4 Whitehall Place
New Scotland Yard
Thursday Afternoon
January 29th, 1925


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Sat 12 Aug 2017.

Moretti thanked Meadows, then walked over to the waiting area, taking a moment to absorb the impressive stature of the building, idly wondering just how old it was. It certainly seemed more stately than the station houses in New York. Of course, that didn't mean the police themselves were of a different caliber. Moretti had learned enough of human nature to know that there had to be plenty of bobbies on the take, just the same as where he came from.

Taking a seat, he glanced over at Bishop. "Stanley, is this your first time in London? Did you come over here sometime during the war?"

Moretti thanked Meadows, then walked over to the waiting area, taking a moment to absorb the impressive stature of the building, idly wondering just how old it was. It certainly seemed more stately than the station houses in New York. Of course, that didn't mean the police themselves were of a different caliber. Moretti had learned enough of human nature to know that there had to be plenty of bobbies on the take, just the same as where he came from.

Taking a seat, he glanced over at Bishop. "Stanley, is this your first time in London? Did you come over here sometime during the war?"

"I have been here a few times, but not for a few years. I have a few friends in town that I may look up if time permits. What about yourself? you done business here?" Bishop asked.

"A couple of times," Moretti said, "Truth be told, whenever I've conducted business here, it's gone pretty smoothly." He shrugs. "Problem is, I'm usually so focused on negotiating deals, I never have the chance to see the city, you know? I don't think this visit's going to be much different. We've definitely got bigger concerns than touring Parliament."

"Not sure exactly what we are trying accomplish where at Scotland Yard. Never a mistake to lay the groundwork with law enforcement when operating away from home, but other than that what specifics?" Bishop asked.

Moretti shook his head. "I think groundwork is the main thing we're trying to accomplish. Kensington offered Barrington as a good contact with the police while we were in London. He might know we're here about Jackson, or might ask after our business. I'd thought we could put things in terms of settling Jackson's estate. Trying to handle his lingering business affairs with his publisher and others. If we get into Jackson's last proposed book, it might give us a way to bring up the Carlyle Expedition. Barrington might know something about it, given how much attention it got in the papers here."

"Well let's see what we can turn up."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

"You the pair sent by that publisher Kensington? Ones that made the appointment?" A dignified older man with a stern, bluff countenance appeared from down a hallway.

He shook hands as they introduced themselves. "Chief Inspector James Barrington," he said. "How's he doin' then?"

"Mr. Kensington is doing very well. Keeping quite busy, as I understand it," Moretti said.

"Mr. Bishop and myself are relatives of Jackson Elias. Mr. Elias was an accomplished writer. He passed away recently in New York. He had been researching the Carlyle Expedition in preparation for his last book. We're here with other members of the family to settle some personal and business matters Jackson had here in London."

"I'm sorry for your loss," he said frankly.

"He was a sharp kid. Came in to interview me once. I've done my share of interviews, believe you me. He had solid technique. Awful young to die, though. Bad heart?"

Bishop had let Moretti make the introduction, but when the subject quickly turned to the manner of Jack's  death, he spoke up "I am afraid Jackson Elias was murdered shortly after his return to New York."


Bishop waited to see the inspector's reaction to the news before proceeding.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Thu 17 Mar 2016.

He shook his head regretfully. "Blimey. Sorry to hear that. I didn't know him well. Kensington put him in touch with me. That Elias fellow had some real interesting theories about these murders I've been investigating," he said.

"Let's go to my office." He lead them down the hall into an office, and let the door close behind them as they entered. He gestured them to seats, nonverbally.

"So...what's this personal and family business you're here after? Not looking to settle scores, I hope."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Thu 17 Mar 2016.

"He was killed in New York, that hardly seems likely."

"But Jack was close to finishing another book, as it turns out his last. So some of the family decided we should carry on and see it through. When Jack got hold of a mystery he did not let go."

"If Jack was helping you on a case, maybe we can add something as well."

"Can never be too sure," he said.

"He wasn't quite helping me on a case, per se. Not actively, at least. He had a theory he wanted to share with me though. He claimed that the murders were ritual killings of a group called the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh. I humored him, but later I called and verified it with a gent at the Penhew Foundation. They know their business, I figured, so I should ask them," he said.

"They told me that group was ancient and didn't have a modern day equivalent, that maybe the whoever did the killings was imitating something they read about. The gentleman I spoke with uh...Gavigan. Yes, he said he had met with Elias before and thought him a sensation seeking profiteer. No disrespect to the dead. Not my words, his. But I looked Elias up, and it seems he's written a lot of books about cults."

"Now, in my experience, Elias didn't seem to be disingenuous. But all the same, the experts didn't seem to agree with his assessment of the situation, so I had my doubts as well. I'm just about desperate enough now to maybe take him seriously." He rubbed his forehead a bit.

"It's been about a year with those murders going on."

Bishop was a bit surprised when the inspector  had not asked for details of Jack's murder. That was a natural response.

"I grew up with Jack and married his cousin. I can tell you, despite the nature of his work he was not a sensation seeking profiteer. He was an expert in an esoteric feild and published books backed with research. I traveled to South America with him while he researched one of his books and witnessed first hands the lengths to which he went to get the facts rights."

"For the sake of full disclosure, while I am an attorney as my card indicates, I am also an operative for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, although I am on a leave of absence while I help complete Jack's work. Up until now, I did not expect to find any connection to Jack's death here in London, but after your mention of this Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh .. I am not so sure." Bishop said with a frown.

Bishop had decided to lay his Pinkerton card on the table. Pinkerton and Scotland Yard  worked together over the years. Bishop hoped the detective might be inclined to trust him.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

After Bishop had laid out his credentials, Moretti asked, "I hope you don't mind me being curious, Inspector, but these murders you're investigating. What were the elements of these killings that led Jackson to think they were the work of this ancient cult? Was there something specific he pointed to that, in his mind, tied back to this...Brotherhood?"

"Good outfit, Pinkertons," he said, picking up Stanley's card to look at it. "Done some work with your lot. Not recently, but some time ago."

"Mind you, I've got a good opinion of Elias. Didn't seem in it for the fame, despite what Gavigan supposed. I've got a knack for spotting that sorta thing, and I didn't peg him for one," he said to Bishop.

Turning to Vincent, he said, "It's an open investigation, Mr. Moretti, one that I'm actively involved in. I came to this position because my predecessor was killed - assassinated, I believe - by whoever is perpetrating these murders. So I can't divulge the details to you, but yes, there was something specific in the manner of the killings that Elias believed tied them back to that group. At first, I thought it was simply that he was latching onto that name because all the victims were Egyptians. Then I talked to Gavigan, who confirmed that there at least used to be a certain group, but in more ancient times. I don't know what to make of it all."

He turned to Bishop. "So, why does this Black Pharoah lot seem to have you convinced it had something to do with your now deceased relation?"

Bishop held up a hand slightly as if to slow down the inspector "I did not say convinced, but considering the violent nature of Jack's death, it does raise questions."

"Jack was ritually murdered. It might be nothing, after all Jack's specialty was investigations into these dangerous cults."

"Are the killings you are investigating ritualistic in nature?" Bishop asked. As he did his mind flashed to the scene of his friends murder and then to the room full of zombies, cultists and blood.

"Well, whether they're ritualistic in nature cuts to questions of intent. I suppose they might have been ritualistic in nature. At least, that's what Elias proposed to me. I suppose I can say that from what information was available publicly, he believed they were ritualistic in nature," he said.

Moretti nodded. "You'll have to forgive me for what may seem like morbid curiosity, Inspector. It may just be that...well, we're all still trying to adjust to the reality of Jackson's passing. But if you don't mind, could you share with Mr. Bishop and myself what is publicly known about these murders you're investigating? And, of that information, what it was that Jackson had based his suppositions on?"

"Well, some kind of a spiked club has been used in all of the murders. An unusual weapon for murder, to say the least," he said. "Brutal, and giving no care for efficiency. The victims appear to have been beaten repeatedly with the club, with a final killing blow from a spike to the heart."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Sun 20 Mar 2016.

"Well that certainly sounds unusual. How many killing have there been of this nature. Do the victims appear to be connected in anyway?" Bishop asked trying to understand the crime at hand, and perhaps gain some insight into the killings.

Briefly, Moretti allowed a frown to cross his face as he considered what Barrington had said and how that information corresponded to what that madman Crompton had written in Life as a God. Feeling his stomach tighten, Moretti forced himself to smile slightly.

"And if I could ask, Inspector, have any of the victims been publicly identified? I promise, we're not wanting to get in the middle of police business, but if Jackson was researching some of these cases, it might help us better understand some of the activities he was involved in prior to him passing away."

OOC: I've detailed the similarities between the information provided by Barrington and the accounts in Life as a God in Moretti's Campaign Journal.

"We haven't turned up any connection between the men, save their nationality as Egyptians. They're usually poor sods, migrant workers. Not sure why it's only them, but so far it has been. Over three years, twenty five dead," he said to Bishop before turning to Moretti.

"Elias didn't seem to be specifically investigating the murders. He was on about this cult, claiming they were responsible for the killings. He was upset they were continuing, but didn't seem particularly concerned with the specific victims themselves. The names were made public, in the hopes that someone would turn up something. So far nothing really turned up. I believe we received one report that a victim cried out the word 'Hotep.' We checked with the Penhew Foundation. Mr. Gavigan informed us that it was an ancient Egyptian word that meant 'rest' or 'peace' or 'become at peace' or something along those lines. It wasn't exactly helpful, except for raising the question of why someone is speaking in ancient Egyptian."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:09, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

Twenty five that they know of Moretti thought. Migrant workers seemed as though they would be very easy to lose in a city the size of London. Not wanting to seem too interested in the specifics of the murders themselves, Moretti committed the word Hotep to memory, rather than writing it down.

"That honestly sounds like Jackson,” Moretti offered, "Primarily interested in the possible connection to ancient history...or legend."

"I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your predecessor, Inspector. For what it's worth, I hope you're able to catch the people responsible."

"If I might ask, sir, is there anything else that really stands out in your mind from your conversation with Jackson?" Moretti smiled. "Given Jackson's unusual interests, that may be something of a loaded question."

"If anything comes to mind, I'll certainly let you know. Beyond his theory that some old Egyptian cult is killing people in the city of London, I can't tell you anything else that really sticks out. At this point, I'll take any straw I can grasp at if it leads me to the killers. I'm almost starting to believe that tale Elias spun, but I have to conduct my own investigation into the matter," he said.

"Maybe he was onto something, or maybe it was a coincidence, but he did mention something that panned out partially. He told me to check into the Blue Pyramid. Egyptian food and belly dancers like you wouldn't believe. If it wasn't so tantalizing, I'd say it was downright indecent. It's a seedy club that many of those that were killed seem to have frequented. We organized a few stake outs, but nothing turned up. Probably just a coincidence. Worth a visit alone to watch the belly dancing though."

Moretti couldn't suppress a smirk. "The Blue Pyramid," he repeated, "Sounds like we need to include it in our sightseeing, at the very least."

He glanced over at Bishop, curious to see if he had any further questions for the Inspector.

Bishop worked over what he had heard as Moretti and the inspector spoke. Truth be told he was a bit stunned. There had been twenty five obviously related murders, and what the inspector himself referred to as an assassination of a inspector of Scotland Yard and the case was somehow the headline of every paper in London.

"I understand the delicacy of the matter. First let me join Mr Moretti in expressing my condolences. But I have to ask why is it you feel the murder of your predecessor was related to this case?

"His body turned up in the same way as many of the others, Mr. Bishop," he said.

"He was the only one killed not of Egyptian origin. He may have been getting close, so whoever is responsible would have had to take him out. Bold, to go after one of Scotland Yard. I'm doubly careful now whenever I go outside of doors. I don't intend to be the next casualty, and I'd rather stop whoever is responsible before there's another if I can."

"On that subject, I don't mean to be abrupt, gentleman, but I am actively in the heart of multiple murder investigations, as you are now aware. I wish I had the luxury to delve into these topics at leisure, but that is alas not the case. Can we cut to the heart of the purpose of your visit to see me?"

"Of course."

"Jonah Kensington, Jack's publisher referred us to you. As I said we are trying to complete his work. Until now we were unaware of his involvement with this case and anyou possible connection to his own death. The Blue Pyramid sounds a good next stop. We will of course inform you if we learn anything that might be of help in bringing these horrible killings to an end." Bishop said.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Wed 23 Mar 2016.

"Was there a reason that Mr. Kensington suggested we speak?" he asked.

Moretti cleared his throat. "I believe Mr. Kensington may have been aware that Jackson had interviewed youn sir. Besides tending to a few business matters, we were hoping to learn more about Jackson's activities prior to his death. We knew, of course, about his investigation of the Carlyle Expedition, but not much else. Knowing that he was researching this...Brotherhood honestly helps fill in some gaps."

"Mr. Kensington also said you were a good man to become acquainted with while we were in London." Moretti grinned amiably. "Not that we'll be needing any police assistance while we're here."

"I know you're a busy man, Inspector. We're very appreciative of your time."

"I certainly hope not," he said when Moretti mentioned that they wouldn't be needing police assistance.

"Especially if, as Mr. Bishop suggested a moment ago, you believe there's a possible connection to the death between this case and the death of Mr. Elias. I trust that you'll bring any and all such matters to my attention. I'm not sure what sort of cowboy antics pass for acceptable in America, but this is England and I intend on having the law followed."

"Please give my regards to Mr. Kensington. If you should wish to speak again, you know where to reach me, gentlemen," he said. He was warm and polite in the end, even if he was a bit stern earlier.

Bishop turned to Moretti "Vincent, if you can give the Inspector and I a moment."

Bishop waited for his companion to leave the office before having a private word with Barrington.

A frown briefly crossed Moretti's features as his eyes slid over to Bishop. After a momentary pause, he gave the Pinkerton man a slight nod.

Returning his attention to Barrington, he said, "It was good to meet you, Inspector. Thank you for the information."

Moretti made his way back to the lobby, quietly contemplating the information Barrington had shared regarding the murders in London and how the details corresponded with the account in Life as a God. Finding a seat, he wondered what the others had learned on their forays into the city.

Barrington frowned slightly at the Pinkerton's request for privacy, looking at the pair uncertainly. "Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Moretti." He looked as if he might well have meant it, but suddenly seemed uncertain.

"Yes?" he asked simply.

Once Vincent had left the room.

"Chief Inspector, I appreciate the pressures of your position, especially considering the  nature of this current case of yours. That said we are both professionals, who's organizations have worked together in the past, and I came here in good faith to make sure you knew we was in your country and the nature of my visit. I had no intention of meddling in your case, even after I learned of Mr Elias'involvement, and even a potential link."

"That being said, my companions and I might be able to offer you assistance in your investigation. We can't save Jack, your predecessor or the other victims, but we might be able to offer some technical assistance. I understand the limitations placed up you, but I am sure the others would be willing to help."

"I can also understand if you decline the offer."


"In any case, if there is a chance of harm befalling myself or my companions in the course of our seemingly unconnected investigation into Jack's work, I would appreciate your assistance in obtaining a license for myself to carry a weapon should your killers decide that our questions some how get to close to them."

"Finally, as you said, as professional we must operate within confines of the law. I have no interest in causing any issues, but considering the boldness of these killers. I would be remiss if I did not make the request."


13:04, Today: Stanley Bishop rolled 51 using 1d100 with rolls of 51.  Persuade 71.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Tue 05 Apr 2016.

He listened to Bishop speak, his expression tightening slightly as he listened, his brows drawing together gradually. It didn't seem as if he was pleased by the general direction of the conversation. Barrington was polite in his response, but it was easy for Bishop to tell that he seemed cross.

"You perhaps should have stuck with Mr. Moretti's story - that you were here to finish up some of Mr. Elias's research and that Jonah Kensington recommended me to you as I had spoken to Mr. Elias and as a general contact," he said evenly.

"Should Scotland Yard not prove up to the task, which has unfortunately been the case so far, it is possible that we might contract with an agency such as your own for additional assistance, but everything we do is strictly above board. We don't employ civilian vigilantes for 'technical assistance,' as you call it," he said. His tone made it clear that this was perhaps the most distasteful part of Bishop's request.

"As far as being in harm's way, since you aren't the Chief Inspector nor Egyptian, I don't believe you have anything to be concerned about. Given that every victim of these killings has been Egyptian, aside from the former Chief Inspector, I think that places you outside of their target demographic. Rest assured that if you're only here to be involved in some academic pursuit as Mr. Moretti indicated, then you should be fine. If you are on the other hand, here to conduct some manner of vigilante operation that touches on my investigation, then you may be in trouble with the murderers and will definitely be in trouble with me."

"I'm going to be straightforward with you, Mr. Bishop. If you have no intention of meddling in my case, I'm not sure why you wanted to let me know you were in my jurisdiction, why you seem to be offering to be an instrument of some manner of extrajudicial assistance, and why you're asking for my support in helping you to procure a firearm in connection with the matter. A professional courtesy visit would be expected if you were pursuing an investigation in my jurisdiction, but you have stated earlier that this was not the case. Unfortunately, this contradiction along with your line of inquiry has only gone towards convincing me that you are intent on somehow meddling in my case."

"So let me ask you one more time. What exactly are you doing here in London?"

---

OOC:

Bishop passed his Persuasion check, but it didn't work out in this situation as he didn't present a credible case for needing a firearm. Furthermore, his offer of 'technical assistance' did not rest well with Barrington, who does things by the book and is very strict about following the law.

What the passing result got him is convincing Barrington that it is worth talking to Bishop and not summarily tossing him out.

Bishop replied in a neutral tone "There is no other story. We are indeed finishing Jack's work. Where you got the idea of anything is beyond me."

"As you seem certain that your case had nothing to do with Jack's murder, and as I have the utmost confidence in you to bring a speedy end to your case and bring the killers to justice, I shall sleep easy knowing that you are on the job."

"I have already wasted to much of your valuable time. No doubt you have many leads to follow up Chief Inspector. Thank you for your time." Bishop offered the man a handshake before departing.

"Yes, finishing a story. The sort of story that needs guns to finish, no doubt," he said dryly in response to Bishop's denial.

"I've met Mr. Elias, and I am quite convinced that he was neither an Egyptian an have records to show that he wasn't the last Chief Inspector here at Scotland yard either, so yes, unless you can convince me he was a secret Egyptian I'm certain that his death was not related to what I'm investigating, though perhaps his theories will play out in the end."

Barrington shook his hand formally. "Best of luck completing your...'story' Mr. Bishop. I hope it's the sort of story that doesn't involve any law breaking, for if it does, my passing acquaintance with Kensington won't keep you from getting pinched."

"You do know that Jack had just returned from Egypt, and his book was to a small degree focused on death cults of Egypt don't you?" Bishop asked a bit surprised by the Chief Inspector's attitude.

"Well in any case, if you are ever in New York, please look me up so I can return the hospitality."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Sat 09 Apr 2016.

"Yes, I'm aware that he recently returned from Egypt. Before that, I believe he was in Shanghai and Hong Kong. His itinerary, however, does not make you an Egyptian any more than it makes you a Chinaman. Neither that nor the suggestion that he was writing a book about Egyptian cults establish any connection between these killings or his own and his activities here in London, unless you have some information you're holding back from me," Barrington said.

"A good day to you, Mr. Bishop," he said as the Pinkerton appeared ready to make his exit.

Departing the office, Bishop sought out Moretti and headed out of the building before speaking "The man had no idea what he is up against. Sadly had we told him he would have thought us mad."

"I requested a permit for a pistol, but he denied it as we are not Egyptians. I also offered our assistance. He declined as Scotland Yard does not seek the assistance of amateurs. Given the extent of the crimes, I was surprised by his reply."

"Beyond the mention of the night club, the visit was not very fruitful." Bishop said.

As they walked Bishop was keen to spot any suspicious types, especially foreigners.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:29, Thu 14 Apr 2016.

"Maybe a little more fruitful than it first seemed," Moretti said. "I'm pretty certain that Jackson was on track with his suspicions about the cult."

Careful to keep his voice low, Moretti explained in brief how Barrington's account coincided with the descriptions of cult sacrifices in Life as a God.

link to a message in this game

"I think we should meet up with the others. Find out what they learned. Then, we need to plan a trip to the Blue Pyramid."

"When Barrington dismissed I thought it might be important, but with what you have mentioned it seems certain. Given the murderous nature of these savages will need to be discreet, if they get on our trail it will almout certainly end in violence." Bishop replied.


"Perhaps Leo can use some of his political connections to wrangle us permits. It might also be a good idea to stop by some of London's gunsmiths and aquire some hunting weapons .. for a trip to Africa."