It seemed like a tragic occurrence at first, some poor woman was found dead by the river in the poor districts. Then it happened again, and again a second time. The city council requested the watch to declare a general alert. And thus the General commander called all hands on deck. She requested your presence with the upmost urgency.

So you all gathered in her office...

Titus had taken the first death as tragic happenstance, like most other people, but as the bodies began to accumulate so did his rage. Not only had some fell murderer found their, its, way into their fair city but it had avoided their notice thrice. No more Titus promised himself as he rallied to the guild master's summons. Entering her office he quickly took up place off to the side and stood attentively to await the captain's update and orders.

Always ready for duty, Alison arrived with her pack and weapons, ready to go out into the streets at a moment’s notice. She stood off to the side, allowing the others room to move about. She waited calmly for instructions.

Accompanying Alison as is often the case, in the office or on the streets, the soft and friendly looking creature known as Prescious is right behind her on the way to this meeting too.

Rather than presume to engage in the meeting itself she heads over to a corner with a good view of the majority of doors and windows where she flops down and curls up into a fluffy pile with eyes, yet still looks perfectly comfortable.

Vinnick wasn't sure about the summons. Generally he had little choice and always had an "escort." But it wasn't his brothers office so his curiosity was peaked. Entering the office, he noticed that other had apparently been called on as well. Taking a spot near the back and close to some shadows he observes the goings as he waits to see what is going on.

Four people had come and pretty quickly while at that. That should have to do for the time being. General Commander Luzitanne stood from her chair and addressed them. "Thank you for coming with this little notice." She took off the hat and the jacket that marked her rank in the Watch. "I don't think I need to explain the situation, we all know what is happening, second hand or otherwise" she turned to look at Titus as she said "otherwise".

"I have organized patrols across the slums and near the river, but I'm not exactly asking you to join them" She said with sadness in her voice. "I'm afraid that the murderer we have on the loose seems to have good connections, or at least has a way to get privileged information from the watch."

She added. "That is why I'm asking you, I think I can trust you with this. To investigate on your own and to keep your investigation under wraps."

Alison nodded, ”So I just put ‘special assignment’ on the paperwork then?”

Titus averted his gaze in shame. While he could not bear sole responsibility for having failed in finding the murderer he was a city watchmen and it was his responsibility, his duty to protect the people of Ondinium. Still when the General Commander insinuated that one of his own number was conspiring to hide the murderer he snapped his head towards her, words leaving his mouth before they fully processed in his head.

"Surely you jest. No member of the City Watch would ever..."

With rapidly dawning realization he snapped his mouth shut and coughed into his hand. When he spoke again it was at a much more measured and respectful tone.

"What I meant to say General Commander is that I personally find it hard to believe that one of our own number would be complicit in these heinous crimes."

So that was the reason they were here. Vinnick thought to his self. "If that is the reasoning then perhaps a list of those directly involved in the investigation would serve as a starting point. We could discreetly question them in less formal settings and determine who if any play a part in the murders." Vinnick was taking a bit of delight in the fact that he could turn the tables and investigate the city watch rather than them looking into him.

Uncurling from her spot in the corner to speak to Alison the Shubbet isn't loud enough to interrupt the others, but anyone paying attention could probably make out what she says.  ”They may be unwitting spies, or subject to magical coercion.”

Alison spoke quietly but with a measure of confidence, as if she is simply soft spoken. ”Have you not heard of the Red Wall of Silence*? Those who wear these red cloaks, the Watch, tend to rally around their own. They know enough not to speak, especially when accusations are coming their way. No this will require boot leather and evidence.” She smiled, ”Then we confront those here who are involved and find out who is behind this all.”

She straightened her posture and pulled at the hem of her cloak as she looked back to the General, ”Do you have any special instructions or items for our use?”

Vinnick laughs at confidence of the woman. "All walls can be breached. One just has to know where. You'd be surprised what information people give away that they think is of little consequence. And I said it would best be done discreetly, something the Watch has yet to learn to do."

"I knew I could count on you." the Commander smiled. "The only instructions are that you are not to work in the headquarters and not to leave paperwork. Nominally you are assigned to early morning watch so that you are justified. But your true work is to investigate not to keep watch."

Wow, I didn't expect this to get so close to real world... Ok here are the possible leads:

Most members of the watch frequent the Stone sword pub. If you want to get them drunk it is the place.

All paperwork goes through the two secretaries in the headquarters. They are basically civilians hired from the street.

Captain Virgil has a lot of control over watches. Even though this time he isn't in control of the watches, he is bound to know most of them.

Last month there was a fresh wave of recruits. Five new people joined the guard.

Alison nodded, "Very well. I have a few maps in my office that might be of aid. If you all would care to join me?" She nodded at Precious, We will need your ability to read minds very soon I think.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

Clearly happy to be the focus of Alison's attention, even if only for a moment, Precious perks up immediately when addressed.  ”We will need to be careful so they don't know who is listening in, I can hide in the cabinet while you ask the questions.”

Titus gritted his teeth somewhat but elected not to depend his shames. Besides every watchman knew that the best recourse against the slanderous lies of the Red Wall of Silence was to deny its existence. No self-respecting watchman would violate that basic tenet of the brotherhood they shared. Turning to the others he considered their options before speaking.

"I think I'm best suited to clandestinely ask questions of others of the Watch, at least in a social situation. They are unlikely to suspect me of anything unsavory and it will help to clear good men and women of these heinous accusations."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Mon 23 Nov 2020.

"If you wouldn't mind the company. I'd like to join you. I move about the bars, the ones with the watch included. So I shouldn't draw much attention. I can even pass a minstrel if you'd perfer. The maids at such places often hear more than they let on."

The group made its way to the Stone Sword Pub. There was some disturbance on the streets. People showed general distress and acted skittish. There was tension all around.

The weather was very cold, and it seemed it could snow at any time that afternoon.

Once they reached the Stone Sword Pub, the climate was less somber. People in there were having some fun. The bartender was Lanie as usual, and while she gave a drink to a new customer, she snickered at seeing more familiar faces. Her drinks and food were legendarily good, she was also a great listener and known for her advice.

There were five tables occupied. One of them had a small group of rookies, the other had Mark a more veteran member of the watch who didn't waste any time getting wasted. Some of the other tables had regular visitors, and the last one had a small group of what looked like mercenaries, including a bearaler. There was a singer in the stage with his shubbet playing the drums.

Even one of the secretaries was in the bar talking to Lanie. This wasn't exactly an expected sight, considering the secretaries normally worked all the way until sundown.

Walking into the pub Vinnick flashes a wide smile. "Lanie! My friend. How are you?" He calls out in a loud and blusterous voice. "Can we get a round of drinks for the bar?" My friend here.." He says as he slaps the back of his hand against Titus' middle. "Lost a bet with me and will be buying the first round." As he talks his eyes move about the room taking in what details he could. Including how deep into their cups most of the patrons were.


OOC:
lets see how drunk everyone is.
14:49, Today: Vinnick rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

Titus grunted at the sudden contact, casting a steely glare at Vinnick as he absently rubbed at his stomach.

"Yeah I lost the bet alright. I'll take an ale Lanie and maybe a tankard of dirty water from the scullery or perhaps just a bed pan for good old Vinnick here."

He returned Vinnick's slap with one of his own, albeit aimed at his shoulder blade.

Alison followed but waited outside the tavern for a twenty count before walking in. She wanted to make it seem as though she and Precious were not with the boys. As they enter she took a free table near enough to the boys that Precious could "Listen" in on thoughts. She ordered a weak ale and sipped it while watching the room.

Nudging Alison to a table fairly centrally located in the room, likely not big enough that any part of it is excluded from the spell, Precious slides one of the adjacent chairs up to the one Alison sat in and hops up on it to lean against her, both a fairly normal thing to do and a good way to avoid any detection of her unusual behavior.  Despite not being an actual spell and thus requiring no components her concentration on the effect itself might still be detectable were someone else to engage in some form of interaction.  ”I will start by just listening in their surface thoughts are harder to hide so they won't know I am listening.”

Lanie chuckled at the antics of the guardian and Vinnick. "Vinnick, honey. I've told you you need better friends. Or actual friends period." She turned around and produced two tankards. "Is the usual ok?" she left the tankards on the bar and turned her attention back to the secretary. "Have you considered that's what he actually wants? Some boys just need to put themselves in danger to feel manly"

Vinnick hands Titus his le as he leans against the counter and takes a sip of his. Normally he would banter more with Lanie, but it seemed that there was a more pressing conversation that needed tending. So he let it go as he gazed over the room. The bard on stage wasn't doing much for the atmosphere. 'Well this wont do at all." Vinnick says just loud enough for Titus to hear but not anyone else. Taking a large drink of his ale, Vinnick calls up to the bard on stage. :Oi! Play something lively! With a smile he winks at Titus and whispers "See what you can get out of the rookies" He then proceeds to take hold of one of the free barmaids and starts to dance with her as he starts singing very loudly.

"A gypsy rover came over the hill
Down through the valley so shady.
He whistled and he sang ’til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady.

Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-doo-dah-day
Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-day-dee
He whistled and he sang ’til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady.

She left her own fine lover.
She left her servants and her state
To follow her gypsy rover.

She left behind her velvet gown
And shoes of Spanish leather
They whistled and they sang ’till the green woods rang
As they rode off together

Last night, she slept on a goose feather bed
With silken sheets for cover
Tonight she’ll sleep on the cold, cold ground
Beside her gyspy lover

Her father saddled up his fastest stead
And roamed the valley all over.
Sought his daughter at great speed
And the whistlin’ gypsy rover.

He came at last to a mansion fine
Down by the river Claydee.
And there was music and there was wine
For the gypsy and his lady.

“He is no gypsy, my Father,” she cried
“but Lord of these lands all over.
And I shall stay ’til my dying day
with my whistlin’ gypsy rover.”


02:11, Today: Vinnick rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Performance. (song)

02:12, Today: Vinnick rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Performance. (Dance)

OOC:
Gypsy Rover
lyrics and music Leo Maguire, based on Child Ballad #200