Hydaelyn Role-Players

Masked Vigilante Strikes!
~ B.H. Tyler


In an age of adventurers and mercenaries it comes to no surprise when one takes the law into in his own hands. Cries for help in back alleys are often met with the answer from a capable soldier able to diffuse the situation. What happened in the past moon, however, is something far different. Local Blades in Ul'dah as well as authorities in the Flames office confirm that someone dressed in complete black and wearing a black face mask to conceal his identity committed an act of vigilantism. Dubbed as the Viper, he has executed a highlander known as Ragnarr Breaker right in the Gold Court.


Sources confirm that Ragnarr is the one and the same man who was released on a mistrial because all witnesses vanished, one confirmed dead. Ragnarr Breaker was accused of two sexual assaults and one murder. All evidence has disappeared.

An eyewitness claims that this Ragnarr Breaker wanted something from her, that she "would be the one tonight." Suddenly this masked person, the Viper, appeared behind Ragnarr and executed him, saying 'his sins are paid with his life.'

Details around the execution confirm that the cause of death was a blade to the heart, with the entry wound on the victim's left side. Two punctures were seen on his face resembling the bite of a viper. Alchemists have confirmed that a venom was used to paralyze the victim.

This is not an isolated scenario. Currently Inspector Paul Desmond is the lead investigator on the case. He was unavailable for any questions. An unnamed source close to the Viper case, however, has confirmed that there have been numerous acts like this across Ul'dah, Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, and Ishgard.

Is this the type of justice the city states need? What kind of message does it send to citizens, and are they safe from this brand of justice? Friend or foe, authorities are offering a substantial reward for any information on the Viper. Citizens have been asked to contact Inspector Desmond or their local authorities with any information that may lead to his arrest.

Suen is wandering the streets when she notices the news. She tilts her head as she recognizes the name.

"Oh, so that detective guy is really serious in that business..."

Nebula glances at the note, then around the Ul'dah backstreet where she stands. There is one dead body, something that looks like a mugging and children begging. She scrunches up the note and adds it to the detritus at her feet. She wanders off on her business handing a nice red apple to a begging child as she goes.

A brisk, morning breeze of salty ocean currents tugged lightly upon the edges of an open paper, the parchment halted in it's wayward dance only by the slender fingers that grasped it. Within the fold, an ocean-hued gaze weaved over the contents to take note of each written letter. True enough, most of what one would print in each printing of the Lantern was advertisement or exaggeration, yet something in the most recent edition had caught the eye of the blonde bardess whom had found the time to peruse...

"It would seem the good detective has yet t'catch his illusive prey," murmured the highlander from within the shadow of a hat's wide brim, the words directed at none in particular though drew the odd look from a passing Lominsan. A soft hum played upon the woman's bronzed lips in consideration for written word and the philosophies that came with the morally grey.

Tap, tap, tap.

The pad of a sunkissed digit patted lightly against the crinkled edge of the article. Interestingly enough, the actions of this vigilante wasn't exactly ones the shapely seafarer could disagree with. When the system reached inevitable failure as had been proven, burdens always fell on the broadest of shoulders to take on the mantle. The biggest curiosity, in her mind, was the drive behind it. Odette would be lying if she said her interest wasn't piqued in more ways than one.

Perhaps it was time to find and speak with this Inspector for a second time.

Steel peered over the posting with her hands resting on her hips. It was an intriguing read, the details of this so-called Viper. More intriguing than most things posted in Ul'dah. She wondered if this particular individual was associated with those Dutiful Sisters of the Edelweiss she'd heard about--some group of knives in the dark with a penchant for upholding the Pirate's Code.

Maybe one of them decided to keep watch on more than buccaneers? No small feat, by any stretch...but work Steel certainly admired.

A toothy grin flashed across her lips as she reached to her hip pouch and pulled out a writing tool. It was nothing more than a large wood splinter with its point blackened, but with a bit of moisture from within Steel's mouth, it made as suitable a writing device as any inkwell and quill.

When the writing point reached the right moisture, Steel quickly scrawled along the bottom corner margin of the posting and walked away with a chuckle.

The particular copy would now have on the bottom "GO GET EM VIPER"

Ah, the Tonberry's Lantern. A finer gossip rag you won't find in all the land.

He'd just been wandering around Ul'dah, not really noticing the difference in dirty looks that people were giving him this time around. Finding a nice place near a fountain to sit down, he unrolled his copy of the lantern and sat his eyes on the present article.

He rolled the newspaper up, calmly got up and thought to himself he'd better avoid the cities for a while...

(( Tongue in cheek ))

Passing through the city once more, the figure stopped and commented to herself.  "Ah, Ishgard.  The city always brings a chill to my heart."  As she continued from the lower city to the Cathedral for her evening prayers, the headline caught her eye tacked to a notice board.

"What's this?  Masked vigilante strikes?"  Fingers slowly traced the letters.  "Wait'll they get a load of me."

Stroud Forscythe set the article aside as he looked over his own golden mask in his palms. "Clearly a man of some conviction... But in the grand scheme of things, nothing more than a straight razor amid an endless field of chaff...." He affixed the mask to his face, tightening the straps about his horns until they were taut. It was nearly time for his recital.

((In order not to pollute with topics, I'm adding a recent news story to this thread))

Murder, Kidnap, Vengeance
~ B.H. Tyler

Three nights ago it was a grimly fateful night for a wealthy family in the Goblet residential area. In the Parker residence, Flames officers found the Parkers dead in the bedroom of their home. A little boy was found alive, the only lead to start the investigation. His sister: abducted. The bloodshed, however, did not end there. One of the responders of the crime scene, Sergeant Chadwick, was found dead in Ul’dah last night. It was the handiwork of the Viper. It has been confirmed he was involved in the abducting of the young girl.

Inspector Paul Desmond was available for questioning and issued a statement to the public.

“When a child is abducted people fear the worst. In most cases, their fears are realized. In this case, we are happy to report that the Parkers’ daughter was found and returned safely. The masked vigilante known as Viper returned her unharmed.

“In an alarming twist of investigations, we uncovered a plot that went high into my department and involved the director, Sigfred Valor. Evidence shows that he was trafficking children for profit. Unwilling to cooperate or be taken in, he was executed by the Viper.

“Since this plot has been uncovered, we have learned that Sigfred wanted the vigilante caught because he threatened his criminal syndicate. With this in light, we have ceased all investigations and the matter on the Viper is closed.”

For citizens and writers, the matter is not closed. They continue to experience aid and speak of him. If one asks the right people, they will hear stories of how they were attacked, about to be killed, and then a man in black rescues them. Or if you talk top personnel at infirmaries, they will tell you about the bodies of the criminals the vigilante felled.

A curious piece of information recently surfaced. A few of the people inquired will tell you that he is Onryo, which means vengeful spirit. The consensus is this: people are happy to know that there is this spirit who wanders the night and takes vengeance on behalf of those who can’t or who are no longer able to.

Jana let out a loud "tch!" as she crumpled up the newspaper and tossed it into the nearby fireplace. "Vigilante" was just another word for someone who disregarded the law, and it meant regular adventurers were going to lose standing. Everyday citizens already looked upon them with mistrust; with a vigilante allowed to run around, why would anyone bother to submit a leve request or pay an adventurer? And now she was expected to believe the vigilante was just going to be allowed to roam the streets because the investigators were scared? She didn't have to be any sort of criminal to think a vigilante allowed to act freely would hurt her business, and Jana intended not to take the matter lying down.

Indictment Escalates
~ B.H. Tyler

Two nights ago, the Warner family was indicted on child endangerment. As the case unraveled investigators became aware that the crimes untold were much, much worse. The Warners were found to be adopting children and then selling them in order to meet demands of their high debt. While details will be spared, rest assured that what went on is far worse than what you are imagining.

Because of their new charges, one young female miqo'te was sent back into adoptive care. The lead investigator, Inspector Desmond, was available for a statement.

"When a case like this involves families and young infants who can't speak for themselves, it takes great vigilance to make sure those who can't speak get justice. Authorities take every precaution to make sure not only infants, but children and their families receive the care they deserve. We're just thankful that this young child will get the care she needs."

Many remember Inspector Desmond's work on the vigilantism case and particularly the vigilante known as Onryo. When asked if the rumors were true that Onryo provided authorities with the evidence of child trafficking, his response was: "Authorities do not need to work with vigilantes to make sure justice prevails."

Some, however, think there is a watchdog for us in the night. Cries in an ally are often answered by a flash, a man in black, and then he's simply gone. Let's hope he sticks around and cleans up the streets.

John felt a small hand touch his shoulder and he stuggle to open his eyes.  "mimi..." he murmur as he turn his head to his Mom's student.  The Lalafell help him sit up, placing a pillow behind him.  He could see a tray sitting on his nightstand, with a lite broth and water sitting on the tray.  "you didn't...have to..."

Mimi climb up on the bed, taking the bowl, and helping him eat.  "Mistress Waterstrike is still furious about what happen."  She place the bowl on the tray before allowing him to sip some water.  "She also concern with the lost of memories over what cause it."

"I'll...speak with... Khyran and...Sir Connor..."  John closed his eyes for a moment then smile as the Lalafell handed the paper to him.  "Thank... Lady Mimi..."

"Please get some more rest, Master John."  She pets his glove hand, not noticing the slight flinch from John.  She took the tray and left the room.

John eyes landed on the latest article about the Warner.  His eyes narrow a bit.  "Dad is going to wish... that he firebomb them."  That was one thing he knew about his family, they would not sit by if they knew a child was in need for help.  He closed his eyes offering a prayer to Thaliak for the little girl.  "Onryo?"  It was a name he hadn't heard of before.  "Whoever this is...though he's doing good work...there is still a risk that... he will take more of...the law into his hand."  He hope that Inspector Desmond was able to catch this person before something true tragic happen.

Brass Blades Assaulted, Prisoner Escapes
~ B.H. Tyler

It has been reported by officials in the Brass Blades office that two nights ago they were assaulted by a single individual. Several eye-witnesses and victims of the assault report that a man in black walked into the office and subdued several guards. All reports match descriptions of this being the masked vigilante we’ve come to know as Viper. Interesting to note is that no one was killed. In fact, none of the methods of attack seem to match our ruthless criminal executioner.

What is important to note, however, is that a single prisoner was freed from her cell. She is known as M’lissa Keht and is wanted in connection to the murder of Ludovic Descateaux. One of the guards was found at the scene with a number of slashes. These have been confirmed to be done by daggers and were laced with a poison that causes the victim severe pain until it eventually wears off. There is no antidote and the victim is still recovering.

Now the Viper is wanted by Brass Blades and the Immortal Flames. M’lissa Keht is being sought after by Inspector Paul Desmond. He was on the scene to assist the Brass Blades in connecting the Viper to the attack, but it is not his mode of operation. It is believed that Keht dealt the poison to the slashed guard. For unknown reasons the Viper freed Keht.

While Inspector Desmond is not investigating the Viper, he is looking for Keht in order to tie a recent string of serial murders to the murder of Ludovic. Sources confirm that he recently filed to have her transferred to Maelstrom custody but the transfer never made it to the cell warden.

If the Viper or Keht are seen, they are asked to contact their local authorities or Inspector Desmond, respectively.

The report caught her eye and it was certainly worth the read. The red head skimmed through the report and the one thing that stuck out the most, was poison. She carefully read through it one more time, to make sure she had a clear understanding of what was going on.

She fielded with her leather bracelet as she thought out loud.
"Best thing ya aught t'do is t'track down who she bought it from, or if it was somethin she made. If she made it 'erself, it'll be 'arder t'find 'er. Perhaps I should pay this man a visit, maybe get somethin' from helpin 'im out too."

Robe was laid out, his daggers already hidden in the pocket.  John glance at the mirror, frowning a the 'black' hair that sat on his head.  He pick up the hat, pulling it low over his eyes, the puffiness able to hide his ears from view.  He pick up the rope, using it to tie his tail to his left leg before slipping the pants on.  Before reaching for the robe, his eyes glance to the paper, rereading the article about the Masked Vigilante.  Maybe...maybe after this was over with and Khyran had been found not guilt/freed by those of Aethertide, he would speak with Sir Desmond.

"Maybe my ability would give him a better idea on why the Viper has started helping criminals in escaping from the law."  He wince a little, eyes flickering over to the dark robe he was about to pull on.  Readying himself to 'help' free a friend that may be a wanted criminal as well.