(1) Rogue,take it from one who knows: there is no such thing as "fun" human experimentation.

(2) A shame to hear about Garrison's untimely death, no doubt due to liver failure if the city lives up to its reputation. I take it "hostages" is your term for those hopefuls awaiting a right swipe. I expect negotiations were intense.

(3) (However, I confess I'm coming up short on what the witch refers to.)