an alert | open

[hassaran]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Yseult
RECIPIENT: All members of Riftwatch
NOTES: Branching off of this scene. Note that despite the IC call for assistance we OOCly don't actually need to add any more people to that thread, the three of them will deal with the demon themselves before anybody else can get there. We just needed an excuse to make an all hands post asap.

Riftwatch, there is a demon in the Gallows masquerading as Benedict Artemaeus. He has been cornered in the fifth floor workroom. Assistance would be appreciated.

[ Yseult almost always sounds brisk on the crystals; today her speech is quicker and more clipped than ever. ]

Until we know more and can confirm there are no other imposters among the company, be on your guard. Report any unusual activity immediately.

Comments

[armd]

— The fuck?

Where is the real Benedict?

[hassaran]

Unclear. We'll need to determine when the swap took place and trace his movements.

[laruetheday]

[ Oh, fuck. ]

"Unusual activity" such as?

[hassaran]

Anything. [ In the background is the sound of cracking wood, a thump, the sense that Yseult is moving as she speaks. ] Whatever you're concerned it might mean.

[elegiaque]

Understood.

[hassaran]

Can you [ there's a sound like someone being hit with a chair nearby ] see that the gates are manned and no one leaves? Need to work in groups of three at least.

[cozen]

If we aren't in the Gallows now, can we come back?

[ Last he heard, the boats were being held. ]

[hassaran]

Yes. Everyone back, no one to leave.

[succise]

THAT'S why he didn't recognise me!

[cozen]

Ouais? When?

[pathlit]

[ In the tone of a mild wince: ] Was it a... convincing masquerade?

[hassaran]

[ Until it wasn't. ] Enough no one reported suspicions.

[bouchonne]

You are certain it was a demon? And that… [ His voice is unsteady. Rare to hear this much emotion from Byerly. ] He did not become an abomination?

[hassaran]

Rowntree is.

[notathreat]

Well, fuck.

[She hisses a breath between her teeth.]

Time to start thinking up security questions.

[dissolving]

Is he ever up with the griffons? Been around any animals you know of?

[ can dogs or whatever smell demons?? probably not. but it'd be good to know ]

[favoriteanalyst]

Is that the ruckus I've been hearing. [casual, but a tight casualness] And you're sure this isn't a case of possession?

[hassaran]

We nearly have it. [ (Marcus nearly has it.) ]

It didn't know things he'd know. [ The way a demon presently inhabiting a mind and able to rifle through it at will ought. ]

Private

[hassaran]

The new man, Carsus. Had you met him before he arrived?

[exequy]

He was fine when I left.

[ Meant to be helpful, like you can rule out this having started before the first of the year.

But given Kostos’ everything, it comes out sounding sullen and borderline accusatory, like they somehow broke Benedict while his back was turned (in Antiva). ]

[hassaran]

How quickly can you return?

[thereneverwas]

I'll be glad to join anyone who might need an escort.

[a pause]

We can... [a longer pause] ...play twenty questions. [Not as fun as it sounds.]

[quaestionespatris]

[flat and deadpan, because it's depression hours for this guy.]

I'm in the library. I need to get to... [where was he even planning to go next? he can't remember, it doesn't matter.] Somewhere else. I need some air.

[come chaperone another Vint mage, Barrow.]

[grindset]

Once the entity is safely contained, it would be wise to scan it with a Thaumoscope—if the readings are at all unique, this may serve as a tool to identify other potential impersonators.

[luaithre]

It's dead.

[ Does that count as contained? ]

[muckspout]

Like to report Byerly Rutyer.

I find his behavior to be inconsistent and suspicious.

[cozen]

Suspicious how?

[ A bit of skepticism, a bit of concern, like there's no way he's been sharing a bed with a demon for weeks unawares but what if— ]