Garry's Rabble-rouser
New member
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Steam ID: STEAM_0:0:143985445
Discord ID: emotionally_deprived_doofu_51563
A man, lifeless and suspended, hangs from the twisted limbs of a lone tree. His body, bruised and battered, bears a chilling message "Collaborator" scrawled in bold, blood-red paint beneath him. A clear call for retribution, but whose revenge is it? And who truly stands behind the brutal execution?
The Civil Protection unit assigned to investigate the scene is quick to respond, but what begins as a simple case of defiance soon spirals into a complex web of lies, deception, and hidden motives. The crime scene is cluttered with clues that don’t add up: a bloody wrench discarded nearby, an empty ration pack with a citizen's name pressed onto it, a trail of boot prints leading in all directions, each piece pointing toward someone, or perhaps something, further. The officers must follow every lead, combing through the wreckage of the apartment buildings surrounding the scene, interrogating residents, and piecing together fragments. As they dig deeper, the investigation reveals a pattern: the people who live in these buildings, those who could have witnessed the crime, or even played a part in it, are far more connected to the scene than they appear. Some whisper of an anti-Combine tenant whose apartment is filled with illicit materials, another speaks of a Civil Protection officer who may have crossed a dangerous line. Each question posed to the residents reveals new suspects, yet the answers only seem to muddy the waters further.
As the investigation unfolds, the Civil Protection team must confront the growing conspiracy. Time is running out, and the pressure mounts: find the killer, expose the truth, or risk having the reputation of the Civil Protection crumble.
If the body were to be removed prematurely from the scene, before a proper investigation and morgue examination, this crucial detail would likely be missed. The trauma would go undetected, and the body's immediate state could lead to the assumption that the cause of death was the hanging itself. This would obscure key evidence and hinder the investigation, leaving a vital clue hidden.
Scuffed Identification Card
Red Spray Paint Can with Identification Number
Empty Citizen Ration Pack with ID Tag
Lipstick-Stained Cigarette Butts
Unsent Business Document
Eventually, the officer’s motives are revealed, and the true sequence of events is exposed. His actions lead to an internal investigation within the Civil Protection, further tarnishing the reputation of the unit. Though the officer is arrested and his reputation destroyed, the discovery of his actions creates more distrust within the ranks of the Combine, and it raises questions about the loyalty of certain members of the force. The investigation, though successful in catching the rogue officer, further undermines the Combine's control and exposes internal weaknesses.
The combination of political and economic motives behind the murder makes this conclusion the most elaborate and unsettling. The involvement of the rival collaborator, whose influence runs deep within the system, raises further questions about the Combine’s internal corruption and its practices. The rival collaborator is arrested, but not before their connections and high-standing status within the regime cause ripples that threaten to destabilize the power structure even further. This conclusion highlights the depth of betrayal within the Combine, showing that not all murders are politically motivated in the typical sense, but rather, they are a tool used in power struggles between collaborators.
Motive for the Murder
The murder is twofold in motivation: business rivalry and self-preservation. Here's how it plays out:
The rival collaborator is eventually arrested, though their high status within the Combine protects them to some degree. This case, while successfully solved, raises uncomfortable questions about the corruption within the Combine's ranks, showing that murder for personal gain is not only a possibility but a frequent occurrence among those vying for power in a crumbling system.
Steam ID: STEAM_0:0:143985445
Discord ID: emotionally_deprived_doofu_51563
Disclaimer:
This story is a work-in-progress and is open to further adaptation and modification. The characters and events depicted here may change as the story evolves, and specific player characters have not yet been established. This draft serves as an outline and foundation for the setting, leaving room for flexibility and collaborative input.
Collaboration by the Neck
A man, lifeless and suspended, hangs from the twisted limbs of a lone tree. His body, bruised and battered, bears a chilling message "Collaborator" scrawled in bold, blood-red paint beneath him. A clear call for retribution, but whose revenge is it? And who truly stands behind the brutal execution?
The Civil Protection unit assigned to investigate the scene is quick to respond, but what begins as a simple case of defiance soon spirals into a complex web of lies, deception, and hidden motives. The crime scene is cluttered with clues that don’t add up: a bloody wrench discarded nearby, an empty ration pack with a citizen's name pressed onto it, a trail of boot prints leading in all directions, each piece pointing toward someone, or perhaps something, further. The officers must follow every lead, combing through the wreckage of the apartment buildings surrounding the scene, interrogating residents, and piecing together fragments. As they dig deeper, the investigation reveals a pattern: the people who live in these buildings, those who could have witnessed the crime, or even played a part in it, are far more connected to the scene than they appear. Some whisper of an anti-Combine tenant whose apartment is filled with illicit materials, another speaks of a Civil Protection officer who may have crossed a dangerous line. Each question posed to the residents reveals new suspects, yet the answers only seem to muddy the waters further.
As the investigation unfolds, the Civil Protection team must confront the growing conspiracy. Time is running out, and the pressure mounts: find the killer, expose the truth, or risk having the reputation of the Civil Protection crumble.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
This post contains major plot details and critical revelations about the story. Reading beyond this point will spoil key elements of the narrative, including the investigation, clues, suspects, and potential conclusions. If you want to experience the unfolding mystery, conspiracy, and the suspense of piecing together the evidence on your own, it is strongly recommended that you avoid reading the rest.
The Scene
Crime Scene:
The crime scene is a small, neglected opening nestled between the looming, worn-out apartment buildings. The narrow space is enclosed on all sides by stained concrete walls and rows of grimy windows, most of them dark. Three trees stand in the middle, their trunks gnarled and bark flaking. The ground is littered with scattered trash, crumpled papers, empty cans, and broken glass, all signs of a now over commotion. One tree holds the victim, his body suspended from a branch that juts out above the scene. The surrounding dirt is hardened and uneven, littered with boot prints that overlap in all directions, suggesting the presence of multiple people. A faint dusting of ash clings to patches of ground where old oil cans have been burned for warmth.
The Apartments:
The apartment, given their proximity to the open space where the body is found, it’s likely that some of the residents either participated in or witnessed the lynching of the victim. The narrow alley between the buildings offers a perfect vantage point for anyone looking out of the windows. The numerous boot prints around the scene suggest that the area was crowded at some point, likely with people who live nearby, their movements frenzied and disorganized. It is also possible that the buildings themselves served as a place of refuge or a hiding spot for those involved, their windows overlooking the crime scene, offering a clear view of the events unfolding below. The anonymity provided by the buildings might have shielded the culprits from identification. The dense cluster of residents, many of whom are low-priority citizens with little to lose, could have rallied around the act, spurred by hatred or resentment.
The Residents:
Some residents may have seen or heard the attack, but the silence of the apartments is telling. Those who witnessed the murder may have chosen not to speak, either out of fear or indifference. The trash-strewn halls, the rusted staircases, and the shut windows all suggest a community too worn down to care or to act. Whether as participants, silent onlookers, or passive bystanders, the residents of these buildings are intrinsically tied to the crime, with their proximity and potential knowledge making them key figures in the investigation.The Victim
The body hangs from the gnarled branch of a skeletal tree, swaying slightly in the cold breeze. His arms dangle limply at his sides, and his head slumps forward, casting his face into shadow. No rope bites into his neck; instead, he’s secured loosely, as though placed there only for display. His neck bears no clear bruising from hanging, though faint, older bruises spot his face and torso, their purple and yellow hues visible where his clothing is torn. The man’s face, pale and slightly bloated. His mouth is slack, and his eyes are half-open, staring blankly down at the scene. A few faint lines mark his neck, hints of prior restraint or perhaps a cloth pressed firmly against his skin, but not enough to suggest a struggle or immediate cause of death. The front of his coat is dusty and smeared, hinting that he may have been dragged or carried before being lifted here. Faint traces of blood seep from a cut along his brow, dried and mingling with dirt. The hands, dirty and bruised, remain untied, fingers curling slightly in a final reflex. His pockets are turned out, suggesting he was either robbed or that his belongings were taken postmortem. His clothes, the standard drab attire of an ordinary citizen, are battered and stained. An ominous red "Collaborator" scrawled in harsh, dripping letters on the wall nearby.
The victim's body shows signs of violent trauma, but the extent of the injury is not immediately apparent. The blunt force trauma to the back of the head is subtle, and it isn’t visible upon first inspection of the body at the crime scene. The victim’s neck shows no signs of strangulation, and there are no visible marks around the hands to indicate that they were tied. However, upon closer examination in the morgue, it becomes clear that the blow to the head was significant, fracturing the skull in such a way that the victim would have been rendered unconscious or dead before being hung.
The victim's body shows signs of violent trauma, but the extent of the injury is not immediately apparent. The blunt force trauma to the back of the head is subtle, and it isn’t visible upon first inspection of the body at the crime scene. The victim’s neck shows no signs of strangulation, and there are no visible marks around the hands to indicate that they were tied. However, upon closer examination in the morgue, it becomes clear that the blow to the head was significant, fracturing the skull in such a way that the victim would have been rendered unconscious or dead before being hung.
If the body were to be removed prematurely from the scene, before a proper investigation and morgue examination, this crucial detail would likely be missed. The trauma would go undetected, and the body's immediate state could lead to the assumption that the cause of death was the hanging itself. This would obscure key evidence and hinder the investigation, leaving a vital clue hidden.
THE CHARACTERS
1. The Victim
- Name: [Victim's Name]
- Occupation: Business owner, collaborator with the Combine
- Description: A mid-ranking collaborator involved in trade with the Combine. Known for securing lucrative deals that benefited the Combine’s operations but made him enemies in rival businesses. Recently became a significant target due to his involvement in a major contract. Found dead, hanging from a tree, with blunt force trauma to the head indicating he was killed before the hanging. (This evidence can only be realized during autopsy.)
2. Rival Collaborator
- Name: [Rival's Name]
- Occupation: High-ranking collaborator, business owner
- Description: A powerful and ruthless figure in the business world, known for underhanded tactics and manipulation. Has financial stakes in the same sector as the victim. The rival was threatened by the victim’s success.
3. The Anti-Combine Tenant
- Name: [Tenant's Name]
- Occupation: Dissident, anti-Combine activist
- Description: The tenant of one of the nearby apartments. The apartment contains various illegal materials like books, posters, and propaganda. The tenant is a known resistance member, or at least suspected to be one, and possibly had access to rebel networks.
4. Civil Protection Officer
- Name: [Officer's Name]
- Occupation: Civil Protection Officer (CP Unit)
- Description: A CP officer, likely part of a routine patrol when the victim was murdered. Initially, it seemed like the officer might have been unaware of the crime, but further investigation revealed that the officer may have been directly involved.
5. The Resident Witness (Possible Informant)
- Name: [Witness's Name]
- Occupation: Unknown
- Description: An apartment resident who may have witnessed the crime or known something about the individuals involved. Could have been part of the crowd that helped stage the scene or may have overheard crucial details.
6. The Store Owner (Paint Can Supplier)
- Name: [Owner's Name]
- Occupation: Store owner, sells supplies
- Description: Runs a local store that supplies goods, including paint cans and other materials. They may have been involved in selling the red spray paint can used at the crime scene. The store owner is a crucial lead in the investigation, as the serial number on the paint can can be traced back to their shop.
7. Citizen (Possible First Suspect)
- Name: [Citizen's Name]
- Occupation: Unknown, but possibly a local worker or merchant
- Description: This individual was present during the crime, as evidenced by the ration pack left behind at the scene. The ration pack had the citizen's name stamped on it, placing them at the location of the murder. This citizen may have witnessed the murder or interacted with the perpetrators.
- Evidence Tied to the Murder: The ration pack found at the crime scene, which has the citizen’s identification. This leads to questioning them as a possible witness, accomplice, or suspect.
8. The Lover or Friend (Buried the ID Tag)
- Name: [Friend's Name] or [Lover's Name]
- Occupation: Unknown, possibly a worker or merchant
- Description: A close friend or lover of the victim, deeply affected by the murder. After the victim’s body was discovered, this individual returned to the crime scene to bury the victim’s identification tag beneath a tree as a personal act of respect and mourning. They are highly emotional and might be motivated by grief, or possibly fear of reprisal from the Combine for their connection to the victim.
- Evidence Tied to the Murder: The ID tag was buried at the scene, suggesting that someone with personal ties to the victim was attempting to preserve their memory. This act could be seen as an attempt to cover up the victim's true identity, shielding the person’s connection to the crime from the Combine’s investigation. The friend or lover may have knowledge of the crime and could be questioned as a possible witness or accomplice. Additionally, their emotional state may make them an unreliable source of information or lead to the revelation of more critical details.
Key Evidence
Scuffed Identification Card
- Location: Partially buried in the dirt near the base of the tree.
- Description: The victim’s ID card, scuffed and worn, with faded details that identify him. The fact that it’s carefully buried suggests a personal act of respect, perhaps by someone close to him, possibly a friend or lover returning after the crime.
- Implication: The intentional burial implies someone couldn’t bear to see his identification tarnished by the public display of his body. Whoever left it may hold crucial insights or personal motivations and could become a potential witness or ally in the investigation. The victim’s close company should be found and questioned first hand.
Red Spray Paint Can with Identification Number
- Location: Tossed into the bushes behind the wall with “Collaborator” written on it.
- Description: A spray paint can with red paint and an identification number printed on the bottom. The paint is fresh, and the number could trace the can back to a specific store.
- Implication: This can offers a tangible lead. Civil Protection units can question the store owner to find out if they remember who purchased this can recently or if there’s a record of sale. This line of questioning could lead to other witnesses or potential suspects.
Empty Citizen Ration Pack with ID Tag
- Location: Near the tree’s base, trampled and visible.
- Description: A crumpled, empty ration pack, its ID tag still legible with a citizen's name and identification number. This ration pack was recently issued, as indicated by the clean stamp, and bears the name of a citizen known to Civil Protection. It’s carelessly discarded, suggesting they were in a hurry or distracted during the crime.
- Implication: This citizen is the first suspect for questioning. Their hasty departure and left-behind ration imply that they might have been part of or witnessed the scene, though their involvement remains unclear.
Numerous Boot Prints and Unique Civil Protection Unit Print
- Location: Surrounding the tree, scattered in the mud and around the trash heaps.
- Description: A variety of boot prints litter the area, hinting at a struggle or crowd during the lynching. Among these is a distinct tread pattern from a Civil Protection unit boot, identified by the unique grip design. The fact that this print wasn't reported suggests that a Civil Protection unit was present but chose to stay silent about it.
- Implication: This Civil Protection unit’s presence introduces the possibility of either negligence or complicity. Investigators may want to quietly analyze the print pattern to determine which unit it belongs to, the unit’s height, weight and gender may be revealed but any Civil Protection involvement will be politically sensitive.
Lipstick-Stained Cigarette Butts
- Location: Beside a bench facing the scene, a few yards away.
- Description: Several cigarette butts with faint traces of red lipstick. Lipstick is a rarity under Combine rule, typically accessible only to high-priority citizens.
- Implication: Whoever smoked here likely watched the scene from a safe distance. The combination of lipstick and cigarettes suggests someone with resources or privileges, possibly a wealthy or influential citizen. Their identity might be harder to uncover, but if Civil Protection units find records of a high-priority citizen with access to rare goods like lipstick, this person could become a valuable witness or a prime suspect.
Unsent Business Document
- Location: In the victim’s jacket pocket.
- Description: A crisp business document with formal language, addressed to a prominent collaborator citizen. The document outlines arrangements for resource transfers but is unsigned and unfinished, likely intended for a meeting that never occurred.
- Implication: This document connects the victim to another well-known collaborator, potentially revealing a broader network of alliances or secret dealings. Civil Protection could use this document to track down the collaborator, giving them another high-priority citizen to interrogate.
- Location: Upper-floor apartment, one of the nearby buildings bordering the crime scene. The apartment is on a secluded end of the hall, far from the reach of normal foot traffic, and appears to have been abandoned recently.
- Description: The apartment is sparsely furnished with an old, battered chair lies tipped over in the corner, its upholstery worn through with age. The desk is cluttered with scattered papers, some half-burnt, others still bearing the faded imprint of rebellion pamphlets and hastily written notes. The walls are covered with illegal anti-Combine posters, propaganda for a resistance long ignored by the city’s control. The floor is littered with books, their bindings tattered and worn from constant use, each filled with forbidden knowledge about resistance, revolution, and subversion. In the middle of the room, partially hidden beneath the edge of a wooden workbench, a bloody wrench rests. Its handle is streaked with dried blood, and its metal head is caked with fresh, dark red stains, still faintly wet. The wrench is an old, heavy tool, clearly used for a violent purpose—likely the blunt object that caused the victim’s fatal head injury. The blood on it matches the victim’s own, suggesting the weapon was discarded here after the crime. (This head injury can only be found on the victim after the body has been sent to the autopsy for further investigation.)
- Implication: The presence of the wrench, coupled with the resistance materials scattered throughout the apartment, ties the tenant directly to the murder. This was no random act of violence but likely the work of someone deeply involved in opposing the Combine. The illegal books and resistance symbols suggest a person with a motive to silence opposition. The tenant's sudden disappearance and the bloodied wrench lead to the suspicion that they may have played a direct role in the victim’s death, possibly using the wrench to incapacitate the victim before hanging the body as a public display. The wrench could very well be the murder weapon, and the tenant's disappearance implies a deliberate attempt to avoid capture, further complicating the investigation.
EVENT CONCLUSIONS
Disclaimer:
This story is a flexible and evolving narrative, intended to adapt based on player choices and interactions. Multiple different conclusions can be reached depending on the actions, decisions, and discoveries of the players throughout the event. Additionally, new potential outcomes and plot developments may emerge as the story unfolds. This draft serves as a foundation, open to change, allowing the players to shape the investigation and influence the ultimate resolution.
Conclusion One: No Progress, Culprits Free, Civil Protection’s Reputation Damaged
Despite all the evidence and leads, the investigation reaches a standstill. The Civil Protection units’ efforts are unsuccessful, and they are unable to track down the perpetrators. The discovery of the bloody wrench, the anti-Combine materials, and the suspicious circumstances point in multiple directions, but each lead fizzles out or gets obscured. The residents of the apartments, under the pressure of fear, refuse to cooperate or provide concrete testimony, while the key suspects—whether the rebellious tenant, the rogue officer, or the rival collaborator—remain elusive. As a result, the reputation of the Civil Protection force suffers significantly. Their failure to solve the case becomes a topic of gossip among the citizens, undermining their authority and control. A cloud of doubt hovers over the force, and whispers of incompetence spread throughout the city. The culprits, whether they be anti-Combine rebels, corrupt officers, or business rivals, remain free to operate without consequence, further eroding the Combine’s grip on the region. The unresolved case leaves a lasting stain on the Civil Protection’s image and serves as a reminder of the city's growing unrest.Conclusion Two: The Anti-Combine Tenant Arrested
After further investigation, the red spray paint can is traced to a local store owner who sold it to the anti-Combine tenant. The tenant, who had long been involved in resistance activities, is identified as a possible suspect. His apartment, filled with illegal books and subversive materials, becomes the key piece of evidence that ties him directly to the murder. The bloody wrench found in the apartment is linked to the victim’s head injury, and a possible motive emerges: the victim might have been seen as a collaborator or a threat to the resistance's efforts. A trial is set, and after interrogating witnesses and gathering the full evidence, the tenant is arrested for his suspected role in the murder. The resistance activities and the anti-Combine literature make it clear that the murder was politically motivated. The suspect’s connection to the rebel movement and his previous confrontations with the Combine seal his fate. While the Civil Protection’s success in this case restores some of their authority, the arrest does little to quell the undercurrent of rebellion that still simmers throughout the city.Conclusion Three: The Rogue Civil Protection Officer
The investigation takes a shocking turn when the bootprints found at the crime scene are traced back to a Civil Protection unit—an officer from a local patrol unit. Upon further questioning, it is revealed that the officer accidentally killed the victim during a routine patrol. The victim, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, was struck in the head during an altercation. Fearing the consequences of accidentally killing someone, the officer decided to cover up the murder. Using his knowledge of the local area and the residents, the officer enlists the help of the apartment residents. Promising them increased rations and safety in exchange for their cooperation, he frames the murder as an act of rebellion. The body is hanged, and the evidence is carefully arranged to implicate the resistance. The officer’s plan was to use the rebellious themes around the crime scene to hide his involvement, knowing that the residents would be too afraid to speak out.Eventually, the officer’s motives are revealed, and the true sequence of events is exposed. His actions lead to an internal investigation within the Civil Protection, further tarnishing the reputation of the unit. Though the officer is arrested and his reputation destroyed, the discovery of his actions creates more distrust within the ranks of the Combine, and it raises questions about the loyalty of certain members of the force. The investigation, though successful in catching the rogue officer, further undermines the Combine's control and exposes internal weaknesses.
Conclusion Four: The Collaborator Business Competition (Best Ending)
In a far more intricate twist, it is discovered that the murder was not a simple act of rebellion, but a business competition gone horribly wrong. A high-priority collaborator, who had vested interests in eliminating the victim, is identified as the true mastermind behind the murder. The victim, a fellow collaborator, had been a rival in the underground world of profiteering and power within the Combine's system. Using the help of hired street thugs, the rival collaborator orchestrated the murder, paying them to eliminate the victim and make it appear as though the act was committed by the resistance. The lipstick-stained cigarette butts found at the crime scene, the unsent letter (which was a business document intended for a high-priority collaborator), and the ration pack issued to a citizen all tie the crime back to this rival. The letter, once traced back to the high-priority collaborator, shows that the victim had been a major obstacle to the rival's business dealings and influence, leading the rival to take drastic action.The combination of political and economic motives behind the murder makes this conclusion the most elaborate and unsettling. The involvement of the rival collaborator, whose influence runs deep within the system, raises further questions about the Combine’s internal corruption and its practices. The rival collaborator is arrested, but not before their connections and high-standing status within the regime cause ripples that threaten to destabilize the power structure even further. This conclusion highlights the depth of betrayal within the Combine, showing that not all murders are politically motivated in the typical sense, but rather, they are a tool used in power struggles between collaborators.
Paper Trail
1. The Business Letter (Key Evidence)
- The unsent letter found at the crime scene is critical. Upon closer inspection, it’s revealed to be a business correspondence between the victim and the suspect collaborator (the high-priority business rival). The letter details an arrangement for a meeting to discuss an upcoming deal, which, if successful, would have given the victim a monopoly on a valuable supply chain the rival collaborator had been trying to dominate.
- The document contains financial projections, shipment schedules, and discreet references to a potential merger of operations, all pointing to a competitive situation where the victim was clearly an obstacle to the rival collaborator’s ambitions.
- The letter, however, is unsigned and was never sent, which suggests it was either intercepted or deliberately left behind by the rival collaborator to ensure plausible deniability. The fact that this letter was found at the scene of the crime creates a clear connection between the rival collaborator and the murder.
Implications:[Letterhead: Combine Corporate Supply Consortium]
Date: [Date, 2 days prior to murder]
To: [Victim's Name], [Victim's Business Title]
From: [Rival Collaborator’s Name], [Rival's Business Title]
Subject: Re: Upcoming Deal and Strategic Alliance
Dear [Victim’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. As discussed in our recent meetings, I believe that the opportunity we have before us to secure the [specific supply chain or business venture] will be mutually beneficial. However, I must be candid—recent developments have shifted the landscape in a way that could prove advantageous to both our interests, provided we act swiftly and decisively. As you are no doubt aware, our competitors have made significant inroads in the region, but I believe your upcoming shipment will give us the leverage we need. I would like to propose that we meet in person at your earliest convenience to finalize the terms of this agreement and outline the logistics moving forward.
There are some critical adjustments that need to be made to the contract to ensure the stability of our operations and avoid unforeseen complications. Specifically, the supply chain realignment must be expedited, and I propose we divide the profits more equitably in order to solidify our control over the market.
In light of these developments, I have made some inquiries into potential synergies between our operations that will ensure our continued success, even in the face of growing resistance activity. I trust that you share my views on how important it is to maintain discretion in these matters. It would be wise not to disclose any specifics until we are both in agreement and the deal is firmly sealed. Let’s discuss the next steps during our meeting. I am confident that with our combined efforts, we can dominate the market and secure our positions within the Combine’s hierarchy.
Please contact my office to arrange a convenient time for us to meet. Your prompt response will be appreciated.
Best regards,
[Rival Collaborator’s Name]
[Collaborator’s Business Title]
[Contact Information]
- This letter details the business rivalry between the victim and the rival collaborator, with a focus on the highly lucrative deal the victim was about to secure, which directly threatened the rival’s interests.
- The mention of resistance activity in passing serves as a subtle way for the rival collaborator to deflect any potential suspicion, framing the victim’s death as possibly being linked to the rebels, which would later be used as part of the cover-up.
- The language of secrecy and discretion reflects a high-stakes, cutthroat business environment, with the victim poised to disrupt the rival’s operations and potentially expose their shady dealings.
- The rushed nature of the letter’s unmailed status suggests that the victim may have gotten cold feet or was intercepted before they could finalize the deal, implying that the rival collaborator had their hand in the victim’s demise.
- A deeper investigation into the victim’s and the collaborator’s corporate dealings reveals conflicting trade logs and a shift in supply routes around the time of the murder. This indicates that the victim was actively involved in disrupting the rival collaborator’s shipments and might have even been planning to expose a corruption scandal involving the rival's dealings.
- Records show the victim had begun to make contacts with underground rebel groups, possibly in an effort to sabotage or re-negotiate a contract that would have hurt the rival's influence. This suggests the murder was a combination of personal animosity and business competition.
Motive for the Murder
The murder is twofold in motivation: business rivalry and self-preservation. Here's how it plays out:
- Business Competition:
- The victim was a rising star in the Combine’s economic network, increasingly gaining favor among high-priority collaborators due to their ability to secure profitable deals, manipulate resource allocations, and build lucrative alliances.
- The rival collaborator saw the victim’s growing influence as a direct threat to their own operations. The victim was poised to secure a contract that would have rendered the rival’s business obsolete in a crucial supply chain, thus undermining their position in the Combine’s hierarchy.
- The murder was likely a calculated decision to eliminate the competition, and the framing of the murder as a resistance attack allowed the rival collaborator to maintain their position and avoid suspicion. The letter found at the scene is a key indicator that the victim’s success was directly competing with the rival’s interests.
- Self-Preservation (Business Gone Wrong):
- The rival collaborator had already been skimming from Combine operations—engaging in under-the-table deals, overcharging for supplies, and possibly diverting resources meant for military use to their personal accounts.
- With the victim on the rise, there was a real danger that their dealings could be exposed. The victim might have had evidence that could have ruined the rival’s reputation and brought unwanted attention from the higher-ups.
- By eliminating the victim, the rival ensured that their secrets remained buried and that they could continue their profitable, yet dishonorable, business practices without fear of exposure.
- Cover-up and Framing:
- After the murder, the rival collaborator took steps to cover up their involvement. They hired street thugs to kill the victim, making it look like a resistance attack. The body was hung, the crime scene carefully staged with the spray-painted message, and the bloody wrench was placed in a nearby apartment.
- The strategic use of rebel imagery served not only to divert suspicion away from the rival but also allowed them to hide in plain sight—their position as a collaborator giving them protection and a degree of immunity in a city already wary of resistance movements.
Concrete Link Between the Rival and the Murder
- The financial documents found at the crime scene all paint a picture of a ruthless, calculating individual willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve their business interests.
- The lipstick-stained cigarette butts, the unsent letter, and the bloody wrench all reinforce the idea that this was a well-orchestrated murder with clear, personal, and professional stakes.
Conclusion: The Rival Collaborator's Downfall
By tracing the paper trail, from the business letter to the spray paint can, the ration pack, and even the illegal materials associated with the victim, the investigators connect all the dots to the rival collaborator. Their motive becomes clear: a strategic murder to eliminate a threat to their business, using a mixture of deception, manipulation, and bribery to frame the resistance and cover their tracks.The rival collaborator is eventually arrested, though their high status within the Combine protects them to some degree. This case, while successfully solved, raises uncomfortable questions about the corruption within the Combine's ranks, showing that murder for personal gain is not only a possibility but a frequent occurrence among those vying for power in a crumbling system.
- Workshop Content (collection including map, NPCs, unique tools/weapons, etc): None determined so far.
- Map (Workshop link & ID, like gm_flatgrass): This story can be adapted to any map.
- Do you wish to spearhead the project if your concept is accepted? (You will run the event alongside the SS team): I can spearhead the project but as it's nature it needs little supervision. Only major work is for the scene setup and assigning the players for the created characters.
- Is this concept set in the Half-Life universe?: Yes, it is.
- Will this concept follow Willard's Timeline?: Yes, it will.
- Will this concept affect the main server?: Yes, a small area must be transformed for the duration of the event.
- Where on the WN lore map - https://willard.network/forums/pages/map/ (if anywhere) would this effect, and to what severity?: It can effect any Civil Union controlled urban district.
- Do you have any SS members vouching for the event?: No, this is my first submission. Please be lenient for my inexperience.
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