THIRD TRIAL

[bathymetric]

[ Once all the needed information has been pulled from the PARTY ZONE and nearby echelons, Davy Jones once again does his rounds to collect everyone and bring them to the theatre. ]

You are all familiar with this procedure by now, step quickly!

[ And with the blast of the organ, down the elevator starts to go, into the bowels of the ship below. Things darken and then, as before, you hear a song from the crew of the Dutchman drifting predatory below. ]

Take yer places, all of ye.

[ The circle of podiums remains, two more podiums rusted over and aged. Jones takes his place, meanwhile, looking out the window at the sea.

The shanty dies down, and the atmosphere darkens.

Welcome to your third trial. ]

Comments

[leaveittomother]

[Actually. Reika thinks of something:]

Is it just me or is the killing wound strange to anyone else?

[scouserer]

What do you mean by that?

[leaveittomother]

That it's precise. If they grabbed him and pulled him in close a single slash across the throat would work just as well and be just as efficient. Anyone could have done that.

A blow like that from the back of the neck is more about attacking the spine, right?

[jibunwo]

Usually, a blunt strike to the back of the neck would be meant to knock someone unconscious.

[leaveittomother]

Yes. Obviously it wasn't blunt in this case.

[conceivesfrenzy]

I mean, it'd probably fatal no matter what, right? What's your point?

[leaveittomother]

That this isn't the murderer's first kill.

[scouserer]

[!]

You're absolutely right about that. One strike--that's all it took for them. And we know more than a few people are experienced--or at least knowledgeable--in that aspect.

[leaveittomother]

Yes, exactly. We're not looking for an accidental killer or one influenced by something else. I'd say we're looking for someone who does this often.

[sivard]

You're right.

This was definitely planned out.

[conceivesfrenzy]

Oh, so you mean like you?

[dokkalfheimr]

...Scott told me...

He said he kills a lot of people. For someone he loves.

[ahelpingpaw]

Well, then...maybe checking the profiles would be good. They're not hiding much when it's about fighting skill or...hitman jobs?

[Or at least it says that about Risotto -- no judging you for your job, Risotto, just pointing out]

Just as a start if we're gonna discuss this.

[silentscout]

I don't kill living people.

[He's starting with that, because it's been a sticking point for him his entire time here.]

...but I've killed many trolls before. And animals too, both because they turned into beasts and when I've needed food.

[cethflayn]

[oh shit are we confessing to our body counts]

...I...yes. I have killed before. In times of war, for self defense. But I have only ever used magic, and my experience with lances has only ever been in study...not in combat.

[Flayn starts with a C rank in lances and some good growth rates but it's not necessary to learn when you're shooting for Bishop.]

[jibunwo]

[are we really doing this now]

When I have to fight directly, I use a handgun. Most of my combat is done piloting a Knightmare Frame, and I have no proficiency or capacity for hand to hand combat. But that said, I've killed plenty of times no matter how indirect the usual means.

[onlyyoucan]

You all know I fight in a Strain. I took this knife with me in case we had another situation like last week, but I've never really fought with one before.

[thisaroma]

[ Are we doing this? No one even really asked a question, but... ]

...I use a sword, like I mentioned earlier. It's a big one, though. I'm not that skilled in detail work.

[conceivesfrenzy]

I only tend to use magic or my pets when I do anything, neither of which I really have access to here, as I've said repeatedly.

[scouserer]

That's...hm. You're right about that, yes. Where are you going with this?

[leaveittomother]

They knew exactly what they were doing. I could go into details why an experience killer wouldn't go for the throat but I think it's obvious.

[magycks]

[ in case anyone doesn't get it, magica's at her little podium miming an explosion around the neck area with her hands...... ]

[leaveittomother]

Yes, Magica... they wouldn't want to get blood everywhere.

[ahelpingpaw]

Then...it's someone who'd know exactly where to strike?

[An experienced killer, perhaps?]

[leaveittomother]

Yes. If you're inexperienced you'd go for the more obvious spot: the throat. It'd be just as simple if you're quick and the target is unsuspecting.