<span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;DAGNYR &amp; LARYNN&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Nothing to say IC here - Larynn and Dagnyr are the only conscious characters in the room. The former Big Belly will come around in a few minutes, or sooner if someone tosses a healing spell her way.<br/><br/>Once she's awake, you can try to strike a bargain for the Alley Cat's cooperation (Diplomacy DC 20, current attitude unfriendly) or skip straight to threats (Intimidate DC 18, anyone larger than Small gains a +4 bonus). One person can aid the other by making a DC 10 check with either skill. (This doesn't have to be the same skill your partner is using - Good Cop/Bad Cop works here.) Extreme measures may also provide bonuses  <img alt=":gulp:" src="./images/smilies/munch.gif" title="Eat!"/> <br/><br/>The DC of checks after that will depend on exactly what's being asked...</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;ALYSSA, ANGEL, KAELEN &amp; PADMA&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Alyssa wrote:</cite>"Unfortunately, I must report that our key witness, the celestial named Lady Elona, has been kidnapped..."</div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"KIDNAPPED?!"</span></span>Lanzo roars, as loud as Alyssa's ever heard him. The outburst is accompanied by a<span style="font-weight: bold">BANG</span>and a cracking sound as the Captain's fist meets desktop, scattering several papers and rocking a nearby inkwell precariously. The forgeborn looks down for a second, then quickly withdraws his hand, brushing away what look like small darkwood slivers.<br/><br/>"My apologies," he says gruffly. "Er... please continue."<br/><br/>It's obvious from the Captain's demeanor that his mood remains soured, but he refrains from any further displays throughout Alyssa's report, save for a few disapproving grunts at certain moments. As the young officer reaches her conclusions, he remains glumly silent for a moment longer, glaring past her at nothing in particular. Finally, he drops heavily back into his chair with an exasperated sigh.<br/><br/>"Cats," he mutters darkly. "And demons. A fine pair of visitors our our anniversary." Steepling his fingers, the Captain leans forward, regarding his subordinate dispassionately before adding, "Thank you, adjutant. Your report is much appreciated, if somewhat ill-timed... though I suppose the blame for that falls elsewhere."<br/><br/>"Of course, Mr. Locasta, your offer is apppreciated as well. From what Adjutant Niberos has said, I'm sure your assistance will be invaluable - even moreso than usual, given the current state of our forces." The Captain pauses, and lets out a very brief sigh before continuing. "Nevertheless, I'm obligated to warn you that this will be no easy task. Are you prepared to risk your life on this endeavor?"<br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Kaelen wrote:</cite>"As she said, I've come to offer my aid in the investigation in whatever manner is required. I was present at the portal ceremony as well as Elona's abduction, and I believe that I can be of use to the ongoing investigation. After the attack in the square and our subsequent fight while on the way here, I doubt that I could have avoided the Watch's attention anyway."</div></blockquote><br/>"Well spoken," Lanzo replies with an approving chuckle. "Well spoken indeed. I'll have the necessary documents prepared immediately. As I said before, you assistance is much appreciated by the Watch, and by Prometa as a whole - as will Miss Rynn's be, and any others who should volunteer." Lanzo shoots a momentary glance in Angel and Padma's direction as he begins to reach for a stack of forms, but seems to recall something a second later and turns back to Alyssa.<br/><br/>"Ah, Adjutant Niberos... I believe you mentioned a cipher was found  in the Cats' possession? I would be quite interested to hear your analysis of it, if you please."