Vigilance | Ep. 4 | The Room

Summary

Dark Dice | Vigilance | Ep. 4 | The Room
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host/Author: Fool and Scholar Productions
Description: THE horror actual play podcast. (D&D) Each season, travelers embark on a journey into the dark corners of a fantasy world with dragons & monsters. They will never be the same again.

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Episode Summary: "The Room"

1. Mission Briefing

The episode kicks off with Cassius Soger detailing the team's latest mission as they navigate through the dark, shadow-stretched corridors of the Liberty Efter system. By 2:44, the team secures an elevator to the sky rail, journeying to Station 10 in District 4. During their ascent, a youth briefly joins them, hinting at the pervasive tension within the fantasy realm.

Upon reaching Basement Level 3, the team encounters a locked door with a mark scanner. Horatius McBride initiates the scan at 3:32, leading to an unexpected meeting with Agent Tongs of the Department of Special Services.

Notable Quote:

Travis Van Groff [10:43]: "This is extremely fortuitous for us because we possess an agent hidden within their organization."

2. The Baker Dobson Case

Agent Tongs informs the team that the Baker Dobson case has been escalated to his care, expressing skepticism about their findings. He reveals the gravity of the situation, labeling it as treason and stressing the potential threat to Atreus. Travis Van Groff emphasizes the need for the team's trusted synergies to undertake this high-stakes recovery mission.

Notable Quote:

Travis Van Groff [4:43]: "Most troubling. Indeed. This case is clearly treason. The kidnapping of a meal researcher could gravely affect the balance of power within the Fringe."

3. Team Deliberation and Acceptance

The team deliberates over the significance and risks of the mission. Sylvanus Clarhout expresses doubt about their choice, but Diana Azad and Agent Tongs persuade the group of the mission's importance. They unanimously agree to serve Atreus and the Archon, recognizing the opportunity to uncover more about adversaries Trood and Takena.

Notable Quotes:

Sylvanus Clarhout [5:39]: "I do not believe we have much choice in the matter."

Diana Azad [5:47]: "If we do this, we are assisting Atreus and we are assisting the Archon."

4. Gear Preparation

Travis Van Groff guides the team to gear up for their journey into the Fringe. They are provided with Fringer garb to blend in and modified firearms for safety. Diana Azad opts for a concealed sidearm, while Sylvanus Clarhout requests a more functional weapon, receiving a sturdy gun adorned with blades.

Notable Quote:

Diana Azad [15:04]: "Would you honestly send someone out there without firearms?"

5. Personal Moments and Departures

Before departing, Agent Tongs and Diana Azad take moments to inform their families of their temporary absences. Sylvanus Clarhout shares a poignant revelation about his missing parents, adding depth to his character and motivations.

Notable Quote:

Sylvanus Clarhout [23:37]: "I've only been able to gather bits and pieces of the truth... They told me that they had to leave and that I had to stay."

6. Entering the Fringe

The team embarks on their perilous journey into the Fringe, a lawless and chaotic sector fraught with dangers. As they navigate the oppressive environment, they encounter environmental challenges such as fluctuating air pressure and pervasive foul odors. Their path leads them to the Scrapper's Den, a ruined tower guarded by Fringer factions.

Notable Quote:

Diana Azad [35:05]: "Do we have a map?"

7. Encounter with Department of Resource Allocation and Defense (RAD) Officers

At the Scrapper's Den, the team meets Officer O'Neil and Officer Tanz, who are initially skeptical of their presence. Horatius McBride takes the lead in interrogating the officers, aiming to locate their contact, Agent Hobbs. Tensions rise as they navigate the complexities of communication and trust within the hostile environment.

Notable Quote:

Horatius McBride [49:25]: "We mean him no harm. I assure you that."

8. Navigating the Fringe

Struggling with navigation and the oppressive atmosphere, the team debates the best route to their objective. Agent Tongs suggests claiming affiliation with a gang to blend in, leading to the adoption of the name "Blood Skulls Gang". This decision underscores the team's desperation and the high stakes of their mission.

Notable Quote:

Agent Tongs [33:03]: "Well, then I guess we're the Blood Skulls Gang."

9. Final Preparations and Stealth

Before fully committing to their mission, the team takes a moment to rest and apply a mark concealer, ensuring they remain undetected. Diana Azad expresses her reluctance and apprehension about the mission's dangers, highlighting the psychological toll on the team members.

Notable Quote:

Diana Azad [22:49]: "We’re going to want to be sharp."

10. Concluding the Journey into the Fringe

As night falls, the team braves the unfamiliar and treacherous streets of the Fringe. They encounter scavengers and vendors, each interaction fraught with tension and uncertainty. The episode concludes with the team taking their first steps into the heart of the Fringe, setting the stage for future confrontations and revelations.

Notable Quote:

Sylvanus Clarhout [37:06]: "This is such a bad idea."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Trust and Betrayal: The team's reliance on Agent Tongs and their undercover operations within the Gang factions highlight the precarious balance between trust and betrayal in a hostile environment.

• Survival and Adaptation: Equipping themselves with Fringer garb and modified weapons underscores the necessity of adapting to survive in the Fringe's lawless terrain.

• Personal Stakes: Character backstories, such as Sylvanus Clarhout's quest to find his missing parents, add emotional depth and personal motivations driving the mission forward.

• Moral Ambiguity: The necessity to adopt gang affiliations and navigate interactions with corrupt officials presents moral dilemmas, questioning the team's ethical boundaries in pursuit of their objectives.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution

1. Travis Van Groff [10:43]:
   "This is extremely fortuitous for us because we possess an agent hidden within their organization."

2. Sylvanus Clarhout [5:39]:
   "I do not believe we have much choice in the matter."

3. Diana Azad [15:04]:
   "Would you honestly send someone out there without firearms?"

4. Sylvanus Clarhout [23:37]:
   "I've only been able to gather bits and pieces of the truth... They told me that they had to leave and that I had to stay."

5. Diana Azad [35:05]:
   "Do we have a map?"

6. Horatius McBride [49:25]:
   "We mean him no harm. I assure you that."

7. Agent Tongs [33:03]:
   "Well, then I guess we're the Blood Skulls Gang."

8. Diana Azad [22:49]:
   "We’re going to want to be sharp."

9. Sylvanus Clarhout [37:06]:
   "This is such a bad idea."

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Conclusion

Episode 4, "The Room," of Dark Dice: Vigilance delves deep into the challenges and perils faced by a team tasked with a critical mission in the ominous Fringe. Through intricate role-playing, rich character development, and a tense narrative, the episode immerses listeners in a world where trust is fragile, and survival hinges on adaptation and strategic alliances. As the team ventures further into the unknown, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding horrors and revelations in subsequent episodes.

Transcript

[Travis Van Groff]

Welcome citizens, to the fourth episode of Liberty Vigilance. The following was originally recorded as an actual play roleplaying game for the Liberty Efter system. If you'd like to create your own adventures set in the Liberty universe, Liberty Efter is available now for download on libertyendures.com and also drivethrurpg.com that's drivethrurpg.com Speaking of entertainment, it's time for us to start this week's episode. Thank thank you again for listening. And remember, Atrius endures.

[Diana Azad]

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[Cassius Soger]

Liberty Vigilance Episode 4 the Room Shadows begin to stretch at the bus length station by the time the team reaches station nine. After two minutes, the team is able to acquire an elevator to the sky rail. Taking the train to Station 10, District 4. A youth joins the team for part of their elevator ride to basement level three. And a brief news segment mentions that Director Yale of the Department of Research and Development is now seeking new and talented individuals to join apprenticeships in every scientific division. Moments later, the team reaches Basement Level 3. A quiet and empty hallway. A locked door with a mark scanner stands before them.

[Horatius McBride]

I'd like to scan my mark.

[Cassius Soger]

The door opens to a guard station and a set of three hallways.

[Travis Van Groff]

Welcome, citizens. Please continue down the main hall.

[Horatius McBride]

Absolutely.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Thank you.

[Diana Azad]

Yes.

[Agent Tongs]

Horatius continues down the hall.

[Cassius Soger]

Before the team can reach the far door, a well dressed man with a confident smile greets them.

[Travis Van Groff]

Thank you for your timely appearance, citizens. I am Agent Tongs with the Department of Special Services.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Hi.

[Travis Van Groff]

Please follow me.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

By any chance, Is there a Mrs. Tongs?

[Travis Van Groff]

Are you personally interested?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

No. I mean, that works here?

[Travis Van Groff]

Not that I'm aware of.

[Cassius Soger]

Now, in a deep basement level, the team's brought into a small but empty briefing room that smells of dust and aged nylon.

[Travis Van Groff]

The Baker Dobson case has been escalated to my care. I've been informed of your findings and I find them somewhat difficult to believe. Can you show me the evidence?

[Agent Tongs]

Sure.

[Horatius McBride]

Absolutely. Do you have a holo table or somewhere I can project this here?

[Cassius Soger]

A wall on the far side turns on.

[Travis Van Groff]

What's the nature of this?

[Cassius Soger]

I'll give you your hands or I'll make us painful. Be careful with this one. It'll be very difficult to replace him.

[Travis Van Groff]

I see. Most troubling. Indeed. This case is clearly treason. The kidnapping of a meal researcher could gravely affect the balance of power within the fringe. This is going to be the recovery of a high profile citizen and the elimination of the threat to Atreus. He couldn't have operated alone. And I am unsure of who his fellow conspirators could be. I can't do this alone. Your group has shown a strong synergistic cohesion and I need agents who I can trust. And I know that I can trust you because you were the ones who brought this information forward. Can I ask you to serve Atreus in a higher calling?

[Horatius McBride]

May we have a moment to confer amongst our group?

[Travis Van Groff]

Certainly. This is a significant undertaking.

[Horatius McBride]

Thank you.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I do not believe we have much choice in the matter.

[Agent Tongs]

Yeah, not only that, but I think it's the right thing to do.

[Horatius McBride]

I agree.

[Diana Azad]

If we do this, we are assisting Atreus and we are assisting the Archon.

[Agent Tongs]

So this might also be our best opportunity to learn more about Trood and Takena.

[Horatius McBride]

Who?

[Agent Tongs]

What? Well, maybe that's Something we can talk about later.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

If you have a desire to be blacked out.

[Diana Azad]

He doesn't exist anymore.

[Horatius McBride]

Agent Tongs. I think I speak for all of us when I say we'd be honored to serve.

[Travis Van Groff]

Most excellent. We will find Hadrian Baker and bring him to justice. What he's done is detestable. Before we discuss your mission in greater detail, I need you to review a short educational broadcast created by the Department of Public Affairs. It does the best possible job of explaining classified information you will be unable to repeat on any social context. I apologize in advance if the content of the video offends anyone, and am here to answer any questions you might have here.

[Narrator]

Long ago, mankind was pure and lived among the stars in the night sky. We were a great and powerful species, ever expanding with the very heartbeat of the universe. None can remember how it came to be, but a disease began to slowly infect us. Greed from greed, we were separated from our natural harmony and began to prey upon ourselves. Deceit, lust and pride came into being, spread through our number and warped our species into abomination. Only a select few were able to avoid the infection. Those lingering at the far edge of the galaxy. Our ancestors. These brave heroes ventured far into the deep unknown to break away from the infectious cell of these diseases and founded Atreus as the last foundation of hope for our kind. A single perfect colony hidden in a place where the dark thoughts of the unmen would not try to follow. Who knows what those who call themselves humans have degraded into? They are far from that which they once were and are no longer our brethren. Know that you should speak and inquire no more on this topic, lest you risk attracting their attentions simply by speaking their name. For they are still powerful and they are still searching for us. So who were our ancestors? According to numerous historical reports from the Department of Public affairs, our ancestors, the first Atrians, were the most intelligent individuals of greater humanity. However, more recent scientific evidence suggests that this was not the full truth. With their great wisdom and generous spirit, our founding mothers and fathers also seem to have brought with them a hundreds of lower class AB human workers to assist with the maintenance and the constant repairs required to maintain our fully operational utopia. It is extremely likely it was one of these individuals that was infected with greed before they joined the Exodus, concealing their condition through deceit. As is fact, that individual spread their infectious discontent through the ranks of our workers until full scale riots marred the streets of our newly founded colony. The descendants of the infected workers and our infected ancestors are what we refer to Today as Fringer. While Fringers lack true organization, cooperative skills, literacy, and the ability to trust individuals beyond themselves, they are cunning and extremely dangerous. Centuries of resource scarcity have made them unreasonably selfish. They are unable to maintain familial bonds and commonly sell their young into slavery or consume them. Fringers are violent, cannibalistic, unstable, and hate the citizens of Atreus. The only feeling that outweighs this hatred is the fear that they have for the Archon and the unyielding might of her military. If you are seeing this, then you are likely traveling to the Fringe. Please be advised to never let your guard down with dealing with the Fringers, even ones you are actively working with, because they are completely devoid of moral reasoning and unworthy of your trust. Be safe. And find comfort in the fact that Atreus will always be safe because Arkhan Reeve endures.

[Travis Van Groff]

Fringers can't be trusted. Any questions?

[Diana Azad]

Good.

[Horatius McBride]

Yes. Can Fringers be trusted?

[Travis Van Groff]

Not in a permanent sense, no. They can only be trusted for the duration. Your interests remain aligned, so think of.

[Diana Azad]

Them more as tools.

[Travis Van Groff]

Dangerous ones.

[Diana Azad]

Sharp tools.

[Travis Van Groff]

Yes. The Fringes you identified are members of a powerful faction, a gang called the Sarks. That's what the tattoo on their cheek symbolizes. This is all extremely fortuitous for us because we possess an agent hidden within their organization. Your mission will be to meet with our agent and try to determine the identity and whereabouts of the individual Sarx, who we can clearly see in this video are working with the traitor Hadrian Baker. You will report this information to me, and I will personally assist in disposing of them. Any questions?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Would I be correct in assuming that we will be traveling to the Fringe?

[Travis Van Groff]

Yes, you will be working in the Fringe. I will outfit you with the proper gear that you require, and you will be on your own.

[Agent Tongs]

Uh, will I be able to tell my family where I'm going? They might worry about me if they don't hear from me.

[Travis Van Groff]

You can say that you are. That you're being temporarily transferred to a different district for a top secret project. No one can know that you're going to the Fringe.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Where are we expected to meet our contact?

[Travis Van Groff]

The agent is set to meet you in a scrapper's den on 7th street and 183rd Avenue in the eastern Fringe. After you meet with him, you'll rendezvous with me in a research station on 7th street and 15th Avenue. You should probably take a note of that. I won't repeat it.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Where was that Scrapper's Den?

[Travis Van Groff]

7Th street and 183rd, he should be waiting for you when you get there.

[Agent Tongs]

This sounds very dangerous.

[Travis Van Groff]

I've arranged for you to have weapons. Don't worry.

[Diana Azad]

Also, I have work tomorrow.

[Travis Van Groff]

Your work has also been temporarily suspended. This is far more important than whatever you were working on.

[Diana Azad]

I was just making sure your superiors.

[Travis Van Groff]

Will be notified so no parties are sent to search for you.

[Diana Azad]

All right. So who has the map? I think I have a copy on my data pad.

[Horatius McBride]

We all do, I believe.

[Diana Azad]

All right. We discovered this map of what we believe to be a sewer system while we were with. While we were in Agent. Not Agent. While we were in Baker's apartment building. And we believe it leads to a section of the sewer system they were using to get in and out of Atreus. This might be a good lead for us to begin following. If you could identify where this is.

[Agent Tongs]

Ping.

[Travis Van Groff]

Most troubling. I will look into this. This could be anywhere. Because it's hand drawn. Though. Though I have ideas on where to begin looking. This would have been nice to know earlier in the briefing. After I send you off to the Fringe, I will need to make a few stops before I depart for the rendezvous. I'll still arrive before you do, but that's more of a note for myself. I'm rambling. Thank you. This is a lot to look through, but it might provide answers.

[Horatius McBride]

My pleasure, sir.

[Diana Azad]

Do you have any information on the Sark Group you said we were going to be moving in on? Or I'm still confused with what you want us to do.

[Travis Van Groff]

I want you to meet with an Agent Hobbs.

[Diana Azad]

Hobbs?

[Travis Van Groff]

That's the name he's working under. He's posing as a high ranking Sark and he should be able to help you identify the Fringers in question. Those are my specific instructions.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so all we're doing is collecting information and then meeting up with you at a rendezvous point.

[Cassius Soger]

Yes.

[Travis Van Groff]

You want to identify the socks from the video and where they might be found.

[Diana Azad]

Strange question. Is there any way that Hobbs could just send us the information?

[Travis Van Groff]

No.

[Diana Azad]

No. Alright, then.

[Travis Van Groff]

He's supposed to meet with me at this rendezvous, but I'm unable to go now because of the information you've given me and because of other information.

[Diana Azad]

Would that other information be information that would be important for us to know before we go out into the Fringe?

[Travis Van Groff]

Actually, it's an entirely unrelated case. But the fact that you're here and that I need to send you into the Fringe to find elements of the Sark Gang is a strange convenience for some. Well, as you're going into the Fringe. I'll prepare you with everything at my disposal. Please follow me.

[Cassius Soger]

Tongs leads the group through a few long hallways into a room lined and robed with lockers.

[Travis Van Groff]

Inside of these lockers, you'll find clothing and, in some cases, armor that Fringers would wear. They will assist you in blending in with the population. I can also get you working firearms if it's of interest.

[Diana Azad]

Yes.

[Travis Van Groff]

Okay.

[Diana Azad]

Would you honestly send someone out there without firearms?

[Travis Van Groff]

He looks like he can probably handle himself.

[Agent Tongs]

I probably can.

[Travis Van Groff]

What sort of firearms do you require? Azad, was it?

[Diana Azad]

I am Diana Azad, yes.

[Travis Van Groff]

Now, what would you like?

[Diana Azad]

I guess I'll take a small sidearm, like a. Something concealable.

[Travis Van Groff]

Something concealable. While the rest of you are just standing there, you'll probably want to change into these Fringer clothes. They'll help you blend in. Great.

[Agent Tongs]

Lovely.

[Diana Azad]

Can I just put it on top of my clothes? I don't want it to touch my body.

[Travis Van Groff]

If you are recognizable as being Atrion, they are more likely to try and eat you.

[Diana Azad]

I will put on a lot of their clothes, but I don't think I'm going to take off my clothes, because.

[Agent Tongs]

I am gonna wear their clothes. If it keeps me from getting eaten.

[Horatius McBride]

I will do the same.

[Cassius Soger]

The team acquires Fringer garb.

[Agent Tongs]

Cool.

[Horatius McBride]

Those are some impressive tattoos, Cassius.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Thanks.

[Horatius McBride]

Is there a story behind them? Some sort of meaning?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Something like that.

[Diana Azad]

I'm gonna put on, like, a shirt thing and, like, a lot of cloaks and try and hide the fact that I'm wearing my suit underneath.

[Cassius Soger]

Diana Azad, similarly to the others, now. Smells awful.

[Diana Azad]

It smells horrible.

[Agent Tongs]

I was gonna say that when you've been as far down in the mines as I have, you've probably smelled a lot worse, but actually, that's not true. This is a new level here.

[Cassius Soger]

Tong's hands. Asad. A strange fringe gun that resembles a.

[Diana Azad]

Curved knife that looks more like a raptor claw than a gun.

[Travis Van Groff]

Fringer weapons are made from whatever they can find, generally scrap.

[Diana Azad]

So pointy metal and. Okay, so I know you're saying that this is supposed to look like a Fringer weapon, but is this gonna blow up when I try and use it?

[Travis Van Groff]

No, you simply pull the. The back out.

[Diana Azad]

Oh, no, Yeah, I understand that part.

[Travis Van Groff]

You insert the bullet, it takes one at a time, and you pull the trigger. And the end with the blades is where it fires.

[Diana Azad]

What I'm saying is Fringer weapons blow up in the face of the user and hurt them.

[Travis Van Groff]

These are not exactly Fringer weapons. They've been modified for Safety. For obvious reasons.

[Diana Azad]

Alright, so these just look crappy.

[Travis Van Groff]

They are very functional versions of Fringer technology with added safety features.

[Cassius Soger]

Yeah.

[Diana Azad]

Just tell me it's not gonna kill me.

[Travis Van Groff]

It won't kill you.

[Diana Azad]

Alright? We're fine.

[Cassius Soger]

Tang's hands is odd. Five bullets.

[Diana Azad]

Okay? I'm expecting to encounter a population of horrible, monstrous beings and you're giving me five bullets?

[Travis Van Groff]

I can give you another 10, but this still shoots one at a time.

[Cassius Soger]

Reluctantly. Tong's hands us odd ten more bullets.

[Diana Azad]

All right. Thank you very much.

[Travis Van Groff]

Does anyone else here require a firearm?

[Horatius McBride]

No, thank you. I don't like.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Can I have something too?

[Travis Van Groff]

How's this?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I don't really care about having something concealed. Do you have something that's more functional?

[Cassius Soger]

Tongs passes Agent Cassius Soger. A hefty gun adorned with blades.

[Travis Van Groff]

Here.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Thanks.

[Travis Van Groff]

What's this even called?

[Horatius McBride]

A tall gun for a tall woman.

[Travis Van Groff]

And you?

[Agent Tongs]

I'm gonna be all right. Thank you, though.

[Cassius Soger]

A few minutes pass as the team gets dressed in silence.

[Agent Tongs]

Hey, real quick, before I get completely Fringered up or whatever, would it be possible for me to call my family and let them know that I won't be reachable for a few days?

[Travis Van Groff]

Sure.

[Agent Tongs]

Cool.

[Diana Azad]

I. I need to do that as well.

[Travis Van Groff]

Follow me. You'll have more privacy in one of the side rooms.

[Agent Tongs]

Hey, Mom.

[Diana Azad]

Hello, this is aad. I'm not available.

[Agent Tongs]

Please leave me.

[Diana Azad]

Let's try.

[Agent Tongs]

Yeah. You see my assignment? Hello?

[Diana Azad]

Hi, dad.

[Agent Tongs]

Oh, hi, Diana.

[Cassius Soger]

Were you able to reach Antia?

[Diana Azad]

No, but I will be unreachable for the next few days and I didn't want you to get nervous.

[Agent Tongs]

Are you going on some sort of spy mission?

[Diana Azad]

Sure, let's go with that. I can neither confirm nor deny further inquiry.

[Cassius Soger]

Wait, that. That sounds like you're serious. What's happening?

[Diana Azad]

I can't tell you. But I can tell you that I'll be safe and that I will be home in a few days. Dr. Eklund has already been notified.

[Agent Tongs]

Okay.

[Diana Azad]

I love you.

[Travis Van Groff]

I love you too.

[Agent Tongs]

Okay.

[Cassius Soger]

Make smart choices.

[Agent Tongs]

I love you too, mom.

[Diana Azad]

You too.

[Agent Tongs]

Okay.

[Diana Azad]

Revenders.

[Agent Tongs]

You too. Yeah. Bye.

[Cassius Soger]

Tongs leads them to an underground tunnel he's assured will lead to a remote research station operated by the Department of Research and Development.

[Travis Van Groff]

I need to finish my report, then I'll meet you at the station again. It's on 7th and 15th. It is a short building that will only open for citizens. Which you are.

[Diana Azad]

Uh, so Fringers, they don't have marks?

[Agent Tongs]

We do.

[Diana Azad]

I hold up my hand in front of my face.

[Travis Van Groff]

Oh, yes, sorry. Um. Here. Apply this cream to your hand. It'll hide the mark for the duration of your journey.

[Horatius McBride]

I don't suppose this will bring any of the life back into my eyes.

[Diana Azad]

It's like mark makeup. Alright then.

[Travis Van Groff]

No, no. This will simply mask the visual appearance of the mark. Though it will still register on a chemical level for readers and such.

[Diana Azad]

It's concealer.

[Cassius Soger]

Does the team apply the salve?

[Agent Tongs]

Yes, I apply it.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Can you pass that to me once you're done, Sylvanus?

[Horatius McBride]

Definitely. Just give me a moment.

[Travis Van Groff]

None of us can return to Atreus until we've rescued Dobson and captured Hadrian. This will likely be the single greatest moment of your careers. Before you depart again, there is a small resting area you could use. I would strongly advise taking the time to rest so you can be at your best tonight. And one more thing that I meant to give you earlier. This is a box of medical supplies for Agent Hobbs. It will be extremely useful for him. He's been on his own for quite some time.

[Diana Azad]

Could we also have some medical supplies? I just want to be prepared, because I think that's going to be important.

[Travis Van Groff]

This is all I have on me, and time is of the essence. I can perhaps deliver some medical supplies if you intend to use the rest area. You're already two days behind, Hadrian, so you can try to make up for lost time. Or not.

[Diana Azad]

Are we going be meeting any actual, you know, other agents in the field to assist us?

[Travis Van Groff]

Hobbs? Just Hobbs, yes, and myself. When we reconvene.

[Diana Azad]

Diana just looks just deadpan, like, what has she gotten herself into? This morning was aggravating, but okay. And now everything is horribly wrong, so she just takes the box and looks at her comrades.

[Agent Tongs]

So sorry. The rest area, is that here or.

[Travis Van Groff]

Yes, they are just a few thousand feet off the tunnel.

[Agent Tongs]

We should probably rest up first. I mean, who knows how this is going to go. We're going to want to be sharp.

[Diana Azad]

Yeah. And he said if we rested here, he might bring us some medical supplies, right?

[Agent Tongs]

Well, in that case, I'd say that's what we should do.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I don't think we should give them any more of a lead, so going.

[Diana Azad]

Now doesn't do much good anyways. Making sure that we're at our best and we don't meet our untimely demise out in the fringe seems like the better idea than going in right now.

[Agent Tongs]

Those guns are all well and good, but it's gonna be harder to shoot them on lack of sleep, if we must.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so let's sleep through the night. Wait. 32 hour days. Let's sleep through part of the night. And in the late night slash early morning, possible morning area of time, we will begin going.

[Agent Tongs]

That's a fair point. And I approve of that plan.

[Diana Azad]

All right. Rest it is.

[Travis Van Groff]

Indoor citizens Reave endures.

[Diana Azad]

It's good to know that I have a small apartment in District 13 that has fallen into disrepair. But I generally live on site at the lab that I work at in District 9. That's. That's info on Diana Cassius. Am I to understand that your parents are deceased?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Yeah, they've been missing most of my life.

[Agent Tongs]

What happened to them?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

You were just talking to your girlfriend.

[Agent Tongs]

Not my mom. It's Larrea's day with her kid brother. They have a thing once a month where they hang out for the whole day.

[Horatius McBride]

Great distraction, by the way, but what happened to your parents?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I've only been able to gather bits and pieces of the truth. While records indicate that Paolo and Sussen and so got her deceased, I know for a fact that they did not die on the date indicated they left for the Fringe.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, how do you know that?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

They visited me one last time before departing after they were reported as deceased.

[Agent Tongs]

Perhaps they were ghosts.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

No, I'm sure that they were very much alive. We didn't have much time to talk, but they told me that they had to leave and that I had to stay. They said that they would try to come back and find me one day. But that was a long time ago.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm. I'm sorry.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

No, it's okay. I'll find them one day. I'm sure of it. Who knows? Maybe this trip to the Fringe is how I finally meet them. Part of me knows that they're still out there alive.

[Diana Azad]

And part of me knows that we'll catch up to Hadrian Baker if we go to sleep sooner rather than later. Forgive me for being curt, but we'll have plenty of time to talk on our walk to the Fringe.

[Agent Tongs]

Smart thinking. The faster we sleep, the faster we leave, and the faster we can get back home. Night, guys.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Night.

[Horatius McBride]

Night.

[Diana Azad]

Night.

[Cassius Soger]

While resting, the team receives a supply of four bandages, four canisters of injury sealant, and a case of miscellaneous medical supplies. They are passed to the group's resident medic, Diana Azad. Each member of the team also consumes one meal and gains one tin.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

This is ridiculous. We shouldn't be doing this. And they should have given us more resources to complete our objective.

[Diana Azad]

Yeah, they should have given us meal, too. These guys are really not nice.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

When we get back, remind me to register a complaint against Tongs.

[Cassius Soger]

After over an hour of walking through the dim underground tunnel, the team reaches a 20 foot expanse which appears to be a pressure chamber. The lights to the chamber flicker to life as they step closer. And on the far side, a sturdy metal door is visible. Saugat believes it should lead to the research station.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Brace yourselves. This isn't going to be particularly pleasant.

[Agent Tongs]

Let's do this.

[Cassius Soger]

After passing through the chamber's automated process, the great metal door opens, revealing a set of additional doors with extensive soundproof padding. Beyond those doors waits a staircase at the end of a hallway.

[Agent Tongs]

I head up the staircase.

[Cassius Soger]

The stairs lead to a single immaculate door.

[Horatius McBride]

I'd like to listen to the doorway to see if I can hear anything on the other side.

[Agent Tongs]

If I win this round, you'll take the dead shift tomorrow.

[H]

And if I win, you're giving me those pictures of your girlfriend.

[Horatius McBride]

At least two people on the other side, but they sound friendly.

[Agent Tongs]

Opening the door in 3, 2, 1.

[Cassius Soger]

Through the door is a small storage room currently used and furnished as a break room. The lights are fairly dim, the air tastes stale, and two security officers from the Department of Resource Allocation and Defense are playing a card game with traditional nylon cards and dice.

[Agent Tongs]

Ah, is it the boring game that we were researching? What was that called again?

[Diana Azad]

Architectural Spectrum.

[Cassius Soger]

Due to the level of excitement, Horatius McBride concludes that they can't possibly be playing Architectural Spectrum. The female officer salutes the team as the door opens, while the other fumbles momentarily and slowly follows suit.

[Agent Tongs]

Greetings, citizens. Welcome to the station. We were not expecting you. I'm Officer O'Neil and this is Officer Tanz. Why are you here?

[Diana Azad]

Wow, they really should have sent that information ahead of us.

[Agent Tongs]

We can just talk to you about it. We don't mind talking. We just.

[Diana Azad]

We were sent by Agent Tongs. We are here to meet up with Agent Hobbs.

[Horatius McBride]

Hobbs and. At ease, please. We're. We're volunteers. So if you don't mind me asking, what is the purpose of this installation?

[H]

The purpose of this station is classified.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Who's in charge here?

[H]

Dr. Okoye is the lead researcher, but he's asleep, and we're under strict orders to avoid bothering him.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm going to take a moment to stare at these officers O'Neill and Tanz with my gorgeous steel blue eyes. That's a 16.

[Cassius Soger]

The keen eyes of investigator Sylvanus Clarhout. Notice that both guards are wearing blue officer scarves, indicating they have no medical background. They're Both armed with standard issue hammerhead pistols and both have their second tier lethality marks. The woman, Officer Tanz, has scars on her face while the male officer O'Neil smells strongly of chemicals and moist bad breath.

[Horatius McBride]

And now I'd like to open up the little hacking tool application on my hood and poke into their backgrounds. Starting with Tanz with a 14.

[Cassius Soger]

With a roll of 14, Clairhout discovers the following information on Officer Officer Glossia Tons. Physically female, light brown complexion, dark hair and an athletic build. She is 28 years old with a Bachelor's mark and second tier lethality on file. Information obtained from her classified records indicates that she is currently applying for a permit and subsequent surgeries to change her physical sex. The name will remain glossy at tons. Exceptional marks are noted throughout Tom's education, but it's been mentioned that she, or rather he, does not function well under high pressure situations. Tons trained to join the Department of Special Services, but was removed from the training program after getting into a violent altercation with an instructor during a mission. He has since served two months of hospitalization.

[Horatius McBride]

Wow.

[Cassius Soger]

Eight additional months of physical rehabilitation and disciplinary re education and was successfully transferred to the rad. Clairhout glances at the other officer.

[Horatius McBride]

Absolutely. Do I need a reroll?

[Cassius Soger]

Additional information will require a successful investigation. Check. Officer Blasius O'Neill. Male like complexion, unnatural, bright red hair dyed and an athletic build. He is 30 years old with a Bachelor's mark and second tier lethality. Information obtained from his classified records indicates that he's divorced with partial custody to his 12 year old son. Clarehaut perhaps knows too much about the citizens standing before him.

[Horatius McBride]

I can't even look him in the eye anymore. Really?

[Agent Tongs]

You've been staring for a while now. Can we escort you to the Fringe then?

[Diana Azad]

At this point, Diana is trying as hard as possible to put off actually stepping foot into the fringe. I need information on the Fringe before we step step outside into the unknown.

[Agent Tongs]

Sure. You're already in the Fringe. It's all around us. The only way home is through one of the research tunnels you came from, and it's statistically impossible to discover one. We're on 183rd Avenue and Fifth Street. The highway that crosses above us is called the Red Road. If for any reason you get lost.

[Travis Van Groff]

You can follow the Red Road to.

[Agent Tongs]

Atreus and hope the snipers on the outer wall don't mistake you for Fringers and that the Fringers don't think you're Atrian. Is that atrium gear under your disguise?

[Diana Azad]

Mm, it comes in handy for A lot of things, including keeping the smell away from me and sanitation reasons. Everything I'm wearing smells disgusting.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, at least that means we're only two blocks away from the scrapper's den. We should be able to get to our objective easily enough.

[H]

What is your objective, if you don't mind me asking?

[Agent Tongs]

Beyond meeting up with your agent, of course.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

If you don't know, then we're probably not at liberty to say.

[Horatius McBride]

Can you provide us with any assistance? Perhaps meal?

[H]

I can give you directions.

[Agent Tongs]

As much as we appreciate the offer of assistance, I think the nature of our assignment precludes us from giving out any information about it. Thank you, citizens, but I think we'd best take it from here.

[H]

Well, that's fair. You want to hurry, though. Fringes are nocturnal, and they get fairly excitable the later it gets.

[Diana Azad]

Wait. Shouldn't we just wait here until the sun comes up, then?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

We've already waited long enough. We need to get moving.

[Horatius McBride]

Do you have any suggestions on how to walk through the fringe unnoticed? I realize now that we are woefully under prepared for our first night out.

[H]

Being such a large group, the best way would be to just claim that you're with the gang. There's so many of you that I don't believe you'll be questioned. Even if you make up a name, none of them will even look at you twice.

[Diana Azad]

Can I list off words to you? And if you know that's a gang name, we won't choose it.

[H]

Sure.

[Diana Azad]

All right, guys, lift list off names to. To them.

[Agent Tongs]

Hey, how about the Blood Skulls?

[Horatius McBride]

What?

[H]

Blood Skulls? I don't know if any gang actually called the Blood Skulls. You can probably use it.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, then I guess we're the Blood Skulls Gang.

[Diana Azad]

So there's not one called, like, the Skulls or anything that we could get mixed up with?

[H]

There is a group called just the Skull Clackers, I think, But Blood Skulls is different enough where you shouldn't have any issues of mistaken identity.

[Diana Azad]

All right.

[H]

I don't suppose you want to chat here all night.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Thank you for your assistance. Please take us to the safest exit. We're done here, right?

[Agent Tongs]

Yeah, sure. I don't see why not.

[Cassius Soger]

Officer Tons escorts the team through an empty unoccupied room down a short hallway that concludes into a foyer which exits to the Fringe. The foyer is guarded by two additional RAD officers who are relaxed and monitoring activity outside on small personal data pads. Tanz activates the main door to become semi translucent and points again.

[H]

That's that road over there. Is called fifth street. And the highway above is the Red road. And this is 183rd Avenue.

[Diana Azad]

Roads same way as in the city.

[H]

Yes. You'll find that they are very much the same, just more dangerous. It's not too easy to get lost because most of them are numbered. The named ones can be confusing, but they're somewhat less common. As long as you stay on main roads, you should have no difficulty reaching your destination.

[Diana Azad]

Aren't the named roads just the overpasses?

[H]

The Fringe has a number of side streets that are named. It gets confusing to navigate, so just avoid going into any alleys. I believe they were created after certain buildings were destroyed. Rose literally passing through the ruins of towers and such. That's why they don't follow the standard numbering system.

[Diana Azad]

Do we have a map?

[H]

There is no map of the Fringe. Well, if that's it. May the Archon watch over you, citizens.

[Diana Azad]

May the Archon watch over us. May the Archon watch over us.

[Cassius Soger]

In the distance, a few lone figures are keeping to themselves, and the fringe appears to be lit by a mix of glowing fires and dim light bulbs. A mix of stale burning cinders, unfamiliar chemicals, and smells too horrific to identify assault the team's nostrils even before they take their first steps outside.

[Diana Azad]

I'm not going out first.

[Agent Tongs]

Horatius takes a step forward into the fringe.

[Cassius Soger]

McBride steps beyond the door and is immediately struck with a warm wave of ever fouler odors.

[Agent Tongs]

Oh, why don't they just call it the trash heap? Oh, man, I thought the clothes were bad. Good. Goodness gracious, good re. Oh, I don't know.

[Diana Azad]

This is such a bad idea. This is such a bad idea. This is such a bad idea. And then she takes a step out and has the worst possible posture she's ever had in her life. And probably gags because it's gonna smell disgusting. They're about to send us out into the Fringe. It doesn't get more. Seems way, way over my pay grade.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

It is still a significantly higher pay grade than mine.

[Diana Azad]

I know how much meal I have, and it's not enough for this.

[Horatius McBride]

You all get a regular income.

[Cassius Soger]

McBrice buys a main road ahead, which was previously indicated as 183rd.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, I mean, I, I, I wait for everyone else to step out and kind of get acclimated first.

[Horatius McBride]

You guys were right. Why, it smells almost as bad as sleeping next to McBride's feet. No offense, Horatius.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Fuck that smell. I tear a piece of cloth and put it over my nose and mouth so I can breathe.

[Agent Tongs]

Maybe we should all do what Cassius is doing with the cloth. We can say it's a blood skulls thing, like a mask. Okay, great. Yeah. Horatius immediately covers his face with the cloth.

[Diana Azad]

Diana makes the absolute worst face as the disgusting cloth actually has to touch her face.

[Horatius McBride]

Sylvanas happily succumbs to peer pressure here.

[Diana Azad]

But everything here is disgusting, so why not?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Let's start by going that way.

[Diana Azad]

Sure.

[Cassius Soger]

As the team reaches the main road, their ears pop as the pressure changes. It feels like they've walked into a physical wall of warm, moist air and pass a few lone scavengers and vendors who are starting to lay out their wares. It seems particularly easy to get lost. And the team continues down the winding streets they believe will lead them toward the scrapper's den.

[Diana Azad]

Alright, so what street are we currently on? I don't actually understand the map system. Again, I'm sorry.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, I tell you what, let's pick a direction and go that way. If we get to 6th street, we're going the right way. If we get to 4th street, we're going the wrong way. Then we can turn around.

[Diana Azad]

But both of the streets are numbers.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, sure, but we're trying to get to 7th Street. Right now we're on 5th street, so we just want to head till the numbers are seven. Till the number is seven.

[Diana Azad]

But which, which one is supposed to be seven? The first one or the second one?

[Agent Tongs]

I'm a little confused by the question.

[Diana Azad]

Okay, so are we supposed to keep walking east or west until we reach 7th or east or West until we reach 183rd?

[Agent Tongs]

Well, we're on 5th street in a part with no cross section. Let's find an intersection and figure out where we're going from there.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so yeah, let's just go to a cross section and find out where we are. We should have just asked the people before we left and stop. Stepped into this stinking place.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, you know us fringers wouldn't ask a people, mate. They really. I'm really bad at this. Let's just find the cross street.

[Diana Azad]

Oh, I guess I should be whispering. I'm going to do that now.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Well, let's start by going this way.

[Diana Azad]

All right.

[Agent Tongs]

I don't see any reason not to.

[Cassius Soger]

The team walks down to the main road for a block and reaches 181st.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so two and two. That's not too bad. Okay, so does this road not just continue all the way this way?

[Agent Tongs]

It does.

[Diana Azad]

So we can just go in this direction until we reach 183rd.

[Agent Tongs]

Yep. Or I guess in this direction. That's the wrong way.

[Diana Azad]

Yeah, but we don't know yet because we haven't.

[Agent Tongs]

Right.

[Diana Azad]

Reached. I mean, we have to. Let's go over here then.

[Agent Tongs]

Okay.

[Diana Azad]

And see which one that is. Sure.

[Cassius Soger]

Right.

[Diana Azad]

Because that would be either fourth or sixth.

[Horatius McBride]

That adds to eight.

[Diana Azad]

I'm very bad at this. How do I erase them?

[Agent Tongs]

So you. You select the arrow, and then you kind of. You can select it and just push delete on your keyboard.

[Diana Azad]

I think Sylvanas did it.

[Cassius Soger]

Sorry.

[Agent Tongs]

He did do it. But in the future, that is what you can do.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so now that we're at 5th and 181st, let's take another left and head down 181st to see if we're going the right direction.

[Cassius Soger]

Their ears pop as they reach the next intersection. A noticeable shift in the oppressive moisture of the warm, stagnant air.

[Agent Tongs]

Well.

[Horatius McBride]

Ow.

[Diana Azad]

I have the look of disgust on my face, but I'm hiding my face anyways, so I guess nobody really. Oh.

[Horatius McBride]

What was that?

[Diana Azad]

Air pressure. Their regulators don't work very well out here.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Pressure has no consistency within the Fringe. It's the same with temperature and moisture, among other things.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, why's that?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Their equipment isn't maintained, so it doesn't function properly.

[Diana Azad]

For the same reason they might need a meal scientist to help operate the meal manufacturing facilities. They would also require people with an education to run their atmospheric controls. But, I mean, we're in the Fringe.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Exactly.

[Diana Azad]

So unless they do the same thing and kidnap somebody.

[Horatius McBride]

Isn't that why we are here?

[Diana Azad]

I don't know who would run them efficiently enough. I mean, they're not dead. So I guess it's working then. We're not dead yet.

[Cassius Soger]

The team reaches 6th Street.

[Diana Azad]

Oh, we're going the right way.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, that's good. Let's keep going one more block.

[Diana Azad]

All right. Can I observe what's going around us? Like, going on around us? Just so we're not, like, walking towards something horrendously bad. All right, so perception is four. Nope. I see nothing. My head is down. My hood is up.

[Cassius Soger]

The signs appear to be too worn to read anything beyond the names of the streets at this intersection. And Diana Azad is focusing all of her effort into reading the street numbers, though the streets seem fairly empty.

[Agent Tongs]

Horatius is curious about this, too, so I'll see if I can find my perception score. Oh, the irony.

[Diana Azad]

Why do I always roll below 5? 5?

[Agent Tongs]

I don't know, but somehow I rolled better than you. Not by much.

[Cassius Soger]

With a poor role with a deep rooted fear of getting lost. Horus McBride's focus only allows him to spot the sign as well.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, I'll take a look.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Seriously.

[Horatius McBride]

The investigator investigates.

[Cassius Soger]

Investigator Sylvanas Clarhout scans the area and notices a few scavengers behind the party who are keeping their distance. He also notices a vendor up the road who's slowly organizing his wares. A poor collection of firearms.

[Horatius McBride]

Those Fringers nearby don't seem interested in us at all.

[Diana Azad]

Is there anything on the ground? Like it just. Is it just trash?

[Cassius Soger]

What's around the ground itself is noticeably uneven, pocked by centuries of war and neglect. Burnt scraps of cloth, hair, bone, broken glass and excrement litter the ground. Potholes, bullet holes, burn marks, stains and cinders adorn every surface. The main road appears only sparsely populated with stands for vendors, none of which appear to be active yet, save for the one ahead.

[Diana Azad]

When you say ahead, do you mean towards 182nd?

[Cassius Soger]

Towards 7th?

[Diana Azad]

Okay, so we're still going in that direction and I'm just gonna stage hunched over, not gonna approach anybody unless the others choose to.

[Agent Tongs]

Horatius nods in a sort of surly way, but doesn't actually make to approach.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm still looking at those scavengers, making sure they don't turn around and mess with the mouth rags. I mean the blood skull.

[Cassius Soger]

The scavengers keep their distance, and though it's fairly easy to get disoriented within the hexagonal roadways, Sylvanus Clarhout spots the sign for 183rd Avenue and 7th Street. After just a short walk, a ruined building stands behind the sign, which Cassius Sogart believes to be the Scrapper's Den. A ruined two story tower the length of a full block, structurally similar to Atrian buildings, stands crumbled before them. The closest entrance appears to be guarded by three figures, cowls draped over torn clothes. Their poorly cut hair, piercings and tattoos are visible even at this distance, and the team can hear occasional words from their conversation. Each notes that their words are spat and grumbled. They do not speak like Atrians.

[Agent Tongs]

Well, what do we do now, Diana?

[Horatius McBride]

This looks like the place. Let me take a closer look.

[Diana Azad]

Are you kidding me?

[Horatius McBride]

A really, really close look.

[Cassius Soger]

Claire How? Takes a very close look at the building and nothing escapes his gaze. He suspects that it must have originally been a full tower, a collapse, and was salvaged for decades until only the shell of the tower's base remained. The three individuals out front are armed with rifles, clubs and blades, all fashioned from scrap. Additionally, Clairhaut spots two further gunners who occasionally glance out from the second story window.

[Horatius McBride]

Looks like we've got company up there. Motion towards the windows.

[Diana Azad]

But I use a. No. What a full sized tower would have had for substructure depth. Let's try to roll. Not horribly.

[Agent Tongs]

Hey. Okay, that's something.

[Cassius Soger]

Assad suspects there could be a maximum of eight basement levels, but believes the true number to be closer to three.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so we have three to eight subterranean levels.

[Cassius Soger]

Assuming they haven't collapsed.

[Diana Azad]

Possibly. There you go. All right, so we have. She's whispering. So we have snipers. Was that what you said?

[Horatius McBride]

Looks that way. Up in the windows there.

[Diana Azad]

Hmm.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

And guards on the ground floor.

[Diana Azad]

But we're not trying to approach as enemies. We're just trying to find someone they believe to actually be a member of their team.

[Agent Tongs]

Yeah, I mean, they probably wouldn't have any reason to snipe us out of hand.

[Diana Azad]

Unless. What's our most recent info on Hobbs? Like? Is he still considered a Sark? Do they.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I asked a few questions, and Tongs mentioned that Hobbs was indeed still a Sark and that he had been undercover for some time. It's only logical he would still be a Sark as of the last 32 hours.

[Diana Azad]

All right, so should we just ask? Do people do that out here?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Yes. They use words to communicate ideas.

[Agent Tongs]

I mean, I don't know, what do we say? We're looking for Hobbs? What if he doesn't even call himself Hobbs out here? He could have a. He could have a fringe name.

[Horatius McBride]

I think Hobbs is his fringe name.

[Agent Tongs]

Oh. Oh, well, then I guess we should just ask.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Go right ahead.

[Diana Azad]

And I do the same. Like head gestures. Like somebody else do this.

[Horatius McBride]

Before we launch into the diplomatic relations here. Overhearing them talking earlier, it sounds like they speak quite differently. Do we want to set up any parameters for how we're supposed to talk while we're out here?

[Diana Azad]

Quietly?

[Agent Tongs]

I don't know how they talk. Talk? I've never heard a Fringer talk in my life.

[Horatius McBride]

I just overheard those two grumbling and spitting at each other quite a bit.

[Agent Tongs]

Should I spit at them?

[Diana Azad]

They spat at each other.

[Horatius McBride]

Not intentionally, I'm sure, though I don't know.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I highly recommend not spitting at them. Just don't use any big words. How about that?

[Diana Azad]

In the broadcasts, they are aggressive in speech. Aggressive? Insulting, primarily.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

You can be firm. But I wouldn't recommend insulting them if we can help it.

[Diana Azad]

Well, I consider anything they say to be insulting.

[Horatius McBride]

Well, seeing as you seem so calm, about it. How about you handle this, Horatius?

[Agent Tongs]

Well, if nobody else is gonna do it, I guess I'll do it.

[Diana Azad]

Nobody wants to.

[Agent Tongs]

Let me tell you, he definitely has the persuasion score to pull off something like this.

[Diana Azad]

Wait, is. Is there?

[Agent Tongs]

Yeah. I mean he. I'll do it. But he's not going to be passing any rolls unless he's intimidating. Well, maybe that's a good thing.

[Cassius Soger]

Clarhout, you have many persuasive abilities.

[Horatius McBride]

I do have that.

[Cassius Soger]

You have all of them.

[Horatius McBride]

I guess I had better step forward.

[Cassius Soger]

As Clarhout approaches, another sudden pressure change catches him off guard and clears his sinuses. The air is abruptly cooler, but smells strongly of urine. The two guards step forward as a third figure, possibly their commander, gazes up. He is a gaunt man with a short beard and partly shaved head. A tattoo of a severed head with small feet leaves bloody inked footprints across his neck.

[Agent Tongs]

Oh yeah. Hoy what you want? No.

[Horatius McBride]

You were looking for Hobbs.

[Agent Tongs]

No, he's not. Where.

[Horatius McBride]

Do you know where his home is?

[Agent Tongs]

I can tell you. What did I get?

[Horatius McBride]

We mean him no harm. I assure you that.

[Agent Tongs]

About those meds I can smell them from.

[Horatius McBride]

I'd like to step in front of those if I may. How does a meal sound?

[Agent Tongs]

A meal. A meal be great. Yeah. Yeah. Meal work great. They're great.

[Cassius Soger]

Let's.

[Agent Tongs]

Let's be friends. I'll tell you all about them. What you want to know just is obvious. Sid.

[Horatius McBride]

Anything you can. And I'd like to hold a meal.

[Cassius Soger]

Out hops out.

[Agent Tongs]

Juicy flat joint. Nice and proper. Little that old poke is called Josepharo.

[Cassius Soger]

And downward that way it's called pig dick on the wall.

[Agent Tongs]

God.

[Cassius Soger]

Miss it.

[Horatius McBride]

That was the whole poke? Yeah. Do you know how to spell that? Never mind. Thank you very much. Enjoy your meal. Yeah, I'll just toss it to him. Pirate exchange completed Sloppily.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

I wonder if he means whole poke or hole poke.

[Agent Tongs]

That's the same thing.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

No, I mean do they poke holes? Or is the establishment the entirety of the poke?

[Agent Tongs]

And I thought you said you had a low pay grade.

[Diana Azad]

How do you smell sealed medical supplies?

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

He must have seen it.

[Diana Azad]

Could have given him in a tin and he would have been happy.

[Cassius Soger]

The team's ears pop again as they leave the urine scented scrapyard and head for the side road that the scrapper indicated. The smell grows less and less offensive and the temperature drops sharply the further they walk in that direction.

[Travis Van Groff]

Liberty Vigilance is created and produced by Travis Van Groff with editing and writing assistance from KA Stats starring Peter Lewis, Shawn Francis, Kaitlin Buckley and Caitlin Staats with narration by Wayne June. Guest voices include Mike Hall, Richard O. Jones, Chad Ellis, Lonnie Minnella, Russell Gold, Sarah Werner, and Dr. William Staats. The music was created by Ryan McQuinn, Stephen Malin and Brandon Strader. Vigilance was mixed and mastered by Brandon Strader with COVID art by Dan Stanek. The original game master was Travis Vengraf with assistance by KA Stats. This episode is brought to you by our Patreon Team. If you've enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider joining our Patreon team today or by liking and reviewing our show on iTunes or Podchaser. This broadcast is a creation of fool and Scholar Productions and Liberty is a trademark of Travis Vengrough. Thank you for listening and may the Archon watch over you.

[Agent Tongs]

Realms of Peril and Glory from one.

[Diana Azad]

Shots to campaigns, indie games to established.

[Cassius Soger]

Titles, join Liz, Laura, Zach, James, Maddie, Naomi and Pip.

[Agent Tongs]

I wrote the natural 20.

[Sylvanus Clarhout]

Yes, and a rotating cast of incredible guests.

[Travis Van Groff]

I am Johnny Chiardini, Jasper, William Cartwright.

[Agent Tongs]

Grant Howitt, Harmony Bundell as we weave thrilling new stories with gorgeous sound design.

[Horatius McBride]

And beautiful original music.

[Agent Tongs]

Search Realms of Peril and Glory Wherever you listen to podcasts, contained herein are the Heresies of Radolph Bantwine, erstwhile monk turned traveling medical investigator. Join me as I study the secrets of the divine plagues and uncover the blasphemous truth that ours is not a loving God and we are not its favored children.

[Horatius McBride]

The Heresies of Red Ulf Bantwine Wherever podcasts are available.