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Still occasionally giving his attention to the conversation at hand, Moretti turned back to the first page of Africa's Dark Sects and began reading the book in earnest.

Tommy joined the others sifting through the strange items.
"Any objections to me taking a few shots of these? We might get someone to translate those symbols from the photos.". He smiled weakly "And before you ask, I promise I wont send 'em to the editor for some article. Though at some stage he's gonna want something from me.".

Carefully he picked up the mask, turning it over in his hands. It sent a shiver down his spine to think of the twisted man who had worn it as he peered through the dark eye holes.

Leo nodded. "I think having photos of everything we've gathered is a great idea. We can attach some notes to the photographs. We also have access to some people at the university and through friendships that might be able to help us decipher anything that we can't."

"I think photographs are a good idea as well." Bishop said. As he spoke he began to consider what they would need to do to complete the arduous work ahead.

Walking to the center of the room, Bishop shook off the dark thoughts that had shackled his mind and spoke "We see to be at the point in an investigation were we must look at our progress and see what we have learned and what we may have missed. To look at what unexplored or under explored branches might still bear fruit, and which are barren."

"At this point there is no doubt in my mind that Jack was on the right path. The existence of a murderous cult capable of creating zombies in New York is so far fetched, that the truth of it makes anything else possible."

"Jack seemed to think the Carlyle Expedition was at the heart of this case. That some how the story of their deaths were false and possibly faked. Given the truth we uncovered here, I suggest we accept Jack's thesis, at least until it is disproved."

"That means before we leave New York, and I suggest follow in the foot steps of the Carlyle Expedition, we make sure we know everything we can learn here about its members. Once that is accomplished we communicate with Miss Carlyle so we can call on her resources as needed, and the will likely be needed.

"I say that because our final step before we leave the city must be to set up a base of the investigation here in New York, a place to and from which can can collect evidence and theories. It can also serve as a place to arrange and disperse funds as needed to those in the field."

"I know this might sound too grand, but given the scope of this effort, it might not be grand enough. It is likely some if not all those investigating these dark events might fall prey to our as yet unknown enemies. We must not let that end the quest. If we can through reports and photographs keep a record of the work, others might be recruited to carry on."

"Great. I'll get to work this afternoon.".

Thinking about the future he absently placed the mask back on the table.
"I still don't understand what was happening in that damned place. I mean, sure it was some kind of messed up ceremony. But why? Was feathers running it for money, power? And more importantly it still makes no sense why they killed Jackson and the others.".

He frowned, trying to piece together what he could.
"Did Jackson just stumble on them as he pursued Carlyle? If so what do they have to do with Roger? Erica mentioned the negro woman... Was she involved in the same stuff? Was roger?".

He looked down dejected. Despite the slaughter what did they have to show for it? They still had as many questions as answers

When Bishop began to speak the young reporter listened keenly. He found himself nodding in agreement before responding.
"But you  talk like this is some medieval quest. I know what we saw made no sense...it can't have been possible, but there must be some explanation. It ain't just some new story that makes me want to see this through...I need to understand what the hell we saw.". He doubted he'd sleep well again without that.
"But this ain't some suicide mission. No one is going to die-we've seen enough slaughter already.".

Bishop did not hesitate to reply "The explanation is simple. This is a battle against evil. Not just the evil of bad men, this is something far more ancient and primordial. This cult worships dark gods that demand sacrifice, human sacrifice in exchange for power, power great enough to force the dead to walk the earth."

"As to death, my guess is this is just the beginning. Whether the Carlyle expedition was wiped out or not many were slaughted. This bunch in Harlem were just a bunch of missionaries here to spread their evil beliefs, and they were willing and capable of vicious murder to protect their dark cult."

"As far as a medieval quests, I have no doubt that it is very much like that. Jack was nothing if not quixotic, and now he has with his death compelled us to join him and see his work done."

"But not all are called to such a task or capable of completing it. But for those who stay behind, they can support the others by collecting the reports and evidence. By researching what has been learned and recruiting others as their skills might be needed."

"So like the a knight of the round table and the grail, we must be prepared for a true test of our steel." Bishop said looking at the others wondering who would be willing to take up the gauntlet.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Tommy hung silent and brooding as the broad shouldered PI spoke. His face was stoic as he studied Bishop's impassioned speech, trying to make sense of its depth.

Was Stanley serious? He sounded like some fanatic...good versus evil? God Tommy hoped that was true. He clung desperately to the hope they had murdered those unarmed men for good...but had they? Had they given the victims a chance?

How would he have responded to a group of armed men ambushing and opening fire...
He saw the bullets hit home, fellow men slaughtered before they could speak.

Anger and frustration swirled within and it was all he could do to stop himself from interrupting Bishops words. Cautiously he looked to Leo. Maybe this was Bishops was of coping...Tommy wished he could push it all aside in the same way. Yet he couldn't help but wonder; if the police knew what happened, would the Elias group be seen as saviors or murderers?

As a reporter he needed answers.

"Fine. Let's say they were missionaries. For what though? Why the hell were they there? This isn't some fairy tale. Roger Carlyle went to Kenya for a reason. We need to know why.".
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Moretti paused in his reading, holding his place in the damaged book with his index finger as he listened to the exchange between Bishop and Cotton.

Going overseas. Tracking down the people that had sired that hellish gathering last night. That made the dead walk again. Put it in whatever terms you wanted, it needed to be done. To be set right. For Jackson, who damn well deserved to still be alive, and for anyone else that those monsters had laid their hands on. With what they had done, what they were still capable of doing, none of them could be allowed to keep walking the earth.

He glanced down at the floor. Strange. To be on the side of light for once. Well, there would be at least one thing he could bring before the Almighty when the time came.

Looking at Cotton, he said, "Mr. Cotton, in my line of work, when someone gets clipped...gets hurt, it's because they know something they can't be trusted with. Something that can be damaging to people's business interests."

"I'm afraid, in a way, that's exactly what happened to Jackson. How it looks, he was close to finding out the truth about these people and their organization. With his writing, his connections, he had the ability to reveal their secrets to the world. So they silenced him."

He ran his fingers through his hair. His jaw tightened as he shook his head. "As to what it's all about, I don't know. But I think our best chance to learn is to do as Stanley suggests. To retrace Jackson's footsteps. To find out what he knew. And then deal with these people."

He walked over to the cigarette box, fished one out, and lit it. Mannaggia, it was early in the day and he already wanted a drink. He glanced down at his half eaten breakfast, knowing he didn't have the stomach for more of it. A scowl settling on his brow, he tried to content himself with smoking.

Bishop nodded at Vincent spoke, then looked the young reporter in the eye and replied "As Vincent said that is exactly what Jack was trying to discover Tommy."

"Why did some millionaire playboy decide to launch an expedition to Egypt only to end up dead in Africa? Was he lured by a promise of power, seduced by the mysterious Nubian or tricked into by one of others?"

"I've seen my share of evil, though nothing the likes of the Cult of the Bloody Tongue. People will do almost anything to gain what they desire if they are desperate."

"Once we have completed our investigation here in New York, in particular what more we can learn about the members of the expedition, we should depart for London. There we can get a better look into Sir Aubrey Penhew and his foundation. Perhaps we can find a bit more information on what the expedition sought to accomplish in Egypt." Bishop held up Edward Cavigan's card.

"If not maybe this Fazar Najir of Cairo can shed some light." Bishop held up the man's letter to Carlyle.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Leo had listened to some of the back-and-forth with interest. He was hoping some of the others might jump in before him, but he added his voice to those who would volunteer for this. "I think some of the answers are in Doctor Huston's notes, but they don't provide all the details. It seems like this cult, through the Nubian woman, may have targeted him specifically. I'm not sure why, but I agree with Vincent's thoughts about Jackson. It seems like he may have just known too much. The dream I had..."

"Certainly I will be a part of any expedition to find out what he had begun to uncover. I can finance our work both at home and abroad, and provide my psychological expertise to everyone as we investigate this, er, mystery. Mister Gray has provided us with significant information concerning all the members of the expedition, though if you think there is more to be gained from speaking with him, I think he is willing. I agree that we should let Erica Carlyle know of our plans, and we should leave as much information about what we've discovered somewhere safe yet accessible. Perhaps with someone at Columbia. Given Jackson's death, anyone that gets their hands on what we know might be the next target of the Bloody Tongue. It seems like we've been made, and getting out of town will alleviate some of the pressure. If any of you have loved ones that might end up targets of the cult, well, you may want to tell them to take a vacation as well."

Leo considered everything that had been said. "Who else is going to undertake this, er, quest?" He looked over at those that hadn't spoken. It would likely be more dangerous for them to not come overseas, but he wouldn't drag anyone kicking and screaming.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:44, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Already at the table that bore their collected evidence, Bishop did not wait for the others to speak up, instead he moved to the table and picked up Houston's notes. He had glanced them quickly before, but now his mind focused by the had fight ahead, he read them again with new eyes as the others talked.

As he went over the words on the page it was clear that this was much more than the treatment of some deviant playboy and his amoral and equally deviant therapist.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Tommy looked to Leo resolutely. "If you'll have me, I'm in.

There is no doubt Jackson was killed because he found something out. The question is what...and the answer has something to do with the Carlyles.".

He thought back to the notes, to the trail of that damned expedition.
"If we are to pick up the scent, shouldn't we start where it will be warmest? The expedition met its doom in Kenya right?".
He paused to shrug.
"Though I guess its been so long the trail isn't exactly warm anywhere now, so London or Cairo would be as good as any.".

Bishop had been far too consumed with reading the notes to really hear Tommy. As he finished the last page spoke almost as the young reporter was finishing holding the pages of Huston ' s notes as he did. "This reads like a journey into madness."

"But after what I saw last night I see many answers here. Carlyle was indeed targeted by M'Weru. But it is more than that. Carlyle blackmailed  Houston .. not only on the expedition but worse along with him into his exploration of the dark arts and nameless gods.."

"These notes confirm that Huston murdered Boshe. It hints that after a night of depravity he may have done away two other men as well."

"While there is no mention of the Cult of the Bloody Tounge. But is is clear from this that Carlyle was involved in something just as foul."

Bishop looked at Leo "These notes .. reveal far more than I would have imagined or before last night believed. But they raise new questions as well."

"It makes it clear to me that Carlyle was no innocent victim."

Bishop was surprised that Leo had not mentioned what the notes contained. Perhaps his training compelled him to error on the side of discretion. But in hind sight Bishop knew he would have dismissed it all had he not seen the horrors of the Juju House.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Fri 06 Nov 2015.

Leo squinted his eyes briefly. "I suppose it depends on what you mean by innocent victim. His state of mind seems to have already taken a turn by the time Huston met with him. Carlyle's sister is the one that sent him to Huston - and the mention of becoming obsessed with certain old books is interesting. And possibly a warning. If we are setting things up for people to follow in our footsteps, then we should heed the unwitting warnings included in these pages. Roger Carlyle changed. Huston was apparently already depraved before they met, and was dragged into whatever Carlyle had discovered. Brady seemed to know a lot about this stuff as well."

They still hadn't heard from a few people on whether they planned to be included or not. He looked around to everyone gathered to see if they had any additional thoughts.

Bishop listened, but he did not make much of a distinction between evil and bug nuts crazy and evil.

"These are both evil men. Maybe they are manipulated by others, but they are more than willing to ignore every taboo to sate their thirst for depravity."


"What I saw in the basement of the Juju House and these notes tell me that this is not just a few savages from Africa dancing around and killing folks. These animals traffic with unknown gods for unimaginable power. If Jack was right and some of the expedition survived it was probably because they were up to their necks this blasphemous cult. We need to find every last one of the devotees of the Cult of the Bloody Tongue and eradicate them from the earth. That may take a lifetime and a fortune but I don't think we have any choice." Bishop said looking around the room. As much as he trusted those around him, he doubted they could complete the job alone.

"I think we need to consider whether we show these notes to Erica Carlyle. We could use her in our corner, and I think she has a right to know. We need to find some way to convince her and any others who can help us of the true horror we have revealed .. without sounding like madmen." Bishop said adding the last part as he became aware of how most people gearing him would react.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Sun 08 Nov 2015.

Rosalie had placed the scepter in with the other items they'd collected from the cultist basement and was busy studying the other objects as they talked.  She wasn't yet sure what the significance of any of them could be at the moment, but their association made her feel soiled from just touching them.  She placed one of the feathers back on the table and scrubbed a hand unconsciously across her skirt.

"I'll be going to London, no matter the consequences.  I think we have exhausted our resources here and need to search elsewhere for answers.  As others have stated, we'd be better served leaving New York for a bit until things have quieted down a little.  With last night's discovery, I believe that we know why Jackson was murdered.  He'd obviously learned too much and they rightly assumed that he was a threat to the secrecy of their deviant activities.  Even so, we've yet to reach the bottom of the abyss we've been thrown into and I feel compelled to continue until we do.  It's obvious that the Juju House was only one small branch of a much larger organism.  If we discover more during our investigations and wipe them out, so much the better for the world."

Bo smiles at Rosalie, nodding in agreement.

"Everyone I love in the world -- except Aunt Kate -- is right in this room. I'm leaving nothing behind.

"I always loved reading about Arthur and Gawain and Roland and Richard Lionheart. I always dreamed of being a crusader against evil. I guess this is my chance."

He shrugs with a self-deprecating grin.

"I'd say the sooner we leave, and the less said to others, the better."

Tommy looked around the group, again realizing how close they were and glad he was part of it.
"I hear you Bo. New York aint a good place for us to be. But we need to at least collapse that tunnel below the Juju house before we leave so no one else stumbles on that place.". Or worse, their allies reclaim it and whatever was under the trapdoor.

For a moment he thought about Bishop's suggestion to show everything to Erica. "I'm not sure about showing Miss Carlyle everything. I mean, will she believe us? Lets say I wanted to cash in and run a story on all this. No one would believe a thing of it. We need to get the full picture. Plus she was his sister - no one wants to read things like that about their sibling. She'll come up with reasons not to believe it.

No, I think we might be better picking and choosing what we share. Enough to encourage her we are on to something.".

Leo nodded at Tommy's thoughts. "I agree about Miss Carlyle, Tommy. The person we could show is Mister Grey, whose emotions shouldn't interfere with his ability to process what we've found and make decisions based on it. He should know the best way to keep Erica Carlyle informed. We should also let him know that we are leaving town and why. The Carlyle family could be a powerful ally as we unravel this mystery."

   "Well Dr. Elias needs an assistant," Annabel said, "and it's been a while since I have seen London, so it looks like I'm coming too. I better let my family know what I'm doing. I'm sure Mother won't approve, but she can't really complain since I won't be alone. I do hope though though we won't find anything like that horrible store."

  "Do you think Mr. Grey might want to send someone with us," Annabel asked when Mr. Grey was mentioned. "To represent Miss Carlyle interests and keep them abreast of our progress? After all, she probably has as much at stake as we do because of her brother's involvement in all of this."

When Rosalie and Bo agreed, Bishop nodded "Glad to have you both aboard."

Listening to Tommy, some of what he said made sense "New York may get hot. But it will take a few days to arrange our departure. Meanwhile we can tie up loose ends. I think the lawyer is way to approach Carlyle with this information as well. He will know if Erica Carlyle is likely to buy it. We can also take measures to assure as a lawyer he won't be forced to testify again us."

"As far as blowing the tunnel, I think that time has passed. No bigger mistake that returning to the scene of the crime. The guns are what can tie us to the crime. I can change out the barrel on the Thompson.  The handguns can get tossed. The only issue is the luger. If the police can find a round to match to one from the hotel it could present a problem."

When Annabel spoke up, Bishop spoke again "Perhaps,  if Mr Gray agrees to assist us you might consider remaining in New York. While we have potential allies here, having some one we can trust would be more valuable.  That you appear to have some say with Gray would not be be without value either."

"We have other potential allies as well. Jack's publisher Kensington for one. A few other well placed members of the Elias family for another. Might be a good idea speaking with them as we arrange travel."

OOC: Just something Bishop would suggest. No reason not to join us.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:57, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

Leo frowned as he considered Annabel's suggestion and the response from Bishop. He was worried for her safety, but it did make a lot of sense. "I do need an assistant, but I think it might be best if I've got one here in New York. We'll need someone able to disburse funds, liaise with Mister Grey, send and receive packages, do additional research in the libraries in this city, and keep an eye on Avery. I trust that you would be able to do that."

Leo looked at Annabel to see if she would agree to remain here and take on all these tasks. "And we will need to set up a last meeting with Mister Grey before we leave."

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 338):


   Annabel looked at Dr. Elias, mouth agape and a mixture of surprise and sadness in her eyes; he didn't want her to go. She would not be useless, really she wouldn't and she wanted to tell him that.

"Dr Elias, are you sure? I..I mean I'll stay if you think that's best." There was a slight tremor in her voice one of disappointment that she could not hide. She then gave a sigh and showed a smile she did not mean.

 "I suppose you do need someone to do all that, and I am acquainted with Mr. Grey, so it should be no problem getting along and working with him."

  Resigned to her fate, Annabel took a more positive demeanor. If she was going to do this, she would do it well and show she was an asset.

  "I'll be sure to get you anything you need, but do be careful, all of you. If those horrible people were able to be in New York, they could be hold up in any city. Speaking of which," she added "do you think it's safe here now? After all they were watching the house for a time, and with you gone, I'll be by myself."

This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Wed 11 Nov 2015.