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Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
Thomas Cotton
player, 372 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Fri 25 Nov 2016
at 12:26
  • msg #6

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

"A mirror that can harm your enemies. Sounds a bit Snow White to me...". He frowned uncomfortably. After what Tewfik had done to Milly the night before, as much as he would like to, he couldn't throw away the idea as idle myth. It would be better if such things wern't real so he clung to his skepticism like a blanket.

"Vincent and I went back to the Blue Pyramid. Didn't take long to flag down Zubaida and sneak away for a quiet word with her.
She's sure they wont link her with our break in so for now she's safe. She dosn't want to leave the city and we agreed we would keep our distance while we investigate further.".

The reporter nodded to Moretti.
"Our freind here caught on to something else Zubaida said though. The truck that visits the Pyramid seems to come around the turn of the month and Vincent figured it might be something to do with the phase of the moon.".

"We decided to call in on the Scoop before heading back here for some rest to follow a few other threads.". He shrugged. "Not a whole lot to tell really. Remember Crowley who was mentioned in Hustons notes? He's over in Tunisia right now so not much good to us here in London. Mahoney gave us a few nuggets I suppose.".
Tommy flicked to the page in his notebook and reeled off the few short scribbles he taken.
"Jackson stayed in the Savoy while he was in London. Barrington is very by the book. There hasn't been any tangible scandal around him or Penhew.
Oh, and the first day of the new lunar phase is tonight.".

This message was last updated by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Lawrence Avery
NPC, 28 posts
Valet
Sat 26 Nov 2016
at 16:26
  • msg #7

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Avery answered the telephone. "Yes, hello, Mr. Bishop," he said. Dr. Elias's valet then began to take down some notes with a pen and paper kept near at hand while Bishop spoke to him, making the appropriate sounds of understanding and affirmation as he spoke, but not more than strictly necessary.

"Yes, of course, Mr. Bishop. I shall inform the others, who have all returned here following their errands. The both of you take care. Mhm. Yes, very good sir. Yes, goodbye." Avery hung up the room's telephone and with his notes in hand came to report to the assembled group.

"Mr. Bishop telephoned, as you have likely gathered. First, he wished me to inform you that both he and Mr. Brandon are well, so at the moment you have no need of worry on that count. Second, he wanted me to appraise you of their doings and discoveries thus far. They visited the same spice shop that Mr. Moretti, Mr. Cotton, and Ms. O'Connor visited yesterday evening. While they were in the process of investigating the place, Mr. Bishop reports that a few suspicious looking foreigners approached the building, gained admission, and emerged carrying a large package, the dimensions of which lead them to assume it is the mirror that Mr. Moretti and company informed us of from their investigations of the same place the night before. The foreigners loaded the mirror into a lorry, which Mr. Bishop and Mr. Brandon followed to the Penhew Foundation, where it was lost among a variety of similar lorries unloading various items. Shortly afterward, Mr. Bishop and Mr. Brandon followed another lorry from the Penhew Foundation to some docks in Limehouse, where they are presently at a pub, presumably for the consumption of libations. Mr. Bishop is unsure whether the mirror is present at the Penhew Foundation, or whether the mirror is on board the lorry taken to the Limehouse docks."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Vincent Moretti
player, 273 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Sun 27 Nov 2016
at 20:38
  • msg #8

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Moretti looked at the floor as Avery shared what Bo and Bishop had discovered. And you left the damn thing there, didn't you? Now it's loose and most certainly in the wrong hands. Had he just been sloppy? Too focused on making certain that al-Sayed's death couldn't be connected to any of them? Or had he been afraid? Subconsciously unwilling to touch the horrid thing again?

He addressed Leo with a voice he didn't realize was hoarse until he began to speak. "Sir, if I may, from the sound of it, locating the mirror is very important in light of what Rosalie learned. I can't be positive that what Tommy and I uncovered about the lunar cycle is correct, but it does seem to fit with the timing of the gatherings based on what Zubaida was able to recall. If it is, that would suggest that the next gathering should take place this evening. al-Sayed's death could alter that schedule, but I don't believe it's safe to assume that's the case."

"That might mean that we need to split the group, with one part working to locate the mirror, the other tailing the lorry to whatever spot out of town the Brotherhood gathers at."


He frowned. "It might be best if most of us were involved in retrieving the mirror, especially if it's under any kind of guard, which seems likely. Following the lorry is more of a matter of observation. Gathering information." He shrugged. "Frankly, sir, it's probably something that I could handle all on my own."
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Rosalie Elias
player, 291 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 06:04
  • msg #9

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

"Thank you for the information, Avery."  Rosalie considered, tapping at her teacup with her fingernails.  She regarded Vincent for a moment.  "From what Avery reported, it sounds as though the mirror could be one of two places -- the Penhew Foundation, or at the docks where Stanley and Bo are loitering.  If the mirror was taken to the docks, then they intend to transport it somewhere."

"However, if your information about the lunar cycle is correct, I would guess that the mirror would probably still be at the Foundation where it will be used.  From your description of the room at the spice shop, there would surely be some sort of complicated ritual involved.  From my own research, there are certain substances that one would need to make the spell work on the mirror.  If they believe in such things, and intend to attempt it, they would need a secure workspace where they could do their witchery this evening."

"I'm at a loss as to how we'd gain access to the Penhew Foundation again.  If Uncle or I go again for public admittance, they would be suspicious."

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Thomas Cotton
player, 374 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 08:06
  • msg #10

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

"Handle the truck on your own Vincent? That wouldn't be much fun now would it!". Tommy clasped his freind on the shoulder. "I dont think any of us should go alone pasan. Paisan". He grinned repeating the word, trying to say it right. "Whatever. You're not alone buddy, we got your back.".

Listening to Rosa his brow furrowed in thought.
"Aren't we jumping ahead of ourselves here? We came to London to understand why Jackson came here; what this city has to do with the Carlyle expedition. Now we want to split our strength and smash a mirror, follow a truck, and if I know Bishop, raid the docks too. We dont seem focused.".

The reporter shrugged.
"Even if this mirror is magical,". He held up a hand to hinder objections. "I'm not saying its not. What do we think our enemy is going to do with it anyway?
They can't know we killed Tewfik. More importantly as far as our research goes these killings haven't exactly had mysterious causes.".
He jabbed a finger to his chest to emphasize the point. "A spike through the heart. Ritual killings, which means people to do the ritual. Twenty of whom get in a truck when the moon tells 'em to.".

He shrugged.
"After New York I get why we need to cut the head of this thing. But we can't fight the world ourselves. What if we just tip off the police to this meeting?

If a truck does head out tonight, and if some goons at the Penhew are involved, wont they be heading to the culty social event too? So we follow the truck and tip off the police, while the Penhew foundation is empty...

If nothing happens then we get a good night sleep and think this through more in the morning.".

This message was last updated by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 467 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 14:24
  • msg #11

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Leo furrowed his brow as he listened to what Stanley had reported and what the others thought about their next move. He nodded at Vincent's commentary. "I agree that it's important to get our hands on that mirror, but any tailing we do will be done by no less than two people."

Leo's gaze drifted between the others that were present. "As for the Penhew Foundation, I would think that the next time we gain access won't be through the front door. As Thomas suggests, there might be few people remaining at the Foundation if they are also involved in this meeting."

Leo frowned. "As for bringing in the police, I'm not against pulling them in to help stop the group from causing whatever trouble they are planning, but I'm also not certain how much information the police would share if successful or if they have enough information to take any legal action until they observe something."
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Vincent Moretti
player, 274 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 16:20
  • msg #12

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Moretti smiled at Cotton's sentiments of camaraderie and his attempts to speak Italian, but his brow quickly furrowed in thought as he considered the reporter and Rosalie's words.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Tipping off Barrington might be a sound idea. At this point, there's quite a bit we can give him without ever bringing up what happened with al-Sayed."

"We could discuss Life as a God. Explain that it was a book that Jackson was studying and outline the similarities between the details about the sacrifices described in it with the murders the Yard is investigating. And stress Crompton's assertion that he was bringing the Brotherhood to England."
He sighed. "That may be very similar to the information that Barrington already got from Jackson himself. But then, we can explain that we paid a visit to The Blue Pyramid, just as he had suggested, and that one of the employees had opened up to us about the Brotherhood and the lorry, once they found out that Tommy here was a reporter. We'll tell him that the information was given on condition of anonymity and throw in that our source expressed fears about reprisal that seemed genuine."

He shrugged. "It might be enough to get some police out to the Pyramid tonight. But Leo is correct. They probably wouldn't take any kind of action unless they observed something that was expressly illegal."

"As for sharing information, it's hard to guess. Barrington plays strictly by the book. He knows that we're trying to reconstruct Jackson's last days. If we were the source of a useful tip, he might be inclined to give us a little more than what the public was entitled to know, but probably not much more. If he puts some people in jail on suspicion of murder, especially since one of the victims was a Police Inspector, he's going to want to keep tight control over who knows what, to preserve the case for trial."

"Even so, the police have a lot more manpower than we do."


He slid his hands into his pockets. "When we went into al-Sayed's shop, among the cult accouterments we discovered, there were two vials there, which we took. Perhaps they contained the substances needed for the spell? I'll go get them so everyone can have a look."

He stepped out to retrieve the vials.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:19, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
The Keeper
GM, 1199 posts
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 18:12
  • msg #13

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Of the two red-brown sandstone vials Vincent retrieved to show the others, one of them contained a syrupy red substance, while the other contained a black powder flecked with odd, rubbery crystals. 
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 468 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Tue 29 Nov 2016
at 19:03
  • msg #14

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Leo looked at the substances Vincent brought to them. He first indicated the black powder. "This one looks like Gabeshegal. The one that is supposed to allow for striking at the mirror owner's enemies. I suppose that would make the other one Ub-raan? For the viewing of enemies?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Thomas Cotton
player, 375 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Thu 1 Dec 2016
at 01:43
  • msg #15

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Tommy blinked at Leo in confusion.
"I'm sorry, what? Have I missed evil magic 101?". Leo's expertise in the strange substances disturbed him. Moving on from the subject he continued.
"Whatever they are, we've got something the enemy wanted. That has to be a good thing.

So as for tonight; what's the plan? We watch for a truck at the pyramid and if we see one, call in the police? At the same time, if we see the Penhew Foundation empty we peek in there?

If Vincent is wrong about the lunar timing, or they've cancelled whatever they had planned because one of their favourite wackos fell down some stairs last night...then we sit tight and replan tomorrow? I agree we need to explore Penhew more. The other daylight option is a Times interview.".

This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Rosalie Elias
player, 292 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Thu 1 Dec 2016
at 05:48
  • msg #16

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

"If they made they, they can likely make more.  If not, then they'll come looking for it.  Which isn't good for us.  Uncle is referring to the texts that I translated.  Ub-ra-an, or Obra'an is another name for Red Sulphur, which is likely in the other jar.  Anyone with skill in chemistry might be able to fabricate it if they have a recipe.  I actually uncovered one in the library and copied it down." She flipped to it in her journal.

"The cuneiform I translated stated that the red sulphur could be used to view ones enemies.  The other was for striking them down."  Glancing at her notes, she lifted an eyebrow.  "Ah, I forgot to mention the scroll.  That translation was very interesting, as well.  It contains what some might believe to be a spell that can allow the caster to change his physical form.  If such a spell was true, then the caster could alter himself to any person or object that he knows.  Quite useful for infiltration,  I'd suspect." 



quote:
Scroll:

Rosalie quickly learns that the scroll contains a magical spell, Body Warping of Gorgoroth.  It allows the caster to change his or her physical form. The caster must invoke Nyarlathotep and repeat the phrases of the spell for 1d6+4 minutes while expending 6 magic points and an additional magic point for each point of SIZ to be gained or lost in the body warping. This spell also costs 2d6 Sanity points and 1 point of POW each time cast. Only one alteration per casting is possible, and the effect is permanent until the spell is recast to change back again. This spell cannot be cast on another being.

The sorcerer can change to any shape and appearance though retaining personal abilities. This form must be fleshly, though it can appear to be of stone, wood, a rug, etc. Once changed into a new shape, the caster has the mobility of that shape. The caster's STR, CON, INT, POW, and DEX never change. If emulating a person, the sorcerer's APP becomes that of the individual emulated. The caster can take on only the form of what he or she knows.


Cuneiform:

The first part of the inscription identified the entity to whom the Mirror was dedicated— “Šen-šen ___ Gal (The Mirror {or Wrath} of the Great ___ )” but the symbol where the God or King’s name should go has been chiselled out. The cuneiform inscription continues that the Mirror was made in Lagash and is a gift from King (Lu-Gal) Bur-ra Bu-ri-ia-aš (“Servant of the Lord of Thunder and the Lands”) to his “brother”, King of Egypt, Ne-ne-fe-ka-____; (this has no meaning in Sumerian and is probably a phonetic transcription of the Egyptian Ne-Nefer-Ka-____; The symbol which should represent the patron god of this pharaoh is likewise destroyed). “When the King my Brother wishes to view his enemy, anoint the mirror with Ub-raan. When he wishes to strike his enemy, anoint the mirror with Ga-bé-se-gal. Let there be no misunderstanding between us.”

Obra’an/Ub-ra-an: {Sumerian: “The sound of the drum of heaven”: ub—drum; ra—to strike, bang; an—sky, heaven}

Gabeshegal/Ga-bé-se-gal: {Sumerian: “The milk sacred to/from the shrine of the great howling/buzzing one”: ga—milk; bé—buzz or howl; se—shrine, sacred, dedicated to a god; gal—great, supreme}

You believe this is an artifact of significant importance, and significant fame will accrue to the archaeologist who publishes a paper describing it.

The only references to the Mirror occur after Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798. You locate an anecdote about an occultist operating in Paris during the Second Restoration, from a biography of the occultist Collin de Plancy:

One fellow made a small fortune claiming to have a mirror which allowed him to espy the boudoirs of Paris’ most beautiful ladies. The mirror, a dull grey affair curiously stamped with Hebrew symbols, was said to have been recovered from an Egyptian tomb plundered during Napoleon’s excursions there a generation previous. Anointing its metal with foul-smelling Eastern unguents, the mystic gained all sorts of rewards for his services. He came to a bad end, after agreeing to kill, by magic, the husband of a wealthy patron. When her agents arrived at his chambers to demand satisfaction, the reprobate had fled, magic mirror in tow. His body was found in a Genoese brothel a few weeks later, his heart clawed out as if by a wolf.

This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Vincent Moretti
player, 275 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 1 Dec 2016
at 15:26
  • msg #17

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Moretti was silent for a moment, considering all that had been said. Looking to Cotton, he said, "If we decide to involve the police, I think we need to make that decision now. If Scotland Yard is involved, we would almost have to stay back and leave the gathering to them." He shook his head. "Barrington's attitude during our meeting suggested that he would take a dim view of anyone besides the police attempting to enforce the law. If he, or one of his fellow officers, figured out that we were also watching the Pyramid, they'd definitely chase us off, or even find an excuse to arrest us."

"That's not to say that we couldn't tail the people from the Pyramid to their meeting place, then make a call to the police. But eventually, we'll end up crossing paths with Barrington if we do, and he's going to want to know why we didn't involve the Yard in the first place."


His attention drifted back to the vials. "So we know that the Red Sulphur can be created in a laboratory. But this...Gabeshegal." He gestured to the container with the black powder. "Can it also be created? Or is it more difficult to obtain?"

He returned his hands to his pockets, taking a few steps away from the rest of the group, the craving for a cigarette tickling his throat. Looking back at them, he asked, "This spell...it can be used to transform someone into anyone they know? Like, for instance, Edward Gavigan?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 469 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Sat 3 Dec 2016
at 20:14
  • msg #18

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Leo nodded at Tommy. "Apparently you have missed the basics of the mystical stuff that we've begun to encounter. Some of the information contained in the books I've read appears to tie in with what Rosie discovered about the mirror. Gabeshegal can indeed be created, though the process requires either the Milk of Shub- Niggurath, or from the mysterious ores mined by the Mi-Go. Now, I have no idea what either of those is. But I'm guessing at least one of the cultists does. Once they get the basic ingredient, it does take some distillation, probably in a lab of some sort."

Leo looked over at Vincent as he considered the spell discovered by Rosie. "I imagine you can look like anyone. I do worry about our using this sort of stuff, though. There are likely many potential dangers from mis-using the power. Though every now and then, it may be required."
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:18, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Rosalie Elias
player, 293 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Sun 4 Dec 2016
at 06:19
  • msg #19

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Rosalie stared at Vincent.  "You think it's possible for something like that to actually work?  I mean... I've come across a lot of things during my research, but most of it is just nonsense -- the beliefs of people from long ago that made up fantastic excuses for things they couldn't understand.  To actually transform into someone else?"  Her lips pressed into a thin line for a moment before she shrugged.

"My translations are accurate.  If you believe in such things, it says you could conceivably transform into anything that you know.  I suppose that includes anyone you know, as well.  Are you thinking of making an attempt?  To gain access to Penhew?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:17, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Vincent Moretti
player, 276 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Sun 4 Dec 2016
at 07:15
  • msg #20

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Moretti nodded. He pulled his cigarette case from his jacket pocket and began toying with it, turning it over and over with his restless hands. "In Harlem, we saw people...fought with people who were clearly dead. Corpses that had been animated, enabled to walk the earth again."

"That book that Jackson had been seeking. Africa's Dark Sects. We found it that hellhole of a basement. In it, there's a spell which accomplishes exactly what we encountered down there: raising the dead from the grave. It just requires the recitation of some specific phrases...and some blood."


He sighed, stepping over to the window to look out on the winter afternoon. "Based on what Bo and Stanley witnessed, there's clearly some connection between the Penhew Foundation and the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh. More importantly, the Foundation is the only thing that provides a potential link between the Carlyle Expedition and the cult here in London. I have a suspicion that what we might find in there would shed some light on why Jackson was so concerned with the Brotherhood, likely something that is tied to Aubrey Penhew himself."

"But as you pointed out, Rosalie, getting another appointment there would be difficult. Tommy could seek an interview, but the information we need is going to be well out of the public eye. It's probably going to be found in Gavigan's office, or other areas of the Foundation that are accessible only to a few."

"We can break in, but that carries some real risk. It isn't going to be as easy as getting into a spice shop in Soho. And this isn't New York. If we put ourselves in a position here in London where violence became involved, there could be some lasting legal consequences. If someone entered the Foundation as Gavigan, even after hours, it would likely allay any kind of suspicion long enough for that person to find some pivotal clues. Maybe even locate and remove the mirror."


He turned back, looking to Leo. "I understand your concern, sir. And I agree. Based on what I've read, and witnessed, using such spells seems to carry a real risk of...corruption. But in this case, it may be the most effective means to access the Penhew Foundation."

He frowned. "I would be inclined to take that risk, sir. To use the spell myself. If I may speak bluntly, although it isn't something that's generally discussed, the fact is everyone here is well aware of what I do for a living. What I've been since I was a teenager. I don't bring it up to make anyone uncomfortable, sir, but simply to point out a fact."

"Everyone that is part of this effort possesses knowledge or credentials that will be important to this effort. Especially when you reach Africa. Save for me. My criminal contacts only stretch into Europe. No further."

"Were I to be arrested, my background could easily shield anyone else from being tied to the mishap. Scotland Yard sends a telegram to New York, finds out what I've done and who I'm tied to, and the case gets closed fairly quickly. If something worse were to occur...well, with regard to the rest of you moving forward with the investigation, the loss would be inconsequential."

This message was last updated by the GM at 02:17, Mon 05 Dec 2016.
Lawrence Avery
NPC, 29 posts
Valet
Mon 5 Dec 2016
at 02:16
  • msg #21

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

A knock on the door answered by Avery is followed by the entrance of Stanley and Walter, whose presence is then announced diligently by the valet.
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 470 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Mon 5 Dec 2016
at 04:37
  • msg #22

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Leo frowned as he looked around the room, pondering Vincent's words. There was some logic, but this wasn't a decision they should take lightly or make quickly. The physician glanced at the door when Avery knocked, and his frown melted quickly away when the other two members of their intrepid crew were again reunited with the rest.

"Stanley! Walter! Glad you're back. We were just discussing our potential next steps. Have you any news to share?" Leo smiled at the two gentlemen as his gaze drifted back-and-forth between them.
Thomas Cotton
player, 376 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Mon 5 Dec 2016
at 11:22
  • msg #23

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Tommy had listened with interest as the conversation moved to the mimicking of Gavigan. He watched Vincent closely - the man was deadly serious. And despite his mind wanting to object, the young reporter couldn't fault the plan. After New York...after Tewfik...he couldn't for sure throw out ideas of the occult. And if such things were in fact possible...then Moretti's idea made alot of sense.

"I'm with Vincent. If such a thing is possible it would be the ideal way of accessing the foundation. If the mumbo jumbo works, then great. Do the hoo-do, get in and out and cast back to normal. If it turns out to be nonsense then what have we lost?".

He looked up as Bishop and Bo returned.
"Welcome back guys!". Briefly he relayed the discussion so far.

ooc - for ease can we assume that Bo and Bishop are updated on the thread so far so we dont have to repeat it all
Vincent Moretti
player, 277 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Wed 7 Dec 2016
at 15:27
  • msg #24

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Briefly, Moretti took Brandon and Bishop aside, outlining all that had been discussed thus far, including his proposal regarding the use of the spell.
Walter 'Bo' Brandon
player, 404 posts
Age 35 APP 09 SIZ 13
Wed 7 Dec 2016
at 16:57
  • msg #25

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Bo focuses on his feet, shaking his head: "Can't go along with your plan, Vince."

He raises his head and looks straight into his friend's eyes.

"First, we don't know what this spell will do. Not really. Second, you know how exposure to this sorcery has affected Stan and Miss O'Connor. Who knows what it might do to you? Third, will it even be possible to get Vincente, the true you, back again?

"But most important, paisan,"
he reaches out and grips Moretti's upper arm, "Most important, you are not expendable. We need you and all your brains and all your abilities. So, no."

He turns to the others, raising his voice so everyone hears him: "I vote no."
Vincent Moretti
player, 278 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Wed 7 Dec 2016
at 18:15
  • msg #26

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Moretti clapped Bo on the shoulder, finding a smile. "Paisan, I appreciate what you're saying. More than I can tell you."

He looks his friend in the eyes. "But you've got to think this through. It's like we talked about before. This is guerra...war. These people...they murdered a police inspector. They're not going to have any hesitation about killing anyone else that would threaten what they're doing."

"In Harlem, we got lucky for the most part. We didn't lose anyone and we didn't end up with the law on our backs. But that was New York. We don't have the same resources here. Joe the Boss can't wave money under a cop's nose and make things go away in London. We're on our own with the consequences of whatever we put in motion."


His expression became earnest. "Bo, you've got to look at this from my point of view. Even though I feel like a fish out of water here in England, there is one thing for certain: I've had a hand in doing the right thing, in putting a stop to something that should have been halted a long time ago. Let's say we see this whole thing through. Put an end to all the evil that Jackson uncovered. What do I go back to? Busting more heads for Masseria? Protecting his profits until I drop my guard at the wrong moment and someone puts a bullet in the back of my head?"

He thrust his hands into his pockets. "I've been doing what I do since I was sixteen, Bo. I did it because it looked like a way to make sure my madre and Emily would be taken care of after Papa died. Problem was, I didn't fully understand what I was becoming and by the time I did, it was too late. I was already lost. Doing this...maybe it gives me a shot at balancing the scales some with the Almighty."

He shook his head. "You're right. I have no idea what the spell will do. The ones we've seen so far...they haven't brought about anything good. But it could work. And if it does, it might keep most of the people in this room from taking an unnecessary risk."

He shrugged. "In my book, that's worth the gamble."
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 471 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Thu 8 Dec 2016
at 03:17
  • msg #27

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Leo nodded at Bo's response, and frowned again at Vincent's insistence. "This, er, magical spell seems to require requesting the power from something called Nyarlathotep. That gives me some pause as we don't know much about this Nyarlathotep."

Or does he?

19:13, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 43 using 1d100 with rolls of 43.  Cthulhu Mythos (13).

No, it doesn't seem so.


"It may be necessary at some point, but can we first try more mundane methods? I think the use of such a thing as that spell should be a last resort. And I agree with Walter. You aren't expendable, Vincent. As you say, you've been doing what you do since you were sixteen. Breaking and entry should be something you have experience doing? It seems like that would have higher chance of success than relying on some ancient scroll."
Vincent Moretti
player, 279 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 8 Dec 2016
at 05:05
  • msg #28

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Although the possible advantages of utilizing the spell still seemed compelling to Moretti, he knew that abiding by Leo's wishes was the right course. There was ample reason why Leo held the respect of so many. His judgment could be trusted.

Moretti nodded. "Of course, sir," he replied, "I'll approach the problem however you think best."
Thomas Cotton
player, 377 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Fri 9 Dec 2016
at 02:04
  • msg #29

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

Tommy frowned.
"Of course Vincent isn't expendable. Who said he was? Sure he might not realise how important he is to us, but his plan still makes sense.".
The reporter paced across the room.
"If I had to bet, I'd say these spells are bull shit. But if they are not...
Why are we sat here pretty, ignoring what is obviously a play that makes sense. IF that spell works, there ain't no better way of getting in the foundation.".
He looked around the room-he'd yet to hear a better plan.

For some reason he felt his anger rising.
"So what if the spell calls up nyar-whatever or some old dead God. If there were benevolent beings we would know about it. The words of the ritual are just that. Words.

Are you saying it's better we risk all to break in to the foundation? Risk anyone involved being shot or sent to jail, ahead of the threat of some ghost?
The spell mumbo jumbo risks nothing. If it works, great. If not...as seems likely...we lost nothing AND understand our enemies limitations better.".

He sighed.
"We ain't a bunch of thieves and criminals. We should play a game that suits our strengths against theirs. They have numbers and force. We have stealth and intellect.".
He shrugged.
"Bo, Stan, you saw New York. How much chance do we have against a foe playing with that rule set. We've got to take the upper hand.".
Expecting to be shouted down the reporter lingered before the scroll that held the spell; trying to decipher words he could not comprehend.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Fri 09 Dec 2016.
Millicent O'Connor
player, 109 posts
Age 29. App 14, Siz 10
Innocent Businesswoman
Fri 9 Dec 2016
at 17:55
  • msg #30

Chapter 2.3: Mirrors, Spice and Everything Nice [01/30/1925]

  Millicent sat unusually quiet, listening to the others speak about their next move. When Vincent brought up the notion of actually using magic, she paled visibly.

 "Oh God," she blurted out, looking horrified. "I can't believe you people are actually thinking of using that...that," pointing at the scroll trying to come up with the words and failing. "...evil. Have you forgotten what one of those spells did to ME? And you want to be just like them, use this...this.. magic not really knowing what it will actually do? TO them, to you maybe?"

  Millicent stopped to catch a breath. "Christ, I normally would be the first to say fight fire with fire and all that, but I don't know," she said shaking her head. "I think we're better then that; listen to Dr. Elias, there's got to be another way without messing with that."   
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