Open [University] A Lesson in Investigation

10th Spring - Fallon does some speaking on Investigation for one of the University Courses

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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Fallon on March 8th, 2017, 6:17 am

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10th Spring 517 AV
Mid-Morning

Fallon smoothed out the collar of her shirt, a small tilt of the head as she inspected herself in the reflection. A small tug of the hair, fingers tying it back neatly, a last moment arrangement of the self. The fingers then moved to her cuffs, checking the buttons before moving to the rest of her clothing. Everything was moved into place, the doublet bringing everything together, the belt sitting upon her waist with the usual arrangements that hung from it. There was a deep, careful inhale to set and cool the bubbling nerves that lingered beneath. Her eyes gave a turn downwards, looking to the boots and the scuffmarks that she had worked out, the quite repeating of words in her mind.

It was through invitation that she was at the University in this instance, one that she was not prepared for but one never the less she answered. She had no reason not to, if anything it allowed her an excuse to not take on any more cases - far too busy passing on whatever information an experiences down to others. Students, those who had questions, those who wanted to know more all within a field she had come to specialise in - Investigation. She was the inspector of the Scarred Wolf Investigations and despite its closing state she still had somehow managed to scratch out some form of a reputation.

Why else would she be here otherwise?

She gave a small glance down to her notebook, gloved fingers drumming along the spine. The corridor before the classroom was empty, the quiet mumbling of lectures going on behind closed doors. The other side was smothered with small, narrow windows, allowing her to peer out into the university grounds. A lick of the lips, she heard the clunk of the door behind her the soft voice of the professor luring out from behind the door. Coughing, she spied the incline of the head in gesture, "Inspector Skylar, if you will? The class is ready for your... guest speaking?"

Was there hesitation there? She gave a curl of the lips, a small charming smile to push away the resting stony expression. Flash of white, a single step closer and closing the gap. Chuckling, mainly to chase away her own bubbling nerves, she waved him aside, "Ready as always professor. Thank you again for the invitation. Not sure what I can do, but never the less..."

A final shrug, she entered the class room. Back straight, her gaze immediately moved to survey the room. Small, a dozen or so faces at their desks, some slumped, others leaning back in their chairs. Her gaze shifted to the chalk board - noting her name had been scrawled in the corner-, a desk where the tutor would sit and a few other chairs up against the wall. She placed her own notebook down then, flipping it open to a page of notes, mind now attentive to the class.

"Good Morning!" a clear annunciation of the words, she moved to the chalk board and picked up a piece of chalk. It was there that she wrote the word Investigation upon the board, "As you should know, I am inspector Fallon Skylar of the Scarred Wolf Investigations. And you're all here... to, well learn. Today's subject is on Crime Scenes." It was underneath that she continue to write - Crime Scene Investigation. With that she lowered the chalk, turning and pivoting on her heel to face them. She watched a few sit up, at least feigning some attention for now, "Of course, such can be used beyond the investigation of crimes - surveying, understanding the situation or stage which is presented before you. Crime is merely a word used to give an idea of context. Evidence in many a forms, from the seeming discarded to the subtle twitch upon the face of those you interview." She paused, wetting her lips, "In doing so, the picture and situation before you can be developed into a conclusion of results."

Fallon at that point addressed the class directly, "To begin with, when facing a scene what kind of clues and evidence can be gathered? What types of evidence could be left behind by a culprit?"
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 13th, 2017, 3:57 pm

Salara shifts around on the hard-seated chair a little self-consciously looking for any familiar faces. If anyone had ever suggested that one-day she would be sitting in a university classroom for a lesson in Investigation she would have thought they had taken leave of their senses. But here she was, in head shaking wonder of wonders, the culprit sitting amongst those who might likely become future law enforcers, jury, even judges. Yet looking about the room she had to admit, she might do very well in this class. What better way to beat them than to join them? Finding out what the other side learned would be pure knowledge to use any way she liked.

Besides, she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see the Inspector in yet another light. She might gain an inkling of what it would be like to be under her tutelage. Her lips quirk as Fallon walks into the room and, “Good morning,” her own response mingles with the droning voices that return the ritualistic greeting. She blinks, is that a charming smile upon the Inspector’s face? It seemed so odd. ‘Skylar’, eh? That was new information revealed. Wetting her quill on the tip of her tongue she scrawls the surname at the top of her parchment page. Then added ‘Crime Scenes,’ as a little wriggle of anxiety and anticipation moves along her spine – not a favored description from her side of the law regardless of it being used in context of an idea. ‘Clues and evidence’ comes next with a line scratched under followed by ‘= conclusion of results’.

Salara had purposely chosen a seat smack in the middle of the classroom. She didn’t want to stand out as a prodigy in the front rows or a slacker in the back, any of which could be called upon as standing out at the edges. This also gave her a better position to watch the other students as well to be sure she blended in. Several student tossed answers in the air to address ‘types of evidence left behind.’ “Weapons,” a wiry fellow offered revealing a little more exuberance at the idea than Salara felt he should have. “Hair,” came from a pretty girl running her fingers through long dark strands pulling loose an example or two to fall to the floor from twiddling fingers. “A bad smell?” comes hesitantly from the other side of a big guy blocking her view. The answer elicits a few blank looks. “Sick up!” one fellow cried as a buddy next to him jabbed a fist into his shoulder and several students twitter in nervous laughter. Salara had to give him credit though, recalling the gory body she’d last encountered she knew it wasn’t always for the feint of heart. “Finger smudges on polished wood or silver,” she couldn’t help but call out, shoulders unconsciously shrugging at having called attention to herself as several students nodded in agreement.
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Fallon on March 20th, 2017, 10:29 am

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What started as a moment of silence quickly grew into a mumble. The quiet noise of students at thought, minds calculating and considering their options. Taking the chalk between her fingers, Fallon moved to the right of the board and wrote the word Evidence before neatly underlining it. Her other hand gestured politely to the first to speak up.

"Weapons, good good," she wrote that beneath the sub header of evidence, "Hair, also good. You could include fur under such matters if the offender was more... animalistic in nature shall we say?" Both were written next with a careful scratch of chalk, "Bad smell? Also possible. Sick up? How about Excrement? Bodily fluids?" There was further noting on the board, before she turned to the final voice. She recognised Salara, of course, but did not draw attention to the fact - if she wanted to learn, then that was how it would be. A small nod, she wrote down the words before lowering the chalk.

"So, here we have a collection of potentials. Things that could provide insight to the scene. So, let us start with weaponry," the inspector moved to the front of the desk then, leaning against it while her fingers twirled the chalk in her hands, "Weapons... are interesting things. Of course, there is the obvious. Swords, axes, maces, hulking monstrosities that only the strongest can pick up let alone swing round. If you find such at the scene then it gives an idea as to who may have used such a weapon, I think you would all agree that there is the potential they are more of a martial background." Fallon then licked her lips, "But what about other things? That kitchen knife? The mallet of a wood carver? Or even the improvised weaponry. Bar stools and bottles?"

"Things like this build an aspect of the culprit and their character,"
Fallon began to explain, "Would one expect the humble baker to hold some giant claymore? In reality? No. But knives? Possible. Tools to bludgeon? You've all seen a rolling pin." Inhaling she continued, "Ornate weapons? We'd suspect someone of class and wealth. But then we run into the following issue. Who would leave weaponry behind?"

Fallon watched the expressions turn, creasing with careful thought and the small mumbles being exchanged. She let them continue for a chime before once more speaking up, "A mercenary certainly wouldn't. Weapons are expensive and can prove difficult to replace. The opportunist would be foolish too as well. The wealthy? And risk tarnishing the family name and their respect? Never. No it is the panicked, the foolish and those who look to deceive."

"The deceiving are self explanatory. They are looking to plant evidence that leads it away from them and pins it on someone else. The foolish may be those who are under influence. Drink and drugs. The panicked are where things become more interesting,"
she could hear the faint scratching of quills upon pages then, "It is a point where you need to ask more questions. Was it planned? Or was it done in self defence? Perhaps they were being assaulted and in an attempt to defend themselves grabbed the nearest object to bludgeon them away. Perhaps they are a novice, but all it takes is one, good swing."

She let the rest of the scene play out in their imaginations then.
Last edited by Fallon on March 21st, 2017, 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Fallon is a Master of Intimidation, "At this level, a Master intimidator often unconsciously intimidates their target unless the intimidator monitors their stance, tone, and actions to prevent this. Master intimidators will nearly always have a reputation that precedes them unless they have taken special care to prevent it."
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Ignard on March 20th, 2017, 7:59 pm




Ignard hastily writes down notes, his hands and arms still aching from his encounter yesterday. If his new life was going to be something adventurous, he needs to learn the basics. Surely investigating crime scenes will be something that will come up time and again.
As the speaker asks for types of evidence, Ignard can't help but think 'What about magic?' It is a lot less likely to happen than stabbing someone to death, but could you somehow trace someone with their magic. He does know about Auristics, though his knowledge might be lacking so it might be a good question. Could his own magic be tracked? That is sort of a worrying question. Hopefully it isn't that easy to do.
After the speaker finishes talking about each type he can't help but ask "If you have the murder weapon, how do you go about tracker down the murder? And what of tracking down people who killed with magic?"


Last edited by Ignard on March 30th, 2017, 7:10 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 23rd, 2017, 4:55 pm

Salara watches each student who provided an answer react in his or own fashion at having confirmation of their input. The weapons fellow sat back smugly with crossed arms, the dark haired beauty flitted an ‘as if’ expression across her face followed by nose crinkling disgust as the two buddies share thumbs up and snicker with the addition of bodily fluids and excrement. She couldn't help but roll her own eyes at their childishness. Hopefully the faceless voice behind the big guy felt more confident for having spoken up. For herself, she was thankful that she hadn’t been called out any differently and trusted the Inspector a little more for it.

With a dip of quill into ink well she scratches lists of items to parchment under ‘Clues and Evidence’ – fur, bodily excretions, various weapons related to potential culprit types with an arrow pointing to ‘conclusions’ where she lists those potential culprit types with ‘accident or intent = motives?’ It seemed that intentionally leaving a weapon could be the motive; but in most cases it more likely would be an error on the culprit’s part while engaged in another motive all together. A point comes to mind as she jots down ‘self-defense?’ as a complication of the evidence which switches the culprit for the victim.

So far everything had been relatively common sense and overlapped what she already knew. Then a fellow asked what seemed the next logical question – how to track down a murderer for whatever reason they left a weapon behind. The action falling outside her usual participation made it a very pertinent topic to her mind. Would she be able to develop better escape techniques? She writes "Don't Get Caught," before biting her lip and scribbling the words indecipherable.

She sits up more attentively when he mentions killing with magic. She didn’t think it would relate to her personally except maybe in a ‘self-defense’ situation. Of course she’d hope that anyone she encountered on her outings wouldn’t be magic users or wouldn’t feel so threatened by her to feel the need to use magic. She was learning, however, not to expect anything; but instead, expect everything. Part of staying a dozen steps ahead…. Hearing what the Inspector says next might help her be better prepared regardless of which side of the law she found herself on at any one time.
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Fallon on March 24th, 2017, 7:43 am

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The lad had spoken first, questions escaping his lips. Her twiddling of the chalk paused, her gaze turning to focus onto him. For a moment she was quiet, clearly thinking of a manner to approach his questions as opposed to merely dumping forth a collection of potential nonsense. The inspector licked her lips, clearing her throats before speaking.

"I will start with the first question. Weaponry in any case is not the be and end all of a scene. An aspect, yes, but not the entirety of it. There are other things to consider. Remember the list constructed?" she gestured back to the board and what was written there, "These are other examples of what one can pull from a scene to highlight a culprit. I have a feeling however that you are more specifically asking what can a weapon have on it to track down a criminal?"

Fallon at that point moved her attention to the kukri at her waist. A flex of the right hand she slow drew it before presenting it to the class in both of her hands, "Behold, a weapon. Now, what could you find on a weapon specifically through general observations?"
"Finger prints?"
another student had spoken up then, and Fallon nodded in response. She gestured back to the board with her head.

"Good, now what else? Blood? An obvious one. The suspect then in question could have potential blood on them and their clothing. Something that is difficult to get out. What else is there?" she hummed, carefully turning the blade in her grasp, "Some weapons may have a makers mark. Normally a small tiny imprint. Now, if you recognise it as a local maker you could go and speak to them about it. Perhaps they remember who they sold it to. Perhaps not. Weapon material also plays a factor. If I said this was made of cold iron, you would know that it is a more pricier material. Correct?" She gave a small smile then, "a material that is known for holding its edge longer and having a higher durability than normal steel, making it good for someone of a more... shall we say professional martial background or someone that has the funds to buy such." Fallon returned the blade to its sheath, shaking the numbing feeling that grew in her hand from it.

"So, now we have a profile of the sort of person it may belong to. You then proceed to search the immediate area. And of course expand out into the other avenues of evidence to build up an entire picture," she paused then, eyes glancing to her gloved hands, "Have I answered your question?"

Her thoughts turned around before she moved swiftly onto the second question.

"Magic is an interesting subject. It would, largely depend on the magic in question. Though, I am not versed in such fields," a lie, but what evidence did they in return have to base that from? She was just the Inspector after all, "I mean, there is a magic that creates fire. A scene may be horrendously burned through... though without any immediate seeming source. A place that should not burn may be blackened with soot. You would then look elsewhere. Perhaps, someone who uses water would leave traces of residue. In short, magic applies a whole new level and dimension to work with, one that could take bells of debate and a base understanding of the subject in question."

Clearing her throat, Fallon continued, "There are other methods of looking into scenes. Ones that stretch beyond the mundane practices. For example, marks from the various deities of the pantheon can grant insight to things. We have all heard of the Konti Seers, those marked by Avalis. Their power let's them... well, peer at the past from my understanding. To what extent I shudder at the thought."
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Fallon is a Master of Intimidation, "At this level, a Master intimidator often unconsciously intimidates their target unless the intimidator monitors their stance, tone, and actions to prevent this. Master intimidators will nearly always have a reputation that precedes them unless they have taken special care to prevent it."
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Ignard on March 24th, 2017, 5:06 pm




Ignard hastily writes down his notes as Fallon speaks. The man was a very insightful one, not hard to see how he got to be the university's current speaker. The thoughts about tracking with magic was a bit of an odd and disturbing one. It seems as long as one is careful with how they use it, it may be possible to hide what happened rather easily.
Ignard has only briefly heard of the mark of Avalid which brands Konti seers. In fact he doesn't know too much about the gods other than their ability to mark mortals and give them power. It seems really incredible. It would truly be wonderful if he was able to ever be marked by Zulrav or Ionu, especially Ionu, but it is doubtful that he will ever have the chance to do whatever a god wanted to be done in order to make this a possibility. If he ever met a Konti seer it may be good to make friends if their aid was ever required. Did Fallon know any? It may be useful to an investigator to have those kinds of connections. An investigator with that sort of power of friends with it would be unstoppable of getting to the truth. While it is a good question to ask if he has ever worked with any, hardly worth class time, so perhaps he will after. As an investigator with the specialty of weapons rather than magic another question arises, "Is it really that common for the murder weapon to be left at the scene?"


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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 29th, 2017, 4:19 pm

As the discussion moved between weapons, magic, religion and back more questions floated through her thoughts than she expected the Inspector would want to cover. Liriope had told her that Avalis was the Goddess of Divination. From what she had heard there were several ways a Konti’s power could be useful in an investigation. The little she knew of her friend’s gift was her ability to see the person that one cares for or loves the most. But she had alluded that there were many variations of type and power granted by Avalis that allow Konti followers to see into the future or past. Fallon’s concern about such immense power even used in a positive fashion sends her thoughts in a different direction.

If only for later consideration she scratches a question upon her parchment, ‘Religion +\- Law = Justice?’ Her recent studies on Eyris, Goddess of Wisdom, seemed a very positive and useful focus. The Lykata Gnosis grants followers the ability to read the past history of an object to gain insight on its purpose, who created it, and where it came from. As with Avalis, there were various skill levels and abilities gifted to worthy followers. But her research also revealed a darker side to deities that involved death to the point of mass eradication over time – literal genocide. Was it all a matter of perspective just as thieving felt acceptable to her but not to society as a whole?

“I can see ways that information received from a Konti’s gifts could provide new perspective on a crime as easily as become a motive for murder in the wrong hands. Magic is one thing but would a deity grant a gift actually capable of murder, a weapon in and of itself? Should we suspect divine intervention as well as magic in an investigation? And if an altercation were divinely driven would it still be considered criminal?” Her question was followed by a flurry of scratching from fellow students.
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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Ignard on March 29th, 2017, 8:43 pm




The question was a good one, but an easy one. At least Ignard thinks that is the case. So he speaks up, "I think when it comes to any sort of magic, wither it is conjured from one's own Djed or divine power, it shouldn't too heavily change how you go about an investigation. Any sort of magical feat should be somewhat easy to figure out the culprit as there aren't too many who put too much stock into it as their lives are at risk every time it is used." He takes a breath and looks around the room for a moment thinking of what to say next.
"It is hard to hide that sort of training and practice can be hard to do without drawing attention. If you have any sort of magic, from the gods or self, it is likely the locals can give a rather short list of everyone that would have that sort of skill set or connection to the god that caused whatever happened in the area. A god's power completing something against the law would still be against the law. Just because Krysus want's fresh blood, does not mean that we allow random murders."
With a bit of a nervous expression, Ignard looks around the room then at the teacher, hoping that his answer was a satisfactory one.


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[University] A Lesson in Investigation

Postby Fallon on March 30th, 2017, 12:28 pm

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"Common enough to be a point of discussion," Fallon answered, "Maybe not always in the most obvious of ways, and in some cases not even there before. But, enough so that it is always valid to look for one." She let her gaze shift and move to Salara then, her mind ticking through the words spoken. It did not go past the inspector that there had been a rapid scribbling down of notes. To the exact content however she did not know, but judging by the sounds of the rest of the class it allowed her to take some pause.

Before she could answer however the lad had spoken. She did not interrupt, but there was a small tickling of thought in the back of her mind. The use of the word Djed being the most particular, along with the attached explanation tickled at her suspicions. It would be something to keep in mind for later, but for now the class would continue.

"From my understanding the divinely influenced if you will are a rare species in the world. Do not mistake me, there are many who carry their marks, and it is probable that you yourselves will come across those who bear such marks in your lifetimes... but among the entire population? Merely a slither exist in my knowledge," she began, slowly piecing together her words. She could feel the Lykata prickle across her skin beneath her glove, a small reminder of its existence before she returned to her lesson, "Magic also from my understanding is a rare and far between thing. Again, we may meet such practitioners in our time, or we may not. Now to your last question..."

"Say, hypothetically, I said 'here is a knife, go forth and kill,' would you in fulfilling my wish or desire exempt you from charges?"
She could hear a mumble of no among the students, "It would not. And I believe the same principles would apply should a god ask for such. Do not get me wrong, the gods hold their own domains and goals, but we are mortals and as such are bound by the rules set by society and our fellow mortals."

Fallon gave a small clap to the lad then, "And it seems we have one who is astute in the ways of magic. At least theoretically. So let us continue down your line of thought. The first that comes to mind is that the locals will know who the magic users or divinely marked of an area are. Now the latter may be more possible, such beings are attracted to places of worship and their priests are known where there are shrines. But for now magic users," there was a lick of the lips then, "Where would a magic user train? In the street? In public? I think not. Logic would dictate that they would practice somewhere private, secure and away from prying eyes."

She could see a few nods of agreement here and there, "So, that leads to the question of how would the locals know? Would the user simply tell them? Probably not, the world is a dark and dangerous place, a place where the common man will live in fear of magic and treat it with much suspicion. Why paint a target on their back?" The inspector gestured to the class then, "So, how would you pick any user of magic, divine or otherwise, out in the street. In the crowd?"
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Fallon is a Master of Intimidation, "At this level, a Master intimidator often unconsciously intimidates their target unless the intimidator monitors their stance, tone, and actions to prevent this. Master intimidators will nearly always have a reputation that precedes them unless they have taken special care to prevent it."
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