Rolf knew this whole affair would be tricky, but not this tricky.

On one hand Rolf is here for Alma's uncle and as such he needs to speak to Dr. Heraldus.  But to be fair, he doesn't have much skin in that game.  Sure he feels sorry for Alma and her family and wants to help them, but they are not his kin.  Plus, one just doesn't accidentally find themselves in an insane asylum.  It very well may be that Uncle Vunik should be here.  For the safety of himself and others.  Yet, it is very clear the guards here beat the inmates and for that Rolf must at least try to get him free of this place.  It would be the right thing to do if he can meet the man to see how much of a threat he really is.

But on the other, this magical disturbance is far more important, and it's really important he find out what it is and what is causing it. The magician in him won't relent until he does.  It is now paramount he see the Doctor.

However Rolf finds himself currently in a bit of a delicate situation.  Much depends on how he responds next.  Two goons are trying to shuffle him out the door to cover up what is going on.   He certainly doesn't want to leave and is tempted to use his magic to transport himself into a cell and then magically lock the door.

Eschewing using his magic for the moment, he instead says forcefully "Hands off!", as he begins heading back from whence they came.

OOC: I assume the two guards want me to return to the main foyer, which is where I'll head.  It is my plan once there to speak to Mr. Strogg and not leave unless I can.

Though Rolf's forceful command of 'hands off!' seems to do little to mollify the two guards who still appraise Rolf with a look somewhere akin to a bareknuckle boxer in full theatrics, his retreating steps towards the main foyer makes them loosen up their fighting stance.  Now they simply flank him on each side until the one on his left steps forward to unlock the bolt on the iron door and allow Rolf through.

"Ah."  Mr. Strogg stands as Rolf is led back through the door, which is closed and locked once the mage is fully through.  "I am sorry that your visit was interrupted."

Though Mr. Strogg is no quiet man, it is still extremely difficult to hear him over the screams and moans that now seem to come through both iron doors.  Marba is of course still the loudest, though through the opposite door several voices coalesce, the loudest one seems to be little more than hissing and deep-throated gibberish.

"I'm afraid Kendrick has not made it back yet, and even if he had, I would be shocked if Dr. Heraladus did not have other things taking up his immediate attention."  Mr. Strogg gestures with each hand towards the iron doors from which spill out a cacophony of the insane within.   "Perhaps it would be better for you to come back this afternoon?  I can assure you I will deliver the message to Dr. Heraladus personally."

Rolf is feeling testy and the loud cacaphony from the inmates isn't helping.  It takes all his effort to ignore the guards obvious threatening stances and not punish them with a spell for their insolence.  Visions of their greased bodies flopping around in the dripping wet hallways of the East wing come to mind, but there are bigger things to worry about.

Once in the main foyer he sees Strogg and he relaxes a little as he finds the man a bit of an oasis in a sea of chaos.  He listens as best he can over the impossibly loud shouting of the disturbed inmates.  By the gods he doesn't know how they can stand it all.

Summoning all the patience he can muster, he shouts loud enough to be heard but still maintain as much civility as possible, "Mr. Strogg, if I leave I must report what I've found to the Mage's guild!  They may be highly interested that some sort of powerful magic is being bandied about!  There's no tell what they'll do!  It would be best to keep the guild out of this if at all possible!"

"Has there been some sort of breech, or random event that has caused this?..."

Up to this point he was considering the wave of energy was some sort of experiment gone awry.  But as he speaks it dawns on him it's likely Alma's Vunik.  They probably have him gagged and bound, but some mages can be so skillful in weaving magic they can summon the mana needed for a spell and weave it without the need of hand gestures and special key words.  They can do it with nothing more than their minds.

"Uncle Vunik is casting spells despite his bonds isn't he?  You should let me see him!  I may be able to calm him down! Or at worst quell his brain for a few minutes with my own spells!  And now would be best!  He'll be weakened for a little while now that he's cast!"

OOC:  Trying some diplocmacy here.  Let me know if I need to roll.

Rolf, unnerved by the screams that still flow from the cells on both sides of the small foyer, raises his voice loud enough to carry over the tide.  And while he has little doubt that Mr. Strogg has heard every word he has said, it seems to have done little to sway the thickly muscled man.

"Mr. Rolf."  Strogg's voice is still smooth, and despite the fact that he has not raised his voice at all it is still clearly audible above the din of the asylum.  Still, there is a thin but unmistakable undercurrent of ice within his words.  The small shift in his tone is enough for all three of the Rottweilers to perk up their heads and turn towards their master, though they remain laying upon the floor, legs splayed out akimbo.

"I am sure that you will make whatever report you are required to your superiors, as I will mine.  And perhaps soon Dr. Heraladus will meet whomever you see fit from your guild to satisfy your review...  just not now.  In fact, the best place for you at the moment is outside our walls for even if you have not been a direct cause of this particular upheaval, there is no doubt your presence adds to the commotion."

Strogg stops for a moment, though cuts off Rolf before the latter can speak again.  "I can assure you that whatever skill you think you have dealing with lunatics, Dr. Heraladus is far more so skilled.  Where he is needed now is in dealing with the patients.  Even if your Vunik were here and allowed visitors, it would still be foley to attempt to interrogate him or further wind him up with your magics...  for me to allow you into the section not allowed visitors would be tantamount to submitting my resignation.  Let the staff do their jobs.  You will have your appointment this afternoon."

OOC:  Consider the diplomacy attempt failed.

At Strogg's mention that his presence is not helping Rolf finds he must agree.  At least from Strogg's point of view.  The man is clearly in fear of his boss Dr. Heraldus and if he were to allow Rolf access, he would undoubtably be in a lot of trouble.  And Rolf can find no fault with the fact that indeed Dr. Heraldus has far more experience with lunatics than he has.

Still, it's clear to Rolf they are in way over their head with Vunik.  It's highly likely that Alma's Uncle is the source of the magical effect he felt earlier.  And it's highly likely they despite having him bound and gagged, which they surely have done, Vunik is still able to weave spells.  That means Vunik's magical ability far surpasses Rolf's own and the Asylum is not the best place for him.  Despite how highly Strogg speaks of Dr. Heraldus, certainly a powerful magician is beyond what he can safely deal with.

But then a disturbing thought comes unbidden to Rolf.  What if they operate on his head like they did to that large man he saw earlier?  One would assume Vunik would become largely a vegetable if that were to happen.

And if Rolf was a betting man, he thinks by the time he returns this afternoon Vunik may just be already operated on.  However he has no real authority here and he can't simply barge in on a hunch.  He needs to pass what he knows to his superiors and see what they want to do.

"Agreed!  I will leave the lunatics to Dr. Heraldus, and I'll leave you to try to calm things down." Rolf says loudly.  "I'll stop back again in the afternoon!" he adds as congenially he can as he heads for the front doorway.

OOC:  My plan is to return to the mage's guild and give a full report.  I will bypass Sadim and try to find a senior member to speak to.  It is Rolf's hope to convince someone in power that Vunik is not properly being cared for, is a threat to the Asylum staff and as such will likely be lobotomized soon.  Rolf wants to be prompt and if at all possible return before lunch to prevent this.

Though Rolf has significant reservations, and all sorts of thoughts about the things that could happen while he is away, in the end he agrees to leave the asylum in the care of the professionals.  Strogg seems much relieved by the decision and relaxes back into a natural smile... an odd contrast to the cacophony of screams that aren't in the least petering out.

"I'm glad."  Strogg says, stepping forward to lead Rolf out, though the other has already turned and made his way out the thick, wooden doors, headed back toward the mages guild.

---

"Interesting."  Munroe brings up a hand to his closely cropped beard, just now starting to show it's first grey hairs.

Rolf had just finished telling the Munroe, another full member with a strong and consistent reputation, more so anyway than the one Rolf had earned by less than a year in the guild and his passing notoriety from helping Duke Bran to find his copper ore.  Rolf didn't exactly have a fear of going straight to the top (after all, Alma had mentioned that Vunik had known the guild master personally) but he felt that running his story by a few other people might be prudent in case there was anything glaring that he had missed.

"Of course, you are only making an inference that the disturbance was caused by Vunik at all..."

Rold inwardly groans yet again, for bounding around a corner, the tall and lanky form of Sadim ambles, and noticing Rolf turns and heads their direction to listen in on the conversation.

...It could simply be enchantments that are already part of the Asylum, protections and whatnot..."  Munroe continues as Sadim steps aside them, his eyes perked up in interest.  "Or perhaps the doctors have a mage on their staff...  It would seem prudent, especially given having Vunik as a patient...  So I wouldn't suggest immediately diverting from your current course, you may not need help at all."

At the word help, Sadim's eyes swell with joy as his Cheshire grin spreads like a virus across his face.

"Oh!" he waggles a finger at Rolf.  "Been a few hours on the job and you are already trying to pawn it off on someone else are you?"  Sadim grins at Rolf before turning to Munroe, the expression of glee much toned down.  "Only in the late hours of the night did Alma come...  Rolf said he would look into seeing her uncle but it seems like after exhausting his every effort in half a morning he's already looking to draft more capable persons to do the job for him."

"Is that true?!"  Munroe's brow's furrow as his eyes widen, glaring back and forth between Sadim and Rolf.

Rolf takes a moment to gather his thoughts on the outrageous accusation, though it appears that his expression of shock and frustration was mistaken for one of 'being caught in the act'.

"Well in that case, I suggest you finish the jobs you accept!"  Munroe rages, turning his back as he storms back down the hallway, calling over his shoulder as he retreats.  "You have my opinion, given freely, but I will not assist you, nor plead your case to the higher ups.  Perhaps a little more work than a few hours is warranted before coming to ask for help!"

As soon as Munroe's back is turned, Sadim looks over towards Rolf, only just smiling as he spreads his palms to either side of his shoulders, which shrug upward in a feigned look of innocence.  He mouths the word 'oops' as he too turns, walking away with just a hint of skip in his step.

---

Fuming, Rolf had decided that the best place for him at the moment was anywhere outside of the guild, where at least he was sure that Sadim wouldn't turn around a corner and ruin every interaction he was about to have.  It was far too early for his appointment with Dr. Heraladus, but Rolf turned that direction anyway, having little else on his mind in the way of accomplishing his task.  It was certain at this point that he could not expect the help from the guild, not with Sadim parroting his story of Rolf's laziness all over the halls... though perhaps Munroe was right, and Rolf would not need any help after all.  Perhaps he would get his interview and find that everything could be fixed with an ample bribe.

Though something nagging in the back of Rolf's mind told him that was not the case...

Just as the earliest trace of the black wrought iron fence is visible up ahead, Rolf looks up, again noting the grotesque sign of the madman on the large building to his left.  The hairy, bearded man reminds him just a little of the wolf-man that had been in the last cell, the one that had paced back and forth in the nude, and who had howled as the magical burst of energy had sounded like a gong.

Had the guards really not noticed the blast?  Rolf thinks to himself.  And if they hadn't, then why did the patients seem so sensitive to it?

Rolf stops in his tracks, wrestling the thought as his stomach churns from hunger...

OOC:  it is 1100.  You are about a 5 minute walk from the Asylum and can continue there if you like to wait for your appointment time.  As a side note, please feel free to role play the action that I 'fast forwarded' through at the mage's guild.  Realize that the outcome is all based on your roll, and not at all on how I NPCed you during the time.  Please do me the favor of not suggesting that you did something that I couldn't reasonable brush over (attacking Sadim verbally or physically) as I fast forwarded to help you get on with the mission.  Certainly any poor roleplaying of your character while you were being NPCed will be forgiven.


The sign over the large building
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

Rolf is busy.  He is worried about Vunik and what may be happening to him at the Asylum.  But it’s nothing more than a hunch that he is indeed not getting good care and is at risk.  Sure, what he saw from the guards is virtual proof they are definitely beaten, and possibly surgically experimented on, but he has not set his own eyes on Alma’s uncle so he cannot yet know the man’s condition.

Also it is unclear to him what the source of the disturbance was.  Was it Vunik?  This seems to be the most logical conclusion, but it could be some other magical disturbance.  Maybe a gate has opened up?  Or some other magical effect?  And is it possible only Rolf and the inmates sensed it?  Strogg and the guards seemed nonplussed by it.  And had the dogs been affected?  He isn’t sure since he was not in the room with them when it occurred.

He resolves himself to inquire with Strogg about it.  He thinks he might get a straight answer from the man, but who knows he might lie if he thinks he has to stay in Heraldus’s good graces.

The selective observance of the magical wave is possible.  Rolf is aware he is sensitive to magic to a degree the normal man is not.  But if this is true, why did the inmates react?  It’s possible one or more of them have the gift to weave mana, whether trained or not, but would all of them have this ability?  This seems implausible.

This leads Rolf to a darker thought.  What if Dr Heraldus is selectively taking on those with magely tendencies for some purpose.  Which if true is more likely than not nefarious.

It’s with these thoughts in mind that Rolf speaks with Monroe.  But as he tries to plead his case, Monroe checks his concerns at every turn.  Which Rolf doesn’t mind so much as he isn’t sure there isn’t anything wrong happening, but his gut tells him otherwise so he presses on.

As they speak the despicable Sadim rounds the corner and joins in.  With a sigh Rolf resigns himself that he will be alone on this mission, but bristles at the thought that he is a slacker.  In particular coming from Sadim.

It is only with great difficulty that Rolf squelches his anger and turns away from the two men.  Sadim especially.  Rolf finds he has come to truly hate him and makes a mental note to stick it to him as hard as he can if ever the opportunity arises.  He shakes his head as he begins the walk back to Witten.  Despite it not going well he’s glad he made the effort to bring his concerns to the guild.  If he ultimately discovers something drastically wrong at the Asylum, something way more than he can handle, he will at least have the knowledge he tried to bring the situation to his bosses attention.  Sure Sadim, and maybe even Muroe, may try to lie about what was said, but Rolf would readily submit himself to a detect lies spell which would back him up.  His mentor Dorn used to tell him ‘CYA’ and Rolf took that advice to heart.  It basically means cover yourself so that if a mistake occurs you can’t be blamed, though in more colorful language.

Lost in thought Rolf finds himself outside the grotesque visage of the crazy man and he knows he’s not far from Witten.  He feels his stomach grumble and feels he should get something to eat.

OOC:  I will look to get something to eat along the way to Witten.  Something fast and unlikely to go bad.  A piece of fruit, a crust of bread and fresh milk will be Rolf’s preference.

Though there is little along the way on the order of food, Rolf does know an outdoor market a short distance away that would be perfect and would proffer just the thing for his current appetites.  Redirecting his tack away and north of Witten, he peruses the stalls, taking in the bounty of the fresh October harvest.  He is almost lost at the baker's stall, choosing between the cracked rye and the thick-bodied sourdough.  In the end he chooses a fairly plain loaf of sturdy hard winter wheat.

As for the fruit, Rolf spends some time nosing through the booths, though little in earnest strikes his fancy.  Rich, leafy greens adorn many of the carts, tomatoes, root vegetables, gourds...  Though there is little that is sweet and easy to eat without hours of preparation and cooking.  Eventually, Rolf does notice a cart of apples that he is just about to buy from until he notices a small display of figs which he pilfers, happily handing over a pair of farthings for three of the juicy sweet.

Milk however, proves to be the most difficult to find and in the end Rolf sits down with his bread and fruit and a tankard of thin ale to wash the whole of it down.

Much sated, Rolf retreats his steps southward back towards the front gates of Witten.

Again, he walks along the blackened iron fencing, winding all the way around until the weeded cobble path just comes into view.  Rolf immediately suspects that something is amiss, though it is only as he is almost all the way to the front that he realizes just what is different.

The doors of the asylum are closed.

They had unlocked and opened them in the morning, letting them fly out wide... though sometime since Rolf had departed, the doors had been closed again.  And as he approached he realized that the lock was back on the doors of the iron fence...

"S'closed."

The singular word greets Rolf as he reaches the entrance and puts a hand on the wrought iron gates planted firmly together.  Two guards, wearing the same uniform of a chain shirt with a white smock overtop stand just opposite on either side of the path.

"For repairs."

It was the same black haired northerner from the morning.  The one that had given Rolf so much trouble at the first.  He smiles disingenuously, a sneer of sorts in Rolf's direction as he steps forward, putting his face a foot or two away from the bars.

"S'go away."

OOC:  $5 spent on your lunch and deducted from your character sheet.

It takes Rolf a bit to find decent food.  But his efforts are rewarded by an excellently crusted load of bread, fresh figs and a decent thin beer.

Rolf finds a place to sit and lays out his food.  Hunk after hunk does Rolf rip off the loaf till before he knows it, it's finished.  The figs are good too, and he washes the entirety down with the beer.  He wasn't in the mood for beer, but it slakes his thirst and goes well with the bread.  With a belch he stands and begins to walk to Witten.

As he approaches he notices the doors are now closed and the iron gate now locked.  He stares at the guards blankly.  "Repairs eh?  That's a good idea.  Constant exposure to the wet floors and the mold it makes will make you sick, if not dead." he says with conviction.

As he stands there it occurs to him the 15' high wrought iron fence and thick gate is excellent at keeping people out, and keeping the inmates in.  Which is a must for an institute that treats the mentally insane.  Even better there is only one way in, through the gate.

But there is a flaw the designers could not have accounted for, and Dr. Heraldus, Strogg and the guards are not aware of.  That, the pesky mage that is bothering them today is fully capable of bypassing all their defenses.  Through flight and teleportation.

Rolf gives this approach some thought.  But it's risky and illegal.  If he gets caught he could be in a lot of trouble.

As he contemplates what to do he realizes that maybe he doesn't have to get in.  Maybe he can get what he wants by not letting them out.  A razor tipped fence and heavy duty gate would be very difficult to bypass by mundane means if for some reason the lock couldn't be opened.

Getting as close to the lock as he can, the mage attempts to cast a spell.  "Give me a moment and I will cast a blessing for you both to help ward off sickness." he says as truthfully he can despite his real intentions.

OOC: Rolf is going to try to cast magelock M166 on the gate's lock.  It takes 4 seconds to cast and is a regular spell.  He wants to get close to lock, but not so close that the guards can get an easy shot to strike him.  He hopes his little ruse with the blessing buys him time.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Rolf, taking a moment to think of his alternate methods of getting his wants, and falls upon quite the opposite of where he had started in the first place.   Rather than forcing his way in, he will simply prevent the guards and staff from making their way out.  Of course, he would still need to get close enough to cast his magics upon the lock, a feat which made him nervous given the guard's apparent taste for violence.

So he masks his intentions with the ruse of a blessing.

"Den ye worry yer head about us."  The guard starts, stepping closer to the gate as Rolf starts his concentration, approaching close enough to get a good shot at his spell.

"Jess get along an get out of here."  The guard smiles, perhaps unkindly, showing two rows of teeth, several of them with jagged, broken edges.

"Cincinno!"  Rolf whispers under his breath, pushing his magical energy towards the lock on the gate... though something has gone amiss, and Rolf knows the spell has failed, likely because he could not touch the lock itself.  Still, it seems like the guard that has his attention is none the wiser for the moment, though his hand has dropped down to the hilt of his mace...  likely to emphasize his point.

OOC:  Nice work on the ruse, though unfortunately the spell was unsuccessful.  You may try it again if you wish.

Rolf by design is visually in a bit of an apparent daze, his hands weave and he mutters the spell keyword, but internally he curses himself for his spell failure.  He is feeling a bit threatened by the guard, but the mage thinks he hasn't done anything yet from the man's point of view that would warrant being hit, so he's not too worried.  But he knows he can't stick around forever.

His eyes slightly unfocused and blank, he tries his locking magic again...

OOC:  Rolf will try magelock on the gate's lock again.  He will use a hero point if he has to.

Frustrated with his failure, Rolf ignores the guard for a moment, reattempting his concentration, willing the spell to succeed.

"Hey!"  The guard shouts at Rolf after a moment has passed.  "Hey!"  He jabs the fence with the head of his mace, rattling the iron and jostling the doors as Rolf is just finishing his concentration.

"Cincinno!"  Rolf finishes his spell, willing the lock to magically shut despite the distraction.

"Get out of here!"  The guard stares down Rolf, his face awash with mistrust.

OOC:  You were successful on the last attempt, despite the will roll to keep your concentration, no hero point required.

Most spells take one second or even less to cast.  The spell Rolf is attempting to cast takes roughly four seconds to complete and is a long one to finish when compared to most of the others he knows.  Despite this time consideration it's not particularly complicated, though all spells are really difficult to learn and weave, it just takes a while longer to finish this one.

Further complicating his task is he cannot directly touch the lock and he has to infer where to direct his energy.  And this is not to mention the thick skulled thug on the opposite side of the fence getting agitated and rattling his cage with his weapon of choice.  A worn and well used mace.

But indeed Rolf finishes his work and steps back.  A small smile cracks at the edges of his mouth and it seems he is about to say something when he thinks the better of it.

No need to rush.

Turning without saying a word he walks a ways and finds a low stone slab at the corner of a building with which to sit.  Positioned such to be able to watch Witten from his perch and not be in the way of foot traffic.  The guards eye him warily and mutter between themselves, but make no move to go beyond their posts.

Rolf considers himself a mostly classic mage, with classic abilities.  Like magically sealing locks.  He's also a fighter as he knows you shouldn't solely try to rely on magic all the time.  Magery is a fickle business.  But he's also early in his career and not particularly good at either.  He has to be cautious and careful.  Don't try to do too much and overextend himself.  Or he could wind up dead.  Or with one leg like his former captain.

Time passes and Rolf feels his energy return from his exertions.  The spell to lock the gate took a toll on him, not a great one, but enough that he felt it.  Seeing no need to press on just yet, he felt it prudent to have his feet fully under him before taking on the next phase of his plan.  If he has one.  Truth be told he's been winging it from the moment he found himself at the Witten asylum.

He stands and approaches Witten once more as the guards stare him down.  Standing an arms length away from the main gate he smiles warmly and holds his hands clasped behind his back.

"Pardon the intrusion, but I think I made a mistake earlier and instead of casting a blessing...I sealed the gate lock." Rolf says addressing the guards before pausing to let his words sink in.  "Making it so your key no longer works." he adds as the guards seem slow to grasp what he is conveying.  "I think maybe you should send for Strogg." he adds knowing full well the storm that is about to hit once their boss finds out what has happened.

OOC:  Rolf will rest and watch the gate until he is fully rested, which I think will be 40 minutes.

Though the guard seems quite hostile as Rolf backs down from the gate, stepping away to sit down and regain his strength, the guard does little more than glare at Rolf, his one dimensional glower of hatred all the depth that he can seem to muster.

By and by though, as Rolf's energy slowly returns to him, the guard seems to tire of the charade.  Eventually his snarl eases to a mere brow-wrinkled look of mistrust and he hangs his mace back on his belt, his attention softening as he begins again to shift his gaze across the wide, empty marketplace.

Of course, Rolf knows that the respite will be short lived.

As the sun crosses its apogee high above and begins to retreat downward towards the early afternoon, Rolf stands back up, making his way back towards the front gates of the asylum.  Needless to say, his friend the guard is immediately on edge, and Rolf's assertion doesn't help the matter.

"Bullshit!"  The man shouts, grabbing at a ring on his waist and hurrying towards the center of the portal.

"Nile, he's just trying to get in!"  The other guard calls after a moment, his own hand dropping down towards his light mace, his face matching with Rolf's in a cold and appraising look.

Too late it seems, the guard Nile understands what his mate is saying, for the key is already in the lock, his shoulders slumped.  "Nah.".  Nile answers.  "He ain't lying.  The key doesn't turn."

There is a moment of still silence, the two guards facing each other, with no clear answer to their situation...  In the end, of course, things go just how Rolf had expected.

"Go tell Strogg then."  The far guard finally mutters, his eyes on Rolf the entire time.  "Let him figure it out.  Then get back here.  I don't trust this one at all."

Nile nods, glaring again at Rolf before he turns, traveling slowly up the weeded cobble path, glancing over his shoulder often as he makes his way towards the massive wooden doors.

"A word of advice."  The remaining guard offers Rolf as the two now find themselves alone for a moment, his demeanor serious though without any of the bluster of the retreating Nile.  "I don't think you want to do this.  Working in a place like this doesn't exactly do wonders for your patience...  How long do you think your little trick is going to keep us in?  What do you think is going to happen when we make our way out?  You think just because you've got a few tricks up your sleeve you've got the best of us?  What, that we'll do whatever you want because you can do a little magic?  What do you want anyway?"  A corner of the man's lip turns downward as he half smiles, shaking his head though he does not release Rolf's gaze.

"Actually, I can't think of a single thing that you'd be helping yourself with.  If you had an ounce of sense, you'd undo your magic and leave..."

OOC:  It is 1310 and you are now at full fatigue.  Giving you a chance to respond here (or a chance to try and overpower the one remaining guard if it is part of your plan).  The other guard, Nile (the one that doesn't seem to like you) has just opened the door to the asylum and is making his way in.

Rolf waits calmly as the guard Nile tries his key and they argue back and forth.  He has them by the nuts and he knows it, but he sees no reason to gloat and remains placid.  He had no intention to antagonize them and just wants to visit Vunik and get this task done.

Despite their poor treatment of the inmates, he’s unsure if he could do any better and feels some measure of pity for them.  It’s really a tough, thankless job that anyone would struggle to do humanely and he’s sure they aren’t paid well.

He finds it odd their statement that Rolf is untrustworthy.  Especially coming from two men who clearly are lying to him about the supposed repairs being done.

He sees little value in discussing much with the guard but not saying anything would be rude.  “I’m here to see Vunik and Dr. Heraldus.  I want in, and you are going to want out.  I’m sure we can come to some agreement.”

OOC:  I will wait for Strogg.

The guard grunts his dissatisfaction with Rolf's answer, though it doesn't take for him to point out the more skeptical side of the situation.  "I don't suppose this changes much to be honest, at least not until tonight when the shift changes.  I don't expect that either the Doctor or Strogg will be much sympathetic to you... or us to be frank."

His comment proves prescient just a few minutes later when Nile returns alone, his face somewhat disgruntled.  "Said Doctor Jevasic would come and take care of it..."  Nile intones in a voice just barely loud enough for Rolf to hear.

The second guard grunts again, not bothering to lower his voice.  "Let's see how long that takes then."

OOC:  I'm assuming you want to wait there for a while.  It is now 1315, and your Magelock spell will be good until about 1830.  I just want to confirm that you are hanging out until somebody comes to talk to you, including upkeeping your spell.  If that is the case, give me a SC roll for gluttony, to keep from leaving to eat if supper time approaches.

Rolf quickly realizes his plan is not going to go the way he hoped as he overhears the guard mention a Doctor Jevasic whom he had not heard of before.  If this "Doctor" is capable of removing his magic lock, it would seem likely he is more of a mage than physician.

But it would also explain the magical wave he felt earlier.  This Jevasic is up to something, and is likely the wave's source.  But if for ill or good, Rolf has no idea.

Though his plan is foiled, he has at least sussed out that they have a mage on hand, which surprises him.

Why would an asylum need a mage? he wonders though he quickly realizes a mage specialized in mind affecting spells would be a boon for handling the inmates.

He looks the gate over and the guards.  Rolf supposes he could hang around and meet this Jevasic, but he doubts he could glean anything more.  It is clear to him they will under no circumstance allow him inside.  And any direct query about what they are up to will be rebuffed.

He decides his work here has gone as far as it can and still be in the bounds of the law.  But so far he only has hunches and nothing concrete to go on.  It goes without saying Rolf is not the type to simply break in somewhere unless he has a very good reason to do so.  He certainly has the skills to get inside Witten, but his own moral code prevents him if he doesn't have solid proof.

"Hopefully not long." Rolf says to the guard in regards to his statement about how long it will take Jevasic to remove the magelock spell.  "Sorry if I inconvenienced you." he adds as he turns to leave.

OOC:  I won't hang around and will return to speak to Alma.  I assume she would have given me instructions on where and how to reach her.  I will seek her out without delay.

Rolf, who had already waited something on the order of an hour to spring his trap is quickly crestfallen as the guards mention a Dr. Jevasic who will 'take care' of Rolf's spell.  Of course, the doctor must be a mage, that much is clear from the implication and while Rolf is surprised at first, it doesn't take him long to imagine a fairly useful employ for the good doctor.  Either way, it didn't much makes sense for Rolf to wait around, just for his spell to be rendered moot.  Rolf says a few words to the guards and departs, not really caring if they are able to leave before his spell expires naturally.

Rolf traces his way back through the city...  Though he knew well enough where the address that Alma had left him was, this particular part of Craine, not to mention the small district where Alma lived, were not familiar to him and it seemed more straightforward to simply work his way back to the merchant district then take one of the larger thoroughfares back towards the edge of the city.

Recognizing the Barred Blade, Rolf turns towards the left, up the hill towards the small district off upper income villeins, the highest aspiration of any commoner, not to actually move up the social ladder into the ranks of the nobles but to earn enough money in their own right that they can fend for themselves.

The address Alma had given him was here and Rolf couldn't really feign surprise for in truth, money was one of the same reasons he had sought out the mages guild.  It would give him the opportunity to hone his craft and to sell his skills, so that perhaps one day perhaps he may retire in a similar state, fat and happy from his years of work.  After a few misguided turns, Rolf finally manages his way, finds the address, and knocks on Alma's door.

"Yes?"  Alma opens the door narrowly, taking a moment to recognize Rolf before the portal opens farther.  "Oh!  So soon!  Come in.  Have you seen him?  Have you managed to convince them to let him free?"

OOC:  It's 1350.  I took the liberty of assuming that you won't cancel your spell, but will let it transpire when the time is up (or possibly when it is annulled by Dr. Jevasic).

As Rolf walks to find Alma's home he has a lot of time to think.  The entire situation is puzzling at the Witten asylum.  Certainly a magician like Jevasic who is presumably well learned in mind based spells would be very useful for aiding in helping the insane, but why would a mage take on that job?  The working conditions are horrific and they are tons of easier ways to earn a living that would surely pay a lot more.

Rolf also finds it odd that only himself and the inmates felt the wave of magical energy.  He suspects highly that Jevasic is doing some sort of magical experiment and he is aware that some things require more than one mage to do.  In fact you might require twenty or more.  Meaning that most if not all the inmates at the asylum might have some magical aptitude, even if it's not developed, and are being used by Jevasic in some way.  Though to what ends he cannot say.

But it would explain why they all sensed the wave like he did.  As such Uncle Vunik would a prize they won't ever give up.

And an offhand remark that one inmate said to him he thinks is a telling clue, The place comes alive at night.

Whatever experiment is being conducted it culminates at night when most of the staff are not there.

Before he knows it (as Rolf is lost in thought), after a few wrong turns, he finds himself at Alma's stately home.  "Let's discuss this inside." he says as Alma opens the door and peppers him with questions.

OOC:  I'll stop here before I continue.  Letting the magelock spell either lapse or be removed by Jevasic is fine.

Rolf suggests the two of them proceed inside to discuss the matters, and though Alma hesitates for a moment, she opens the door for Rolf to step in.  "Oh... yes of course, come in."

Alma shuts the door as the two enter, showing Rolf forward with an open palm towards a small sitting room, complete with a low hearth and fireplace which smolders slightly from a recent burn.  There are several wooden chairs in the room which look spartan but comfortable, and the two glass windows on the side wall let in plenty of light.  Alma gestures towards one of the chairs, though she continues through an open doorway to another room beyond.

"I just put a kettle on, can I offer you some tea?"  The voice comes through the open doorway along with the bustling of pewter.

Rolf enters Alma's home and finds it less stately than he would have imagined.  Still, it's a decent place, and to even have a home these days is to be arguably wealthy.

"Tea would be nice." Rolf replies as he sits in a well crafted, sturdy wooden chair.

As he sits he thinks on what to say and how best to say it.  There's little information he has that is positive and he doesn't want to be all doom and gloom.  But he doesn't want to sugar coat the situation either.

After a few minutes Alma returns with the teapot, cups and saucers.  Rolf takes his tea with a lump of sugar and collects his thoughts.

"Before I begin, I must let you know I have given what I am about to say much thought.  And there is much to discuss."

"I was able to get in the facility this morning and see the East wing.  I met the guards and their boss, a man named Strogg.  What I saw gives me a lot of concern about the Witten asylum, it's often violent treatment of the mentally ill, and the deplorable state of the living quarters.  Conditions there are very bad."

"But to be honest I was unable to see Uncle Vunik as I believe he is not being held in the general population.  I don't know if he is being treated well or not.  It very well could be that his living arrangement is much better."

Rolf pauses here and sips some tea.  The tea is good and helps settle his nerves.

"While in the East wing it became very clear the guards regularly beat the inmates.  As well, much of the floors are covered in stagnant water, the walls mold, and the air quality is horrendously bad."

"My visit was unfortunately cut short when I felt a power magical wave of energy pass through.  It nearly buckled my knees.  The guards didn't seem to notice, but the inmates certainly did and kicked up a loud ruckus.  Because of which I was forced to leave."

Rolf ponders how to explain the next thing to discuss as he sips more tea.  "There are known to me some magical rituals that require more than magician, or those with the aptitude, to perform.  In fact dozens or more may be needed.  I suspect those at Witten have been carefully selected as to have some magical ability, whether trained or not.  And to be used in some way towards some goal.  This would explain their high importance on your Uncle and why only I and the inmates that I suspect have the aptitude felt the wave of energy whereas the guards did not."

"They gave me an appointment to see Dr. Heraldus in the afternoon, but upon my return they locked the gate for unspecified repairs.  Which of course is a ruse to keep me out.  I tried to blackmail them by magically locking their gate lock, but the guards said a Dr. Jevasic would be down to remove it.  This is the first I had heard of him and it must be he is a magician to be able to perform such a task."

"This would explain my theory of some magical experiment being done in Witten.  But as to what it is I don't know."

Rolf puts his tea cup down on a saucer and lets his news sink in.  "I normally don't use my magic for skullduggery, but I feel there is enough suspicious activity at Witten to warrant it.  I would like to sneakily enter the asylum this evening and look around.  During my East wing visit one of the inmates said the place 'comes alive at night' and I want to see what that means."

"But I'll need your permission first.  It's your Uncle and if I enter the asylum there is some risk involved.  My ability to get in and out of places is excellent, but there still will be some risk."

"Also, if I go I'll need you to give me an alibi in case I'm spotted and they suspect it's me.  As such I will take efforts to conceal my identity.  I'm thinking a scarf for my face and a different cloak.  If you have these things it would be helpful."

Sitting back Rolf puts his hands at each of the chairs sides.  "What do you think?  Is this something you would like to try?"

"Honestly, if I saw any other way in I would take it.  But it's clear they will never allow me in, and they will never allow your Uncle any visitors.  Let alone to go free.  They are up to something and are taking every measure to conceal it."

Rolf waits patiently as Alma comes back in the room with a thin, pewter tray with a stout teapot and a pair of teacups and saucers.  As she puts the tray down on the side table, pouring Rolf's cup first, Rolf spots a pile of thick, wafer cookies and he can barely hold himself until she hands him his cup and saucer to put one of the fatty biscuits on his plate and another straight into his mouth.

Alma pours her own cup, a thin, yellow liquid that tastes and smells like a floral sort of mint, and she has barely taken a seat of her own before Rolf has launched himself into the discussion.

Alma is a good listener, her facial expressions following along with twists and turns of Rolf's story, and though it looks on a pair of occasions like she is about to speak, she does not interrupt, though she goes so far as to lift a hand to cover her mouth and part of her shocked expression as Rolf describes the magical 'wave' that nearly took him to his knees.

In the end, as Rolf explains his plan to Alma and waits for a response, her reaction is somewhat muted.  "Yes."  Alma sighs the word.  "I had thought it might come to that.  The place really is horrible, though I had thought at first that perhaps it might be kinder than prison.  I certainly can give you a scarf and cloak.  I still have plenty of Vunik's things here that haven't been touched now for months...  Anything to get him out of there."

Alma pauses a moment, her face screwed up in a pained expression somewhere between guilt and anxiety.  "Are you sure you will be safe?  I have never been there after visiting hours were over... or indeed after they called Vunik to his supper, though during the day it seemed they had a vast number of guards...  I wouldn't want to you be hurt in the process...  Please, don't go alone.  I couldn't live with it if I were to blame for you being caught there, I could only imagine what they would do."

OOC:  Alma has a cloak and scarf that you can borrow for as long as you wish.  It is possible to hire NPCs for the mission if you wish as well, though obviously most anyone you hired would not have all of the same skills you have to potentially get yourself into the asylum.  That being said, you can look for skills when you hire, so if you want something on the table to help you out, let me know and we'll incorporate it in the roll.

Rolf is finding Alma's home a needed respite from the chaos earlier in his day.  The tea and biscuits are very good too.

"You are too kind." he says in response to the offer of the cloak and scarf.

"As for Witten I can get in easily enough...and probably out without harm.  But there's always risk.  They have guards, dogs and who knows what else.  But getting someone else in would be very difficult if not impossible.  I don't have the skills.  Unless of course we storm our way in through the front, but since I really don't know what they are up to yet this isn't an option."

In regards to getting help, Rolf had thought on this on his walk over.  "A small group at their front door making a giant ruckus might be really helpful.  It would certainly draw their attention away from me as I try to find Vunik and poke around.  But I haven't the funds for this.  I would need your help there."

Continuing he adds "There's no guarantee I will be able to get your uncle out.  If I try to he could get hurt.  But I hope to at least check on his welfare, suss out what they are up to, and maybe armed with that we can strong arm your Uncle out through the proper legal channels."

OOC:  Three mercenary's would be helpful.  With an emphasis on smarts and trustworthiness.  And maybe one with animal handling skills, and another with skill at picking locks.

Alma listens as Rolf explains the situation, sipping on her own cup as he goes through some of the details of his plan.  Though before he is entirely finished, Alma clanks down her cup on the saucer, standing abruptly and walking hurriedly out of the room.

Unsure what else to do, Rolf raises his voice a touch, just to make sure she hears the rest of it.

It ends up being little of an issue, for Alma is back in the sitting room in a moment, a heavy wool overcoat and scarf resting in her hands.  She places the items over the back of another chair, taking a moment to seat herself again and picking up her cup before letting the silence draw on for another several seconds.

When she does speak, her voice is thin and nearly cracks.  "I forget that you must have all sorts of spells at your disposal.  Perhaps it would be best if you did go in alone..."

Alma pauses again, the muscle in her jaw strung taught for a moment before she takes another drink of her tea, letting the cup fall down to the side table as her eyes drop down as well.

"I just...  I understand you can't make any guarantees, though I worry that proper legal channels may not really be something we should rely on.  I have petitioned everyone I could think of already...  Just promise me that if you find an opportunity to get him you you will, rather than count on the better judgement of those running the asylum or the city.

OOC:  Getting help isn't off the table, though it seems Alma is less willing to fund a scouting mission than she is a rescue mission.  Don't let the NPCs drive your decision making through - she has her own motivations and you have yours.  Feel free to press the issue either IC or OOC, though you definitely have her 'permission' to attempt to get in the asylum.

"You are too kind." Rolf says again profusely as Alma puts the coat and scarf on the chair near him.

"If I see any possible channel to wrest Uncle Vunik from Witten I promise you I'll take it.  But if I think his health welfare would be at risk I won't.  It won't do any good if he gets hurt or worse in the attempt." he says as he puts his tea cup down for emphasis.

"Ultimately I suspect what I find might be enough to mobilize the Magician's guild to move against them...and shut them down for good.  Not only would I like to free your Uncle, but also all those poor souls being abused there."

Shifting tactics he adds, "My plan is to try to break in Witten well past midnight.  Either tonight or tomorrow night, depending on how long it will take to get a group together."

OOC:  Not sure how you want to handle hiring mercenary's.  I'll be open to her suggestions.  Loyalty and smarts are the highest priority.