The Castle Murder (OOC | TWI ONLY)

[Atnaia]

Why would they want Hasan framed?

This character was just a random idea, but if Hasan is framed it wraps up the investigation and means it won't be traced back to the enemy countries. If the investigation is open, they'd keep searching and possibly find enemy agents.

True...but we could always introduce an NPC to be framed, since Hasan is super unlikely. He's physically handicapped, after all.

[Upper Norseland]

I have to wonder if its the only copy of the data...we'll need to cover that plothole. Maybe it just sets them back a week or two, to their last backup or something. Hmm.

We probably would have been pretty good about torching the copies, especially if this was a Snikmorden. Or, alternatively, they could be set back to the last backup (say there were some unexpectedly comprehensive security measures in place or what have you), but that the major breakthrough(s) had been made since the backup?

[Perawin]

True...but we could always introduce an NPC to be framed, since Hasan is super unlikely. He's physically handicapped, after all.

That is true. Do you have a character in mind for me? I could be 1) the framed character, perhaps a rival or something, 2) the attacked person discussed before, 3) the investigator who just kinda falls into it, 4) a person who knew her well, which is strange since I am foreign (perhaps a Perawani refugee maid or something), 5) a student of hers or something who worked with her. Also, since Perawin has extremely open borders which many people pass through every day, perhaps the killer heads there to arrange the hand off of information.

Also, if Hasan was working with her, wouldn't he know the major breakthrough and be able to replicate parts of it?

[Atnaia]

I have to wonder if its the only copy of the data...we'll need to cover that plothole. Maybe it just sets them back a week or two, to their last backup or something. Hmm.

We probably would have been pretty good about torching the copies, especially if this was a Snikmorden. Or, alternatively, they could be set back to the last backup (say there were some unexpectedly comprehensive security measures in place or what have you), but that the major breakthrough(s) had been made since the backup?

Torching all the copies and everything would require breaking into a GSRP research lab at the University of Southern Atnaia, trashing everything and killing like a dozen people...not out of the question, just a little beyond the original scope I had for this. My idea was to focus on two stories, after all: one about the scientists recouping, and one about the investigation. The two could certainly intertwine.

True...but we could always introduce an NPC to be framed, since Hasan is super unlikely. He's physically handicapped, after all.

That is true. Do you have a character in mind for me? I could be 1) the framed character, perhaps a rival or something, 2) the attacked person discussed before, 3) the investigator who just kinda falls into it, 4) a person who knew her well, which is strange since I am foreign (perhaps a Perawani refugee maid or something), 5) a student of hers or something who worked with her. Also, since Perawin has extremely open borders which many people pass through every day, perhaps the killer heads there to arrange the hand off of information.

Also, if Hasan was working with her, wouldn't he know the major breakthrough and be able to replicate parts of it?

Hasan might not know what burst of inspiration drove her that particular night, hence why she took the drive home (unless we decide there was something else going on there). Besides, he's just an assistant, he may not be able to replicate what one of the foremost experts on AI in Atnaia was capable of in terms of programming.

As for characters, I was figuring I might through in my first lead driving towards a romantic partner for the victim. Always a good first place to start. Also a person you could frame...although now I;m confused as to why you are framing ANYONE. Are you allied with Norseland? This is apparently a much bigger anti-Atnaia conspiracy than I originally had in mind. i was seeing this more as a crime RP than a spy one...whatever, though, I'll roll with the punches, like always. Spies it is.

[Perawin]

No, I'm not with Upper Norseland . Economically we're partners but in this case we're not aligned. I was just coming up with roles that aren't extraneous to the story that a Perawani could fill.

[Atnaia]

No, I'm not with Upper Norseland . Economically we're partners but in this case we're not aligned. I was just coming up with roles that aren't extraneous to the story that a Perawani could fill.

Why do you want to frame someone then?

[Atnaia]

So here's what we have so far:

1) Norseland-aligned agents killed her to steal the data
2) Perawin is trying to frame someone
3) Castle was working alongside Oster scientists, possible leading them down the rabbit hole.

How do we link these together?

[Upper Norseland]

So here's what we have so far:

1) Norseland-aligned agents killed her to steal the data
2) Perawin is trying to frame someone
3) Castle was working alongside Oster scientists, possible leading them down the rabbit hole.

How do we link these together?

Oster is trying to frame the Perawinian to deflect blame from the Norse, since the Norse have agreed to provide the Oster team with a copy of the research in exchange? Or, a member of the Norse team is trying to frame the Perawinian so they can flee Atnaia and steal the Oster's research to complete it?

[Ostehaar]

So here's what we have so far:

1) Norseland-aligned agents killed her to steal the data
2) Perawin is trying to frame someone
3) Castle was working alongside Oster scientists, possible leading them down the rabbit hole.

How do we link these together?

Oster is trying to frame the Perawinian to deflect blame from the Norse, since the Norse have agreed to provide the Oster team with a copy of the research in exchange? Or, a member of the Norse team is trying to frame the Perawinian so they can flee Atnaia and steal the Oster's research to complete it?

I have no reason to try and frame anyone, so the first option is not possible. Ostehaar and Atnaia are allies and they two nations' scientific community are likely to work in cooperation - not try to steal information from each-other.

I didn't quite understand the second option.

[Upper Norseland]

I have no reason to try and frame anyone, so the first option is not possible. Ostehaar and Atnaia are allies and they two nations' scientific community are likely to work in cooperation - not try to steal information from each-other.

I didn't quite understand the second option.

Ok, first option's out. As for the second, you said that the Oster team had pieces of the data? If we assume that those pieces, or at least some of them, are crucial. Therefore, the Norse team would want to go after those other pieces in order to capture the complete data. That task would be made all the more difficult by an ongoing Atnaian investigation, and the Norse would therefore seek to close the investigation by framing the Perawinian.

[Ostehaar]

Ok, first option's out. As for the second, you said that the Oster team had pieces of the data? If we assume that those pieces, or at least some of them, are crucial. Therefore, the Norse team would want to go after those other pieces in order to capture the complete data. That task would be made all the more difficult by an ongoing Atnaian investigation,

Okay, that's what I had in mind to begin with, when I posted my suggestion (only I didn't know who would be "the bad guy", but it doesn't matter). So up to this point I'm following.

and the Norse would therefore seek to close the investigation by framing the Perawinian.

This is where I lost you again. I mean, how would involving another regional entity help close the investigation? It would require Atnaian security services to hunt down a foreign citizen and put him to trial. Doesn't it make things more complicated? Anyway, I'll go with Atnaia's decision on this.

[Upper Norseland]

This is where I lost you again. I mean, how would involving another regional entity help close the investigation? It would require Atnaian security services to hunt down a foreign citizen and put him to trial. Doesn't it make things more complicated? Anyway, I'll go with Atnaia's decision on this.

Yes, yes it would complicate things. But Perawin has been trying to frame someone, so I was doing my best to include his suggestion in the most reasonable way I could think of. It isn't very easy or reasonable, but it's the only way I could think to make all our suggestions mesh.

[Perawin]

guys that was just one of many options. Let's cut the framing thing. I just want a character involved to some level, that's all

[Athara Magarat]

So you need a villain?

I can give plenty of them and since Atnaia has significant Athara Magarati population and open borders, is possible.

Ethnic terrorist groups and communist cadres would be good and reasonable side-villains or just some extra suspects in the minds of the police if you need.

[Atnaia]

So you need a villain?

I can give plenty of them and since Atnaia has significant Athara Magarati population and open borders, is possible.

Ethnic terrorist groups and communist cadres would be good and reasonable side-villains or just some extra suspects in the minds of the police if you need.

No, it looks like UN and Imp are dedicated to villainy in this regard. Not that we can't use your ideas.

Okay, here's what I have so far in mind:

Upper Norseland and TEEIA murdered Emily Castle to get ahold of the information. She has secretly been working alongside Oster scientists on the project, outside of the purview of her bosses at the University, which is why she brought the info home. UN and TEEIA discovered this somehow and planned the attack for when she had taken data back. Perawin is involved somehow and is attempting to frame someone. I actually discovered a way Hasan can be framed: someone implies he hired a hitman by falsifying his bank records and getting recordings implicating his possible motives.

I have some ideas for false leads and stuff as well.

[Upper Norseland]

So you need a villain?

I can give plenty of them and since Atnaia has significant Athara Magarati population and open borders, is possible.

Ethnic terrorist groups and communist cadres would be good and reasonable side-villains or just some extra suspects in the minds of the police if you need.

No, it looks like UN and Imp are dedicated to villainy in this regard. Not that we can't use your ideas.

Okay, here's what I have so far in mind:

Upper Norseland and TEEIA murdered Emily Castle to get ahold of the information. She has secretly been working alongside Oster scientists on the project, outside of the purview of her bosses at the University, which is why she brought the info home. UN and TEEIA discovered this somehow and planned the attack for when she had taken data back. Perawin is involved somehow and is attempting to frame someone. I actually discovered a way Hasan can be framed: someone implies he hired a hitman by falsifying his bank records and getting recordings implicating his possible motives.

I have some ideas for false leads and stuff as well.

I can get behind this.

[Perawin]

I am good with whatever. Just let me know. And honestly, if I'm just getting in the way I'm happy to bow out and be a supporter and observer.

[Atnaia]

I am good with whatever. Just let me know. And honestly, if I'm just getting in the way I'm happy to bow out and be a supporter and observer.

No need to bow out, we just need to know how your character plays a role, why they are involved and everything. So far all we know is you want a government person to frame someone, but we have no idea as to your motives, which makes tying you in hard.

Anyways, I made another post because I was bored.

[Perawin]

Announcement: I don't want to frame anyone. That was an idea to get involved. Perawin will not frame or be framed by anyone. Perawin's motives: Perawin wants to get on good terms with Atnaia and Ostehaar, due to their scientific knowledge and large influence. Upper Norseland is a trading partner, but A&O are top priorities.

[Atnaia]

Announcement: I don't want to frame anyone. That was an idea to get involved. Perawin will not frame or be framed by anyone. Perawin's motives: Perawin wants to get on good terms with Atnaia and Ostehaar, due to their scientific knowledge and large influence. Upper Norseland is a trading partner, but A&O are top priorities.

How? I can't tell you how to be in the story...

[Upper Norseland]

So, I'm getting a distinct feeling that EEIA shan't be returning, and will therefore not be participating as one half of a Norse team in the murder of Dr. Castle. That, combined with the reworking of my less-than-cordial relationship with Atnaia into something more akin to a friendly rivalry, makes my continued participation in this RP somewhat unfeasible. I do feel that it may be in the best interests of those states who do wish to become involved, especially those seeking an anti-Atnaian role, if I were to respectfully bow out. I do appreciate you all taking the time to consider my participation, and I am very honored by your faith in my abilities. I look forward to entering into prolofic and entertaining RP relationships with all of you.

[Perawin]

Since Perawin seems to have no sort of stake or actual reason to be here, I believe we probably, sadly should bow out as well. I will continue to observe since I love this idea, though.

[Upper Norseland]

So, Atnaia, how do you feel about a Norse Royal Intelligence team sent to your nation for whatever reason (I thought of a few, but they are all a bit weak, so I'd appreciate some suggestions), serving as your antagonists? I'm envisioning a team composed of 6 to 10 people, including at least one and up to two Snikmorden. This group has been in the country for some time, performing whatever it is they were sent there for, right up until the murder. The murder takes place either because the Snikmorden snaps and goes for it (like I suggested in the RMB), or something more sinister goes on the NRI command structure and that becomes a part of their goal. Now, if this is real-time, KUN has been invaded, and the NRI has been cut off from contacting any of their field teams. This leads to the breakdown of the command structure into a wolf-pack like unit. Physical strength, intellect, and decisiveness determine the commander, and the others fall in line on pain of whatever the leader can inflict. In this instance, the Snikmorden would immediately sieze the role of leadership, and would lead the team in a very effective effort to escape capture and/or persecution.

I also can see this form of rule-by-might to be problematic in that some members of the team, if not most, will be fully aware of the Snikmorden leaders' volatility and psychological instability. Some of these may decide that the best path would be to feed your investigators information in an effort to speed capture. Any thoughts would be appreciated.