Rand Broson watched, and he listened. Then, as was appropriate to Scalvoris Law, he countered. After all, it was his job to persuade the Judge - in this case the Alberach - that his case against Balthazar was sound. At the moment it was his genuine opinion that Balthazar was helping him do that, so props for that. "I will respond," he said softly. "One place at a time." And so, he did. As he did, he named the document numbersplease assume he does this, each document is recorded and coded, for ease of use for Kura's identification.
"In regard to Viden, Madam Alberach," he said. We have signed witness statements from members of the military and from Professor Thetys. They are at the front of the Viden dossier. Balthazar Black told them he was on "Special Assignment". He was not. He told them he didn't have any means of proving this special assignment because of how he travelled. He had no means of proving it because it was not true." Rand spoke clearly, his voice calm now. "Furthermore, if Balthazar was simply dreaming that he was on a 'Special Assignment', he utterly failed to carry it out. From the moment that he arrived to the moment that he left, he did not approach or ask for any help or supplies on Faldrass. The closest he came was in his meeting with Professor Thetys. The professor recalls no mention of Faldrass or the ongoing crisis, but he was under the impression that Balthazar was there to 'arm' the Elements, by learning alchemy himself. Professor Thetys notes that Balthazar did this despite his low opinion of the Elements and so Professor Thetys was indeed happy to help him. The first time."
Rand named the evidence, then moved on. "It is worth noting, also, that while Balthazar's statement just now that it was Professor Thetys who advised him to go to the Garrison is true, like so much of what he just said, it is not the whole truth. To state the facts, he met with Professor Thetys on the 41st Ymiden, when he told Professor Thetys about the Empty and the Professor urged him to go to the authorities. So concerned with the public safety of Viden was he that he then used magic in a public bar on the 46th in what we assume to be an attack by the ghost in question. He met with Professor Thetys again on the 48th and 49th Ymiden. It was not until the 51st that he approached the garrison. As far as we can tell, after burning the building, he left." He paused then, before speaking again. "Balthazar claimed to be 'helping' or 'arming' the Elements to Professor Thetys. Yet, we have alchemists and, indeed, Professor Thetys has helped in the relief effort himself, when Doctor Augustin asked him to. He is a well-known and well-respected man. He is also a powerful ally. Balthazar's suggestion to him that we are not functioning well, or whatever the negative viewpoint he gave was not in any way appropriate. Either he was badmouthing the people he believed he was working for, or he was badmouthing the people he was pretending to work for. That is, however, a small point. The potential impact on our relationship with Viden is not. Further," he said, "since Balthazar did not report the Empty when he met it, nor after he had told Professor Thetys about it who did, indeed, urge him to go to the garrison. Since he, in fact, left the crowded bar where it attacked, his concern for the people of Viden seems to have appeared only when he realised that he needed them."
Turning to look at Balthazar, he said. "So yes. When you say, 'It was Doran who advised me to go to the Central Garrison to report the ghost and I did.', you are correct. You are simply missing the fact that it took you ten trials and that in the meantime you chose to try and fight the ghost yourself and thought it appropriate to go to public places where you drank and endangered people. A simple, but important omission." His gaze remained on Balthazar as he continued. "Professor Thetys also hopes that the practical alchemy lessons he gave you for the improving of the Elements uniforms in Ymiden 720, some five seasons ago, has been helpful to us. Ten trials of knowing that there is a dangerous entity and putting the people of Viden in danger knowingly and wilfully sits alongside every death of an Element in the past five seasons which could - perhaps - have been saved." Glancing up at Kura he said softly. "No such report was received, no such information passed on. Whatever practical alchemy Professor Thetys gave Balthazar in order to improve the possibility of survival of our troops - which Professor Thetys did because he believed that Balthazar was there on our behest and he was representing us - whatever it was, Balthazar has retained possession of it and not shared it."
That said, he moved on. "As for Quacia," he said. "Again, while Balthazar is not lying. There is a very different truth when it is all laid bare." He waited until Kura gave him the nod to move on, and would answer any questions from her at that time. Then, he continued. "There are some similarities to Viden, in fact. However. Having arrived in Quacia on the 57th, his bond was posted for him by Woe, as Balthazar says. What Balthazar fails to mention is why. Woe had hired Balthazar as a mercenary to help fight the Creep. He was given a sword by Woe for his work. This may not sound like much of a payment, but it was a Faldrunium Katana, masterwork, made by the best swordsmith in Quacia. Of course, the handle and scabbard had to have alchemical enhancements so that it could be held. Quite a handsome payment for the mercenary job." Rand looked at Balthazar. "Perhaps a reason you stayed which you simply forgot to mention? That, while you were working for the Elements for the protection of Scalvoris, you were taking mercenary jobs in Quacia. The tournament in question was a phrase used by only one witness, who claimed she saw two people fighting outside."
Rand spoke softly, calmly, continuing to give the information. "Woe is now living in Scalvoris. He had originally tried to contact Balthazar here, to hire him as a mercenary. Apparently, Woe did not realise that Balthazar had decided to take an Arc off and not tell anyone. However, After Woe had bailed Balthazar out of jail, he let him stay with him. Then later on they went to an underground duelling ring run by an ex-patriot Yari. They fought for a round or so, and were, as Woe puts it, "crashed by the Theocratum". He doesn't know what Balthazar did, but Woe suspects that he fought his way out." He looked at Balthazar, but didn't question. That was Kura's job to do, after all.
"After this point, Balthazar mostly kept to himself, apart from their sparring sessions. Until the last night when they had a drink, and then were called to the front to fight the Creep. They were sitting in a bar when the Dragoons ran in, seeking 'Trooper Black' and Woe. Reports from other patrons of the bar report Balthazar as being very drunk, mere moment prior. Or, considering later events, perhaps it was not alcohol which caused his stumbling confusion. I am not equipped to judge." He watched Balthazar keenly and continued. "They went to the fight. Woe describes that Balthazar had some issues with the Theocratum that they were tasked to protect. They had committed a blood sacrifice, which horrified Balthazar. Woe offered to hold the front against the Creep, while Balthazar guided the civilians to safety, but Balthazar insisted on standing and fighting, because Woe got on better with the civilians and Theocratum. So, Balthazar disapproved of the blood sacrifice - rightly - but he did nothing to stop it and instead of using his magic to protect the citizenry, he insisted that Woe did that while he fought the Creep. So, Woe went into the Undercroft, to find a way to safety, while Balthazar fought against the Creep with a troop of soldiers." He nodded. "This lines up with the response we received from Quacia, and our intelligence gathering there. They acknowledge that he was instrumental in holding the chapel, although it was badly damaged. He started the fight with 17 troops. The survivors say that they were allowed - and encouraged - to take a substance called "Wildfire" by Balthazar, which they took. There was a mutiny against him during the fight when they realised that Balthazar could, in fact, be getting people out of there, but the leader of that mutiny is one of the dead. It is accepted that Balthazar was pivotal to helping fight back the Creep, but the drug-taking and mutiny are also clear. Of course, this was during his Special Assignment to bring aid to Faldrass. None came, none was asked for." And now, he turned and faced Balthazar. "I'm told by Mr Morendi that he had a lovely home where he lived in relative luxury and that the two of you were enjoying a drink together. The description of the sword you were given as payment is exquisite too."
Again, he turned Balthazar's words on him. "So while you could indeed argue you 'didn't have a choice, you could have run. That you could have pushed through any wall into the Untold and gone somewhere else but you stayed because people needed help. ' you could also point out that you were hired as a mercenary and paid handsomely for it. You could also argue that your Rupturing could have saved many citizens lives, but you insisted on fighting, despite suggestions that you would be more useful not doing so. You could argue that while you were drinking in Quacia and sparring, just like while you were learning alchemy in Viden, the Elements of Scalvoris were fighting to rebuild, stopping crimes, and dealing with all the things which it is their job - and your job - to deal with. That is a counter argument, I would suggest, which holds more weight. Because you could return to Scalvoris at any time. You did not."
As for Melrath, Rand looked at Balthazar. "I have given all the information I have on Melrath. All that is clear is that Balthazar spent all of Saun there, got initiated into another magic as he says, and was involved in some way in the issues in Noatun. Whatever one member of the military has said, the official stand from Melrath is clear. They wish us to stop sending "rogue mages", as I said." He shook his head. "So, all that is clear is that you were there for an entire season, did nothing for Faldrass or Scalvoris during that time and, in fact, simply gained in your own individual power." He spoke to Kura then, turning away from Balthazar. "I do not know, Madam Alberach, if he told the person who initiated him that he wanted that magic 'for the good of Scalvoris' or to 'arm the Elements', but I assure you, like the work of Professor Thetys a few seasons before - we have seen nothing of it."
Melrath was quick. Rharne was next. "It is true, and let the record show clearly that Balthazar sent back the food. It was enough to feed a few families. Frankly, if it was part of his special assignment, then he would have been able to provide more by growing the vegetables himself. Or selling the sword which he'd been paid for his mercenary work with - that would have fed twenty times the people. As a point, Professor Thetys also donated much more from his personal monies, in terms of giving money. At this point, Balthazar had been absent from his job since early Ymiden 720, had been on a self-proclaimed 'Special Assignment' to Viden, Quacia, and Melrath to get aid for Scalvoris and Faldrass and the first actual aid he sent of any kind was the food he didn't need from a brawling tournament in Rharne." He spoke calmly, but there was no doubting it. "While, people like Darius Baer and Yeva of Rharne travelled between Rharne and Scalvoris in order to benefit both, while they arranged accommodation and gave up their own home in the case of Yeva, Balthazar - the Rupturer, the man who can pop around the whole of Idalos, did not. His home was not given to the refugees, he gave no personal donation. Instead, he went around Idalos making money and fighting." He then named another piece of evidence.
"As for Rharne and the inordinately long time that Balthazar was there, fighting and drinking and sending some unwanted food back. I have included, because I feel it pertinent, the report from Commander Vivian Shiryu. The Siege at Storm's Edge was very dire indeed and there have been large numbers of casualties. Some of our own citizens, Yeva of Rharne and Darius Baer included went there to help. It is in the report. However, it is important to note the following. Balthazar, on his Special Assignment, arrived in Rharne on the 20th Vhalar. After some brawling and drinking in the name of Scalvoris, he joined one Praetorum on a patrol in the Storm Wastes on the 51st Vhalar. There, they met a, " Rand glanced down at the dossier and gave the slightest of shrugs. "group of Pumpernickels, which are flame-monsters. Balthazar and Praetorum fought those creatures, and killed them. So, on the 51st Vhalar, and before, on the 38th when he was again asked to help and again did, then he was very aware of the trouble that Rharne was in. It was at this point that, had he asked or even informed, we would undoubtedly have given permission for him to go and help."
He looked at the Alberach then. "And so, Praetorum and Vivian requested his help to open a portal - which he gave. It is worth to note that, other than two situations where he was specifically asked, the people of Storm's Edge who do know him, do so only as the person who trains Elisabeth Angelus. Who provides customised, personal training to her," he looked at Elisabeth at that point and it had to be said, Rand looked about as impressed with her as he was with Balthazar. "A lady who was there as a researcher at the behest of Faith Augustin, and who was protected the whole time on the one mission she went on. Personalised training for his girlfriend, but other than a single chance encounter and the unwitting arrival at a battle following the opening of a portal at the request of a friend, he did not in fact help. In the one place we would have been happy for him to be and helping out."
It seemed that Rand was quite clear about the worth of Balthazar's words. "So, Balthazar, when you say that in Rharne you "saved lives and it felt like the work Vri wanted you to do, so you did it," you don't mean by fighting at Storm's Edge? You didn't think that it would be appropriate to approach their military and offer your services - it had been more than the ten trials you took to approach the military in Viden, after all. You did not offer training to their troops, only your lover. You did not work for the betterment of Scalvoris or Rharne, only yourself." He named another piece of evidence. "That is the casualty list at Storm's Edge during the time that Balthazar was there on his self-created Special Assignment," he said and he raised an eyebrow. "I do not know, Madam Alberach, but it seems to me unlikely that his new magic from Melrath, the alchemy knowledge from Viden or the sword from Quacia was used to better anyone except Balthazar Black and that the people in Storm's Edge were, like the people in Scalvoris, fighting without him."
Finally, with a soft sigh, Rand spoke again. "And so, we come to the Sparrow. To Balthazar's grand return to Scalvoris where, despite being assigned to Faldrass, despite having a job to do he sends out feelers for information and gets information and acts on that information without once speaking to anyone. While he is not telling us whatever it was that Professor Thetys sent, while he is not reporting on what he has done while he has been A.W.O.L, while he is not communicating about all that - he is also not communicating about intelligence received and simply acting on it." He shook his head. "And he is bringing his lover with him. Perhaps our three arc undercover mission was a new training exercise for her. It fits the bill." Rand said. "There are people he should be working with, things he should be doing but he does not."
With that, Rand gestured that he was done and Jacien lifted his head. "The bird?" He shrugged slightly. "That would be telling now, wouldn't it." He looked at both Balthazar and Elisabeth then he turned to Kura. "My assessment is that he has not spoken to anyone else regarding what he believes he has found. He has no more idea who the Sparrow is than he has concern for military protocol. Furthermore," Jacien's tone was calm and friendly. Almost fond. "He is gullible and rash. I have transcribed the conversation between us, Madam Alberach, word for word. He over rates his importance and is not afraid to throw his military rank around, as is evidenced. I suspect that he has gained power quickly and he finds himself completely unaware of what to do with it. He is easily manipulated and quick to run his mouth. It seems," he said, "that either he believes he is saving the world, or he is portraying himself as such to win the affections of the young woman who appears to have completely bought what he is selling." He flickered a gaze to Elisabeth then, "and I am concerned for anyone who, when faced with overwhelming evidence of action and inaction, of dereliction of duty and reckless behaviour, will ignore it. I found her to be charming, but meek and rather obedient to him although of course my meeting was short. It is worth noting that he used different names for her between outside and inside the building. If he was facing a genuine underground, if I was who he thought I was, or who many of the people there are, in the best case scenario they'd have slit her throat and made him watch, I have no doubt. " Of Elisabeth's ideas about the beggar, or Balth's discussion with her about it, Jacien said nothing. "I do not believe my position in the Bazaar is tenable any longer and we will need to pursue the Sparrow with what we have."
Jacien then looked at Rand "Do you have any further questions for me, Militant?" Rand shook his head. Jacien turned to Balthazar. "What about yourself, Trooper Black? Or are you content to simply maintain that I am short sighted since you are ... what was the phrase? Ah yes. 'a Flame Trooper with considerable resources who is employed to ensure the law is followed. All laws.' that was what you said to me, was it not? Just before 'You and I may stand apart on this issue, but there is plenty we could achieve together with cooperation. Everyone needs a friend sooner or later, even the Master of the Bazaar. Think about it. You don't want to be my enemy.' and all while you thought me willing or able to sell slaves. Tut tut, Trooper Black."
And he waited to see if there were any questions.
The Contents of the Dossiers:
Viden:
this thread (modded thread with Tempest) and this thread (with Doran).
Aspect of the thread which they're basing it on:
1. He was not on a Special Assignment, he wasn't on any assignment at all. That was why he didn't have a letter.
2. He did not look for, or secure (that we can find) any people or supplies while in Viden. He didn't contact the authorities, in fact, until he had tried to deal with the Empty on his own and could not. He contact the authorities the day before he left. He did not ask them - or anyone we have been able to find - for any help. He was focused on the destruction of the Empty
3. Re: Explosives: The Elements have these. If Trooper Black had, at any point, discussed that with colleagues, he would know.
4. The Elements do not have the information given by Doran to Balthazar.
Evidence Gained:
Full co-operation, letters from the two garrisons he was assigned, etc. Letters, witness statements, etc.
Confirmation from Professor Thetys (who he contacted) that he did not ask for help for Faldrass - but wanted training to make explosives, and help dealing with the Empty. Prof. Thetys does not recall Balthazar mentioning Faldrass at all. He believed that Balthazar was working in the name of the Elements - even though Balthazar has a low opinion of them, as he told Prof. Thetys.
Quacia:
Threads: here and here (fighting the Creep)
here for the sparring that has been misreported as a tournament
the duelling ring
The "Tournament" that was reported was actually a sparring match outside Woe's house (have checked with the PC that it's not unlikely it would have been seen) here - it's a single witness who used the word.
He arrived / was arrested on the 57th. Fought the Creep on the 66th.
Woe posted his bail. Woe had been trying to contact Balthazar on Scalvoris to hire him as a mercenary but couldn't find him.
Issues:
1. He was not on a Special Assignment, he wasn't on any assignment at all.
2. He did not look for, or secure (that we can find) any people or supplies while in Quacia. He went to fighting rings and bars and was hired for mercenary work.
Evidence Gained:
Co-operation from the Quacian government in terms of dates / numbers / events.
Confirmation and elaboration from Woe.
Melrath:
No real change from above.
Rharne:
Threads re: Storm's Edge:
A Nasty Surprise -51st Vhalar - with Prae
Light it up 67th Vhalar - training Elisa with Prae.
Art of War 67th Vhalar - training Elisa.
Remnants 67th Vhalar - with Elisa - attuning to the necklace
"In regard to Viden, Madam Alberach," he said. We have signed witness statements from members of the military and from Professor Thetys. They are at the front of the Viden dossier. Balthazar Black told them he was on "Special Assignment". He was not. He told them he didn't have any means of proving this special assignment because of how he travelled. He had no means of proving it because it was not true." Rand spoke clearly, his voice calm now. "Furthermore, if Balthazar was simply dreaming that he was on a 'Special Assignment', he utterly failed to carry it out. From the moment that he arrived to the moment that he left, he did not approach or ask for any help or supplies on Faldrass. The closest he came was in his meeting with Professor Thetys. The professor recalls no mention of Faldrass or the ongoing crisis, but he was under the impression that Balthazar was there to 'arm' the Elements, by learning alchemy himself. Professor Thetys notes that Balthazar did this despite his low opinion of the Elements and so Professor Thetys was indeed happy to help him. The first time."
Rand named the evidence, then moved on. "It is worth noting, also, that while Balthazar's statement just now that it was Professor Thetys who advised him to go to the Garrison is true, like so much of what he just said, it is not the whole truth. To state the facts, he met with Professor Thetys on the 41st Ymiden, when he told Professor Thetys about the Empty and the Professor urged him to go to the authorities. So concerned with the public safety of Viden was he that he then used magic in a public bar on the 46th in what we assume to be an attack by the ghost in question. He met with Professor Thetys again on the 48th and 49th Ymiden. It was not until the 51st that he approached the garrison. As far as we can tell, after burning the building, he left." He paused then, before speaking again. "Balthazar claimed to be 'helping' or 'arming' the Elements to Professor Thetys. Yet, we have alchemists and, indeed, Professor Thetys has helped in the relief effort himself, when Doctor Augustin asked him to. He is a well-known and well-respected man. He is also a powerful ally. Balthazar's suggestion to him that we are not functioning well, or whatever the negative viewpoint he gave was not in any way appropriate. Either he was badmouthing the people he believed he was working for, or he was badmouthing the people he was pretending to work for. That is, however, a small point. The potential impact on our relationship with Viden is not. Further," he said, "since Balthazar did not report the Empty when he met it, nor after he had told Professor Thetys about it who did, indeed, urge him to go to the garrison. Since he, in fact, left the crowded bar where it attacked, his concern for the people of Viden seems to have appeared only when he realised that he needed them."
Turning to look at Balthazar, he said. "So yes. When you say, 'It was Doran who advised me to go to the Central Garrison to report the ghost and I did.', you are correct. You are simply missing the fact that it took you ten trials and that in the meantime you chose to try and fight the ghost yourself and thought it appropriate to go to public places where you drank and endangered people. A simple, but important omission." His gaze remained on Balthazar as he continued. "Professor Thetys also hopes that the practical alchemy lessons he gave you for the improving of the Elements uniforms in Ymiden 720, some five seasons ago, has been helpful to us. Ten trials of knowing that there is a dangerous entity and putting the people of Viden in danger knowingly and wilfully sits alongside every death of an Element in the past five seasons which could - perhaps - have been saved." Glancing up at Kura he said softly. "No such report was received, no such information passed on. Whatever practical alchemy Professor Thetys gave Balthazar in order to improve the possibility of survival of our troops - which Professor Thetys did because he believed that Balthazar was there on our behest and he was representing us - whatever it was, Balthazar has retained possession of it and not shared it."
That said, he moved on. "As for Quacia," he said. "Again, while Balthazar is not lying. There is a very different truth when it is all laid bare." He waited until Kura gave him the nod to move on, and would answer any questions from her at that time. Then, he continued. "There are some similarities to Viden, in fact. However. Having arrived in Quacia on the 57th, his bond was posted for him by Woe, as Balthazar says. What Balthazar fails to mention is why. Woe had hired Balthazar as a mercenary to help fight the Creep. He was given a sword by Woe for his work. This may not sound like much of a payment, but it was a Faldrunium Katana, masterwork, made by the best swordsmith in Quacia. Of course, the handle and scabbard had to have alchemical enhancements so that it could be held. Quite a handsome payment for the mercenary job." Rand looked at Balthazar. "Perhaps a reason you stayed which you simply forgot to mention? That, while you were working for the Elements for the protection of Scalvoris, you were taking mercenary jobs in Quacia. The tournament in question was a phrase used by only one witness, who claimed she saw two people fighting outside."
Rand spoke softly, calmly, continuing to give the information. "Woe is now living in Scalvoris. He had originally tried to contact Balthazar here, to hire him as a mercenary. Apparently, Woe did not realise that Balthazar had decided to take an Arc off and not tell anyone. However, After Woe had bailed Balthazar out of jail, he let him stay with him. Then later on they went to an underground duelling ring run by an ex-patriot Yari. They fought for a round or so, and were, as Woe puts it, "crashed by the Theocratum". He doesn't know what Balthazar did, but Woe suspects that he fought his way out." He looked at Balthazar, but didn't question. That was Kura's job to do, after all.
"After this point, Balthazar mostly kept to himself, apart from their sparring sessions. Until the last night when they had a drink, and then were called to the front to fight the Creep. They were sitting in a bar when the Dragoons ran in, seeking 'Trooper Black' and Woe. Reports from other patrons of the bar report Balthazar as being very drunk, mere moment prior. Or, considering later events, perhaps it was not alcohol which caused his stumbling confusion. I am not equipped to judge." He watched Balthazar keenly and continued. "They went to the fight. Woe describes that Balthazar had some issues with the Theocratum that they were tasked to protect. They had committed a blood sacrifice, which horrified Balthazar. Woe offered to hold the front against the Creep, while Balthazar guided the civilians to safety, but Balthazar insisted on standing and fighting, because Woe got on better with the civilians and Theocratum. So, Balthazar disapproved of the blood sacrifice - rightly - but he did nothing to stop it and instead of using his magic to protect the citizenry, he insisted that Woe did that while he fought the Creep. So, Woe went into the Undercroft, to find a way to safety, while Balthazar fought against the Creep with a troop of soldiers." He nodded. "This lines up with the response we received from Quacia, and our intelligence gathering there. They acknowledge that he was instrumental in holding the chapel, although it was badly damaged. He started the fight with 17 troops. The survivors say that they were allowed - and encouraged - to take a substance called "Wildfire" by Balthazar, which they took. There was a mutiny against him during the fight when they realised that Balthazar could, in fact, be getting people out of there, but the leader of that mutiny is one of the dead. It is accepted that Balthazar was pivotal to helping fight back the Creep, but the drug-taking and mutiny are also clear. Of course, this was during his Special Assignment to bring aid to Faldrass. None came, none was asked for." And now, he turned and faced Balthazar. "I'm told by Mr Morendi that he had a lovely home where he lived in relative luxury and that the two of you were enjoying a drink together. The description of the sword you were given as payment is exquisite too."
Again, he turned Balthazar's words on him. "So while you could indeed argue you 'didn't have a choice, you could have run. That you could have pushed through any wall into the Untold and gone somewhere else but you stayed because people needed help. ' you could also point out that you were hired as a mercenary and paid handsomely for it. You could also argue that your Rupturing could have saved many citizens lives, but you insisted on fighting, despite suggestions that you would be more useful not doing so. You could argue that while you were drinking in Quacia and sparring, just like while you were learning alchemy in Viden, the Elements of Scalvoris were fighting to rebuild, stopping crimes, and dealing with all the things which it is their job - and your job - to deal with. That is a counter argument, I would suggest, which holds more weight. Because you could return to Scalvoris at any time. You did not."
As for Melrath, Rand looked at Balthazar. "I have given all the information I have on Melrath. All that is clear is that Balthazar spent all of Saun there, got initiated into another magic as he says, and was involved in some way in the issues in Noatun. Whatever one member of the military has said, the official stand from Melrath is clear. They wish us to stop sending "rogue mages", as I said." He shook his head. "So, all that is clear is that you were there for an entire season, did nothing for Faldrass or Scalvoris during that time and, in fact, simply gained in your own individual power." He spoke to Kura then, turning away from Balthazar. "I do not know, Madam Alberach, if he told the person who initiated him that he wanted that magic 'for the good of Scalvoris' or to 'arm the Elements', but I assure you, like the work of Professor Thetys a few seasons before - we have seen nothing of it."
Melrath was quick. Rharne was next. "It is true, and let the record show clearly that Balthazar sent back the food. It was enough to feed a few families. Frankly, if it was part of his special assignment, then he would have been able to provide more by growing the vegetables himself. Or selling the sword which he'd been paid for his mercenary work with - that would have fed twenty times the people. As a point, Professor Thetys also donated much more from his personal monies, in terms of giving money. At this point, Balthazar had been absent from his job since early Ymiden 720, had been on a self-proclaimed 'Special Assignment' to Viden, Quacia, and Melrath to get aid for Scalvoris and Faldrass and the first actual aid he sent of any kind was the food he didn't need from a brawling tournament in Rharne." He spoke calmly, but there was no doubting it. "While, people like Darius Baer and Yeva of Rharne travelled between Rharne and Scalvoris in order to benefit both, while they arranged accommodation and gave up their own home in the case of Yeva, Balthazar - the Rupturer, the man who can pop around the whole of Idalos, did not. His home was not given to the refugees, he gave no personal donation. Instead, he went around Idalos making money and fighting." He then named another piece of evidence.
"As for Rharne and the inordinately long time that Balthazar was there, fighting and drinking and sending some unwanted food back. I have included, because I feel it pertinent, the report from Commander Vivian Shiryu. The Siege at Storm's Edge was very dire indeed and there have been large numbers of casualties. Some of our own citizens, Yeva of Rharne and Darius Baer included went there to help. It is in the report. However, it is important to note the following. Balthazar, on his Special Assignment, arrived in Rharne on the 20th Vhalar. After some brawling and drinking in the name of Scalvoris, he joined one Praetorum on a patrol in the Storm Wastes on the 51st Vhalar. There, they met a, " Rand glanced down at the dossier and gave the slightest of shrugs. "group of Pumpernickels, which are flame-monsters. Balthazar and Praetorum fought those creatures, and killed them. So, on the 51st Vhalar, and before, on the 38th when he was again asked to help and again did, then he was very aware of the trouble that Rharne was in. It was at this point that, had he asked or even informed, we would undoubtedly have given permission for him to go and help."
He looked at the Alberach then. "And so, Praetorum and Vivian requested his help to open a portal - which he gave. It is worth to note that, other than two situations where he was specifically asked, the people of Storm's Edge who do know him, do so only as the person who trains Elisabeth Angelus. Who provides customised, personal training to her," he looked at Elisabeth at that point and it had to be said, Rand looked about as impressed with her as he was with Balthazar. "A lady who was there as a researcher at the behest of Faith Augustin, and who was protected the whole time on the one mission she went on. Personalised training for his girlfriend, but other than a single chance encounter and the unwitting arrival at a battle following the opening of a portal at the request of a friend, he did not in fact help. In the one place we would have been happy for him to be and helping out."
It seemed that Rand was quite clear about the worth of Balthazar's words. "So, Balthazar, when you say that in Rharne you "saved lives and it felt like the work Vri wanted you to do, so you did it," you don't mean by fighting at Storm's Edge? You didn't think that it would be appropriate to approach their military and offer your services - it had been more than the ten trials you took to approach the military in Viden, after all. You did not offer training to their troops, only your lover. You did not work for the betterment of Scalvoris or Rharne, only yourself." He named another piece of evidence. "That is the casualty list at Storm's Edge during the time that Balthazar was there on his self-created Special Assignment," he said and he raised an eyebrow. "I do not know, Madam Alberach, but it seems to me unlikely that his new magic from Melrath, the alchemy knowledge from Viden or the sword from Quacia was used to better anyone except Balthazar Black and that the people in Storm's Edge were, like the people in Scalvoris, fighting without him."
Finally, with a soft sigh, Rand spoke again. "And so, we come to the Sparrow. To Balthazar's grand return to Scalvoris where, despite being assigned to Faldrass, despite having a job to do he sends out feelers for information and gets information and acts on that information without once speaking to anyone. While he is not telling us whatever it was that Professor Thetys sent, while he is not reporting on what he has done while he has been A.W.O.L, while he is not communicating about all that - he is also not communicating about intelligence received and simply acting on it." He shook his head. "And he is bringing his lover with him. Perhaps our three arc undercover mission was a new training exercise for her. It fits the bill." Rand said. "There are people he should be working with, things he should be doing but he does not."
With that, Rand gestured that he was done and Jacien lifted his head. "The bird?" He shrugged slightly. "That would be telling now, wouldn't it." He looked at both Balthazar and Elisabeth then he turned to Kura. "My assessment is that he has not spoken to anyone else regarding what he believes he has found. He has no more idea who the Sparrow is than he has concern for military protocol. Furthermore," Jacien's tone was calm and friendly. Almost fond. "He is gullible and rash. I have transcribed the conversation between us, Madam Alberach, word for word. He over rates his importance and is not afraid to throw his military rank around, as is evidenced. I suspect that he has gained power quickly and he finds himself completely unaware of what to do with it. He is easily manipulated and quick to run his mouth. It seems," he said, "that either he believes he is saving the world, or he is portraying himself as such to win the affections of the young woman who appears to have completely bought what he is selling." He flickered a gaze to Elisabeth then, "and I am concerned for anyone who, when faced with overwhelming evidence of action and inaction, of dereliction of duty and reckless behaviour, will ignore it. I found her to be charming, but meek and rather obedient to him although of course my meeting was short. It is worth noting that he used different names for her between outside and inside the building. If he was facing a genuine underground, if I was who he thought I was, or who many of the people there are, in the best case scenario they'd have slit her throat and made him watch, I have no doubt. " Of Elisabeth's ideas about the beggar, or Balth's discussion with her about it, Jacien said nothing. "I do not believe my position in the Bazaar is tenable any longer and we will need to pursue the Sparrow with what we have."
Jacien then looked at Rand "Do you have any further questions for me, Militant?" Rand shook his head. Jacien turned to Balthazar. "What about yourself, Trooper Black? Or are you content to simply maintain that I am short sighted since you are ... what was the phrase? Ah yes. 'a Flame Trooper with considerable resources who is employed to ensure the law is followed. All laws.' that was what you said to me, was it not? Just before 'You and I may stand apart on this issue, but there is plenty we could achieve together with cooperation. Everyone needs a friend sooner or later, even the Master of the Bazaar. Think about it. You don't want to be my enemy.' and all while you thought me willing or able to sell slaves. Tut tut, Trooper Black."
And he waited to see if there were any questions.
The Contents of the Dossiers:
Viden:
this thread (modded thread with Tempest) and this thread (with Doran).
Aspect of the thread which they're basing it on:
Balth wrote:"My name is Balthazar Black. I'm an Element from Scalvoris on a..." He paused as he thought about the specific term he'd thrown the Militant's way to get permission. "Special assignment." He decided "A few trials ago I became aware of an Empty in your city that is using lesser ghosts to possess citizens and force them into service. I have discovered it is anchored to the tavern it is keeping the people in but I need resources to liberate the people and safely demolish the anchor." Well... he didn't sound entirely nuts.
Balth wrote:"The assignment was to find people and supplies to help with the clean up and rebuilding efforts in Scalvoris following Faldrass's eruption. I'm a dreamwalker and my travel method was a little less than conventional. They couldn't send a letter because we didn't know where I'd end up but I'm sure you've heard of the disaster."
Issues:Balth wrote: Doran had asked a question first and so Balthazar thought that it was only fair he answer that question... first. It would help to explain his visit a great deal. "The Empty has not been destroyed but I can't approach it subtly anymore. I'll be speaking with the garrison commander in a couple of trials to get the permission I need." The only significant thing Balthazar wore was the necklace Doran had lent him which he took off and set on the professor's desk. "Or I'll be called mad and arrested. Either way I wouldn't want anything to happen to prevent me from returning this. It worked, very well in fact, but I don't want to risk losing it."
1. He was not on a Special Assignment, he wasn't on any assignment at all. That was why he didn't have a letter.
2. He did not look for, or secure (that we can find) any people or supplies while in Viden. He didn't contact the authorities, in fact, until he had tried to deal with the Empty on his own and could not. He contact the authorities the day before he left. He did not ask them - or anyone we have been able to find - for any help. He was focused on the destruction of the Empty
3. Re: Explosives: The Elements have these. If Trooper Black had, at any point, discussed that with colleagues, he would know.
4. The Elements do not have the information given by Doran to Balthazar.
Evidence Gained:
Full co-operation, letters from the two garrisons he was assigned, etc. Letters, witness statements, etc.
Confirmation from Professor Thetys (who he contacted) that he did not ask for help for Faldrass - but wanted training to make explosives, and help dealing with the Empty. Prof. Thetys does not recall Balthazar mentioning Faldrass at all. He believed that Balthazar was working in the name of the Elements - even though Balthazar has a low opinion of them, as he told Prof. Thetys.
Quacia:
Threads: here and here (fighting the Creep)
here for the sparring that has been misreported as a tournament
the duelling ring
The "Tournament" that was reported was actually a sparring match outside Woe's house (have checked with the PC that it's not unlikely it would have been seen) here - it's a single witness who used the word.
He arrived / was arrested on the 57th. Fought the Creep on the 66th.
Woe posted his bail. Woe had been trying to contact Balthazar on Scalvoris to hire him as a mercenary but couldn't find him.
Issues:
1. He was not on a Special Assignment, he wasn't on any assignment at all.
2. He did not look for, or secure (that we can find) any people or supplies while in Quacia. He went to fighting rings and bars and was hired for mercenary work.
Evidence Gained:
Co-operation from the Quacian government in terms of dates / numbers / events.
Confirmation and elaboration from Woe.
Melrath:
No real change from above.
Rharne:
Threads re: Storm's Edge:
A Nasty Surprise -51st Vhalar - with Prae
Light it up 67th Vhalar - training Elisa with Prae.
Art of War 67th Vhalar - training Elisa.
Remnants 67th Vhalar - with Elisa - attuning to the necklace
