety]

[If she wasn't so angry, she might have been impressed. Not everyone she knew could take her temper without matching it with temper- instead, he was humble, apologetic. But that could only been that he was experienced at flashes of temper.

And too, she looked almost like a normal person, what with the blanket on her body. It was easier to act as if she was a person.]

I'm not someone who offers touch in normal circumstance. After this week, I don't want anyone to get close to me without permission.

[Well. There were a few that would. Dany being one of them, but she offered first.]

I assume you were an adviser to your Lady once, likely to others before this. But as I said before- I am no one of importance.

And you may be better with your lady at this time. Some you seek are harmless, others may take your words and do their best to stuff them down your throat.

Or your guts.

[heartsbane]

[ he's been on the receiving end of anger many times. sometimes it was justified, sometimes it was not. suffice to say, he has learned to accept and understand their emotion before thinking to put his own in front of it. it avoids complications, or worst yet, heating an interaction up even further. ]

Of course. Nor would others think to blame you.

[ Jorah listens to her carefully, taking the vague hints that he may want to make his leave. he offers yet another smile and a nod of agreement, but it eventually changes to a shake of his head shortly after. ]

I still am, though I feel it falls on deaf ears more often than before. Not that I blame her. —Or you. —Anyone really.

[ who needs council when they are all forced into the same situation? there's no queens or kings between them in Aefenglom. she may not think of herself as of importance, but she holds just as much of a presence here as Daenerys. his khaleesi would not be happy to hear that, but alas. ]

She does not want me at her side right now either. Thank you for the concern, but I believe I may have to subject myself to the patience of others as I have with you.

[showsnopiety]

[And considering how some people can be a little knife happy...that was smart. Normally Caren is not quick to violence, but it's been a Week.]

It's not your fault. This is a headstrong group, and with the culture clash, as well as the resistance to bonds- we talk more then we listen.

[And that was something she noticed even before the kidnapping. Though if Norah is going through with this...she exhaled a noisy sigh. There was movement under her blanket, that of an annoyed tail swish, but she spoke calmly- if still clearly annoyed and imposing.]

If you wish to fulfill your word then- very well. I should warn you of Andersen, since seeing him...it would be easy to misunderstand, and he'll enjoy mocking you both in later interactions and in the written word.

[heartsbane]

You speak the truth. But our stubbornness might be the only thing that keeps us afloat. This city does its best to try and sway our way of thinking, and I fear that there will be those that succumb to it.

[ he respects Caren's aggression and animosity, even if her words were crass and... well. assumptive, especially in a sexual nature. if he were in her shoes, he would want to push away any man or woman who thought they might have the words to make her feel better. that doesn't mean he is capable of stopping himself from trying, mind you. they both have to accept his attempt. ]

I appreciate the advice in turn. [ his grin widens as his eyes cast downwards towards the ground, all before falling on Caren once more. ] Though I doubt many will be as... honest... as you. I hope not, anyway. I am a hardened man, but the heart can only take so much.

[ it's lighthearted. hopefully she knows that. Jorah is fully prepared to turn tail and run if she takes him serious and says something worse. ]

[showsnopiety]

Some, but not now. The longer one lives here, the longer one realizes how we can only rely on each other.

[Caren was a little...crass and acidic, even rude, but well. At least she wasn't hissing and snarling. So long as he didn't press too hard, she wasn't going to snap at him again.]

Is it the fact such vulgarity has come from such a lovely woman such as myself?

[Not that she's feeling particularly lovely. But she can easily poke fun of herself as much as the next person.]

If it helps, Andersen is far too articulate to be as crude as myself. [She pauses.] Most of the time.

No, I'm warning you because due to some complications in our world, he's a man in a child's body. I don't know if your lady is aware of this.