The vehicle wound its way through the English back country roads until they arrived at the White Horse, in Harwich. The town was located some seven miles northeast of their eventual destination, making it the closest major area, aside from the various small hamlets that speckled the countryside. Going in, they discovered a warm and friendly space, and that Avery had indeed secured them a few rooms.

Bo will be sharing a room with Leo when he arrives. Once he's unpacked, he goes around to the room Vince and Tommy are sharing and knocks on the door.

Inside, he says to Vince, "I figure we better go out and recce Misr House. Hopefully, three guys tramping the woods with shotguns under their arms won't seem too suspicious. We'll try to get an idea of the ground and their strength and dispositions. If we get a good opportunity to go in for a closer look..."

"We take it," Moretti says, his voice hoarse. "If the Brotherhood keeps with its usual traditions, the majority of the members won't be present at the estate until midnight. So the house might be only lightly guarded this early." He took a sip of the coffee he'd purchased earlier. "The more we can learn, the more advantages we can stack in our favor, the better."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:52, Wed 30 Aug 2017.

Tommy nodded seriously.
"We know the place is going to get busier later. Hopefully Leo will be bringing Barrington and reinforcements but if we can get in before we are expected, all the better.

The map said it's still a good few miles from here - too far to walk. I say we drive by on the main road first. Take a look at the place then park up and see if we can circle round.".

He paused to peer out of the window to the town high-street below.
"Before we go we should spend ten minutes to see what the locals have to say about Misr House. I'd rather not ask around in this pub and let people know exactly where we are staying, but I can see a church, a garage and a few stores down there. What do you say we take one each and meet back at the car in ten? Would be nice to find out if we can hire a boat here too. We won't be able to hide the fact we are American's. Best cover story I can think of is that we are old contacts of Jim Barton and Samantha Riley the old owners of Misr House, here on holiday.

I know its risky that we'll tip someone off, but chances are Gavigan knows we are coming anyway? We need all the help we can get.".

Bo frowns at Tommy's suggestion and says, "If I were Gavigan, I'd have watchers planted here in the village. I'd especially have them looking out for Americans. I don't see how we could get much information without people noticing us and remembering us.

"I'm not even sure I want to drive within sight of the place. Let's just find a secluded spot near the village and unpack the guns there. An hour's walk isn't going to hurt us, but we better get going."

He looks to Vince to get his response.

Moretti nodded. "Gavigan's an influential man. Joe Masseria, he's got all of Italian Harlem in his pocket. Every shopkeeper, cab driver, and beat cop in the neighborhood reports anything that's going in that part of the city to him. It wouldn't surprise me if Gavigan's got the same sort of arrangement."

"Taking a hike through the woods to get a look at the place is probably the safest play." He chuckled in spite of himself, glancing at Bo. "It's going to feel like New Orleans all over again."

He sighed. "Once we've been able to see it from all angles, we can decide how much closer we want to get."

He clapped Cotton on the shoulder. "No time to waste. The sooner we're there, the sooner we'll have the answers we need."

Tommy nodded. It couldn't be that all of Norfolk was in Gavigan's pocket, but it was a fair risk
risk some might be.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
But you are right-time matters. Let's drive by on the road, then dump the car somewhere secluded and circle
Back round.".

He stood, determined to face Misr House with his friends.

Taking to their vehicle, the three men drove it in the direction indicated by the maps that they had. Before they left, they took a look at their map. In order to get to the Misr House, they'd have to take a narrow bridge that lead them across the place where the marshland met the sea towards a small island, home to the fabled Misr House and a wooded area, but not much else.

Driving gave them an entirely different perspective, as it became apparent that there was likely little purpose of taking this road other than going to the estate in question.

---

OOC:

Here's a map of the general area I'm describing:



Before proceeding, I'd like to know exactly what you plan to do. Drive across the bridge onto the island, park the car somewhere and proceed on foot, etc. Specifics, gentlemen. :)
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:17, Wed 01 Nov 2017.

What's the scale of the map?

I'm presuming the dike is elevated above the generally low lying land. I'd say we park the car before the bend in the road (at the nearest) and strike off to the northeast (presuming the map is north-oriented) to reach the dike, then follow it easterly until it makes that sharp turn back to the south.

We can climb to the top there and use its height as a vantage point to (perhaps) survey Misr House with our binoculars. We may also be able to see the bridge from there to see how long it is and whether there are any sentries there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Tue 05 Sept 2017.

EDIT - I think I've been posting at the same time as Bo, so overlapping his comments here.

If the Island is Small (say, less than a mile across) then we should not drive on to it. If the island is significant in size, we should drive on.
From your words small and the map, I'm assuming the former and we can glimpse the house from the road? Is that right? If so we certainly shouldn't stop anywhere within vision.

Given these assumptions, we should dump the car (say, a mile or two away...hopefully after another junction, or somewhere not obvious). If there is nowhere obvious, we could split up.
One of us drops of the other two close, and parks the car further away.
Where-ever we park the car, we should also hide the (single?) set of keys.

Once out of the car we will have the weapons, and will attempt to see:
- Can we see any other likely river crossing points by foot (bridges, overhanging trees, where it looks shallow etc). For example, how passable does the swampy side look?
- Can we see any people, structures, or vehicles (including boats/a boat wharf, or the 'truck' we expect will be in Soho later)
- What can we make of the island.

Pending the above, I expect we aim to cross to the island away from the bridge (if easy crossing), else over bridge, then stay off the road under cover and approach the house proper.

Question - did we pass a phone box on the way (so if we get info and need to pass it on in a hurry, do we all know where to drive to or run to...even if it is miles away, or back in the town itself).

OOC: I think the suggestion of finding some high ground south of the bridge and getting a look at the island with binoculars is a wise first step. My prime concern would be the aforementioned sentries on or near the bridge. If some are present, we make a plan of attack. If not, we venture across. I'd be wary of attempting any other crossing besides the bridge.

I also agree that driving the car across might not be wise. Given the apparent isolation of the locale, the sound of an engine might be easy to discern, and if we're coming in at a time when visitors aren't expected, it might prompt investigation by the estate's residents.

Once we're across, we get as close as we possibly can. Inside, even, if we can do so without detection.

On a side note, I'm going to admit up front that I'm completely geeking over this situation. A crumbling, seaside estate on a remote island just screams Lovecraft. It's awesome. :)

With the layout of the area in mind, the three men set off towards the Misr House in the hopes of scouting out the area. Pulling the car well off the road, they found a place to park it, lodging the key securely out of sight, but within the vehicle's framework should one of them need to access it at need at any time.

Making their way towards the dike, they were able to climb to the top, barely cresting the ridge, and lowering themselves so they didn't stand out too much. A pair of binoculars gave them a spectacular view of the small island before them.

The road leading to the island had narrowed even as they had approached, but from this view they could see that it further reduced in width to the extent that at most one vehicle could traverse the bridge at a time in either direction. At the end of the bridge, a small gatehouse spanned the road, with a vehicle gate spanning the gap within it and a pedestrian gate to one side. At the top of the gatehouse there was a room that allowed observation outward, and it appeared there was a man there within. The gatehouse itself was a small structure, but seemed as if it could comfortably hold four men, any more being possible but a squeeze.

Casting their glance further to the east across the island, they could see the road lead to a large building in the distance where their map indicated the Misr House would be. It looked to be, as they knew, a two stories, a large manor house that might a dozen or more bedrooms and servants quarters to boot, besides other common areas proper and necessary for the functioning of such a residence.

The western half of the island seemed mostly to be a lightly forested area. The bridge itself seemed to be near a dividing line where the sea met the marshes. On the western side of the island, the terrain was marshy. On the eastern side, it was coastal. From their position, it might be a half mile to the gatehouse, and perhaps three quarters of a mile from there to the Misr House.



OOC:

General: The map isn't particularly to scale, but more about overall positioning. I can answer things more specifically about how far things are, what you can see from where, etc.

I'm going to try to amaglamate the suggestions from your various posts and work them into one for ease and simplicity, and will be glad to adjust as needed if you want to add an element to your approach.

Walter: You're correct about the dike's elevation, and the potential for an overview.

Tommy: The island is indeed small. There's no phone box on the way. Out this far, there isn't much phone service except what is available in the larger towns of Harwich and Colchester. You might imagine that even an estate such as the Misr House is lacking in phone service.

"Vince, it looks to me like, if they're prepared to fire on anyone coming across the bridge, they could hold off a company of infantry, at least for a while. The only chance would be to approach at speed and try to crash the gate before they knock out the driver. Course, with an armored car..."

Bo turns his attention to the house and it's outbuildings, trying to see if there's a boat or a boathouse.

Maybe Tommy's idea of a boat was a good one, but time was getting short. No phone would be a point in their favor, at least.

Moretti studied the scene for several minutes, nodding when Bo shared his thoughts. Ignoring his craving for a cigarette, he said, "I think you're right, as far as any sort of direct approach goes. If they have any sort of warning, they could kill every one of us before we got a third of the way across that bridge. Using a car to go through the gate...it's a gamble."

He frowned. "Of course, there's always inganno. Trickery."

"We could approach the gate as a group, shotguns openly displayed, calling out for help. Claiming we're a group of hunters who got separated from the rest of our group. My guess would be that whoever's manning the gate would be suspicious by nature, so it might not play. But there's always a chance."

He glanced back down the road. "Of course, we're expecting the lorry to come. But it'll be loaded with people. But if it's not the only vehicle that arrives, we could try to hijack one of the others. See if we could get in the gate that way. If the guards recognize the car, It's possible they'd just wave us through."

"There's also the spell. The one Rosalie translated that changes someone's appearance. She could make one of us look like Cockburn, the guard Tommy and I did in at the Foundation. It could work, provided none of the Brotherhood knows that he's dead."

He sighed, briefly silent as he focused on the manor. "There's one other idea. But...you wouldn't like it, Bo. Still, it could very well work. One of us could cause a scene at the gatehouse. Get themselves caught while making a clumsy attempt to get inside. Then, while the guards are figuring out what to do with the intruder, the rest of the group sneaks onto the grounds." He paused, taking another long look at the gatehouse. "If it all went well, the others could rescue whoever went in first."

"By 'sneak' I take it you mean swim. You're right, I don't like it.

"But if that lorry's not hear yet..."

Bo scans the grounds, looking for a lorry, which presumably wouldn't be easy to hide.

Moretti shook his head gently. "No, no. I don't mean swim. I mean that one of us goes down there alone and gets themselves caught, causing enough of a problem that most of the guards in the gatehouse get involved in restraining them. So, while the majority of the watchdogs are carting their new captive off to the manor to see Gavigan, the rest of the group uses the opportunity to get through the gatehouse and onto the property."

"It just means one of us ends up in Gavigan's clutches. And potentially killed out of hand," He focused on the gate house again. "I'd be willing to take the risk."

OOC: Is there a part of the house, or a separate structure, that looks like it might serve as an indoor garage?

OOC: If there is, you can't see it from where you are now.

Moretti frowned, taking in the layout of the island one last time. "One more thought," he said, "I think we should take a closer look at the marsh. Try to get a sense of how deep it is. It's fronted by the forested area of the island. If there's a route through it that could be traversed safely, it might give us a chance to reach the manor undetected."

Tommy lay on his stomach on the grass, peering through the binoculars at the island while his friends spoke in hushed tones.
"Well, one good thing at least is they don't seem to have any telephone wires over there. Surely by now your little surprise at the Foundation has been uncovered, but there is a good chance who-ever is on this island dosn't know about it yet...".
He rolled to his back and sat up thoughtfully.

"Vince, if one of us walks up to that guardhouse and causes a ker-fuffle, that person is getting shot. We know these guys are killers...what you are suggesting is too risky.
Either we hit them hard by force or we try some other ruse.".

He shrugged.
"The hunters with shot-guns might get us close enough to have a fair chance. But I like the idea of hi-jacking another vehicle even better. Problem is we dont know another car or truck is coming and we could spend hours waiting...unless we get back to Harwich and commandeer some plausible supply delivery truck.".

The reporter passed the binoculars back to Bo before nodding at the suggestion to get a better look at the marshes. "Yeah, maybe there is a way through the marshes. I'd rather face a pile of mud than guys with guns. As for spells..." he frowned, still struggling to accept such things were real. "Rosalie isn't here. And even if that mumbo-jumbo did work, why go for the guard...why not become Gavigan?".

Climbing back down the far side of the embankment the trio clung to the thick hedgerows of the Norfolk fields as they swept West toward the swamp side of the Island.


I think we are all heading toward Swamp town? So following Vincent's lead as dice are always fun:

13:14, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 17 using 1d100 with rolls of 17.  Spot hidden vs 70.
13:13, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 21 using 1d100 with rolls of 21.  Stealth vs 80.


This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Wed 13 Sept 2017.

Moretti nodded. "That's a fair point, paisan. Out here, as isolated as it is, there's no reason for them not to kill an intruder."

He sighed, silently weighing their options. As Cotton had pointed out, without Rosalie, the spell was probably not a viable idea. Depending on when she and Leo arrived, the window for such a deception to be believable might well have passed. Letting his eyes travel the boundary of the island one last time, he settled on a course of action.

"I'm going to go down, find a point that's well concealed, and see if the marsh can be crossed on foot. If it can be, I think it might be our best option."

Keeping to the trees, he made his way west, doing his utmost to remain unseen while searching for a possible crossing point.

If needed:

08:23, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 11 using 1d100 with rolls of 11. Stealth - Stealth 80%.

08:36, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 95 using 1d100 with rolls of 95.  Spot Hidden - Spot Hidden 60%.

"I'd expect Gavigan is already on the island and the guards know it. They may be more familiar with the magic than we are.

"I'm going back to the car to keep watch. If a truck comes up, I may try to hijack it."

Bo hikes back to where they left the car. He pulls it across the road, effectively blocking passage. Then he takes up a position on the island side in the undergrowth with a shotgun, watching for traffic.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 41 for Spot Hidden 58%; 79 for Stealth 60%.

From his vantage point, it was hard to assess the terrain accurately, especially given how unfamiliar he was with it. While well traveled, he was more familiar on the city streets of New York than in marshes.

Walter, on the other hand, found no traffic coming towards their point.

Are Vincent and I west enough to be out of view of the bridge and house? If so I expect we will approach the marshes closer. We are essentially looking for a way on to the island which avoids the bridge. In my mind marshes are hard going but passable in the UK, depending how deep they may be.
While we are above the marshes by the hedgerow's I'd propose we try and break off some long sturdy branches if possible to help us through the marsh.
If we are still in view of the bridge (guards?) and house (guards?) then let us know and we'll pause to reconsider.

You can find a place not far from the bridge itself that by virtue of its proximity of the bridge is completely shielded from view from the guardhouse. Once you flank out further than that, you'll need to make a Stealth roll.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 22):

OOC:

To Walter's question, you did not see a truck on the island. As to where a truck might hypothetically be concealed,a reminder to my earlier note that you can't see anything on the other side of the building. Lots of things might be back there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 26):

How convenient. ;)

Sliding through a gap in the hedgerow Tommy paused for Vincent to follow.
He nodded down the bank toward the marshes below.
"Here - those trees are blocking the view from the bridge. Let's see if we can make any headway down there. Ready to get your feet dirty?".

For a moment he paused, looking up and down the hedge row to identify a sturdy branch they could use to test the depth of the water and help if the going was hard.

<ooc>If I understand correctly, Tommy and Vincent are out of view of the house and the bridge, and will now attempt to cross on to the island itself.
Did anyone think to bring a flare or any way of setting off a signal? I guess not...</ooc>

Moretti put his hand on Cotton's shoulder. "Hang on, paisan. Bo and I, we did some work together down in New Orleans a few years back. I learned a bit of how the streets work down there...but I never got a good grasp on how to make my way through the bayou. Too many years in the city, I suppose. But Bo...Bo knew how to navigate the swamp."

He pointed back, over his shoulder. "I want him to get a look at this. He might see a way we could safely cross. Stay put. I'm going to see if he and I can switch places."

Moretti retreated back through the trees, keeping to the foliage. When he neared the place where the car had been parked, he called out to Bo twice, so the other man knew that it was him who was approaching. Once there, he explained the need for Bo's expertise. "If you could take a look, I'll stay here. Keep watch on the road."

OOC:

Tommy, I probably explained it poorly. Let me bit a bit more direct:

If you're checking out the swampy shore on your side, you need to make a stealth check, unless you're just under the bridge or right next to it, or unless you submerge yourself mostly in the water.

Now Vincent seems mostly to be in a state of assessing it - I don't think anyone's attempting a crossing quite yet.

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 29):

"Okay, Vince, I'll go check it out."

He passes the loaded shotgun to Vincent, certain the man can see the purpose of having the car mostly block the road.

By the time he reaches Tommy's position, he has acquired a dead branch, reasonably straight and about five feet long. He doesn't like how open and exposed the marshland is, but at least it will be less infested with carnivorous and venomous fauna than the swamps he's known in Louisiana and Africa.

"You stay here. No use both of us getting caught," he whispers to the young reporter, "I'll try to get over to that more solid-looking area and work my way onto the island from there.

"Take this." He passes Stan's .38 to Tommy. "If I'm being chased when I get back here, you cover me as I get up the dyke. Then you take off. We'll meet back at the car, that way."

Walter takes a sight on the bridge and a tall dead tree the other side of the dyke and slips down the bank into the water. He submerges up to his head and tries to keep the high grasses between him and the guardhouse on the bridge.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 120 using 2d100 with rolls of 41,79.  Spot Hidden 58%; Stealth 60%.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

OOC:

08:56, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Walter 'Bo' Brandon, rolled 21 using 1d100 with rolls of 21.  Natural History (35).

Leaning back in to the tree that swept its branches over the field beside them Tommy nodded as 'Bo slid in to the marshes. His chest felt tense as he glanced toward the bridge - while the guard house was out of sight who knew what danger might be near.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 32):

Bo clambers up onto solid ground and lies on his back for a few moments to catch his breath. Starting to feel chilly, he stands and makes his way to the edge of the islet, peering across another stretch of marsh to the woods around Misr House.

He looks for any glimpse of a fence or wall running through those woods.

Cotton had watched Bo's path carefully and when his freind climbed out of the mud unscathed he concentrated on the path he had taken. Down the dyke by the dead tree, toward that clump of grass, out where the ground sagged into the swamp there.

He looked expectantly toward Bo waiting for a signal to cross or any indication where a better path might be found from Bo's new viewing angle.

Its that or ambush the guard post from both sides, but without knowing how full it is, sounds risky.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Fri 22 Sept 2017.

As far as Walter can see, there is no indication of walls or fences. It seems that the small island has relied on the bridge's gatehouse as the main control for ingress and egress from the island and the estate itself.

In for a penny...

Bo slips into the marsh that separates the land he presently occupies and what he's now thinking of as Misr Island. Keeping low, he slogs through the marsh toward the wooded shore.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Fri 22 Sept 2017.

Wading his way across the frigid water, Bo was barely able to keep his head above water at various points, but managed to pull himself onto the opposite shore, keeping low to the ground. A scant few yards from where he was, he could see a copse of trees that was the start of a sparsely wooded area.

---

OOC:

Bo, make a Stealth roll to stay out of sight as you pull yourself ashore (unless you want to stay in the frigid water, in which case I can amend my post, but in that case I'll ask for a CONx5 roll.).

Cotton could almost feel the chill of the water in his own bones as he watched Bo moved, breathing a sigh of relief as on the opposite bank Bo pulled himself at last free from the muck.
As Bo looked back Tommy gestured what would be a clear suggestion; he was ready to follow.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 38):

'Bo' Brandon rolled 67 for Stealth 60%. Dammit.

The bank is wet and it's hard to get a good grip on the roots and grasses that present themselves as handholds, leading to several splashy slips before he gets onto dry land. He crawls into the cover of trees and gorse. He lies still, controlling his breathing and listening for any human noises.

Seeing Tommy, he gestures for the eager young man to stay put.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 26 Sept 2017.

Cotton frowned, but sank back against the tree for cover. He trained the weapon he'd been given at the far side of the bank, toward the bridge in case anyone strayed toward Bo.

If Bo had been spotted, there was no sign of it: no uptick in activity, no sounds indicating an investigation, and no one coming out to check on the noise. It seems, for the moment, as if it had gone without remark.

Once he's caught his breath, Bo begins to move. Keeping low, crawling when there isn't good concealment, he works his way to his left, staying in sight of the shoreline.

Once he judges that he's got to the opposite side of the island from the bridge, he begins working through the wooded area toward the house. When the cover thins out he drops to a crawl until he comes to cleared space from which he can see Misr House and its outbuildings.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:34, Wed 04 Oct 2017.

OOC:

Let me get a battery of rolls from you here, Bo:
- Luck
- Listen
- Spot Hidden
- Stealth

OOC: Does this group of rolls have anything to do with the Star Spawn of Cthulhu wandering the island that hasn't eaten in the better part of three weeks?

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 45):

NO!!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Thu 28 Sept 2017.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 53,60,30,3:
53 for Luck 55%,
60 for Listen 40%,
30 for Spot Hidden 58%,
3 for Stealth 60%.

Cotton swore under his breath. Was Bo exploring the island on his own? They'd come to get answers together...

Is Bo moving in land? If so, if he dosnt return within a few minutes Tommy will certainly follow him over. If Bo is within sight and just seems to be scouting then Tommy will lay low though.

Here's what I think.

We left the car at about the word 'ROAD' on the map, so Vince should be about there.

Bo left Tommy on the marsh side of the dike, just above the letter E on the left side of the map.

Tommy saw Bo cross to the western island and then to the point on Misr Island just above the indentation on the west side. Bo then worked his way along that shore and around to the north side. He is no longer in view.

Keeper? Sound correct?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Wed 04 Oct 2017.

Yes, that is how I read it too Bo.
In which case Tommy will be pursuing you, and probably getting himself in to trouble on the way :)

OOC: For his part, Moretti is going to give things about fifteen or twenty more minutes. If he doesn't have any contact from Cotton or Bo by the end of that, he's going to presume that the worst has befallen them.

In such a case, he'll break out the front windshield of the car, make sure the shotgun and his pistol are loaded, then drive at the gate at top speed, firing at anyone he sees and screaming promises of vengeance in Italian.

This is going to be hilarious :)
Bo will probably be doing excellent sneaky reconnaissance while Tommy drowns from the thing in the swamp, and Vincent forgets his seatbelt and crashes the car!

Walter slipped into the lightly forested area like a shadow, and before he knew it, Tommy had lost sight of him.

---

OOC:

Yes, Bo, that's about right.

Tommy, Bo is certainly not within sight. I would also say that by virtue of how far he's gone, more than a few minutes have passed. Probably fifteen minutes if not longer, given that he's being stealthy.

Also this is the campaign where crashing cars into buildings has become "a thing."

OOC: I can't remember: Is the current car also a loaner from the Savoy? If so, we might end up sending Leo's credit with the hotel straight through the floor.

That doesn't look good, Bo thinks, remembering the captives in the Ju-Ju House.

He judges that it's not dark enough to risk trying to get a look into the garage, but it doesn't look big enough to shelter a truck.

[About how many rooms does Bo judge the house to comprise? Is there anything like a barracks? Or anything that might serve as a prison?]

Yes, Vince, I believe the car is the as-yet-undamaged hired vehicle.

OOC:

Bo: At two stories, he's guess that the large manor house might have a dozen or more bedrooms and servants quarters to boot, besides other common areas proper and necessary for the functioning of such a residence.

Vincent: Yes, this car too is a loaner.

Tommy: If you mean to make a crossing, I'll need a Swimming check from you.


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:26, Thu 05 Oct 2017.

Sure, I mean, what can go wrong with a skill I only have 25% in ;)
I'm hoping that following Bo's safe path helps at least a little, and that branch he took to sound out the depths etc.

10:06, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.  Swim vs 25%.

Bo cautiously fades back into cover and begins to retrace his steps. When he gets back to his point of landing on Misr Island, he notes the westering of the sun, realizing that he has less than an hour before it sets and perhaps an hour of twilight after that. He slips back into the marsh, making for the western islet in the marsh..
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Fri 06 Oct 2017.

While Tommy followed the path that Walter discovered to the best of his ability, what he may not have reckoned with was the difference in height between the two men. At its deepest, Walter could have gotten by with his feet still on the ground, even just the tips of his toes with only his face outside the water. Tommy had no such luxury. He managed to find a small perch to pull himself upon part way through his passage.

---

Tommy, give me another Swimming Roll. If you fail that too, give me a CON x 5 roll.

Walter submerged himself in frigid water and has been wandering around in the cold. Please also give me a CON x 5 roll as well 

'Bo' Brandon rolled 66 for 5×CON 80

11:56, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 34 using 1d100 with rolls of 34.  Con vs 70.
11:55, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 92 using 1d100 with rolls of 92.  Swimming vs 25.

EDIT - if Tommy now sees Walter coming back, that would likely stop him from submerging deeper till we have rendezvoused? I'm not sure where we are in time lines together...but also conscious if the other party are ready, it might be better for us all to regroup rather than Tommy going off on his own tangent.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

Soaked to the core and having gulped down more than a few mouthfuls of disgusting and frigid marsh water, Tommy pulled himself to a piece of solid ground in the middle before making another equally ill advised attempt at continuing his swim despite his lack of skill. The result was much the same, but he was now on the shore of the island, catching his breath and shivering from the cold.

---

Walter: To be clear, you're not returning to where you came from, but making for a point west of the island - swimming across to another piece of land here?
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:12, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

No, Walter is retracing his route from Misr Island to the island to the west. Then he will go from the south of that bit to the mainland.

Sorry, I didn't realize he had initially swum that far out on his original route. Would Tommy have seen him swimming that way? If so, that would also be the direction where Tommy was heading. This is getting complicated lol.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 64):

Yes. Waded across the marsh to the west island, across the island to its eastern shoreline and swam across the narrowest stretch to Misr Island.
Now back the same way. Currently on the west island.

Tommy heaved himself out of the swamp and sank to the thick grass to rest and think for a moment. He felt a chill as the black water dripped from his clothing and rubbing his hands together for warmth he surveyed his surroundings.
Bo had crossed near here, but swept North West. To the East the bridge and its lurking guard building waited. But Bo hadn't come back, which meant he was still surveying the island, or worse...
He didn't want to think about the other eventualities. Why the hell had Bo gone alone? It seemed such a foolish move.

Somehow ignoring the fact he was now alone himself, the reporter reached to check the gun, before lifting himself to a low crouch.
Bo and the house were probably to the North. There wasn't much time to lose.

Reaching solid and safer ground, Bo creeps through the grass and bracken along the margin of the island into the cover of the woods. At a quick walk, he heads southwest until he comes to the edge of the water again.

Sighting from the bridge to the tall dead tree, Bo cannot see Tommy where he was stationed. He nods approvingly: "Good use of cover, Tom," he murmurs.

Glancing at the fat orange ball starting to dip behind the treeline, reluctantly, he takes a deep breath and slips once more into the cold water.

OOC:

Walter, give me a Swimming check, and then a CON x 5.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 68):

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 90 for Swim 25 38 for 5×CON 80.

OOC:

He struggles, but makes it back, though probably has taken in some gulps of that murky marsh water.

murky marshwater, breakfast of champions

Bo studies the ground as well as he can in the dwindling light, looking for signs of struggle.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 13 for Track 55.

Bo can see that Tommy's footsteps lead into the water, but can detect no signs of a struggle.

Bo looks out across the marsh, hoping to see Tommy close enough to follow.

Why couldn't the kid just...

The darkness is falling too quickly for there to be any profit in going after him.

Good luck, Tom.

In the last of the daylight, he climbs the dike and heads for where he left Vincent, hoping he at least had enough sense to stay put.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Mon 23 Oct 2017.

Bo finds Vincent waiting right where he left him.

Walter comes slowly up on Vincent, making enough noise not to startle his friend.

"Hey, Vince, Tommy with you?" he calls quietly, a hopeful note in his voice.

Hearing Bo’s approach, Moretti dropped the cigarette he had been smoking to the ground, crushing it with his heel. Exhaling the last of the smoke, he shook his head. ”I’m sorry, Bo. I haven’t seen him. And I’ve remained at this spot since I got here.”

He frowned, glancing down the road. ”You don’t think he’s gone and done something crazy, do you? The kid’s plenty brave, but he’s definitely not foolish.”

"I went on recce to Misr Island and left him at the dike to wait for me to come back. I got back and he wasn't there. I think he decided to follow me, but I don't know how long ago. I didn't see any sign of him as I was backtracking.

"No hope finding him before it gets dark and no way to find him in the dark. He has Stan's .38."

Bo looks up and down the road.

"Any activity here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Tue 24 Oct 2017.

Moretti slid his hands into the pockets of his long coat. "Mannaggia," he muttered as he stared down the road. What the hell had Tommy been thinking? For a moment, he toyed with the idea of trying to track down the reporter, suddenly worried that his friend could have discovered by the Brotherhood. He quickly dismissed the idea, certain that hunting Tommy alone would only lead to his own demise. The thought of dying, in itself, didn't cause him concern. But if his death didn't achieve some valuable end for the Elias family, he recognized that it would be a waste, purely from a practical standpoint.

Refocusing on Bo, he shook his head. "Nothing," he answered, "No one coming or going. It's been quiet." He gestured toward the horizon. "That will probably change after dark."

”You're the expert here, fratello. If you don't think there's any chance of finding him, what do you think our next step should be?"

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 78):

Bo shakes his head: "With night coming on there's no chance we'd find him. I just hope no one else does and he makes it off that island safely."

Briefly, as they're stowing vince's shotgun and getting the car turned around, he tells Vince what he found, especially the obelisk with its manacles.

"Gave me the creeps.

"They could have their sacrifices already locked in a cellar or maybe they'll get here after dark. I didn't see any sign of a truck or a place to hide it.

"We better get back to get Leo's news. Maybe Tommy'll turn up."

Moretti looked over his shoulder at the retreating silhouette of the Misr House, his memory evoking images of the strange discoveries he, Tommy, and Rosalie had made in the basement of the Penhew Foundation. He could only begin to imagine what Gavigan’s private residence might contain.

His brow still creased with concern over Cotton, he nodded slowly as Bo began the drive back to Harwich. “You’re right. We need to find out if Leo and Rosalie had any luck with Barrington. Based on that, we can decide what our next move should be. Midnight will be here before we know it.”

He settled back into his seat and sighed, hoping that the cleverness he’d seen Cotton display would keep the reporter out of the clutches of the Brotherhood.

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 80):

"I sure hope they're bringing the cavalry."

Walter parks the car on the street not far from the entrance to the inn. He goes inside.

As Bo went in, Moretti lingered outside for a moment, lighting a cigarette and studying what cars were parked in front of the inn. Once he'd finished half of the smoke, he crushed it out and joined Walter inside.

Vincent didn't see anything unusual about the vehicles that had gathered about the White Horse, but he lingered long enough with his cigarette to see a stately town car pull up, and to watch Leo, Rosalie, and a man that looked like he was ready for a hunt get out of the vehicle while the driver itself went to park it.

Rosalie climbed out of the car and looked up to examine the inn with interest.  She also threw a glance about at the town as she eased her bag onto her shoulder.  "Looks like a good place for a drink, if nothing else," she said to her uncle, tilting her head at the establishment.

Harry, looking quite the smart country gentleman stepped out of the back seat of the car and stretched a bit. No doubt trying to rouse himself from a very sound sleep on the drive. Speaking to his man before he drove off, Price addressed the valet politely "Hastings do bring in the bags and arrange for rooms."

Turning back to his traveling companions. "Quite .. rustic."

"Well, doesn't look like we have many options. But as you say a drink sounds like a smashing idea." Price said lighting a cigarette.

As he spoke Harry realized he had worked up a bit of an appetite. Thinking for a moment Price smiled "We are at the tail end of partridge and pheasant season, so I imagine they will have something decent on the menu as well. Though at a spot like this you can't go wrong with fish and chips."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:29, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

Leo looked about as he exited the car, though a frown tugged at the corners of his mouth when he considered their location and situation. He nodded at the general sentiment. "A drink doesn't sound like a bad idea. Not a bad idea at all."

Leo smiled briefly at Rosalie, then waved over to Vincent before moving to speaking distance with the man. "It's good to see you, Vincent. Are the others inside?"

Walter is at the reception desk, inquiring whether Avery or the others have arrived when he sees Leo and Rosalie enter with Vince. He crosses to meet them.

"How soon can we expect Barrington and the Flying Squad?" he asks as he takes Leo's hand.

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 87):

"Bo is, sir," Moretti replied. Moving to the door, he opened it so that Leo, Rosalie, and their new companion could enter. "Tommy...well, Bo can probably explain better than I can."

He followed the others inside, standing silently at the back of the group as Leo and Bo conversed.

Doffing his cap as he entered the place, Harry shoved it into one of his coats overstuffed pockets.

Price, still not having been introduced stood by waiting for the Americans to conclude their greetings and to present him to the others. As for Price, having heard their story twice busied himself by putting a name with a face as they spoke.

Meanwhile keeping his eye out for the keep or one of his staff to see if he might arrange for a private dining room.

Looking about, Price can easily spot various employees of the establishment about their tasks.

Leo shook Walter's hand as he entered, then gestured toward Harry Price. "It's good to see you both. This is Harry Price, an attorney that helped us speak with Barrington earlier today. Harry, these are two of the gentlemen I told you about in the car - Vincent Moretti and Walter Brandon."

Leo turned back toward Bo. "Barrington seemed inclined to help us out, but he's got some work to do on his end to make it happen. He did not give me a definite time, but he knows to get in touch with us here. We can also get a message to him through his department."

Leo looked back to Harry. "The third gentleman of whom I spoke is Thomas Cotton." He turned toward Bo. "Vincent said you had something to tell us about Tommy, Bo?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 92):

Bo shakes Price's hand and murmurs a greeting, unsure what help an attorney will be in the present situation. He winces at the news that Barrington hadn't promised support.

"Our young newshawk is somewhere on Misr Island, scouting. I went across for a recent and left him to wait for me. He didnt.

"Goddamit. Vince, we're gonna have to go in there tonight with or without Barrington. Let's grab a bowl of soup or something and get ready to go."

Leo's face clouded at the response about Tommy. Scouting?

Leo spoke quietly to Bo. "Barrington seems inclined to give us a hand, and is somewhat desperate to put an end to the operation of this cult. However," Leo gestured in the general direction of the door, "we are not in London. This is a jurisdictional problem more than one of desire. I believe he will do what it takes to get the necessary approvals, but we need to make plans to get in there with or without his aid. It's possible the local law enforcement won't be so keen on officers from London coming here."

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 94):

"Especially to take on a local bigwig who's probably been spreading his largesse."

Moretti shook the attorney's hand in greeting. In his own, limited, experience, lawyers had functioned as mouthpieces and messenger boys for his employer. Well dressed and silver tongued, they delivered bribes to those in power and ensured that Masseria's wishes were carried out. Price, he hoped, was cut from a different cloth.

He nodded in silent agreement with Bo's suggestion. Requesting a cup of coffee from the barman, he took a couple of sips of the hot liquid, then stepped outside to double check the weapons and other items they had brought with them in the car's boot.

Price offered a subdued greeting "Good evening. Not the sort of affair I was expecting today."

"Barrington and his lads captured what appeared to be a large cache of weapons. Based on what he had seen and what we told him, the Inspector seemed open to the idea of cooperation."

"Based on what we saw of the Inspector's catch, those you are investigating could be well very well armed indeed."

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 97):

"I wish we were better equipped."

Bo describes what he has found on the island, including the defended bridge and the obelisk with its manacles.

Price nodded "I suggested that he might want to bring some of the weaponry he had seized from the warehouse raid as evidence in case it needed to be shown to some of the locals."

Price looked at the two men "Did you discover anything else that might further convince Barrington of a need for his involvement?

"Unfortunately not. Either the truck with the sacrifices has come and gone or it hasn't arrived yet, which I think unlikely, as that would mean they held the victims in London all day today. It's possible the sacrifice was midnight last night."

"What about your Mr. Cotton. Do you think he might manage to dig something up that might help the cause?" Price asked.

Leo followed along with Bo's descriptions, nodding at the descriptions of what he'd found and how he described the water. Hyperthermia was no joke, and that cold water could do anyone in.

Unfortunately, so would bullets. His attention drifted between Price and Bo, and the physician waited for the answer to the question about Tommy.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 101):

"I expect our Tommy more likely to dig himself into a hole. That's why Vince and I will wade through that cold, dark water and try to find him and bring him back.

"You didn't happen to pack a punt, did you Leo?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:51, Tue 14 Nov 2017.

"I have a thought, it is a bit of a gamble, but if half I what I have been told is true it might be worth it. Perhaps if your Mr. Cotton was a suspect in a crime that occurred in the jurisdiction of Inspector Barrington, was seen fleeing to the grounds of this estate. That could even assist Barrington in justifying an armed search of the grounds." Price said.

"I would defend your Mr. Cotton against charges stemmed from the claim." Price added.

12:08, Today: Harry Price rolled 60 using 1d100 with rolls of 60.  Law 75%.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Sun 12 Nov 2017.

PM:

Leo shook his head at the question from Bo. "A punt? No...but it wouldn't be out of the question to acquire one, I shouldn't think." They probably didn't have time to build one.

Leo looked over at Harry's suggestion, and opened his mouth as if to respond, then closed it and waited to hear what the others had to say while rubbing lightly at his lips with the tips of the fingers on his right hand.

Moretti returned inside from his inspection. Rejoining the group, he looked to Walter and asked, "Ready to head back, Bo?"

"Perhaps we can put a call into Barrington and see if he will be able to join us in this effort." Price said, If no one objected he was determined to place the call before Bo and his friend, who Price figured to be Morreti departed.

"Mr. Price, I think that Barrington made it clear that if he was going to come out this way with his men, he'd do it in his own sweet time.  Call him, if you like, but I wouldn't expect anything more than what we got when we were in his office."  She looked to Vincent as he rejoined them.  "Head back where, Vince?  Are you planning to trudge back to that island, in the swamp, in the dark?"

"I think we have to, Rosalie, for Tommy. At least we can get to the bank on this side and see if he's turned up.

"I'm ready, Vince. No use putting on dry things."

Moretti answered in a voice that was quiet. ”There’s only a single road to the island, to the Misr House. It halts at a gate, which is guarded.” He tilted his head toward Walter. ”Bo was able to navigate the marsh, find another path to the estate. We can use that route to get on the grounds, hopefully undetected. If we’re lucky, maybe we locate Tommy. Possibly even disrupt whatever ritual the Brotherhood is trying to conduct.”

He glanced out one of the windows at the growing dark. ”We have to try, Barrington or no. If the two of us vanish...well, maybe that will give the Inspector sufficient cause to investigate, regardless of jurisdiction.”

He buttoned his coat closed as he spoke. Pulling on his gloves, he looked over at Bo and nodded.

"Yea, I understand all of that.  What I don't understand is why you think you're going to be traipsing out there on your own.  We came out here to help.  If that means trudging through the muck, then we're going to do just that.  Better we all stick together than go blundering about on our own."  She glanced at her uncle and the lawyer.  "Mr. Price is already dressed for it, anyhow."

Moretti regarded Rosalie silently for a moment, then nodded. Ottimo. Let’s make our way over before it gets any darker.”

Taking a last drink of his coffee, he tipped the barman and made his way to the door.

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 112):

Bo stops to squeeze Rosalie's upper arm.

"Five people are almost certain to trip an alarm over there. We don't have the numbers to prevail, but Vince and I can probably be stealthy enough to get in, find Tommy, and get out.

"You three bring Price's car and approach the landward end of that bridge. Set up there to cover us if we can steal a vehicle and get out by road. We'll leave the hired car visible where you should park.

"And if you see that truck bringing in the sacrifices. Try and stop it. Set the victims free."

His gaze goes to Leo: "Kill the cultists if you can."

Price listened to the conversation as it took a dark turn and began to wonder how he had ended up in the middle of this madness rather than at the Hanky Lanky Club flirting with show girls.

"I'm dressed for a hunt. Which is why I will be out in the woods tonight. Sadly one of our party got lost. Now we are searching for the young lad. I suggest we all agree on that story."

"As far as the rest, based on the arsenal the Inspector uncovered it is hard to imagine we outgunned by the opposition. With that in mind my first suggestion is I do as I suggested and take one last shot at persuading Barrington to trust his gut and intervene." Harry said. But if this was going to be a fight, Price knew what needed to be done. His time fighting the Hun had taught him a battle was no place for half measures.

"Whether that succeeds or not if we are going to take on a truck load of savages we will to lay in ambush and hit them by surprise." Harry said. His mind already working toward a plan to find a curve in the road, a obstacle that could wreck the truck and still leave a means to withdraw to fight another day if the fight could not be won. Whatever these savages were up to, it wasn't going to happen in England.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Sat 18 Nov 2017.

Moretti paused, his expression uncertain. "Are you sure, fratello?" he asked. "We don't know what we might face over there. Maybe we should stay together. Strength in numbers."

Leo looked back and forth between the various speakers, though shook his head at Price. "Barrington will likely try to intervene. But he needs time and luck, not more convincing."

He appraised Vincent and Bo. "Hypothermia will set in rather quickly where cold water and frigid air is concerned. If you go now, you will likely need to be warming up thirty minutes after your first exposure. If Tommy is on the island..."

Leo frowned. "If he went through the water, he's either in need of help or he's someplace warm." Or dead. "Was there any elevated point where you could get a good look at the island with a pair of binoculars?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 117):

"Vince, every pair of feet makes it more likely we'll alert someone, not to mention trying to keep a bunch of people together in the dark. Besides, it's not like Rosalie and Leo can bring significant firepower to bear."

He turns to his uncle: "We looked across from the top of the dike along the bank on this side, Leo. There wasn't much to see, even in the daylight."

Leo thought for a few moments, then nodded. "Let's go with Bo's plan to find out what happened to Tommy. He may have gotten himself back across to land again. Or maybe he's freezing somewhere on the island itself. Either way - we need to find out. And if stealth will be needed to retrieve him, I will certainly hinder your attempts."

He looked over to Vince and then back to Bo. "If the truck comes along our path, we will give them hell."

He looked over toward Price. "Before we do anything, though, check in with your office to see if we've received any messages."

Moretti nodded in consent, his thoughts traveling briefly to the island’s lonely landscape. He hoped against hope that Tommy had somehow escaped harm. Unlike him, the kid had good years ahead. A future. They were doubtlessly facing long odds, but they had to try to find him.

”Si decide. Du stagione tutto.” he said quietly. He looked to Walter. ”Let’s go.”

Price hearing Dr Elias' request simply replied "I'll place a call."

Price placed the call, and nodded, concluding the call after a quick exchange. Barrington was out on the office on a particularly urgent errand, though he had left a message for Price specifically indicating that his errand involved imploring a magistrate for permission to operate outside his jurisdiction. That said, there was no confirmation of his success or failure in this endeavor.

Leo nodded. "I think that's the best we can hope to hear right now. And given his state of mind, he might even bend the rules a bit if it comes down to it."

He looked around at the others. "Ready to go?"

"Let's go," Walter says, going to the car and starting it.

"Be careful," she said to the boys.  Looking to Leo, she nodded.  "Yes, I suppose we can come up with something resembling a plan while we wait."

Price was still a bit unsure of what he had gotten himself into with this bunch. But it seemed Barrington was on board. He only wished he was there to try and persuade the magistrate.

Price looked at the others. "Not the evening I was expecting. You lot are either battling a murderous cult of Arabs or you are a madmen. But there is enough evidence that your story is true any Englishman worth his salt would join you defeat this savages. If Gavigan is mixed up or even worse leading this smearing the name of Aubrey Penhew, then it is my duty as a gentleman to boot."

Having made his estimation of Bo and the Moretti somewhat slippery types, Price did not want to make their job harder with his presence. Having led men into battle, Price had learned the importance of knowing the right men for the right job.

"I will go where you need me. Though to be honest, despite my rather stylish hunting kit, I'm not much of a hand in the woods, or sneaking about." Price said laying his cards on the table.

Price would like to join the duo, but he was fairly certain he would be more trouble than good.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Tue 16 Jan 2018.

Once everyone who's coming is in the car, Bo starts the engine.

[I'm not sure who's riding with us.]

Moretti climbed into the passenger seat, remaining silent as Bo started the vehicle. He glanced back through the window at the entrance to the Inn, and the Elias family, then leaned back in his seat, a frown settling on his face.

”Bo, what happens if we find some sign of Tommy?” he asked after a moment, “I know there’s only the two of us, but...we can’t just leave the kid to his fate. Not with those people.”

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 128):

"Y'know, pal, I'm wondering if there's any point slogging through the cold marsh water and trying to find Tommy in the pitch dark. Odds seem pretty slim. Maybe the smart play's to get that truck abd go in in force."

The two vehicles made their way down the road now familiar to Vincent and Bo, whose vehicle took the lead as they wore their way down the country road to the stopping point that they found earlier near the top of the dike.

As they arrived, the last vestiges of sunlight had faded from the day, and while some of it might be seen the heavy cloud cover blotted out the remnant, leaving a day now denied any lingering traces of warmth. Though not yet cold enough for snow, the wind made the cold seem piercing as did the frigid drops of rain that came down in a light drizzle.

---

OOC:

I reopened this to all for any further discussion or parting words, and to give everyone a clearer chance to tell me what they're doing, where the cars are being parked, and how whoever is crossing intends to make the crossing.

I'm updating the game clock to 6:00 pm
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

In reply to Walter 'Bo' Brandon (msg # 129):

Moretti remained quiet for a moment, picturing the vast stretch of marsh and the collection of tall trees that had bordered the road where he had waited with the car. Recalling it, he understood, with numbing clarity, just how slight their chances of finding the reporter were, especially in the growing dark.

Watching the drops collect on the glass, he nodded. "I hate to admit it, but I know you're right, Bo. This late in the day, raining...there's no chance." He shook his head. "I wish the kid had just stayed put."

"Let's go back inside. Talk to the others. Figure out the best way to hurt these people."

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 131):

"Right you are, Vince."

He goes inside with Vincent and finds the others.

"We figure there's no real chance we can find Tommy tonight. Let's figure out how we can rescue the people that truck will be bringing and then throw a crimp in Gavigan's plans."

Leo looked up as the two men re-entered the building. He nodded at their reasoning. "Let me see if I can get paper and pen. Then we can start planning." Once the physician had collected a writing implement of some sort and paper, he set them on a table and looked over to Bo and Vince. "Can you sketch what we're going to find? House, island, approach?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 133):

Bo does his best to map the route from the village to the island and what he had seen in his brief recce.

Leo looks at the crude map, then looks at the others. "So how do we play this? It doesn't seem like an easy approach. We will either need to fool the guards somehow, or intercept the truck out from the estate." He looked around to the others for their thoughts.

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 135):

"That's the way I see it, Leo. I think the truck's our best bet. Even if the guys at the end of the bridge just have shotguns, they can settle out hash pretty quick."

Leo nodded. "Okay, so where is our best place to set up an ambush of the truck?"

Bo follows the line of the road from the village to the bridge that gives access to Misr Island. He indicates the last branching road and then traces along to a spot about midway between that road and the bridge.

"This should be out of sight of any traffic heading for the turnoff and of the island end of the bridge. If it comes to shooting... Well, we can only hope the sound is taken for poachers." He grins: "If this was the States, anyone who heard it would probably write it off to bootleggers.

"I think that's the place. We put the car across the road here where a bend keeps them from seeing us until the last minute. A shotgun on each side behind them and someone to stick another in the driver's face. That's the way we used to hijack moonshine trucks in Louisiana.

"If they've got a car out in front of them-- Well, it'll get sticky."

She looked at Bo with concern.  "And what about their weapons?  Surely they wouldn't be unarmed.  If they had something more powerful than a shotgun, for instance..."  She frowned.  "How far is the house from the bridge?  I can't imagine they wouldn't react to the sound of gunfire."

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 139):

Bo shrugs.

"That's the way we used to do it. Sometimes there was gunplay and people got hurt, but most folks --you shove a shotgun in their face-- get real quiet. The driver and the guard, if any, are gonna be in the cab. Back of a truck is real uncomfortable to ride in, if you don't have to." He sounds like he speaks from experience.

"If these guys are toting around Thompson guns... Well, we got no chance anyway.

"As for the guards at the bridge... We're hoping we don't need to shoot and they don't get to shoot. Vince and I'll go at the cab hard, try to give them no chance. If there is shooting and the guards come down the road... maybe we get a chance to take out a few more."

Walter shakes his head.

"This can't be certain or foolproof, Rosalie-- too many moving parts. All we can do is our best. I'm open to other ideas. What's yours?"

She shook her head.  "I don't really have another idea, unless the island can be approached from the water.  Is it all swamp and muck?  Or is there a clear way to get a boat through and approach from another side?  Any plan is going to pose risks, no matter which way we go."

Harry had listened to the plan and let the others speak before speaking up.

"I cannot see them confusing the gunshots for hunters."

"If you want a chance to find your missing friend it still seems like the best plan is for you two to slip in and try to snatch him while the three of us hit the lorry on it way in."

"If we hit them hard enough we should stand a pretty good chance. Especially if we can find a way to crash the truck. We don't need to make a stand-up fight out of it if we can cause the truck to crash and bloody them it might buy you boys enough time to find your friend."

"Even if Barrington manages to show up, still think it makes sense for you two have slipped in and have a chance to find your missing lad."

Moretti lit a cigarette, exhaling a stream of gray smoke. Shaking his head, he said, "Mr. Price, I'm not certain what you've been told, but there's more to the situation than just locating Tommy. These people...what they're gathering to do tonight has the potential to put several members of the Elias family in mortal danger. So it's not enough for us to just find our friend. We have to put a stop to what they're trying to accomplish, with or without Barrington's help. Some of the lives in this room depend on it."

Leo nodded at the suggested plan from Bo, then looked over at Price before Vince's response. "It's not just that. The odds are stacked against finding Tommy with the current light and weather. He's likely either well hidden, captured, or dead. If the first two, we won't find him by skulking around the grounds at night."

The physician looked down at the crude map. "We might need all of us to take out the truck. And that still might not be enough. With all five of us, plus some possibility of Barrington showing, well, that seems our best bet."

He looked over at Bo and Vince. "How are you two feeling?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 144):

"Tip-top, Uncle," he grins.

"Ready to do whatever your family needs, sir." Moretti answered with a nod.

Leo nodded at their responses. "Okay, it's a little past 6 now. What time is best to set up our ambush?" The physician looked around at everyone for input.

”If the lorry sticks to its usual schedule, it will pick up its passengers at the Blue Pyramid at midnight. So, we should head to the site Bo’s chosen around eleven thirty.”

“That would give enough time for everyone to get comfortable in their position, let their eyes adjust to the dark. With the cold, we probably don’t want to go out any earlier than that.” He glanced at Bo for confirmation, taking a draw on his cigarette.

In reply to Vincent Moretti (msg # 148):

Bo nods at Vince's suggestion.

"We might as well get a hot meal. I'll change out of these muddy things and be right back down." He soon joins the others in the dining room.

Moretti followed Bo’s example and changed into fresh clothes. Shouldering back into his coat as he returned to the bar, he looked into the dining area, suddenly aware that he wasn’t hungry at all. Mentally, he argued back and forth about forcing himself to eat in spite of his inclinations, but finally decided against it. If Bo or the Eliases had instructions for him, he would follow them to the letter, no questions. They didn’t need any more of his input about the ambush.

Stepping over to the bar, he purchased two packages of cigarettes and asked the bartender to fill his flask with Kilvannon. After he settled up with the man, he ventured outside. Keeping beneath the pub’s overhang, he lit a cigarette and took a sip of liquor, watching the light rain drift down from the cold sky.

While Bo and Vince changed into warm, dry clothing, Leo began ordering food for everyone. He checked on local specialties and the soup of the day.

Once they had all gathered again and were eating, he looked around. "Seems we have our plan and our timing. Are there any other preparations we should make? Additional weapons or items we can add to the roadblock?"

"Anything we could take along would probably be helpful," she suggested.  "We don't know anything about this truck, how many people will be inside, or how well they're armed.  What do we have in the way of weapons?"

The server offers a rather simple menu, with options of scouse and bread, steak and ale pie, or fish and chips available this evening with a couple of local ales available as accompaniment. Taking his order, he brought out suitable quantities of food and ale for those as desired such, and left them to their business.

"Perhaps we can scrounge up a couple of axes and a few shovels to create an obstacle in the road to assist us in the ambush." Price had added.

Watching the Elias Party make their plans it was hard for Price not to conclude that they had given up hope on their missing member. While they ate Price also considered the desperate course of action they had decided upon and hoped that Inspector Barrington would arrive in time to allow them to act with the force of law.a

Price ordered some fresh fish and winter vegatables. He also produced a decent port to enjoy after the meal.

Replying to Miss Elias "Just a pistol and a shotgun."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Wed 28 Feb 2018.

Walter tucks into the steak pie accompanied by two pints of ale.

"I expect the car facing down the road just around a bend will pull them up pretty sharp, Mr. Price."

"That will cause them to break but we need to make sure they don't force their way around or for that matter to keep them from backing up. Some simple obstacles will allow us to funnel them into position and keep them where we need them." Price said.

"But what do I know? I have never high jacked a truck." Price added.

"Having axes and shovels along is unlikely to hurt, and they might be useful. Good idea, Mister Price. Though we will likely need to procure them very soon if we still can. As for weapons, we have several shotguns, but I expect not much else. Anything else we should obtain before we depart?" Leo again looks around at the gathering.

Pick a spot around a bend where trees come in close on each side of the road.
Place the car facing in the direction of the truck.
Someone (Rosalie?) in the car flips on the headlights when the truck headlights hit the car windshield.
Leo and price drag a tree trunk close behind the truck.
Bo and Vince close from each side with shotguns to cover anyone in the cab.
Price and Leo open the back of the truck.

Alternatively, put the car across the road.

Hearing the plan, and thinking about moving logs and opening lorry doors, Price decided to make a few suggestions.

"Perhaps the good doctor and I can cover the cab and you two fellows could deal with the back of the lorry. We might want to wear handkerchiefs over our faces as masks as your desperadoes did in the wild west."

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 159):

"Ever shot a man at close range, Mr. Price? With a shotgun? Think you could pull the trigger?

"The most likely point of danger is the cab. If they have their own shotgun guard, that's where he's gonna be. In the back will be the victims, maybe tied up. The truck will have just come to a sudden stop and anyone standing back in the cargo space will probably be down. I've ridden in the back of vans, it ain't comfortable. I suggested you and my uncle take that job precisely because it's the lowest risk, other than flicking on the headlights in the car.

"Rosie, you willing to swap jobs with Mr. Price?"

Harry held up his index finger and gestured as if pulling a trigger.

"I think I can manage it." Price replied.

While Harry had never killed a man with a shotgun, he had killed with both his service revolver and on a few occasions with his saber. He did not look forward to taking another life, but he had never shirked his duty and it seemed England was in danger.

"I'll do whatever you think is needed, Walter."  She gave Harry a searching look before returning her attention to the others.  "I've got my Luger and Sta... a Colt 1903 and look forward to using both on these murderous bastards."  Strong language from the normally mild-mannered young woman, but with recent events fresh in her mind, it was no wonder she was out for blood.  She downed the last of her tea and set the cup aside.  "Gentlemen, I think we should get ready."

At the ordained time, the group set out to stake out their spot. Without any bends that would completely shield it from the rest of the road until the last minute, they settled for placing the car across the narrow road at an angle, so that if needed its lights could be flicked on towards the oncoming truck.

Later that night some time past midnight as they reckoned it, the headlights of a vehicle appeared from down the road approaching their position. As it came closer, Rosalie flicked on the headlights of the vehicle they had rented, and then scrambled to join the others.

The lorry continued its path unabated, though it slowed down as it came nearer and noted the obstruction to its path.

"Get out of the way!" a voice called, inflected with a heavy foreign accent, but the words were clear enough to be easily understood.

---

OOC:

There isn't a spot where trees come in close on both sides of the road, but you can find spots similar where brush or tall bushes do the same thing.

I will need to know who is where: which side of the road, behind the cover of bushes, in front of it, in the car, etc.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:53, Wed 14 Mar 2018.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 163):

[I seem to have misplaced a post in which Bo inquired whether Barrington had been in communication. I take it the answer is no.

In the same post, I instructed Rosalie to get out of the car and get clear of it once she has turned on the lights.]

Bo has his back to the bushes closest to the road on the driver side of the truck, about where he expects it to stop. The bushes needn't conceal him completely, as it will be dark. He holds this position until the truck stops, or until it strikes the car. Then he dashes to the driver's door.

[I presume, since we hear the shout, that the driver's window is down.]

OOC:

The driver's window is down.

Also, everyone make Stealth rolls for me, with Advantage if you're behind the bushes.

OOC:

The driver's window is down.

Also, everyone make Stealth rolls for me, with Advantage if you're behind the bushes.

The moment he heard the driver call out, Moretti moved from his hiding spot to the lorry's passenger door, weapon leveled at the window.

13:38, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 65 using 1d100 with rolls of 65.  Stealth - Stealth 80%.

13:39, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 2 using 1d100 with rolls of 2.  Stealth (Advantage) - Stealth 80%.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon 82,72 for  Stealth 65%, Stealth Advantage (bushes).

Rosalie's heart was pumping after the sprint into the foliage.  Gun held at the ready, she crouched down behind the bushes, waiting for the boys to make their move.



Stealth: 29

21:25, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 70 using 2d100 with rolls of 41,29.  Stealth (60).

As expected, Leo had a hard time being stealthy under perfect circumstances. While he tried to hide in the bushes, he didn't do it very well.

21:44, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 47,99 using d100,d100 with rolls of 47,99.  Stealth (20).

When it was time for action, however, he was ready. Leo grabbed the large tree branch they had found. The physician was ready to drag it behind the lorry with Harry's help. The hope was that it would keep the lorry from being able to reverse.

As they had waited for the lorry to arrive, Harry Price had accidentally stumbled up a good hiding spot from which to observe the road.


10:09, Today: Harry Price rolled 37 using 2d100 with rolls of 35,2.  Stealth 10.

Yeah !!!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Tue 20 Mar 2018.

As the slowed lorry came to a stop, there was some shouting from within the vehicle as one man looked out the window, noting the presence there of men lurking in the shadows alongside the road.

---

OOC:

Combat has officially commenced. Because of the plan put in place, I'm treating this first round as a surprise round.

Vincent, you're up first!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:57, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

20:29, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 12 using 1d100 with rolls of 12.  Spot Hidden - Spot Hidden 60%.

Emerging from the brush, he saw the three men in the cab of the lorry, conversing in alarm.

No time. Just like one of those runs where they’d botched taking some of Larry Fay’s crew by surprise, back when Masseria had decided he was running the Irishman out of Harlem once and for all. Same then as it was now. Only here, in this lonely stretch of marsh, he was a lot less worried about dying.

He strode toward the passenger window, found a target, raised the Webley, and fired.

21:28, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 19 using 1d100 with rolls of 19.  Handgun - Handgun 70%.

21:33, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 9 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 7.  Damage - Handgun.

The pure silence of the night in the Naze was shattered as Vincent emerged from the brush, a shadow in the night come alive to do violence, his Webley reporting their conflict loudly into the night, followed by the screams of a man struck by his bullet.

---

OOC:

Walter, you're up next!

Walter runs up to the cab with short stuttering steps, the shotgun at his shoulder aimed at the driver's window. He winces at the sound of Vince's pistol shot, having hoped to do this silently.

When he is close enough not to miss, the barrel about ten feet from the window and the driver's head, he calls out: "Open your door!"

If the driver doe anything other than open the door or if he hesitates for a moment, Bo fires. If he misses, he immediately fires the second barrell.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 72 for Shotgun 30% x2 Pointblank.
Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 69 for Shotgun 30% x2 Pointblank.

Running up to the vehicle, the surprise of Vincent's gunshot, and the intensity of the moment found both of Walter's shotgun blasts hitting the vehicle instead of the driver.

---

OOC:

Rosalie, then Leo, then Harry
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

Rosalie didn't often have the need to fire a handgun.  Her weapons were knowledge and skill, charm and observation.  She knew how to handle a gun, of course, thanks to her cousin's influence, but she didn't practice with any regularity.  Now, when it mattered, she silently cursed her lack of ineptitude.  Stanley's Colt had a bit more kick that her Luger, as well, but she almost welcomed the small burst of pain that jolted her wrist as she squeezed the trigger three times in succession.  As the car began to roll backward, her only thought was to blow out the tires to keep it immobile.


22:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 46 using 1d100 with rolls of 46.  Handgun (58).
22:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 16 using 1d100 with rolls of 16.  Handgun (58).
22:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  Handgun (58).

OOC: Sorry for the delay, I think Leo and Harry need to use this round to put the large branch behind the lorry to keep it from backing up, correct?

OOC:

Alright, I figured a few things out and we're back on track for the log carrying plan.

Leo and Harry, I'll need STRx5 rolls for each of you to determine how hefty of a log you'll be able to manage between yourselves and how much of an obstacle it will prove to the vehicle.

Leo volunteers to take the smaller end of the log...the end further from wherever the roots once were.


10:21, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 79 using 1d100 with rolls of 79.  Strength (55).

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 179):

01:33, Today: Harry Price rolled 46 using 1d100 with rolls of 46.  log roll. Vs 60

Has the shooting already started?

Leo and Harry manage to drag a medium sized log onto the road behind the truck to pose an obstacle to the vehicles retreat.

OOC:

This will impose a -20 penalty on Drive Auto checks anyone driving the vehicle attempts to make, with a failure resulting in inability to back up.

Harry: Yes, the shooting has started. Please read messages 172, 174, and 176 to see three different PCs firing their weapons.

Proper round starting now!

Vincent is next! Walter just after him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:41, Wed 11 Apr 2018.

When no lethal retaliation was forthcoming, when the only response was for the driver to attempt escape, Moretti felt a twinge of disappointment. He was torn, his honor demanding that he see this battle through for the Elias family, even as he craved that sudden instant of violence that would render all that he was forever silent.

He pressed forward, firing another shot at the struggling figures in the cab, following it with a demand. ”Stop the truck! Now! Or each one of you dies!”

21:40, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 27 using 1d100 with rolls of 27.  Handgun - Handgun 70%.

21:40, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 10 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 8.  Damage - Handgun.

Cursing that he had only managed to pepper the door with two shots, Walter steps up onto the running board, thrusting the barrel of his shotgun into the face of the driver.

In the cab of the lorry, another body slumped down in the front seat after Vincent fired with his trademark deadly accuracy. Bo shoved his shotgun in the driver's face, and in a panic, the driver tried to back up the lorry to get out of their situation, but the vehicle only kicked up dirt at the back, the log that Price and Dr. Elias had jammed back there stopping the wheels from getting any traction. In a panic, he yelled out in fear, looking to Bo with hatred in his eyes.

[Language unknown: "Tipa ure, poni werantill!"]

Men started to jump out of the back of the lorry, some with clubs in hand and other armed with knives. First just a handful of men, then another handful, then another handful. All in told, it seemed that somewhere around twenty men were jumping out of the lorry's bed.



Alright, combat is getting a little complex, so here's the next several actions. If you want to do something other than shoot, feel free, but in case you are shooting here are the following actions based on the rules and the DEX order.

NEXT:

• Rosalie (first shot)
• Cultist Group A (7)
• Rosalie (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group B (7)
• Leonardo (presumed weapon ready)
• Walter (if firing, first shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group C
• Harry (presumed weapon ready)
• Rosalie (third shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Walter (if firing, second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Mon 07 May 2018.

Rosalie's eyes widened at the sight of so many men piled out of the truck.  How did so many get in there?  And where are the cultist's victims that we're trying to save?  She fired another round as she took cover behind the car, but the shot went wide as she suddenly panicked at how outnumbered they were.


18:55, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  Handgun (58).

While Rosalie had only caught a glimpse of the men preparing to jump out, after she fired her shot she began to see them tumble out of the truck. The first group of men that emerged from the truck got out and started to scatter around to see who they could find.

Two men rushed around the truck and towards Bo, two made for Harry, and one each went to Rosalie, Leo, and Vincent. Carrying clubs in their hands, they struck out at their would be victims, most missing wildly as they lashed out, but one striking Rosalie and another landing a blow on Harry.

---

Out of the first seven attacks, only two hit. Rosalie and Harry each take 3 points of damage.

All characters are now in point blank range from your attackers

Rosalie is next. Then Leo.

NEXT:

• Rosalie (first shot)
• Cultist Group A (7)
• Rosalie (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group B (7) - Move into position to attack next round; can't go this round
• Leonardo (presumed weapon ready)
• Walter (if firing, first shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group C
• Harry (presumed weapon ready)
• Rosalie (third shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Leonardo (if firing, second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Walter (if firing, second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Mon 30 Apr 2018.

Leo brought his shutgun's muzzle up toward the cultist that had advanced toward him and fired at the fellow, but somehow missed. He did use the distraction to move away from the flood of cultists while reloading his gun.

OOC:

09:15, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.  Shotgun (30x2=60).

What is the lay of the land? Could we get lost in the weeds and swamp easily enough, given that it's dark?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Thu 26 Apr 2018.

OOC:

Dr. Leonardo Elias:

What is the lay of the land? Could we get lost in the weeds and swamp easily enough, given that it's dark?

In the immediate area, you've blocked off the road with a vehicle facing, let's say, south.
There's a truck that stopped short, facing north.
Rosalie's taken cover on the north side of the car, on the driver's side. Everyone else is now south of the car.
Vincent is east of the truck at the passenger's side door.
Walter is west of the truck at the driver's side door.
Leo and Harry are either east or west of the truck, having just jointly dropped off a log behind it.

The terrain itself is very open, though there can occasionally be some tall grasses, and there are occasionally sparse clusters of trees. You could flee and attempt some Stealth checks if you want.

OOC: So is making a break for the car an option?

OOC:

This is definitely very sandboxy. There is a car at your disposal. For that matter, there's also a truck that could be at your disposal. Someone blocked it from reversing, but it's there.

OOC: I'd considered the truck, but some idiot put a log behind it.

Leo will make a break for the car after he fires his shotgun.

OOC:

Sounds good.

NEXT: Rosalie's second shot, or Walter (in any order)

Rosalie screamed as the man's club struck her shoulder and knocked her sideways against the car.  Thrusting the gun in his direction, she squeezed the trigger and fired off another shot from Stanley's Colt.


Handgun: 33
Damage: 8

20:06, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 33 using 1d100 with rolls of 33.  Handgun (116).
20:08, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Damage.

"Car!" Walter shouts.

He fires his shotgun at the attacker closest to him. Then, he swings the barrel to point at the next closest attacker.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 12 for Shotgun 30x2=60%.
Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 14x2(critical success) = 28 for damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Fri 27 Apr 2018.

The man attacking Rosalie reeled back as the put a bullet into his chest, the deadly blow not taking him out of the picture entirely but leaving him in a desperate state. Elsewhere, Walter put his barrel in the face of the man that tried to attack him, scattering the man's head across the dark grounds of the Naze. It may not have been the swamps of Louisiana and he may not have been smuggling booze, but these conditions seemed almost familiar to him as he dispatched the man with ease.

More men made their way, pushing forward towards the edge of the truck.

---

OOC:

We're still wrapping up Round 1, but in Round 2 another 7 cultists join the fray, and same with Round 3.

Next: Harry, Rosalie, Leo, and Walter in any order. Take your turn in any order, unless you think your action might negatively impact someone higher on the list than you.

The man attacking Rosalie reeled back as the put a bullet into his chest, the deadly blow not taking him out of the picture entirely but leaving him in a desperate state. Elsewhere, Walter put his barrel in the face of the man that tried to attack him, scattering the man's head across the dark grounds of the Naze. It may not have been the swamps of Louisiana and he may not have been smuggling booze, but these conditions seemed almost familiar to him as he dispatched the man with ease.

More men made their way, pushing forward towards the edge of the truck.

---

OOC:

We're still wrapping up Round 1, but in Round 2 another 7 cultists join the fray, and same with Round 3.

Next: Harry, Rosalie, Leo, and Walter in any order. Take your turn in any order, unless you think your action might negatively impact someone higher on the list than you.

NEXT:

• Vincent (first shot)
• Rosalie (first shot)
• Cultist Group A (7)
• Vincent (second shot)
• Rosalie (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group B (7) - Move into position to attack next round; can't go this round
• Leonardo (presumed weapon ready)
• Walter (if firing, first shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Cultist Group C
• Harry (presumed weapon ready)</s>
• Rosalie (third shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Leonardo (if firing, second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
• Walter (if firing, second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:04, Wed 02 May 2018.

Harry Price's time in the trenches had allowed him to quickly deal the bizarre turn of events. Having been suspicious of the truckload of Arabs as being anything more than conspirators in this plot, Harry had quickly armed himself with his Mauser pistol and his old Hanger which he had produced from under his heavy great coat.

Hearing the word "car" yelled loudly, Price dashed to the driver side of the waiting sedan. Doing best to keep his blade between the attacks of the mad killers who had piled out of the truck.

"Get the car started Miss. We will keep these Arabs off of you!"


Not sure if he can run and attack in the same round. If so would like to get an attack in against the enemy.

13:46, Sun 29 Apr: Harry Price rolled 8 using 1d100 with rolls of 8.  Parry 70%.
15:09, Today: Harry Price rolled 7 using 1d100 with rolls of 7.  Sabre 70%
03:16, Today: Harry Price rolled 1 using 1d4 with rolls of 1.
03:16, Today: Harry Price rolled 8 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 7.  damage.


This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Thu 03 May 2018.

Having made it most of the way to the car, Leo tried to eliminate one of those that were following from the truck. Unfortunately he wasn't well-versed in the use of this weapon, so his shot sailed high.

He then opened the doors on the passenger side to make it easier for Bo and Vincent to join them.


OOC:

15:19, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 79 using 1d100 with rolls of 79.  Shotgun (30).

Hearing Harry, Rosalie nodded, but she wasn't going to leave the others unprotected while they made for the car.  She pulled the trigger again, aiming for one of those harassing the boys.


Handgun: 38
Damage: 8

19:07, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 38 using 1d100 with rolls of 38.  Handgun (58).
19:07, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Thu 03 May 2018.

Moretti heard Bo’s shout, urging retreat, and saw Price and Leo backing toward Rosalie and the waiting car.

From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the lorry’s fuel port, mere steps away.

Rather than racing to join the others, he moved toward the truck’s side, firing a shot into the group of men that were piling out of it.

”Here!” he shouted with all the strength he could find, ”Behind you!”

21:23, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Handgun.

If Moretti is considerd at point blank range, that’s a hit. Otherwise, the shot goes wide. In case it’s needed:

21:23, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 5 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 3.  Damage - Handgun.

Walter swings his shotgun to cover the second man approaching him, noting how the man is armed. His message should be clear --especially with the red mist that was his last target's head still shimmering in the air-- get back or die.

The man facing down Bo didn't look like he registered the death of his comrade as an important event, or that he was making very calculated decisions regarding his own life. With a truck full of them, he didn't seem ready to back down to such a small number. Instead, he looked poised to attack Bo, in the arc of a swing as Walter hesitated.

OOC:

Wrapping up the last round, Walter you still have a shot outstanding if you want it.

If you're within 10 squares on the map, you're in Point Blank Range and shoot successfully at your skill x 2, with impales calculated using that new skill percentage as well.

Combat Order:

• Vincent and Rosalie
• Cultist Group A (5)
• Cultist Group B (7)
• Leonardo and Walter
• Harry
• Any PC with a ROF 2+ weapon taking a second shot
• Any PC with a ROF 3+ weapon taking a third shot
• Cultist Group C (7) - Move into position to attack next round; can't go this round

Map Key: Red X = Dead, Red Dot = Wounded, but alive


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Mon 07 May 2018.

Walter fires at the second cultist approaching him.

Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 26 using 1d100 for Shotgun 30x2=60%.
Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 10 using 4d6 for Damage.

Next:

Vincent and Rosalie!

"Get in the bloody car, already!"  she yelled.  Still covering for the boys, Rosalie fired another shot at an oncoming attacker, trying to give them some breathing room.


Handgun: 7
Damage: 8 (w/ impale)


19:38, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 7 using 1d100 with rolls of 7.  Handgun (58).
19:39, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Damage.
19:44, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage - Impale.

”Price! Get out of here! Get to the car!” Moretti urged, his voice suddenly hoarse. ”Keep the others safe!”

He fired another shot into the chest of the man in front of him, reaching down with his free hand to unscrew the cap to the lorry’s fuel tank.

22:05, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.  Handgun - Handgun 70% (Point Blank).

22:06, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 11 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 9.  Damage - Handgun.

At Vincent's suggestion, Price did as he had originally intended, cutting a path straight back to the car and taking Rosalie's attacker from behind, joining her. He turned just as the next wave of men rushed out of the truck towards them. Contrary to his first impression, Price would see that the faces of the men coming at him were not just Arabs, but numbered Englishmen among them. Splitting up, they rushed towards each of them, joining their still living companions and attacked at will, striking them with clubs, bits of metal glinting at the head of each club.

The driver of the truck leans down and stabs Walter with his dagger, but the men aiming for him with clubs miss. Vincent cannily evades the attacks coming at him, but Leo, Rosalie, and Harry face a tougher onslaught.

---

• Walter takes 6 damage. Harry takes 5 damage. Rosalie takes 4 damage. Leo takes 6 damage.
• NEXT: Leo, Walter, and Harry (in any order)

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:24, Thu 10 May 2018.

Walter reaches up and wrenches open the truck door, hopefully dragging out the driver who is leaning through the window and blocking the attacks of the other two cultists.

[We should have bought Rosalie a police whistle so it sounded like reinforcements were coming.]

Leo slides into the opened door on the passenger side while cracking the shotgun open. He reloads the weapon a moment before situating himself behind the wheel. He resists the urge to honk the horn.

16:46, Today: Harry Price rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.  Parry 70%.

Harry gets his trusty hanger up between himself and the incoming club. Then deftly delivers a devastating slash to one of the madmen, striking the one in the middle to prevent the villain from shifting his assault on Rosalie.

16:46, Today: Harry Price rolled 62 using 1d100 with rolls of 62.  attack 70%.
16:47, Today: Harry Price rolled 9 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 8. damage.
16:47, Today: Harry Price rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  damage bonus.
13 points to one of his attackers.

The threat of his weapon keeping the enemy at bay and preventing what might have been a successful strike at him, Harry parried the incoming attack driving the point of his weapon home in a lethal blow, dropping one of their foes. Elsewhere, Walter yanked open the door, tossing forth the leaning driver out of the vehicle and obstructing the attackers for the moment, though they would no doubt rally momentarily.

Vincent bravely fended off three more on his side, as did Dr. Elias, hopping into the car and reloading his shotgun.

OOC:

Hopefully I don't need to tell y'all that things are getting dire for the Elias party.

• Parry Harry avoids damage from the attack directed at him, and kills the attacker.
• Leo gets into the car and reloads his weapon successfully.
• Walter, you successfully yank out the driver with your maneuver, and you could even be in the truck's driver's seat if desired. Let me know.
• NEXT: Vincent and Rosalie can both take another shot. Then the next round starts, again beginning with Vincent and Rosalie (who can't shoot the Colt again without reloading), so feel free to both finish up this round, and start the next.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:11, Fri 11 May 2018.

Rosalie yelped again as one of the clubs struck her, this time in the ribs.  She scrambled into the car beside her uncle, firing point blank at the nearest attacker.  Her Colt empty, she shoved her hand into her bag and pulled her Luger free.



1st action: 

Handgun: 77
Damage: 1  (wah wah)

20:07, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Handgun (116).
20:09, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage.

2nd action:

Drawing her Luger

Turning his wrist feverishly, he felt the cap on the fuel tank pull free. He let it fall to the dirt as he swung the revolver around, bringing it to bear on another of his attackers and squeezing the trigger.

21:32, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 100 using 1d100 with rolls of 100.  Handgun - Handgun 70%

Nothing happened. Only an empty metallic click.

How appropriate. His luck had finally run dry. Here on this lonely stretch of marsh in a country he barely knew.

Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori, adesso e nell'ora della nostra morte. Amen.

Taking a step back toward the truck, he found the matches in his pocket, his fingers retrieving one. The same fingers that, at sixteen, had learned how to pick locks, to steal in order to grow the empires of men whose hunger knew no bounds. He drew it out, striking it to flame on the hard surface of the lorry.

”Bo!” he called, finding his mouth suddenly parched, ”Bo, run! You’ve got to run now!  Get to the car!”

21:30, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 58 using 1d100 with rolls of 58.  DEXx5.

As the members of the Brotherhood closed in, he brought the match, already burning strong, over to the open fuel tank.

And, unexpectedly, he felt his chest hitch.

Some part of him wasn’t ready, he realized. Some lingering measure of his heart wanted to try to carry forward. To see if what might lie ahead was different than what he had left behind. To find a life outside of the empty, meaningless wars he’d tied himself to. To grasp happiness. Maybe even to be loved.

No. No. This was duty. The Eliases deserved his service. Leo had brought his family to America, helped his Papa when the rest of the city saw him as just another faceless immigrant, needy and lost. But for the Eliases, his mother would never have had the chance to grow old. His sister would never have become the woman that she was: fierce, independent, and free thinking.

He would never see Mama and Emily again. Never sit beside them at rosary. Never join them in the little flat on Sunday for cena. Never hear his mother chide him for refusing to settle down and listen to Emily talk about the college and all the ideas that the professors shared.

But they would be watched over. Provided for. He’d ensured that with his service.

They didn’t need him. Not anymore. No one did.

The flame had begun to climb the matchstick. He dropped it into the fuel tank and closed his eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Fri 11 May 2018.

OOC:

Walter, I'm going to grant you 5 yards of movement to heed Vincent's warning before I resolve his action, if you choose to take them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:46, Fri 11 May 2018.

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 209):

Not to be a buttinsky, Leo, but looks like you're in the driver's seat. Brits, you know.

Dropping the shotgun, Bo swings around to spring up into the driver's empty seat. Whether he even heard Vince's shout is doubtful.

He kicks the truck into gear and wrenches the steering wheel hard over to the right. It lurches toward the steep verge along the causeway.



This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Fri 11 May 2018.

Whether by choice or otherwise, it would forever be unknown, but Bo seemed to ignore Vincent's warning and climb into the vehicle. Putting it in gear, the lorry lurched towards the causeway, but it didn't go very far before an explosion rocked the night. The explosion sent a tower of flame high into the air, and shrapnel from the vehicle flying out from the center point of the explosion as it moved outward.

In desperation, the man nearest Leo bashed in the window with his club. On the other side of the car, Rosalie's move for her other gun saved her from a club to the head, but Harry's attacker came in with his club to take a swing at him that looked to be deadly in aim. If Harry wasn't quick enough, it would take him in the head.

OOC:

Let's see...
- Vincent and Walter both die in the explosion, as well as 13 cultists.
- Harry is struck for 10 damage, taking him to -1.
- Leo's driver's side window is shattered.

Next Six Actions:

• Leonardo and (Harry Roll your Parry, please!)
• Rosalie
• Cultist Group A (1)
• Cultist Group B (3)
• Leonardo and Harry
• If Rosalie shot on her action, she could take a second shot here.

OOC: That was very satisfying.

So long, Bo.

See ya on the other side, Vincenzo.

Will you give me that the blazing truck rolls down that very steep embankment to clear the way for the car to escape?

GM Edit for formatting
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Fri 11 May 2018.

Leo's heart sunk for a few moments at the explosion. He hoped that Bo and Vince had managed to get away, but he wouldn't be able to verify that until after they'd finished off those that currently were assaulting them.

Leo pointed the now-loaded shotgun at the fellow that had insisted on bursting through the window and hit him with a well-placed shot.

OOC: 16 damage with the point-blank shotgun blast.

11:29, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 16 using 4d6 with rolls of 3,5,4,4.  Damage.

11:26, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 60 using 1d100 with rolls of 60.  Shotgun (30x2=60).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Fri 11 May 2018.

Post explosion, there was another smaller explosion, that combined with the previous movement of the truck, sent the flaming wreckage rolling down the steep embankment, clearing the road save for some remnants of the burning wreckage, shrapnel, and the human carnage that was left there.

OOC:

Bo, absolutely.

Next...Harry has a Parry (and action awaiting him)
Then after that, Rosie
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:11, Fri 11 May 2018.

Vai con Dio, fratello.

“Life was not a valuable gift, but death was. Life was a fever-dream made up of joys embittered by sorrows, pleasure poisoned by pain; a dream that was a nightmare-confusion of spasmodic and fleeting delights, ecstasies, exultations, happinesses, interspersed with long-drawn miseries, griefs, perils, horrors, disappointments, defeats, humiliations, and despairs...but death was sweet, death was gentle, death was kind; death healed the bruised spirit and the broken heart, and gave them rest and forgetfulness; death was man's best friend; when man could endure life no longer, death came and set him free.”

- Mark Twain, Letters from the Earth

Don't suppose he also managed to move the log out of the way?
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Fri 11 May 2018.

OOC:

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 222):


The log is unfortunately still in place. That said, you can drive around it.

13:15, Today: Harry Price rolled 51 using 1d100 with rolls of 51.  Parry 70
13:18, Today: Harry Price rolled 19 using 1d100 with rolls of 19.  attack.
13:18, Today: Harry Price rolled 7 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 6.  damage.
13:18, Today: Harry Price rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3. damage bonus.
10 damage total.


"Good God," Harry muttered to himself.

Even as Price watched the truck veer off the road and explode seemingly consuming both Morreti and Brandon, he was under attack from one of the lunatics.

Harry managed to get his saber up and keep his head from being smashed in by the mad man's wild blow. Price quickly returned the favor of delivering a vicious blow of his own. Moving back toward the rear passenger door, Harry prepared himself to keep fighting or leap in as the things unfolded.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Fri 11 May 2018.

Rosalie screamed at the explosion, tears coming quickly from wide eyes.  Where were Bo and Vinnie?  In the confusion, she'd not seen where they'd gone.  Had they been caught in the explosion?  Were they hiding further down the bank?

Icy fingers squeezed her heart, but the fight wasn't over.  She fired at another of the crazed cultists through the open window.



Handgun: 44
Damage: 4

13:33, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 44 using 1d100 with rolls of 44.  Handgun (116).
13:34, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 4 using 1d10 with rolls of 4.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Tue 15 May 2018.

With only two men left standing continued to attempt to bash at the vehicle with their clubs, failing to get through to strike either Rosalie or Leo with their attacks.



OOC:

The two remaining are Leo and Rosalie with disadvantage, since they're smaller targets and inside the car - both fail, striking the body of the vehicle instead. Racking up the death roll, and the bill at the Savoy.

NEXT:

• In any order, Leo's second shot and Rosalie's second shot.
• Then Leo, Harry, and Rosalie have full actions.

Aiming through her window, Rosalie squeezed off another shot at the attacker on her side of the car.



Handgun: 72
Damage: 9

20:10, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 84 using 1d100 with rolls of 84.  Handgun (116).
20:08, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 9 using 1d10 with rolls of 9.  Damage.

Leo aimed at a bloodied but still standing cultist with his shotgun, but managed to send the shot wide again.

He then dropped the gun and prepared to get the car moving.

OOC: Leo sucks at shooting. Probably because he's used to saving lives rather than taking them. Yeah, that's it. That's why.

07:48, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 68 using 1d100 with rolls of 68.  Shotgun (30x2=60).

We left the car running, yes? All that Leo needs to do is get it in gear?

OOC: No driving rolls will be required. When it's your action next, you can just pull on outta there if you'd like.

15:56, Today: Harry Price rolled 13 using 1d100 with rolls of 13.  shotgun (50x2+100).
15:56, Today: Harry Price rolled 16 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,5,5,1.

Setting down his weapons, Harry grabbed his shotgun from the car seat and slid over behind Doctor Elias before firing out the rear window into the madman who was banging away at the car. As Price fired he remembered the American's challenge about killing a man with a shotgun and hoped Bo was proud of him.

Rosalie and Harry respectively gunned down the last of the cultists. The night was oddly and suddenly quiet, save for the sound of crackling flames from the burning truck.

OOC: Combat over. What now?

As soon as the last man fell, Rosalie scrambled out of the car and reloaded her gun.  Shaking and half panicked, she waded into the carnage in search of their friends.  "Vincent?!  Walter?!"

When Rosalie stepped out of the automobile, Harry followed suit, racking his shotgun he scanned the area to make sure no snuck up on them.

Price had seen the explosion and held out little hope for Moretti and Brandon.

"That explosion will have been seen for miles. We need to move as quickly as we can manage it." Price said simply.

"We need to get word of all this to Barrington." Price added, already trying to figure out how to tell this tale.

As Rosie and Harry once again left the vehicle, Leo did the same, loading his shotgun just in case. He joined Rosalie's calls for her cousins. "Walter! Vince! Bo!"

There was no response to either Leo or Rosalie's cries into the night. There were no groans of the dying.

Picking her way through the charred carnage and wreckage that was all that remained from where the truck had been, Rosalie had a difficult time perceiving who was what. Smoke and the stench of burning flesh filled the air. It was one of those moments, like she might have recalled during the war, where in death, individuals seemed nearly indistinguishable from one another. But not everyone was in one piece, or in a shape recognizable as human.

---

Just to help things along by way of making some quick notes here, the remaining PCs are not really going to be able to recognize/retrieve Walter and Vincent's bodies. The scene is incredibly grim and there isn't much to go on, some of which is underneath a flaming truck off the side of the road in any case.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Wed 16 May 2018.

Price gave his companions a moment to come to terms with what had happened. Having seen the horrors of Flanders, Harry was certain the two men were dead. If there was any solace, they had succumbed quickly as surviving such a configuration would have only meant the misery of a slow death.

Breaking the silence "We need to go."

Price starred out at the bleak surroundings and wondered about the missing reporter. Given what the five of them had just endured Harry gave very little chance for finding Thomas Cotton or even discovering what fate had befallen him.

"In our current condition, we would not stand much of a chance if Gavigan sends more like these killers." Price added.

Price wondered what he would tell Barrington. But clearly, they needed the law on their side. Just as clearly if they were to carry on, so they needed to recruit others, hardened and capable people, if they wanted to survive.

Leo simply glared at Price for a few moments before he walked up next to his niece and placed an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Rosalie."

OOC:

Let me get a Listen roll from each of you please.

13:00, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49.  Listen (25).

13:02, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 24 using 1d100 with rolls of 24.  Listen (48).

PM:

13:31, Today: Harry Price rolled 61 using 1d100 with rolls of 61.  Listen 25%.

"No... it can't be."  She shook her head in disbelief as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.  As Leo offered his support, she sagged against him, still somewhat in shock.  The carnage was too familiar, but it was a sight she thought she'd left behind.  She turned away to bury her face in his shoulder, but stopped short as distant sounds drew her attention.

"Gunfire," she whispered in shaky tones.  "On the island.  Someone... someone out there is fighting."

Leo comforted Rosalie until she mentioned gunfire. With a heavy heart, Leo perked up a little. "Could be Tommy. Or someone else - but either way it might be just the distraction we need. We probably won't get another chance at this."

Leo gently urged his niece in the direction of the car. "Harry, we're heading to the island. Rosalie heard gunfire coming from that direction."

As Rosalie pointed out the sound, both Leo and Harry could hear the sounds of distant gunfire as well. It wasn't the sound of a single weapon taking shots, but of multiple guns going off.

"We wouldn't want to miss the party." Price said offering a gallant smile as he headed to the car and placed his Mauser back into its holster, and it's scabbard. Before climbing into the back seat and pointing his reloading shotguntoward the open windown.

Once everyone was safely in the car, Leo turned it about and headed toward the island. "Not sure we need to do much planning. Seems like we will just be reacting. From the sounds of it, this might be Barrington and his fellows." One could hope, anyway.

"If it isn't, we'll need to be ready to get out of there," Rosalie said quietly.  As she reloaded Stanley's pistol, she glanced at the side mirror, glad the carnage was no longer in focus.  Is the price too great?  Will it be greater still?  She tucked the pistol away and rested her Luger in her lap, looking forward to the island.  Despite her words of caution, she had little hope that any of them would make it out alive.

"Uncle, you should stop before we get there so we can bandage our wounds."  Her shoulder and neck were both throbbing painfully.  She removed some lineament from her bag to rub into the muscle.  "Mr. Price, how badly were you injured?"


First aid (self): 6   (Rosalie impaled herself with ointment)
Healed: 2 hit points

22:44, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 6 using 1d100 with rolls of 6.  First Aid (80).
22:52, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 2 using 1d3 with rolls of 2.  Un-damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Fri 18 May 2018.

"Little banged up. Perhaps your uncle could see to it as we drive?" Price replied. Given there was a gun battle raging, there didn't seem time to do more than pull over and have Elias climb into the back seat.

"If it is from being struck with one of those awful clubs, then I have something that will help, so long as nothing is broken.  I volunteered during the war."  Passing him the ointment tube, she gestured to the side he'd been hit on.  "Rub a bit of that into the muscle and the ache will subside."


First aid (Harry): 69
Recovered: 3 hit points


00:09, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 69 using 1d100 with rolls of 69.  First Aid (80).
00:10, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 3 using 1d3 with rolls of 3.  Un-damage.

OOC:

Rosalie, with that First Aid Impale, go ahead and take an additional hit point over what you recovered with it. That takes care of the first injury you received.

Leo can still try to treat the other injury, or alternatively Rosalie can if she wants. You can make one First Aid/Medicine roll per injury. Since she took damage twice, she can take one more than she has so far.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:00, Fri 18 May 2018.

"I'm sorry, Rosalie. I have...kind of lost myself with...what we just saw. Let me grab my bag." Fortunately, Leo kept his medical bag close by, and with a few quick questions and visual inspection, he was able to patch the pair up well enough to continue.

OOC: Rosalie gets 2 more HP back, Price gets 3 back.


08:18, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 2,3 using d3,d3 with rolls of 2,3.  HP healed - Rosie, Harry.

08:14, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Medicine (75 - Harry).

08:14, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 51 using 1d100 with rolls of 51.  Medicine (75 - Rosie).

OOC:

Price was already at full health after Rosalie's first aid, so I'll let Rosalie take the 3 hp you rolled up for him instead.

Moving up the road steadily toward the island, Leo pulled up short as he approached the gate. From a distance, it appeared that the gates were wide open. There weren't any guards in sight.

Leo killed the lights as they approached, and after pulling up short, the physician looked to the other two. "Continue in the car, which will be a bit more obvious, or move in on foot?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Fri 18 May 2018.

As the doctor and his niece provided aid, Price offered "Thank you. Given the sounds of the fighting, I am certain your skills will be needed again soon."

While Price didn't say anything, he was surprised by the resilience and resourcefulness of the doctor and his niece.

"I suggest we take the automobile. With all the shooting we shouldn't be noticed if the headlamps are off." Price said, his shotgun ready.

OOC can we still hear shooting?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Sat 19 May 2018.

OOC:

Yes, you can.

"I agree," Rosalie said quietly.  "Let's keep the car... just in case." 

As suggested by the others, Leo re-engages the engine and slowly drives in the direction of the gunfire.

Driving slowly towards the mostly ajar gates, there don't seem to be any guards in plain sight. Pushing onwards with their headlights off, the car pushes slightly at the edge of the gates which slowly move out of his way and the car gains passage without a problem. The road starts curving to the right, where in the distance they can see the building which must be the Misr House.

The edifice itself is further down the road to the right, but the sounds of gunfire are coming from off the road, in the scattered trees to the northwest of their position.

---

OOC:

Decisions on where to go. You can go to the house by car, but to get to the gunfire, you have to go on foot through the forest.

"I guess we're walking, after all," Rosalie said quietly.  She tilted her head in the direction of the woods as she chambered a round in her pistol.

Leo nodded. "Sure seems that way." He grabbed his shotgun, making sure it was loaded, and then  caught up with Rosalie as she moved toward the sound of gunfire.

As it became clear that they were being forced on foot, Price exited the car and slung his shotgun, and then drew his hanger and Mauser, before heading off with Dr. Elias and his niece. It seemed a poor decision, but it was clear that they would not change their minds, and Harry was not about to let them head off on their own.

OOC:

Give me Stealth and Spot Hidden checks please.

Predictably, Leo was excellent at not being able to hear himself move. It likely meant he did rather well at it.

OOC: See no evil, hear no evil.

14:26, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 93 using 1d100 with rolls of 93.  Spot Hidden (28).

14:26, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 68 using 1d100 with rolls of 68.  Stealth (20).

Rosalie crept into the trees, toward the sound of gunfire, like a 1920s ninja with eagle eyes.


21:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 37 using 1d100 with rolls of 37.  Stealth (60).
21:18, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.  Spot Hidden (55).

21:55, Today: Harry Price rolled 5 using 1d100 with rolls of 5.  Stealth 10.
21:55, Today: Harry Price rolled 83 using 1d100 with rolls of 83.  Spot Hidden 45.

Price moved toward the sound of the guns, doing his best not to fall into an ambush. It had been years since he had headed into battle, and it had never been in the company of an aging doctor and his niece. But the two had shown real nerve and a willingness to fight.

The silence of the night was periodically punctuated less frequently by gunfire, and other strange, unidentifiable sounds as they crept through the forest. The air was both cold and damp, and a light fog roiled across the island, such that even though the three of them moved in a close formation with each other, they seemed to one another but shapes that moved through the wood - darkness come alive in the night.

As they moved forward, they could see shapes resolving. There was a large stele, a column that appeared to have markings up and down its length. Shackled the the column on four sides were slumped figures, held upright seemingly by the shackles. Slumped figures rested across the field, but they were dwarfed by a large other figure that lay slumped across the field.

Their steps were quiet, until Leo who had otherwise been careful knowing his own lack of ability in the wilderness, stepped on a twig or thin branch that cracked loudly, the surprise of the sound causing him to set another foot wrong and do the same again in short succession.

Before Leo knew it, the barrel of a shotgun was being held up against his chest by a stern looking man dressed in dark clothing. His accent was crisp, and polished, with the sound of an upper class upbringing and education.

"Now, who in the bloody hell are you?"

The voice of Chief Inspector Barrington forestalled any potential answer.

"It's alright, Reggie. He's a friendly. Doctor, please excuse Constable Hawkins. We lost a man tonight, and things have been strange here. Everyone's on edge." The man identified as Constable Hawkins instantly lowered his weapon, and gave a slight nod of apology before backing up a step. Hawkins gave Barrington a questioning look, but didn't voice any and instead turned his direction back towards the scene out in front of them.

"There was a thing. Some kind of animal that I've never even-..." Barrington was cut off by a piercing, otherworldly shriek as a winged creature with a body the size of an elephant, with large scaled wings tipped with claws, a lengthy tail, and a head with a toothy maw alighted in the clearing, looking into the forest with knowing eyes. A horror from out of nightmares, the creature defied description and looked different from any that any of them had seen in books or read of otherwise or even heard of spoken in the strangest of tales.

---

OOC:

Everyone make a SAN check for me.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Wed 20 June 2018.

I'll post more later, but Leo does pass the Sanity check


09:24, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 50 using 1d100 with rolls of 50.  Sanity (69).

13:08, Today: Harry Price rolled 73 using 1d100 with rolls of 73.  Sanity 70
GM feel free to roll the sanity cost.

Still hidden among the shrubs, Price looked out at the creature. Nothing Harry Price had ever experienced in his life had prepared him for the horror that landed in the middle of a country estate near the South Eastern coast of England.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Fri 25 May 2018.

Rosalie recognized the creature from drawings she'd seen in Gavigan's den, but seeing it in drawings was nothing compared to seeing the real thing.  She stared in shock and took an involuntary step backwards.


Sanity Fail

17:03, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  Sanity (75).

Leo opened his mouth to respond to the constable, but was glad that Barrington was there to help. He held out a hand to the new acquaintance. "Doctor Leonardo Elias. It's nice to meet you Constable Hawkins, and I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Do you have any wounded?"

Though before they could dispense with any pleasantries or discuss the health of the others that had come with Barrington, some damnable creature landed nearby. Leo took a deep, calming breath and raised his shotgun.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:52, Mon 28 May 2018.

Before Hawkins had a chance to respond to Leo, they were interrupted by the air splitting, unearthly shrieks of the winged behemoth that landed among them, not altogether far away from their position and facing them. Barrington grimaced something fierce at the sight of the creature, and Hawkins swore openly as one of the other constables took off running while screaming in terror.

"It's back," said Barrington.

In the distance, they could see the dim outlines of shapes surrounding some kind of a tall, stone pillar, and from that point they heard terrified screams.

Barrington briefly moved into the open firing his revolver at the great beast, pulling back quickly behind the tree.

"I think maybe we hurt it with our first volley, though you would never know by the way it acts."


OOC:

Gavigan
Barrington (first shot, or action)
Rosalie (first shot, or action)
Barrington (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Rosalie (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Leonardo (first shot, or action)
Hawkins & the Constables
Harry (first shot, or action)
Shantak
Rosalie (third shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Leonardo (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Harry (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)


Rosalie loses 2 SAN, and is also next!


12:12, Today: The Keeper rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.

Rosalie's gasps died in the sound of gunfire.  Holding her Luger in both hands, she squeezed off a shot at the beast right after Barrington's volley.



OOC:  Rosalie's using her Luger, which I think is 2 shots per round.
Also -- are there any modifiers for how big this creature is?

Handgun: 33
Damage: 8

15:16, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 33 using 1d100 with rolls of 33.  Handgun (58).
15:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 8 using 1d10 with rolls of 8.  Damage.

Rosalie's bullet seemed to hit, but glanced off the creature's thick scales. The same with both of Barrington's shots so far.

"We're not doing any good. We need something that hits harder for whatever this bloody thing is," he said. "I'm hesitant to get up close with a shotgun, but it might be what is called for eventually."

OOC:
Good question, Rosalie.

For how big this creature is, your shooting percentage increases +5% (which will also tangentially increase your impale by 1%).

Accidentally rolled for Barrington twice, but it makes no matter.

NEXT: Rosalie, Leo, the Constables and Harry (go in any order!)

Gavigan
Barrington (first shot, or action)
Rosalie (first shot, or action)
Barrington (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Rosalie (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Leonardo (first shot, or action)
Hawkins & the Constables
Harry (first shot, or action)
Shantak
Rosalie (third shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Leonardo (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)
Harry (second shot; if not shooting, no action till next round)

"A shotgun or something larger."  Rosalie fired off another volley before taking cover behind a tree.  "What about whoever called it?  Have you seen any sign of Gavigan?"



Handgun: 25
Damage: 4

11:55, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Handgun (63).
11:55, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 4 using 1d10 with rolls of 4.  Damage.

"Shotgun? I've got one of those..."

Leo moved within short range of his weapon and discharged it in the general direction of the beast's face.

OOC: I think that's an impale? Does that double damage rolled or do you roll twice? Either way, that's a wimpy damage roll...

07:39, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 9 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,1,1,2.  Damage.

07:39, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.  Shotgun (30).

Boldly, Dr. Elias darted from the tree he was sheltered behind to the one beside Barrington, whipping around and delivering his best aimed shotgun blast at the creature's head, which caused the beast to rear back and roar in pain.

OOC:

Leo, that is an impale! You roll twice for the damage, so that gives you a chance to boost what you've got (though so far, even with your roll, you're the only one to hurt it so far).

Second roll was the same. 9.

16:35, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 9 using 4d6 with rolls of 1,3,3,2.  Damage (impale).

So a total of 18 on 8d6. I probably could have done better with a 3d6 system.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Tue 26 June 2018.

Seeing Doctor Elias break cover and close with the monstrous creature, Price got to his feet, looked to Barrington and his men "The Doctor has the right idea, we need to get close and take it down at point blank range!"

"Tally Ho." Price said as he moved toward the thing hoping the men of Scotland Yard would follow and fired two shots at the ungodly creature.


21:45, Today: Harry Price rolled 88 using 1d100 with rolls of 88.  Persuade 75%.
21:48, Today: Harry Price rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.  handgun 50.
21:48, Today: Harry Price rolled 58 using 1d100 with rolls of 58.  handgun 50.


Unclear if Harry can reach Leo. If so he will close with the creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Tue 26 June 2018.

Encouraged by the doctor's apparently successful shot and Price's words and actions to follow it up, the men of Scotland Yard rushed forward, moving like men that knew what they were about in a battle, giving the impression to any that were familiar with their sort that they had probably served in the Great War.

Through a clearing in the fog, the sight before any in observance was completely alien to what it should be: brave men and women facing down a creature from out of the worst nightmares, armed only with shotguns and steel constitutions. Most attacks glanced off of the creature, but a few blows seemed to strike it true enough, and the men who were closest up had to scramble to evade the falling form of the massive creature that had moments before stood before them.

OOC:

And, you all took down the Shantak.

14:01, Today: Constable Hawkins rolled 26 using 8d6 with rolls of 4,1,6,3,2,4,1,5.
14:01, Today: Constable Hawkins rolled 13 using 4d6 with rolls of 2,4,1,6.
14:01, Today: Constable Hawkins rolled 356 using 7d100 with rolls of 89,95,13,45,61,48,5.  Constables Attacks.
13:59, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Harry Price, rolled 2 using 1d10 with rolls of 2.  Damage (non impale).
13:58, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Harry Price, rolled 12 using 2d10 with rolls of 9,3.  Damage - Impale.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Thu 12 July 2018.

"If I gave short shrift to your strange tales the first time I met you, doctor, I hope you'll forgive me," said Barrington. "This is the kind of thing one has to see to believe. Even given what you brought me...not quite what I had expected." Taking the lead behind the men that had rushed forward, he beckoned the doctor and Rosalie to join him.

"I still don't know what Gavigan's hand is in all of this, or if he's here."

In the distance, just beside the slain beast, which he steered clear of but kept an eye on in case it were to surprisingly return to life somehow, he sighted something which caught his breath before saying only, "Great Scott!"

Before them, shackled to a tall stone stele with Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into its body, were four human forms, three male, one female, and all completely nude and shivering as they hung against it. He took off the coat that he had to protect him against the winter coat and handed it to Rosalie.

"Miss, if you could kindly see that one of those women gets this..."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Wed 10 Oct 2018.

Leo took a moment to take a deep breath and blow it out slowly as the creature collapsed before him. He knew running into close range with his shotgun had been a bit of a risk, but it had worked out in the end.

The shock of the sudden battle quickly wore off, and Leo looked over to Barrington as the man spoke. He nodded his understanding. "I completely understand how things sound to someone who hasn't witnessed this firsthand. As for Gavigan, we don't know precisely what his part is, we just believe that he's an important part of it."

Leo gave a wide berth to the fallen creature, and looked over in the direction of the Inspector's exclamation. Leo took off his own coat, having kept himself dry and relatively warm thus far. As they closed with the four, he started by offering words of support. "We're here to see you to safety. And if anyone is injured, I'm a physician." Leo took a cursory look to see if anyone seemed hurt, though one couldn't always tell at a glance.

Rosalie let out a soft exclamation as she followed the inspector's gaze to the sacrifices that were staked out for the beast.  She took the man's coat with a nod and followed her uncle, staying close, and delivered the covering to one of the naked women.  She took off her own to give to the other and then began to inspect their bindings to see if they could be cut or if there were locks that could be picked.

Harry Price stood still for a moment with his Mauser pistol, smoke drifting out of the barrel, still aimed at the horror. Unable to fully comprehend the horror of it, Harry decided to focus on the job at hand.

"Well done lads." Price said to the men. Surely many were also trying to cope with the sight of the unnatural creature.

"Let's keep our eyes and ears open."

Walking up to Barrington "Inspector, thank God you and your lads were here."

"As for Gavigan, best we find him and find out how he was involved was in this horror."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Fri 13 July 2018.

Barrington clapped Harry on the back as he approached.

"I could say the same for you lot. I'm not surprised that you're here precisely, but we weren't expecting it. The way this played out, I'd wager that a few more gunshots is what made the difference between our status quo and the loss of more life." Quite obviously forcing himself, Barrington turned to take a look at the slain beast, but couldn't quite hold his gaze long.

"Don't know what the bloody hell that is. This was it's second pass at us. The first was not as kind."

---

Rosalie, Leo, and Constable Hawkins all found themselves out in the cold, but with their coats as well as Barrington's the naked figures shackled to the stone stele were all given the gift of warmth and decency as much as they could be with manacle-bound hands linked to the stele. Putting the coats on them backwards seemed the best they could do for the moment.

As Rosalie moved to put her coat on one of the men, she realized that it was none other than Tommy. He was there physically, but had a strange, vacant look in his eyes and seemed not to move of his own accord when the jacket was placed around him, making her do the work of pushing his arms into the coat sleeves.

OOC:

Yes, Rosalie can find a lock to pick.

"Thomas!"  Rosalie gasped.  "Uncle!  Thomas is here!"  The mystery of what had happened to him was solved, but he was unresponsive.  She couldn't help but wonder what sort of trauma he'd been subjected to before he'd been chained to the pillar.  "They are locked in their chains.  Mr. Price?  Do you know how to pick a lock?"

Leo looked over at Rosie's exclamation. "Tommy! That's....fantastic." His response was a bit subdued at what Leo saw in the other man's eyes. Or rather what he didn't see. He also felt the loss of Vincent and Bo even more profoundly now than when they initially were lost. He knew all about grief and how to deal with it...from a professional standpoint. But it was still difficult to face a loss like they'd suffered.