Second Shield | The Case of the Dwarven Scammer

[detectiveforhierophant]

Sender: King Arthur/Firebird | Ryotaro Dojima/Eustace

Recipient: Everyone

[If you noticed Dojima’s handwriting before, it could be a bit chicken scratch- not from a lack of penmanship, but simply because his work had him writing up a lot of reports, and you had to do it quickly. This time however, his handwriting is noticeably neater and careful, trying to make sure no one can misread the information.]

Notice to All Aspects.

Within the recent months, a scam artist has been making the rounds in the Index, going after both locals and Aspects alike.

Based on description, the culprit is likely a Dwarf, who’s hair varies in colour, possibly dying it or using magic to change it.

If you or anyone you know has been involved in some sort of scam, please let either me or Eustace know; we’re currently involved in the investigation. Information on what the scam entitled, the date it occurred, the scammer's appearance, and location would be a great benefit.

[The handwriting then switches to something a little cleaner and not necessarily elegant, but neat.]

There are suspicions that there may be multiple individuals, making it a crime ring. If you think you found one, don't do anything stupid. There haven't been reports of any violent exchanges, but we don't need this to become more complicated than necessary.

However, if you do manage to capture one, bring them to the nearest law enforcement.

Feel free to respond to us here, or come to us in person at the Index Guard house where we’re currently stationed.

[Notes: Dojima did most of the talking, Eustace is the colored text. Reminder that all threads are open to everyone, so feel free to respond to each other to swap notes or be reminded of clues. The official "plotting" posting is here and anyone can still sign up if they want to! We can work out follow-up threads if desired and last reminder that players are free to come up with random clues to help flesh out the dwarves and scams.]

Comments

[arrogator]

I'm not checking the damn buckets!

[Thanks buddy. Thanks a lot. She'll just make sure to avoid those because she hates everything right now.]

[flamekthunder]

[There's just a small smirk as he continues to look through, "sniffing out" what could be relevant and what's just trash.

There are a few interesting pamphlets, some reading like other scams they could be hustling, some seemingly random items like other tickets, post card, etc that at first might seem like trash but could actually be other clues as to what they're thing. There are also numerous bottles of hair dye (some full, some empty), paint buckets, dirty clothes and costumes... Even if most of it is clearly used and look more like rags, it's a pretty good haul.]

[arrogator]

[She's found much of the same in the cabinets over here. Some blank stacks of paper that could be turned into pamphlets and the like, more supplies, that kind of thing.]

Man, they really had a big operation going, didn't they?

[flamekthunder]

So it would seem, possibly bigger than we expected.

[A small frown as he thinks it over.]

Here.

[He tosses over some bags used to collect evidence.]

Collect some of those while you're there, and try not to get your fingerprints on them. We'll leave after we gather the evidence.

[arrogator]

How the hell-

[Never mind, she can figure out how to do that. She'll just kind of start scooping some of it into the bags. No fingerprints there!]

Sounds fine with me. If they're not down here or coming back, I don't really see a reason to stick around.

[flamekthunder]

[He trusts that she'll manage. Maybe. Kind of??

After he does his sweep, he takes one last look around. Even though they didn't catch the scammers, they're not coming out of this empty handed.]

This is about as much as we can do for now. Ready?

[arrogator]

Yeah, sure.

[She'll just shove the bags at Eustace because finding things from evidence is your job, buddy.]

You better catch them, I don't want this to have been a waste of time.

[And maybe she's learned something about not...messing up crime scenes. Maybe.]

[flamekthunder]

[Rude. But he takes the bags and puts them in his bag before making his way towards what is likely the door to exit this place.]

You'll be one of the first to know, along with the other victims. I'll also note your cooperation and contribution to the investigation.

Might be able to get you a real meal ticket in compensation.

[arrogator]

[That gets the first real smile out of her today because like her dad, she's a glutton. Mordred's just more honest about it.]

Really? You think so?

[She hopes that's the case. If she doesn't get to kick the crap out of the culprits at least she'll get a meal out of it.]

[flamekthunder]

It's the least I can do, especially since this turned out into a substantial lead.

[Oh look, he finally gives her a small smile of his own.

Despite the odd bickering and difficulties, he can recognize and appreciate her efforts. She deserves at least that free meal.]

[arrogator]

I'll be expecting it then.

[Just learn from Dojima's mistakes and don't let her order.]