London, United Kingdom
Thursday, January 29th, 1925



This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Wed 02 Mar 2016.

The voyage had been been a welcome break after the troubles of New York, and by the time the Mauretania had reached port in Southampton Tommy had been raring to go. Despite the delights of first class, the broad ship was an enclosed space and young Tommy Cotton was a man who liked to explore. Still, he felt closer to the Elias group and now as they stood in the hotel reception he was excited.

They were on the trail of the Carlyle expedition. Who knew where it would lead...

Picking up a copy of The Telegraph he cast a discerning eye over the lead stories. Reporters were so much more structured here.

La Falaise, La Amour. So Gloria had finally married that Frog. Good for her.
He turned the page.
Shanghai Falls.. Now there was a story. Raising an eyebrow he nudged whoever was stood near by. "It'd take more than a few mercenaries to seize New York or London I'll wager.".
Absently he leafed through the rest of the paper while the business of accommodation was resolved.

ooc - events from 28th of Jan 1925 which I've assumed made the news today in the paper Tommy is reading. Note this is my own random googling for IC context and un-plot related unless the GM says otherwise!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...1925_.28Wednesday.29

Leo was glad of the nice break they got on the journey, or at least that the others had gotten. Besides the opportunity to speak with some interesting people, he had busied himself with reading those very interesting books and beginning to help the others sort through some of their feelings. And it was one thing to talk with someone about those things with whom you had no connection, but quite another when it was someone you knew and cared about.

Leo stepped up to the counter. "Reservations under Elias."

Avery was taking care of Leo's luggage, leaving the doctor free to deal with the administrative portion of checking in.

Rosalie carried a hatbox in one hand and her clutch in the other, but the rest of her bags were with the porter to deliver to her room.  While she'd enjoyed the trip on the luxury liner, she was happy to be on dry land that didn't rock and sway.  Waiting while her uncle checked them in, she leaned close to Tommy to read the paper over his shoulder.  "Did we miss anything of note?  I half expect the world to go up in flames whenever I'm out of contact."

Moretti lingered outside the hotel, his baggage at hand. He glanced up at the building's facade, smiling ruefully as he recalled where his business had taken him the last time he had visited the city. Lighting a cigarette, he glanced up and down the street, idly watching the automobiles and the passerby on foot. His usual caution had settled into his shoulders as they had departed the Mauretania, an unconscious habit born of making deals with people you could never trust, individuals that would exploit your weakness the moment you dropped your guard.

Such caution was still of use, he reminded himself. Perhaps now more than ever. He wasn't hammering out deals for illicit liquor with miscreants whose only loyalty was to profit this time. He was following the trail of true predators. Those who killed in the mad service of some inhuman creed, who could return the dead to the land of the living.

He shook his head, exhaling smoke through his nostrils. Dropping his cigarette to the street, he ground it out with his heel, then walked into the hotel to join the others.

The clerk at the hotel greeted the party of guests politely and opened a cumbersome ledger to a specific page, and then nodded, making a notation. "Dr. Leonardo Elias, I presume. I have you down for four rooms, is that correct?"

After noting the correct number of rooms, they are escorted to their rooms, the baggage carried for them by porters.

---

OOC:

So, what's on the agenda for New York, folks? As a reminder, since it has been awhile, you've already got a few leads here:

- The Penhew Foundation business card found at the scene of Jackson's murder
- Inspector James Barrington, recommended to you by Jonah Kensington
- Mickey Mahoney, a reporter recommended to you by Jonah Kensington

  Millicent entered the hotel with the others, it seemed her little tour of first class society wasn't going to be over anytime soon. The Savoy looked like a wonderful place. She herself could never afford anything this extravagant in her travels, but since this little jaunt was not on her dime, she was going to make the most of it, just like back aboard the ship. She tried not to gawk too much, but she snuck looks here and there ad they were escorted to their rooms.

  After settling in, Millicent sat with the others and commented; "well, all this elegance is wonderful and all, but I guess it's time to get to business. I trust you have some idea where to begin this little search? I contacted Mt. Grey when we arrived and he is eager for any info we can dig up here, considering how much I am costing him." She made a face them laughed, "that man, I swear you would think he was a accountant, not a lawyer."

Walter hadn't been in London since he was in short pants. That trip with his parents stirred some vague, happy memories, but they were overshadowed by knowledge of what came later. The scale seemed small after Manhattan's skyscrapers, but the streets were just as thronged.

He wonders who he'll be bunking with here.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

Tommy shrugged as Rosalie peered over his shoulder. He shifted the broadsheet so she could see those headlines. "Nothing momentous. Though I'm glad we didn't go to China...looks like there is some trouble over there.".

As the group settled in to their rooms and reconvened the reporter stood with Millicent chatting. Making sure there were no prying ears he nodded in response.
"I think we have a few leads. First we have Crowley who was referenced in Huston's note. If we wanted to learn about sex magic and wot-not, he would be our man. And who wouldn't want to learn about sex magic?". Tommy still couldn't quite take that subject seriously though.

"Next we have the Penhew Foundation and that card for Edward Gavigan. Part of me wants to tackle that head on - I could approach looking for an interview for the 'Times perhaps? Avoid mentioning the Carlyle expedition to start? That seems our key lead.

And didn't someone say Jonah Kensington offered a few leads? A reporter and detective?".

ooc - The Kensington leads I think occurred before I joined the game, so I'm not very familiar with them? But mention them for discussion since our fab GM suggested them below.

Moretti nodded. "Barrington and Mahoney," he replied. "I might pay a visit to the Inspector. I always enjoy a chance to chat with the local police."

Millicent stopped with a jerk and almost dropped what she was holding when Thomas spoke. She stared at him mouth open in shock. If he was hoping to get a reaction from her, he had succeeded admirably. Millicent blinked and composed herself before speaking; "Tommy, you have GOT to be joking right? Sex magic? Surely you're pulling my leg."

  She stopped for a second then smiled a sly smile. "Did you tell Mr. Grey about this? I would have LOVED to have seen his face if you had to see if it would have shocked him out of that composure of his." Millicent gave a gay laugh, "that would have been a sight I bet."

Leo nodded at the options Tommy laid out. He raised an eyebrow at Millicent. He'd hoped she would have an open mind. Perhaps she still would. "Yes, one of the rituals performed by the cult in New York appeared to have a sexual component to it."

He looked at the others. "Perhaps we should split into groups of 2 or 3 to tackle these leads and then report back? A detective seems a good choice for Stanley and Vincent. Perhaps Tommy and Walter can speak with the reporter while the other three of us visit the Penhew foundation?"

"That's fine by me, Leo," Walter responds.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Sat 05 Mar 2016.

Bishop had not been in London since he his return to the States. He had a few friends in England, but doubted he would have the time or more importantly the need to look them up. They were involved in a dangerous battle, and anyone involved would certainly face harm.

When the discussion of following up on leads came up, Bishop spoke up "I am happy to speak with the inspector, my agency has worked closely with Scotland Yard over the years, so hopefully we can find them helpful."

"I am sure you are all aware, but it is important that we gain as much information as possible, while giving away as little as we can in exchange."

"Clearly we do not understand the full depth of what we are investigating, and who might be a friend or a foe. One clue might be to keep an eye out for possible tails. If someone takes an undue interest, it might point us in the right direction."

  Millicent nodded at Stanley's assessment of the situation. "Smart idea Mr. Bishop, don't blab anything that may tip us off. Of course it's a fine line between getting information out of them without them getting any out of us."

  She so wanted to follow up on the sex magic thing. Not that it was kinky of course, but strictly out of curiosity; and it sounded pretty wild. She was dissapointed though when the pair ups were suggested, she was not in the one she wished to be. Except for a slight pout, Millicent kept quiet; this was Dr. Elias's show and she was more or less along for the ride.

  "Ok, so it's settled then. Shall we try to have a set time to meet back here?"

Eyeing Millicent, she leaned close, murmuring quietly.  "Uncle likes to be in charge, but you don't always have to do what he says.  You're working with us, not for us."

Smiling, she threw Leo a glance and nodded.  "I'll be happy to tag along with you to the Penhew Foundation, Uncle.  It'll give me a chance to visit London again.  Perhaps we might stop off at a few places on our way back."

"I presume Avery will be here, in case we need to leave a message?"

"Quite correct sir, unless Dr. Elias should request my presence elsewhere," he replied.

Tommy nodded like a good puppy at Bishop's suggestion about tails, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

How would anyone even know we are in London? We've only just arrived for christ-sakes. This was an international city of renown - Tommy couldn't wait to get to know her better. The Juju house was a one off, and until they made it to Africa this thing was an investigation, not a battle with unseen enemies. Right?
At least thats what he told himself.

He grinned at 'Bo.
"Me and you eh buddy? Looking forward to it.
You know where this Mahoney fella is based? Fleet Street I hope. Might be nice to walk to get a feel for this place.
I was thinking of giving Artie Herald a call too if we wound up at that end of town. He's a correspondent for the Times over here. Besides, I need to keep in touch so they dont fire me too quickly.".

"Anyway.". He looked back to Leo.
"Anything specific you want us to dig up before we head out?".
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

In reply to Thomas Cotton (msg # 19):

"From what I understand, 'Mickey' Mahoney's the owner, and editor, (and probably ace reporter) for a rag called The Scoop. I bet it's listed in this city directory," Bo replies, hefting a weighty book from the telephone stand and beginning to page through it.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Tue 08 Mar 2016.

Leo smiled at his niece and then nodded at her comment about stopping off while they were in town. "Certainly, Rosie. As for timing, I think everyone should check in with Avery hourly, if possible. Or as near to it as you can manage. Once each group has completed their assigned task, they should return here so we can discuss. Is there anything else we need to talk about before we go our separate ways?"

Walter was able to easily find a listing for the Scoop.

---

OOC:

I'll move the suggested player groupings into new threads for The Scoop, Scotland Yard, and the Penhew Foundation whenever everyone seems ready.

I'll keep this thread open for Avery and any communications he receives from the group.

Walter: What are you looking for in the directory? Do you plan to call and make an appointment?

For that matter, do any of the rest of you plan to call and make appointments to the places you'll go?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:30, Wed 09 Mar 2016.

OOC: Moretti will use the directory and call ahead to Scotland Yard to see if the Inspector would be free for a meeting that afternoon. He'll mention being referred to Barrington by Jonah Kensington.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 22):

Walter is looking up the address for the Scoop. Making an appointment seems a good idea. What time is it?

OOC: Leo also thinks it's a good idea to make an appointment at Penhew. Unless one of the ladies has an objection.

  Millicent thought for a moment and then said; "That's nice of you to say Roselie. You all have been doing this for a time now and I figured it was smart to let you go at it and see how it goes. But," she added with a slight curl of a smile on her lips. "I AM kind of curious of the lead Mr. Cotton and Mr. Brandon are following." She turned to the two men and gave a fake innocent look. "You fine gentlemen wouldn't mind a little bit of company would you? I promise not to snicker too much when you mention, ahem, you know,"

  She then turned more serious. "I just hope he'll be in and not off sniffing for a scoop someplace. Aren't those guys always off and about?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:39, Thu 10 Mar 2016.

Tommy chuckled at Millicent's feigned innocence. "Oh we probably wont even mention it. I mean who would be interested in sex magic anyway? Only the most childish and puerile minds I imagine.". He shrugged, imagining Bishop's glare of disapproval had he and Moretti still been present.

"But we would most warmly welcome your company Miss O'Connor if you want to join us. If Mickey is as Oi'rish has his name suggests he might even appreciate an O'Connor in our midst?".

He looked over to 'Bo.
"Any joy finding the place? I'll give my 'Times man a call on our way over there to see what he can tell us about The Scoop too.".

OOC:

It is just after eleven of the clock. Enough time for folks to get cleaned up, grab a spot o' lunch at the hotel, and go about their business.

Walter and Thomas (and Millie?) are able to reach the scoop, and when dropping Kensington's name, Mickey (indeed an Irishman) agrees warmly to meet with you in his office that afternoon. Similarly Bishop and Vincent are able to secure a meeting with Barrington.


Leo, presumably you'll be making your appointment with Edward Gavigan, the director of the Penhew Foundation whose name was found on the business card in Jackson's Room. What will be the nature of your appointment, when calling to book?

OOC: Penhew was an expert on Egypt, right? Perhaps letting them know we are interested in Archaeology?

OOC:

Yeah, it is an important clearing-house and museum for Egyptologists. You could express an interest in Egyptology, that would get you in.

The secretary will take down your names, and agree to make you an appointment after consulting with Mr. Gavigan's schedule. It'll be in the afternoon as well, giving you guys time to settle in a bit, freshen up, get some food, and any other small errands you may wish to run before meeting up with Gavigan.

OOC: I'll let my English-raised niece that has spent many hours working in the archaeology field do most of (all?) the talking...

In reply to Thomas Cotton (msg # 27):

"Sure, Miss O'Connor, you're welcome to join us."

   Millicent clapped her hands in delight. "Wonderful! I'm sure this will be interesting. And you might be right Mr. Cotton. I may be able to coax some info out of little ol' Mickey, especially over a whiskey or 5." She gave the reporter a wink and mischievous smile.

Millicent got ready to leave. "Shall we grab a bit of lunch before we head out there? I hate to drink on an empty stomach."

"Why not? It'll be good to get a feel for the city. Lets walk over there, grab something on the way.".
He glanced at 'Bo.
"All set to go buddy?".

 "Sounds great," Millicent said as she followed the men. "But before we get there, I want to stop and get something for little ol Mahoney, just for motivation."