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[color=ed1c24][b]RYDER SHAW[/b][/color] :+: [color=ed1c24][b]RED HOOD[/b][/color] :+: [color=ed1c24][b]MENTIONS: [@Tenma Tendo][@c3p-0h][@Almalthia][@Argetlam350][/b][/color][/center]

	"[color=f7976a]She is taking it seriously.  That's why she sent [i]us[/i] when you clearly weren't capable of quelling the threat on your own.[/color]"  Ryder's tone was sharp and his eyes piercing as he looked at Geoff with obvious irritation.  "[color=f7976a]If you're done playing the pompous idiot, maybe you can get on to briefing us.[/color]"

	Geoff opened his mouth to speak, his eyes conveying protect, but Ryder quickly took another aggressive step forward as if issuing a warning.  If Geoff chose to speak out of his ass any further, Ryder would react and not in a friendly manner.  Recognizing this, Geoff stopped and sighed in surrender before moving on.  "[color=f6989d]I suppose we should head inside.  We can make out way to the war room-[/color]"

	"[color=f7976a]No time for formalities.  Tell us what is going on and what we need to do.[/color]"

	Geoff looked Ryder up and down, as if trying to figure the man out.  "[color=f6989d]Alright... As I'm sure you're aware there have been sightings of ghouls in this area.[/color]"

	"[color=f7976a]And others.[/color]" Ryder added.

	"[color=f6989d]And others, right.  We're the northmost province and it seems like the... affliction... has been spreading south from here.  It stands to reason that the origin of the plague may likely be in Crimson Heights.[/color]"  Geoff let his eyes scan the others with Ryder.  "[color=f6989d]We've only got two leads.  There was a couple of villagers who claimed to have encounters.[/color]  

	"[color=f6989d]By the village inn is a woman called Nancy Harrows.  A few days ago she was running around telling everyone that a man of death was visiting her at night.  She's an old widow.  Most of the folk wrote her off as crazy.  With the dead having risen from their graves, it stands to reason that those folk were wrong.  She needs to be questioned further.[/color]

	"[color=f6989d]Directly across from the local tavern is a modest home occupied by a middle aged couple; Tom and Samantha Toomes.  A while back, they claimed to be attacked by fiends in the night.  They offered one of the very first reports of this type of occurrence.  I suppose everyone assumed it was your typical hoodlums who were just trying to rough them up for some quick coin, but that no longer seems as likely anymore.[/color]

	"[color=f6989d]I would start there,[/color]" Geoff concluded.  "[color=f6989d]And hopefully it'll lead to something helpful.[/color]"  Ryder nodded, thought on it for a moment and then turned his back on the Red Hood, facing instead his group of Yellows.

	"[color=f7976a]I don't know about you all, but I don't want to be here all night,[/color]" he began.  [color=f7976a]"Lets cover more ground faster and meet back at the village tavern.[/color]"  He looked a ways away, the glow of lanterns illuminating the humble homes in Crimson Heights off in the distance.  "[color=f7976a]Tholo, Brighid - You check on the couple by the Tavern.  I want to know what they saw, what attacked them and why.  Kiri, Loona - We'll take the widow.  I'm very curious who this 'man of death' is and we're going to find out.  If no one has any problems, let's move out.[/color]"  He then looked back to Francis, who seemed to be busying himself watching an ant crawl across the ground.  Ryder's eyes ckenched shut as it trying to will away an incoming migraine.  "[color=f7976a]Geoff,[/color]" he said finally, his eyelids coming open once more.  [color=f7976a]"You see to it that Francis is kept safe.  These are direct orders from the Commander.[/color]"  Geoff looked at Francis, [i]who was still looking at the bloody ant[/i], and gave a reluctant nod.  Satisfied, Ryder took point and started heading toward the village.

	As they walked the dark, chilly streets, their steps echoing through the nearly silent night air, they found themselves at a crossroads.  On a directional post, the Tavern and the Inn were in opposite directions.  Both landmarks would lead them to their respective witnesses.  "[color=f7976a]I suppose this is it.  Be careful and stay on your guard at all times.  If you could make it through the Trial, this should be child's play.[/color]"