The rest of the night proceeded as normal, or well...consistent and expected giving the normalcy of the daylight shift work. The next day would be the last shift before the allotted break between rotating to the evening shift. Their given over a full day to adjust to a new life schedule whenever they rotated. One more shift of chasing the occasional pick pocket or settling a dispute between merchants and consumers on the worth of provided goods and services. After his break, the work would be replaced by evenings of breaking up bar fights and the occasional child sneaking out to go do something as nefarious as their little mind could fathom, like drawing crude charcoal drawings and obscene words on public buildings.
After committing to his nighttime routine, as did the rest of the individuals he woke up with earlier that morning. The city was silent as he fell asleep.
Sleep which didn't last long. It was pitch black when Hektor opened his eyes. Neither of the lanterns at either end of the room were lit. To Hektor, he had only just closed his eyes, when an indicernable sound woke him. Awake, he heard it again. A booming blast from somewhere in the city, while off in the distance, the sound of the blast was quickly followed by a rattling off the windows, from the locker room beyond the sleeping bay.
Hektor blinked himself to wakefulness. He could hardly see, he instead fumbled around for his own lantern but without any way to light it ((thought I had a tinderbox)) grumbled his frustration. He sat up from the bed and carefully felt around for his boots. He quickly put them on, relying on the memory of a thousand walks before this one to slowly make his way toward the area where his gear was kept. He made sure to keep a hand before him and his movements cautious.
He paused, but decided against speaking until he could see where he was. He drew his knife however, keeping it close and in a reverse grip to avoid accidentally poking someone, including himself. He kept his ears open, as his eyes afforded him little in the darkness, moving again.
For what Hektor could tell, there were others moving about in the darkness. This was understandable as the room had about two dozen bunks which would at any point in time could be inhabited by other men of the city guard.
"What's going on?" Someone whispered in the dark. Hektor could not identify the voices owner, and there was no way to know for certain who spoke or who was moving around in the room.
Hektor snapped his head toward the voice. His eyes narrowed, not that it helped him see any, trying to identify the voice. "I think...I think that was an explosion." he muttered aloud. He continued towards where his gear should have been. "Everyone get ready, arm yourselves." he ordered. Until someone higher up took over, Hektor just assumed command.
"Steady yourselves, but get your kit." A calm voice replied, entering the bay. The door beyond pushed open and lantern light spilled in.
A Watch Captain En'Teneal stepped forth. Hektor knew him as even previously serving under him on his shift as watch captain. A good enough fellow, though overly fond of his hobby as a bard, producing 'feel good' music, when not serving his duty. It was his true passion and with the amount of time he spent talking about it, it could easily become an annoyance to those around. Those was the least he had ever said even as far as a one-sided 'conversation' went.
Two guardsmen, likely on duty, followed, one lighting the lantern, while the other checked the captain's Quaters, where Captain Willard would normally be slumbering. "It's empty, sir."
Captain En'Teneal addressed the bar of waking guardsmen. "Where's your watch captain?" With the new light provided by the lanterns, Hektor could also see that Private Hudson was not in his bunk. It didn't look as if it had even been slept in.
Hektor took in a breath as the door opened and let out a sigh as he recognized those that entered. Now that there was light, he sheathed the dagger and quickened his pace to don his gear. At En'Teneal's question, Hektor narrowed his eyes. He didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but all his thoughts turned towards the same thing.
Treason.
"Unknown sir." he paused. "As well as the whereabouts of several others it would seem." he gestured toward the empty and unused bed. After getting his own gear together, Hektor would Help others to insure they were ready as soon as they could be.
"Very well. Lethe, take accountability of how many are missing and have your shift muster in the square." En'Teneal and Hektor knew each other well enough from a professional standpoint to put name to face, and he knew Hektor's rank, putting him in charge as a senior ranked guardsmen for the shift.
Assisting the others, some still half awake, Hektor was able to ready himself as if for his normal shift, though only several hours too early.
Whether from asking around or taking a count, or a combination of the two, Hektor was able to identify there were a total of five missing from his shift, placing the group at only 11 strong. And from the looks of the third shift who were on duty between Hektor'sand En'Teneal's, they were missing a handful as well, though Hektor didn't know their exact number normally.
Twice while still in the barracks, explosions sounded again, and then a third additional time as En'Teneal was about to address the two additional shift ranks.
"Those explosions are coming from the lower district. Morning shift, you'll break into patrol parties and evacuate and assist any citizens within that district. Direct them to the townsquare, where we'll set up triage." He then turned away from Hektor and his shift to address the other. "We're already receiving word of civil unrest in the official, market and Middle districts. Sergeant Schwifty will break you into patrols to reinforce those already in the areas."
The next dozen minutes or so was somewhat of a blur. Arming, assisting, waking up, collecting counts. "Five from morning shift!" he called out at one point. "Several from third, unknown how many exactly but at least three I'd wager." Hektor cycled his shift out of the barracks, mustering them in the square. "Double check! We don't want to be caught unprepared!" He took his own advice, flinching at every explosion, a mix of anxiousness and worry, as he checked to make sure all his gear was present and accounted for. He turned his attention to the Captain as he spoke.
"All right you heard the Captain! Pair off. Hawkins you and..." Hektor paired the Watchmen off, attempting to have a senior member in each pair, directing one of the pair to be the vanguard and ensure any civilians sent from various directions could meet them and then be further directed to the town square. A further pair he designated as runners to keep the chain of command and any orders relayed. Hektor kept the extra man, taking a lead route from the lower district. He turned and addressed the Watch under his temporary command. "We will be point in the lower district. Keep your eyes open and your guard up. There could be a potential for hostile forces so keep your wits about you! At this point, any Watch that should be here but is not should be treated with scrutiny. Don't detain unless you have to, but don't let them out of your sight. Evacuation is the first priority. You know the drills, get to it!"
Unless there was anything else, Hektor would begin the trek to the lower district.
Splitting the shift into teams of two for evacuating the lower district, per En'Teneal's guidance, Lethe leads a team with another Sergeant from the shift, Bilko, whom he had worked with before, and a new Private by the name of Holbrook. Bilko had been with the guard for quite some time but had no concern for rules or general command. While having no malicious intent he tended to use the position and infrastructure for his own gain with constant hustles in play. Holbrook on the other hand was a plucky overly motivated new guard who lived his life by the rules.
As the team of three enters the street of the lower district, an explosion happens just on the other side of the building just north of them. However, it was nearly immediately followed by the scream of a woman to the east. The lower district was small enough that other patrols would have heard both, but there was no way to know immediately which, if any would be able to respond soon.
Hektor was a bit at odds with the pair he assigned himself, but perhaps given the situation they could be focused on the matter at hand. As he entered, weapons drawn, an explosion rocked him on his feet. He shook his head to clear it, aware of a scream coming from close by. He grit his teeth. His first instinct was to go to the womans aid, but her scream likely would have been heard by other groups and likely would be investigated. As point, Hektor prioritized heading in as deep as possible and an explosion could mean injured civilians, perhaps even the culprits.
"Form up and advance." he stated clearly, moving to the North.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Holbrook and Bilko may have been odd characters and not the most trust worthy or brightest of choices, but their reaction to the explosion and Lethe's orders showed their value. Immediately moving toward the same direction and speed as Lethe, the three moved towards the explosion, to the north. They rounded the building directly infront of them to see the blazes of the structure beyond. It was one of the boarding houses for the field workers.
Another pair of guardsmen appeared from the west, though still a far enough distance that Lethe could not make out the identity given the light. They were about 40 feet away.
Lethe: 22
A few citizens were running around, mostly due to panic, and one was screaming while pointing at the inferno. The two guardsmen to the west were directing some of the 'headless' citizens towards the town square. While the screaming one attempted to get the attention of Lethe's group.
In all the chaos, when Lethe stepped onto the street infront of the burning building, he saw a shadowy figure calmly walking down an alleyway east of the burning building, away from it all. Though he only arrived in time to see the figure dissappear behind the building next door to it, out of sight before Lethe could get a good look at them.
Lethe dithered for a moment before grunting. He couldn't ignore the civilians in front of him to chase a possible ghost.
"Aid the civilian." Lethe commanded before moving over to the screaming civilian. "Is there anyone in there? How many?" he attempted to ask over the inferno.
Sergeant Bilko and Private Holbrook flanked Lethe as they approached the screaming civilian. It was a woman, likely in her 30s or 40s, in commoner clothing. "There's someone in there! A city guard went in to, but that was before the explosion. They haven't come out!" The woman kept looking back and forth between Lethe and the burning building.
No sooner had this been said that another explosion sounded. It was two buildings down the street, east of the burning one. The explosion was contained somewhere inside the building, but it was still something to be heard and felt. The group could see as flames began showing now in this building as well.
"Damn!" Hector exclaimed as another blast rocked his ears. He pulled himself to the task at hand.
"Double step! In and out before this building collapses! Save who we can!" Hector slung his sword in its scabbard and held the shield in front of him as he entered the building. Once inside he called out. "Anyone here?! City Watch!" He tried his best to look around for any signs of survivors.
Inside the building, the sound of the blaze drowned out the sounds outside. And the heat hit the guardsmen like a ton of bricks, especially given their current attire.
Bilko and Holbrook split up to check the two available doorways on the main floor, "Stay close, Private." Bilko said as they went to check the base level for any survivors.
Other than the two doorways from the entry room, the only uncovered way, was a staircase leading to the next floor up. The building was a three stories construction, but if anyone could hear Lethe's call, he heard no reply.
Hector winced from the heat, trying to keep moving. As the other Watch split to check doors, Lethe gritted his teeth and attempted the stairs. He had serious doubts that the building would support its third floor after sustaining enough damage but if he was lucky, he could manage to save someone. As he entered the second floor he would call out again.
"City Watch! Is anyone here?!" He attempted to look around for any signs.
There was no response to Lethe's call, however there was a sound that came undoubtedly as a reaction to it. Once up the stairs, looking towards the rear (north end) of the building, Lethe heard movement. It was something heavy being pushed. Even though it was the next room over, Lethe had a high level of certainty of the direction, and that it was created by something with consciousness.
Hector glanced at his surroundings, moving with a speed of purpose. He didn't know how long he would have before the flames became too much for him, and the building, to handle. He moved toward the heavy sound, hand on his sword in case he had to draw it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Moving quickly through, as heat radiates from the walls and surfaces around him, Lethe finds himself passing into a large open sleeping quarters where the source of the explosion likely originated. Flames engulfed everything in the room, and a sizeable hole was blown in the rear wall, while much of the floor was caved in. Debris from the floor, this room, along with its mangled contents, and the ceiling/floor for the level above all were now piled in the first level of the building. The room was crumbling in and it was only a matter of time before the building would likely collapse and crush Lethe to death, if the flames and smoke did not get him first.
19
Whatever conscious action, by a living creature, created the sound that Lethe was attempting to follow, it was no longer present.
"Damn!" Lethe grunted, holding up a hand to shield his face from the flames. He could hardly see, hardly breathe. He muttered under his breath, frustrated that he was chasing flames. He turned from the room and bolted down the stairs as fast as he could. "Clear the building! Clear it!" he shouted, heeding his own advice.
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Exitus Acta Probat
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The rest of the night proceeded as normal, or well...consistent and expected giving the normalcy of the daylight shift work. The next day would be the last shift before the allotted break between rotating to the evening shift. Their given over a full day to adjust to a new life schedule whenever they rotated. One more shift of chasing the occasional pick pocket or settling a dispute between merchants and consumers on the worth of provided goods and services. After his break, the work would be replaced by evenings of breaking up bar fights and the occasional child sneaking out to go do something as nefarious as their little mind could fathom, like drawing crude charcoal drawings and obscene words on public buildings.
After committing to his nighttime routine, as did the rest of the individuals he woke up with earlier that morning. The city was silent as he fell asleep.
Sleep which didn't last long. It was pitch black when Hektor opened his eyes. Neither of the lanterns at either end of the room were lit. To Hektor, he had only just closed his eyes, when an indicernable sound woke him. Awake, he heard it again. A booming blast from somewhere in the city, while off in the distance, the sound of the blast was quickly followed by a rattling off the windows, from the locker room beyond the sleeping bay.
Hektor blinked himself to wakefulness. He could hardly see, he instead fumbled around for his own lantern but without any way to light it ((thought I had a tinderbox)) grumbled his frustration. He sat up from the bed and carefully felt around for his boots. He quickly put them on, relying on the memory of a thousand walks before this one to slowly make his way toward the area where his gear was kept. He made sure to keep a hand before him and his movements cautious.
He paused, but decided against speaking until he could see where he was. He drew his knife however, keeping it close and in a reverse grip to avoid accidentally poking someone, including himself. He kept his ears open, as his eyes afforded him little in the darkness, moving again.
Perception: 11
Exitus Acta Probat
For what Hektor could tell, there were others moving about in the darkness. This was understandable as the room had about two dozen bunks which would at any point in time could be inhabited by other men of the city guard.
"What's going on?" Someone whispered in the dark. Hektor could not identify the voices owner, and there was no way to know for certain who spoke or who was moving around in the room.
Hektor snapped his head toward the voice. His eyes narrowed, not that it helped him see any, trying to identify the voice. "I think...I think that was an explosion." he muttered aloud. He continued towards where his gear should have been. "Everyone get ready, arm yourselves." he ordered. Until someone higher up took over, Hektor just assumed command.
Exitus Acta Probat
"Steady yourselves, but get your kit." A calm voice replied, entering the bay. The door beyond pushed open and lantern light spilled in.
A Watch Captain En'Teneal stepped forth. Hektor knew him as even previously serving under him on his shift as watch captain. A good enough fellow, though overly fond of his hobby as a bard, producing 'feel good' music, when not serving his duty. It was his true passion and with the amount of time he spent talking about it, it could easily become an annoyance to those around. Those was the least he had ever said even as far as a one-sided 'conversation' went.
Two guardsmen, likely on duty, followed, one lighting the lantern, while the other checked the captain's Quaters, where Captain Willard would normally be slumbering. "It's empty, sir."
Captain En'Teneal addressed the bar of waking guardsmen. "Where's your watch captain?" With the new light provided by the lanterns, Hektor could also see that Private Hudson was not in his bunk. It didn't look as if it had even been slept in.
Hektor took in a breath as the door opened and let out a sigh as he recognized those that entered. Now that there was light, he sheathed the dagger and quickened his pace to don his gear. At En'Teneal's question, Hektor narrowed his eyes. He didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but all his thoughts turned towards the same thing.
Treason.
"Unknown sir." he paused. "As well as the whereabouts of several others it would seem." he gestured toward the empty and unused bed. After getting his own gear together, Hektor would Help others to insure they were ready as soon as they could be.
Exitus Acta Probat
"Very well. Lethe, take accountability of how many are missing and have your shift muster in the square." En'Teneal and Hektor knew each other well enough from a professional standpoint to put name to face, and he knew Hektor's rank, putting him in charge as a senior ranked guardsmen for the shift.
Assisting the others, some still half awake, Hektor was able to ready himself as if for his normal shift, though only several hours too early.
Whether from asking around or taking a count, or a combination of the two, Hektor was able to identify there were a total of five missing from his shift, placing the group at only 11 strong. And from the looks of the third shift who were on duty between Hektor'sand En'Teneal's, they were missing a handful as well, though Hektor didn't know their exact number normally.
Twice while still in the barracks, explosions sounded again, and then a third additional time as En'Teneal was about to address the two additional shift ranks.
"Those explosions are coming from the lower district. Morning shift, you'll break into patrol parties and evacuate and assist any citizens within that district. Direct them to the townsquare, where we'll set up triage." He then turned away from Hektor and his shift to address the other. "We're already receiving word of civil unrest in the official, market and Middle districts. Sergeant Schwifty will break you into patrols to reinforce those already in the areas."
The next dozen minutes or so was somewhat of a blur. Arming, assisting, waking up, collecting counts. "Five from morning shift!" he called out at one point. "Several from third, unknown how many exactly but at least three I'd wager." Hektor cycled his shift out of the barracks, mustering them in the square. "Double check! We don't want to be caught unprepared!" He took his own advice, flinching at every explosion, a mix of anxiousness and worry, as he checked to make sure all his gear was present and accounted for. He turned his attention to the Captain as he spoke.
"All right you heard the Captain! Pair off. Hawkins you and..." Hektor paired the Watchmen off, attempting to have a senior member in each pair, directing one of the pair to be the vanguard and ensure any civilians sent from various directions could meet them and then be further directed to the town square. A further pair he designated as runners to keep the chain of command and any orders relayed. Hektor kept the extra man, taking a lead route from the lower district. He turned and addressed the Watch under his temporary command. "We will be point in the lower district. Keep your eyes open and your guard up. There could be a potential for hostile forces so keep your wits about you! At this point, any Watch that should be here but is not should be treated with scrutiny. Don't detain unless you have to, but don't let them out of your sight. Evacuation is the first priority. You know the drills, get to it!"
Unless there was anything else, Hektor would begin the trek to the lower district.
Exitus Acta Probat
Splitting the shift into teams of two for evacuating the lower district, per En'Teneal's guidance, Lethe leads a team with another Sergeant from the shift, Bilko, whom he had worked with before, and a new Private by the name of Holbrook. Bilko had been with the guard for quite some time but had no concern for rules or general command. While having no malicious intent he tended to use the position and infrastructure for his own gain with constant hustles in play. Holbrook on the other hand was a plucky overly motivated new guard who lived his life by the rules.
As the team of three enters the street of the lower district, an explosion happens just on the other side of the building just north of them. However, it was nearly immediately followed by the scream of a woman to the east. The lower district was small enough that other patrols would have heard both, but there was no way to know immediately which, if any would be able to respond soon.
Hektor was a bit at odds with the pair he assigned himself, but perhaps given the situation they could be focused on the matter at hand. As he entered, weapons drawn, an explosion rocked him on his feet. He shook his head to clear it, aware of a scream coming from close by. He grit his teeth. His first instinct was to go to the womans aid, but her scream likely would have been heard by other groups and likely would be investigated. As point, Hektor prioritized heading in as deep as possible and an explosion could mean injured civilians, perhaps even the culprits.
"Form up and advance." he stated clearly, moving to the North.
Exitus Acta Probat
Holbrook and Bilko may have been odd characters and not the most trust worthy or brightest of choices, but their reaction to the explosion and Lethe's orders showed their value. Immediately moving toward the same direction and speed as Lethe, the three moved towards the explosion, to the north. They rounded the building directly infront of them to see the blazes of the structure beyond. It was one of the boarding houses for the field workers.
Another pair of guardsmen appeared from the west, though still a far enough distance that Lethe could not make out the identity given the light. They were about 40 feet away.
Lethe: 22
A few citizens were running around, mostly due to panic, and one was screaming while pointing at the inferno. The two guardsmen to the west were directing some of the 'headless' citizens towards the town square. While the screaming one attempted to get the attention of Lethe's group.
In all the chaos, when Lethe stepped onto the street infront of the burning building, he saw a shadowy figure calmly walking down an alleyway east of the burning building, away from it all. Though he only arrived in time to see the figure dissappear behind the building next door to it, out of sight before Lethe could get a good look at them.
Lethe dithered for a moment before grunting. He couldn't ignore the civilians in front of him to chase a possible ghost.
"Aid the civilian." Lethe commanded before moving over to the screaming civilian. "Is there anyone in there? How many?" he attempted to ask over the inferno.
Exitus Acta Probat
Sergeant Bilko and Private Holbrook flanked Lethe as they approached the screaming civilian. It was a woman, likely in her 30s or 40s, in commoner clothing. "There's someone in there! A city guard went in to, but that was before the explosion. They haven't come out!" The woman kept looking back and forth between Lethe and the burning building.
No sooner had this been said that another explosion sounded. It was two buildings down the street, east of the burning one. The explosion was contained somewhere inside the building, but it was still something to be heard and felt. The group could see as flames began showing now in this building as well.
"Damn!" Hector exclaimed as another blast rocked his ears. He pulled himself to the task at hand.
"Double step! In and out before this building collapses! Save who we can!" Hector slung his sword in its scabbard and held the shield in front of him as he entered the building. Once inside he called out. "Anyone here?! City Watch!" He tried his best to look around for any signs of survivors.
Perception: 11
Exitus Acta Probat
Inside the building, the sound of the blaze drowned out the sounds outside. And the heat hit the guardsmen like a ton of bricks, especially given their current attire.
Bilko and Holbrook split up to check the two available doorways on the main floor, "Stay close, Private." Bilko said as they went to check the base level for any survivors.
Other than the two doorways from the entry room, the only uncovered way, was a staircase leading to the next floor up. The building was a three stories construction, but if anyone could hear Lethe's call, he heard no reply.
Hector winced from the heat, trying to keep moving. As the other Watch split to check doors, Lethe gritted his teeth and attempted the stairs. He had serious doubts that the building would support its third floor after sustaining enough damage but if he was lucky, he could manage to save someone. As he entered the second floor he would call out again.
"City Watch! Is anyone here?!" He attempted to look around for any signs.
Perception: 20
Exitus Acta Probat
There was no response to Lethe's call, however there was a sound that came undoubtedly as a reaction to it. Once up the stairs, looking towards the rear (north end) of the building, Lethe heard movement. It was something heavy being pushed. Even though it was the next room over, Lethe had a high level of certainty of the direction, and that it was created by something with consciousness.
Hector glanced at his surroundings, moving with a speed of purpose. He didn't know how long he would have before the flames became too much for him, and the building, to handle. He moved toward the heavy sound, hand on his sword in case he had to draw it.
Exitus Acta Probat
Moving quickly through, as heat radiates from the walls and surfaces around him, Lethe finds himself passing into a large open sleeping quarters where the source of the explosion likely originated. Flames engulfed everything in the room, and a sizeable hole was blown in the rear wall, while much of the floor was caved in. Debris from the floor, this room, along with its mangled contents, and the ceiling/floor for the level above all were now piled in the first level of the building. The room was crumbling in and it was only a matter of time before the building would likely collapse and crush Lethe to death, if the flames and smoke did not get him first.
19
Whatever conscious action, by a living creature, created the sound that Lethe was attempting to follow, it was no longer present.
"Damn!" Lethe grunted, holding up a hand to shield his face from the flames. He could hardly see, hardly breathe. He muttered under his breath, frustrated that he was chasing flames. He turned from the room and bolted down the stairs as fast as he could. "Clear the building! Clear it!" he shouted, heeding his own advice.
Exitus Acta Probat