• Solo • Islands of Turning

Seated on the shores of Lake Lovalus, Rharne serves as the home of the Lighting Knights, the Thunder Priestesses, and the Merchant's guild. This beautiful trade city is filled with a happy and contented people who rarely need an excuse to party.

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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

Timestamp: 29th of Zi'Da, Cold Cycle, Arc 717
Location: Earth Quarter, Rharne


One's death, is another's bread...And that very festive saying is especially true to in this situation. Granted, Guillermos had wished the cause for the new message on the Bounty Board had never occured. But what's done is done, lamenting the death of that man won't bring any good and by bringing the culprit to justice, he hoped that the deceased's loved ones will find closure and peace more easily. Even if only by a bit.

He wasn't going to lie or pretend that he didn't mainly do this dangerous task for the sake of clinging gold though, but he knew first-hand how hard it can be without proper closure and being left to live a life void of true sentiments after someone has been snatched away so suddenly. To him, there was nothing worse than a living on, constantly wondering about What If's. So having started this mission, he vowed to himself that he would see it through to the bitter end, even if it was only because he portrayed himself on the ones that must be hurting and griefing during these hard times.

He needed to tackle this step-by-step and with a certain plan in mind, any moment lost is a moment the bastard gets to plan his escape from Rharne after all. First things first, doing things fast and hard is one thing, doing them smart too is a whole other approach. Guillermos first went back to the Dust Quarter, home, where he picked up a few things and was about to step back out into the city. Before stopping in his tracks, taking a hasty seat at his desk and pulling out a piece of paper and quill. Laying them on the desk, ready to pen down his grand plan of attack at any moment. Any moment now...Yes sirry, anyyyyy moment...What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he blacking out like this? Agitated with himself, he kicked the wall behind the desk, resulting in an equally loud banging from the other side soon after.

"What's your problem?!!" The muffled shouting from the other house described his very own thoughts quite well, he was lost as to why this was such a big deal to him now. He usually wasn't that bad at planning nor investigating cases. Al though this one was one of the few he has ever taken on alone, he was still blindsided by his seemingly frozen state of mind. It wasn't until he forced himself into picking up his gray feathered quill that it really hit him. He was trembling with anxiety, seething rage and eagerness to punish this rat for taking his paren---For stabbing that man.

Goddamn it, he was losing it before it had even begun..
Last edited by Guillermos on Mon Dec 18, 2017 9:47 am, edited 2 times in total. word count: 487
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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

Giving himself some time to regain his composure, with the help of a good ol' cup of tea, Guillermos then picks the quill up again, ready to dot down a plan of action, for real this time! Starting out with the basic overarching themes:
#1 Intel Gathering
#2 Locating
#3 Capture


He decided he would start by expanding on Intel Gathering & Locating first and foremost, worst case scenario he will have to call the Guards to do their 'handiwork'. So what does he know already? He knows the culprit's name, gender and city of residence and that it he was inebriated during the fight. He also knows where it all went down and he knows that the man fled the scene of the crime afterwards.

#1 Intel Gathering:
* Culprit: Khael Gordon, male, Rharnian citizen, drunk during the fatal fight, fled scene of crime after.
* Crime: At the Harpy Inn, Earth Quarter, Rharne.

* Culprit: Appearance? Race? Age? Quarter & adress? Still armed? Notorious?
* Crime: Day of the crime? Reason? Accomplices? Witnesses?


There were still a ton of questions to be answered, so he had to make haste and make most effective use of the time as possible. First things first, al though deciding that wasn't as white & black as he had hoped either. He was torn between visiting the Harpy Inn or it's nearest Guard Post. After giving it some thought, he decided his best bet was the nearest Guard Post to the Harpy Inn, they should give more objective answers and are less susceptible to their current mood as to whether or not they'll help him out with this search. Already out the door before realizing he had forgotten to plan the Locating part ahead, but that was something that should conclude from Intel Gathering anyway so he decided to go ahead to the Guard Post.
word count: 309
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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

It took him little time to reach the nearest Guard Post to the Harpy Inn, considering it was situated near the gate to the Dust Quarter. Which might be one of the reasons why it's, aptly, known for being a tad on the rougher side than most othern taverns and inns. To top it off, the Guard Post was even closer than the Harpy Inn was, near the separating gates of the Dust & Earth. As it came within sight, after crossing the impressive gated passage through the large stonewalled Quarter, he could feel himself getting slightly queezy, it wasn't often someone from the Dust approached a guard and it could easily be misinterpreted by the tight-lipped community at home. As he approached the cylindrical brick tower, ornamented with openings for the city's guardsmen, dressed in their impressive uniform tabard of Rharne, to unleash volleys of death on any threat, his uneasiness grew in intensity. The waving Rharnian flag hanging steadfast on post, gave him some form of relaxation. Giving him a sensation that no matter what Quarter he's from, they're all unified as Rharnians, followers of Ilaren.

The small troop of guardsmen protecting entry to the tower were clearly alert of their surroundings. Before he was even able greet them properly, he noticed the little telltale signs of defensive hostility. The motion their fingers made as they adjusted and tightened the grip on their halberds and hilts, the shuffling of feet as they took a more imposing stance and the shifting eyes back and forth between the approaching Guillermos and other possible threats yet to be revealed. "Hi there, I'm looking for someone. Could you help me?" Guillermos spoke as he approached the men with a raised hand that stayed awkwardly long in the air.

"Depends. Name and Quarter?" The short answer wasn't really meant to show disdain or to discourage Guillermos to ask for help. But it sure as hell came off like that. Guillermos started to feel more annoyed than impressed with the guardsmen, but he managed to keep it contained and unnoticeable still. "Khael Gordon, I think he's from the Earth?" Just as the guard could've communicated better, so could've Guillermos.Without further explanation given as to what his relationship with Khael Gordon is, nor why he is looking for him...he should've been able to expect the reaction from the guards to be less than friendly.

"Hands where I can see'm! Now! NOW!!"

"Name? Why are you looking for Khael Gordon?!"
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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

Even though he should've realized his mistake by now, the sudden turn of events really caught him by surprise and as a result he didn't raise his hands up immediately. Which in turn caused one of the guards to switch his stance from a defensive ready-to-throw down stance with raised halberd to a full-fledged agressive stance with the halberd's large blade aimed at gut height and inching its way closer for the deadly decisive strike. Guillermos didn't need to realize jack shit at this point, his very instinct caused him to throw up his hands high in the air in a non-verbal speech of "I'm defenseless, don't slash me in half, please!"

"Guillermos! I'm trying to track down Khael Gordon for his bounty!"
He spoke again without preliminary thought, this time it was justified though. Very few people would give their words careful thought when about to be shown their own intestines at a motion of the threatening guard and polearm. Apparently satisfied with his panicky manner of speech and explanation, judging from their now-undeniably disdainful facial expression accompanied with the damning smirk as a fun Degrading Ensemble, the guards eased up and now Guillermos was barraged with unrequested remarks in favor and condemning his motives for the task at hand.
"I don't like bounty hunters, greedy scavengers, preying on other's misfortune."
"Good for you lad, it's always good to see civilians fight for the good of Rharne."

Guillermos was stone-faced during this all, he had no idea how to react to these misplaced prejudice, nor the over-the-top compliments. Instead he cut the slowly escalating discussion between the men short by interrupting them. "Guys, sorry for interrupting but the fact is that the more time we spend on discussing this, the more time Khael Gordon gets to plan his escape. Who can help me?"
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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

While most of the group remained hesitant to step forward and help Guillermos out by sharing information, the guardsman who at first showed the most hostility, the one with the polearm, stepped forward. "I was the one who was called first to the crimescene that night, albeit too late still." Guillermos nodded in appreciation and acknowledgment. Sometimes men didn't need to speak more than a few words to convey fullfledged messages and feelings. The look in the man's eyes showed he was ready to help and answer the questions he's able to answer. This time Guillermos did take the time to choose his words carefully and structure them accordingly. "I know Khael Gordon is a male Rharnian civilian, but so far that's about all I got to work with. Can you tell me anything more about this man?"

"He's a familiar face with us, recidivist first degree, of petty crime. Always kept it his offences out of the public's eye though, and ALWAYS comes up with a sobstory to get off the hook. Unfortunately, for all parties involved really, he crossed the point of no return. Khael's a fairly young adult male human with short red hair and most of his face covered in freckles and stubble. Average built, more fat than muscle on his body. Lives nearby here. On the first corner on your left, if you go that way." Pointing to the road behind him.

"I believe the murder was probably a spur of the moment or crime of passion more so than a planned hit. The victim only showed one wound and was unlucky enough for it to hit a vital spot. Additionally the proprieter said he saw Khael in a heated discussion with the victim inside before taking it outside and fighting it out, with the result as is now..."
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Guillermos
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Islands of Turning

Scribbling down as fast as he could with the paper pressed against a nearby bench, Guillermos was having trouble keeping up with the man's pace as he described Khael and the probable circumstances into a lot more detail than he had anticipated. It was clear this guard was taking the case very seriously and wanted the man to face the consequences of his actions as much as Guillermos did. Which honestly made him feel quite proud of Rharne and its devoted protectors. It made him feel at ease somehow, knowing even the common folk had 'representatives' of justice.

"One last thing. His mother, who lives in with him, wasn't able to help us with finding out the current where-abouts of Khael. Considering the circumstances, the proximity between his home and the Harpy Inn and the fact nobody has seen him since...Makes me think she's covering for him. Maybe you'll have better luck with getting her to open up, before she's considered an accomplice and he ruins yet another life..."

Guillermos nodded again, more solemnly now, understanding the graveness of what the man just said. If she would be in fact hiding the killer, be it her son or any other man, she would most likely be considered an accomplice and consequently be thrown in jail, banished or worse. Guillermos nearly trembled with the stress from this foresight, as well as from the fuming anger towards the son for putting his mother in this regretful position. They say a mother's love is unbreakable but, for the love of Ilaren and all the gods, some don't deserve this kind of love!

He was refueled with a sense of moral justice and desire to save both mother & son, in their own respective ways. Vowing to do all he could to save them of their looming demise. Thanking the guard respectfully and genuinely, even commending him for his sincerity in going above & beyond the call of duty, before going to the house on the corner with a firm stride in his step.
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Guillermos
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As much, or little, as planned out...because lets be honest, he planned out less than he would've if he had went grocery shopping instead, he still walked steadfast towards the unknown. Not knowing what to expect, not armed and not prepared, there were so many reasons to be fearful or hesitant. But the flame of reason was by far outmatched in the face of the lashing flames from his sense of morals and thoughts of the griefstruck mother being used by the ingrate of a son.

Arriving at the T-junction and seeing the homely building in person, he had to swallow away the thought of possibly becoming a home-wrecker and being the cause of even more sadness. The colorful potted plants decorating the small squared windows, the welcoming doormat and the smoky chimney were so quaint and picturesque. He had to be strong, of both mind and spirit. If he had to be the hated bad guy, then so be it. He'd rather have the mother hating him, than herself, or her own son. He was ready to take the bad with the good as he knocked twice on the door, ready to take the heat of a furious mother protecting her baby.

What hit him was far heavier than even the angriest tirade. It was an elderly woman with bloodshot red eyes, probably from crying her heart out non-stop over the last few trials.
"Y-yes?"
Guillermos' stern look faded faster than good premonitions for the new arc. He had to stay composed though, even if he had to hurt this poor woman's feelings, he had to get the whereabouts of her son. "I am here to talk about Khael Gordon...Your son?" The woman lowered her eyes and slowly nodded, flinching her eyes as soon as Guillermos raised his hand to shake hers. "Hi, I am Guillermos. I know this must be difficult for you, but please allow me to speak me with you, ma'am." The look of astonishment of being spoken to as a respectful human being, hurt Guillermos deeply. The tears that followed tore his heart apart even more.

""I am sorry. Sorry. I just didn't expect this. Please do come in."


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Guillermos
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Guillermos placed his free hand gently over hers as she, almost gratefully, shook his hand extensively. Entering her cozy living room and then kitchen, he felt his soul aching for having had such a home during his life, but this was not the time for self-centered melodrama, at all.
"Care for a cup of tea, Guillermos?
Smiling and nodding in appreciative acknowledgment, the old lady started to boil the water and rummage around her cupboards for tealeaves and mugs, muttering to herself about what a mess the place was. Looking around, Guillermos couldn't spot a single crumb, he would've eaten off the floor before whiping his face for crying out loud! The elderly woman was adorable in a way, ignoring the creeping thought of the discussion to come and the reason as to why she seemed to excited to have him visiting, probably even knowing what his thought really was...The poor woman must feel so alone, he could imagine society casting her and her family aside as the lowest of the low right now.

"Ma'am..."
"Please, call me Magdalinde, dearie."


"Magdalinde, we need to talk...about Khael." Guillermos added, not in an intimidating or dreadful tone of voice, still the woman froze in place, pressing her hands on the cupboard to keep her up.
"I know. That boy. He's always been like that, impulsive and not thinking about the consequences. Always!"
Guillermos could see her trembling as she kept herself strong. "Ma'a--Magdalinde, I do not mean to be rude but..Khael is not a boy anymore, he's a man, a man whose actions have consequences. Consequences, for him and others."

The woman's arms and shoulders shook more and more as Guillermos spoke the harsh truth, she seemed to be shrinking with every words. Until finally he stood up and helped her reach a seat at the table and sit down before proceeding. "You probably already know, but the guards are -very seriously- tracking him down. I spoke with them earlier." The woman suddenly jerked her face up, eyes burning a hole through him as her motherly instinct told her they were going to take her baby. As angry as she looked at him, the tears welling up in the corners of the eyes, of both of them...Were so genuine and intensely strong that their feelings were conveyed from one to the other without room for misinterpretation. Guillermos continued. "I know it's the most difficult you have ever had to do, that this is a fate noone, no mother, deserves! But believe me when I swear that it's FAR better if he comes with me and turns himself in, than for the guards to have to come get him." The woman stared at him, less threatened but still wary of Guillermos and his words, putting her motherly heart and soul in inner turmoil. He could she was still doubting the truth and genuine concern in his words. "I do not wish harm for you, for Khael, for anyone! But the consequences will come, whether we want to or not. All we can do now is diminish the severity and danger as much as we can. Guards that have to chase down someone, are never in a friendly mood. A person that is chased down is never in a rational state of mind. Unfortunately we have to add deadly weapons even, and things can get awefully wrong...I'm sorry. Please let me help you and Khael!"

The elderly woman broke down completely, breathlessly crying her heart and eyes out on the table cloth until she was able to speak a few, softspoken yet heavier than anything, words from between her clenched lips.
"2nd cellar, shrubs, outside."

Guillermos didn't speak, he stood up, pushing the chair behind him. Then walked over to the gravely griefstricken mother and embraced her tightly over her shoulders and upper arms. Holding her for as long as it took for her to let out all the tears and pain. Until she was able to whipe the tears away one last time for the moment and looked at him, fear and doubt creeping up in her mind. "You did the right thing, for Khael too. I will do absolutely all I can to look after him, and you. Please rest easy, you looked out for your son, even by helping me, trust me! I will be back, Magdalinde. Please spend tea and time with me again next time."
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Bidding his Take Care & Until Next Time, he walked out the door, it was only until then that he felt the shaking of his own legs and the salty taste of a tear on his cheek. Gods. Just having cleaned his face, he saw a familiar face walk right by him, halberd almost as stoic as his face while he was on patrol during the beat. Totally not noticing Guillermos. Who was he kidding? In the short time Guillermos spoke to this man, he had already become fully aware there was little that flew past this guard without him noticing. "Did I keep you waiting?" Guillermos asked, surprising even himself, with a bitter tone of voice. The guard halted, turning his face and then full attention to Guillermos. The pole of the large halberd still resting against his chest and shoulder. "No." The guard's short answer, as usual so far, was blunt but actually helped Guillermos ease up. To him, it meant that his effort and sorrow were not to be rushed and appreciated by this man. "Please, try to reason with him, get'm to come along peacefully...His mother...has gone through enough." The guard nodded. "I will do my best." Unexagerrating and to the point, Guillermos appreciated that. He got the message though, the ball was mainly in Khael's court.

"There's a cellar entrance, somewhere outside the house, behind or near shrubbery. You should find him there."

"Okay." The guard put his fingers to his mouth to whistle for the brothers-in-arms, but then lowered his hand again.

"Thank you, Guillermos. I will talk to the authorities to see about the bounty and whatnot. They might be difficult considering you didn't bring him to us completely, but I will see what I can do...On my name as Yllek Ismerhill!" The guard briefly grinned, apparently sharing his name like that was a big deal. Guillermos smiled and nodded at the guard before taking his leave. He could leave the case with this real Rharnian guardsman. He felt like he could trust him.

Now to hope Khael spares his mother of more sorrow...
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Arlo Creede
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Islands of Turning

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Guillermos


Knowledge:
Investigation: Outlining a plan of action
Etiquette: Importance in choice of words
Interrogation: Clear & Concise Questioning
Persuasion: The best choice is not always the easiest choice
Socialization: Interacting with others on the job
Socialization: Behaving in a way that puts others at ease

Non-Skill Knowledge:
npc: Magdalinde Gordon: Khael's Mother (Earth Quarter): Rharne
npc: Yllek Ismerhill: Guardsman (Earth Quarter): Rharne


Points: 10

Comments: Firstly, I really enjoyed this thread quite a lot. Interesting look into the mind of the pc and I look forward to reading more about him in the future. A few notes regarding knowledges here. In addition to skill knowledges, you are also entitled to any number of non-skill knowledges. In this case, that would apply to the npcs that you've referenced in connection with the socialization skill. Meaning, if the two npc references were categorized as non-skill knowledges...as I've done here and is the usual around here, that will free up two skill knowledge slots for this thread in particular. I've taken the liberty of assigning socialization knowledge skills based on what you've written. But if you'd prefer something other than socialization for those two slots, drop me a line and I'll be happy to edit those. Basically, put npc or location references into the non-skill knowledge category and they won't take up valuable slots for skills. :)


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