This is for non-IC posts.

Tony

Could we please get a clue thread and/or plot thread? If this is a written plot, I actually wouldn't mind a summary of what happened before I got on board :)

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #2):

I agree, I usually have some kind of Questions or Reference thread.

As for what's gone on before, hey, I joined after you! In general, I think we won't do a full restart but we'll continue on from London. I haven't read through the adventure (and won't until giving up completely on Masks on Sunday) so I can't really say how things will go or if other changes are needed.

One thing to keep in mind is that as I become more familiar with the adventure sources like the Scotland Yard Inspector and Maloney might have new information to offer or be of further assistance.

You can play 1 or 2 investigators at the same time, if you wish. You can re-create the dropped PCs from Masks as best you can or bring on new ones.

(For example, a reporter from The Scoop could be assigned your case, a CID detective from Scotland Yard could decide not enough is being done officially on the "Egyptian Murders" and so works the case on his own time, a relative or friend of a victim could join the investigation (may or may not be Egyptian themselves), an investigator might know someone in town that can help, etc.)

Considering we don't have access to "Masks", there are 3 options regarding NPCs that I can see:

1) Re-create the current group as best we can, with the other PCs as NPCs or played by the other players, as above. I would appreciate help in this!

2) Retcon away the old NPCs and substitute them for new ones that have "always" been with the group. These will be created by me, the players (with my gratitude) or ripped off from the main rule book. (I'm not proud.)

3) Think of a reason for most of the old PCs to depart, then bring in new NPCs in a logical fashion.

As for the plot or a similar narration, I'll have to look into it. You may as well include your luggage on your character sheet, as it's effectively your belongings now (unless you return to New York). Further, I have to figure out what the deal is with the books some of you were studying.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:16, Thu 22 Sept 2011.

The books were recovered from someone's safe. I think the details were in the Clues thread.

I don't especially enjoy running two PCs simultaneously. It gets awkward. But anyone else who can do so gracefully is of course welcome to do so! Since I saw very little of the other PCs, I don't mind casting them off, as long as Imran and Phil carry over. We could either say they're involved in a side quest, or simply ignore them and I'd be perfectly happy. We may need additional PCs, especially when we get to Africa, but I will leave that fully up to you.

By the by, thank you for doing this :)

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #4):

Multiple PCs will be optional! I would appreciate any and all help in creating NPCs, to be clear.

NPCs will be there to support you, and add capabilities you may lack. For example, you may need at least one dedicated researcher, maybe another person who's handy with a gun, and so on.

My NPCs can sometimes be pushy and have opinions, they often possess knowledge that is valuable and they will try and share whether it's wanted or not. They are not the "mouth of God" and never take for granted they are automatically correct. Like everyone, I have been in many games where the NPCs are mere "sock puppets" for the GM's opinions, preferences and sometimes even prejudices. Of course you can't always get away from that but I do try to mix it up a little.

As for books, I'm looking at the "Studying Books" thread and trying to make sense of it. I think only Cynthia was studying one of the group's books?

Tony

I am present. Thank you.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #6):

Thank your for joining, the gang's all here!

I've been holding off on recruiting more players until today, because I wanted to give our old Keeper the chance to resume his game. I haven't given the adventure a read-through for the same reason, so I can't get into too many specifics on this game yet.

At the moment I'm also visiting relatives and can't take too much time to post, so I'll try and make it quick.

1) We will start in London going forward, using the same continuity with some exceptions, even possible retonnig some elements.

2) You have therefore already talked to the Librarian, the police, the Penhew Foundation and Maloney at the Scoop. Please be aware that some of these NPCs may have further information to share or be of a little more assistance.

3) At the next game-day most of the former PCs will depart back to New York, not as a retcon but as a minor plot development.

4) Players are allowed to play more than one Investigator but not required. I will add a couple NPCs are seems fitting and justifiable.

5) At this time, NPCs include John-Marc (JM) and his friend/mechanic/co-pilot Karlheinz. JM is going to be taken over by Phil because it just feels weird to play a GMPC.

6) I think I am not as reflexively afraid of firepower as the typical Keeper. I ran Cthulhu Now and Delta Green, for crying out loud! However, retcon the smuggling of BARs and Thompson SMGs might be a bit much.

Tony

We might want to recruit a player to assume Weston or Lampton or Fulty or retain one of them as NPC so that their tome-acquired knowledge is still available. Either that or transfer it to Cynthia.

I'd also like to suggest that we retcon some of the NPC interactions -- Barrington and Malone in particular -- to have them provide more information or offer some on-call help. It would seem more productive than basically replaying those scenes.

I'm willing to take on a secondary PC, if there's a role we feel is needed and we can't recruit for it.

I don't think additional firepower will be necessary in London (at least I hope not), but when we venture into less-civilized climes that could change.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #8):

1) That's a great point about the hard-won Mythos book-learning by NPCs, as it's something a new NPC or PC won't have had access to.

2) I would prefer that if old NPCs are to continue, current players take them on. That provides better continuity than new players trying to play NPCs that have an established history.

3) Indeed, Insp. Barrington and Malone were the very contacts I was thinking could be of further use. However, I am thinking on ways your paths can intersect, instead of re-running the original conversations as a retcon. Those two could be good rationales to introduce new PCs.

4) At this time, restart will move forward from the dinner (lunch) meeting, with Singh doing a visual recce of the Blue Pyramid Club from outside, then a group recce inside later that night.

Tony

I scrounged around the old game and found some 'book' information

1)The Pnakotic Manuscripts - English translation - 20 Weeks Study
2)Selections De Livre D'Ivon - French commentary on a Latin text - 20 Weeks Study
3)People of the Monolith - English Book (Bound is something that seems to be unnatural. Everyone who picks it up will need to make a Cthulhu Mythos Role.) - 1 Week Study
4)Life as a God - English book (Bound in Human Skin) - 1 Week Study

RF - 4,3
DrPW - 3.4
CH - 2 (Quick read)
HL -1 (Quick read)

Stephen Wooten wants to undertake to study the Pnakotic manuscripts...
Ralph Fruty - I will begin studying "Life as a God" as of Thursday 24th January 1923. I just finished reading "Life of a God" in the first week of the journey. then People of the Monolith.
Dr Weston - I'm going to study People of the Monolith. People of the Monolith  Finished (1week studies) then "Life as a God"
Howard Lampton takes on studying the Pnakotic Manuscripts that Stephen Wooten had started.

OK Break down. - 2 Weeks - In New york before you leave on the trip. (People in Hospital and getting tickets and preparation)
Then you leave on the trip.
Now IFFFFFFF Nothing happens, then you will get a total of 5 weeks off the book reading.

Phil never touches the 'reading' materials.....
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Mon 26 Sept 2011.

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #10):

Thanks for the information, I'll keep those in mind.

At the present time I'm waiting for Cynthia's player to log in before continuing and recruiting new players, although I am reading the adventure. This is because she's obviously pretty fundamental to the story!

Plus, I'd like the player's input on what we've been discussing. Once we get a new investigator or two we can see what capabilities we're lacking, but if any of the old NPCs are played it'll have to be by you guys.

Tony

Sorry!! Been crazy busy, but I'm here now.

I don't really want to play a second PC, but I can take one on if necessary. I'd probably go with the more combat-heavy, so there's no bumping between him and Cynthia. I really didn't get much of a chance to interact with any of the other characters, though, so I probably won't be 'keeping to character' too much with them.

I'm happy to bring on additional players, and now seems like the best opportunity for that.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #12):

1) We have an additional player now, who will be playing a police detective and a reporter for The Scoop. I am okay with 4 players, keeps it simpler for me.

2) No one is required to play another investigator. You are fine to play Cynthia and Cynthia alone!

3) I am going to retcon the Egyptian Murders a little to keep the numbers more plausible. After all, the entire country went completely berserk over the 5 victims of the Whitechapel killer (aka "Jack the Ripper")! 24 cult victims is only The Scoop's estimation and may be an inflated total; as of this time the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) only officially acknowledges three connected victims over 2 years and only unofficially acknowledges the elements of cult rituals, suspected involvement of the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh, etc.

4) At this point old PCs/NPCs are going to be shuffled out of the story, unless someone wants to play one of them. Going once...

Tony

I'll work up Howard Lampton, if he can cover Life as a God (1 week) and People of the Monolith (1 week) as well as being several weeks into the Pnakotic Manuscripts. He might as well have Selections De Livre D'Ivon in his possession as well, if no one else wants it.

I got his 'essential saltes' (character description) from the old game.

I figure he'll mostly stay at the lodgings and read -- he has about a 40-week programme ahead of him.

1)The Pnakotic Manuscripts - English translation - 20 Weeks Study
2)Selections De Livre D'Ivon - French commentary on a Latin text - 20 Weeks Study
3)People of the Monolith - English Book (Bound is something that seems to be unnatural. Everyone who picks it up will need to make a Cthulhu Mythos Role.) - 1 Week Study
4)Life as a God - English book (Bound in Human Skin) - 1 Week Study

Petitioning for the re-roll on EDU, if he's to be any use to us at all.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #14):

1) Howard Lampton has been added for you.

2) That studying is fine. I will PM you using his name, include there what books he's studied for whatever time is appropriate.

3) Another investigator will be joining the game, a reporter for The Scoop. As Lampton is a correspondent (specialising in Occult stories, I gather) it's possible they may know each other, or of each other.

Tony

1) Sorry, missed the request for EDU re-roll on Lampton. Approved! Any idea on percentile gains? PM me.

2) I will add a doctor NPC with psychoanalysis. God knows you'll need it! [Private to Albert Darlington: If you want to do the honours that would be appreciated, otherwise I'll use the pre-gen from the book.]

3) I will use the optional modifiers for book study time.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:23, Tue 27 Sept 2011.

Group,

1) For the purpose of regaining SAN, I am allowing 1 month's therapy by Dr. Weston  (1D3) plus a relaxing voyage (1D4-1). Cynthia and Imran have recovered SAN to their starting levels, Phil isn't nearly as crazy as he used to be!

2) One retcon regards Phil's attack, it never happened (or some variation, like it was all a dream).

3) Another retcon is the date. The adventure written to be set in 1925 and while this is a minor change, it's enough hard as it is to keep track of details in this sprawling campaign without translating 1923 to 1925, and there's no real point to the other game's change in date (that I can see).

4) Please keep track of the books your character reads on your character sheets.

5) Anyone need to get ahold of the CoC character generation program "Byakhee"? Try:

http://www.yog-sothoth.com/local_links.php?catid=10

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:21, Wed 28 Sept 2011.

Hello everyone, nice to meet you all (again).

I'll be playing Detective Sergeant Albert Darlington of the London Metropolitan CID, and also a dogged tabloid reporter for the Daily Scoop called Molly 'Mungo' Fuller.

[Private to GM: I shall roll up a London-based Doctor of Psychoanalysis NPC to soothe the investigator's frazzled brains]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Wed 28 Sept 2011.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #20):

Group,

Paul (Albert/Molly) was involved in the original Masks game, and I'm glad to have his participation in this one as well. Det. Sgt. Darlington and/or Molly could meet the group at the hotel (as both Malone and Insp. Barrington know of your whereabouts and could call to say they have people they think you should meet).

The first action up (that I know about) is for Imran to do his recce of the BP club, he prefers it be alone as he might not stick out as much. Darlington and/or Molly could run into him there, as they are conducting their own private investigations.

Anyone planning on doing anything else? John-Marc (JM) will call his friend Karlheinz to come to London via train and fly his Brisfit from Croydon Aerodrome back to Lympne Aerodrome so he won't have to worry about it while he's in the city. JM is staying at Croydon's RAF barracks for now but he could relocate to the hotel if someone helps out with the bill. Also, the NPCs will take care of telegramming Josiah to check JM's bona fides.

As none of the active PCs seem particularly interested in following up on the "Derbyshire Monster", the current NPCs (Storm, Fulty and Dr. Weston) will travel there to investigate a possible connection while the other PCs remain in London. Sure hope nothing goes tragically wrong out there! Ha ha! At any rate, they will update the PCs if they find anything.

Also, an NPC doctor will be joining the group. Anyone have any input on a possible personal connection to make introduction easier? Dr. West, Cynthia or Howard would be natural, JM would do in a pinch.

[Private to Albert Darlington: Generating an NPC doctor would be smashing! And deeply appreciated.]

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:01, Wed 28 Sept 2011.

Margo Fuller is now formally re-christened Molly Fuller! I'll roll up the PC and NPC today.

Howard has lived in London at times while working on his books in between travels. He could be friends with the doctor, or with Miss Fuller or even Sergeant Darlington, perhaps.

Singh is prepared for his scout.

Cynthia studied in Oxford, and so made quite a few contacts. She is, if we can keep this between you and me, also a bit of a flirt, so may have attracted the attentions of either an English or American doctor at any time between then and now (and in fact, he could be a romantic interest).

Paul,

D'oh! My mistake on the names, I was too tired to be posting last night.

If I make a mistake or if anyone has any input or suggestions, please let me know or PM me. (Obviously, gripes should be private.) I won't always be able to give satisfaction, but at least I'll hear you out. [Private to John-Marc Falcon: Sorry, Simmons is an NPC and was given to you by mistake. Mea Culpa.]

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Wed 28 Sept 2011.

No, seriously.. I prefer the name Molly 'Mungo' Fuller. She uses the pseudonym Mungo J. Fuller to publish her stories in various newspapers and magazine columns, as female journalists are considered a curiosity in this age.

Ha ha, that's awesome. And very true!

She has been added as a PC and her character sheet is active. So just post it there and I'll have a look.

Will Darlington meet the PCs at the hotel or run into Singh at the BP Club?

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Wed 28 Sept 2011.

And "Mungo" won't be??

I don't even have her character sheet yet! Although, for that matter it makes logistical sense that if one is at the BP club, the other could be talking to the group at the hotel. Keeps things going in 2 places.

Tony

Check your PMs. I sent you character sheets for Molly Fuller and the NPC doctor, Edward Bradford-Titchner, this morning.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #30):

Oh, right. Well, what's your pleasure, then? Meet the group at the hotel or run into Singh at the Blue Pyramid Club?

Darlington: ?
Molly:      ?

Tony

DS Darlington will be at the Blue Pyramid Club, doing some surveillance or following up some dead-end leads in the murder case he is obsessed with.

Molly Fuller can approach the party at the Park Lane Hotel, although I'll need everyone's help to manufacture an 'in-point' hook with them.

In reply to Molly Mungo Fuller (msg #32):

Excellent! I guess I will start things off tonight.

Anyone have any further input?

Outstanding job on the NPC Doctor! Nice shout-out to Ivan Pavlov, tons of great detail, I love it. I added a contact, a habitual criminal cured by his radical methods. (That is, he was dyslexic so the doctor taught him to read and got him a job.)

The good doctor will show up the next game-day.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Thu 29 Sept 2011.

Lampton could certainly be an expert source that Molly or Darlington might consult on occult-ish happenings. He's been in America for more than a fortnight and less than a month, but has very recently returned.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #34):

1) Good thinking on the possible connections between Lampton and Molly and/or Darlington.

2) Speaking of connections, you may suggest some logical ones that your character has, both in London and farther afield. As well, please list some family and friends. Also, religion, even if lapsed.

3) I'm going to hold off on starting tonight, if only so I can take my time. Sorry!

Tony

One of Molly's friends that I listed on her character sheet is Jeanne R Foster, an American girl who is a fashion model and poet, and also a mistress of Fitzrovia-based occultist Aleister Crowley. Jeanne R Foster is a member of Crowley's magical order, The A∴A∴ or Order Of The Silver Star. Molly Fuller knows Jeanne R Foster through her time spent mingling with London's bohemian set of Young, Pretty Things, although recently Molly is concerned about her friend's increasing involvement in occult circles. This could offer a connection of somewhat to Howard Lampton.

Perhaps Jeanne R Foster has recently disappeared and Molly Fuller wishes to consult Lampton about the practices of the Order Of The Silver Star?

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg #36):

I added this to my character description earlier today:

His few friends tend to be fellow writers with whom he exchanges letters much more than he visits, like Jackson Elias or others connected with his work, like Jonah Kensington. He has numerous professional contacts throughout the world, from street singers in Paris to old gypsy women in Romania to librarians in many institutions with significant collections of 'forbidden books' (including Henry Armitage of Miskatonic University's Orne Memorial Library).

He is sometimes sought out by police and journalists for advice and information on cases with an occult dimension. A few newshounds and coppers engage his interest and become almost friends (such as Molly Fuller and the late Detective Weston). His many fans are treated with genial condescension when he cannot avoid them.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #37):

That sounds like a perfect hook for MOlly to track down Lampton when she hears he has recently arrived back in London. Perhaps she offers to help the investigators in their pursuits in exchange for help in her enquiries?

[Private to GM: I know there are a few 'side-missions' in London not connected to the main campaign. Maybe you can engineer it so that Molly is looking into one of the for The Scoop and requests the group's help in exchange for her helping them out with their investigation into Elias's death and the Penhew Foundation / Blue Pyramid Club?]

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg #38):

1) It makes sense that if Molley is working the Egyptian Murders then Maloney would tell her about the investigators, including Lampton. (We will say he was part of the meeting.) Hearing this, she decides to visit them at the hotel and catch up with an old friend.

2) We can say that Darlington runs into Singh at the BP Club.

3) Anything else? I'm not crazy about different location threads but it seems that with people splitting up as they are wont to do in CoC (not that they should necessarily ever do this, mind!) it might be more clear this way.

Tony

Different location threads are good to keep things separate and well-organised. I'm not a fan of allocating location threads to various different groups, preventing someone not in that group from seeing the thread. That just means that when the player rejoins the main group they have to write a massive post informing the group what happened, much easier to just allow the whole group to see all threads. I'm sure we are all old enough and ugly enough to deal responsibly with the OOC knowledge we'd gain from reading threads our characters weren't directly involved in.

It is rather amusing playing this section of the campaign, as I live in central London and know all these areas and locations like the back of my hand.

It does remove a bit of the mystery and suspense when everyone knows what has befallen Singh, if, say, he fails to return from his recce or Singh knows that his comrades have arrived to rescue him. But that's a matter of taste, really.

I would suggest separate threads for different groups/locations, even if they are visible to all, just for clarity. I'm in another game where three separated pairs are still all in the same thread and it gets confusing. Plus, the GM sometimes misses a post when it gets swamped by several others and one player can get hung up waiting for a response.

Having location threads only viewable by characters directly involved in them does add realsim, suspense and mystery, I will concur. Personally, I like to be entertained by reading everyone's adventures and RPing even if I'm not involved in them.

I often feel short-changed as a player if my character is sitting waiting in a hotel suite twiddling his/her thumbs whilst some other characters are having an action-packed shootout with cultists someplace else. I may be waiting for a week or two or RL time not having any fun whilst watching the post count for the game rise and rise with those tempting little red numbers. If I can see the thread then I can still be entertained by following the story even if my character isn't actively involved in it.

When GMing at a tabletop I don't send all the players outside of the room when they split up the investigation.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #41):

I agree with Singh. When the characters split up, please put them in different threads.

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #43):

Is your preference to have those threads hidden from players that aren't involved in them?

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg #44):

Either way is ok to me. Each has benefits and detriments.

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #45):

True. Although if we are a small core of players, I doubt we will be splitting up for major plot-points very often, so hiding the threads shouldn't have too much of a negative effect. The bungled raid on the Ju Ju House should have taught us that much.

Group,

1) I will split up the threads when it makes sense, and it'll be done in terms of narration.

2) Separating the group can be problematic because time can become uneven and some investigators will always be more active than others. It's probably more of an issue in London where there is lots to do but could happen elsewhere. This is more of a player decision, of course, as you can't be expected to keep all the investigators joined at the hip!

3) My apologies, I just don't like secret threads for most purposes. So if you don't want to know, don't read! Sometimes it will be appropriate to create a separate secret thread (like someone goes off alone and does something dangerous and foolhardy) and I can always make a thread secret if I think it will be of aid to the game.

I'll take a few minutes to "re-thread" Singh's adventures.

It's great the game is on one of our player's home grounds, this can be a special experience if the GM takes a little effort. I always welcome input on locations and historical flavour! Period can be especially difficult to pull off.

I run a Twilight 2000 game here on RpOL set in my home city of Vancouver, and one of the players is a friend who lives here too. We get together when we can at crucial or strategic locations. (Not in a LARP sense but just to walk around and make plans, observe and take pictures for the other players.) Wikipedia, Google images and Google Maps (with street view) are my go-to resources but nothing beats walking the ground, if you can.

Tony

Let me say, Tony, that I appreciate the effort you're putting into this. Thank you.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #48):

I fully agree, thanks Tony! I had assigned Phil (his files) to my dead character directory. I had to resurrect him! First time that has happened, and he gained sanity. Beat that!

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #48):

My pleasure!

Singh has been split into his own little alternative-universe thread.

The posts for Molly are awesome.

Tony

I definitely agree. GMs like you are a rare breed. Keep it up!

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #51):

Ha ha, I prefer that people keep their expectations low!

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #52):

Too late!

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #53):

You are too kind. I should hope to keep fulfilling them, as long as I don't get burned out!

Tony

Group,

Great posts in Soho. Anyone going to keep the London/Park Lane Hotel thread going?Someone better bloody well answer Molly! We also have a semi-new player to bring up to speed.

Game map has been uploaded. Kindly select the Game Map link from the menu above. Interestingly, satellite doesn't show any alleys in that block so one has been created to run in behind the stores and shops. Rejoice! Hope it looks authentic. There is kind of an open-ish area in behind so I wouldn't be surprised if an alley ran in behind there at some point if the buildings changed.

Anyways, Darlington is well-familiar with the area and the alley, having staked it out for at least a few days. A small lorry could (barely) fit into the alley connecting Litchfield to West, but not into the reat-alley behind the club. The club has doors both into the side alley and into the rear alley. Parcels and deliveries go to the side entrance.

Also, I "touched-up" my description of Singh a little. He's deliberately looking not as distinguished as I first thought. Not that bad, but jacket is somewhat worn and he's wearing army boots, something Darlington would notice. [Private to Albert Darlington: Also, Darlington notices a tell-tale bulge in the man's pocket. Likely a pistol.]

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:04, Sun 02 Oct 2011.

Wait, is Singh a GMPC?

Cynthia is not answering Molly in hopes that she goes away :P

Not a GMPC. I'm still playing Singh. The 'touching up' occurred in the GM's description in the Soho thread, I think.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #56):

Sorry for any confusion!

Indeed, I changed Singh's description in my narration to be a little less distinguished because he posted he was deliberately dressing down, something Darlington would note.

As a rule, my NPCs will always be identified as such. There are no real GMPCs in this game (as I understand the term) with the possible exception of John-Marc, and he's been taken up as a 2nd Investigator by a player. I try (not always successfully) to main a degree of independent decision with the NPCs as befitting their situation and the relationship.

1) At this point Fulty and Storm are placing the telegram/call to New York to check on Falcon.

2) Speaking of Falcon, his 2-seater "Brisfit" (Briston F.2) is parked at Croydon Aerodrome, London's main airfield. He is staying at the adjacent "Aerodrome Hotel", formerly an RAF billet during the War. As Croydon is a long commute by bus or train he may want to lodge at the Park Lane instead.

3) Dr. Weston is spending the day doing some research at the Royal Library on cults.

Tony

Yes, John-Marc would like to move in with the team, if no one has no objections.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #59):

That can be done in a narrative post. He can also easily call Karlheinz from the Aerodrome Hotel to come from Lympne and pick up the Brisfit and fly it home, as I believe Kent has a direct-dial exchange at this point. Karlheinz could drive Falcon's truck or take the train/bus (Lympne is just off the rail line to Dover).

One thing I'd like to ask is how comfortable people are with the language and vernacular of the day, specifically racial epithets and nicknames. I'm a pretty politically correct guy but I don't mind if it's used in context and not gratuitously and I hope you feel the same. For example, I will personally refer to Simmons as an "African-American" in narration but NPCs may refer to him in dialogue as a "negro" or "darkie" and even "wog", depending on the context. (I find I still draw the line at the "n-word".)

Tony

Yes, I would like to ask the group how they feel about these racial slangwords. Darlington is from the east-end of London, and I know from experience that these people have certain attitudes towards race that would be considered downright offensive and illegal in this modern age, but are ingrained in that culture. If anyone is remotely offended then I would rather sacrifice accurate charcaterization than risk upsetting someone.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #61):

I'm really enjoying Darlington's authentic vernacular. (Molly's too, of course!)

Tony

I'm okay with in-character, in-period epithets, right up to the n-word. I still consider that too raw for any use at all.

Singh, however, may take offense, in-character.

Group,

Just to reassure everyone, I don't mind at all when players take liberties with the setting or even NPCs. Less work for me! It shows you as players are engaged and being creative, "seeing" the scene and adding details I might have missed. Also, if you want to narrate an interaction with a waiter or bellboy, or a tube ticket-taker then go for it, no harm no foul.

If I can work something in I'll try and do so. Sometimes I can't or there will be a reason why not, and I'll make it clear if anything needs to be pulled back.

For example, the rain starting is a nice touch, and while in real life there is no alley there I can easily create one to accommodate the players. (There still just isn't anyone in the club, so there it is.)

Speaking of the club, I'll make a slight correction. Staff arrives around 4pm to be ready to open for 6pm. My earlier information (via Darlington) didn't take some things into account, thus the adjustment. I FEEL SHAME! Carry on.

Tony

Yeah, since I've been playing a lot of shared narrative indie RPGs I have developed a habit of narrating lots of those kind of gameworld details in my posts, such as the alley and the rain. I feel it allows the players and the GM to build the world together (which, IMHO, is a bunch of fun). I try not to do it with elements that will affect the outcome of the game much (such as named NPCs, important game locations etc), but if I ever do something that screws with the way you want to run the scenario then please correct me, I won't be offended.

I'm fine with epithets, however I suspect Cynthia won't use any (nor the upstanding gentleman, Mr. Singh, I'm certain). Unfortunately, I'm not fantastic at the local vernacular, although I enjoy reading it, as long as I can get the actual message in the end :)

In reply to The Keeper (msg #60):

Yes, even for historical 'correctness', I would really hate to see that word used.

Group,

Glad to hear we're on the same page regarding what is appropriate and what isn't. Whether or not your investigator uses "impolite" language is up to you but I think everyone here is mature enough to handle it.

Not that I think this is a problem in this game but be aware that no actions will take place unless you specifically state IC or OOC that your investigator is actually starting it. Other games I'm in have had this problem; the stakes are so high players get lost in planning and merely pose hypothetical questions instead of concrete actions. Again, not probably a problem with this crew but just making sure it's known.

Also, regarding players my philosophy is as long as I got one player willing to play I'm going to run the best Goddamn game I can. Less players means less work for me! Pre-generated NPCs are a bonus!

If you have to drop out please let me know if possible. I'm not going to get into a panic or be despondent if players drop out, it happens all the time and you're welcome to return with no hard feelings. If you don't post for a few days I might NPC your investigator if it's holding up the action, especially if we're waiting for a response or decision.

Tony

I'm casting Mordenkainen's Faithful Hound.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #69):

"I am Galstaf, Sorcerer of Light!"

"Then how come you had to cast magic missile?"

Tony

""Roll the dice to see if I'm getting drunk!"

Where are these quotes from? They are making me laugh because I remember hearing them on a video years and years ago, but i can't remember where exactly.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #71):

The quotes are from the Dead Alewives' sketch "Dungeons and Dragons", which we no doubt all heard at some point or another. I'll let you Youtube it!

Player Narration: some of us have done free-form and are comfortable with self-narrating scenes involving NPCs, others may feel (understandably) that's the Keeper's job. Both opinions are right, of course, and I'm happy to resolve player actions in a more conventional-style GM post.

However, at this point I kind of want to move onto the evening's visit to the BP Club and so please forgive me if my narration is somewhat brief and to the point.

Tony

Group,

Please welcome aboard 2 new players. One is Lee, someone I've gamed with for years (he's more recently played Lee Harvey Oswald in my Morrow Project game and a different character in my Twilight 2000 game) and is a good friend of mine. He will play John-Marc Falcon and is taking the character in interesting directions.

The other new player is Max, who will be playing Doctor Phillip Weston. Because I don't want to recap for the player events I wasn't even a part of and yet introducing a new PC simply to replace Dr. Weston, he'll play Dr. Weston instead with a few modifications.

We'll say that Dr. Weston is still Det. James Weston's brother, but lives in the UK (James West is his half-brother, father moved to NY when he was an infant). He traveled to NY for James' funeral after he was killed during the gong show at the Ju-Ju house, then accompanied the investigators back to London. Along the way, he read some of the books you possess. He's taking a leave of absence from Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire, where he is a practicing psychiatrist working with (and on) the criminally insane.

Tony

Hello Lee and Max. Welcome to the game. I play the characters of both Detective Sergeant Darlingotn and Molly Fuller. Looking forward to playing with you both.

Welcome new people :)

FYI Keeper - I finished the book already (in the old game, it was covered in a PM) and what I learned was updated to my character sheet. I can share the PM with you if you'd like.

Welcome to the game folks! It's nice to have more folks in the game.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #75):

Please I'd appreciate the PM. Everyone, it's confusing enough as it is so please make sure "books read" is filled out on your character sheet for reference.

London cabs of the 20's seemed to seat either 6 (3 facing forward on rear bench + 2 in rear-facing jump seats and 1 next to driver) or 4. If someone has other more specific information, please share!

Who all is going? This is my scratch list:

1) Cynthia
2) Singh
3) Howard
4) John-Marc
5) Phil (assuming he doesn't take the bus?)
6) Dr. Weston (assuming he's back from the library?)

Either way, 2 cabs are probably better to avoid crowding.

To avoid arriving with the others, Phil might want to just take the bus down Piccadilly and then Shaftsbury to Charing Cross, although it might be a little tricky navigating the city to a place he's never been before, even if it's fairly direct. (In pictures I can't see tram tracks or electric wires for a trolley in Piccadilly Circus so I guess they didn't run there. There's always the tube, of course.)

Alternatively, Phil could just ask to be let out at Charing Cross and Shaftesbury and walk the rest of the way.

Tony

There aren't any trams or trolleys in Central London and, to my knowledge, have never been. To walk from Park Lane to the east edge of Soho would take about 25 minutes (if you knew the route) and the area would be rammed with bustling people. That 25 minute walk would be an adventure all of it's own!

Yea, that sounds best. I would not want Phil to get lost in the fog.....

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #78):

Paul,

Doesn't look like it from photos and other media. The route goes through Piccadilly Circus and there is of course the saying "if you stand in Piccadilly Circus long enough you'll meet everyone you know." Not that it's critical, any idea how many a 20's taxi could seat?

I hope I'm getting 20's London relatively right! Love the Cockney rhyming slang, brilliant, as you might say.

Tony

I've only lived in London since 2002, not 1922, so I can't be sure... but you seem to be doing an OK job!

London Taxis (officially called Hackney Carriages) were pretty much all motorised by the 1920s, horse-drawn ones were on their way out by then. You could fit five in the main cab, three in the back facing forwards and two on fold-out seats that faced backwards. There is another seat next to the driver but London Taxi drivers view it as bad luck to allow passengers in the front of their cab (even to these modern day). You'd either have to know the taxi driver personally or give him a really big tip to ride in the front.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #81):

Heh, just trying to do London justice! Fog, smog, rain, snow...

There is mention of a 4-seater taxi in London in the link below (as well as a 2-seater "Jixi") but we'll go with the 3 + 2 as standard. Didn't know it was bad luck to sit in front, that's common here! I imagine if a passenger in London insists on giving directions to the driving they inevitably get lost.

http://www.lvta.co.uk/history.htm

Speaking of route, a smart cabbie would probably avoid Piccadilly Circus at all costs, unless he's getting paid for time as well as distance. In my reading I find that "Taxi" comes from the name of the automatic metering device ("taximeter") that was introduced in London cabs, which eventually became standard there and thus synonymous throughout the Empire and the world. I've haggled with non-metered taxis in Asia and while it's fun (and sometimes cheaper or free in Bangkok) I can see why meters were introduced.

Tony

Group,

Awesome post by our new players, especially Dr. Weston. Well done! Lee, hope you don't mind playing another Canadian in my games.

Some new details have been added to the Reference thread. There is a quick game summary by Cynthia re-posted and clarified a little.

I will make another post to the London thread, then everyone can post to Soho. Last, I assume Simmons accompanying Howard.

Apropos of nothing, I'm reminded that my sister lived above and worked in a pub on (or just off) Piccadilly Circus in 1990 or so. (Also, my brother worked as a game designer for Codemasters on OP FLASHPOINT 2 and I think lived in Bath.)

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:51, Fri 07 Oct 2011.

It would seem odd to take one's manservant out for a night on the town. Certainly, Bertie never took Jeeves. Rather breaks down the hallowed boundaries, what?

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #84):

Makes sense, although Simmons is somewhat concerned for Howard's safety after the Ju-Ju House gong show. He wants to come but he will stay!

"Penhurst" instead of "Penhew" is my fault, I gave the player the wrong name. We can correct this or just say it's a harmless slip of the Doctor's.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:52, Fri 07 Oct 2011.

Excellent post describing the taxi journey across London at night, Mr Keeper The description of Soho (drunk idiots, women of easy virtue, urine soaked alleys) is pretty spot on , even for a Saturday night in 2011. Nothing much has changed.

And well done to our newer players, great debut posts!

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #86):

Ha, my pleasure!

One thing that happens in other games that I'm not really in favour of is blank "PM only" posts in the IC threads. If you want to PM another player or me:

1) Use the Private Message Threads.

2) If you like, include some other IC action.

3) In general, most PMs don't really need to be private, so consider just making it public.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Sat 08 Oct 2011.

Group,

1) You may start posting to the Soho Reconnaissance thread. It's okay if you want to finish up on the London thread!

2) Who's armed? Singh has a .45 revolver (probably a Webeley), JM has a .455 Webley. These would both be large sidearms. Would Darlington have his revolver? All these are registered and the weather is cold enough that they could be hidden in coat pockets. Does Phil have his Luger? It's not registered, of course.

3) The above information can be included in your post in some sense.

Tony

Lampton specified that he is carrying his .455 'bulldog' revolver.


Of course, overcoats and hats (excepting Singh's turban and, perhaps, Cynthia's coat) would be checked at the coatroom upon entering.

Ah right, I remember! Thanks.

The pocket Webley: nice little shooter. On a technical note I don't think it was chambered for the full-power .455 Webley; if it was, it would be a handful. If anything, I would say the .442 Webley, which was specifically designed for "pocket guns". Damage for this calibre and .445 Webley would be similar to a .38. (The British Army conducted tests, which is why Webleys went to .38 calibre.)

Once the coats and hats are gone, harder to hide your shootin' irons...

By the way: I applaud Cynthia for trying to nail down some objectives. This isn't likely to be the Ju-Ju House, but it's nice to have some kind of plan.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:25, Sat 08 Oct 2011.

JM is carrying his 455 Webley, of course, just because shotguns don't hide so easy when not sawed off.  I will look into that!

Lee,

Falcon (and Darlington) would likely have shoulder-holsters (one as a pilot and the other a policeman). Shotguns are not required to be registered in the UK at this point, it's unclear whether this applies to sawed-off "coach guns". I'm sure you'll let me know!

Group, I worded my request for information badly. I am assuming Singh is armed and Webley is not, but if nothing is posted to confirm this then they won't be armed.

Also, for those with guns in pocket (Lampton, possibly Singh) inside the club are the guns staying in the overcoat or carried in suit coat pockets? For tailored suits, a Webley would be fairly obvious to anyone looking. Or bumping into you.

Tony

Singh is not being particularly subtle about being armed. He thinks it won't hurt for bad guys to know they aren't easy pickings.

Howard has his revolver tucked in the waistband of his trousers at this point, which should make it a bit less obvious, especially once they're seated.

BTW I think you meant Dr Weston isn't armed. Phil Webley certainly has his Luger, right?

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #94):

I assumed Dr. Weston isn't armed. It was never specified whether Webley was armed or not, and all things considered it's probably wise he's not because his Luger isn't registered.

Tony

As a Detective Sergeant, Darlington is permitted to carry a shoulder-holstered .32 semi-automatic pistol, but he didn't bring it tonight as this is just a recon job, and he feels pretty well protected with just his big hamhock fists.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #92):

I understand Tony, assume he has it properly holstered, then.  Since he certainly carries it.  He DOES prefer a rifle or shotgun though, so likely he has one sawed off for concealment, but does not carry it to dinner!

Sawn-off shotguns are synonymous with armed bank-robbers in the UK. If you owned a sawn-off, people would assume it was 99.9% certain you were in a bank-robbing gang.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #98):

Yes, "legal" is not always synonymous with "common sense-wise".

[Private to Albert Darlington: Ha ha, love the deke (fake-out) with the simulated inebriation. I kind of figured it would take a LOT of gin to even begin to go to Darlington's head.]

For the sake of argument, Singh/Cynthia/Lampton visited Barrington earlier. (Technically that day according to old game continuity but we'll say it was the day before.)

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:15, Sat 08 Oct 2011.

Re: OOC Posts I

Group,

Just to make other North Americans aware, Brits don't really use toilet paper. I decided to stretch reality for the sake of game and include some in the description of the WC. I read all about it here on a travel website:

http://twistingthespanner.com/...er-britain/#comments

In Canada we have moved onto using the "three seashells" method.

Also, diagonally cut sandwiches are now legal in the UK! This website is a font of travel wisdom, totally.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Sun 09 Oct 2011.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #100):
Rag on a stick?

Group,

Sorry if this isn't clear, but everyone should be posting in the Soho thread. All the people at the hotel who were going (Phil, Lampton, Dr. Weston, etc.) have arrived in Soho now and are in position, either outside (Phil) or inside (everyone else).

I have edited my last post to clarify who's in the restaurant.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:38, Mon 10 Oct 2011.

Sorry for the delay in posts. We had our local game day this weekend (so about 60 people from up and down the coast), and I didn't expect anyone to post yesterday, what with it being Columbus day and everyone being so happy that our country was discovered ;P (and I needed to catch up on sleep!)


On a completely different tangent, I hope I didn't scare Molly away!! I don't see any posts from her. Was I too rough?

You didn't scare her off. Maybe a hot story came up last minute and she couldn't make it?

What?? A story hotter than whatever Cynthia is up to? I'll never believe it.

Damme! Made a post this morning early that has vanished.

RPoL sometimes glitches and makes public posts private, things like that, but it could just be the board. If you're lucky you can go "back" in your browser, check History, etc. That is, if you haven't moved on!

It was Thanksgiving Day for me, as of course we don't have a Columbus Day, which I understand is less popular in the USA.

Ah... poor Phil. Never go anywhere alone! It's a commandment of CoC, don't you know.

Tony

Group,

"Soho Slayer" Brilliant! A much better name than the Egyptian Murders.

Lampton recognises the signature weapon of the Dark Brotherhood (aka Brotherhood of the Dark Pharaoh): namely, the spiked club.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:03, Tue 11 Oct 2011.

How many Gibsons has Darlington sunk in this scene? Can you roll to see if i'm getting drunk, please?

We can say about a half-dozen at most. Not nearly enough to affect him seriously. At this time he needs to roll a CON save vs. POT 8 on the Resistance table. Failure indicates he's feeling something.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #110):

Where are the chee-tos?

Yes, there are girls there. No, you may not.

Group,

I was kind of waiting for Phil to act (will he stand his ground or take the offered exit?) but there's no reason we can't progress with the main group. Whatever happens to Phil happens and is not relevant to action elsewhere for purposes of continuity.

In other words, I'll be posting tonight!

Tony

Let's get some action going! If not in the club then let's go help Phil beat up the dudes in the alleyway!

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #114):

Pipe down you lot, the massacre is about to commence! No, wait, you're actually moving the plot along by asking questions. Carry on.

Tony

Is everyone ok with me playing darlington like a rock-hard cockney version of inspector cleuseu from the pink panther movies?

I admit I enjoy a little banter and in-joking, but this is still Call of Cthulhu here. The "idiot bumbler" shtick might well get old and turn deadly very quickly. (One or the other... count on it.)

Tony

meh...could be both at once.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #118):

Agreed.  This is no place for a fool.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #95):

JM may not like baklava, but I adore it.  Though I prefer mine without all that odd innuendo.

JM spent the last year of the war in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, there's no reason he wouldn't love it as well.

What innuendo? Ahmed just loves his baklava.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #121):

Ok, but only under circumstances will he admit he likes such overly sweet things.  Maybe that Black Coffee would be just the thing to balance it out?

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #122):

Lee,

Oh yeah, plus the year or so he spent in Iraq. As part of their mandate in Mesopotamia the British were granted control. The RAF, seeking to consolidate their postwar usefulness and relevancy as a service, proposed they could do most of the work of maintaining that control cost-effectively via the air. Something that then could be applied across a world-spanning Empire. I think this lasted over a decade, not quite sure if it was a success or not.

At any rate, I love Baklava but won't always have it depending on circumstance, so there you go. Remember, this is not actually a night out on the town, JM has other things on his mind!

Thinking the Unthinkable:

One thing that's happened in other games is that players drop out without warning and sometimes this grinds the story to a halt while everyone waits for some kind of resolution. This is unfortunate but sometimes unavoidable. If at all possible I really appreciate some kind of notice if anyone drops out, a PM will do.

If there is an absence of posting for a couple days then I'll NPC investigators as needed. Rest assured I will make the best decisions I can under the circumstances. After a week without notice I'll assume the worst and take steps to either write the investigator out of the story or offer it up to one of the people who have sent RTJs and are waiting for an opening.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:51, Fri 14 Oct 2011.

Group,

The club was originally posted as having only 1 story. However, I'm happy to oblige! (It just requires a little "tuning" like Dark City.) However, it appears the upper story is merely cramped flats.

During the day, Imran would have seen a set of somewhat rickety exterior stairs in the back alley, empty clothes lines overhead. Darlington would have observed immigrant family members coming and going at various non-suspicious times. Arriving at night, anyone looking would have seen lights on behind the curtains when you saw the club.

All access to the upper floor that you know of seems to be limited to the one exterior wooden stairwell in the rear. Overall building construction is brick exterior, wood frame, floors and beams. When it comes time for the cleansing fire, it'll be a bloody massacre!

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:18, Sun 16 Oct 2011.

I'm wondering if I should buy this for my children:
http://io9.com/5847879/what-if...-the-call-of-cthulhu

Sure, for children old enough to read the original Lovecraft works.  For younger than, it'll either go way over their heads, warp them into something we probably recognize, or just give em nightmares.  One of the results is pretty acceptable, so what the hey?

You're right. I should give it to my brother's children.

I think it's pretty cool! My wife got a "My First Cthulhu" doll, aka Baby Cthulhu.

Take the "What Kind of Gamer Are You?" Quiz:

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/do...racter-type-are-you/

Fun for the whole family!

In game, it's about 11:30 now. About a half-hour until the back-alley meeting with Aiyesha the Belly Dancer and her "teacher". Slight correction, others and not just Darlington are invited to go.

Tony

[Private to Cynthia Jane Holloway: Also, do you have enough information to proceed with Cynthia's investigation at this time?]

Perfect gift for nephews and nieces!


I scored as a "Storyteller".  It might mean I am boring?

I remember when the first Cthulu stuffie came out, we had to have it, I believe my ex wife still has it, not that I will contact her to confirm it.

Been away from the internet all weekend. I shall catch up with things either tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks for being patient!

I got 'character player', with 'story teller' a close second. It's tough though, there's so many roles I ENJOY playing. You just have to adapt your playstyle to the game.

[Private to GM: Oh yes. What I need is 'another character with lockpicking' :P I just don't post very much on weekends.]

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #130):

No worries! Weekends are slow posting for some, quicker for others. This is a big adventure, miles to go before we sleep, so I might try and push the plot along some times and my apologies if anyone feels they haven't been given opportunity.

I got a 3-way tie between 80% Character Player - 80% Tactician - 80% Storyteller.

That reminds me, some players took over old characters, or at least characters they didn't create themselves. (My thanks to them.) I'm happy to consider a degree of customisation in shifting points around. Please PM me if you have any suggestions!

Apropos of oddball children's books an artist had an urge to make an illustrated book based on the song "Space Oddity" by David Bowie. As the lyrics are copyrighted he released the book free in .pdf form. It's perhaps the saddest children's book I can recall. Versions combining the book and music can be found on Youtube:

Article:

http://www.wired.com/underwire...dity-childrens-book/

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSxIBTO1gBU

Tony

Also Character Player/Storyteller 95% each, with Tactician third at 70%.

Group,

I'm going to push the narrative forward to midnight, then. I hope everyone's gotten their fill of snooping around!

Tony

Group,

I am assuming Darlington and JM are with Howard and Dr. Weston (somewhat chuffed at his newly-found ability as an investigator) is there as well.

Should any of the above parties decline, then simply post them returning back down the alley to the taxi. I will hold off on another narrative post until Weston/Darlington/John-Marc have had a post.

The tactical idea is that Darlington and Howard are interfacing with Aiyesha and her "teacher", JM is covering the rear door to the Blue Pyramid, Imran is watching the side alley both ways and Dr. Weston is a passive observer. There are other doors in the alley and of course someone could come down the stairs from above the club but the main avenues of approach are covered.

Tony

Unless anyone else has other ideas I suggest we fast forward to a meeting at the Park Lane hotel suite the next morning?

Keeper: could you please rename the 'London' thread to 'London: Park Lane Hotel' please? It would make it less confusing for me.

Paul,

I'll wait a day or so for others to post but I think you're basically done with the "clue dump". Lots of ground yet to cover!

Having tried it a little, I find I don't particularly like "location" threads. I gave it an honest try, guys!

In my other games threads are all narrative/time-based. Once you guys are done with Soho, I think we'll just keep the game on the London thread until it comes time to change. Not run concurrent threads until I think it's necessary. It may seem confusing at first but it ultimately means everyone just checks one thread most of the time, and are therefore on the same page.

Note: I assume you gave Aiyesha or Mohammad some kind of contact information and vice versa? At the least they would get ahold of Darlington via Barrington and the group at the Park Lane Hotel.

Tony

OK, I'll go along with time-based rather than location based threads. The CoC Modern game I GM on here uses a chronological thread for each day rather than locations, so I don't know why it confuses me.

Yes, Darlington did give his contact details, i hinted at it by telling Aiyesha to call me if she was in trouble, but didn't expicitly state the action..

Lampton did not provide any contact information to the pair.

Paul,

Sweet! I figured that was a given. I was more interested in what the other players will do.

Okay, no contact with the Park Lane. The guys in the alley have the matchbook, anyways. So SOMEONE knows where you are staying!

Question: Do you think you could you ring telephone kiosks in London at one time? I know you can't do that any more here due to the drug trade but you could at one time. I don't see why not, at this point in time not everyone had private telephones and so public phones were more important.

Fun fact: Police call-boxes weren't deployed in London until 1926-27. They were pre-fabricated from concrete and bloody cold! The first London K1 telephone kiosks were also made from concrete and painted white and red.

Regarding the Luger '08: I ran the CoC adventure "No Man's Land" and it was written around the famous "Lost Battalion" incident in the Argonne forest (re-set to 2nd Ypres with Canadians instead of Americans). P08 Lugers were highly sought-after by the PCs!

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:06, Thu 20 Oct 2011.

Group,

Make whatever toast you want and closing comments for the night. Any other business can probably wait until morning when Darlington shows up for his meeting.

Tony

Group,

Regarding Darlington, I guess Lampton is the point of contact. He did invite him to come around the hotel, and even if he didn't catch the name it would take all of about 30 seconds to nail down where the large party of Americans who recently checked in are staying.

Will you be meeting in one of the rooms (probably the ground floor Drawing Room, tucked in behind the Silver Room through the Ballroom Entrance off Piccadilly)? Or in the sitting area of Howard's suite? (I would wager the latter.)

Tony

Howard's suite seems more private.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #143):

Bueno. Breakfast is served!

I'm going to switch to Paul's suggestion of daily threads. This is along the lines of what I normally do.

Also, "Masks" is infamous for the amount of possible TPKs. They suggest that one investigator be made the recipient of copies of information and documents, reports from the field, etc. from the main group. This is in case everyone is wiped out, a new group of investigators can be formed and briefed without losing too much ground. Probably Ralph or Storm could serve this purpose, although Jonah is mainly the conduit at the moment.

Tony

Simmons will always know where Howard's notes are.

Rather than my original proposal to play two PCs simultaneously, I think I shall play Darlington as my main PC and have Molly as a 'backup' in case Darlington dies. I will use the link that Darlington calls Molly every few days and gives her insider information on what is going on with the case, and she uses it as inspiration for sensationalist stories in the Scoop, for which Darlington receives a pretty penny.

Molly could still make the odd appearance and help out with certain tasks and situations where her skills would be useful.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #146):

Paul,

I concur, and having Molly as a backup vs. player death or even TPK is a pretty good idea.

On with the show!

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #147):

sorry, a week of 12 hour night shifts and recovery thereof knocked me out of play there for a bit!

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #148):

Lee,

Not a problem, I'm not too worried about you. Thanks for posting to the new thread!

As soon as others do the same we can move the game forward.

Tony

Group,

Sorry about the massive info-dump!

That about sums up the campaign, although I wasn't there for most of this.

Also, I found another inactive Masks game that has some great documents in the reference section that I reposted. You might be able to glean additional information from them.

Tony

Wow... info-dump-a-rama! Kudos on typing all that out, Mr Keeper, I'm so slow at typing that would have been three hours work for me!

Regarding the meeting in Lampton's suite: shall I assume that the party fill Darlington in on everything that has happened so far? RPing it all out will take forever and is rather uncalled for I feel. I will then impart the extra information about the Soho Slayings that Darlington knows and then everybody will be on an equal footing information-wise.

All we need to do then is come to a decision about what our next steps are going to be and discuss a plan of action.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #151):

My pleasure, and yeah, it did kinda take a while. I felt it was worth bringing everyone up to speed, including myself.

The info dump from Fulty should cover all the party's main past activities, but also summarise Jackson's investigations and the story of the Carlyle expedition.

Please ask IC questions and either an NPC or PC will answer. But yes, let us formulate a plan of action for the future!

Before I took over as GM, JM was my character and he had an idea to watch the club, Tewfik's warehouse and the Penhew Foundation. As you don't really have the manpower the idea was the investigators could trade the juicy story of the Ju-Ju House massacre to Maloney in return for either help in staking out these locations or at least supplying names of people we could hire to do it for us.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #152):

Truly this is a horror game.

Ketchup on a bacon sandwich???


AHHHHHH!

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #153):

Darlington is being awesome as usual.

Someone kindly make a plan of action! A bad plan executed today is better than the perfect plan tomorrow.

Tony

Group,

I'd prefer you to make the call yourselves but if stuck on a way forward you can also ask to make Idea rolls on what difference evidence means, how best to foil surveillance or change hotels, and so on. My purpose is neither to stymie neither hold your hand but keep the investigation moving forward at a natural pace.

Before the old game ended I sensed players getting a little frustrated and suggesting skipping London and fast forwarding to Egypt and beyond.

This is not necessarily a bad plan and I won't act against it if that's your decision. A similar plan served Jackson Elias well enough to at least give him a glimpse of the truth, and he was a single man without many resources. It's worth bearing in mind that skipping London might leave you without information that could be crucial at some point. Jackson left London until last and then didn't spend much time there investigating. If you do the same, who can say if you'll come to a similar end...

Tony

I think the silence is mostly consent with Darlington's plan -- he seems to think he knows a way to interview Safid, and his professional opinion is that we do not accompany. The upside is, we have a plan. The downside is ... it's Darlington's plan, so he needs to take point :P

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #156):

Don't worry, to clarify I don't think you're stuck now. Darlington's the only one who probably has any experience whatsoever in investigation but of course anyone can throw out suggestions or ideas.

Please bear in mind there's a lot of information. Don't forget to ask about things like Idea, Know and Luck rolls.

Tony.

I'm going to be absent pretty much all of Halloween weekend I'm afraid.

Not the best time :P If it's any consolation, I'll be present, but extremely busy, until Thanksgiving.

Group,

Should I skip ahead to Darlington's interview or do you want to go into more detailed planning?

Tony

I don't see any real planning going on whatsoever, and Cynthia isn't involved regardless, so I'm happy to skip ahead.

(I'm also super distracted, so I'm happy to let people plan, if they wish.)

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #161):

If no one minds I'll just do a narrative of the day's events and skip forward to the evening. I assume Darlington will update everyone as to his conversation with Tewfik.

As I've mentioned, we are not much into a sprawling adventure and I wish to keep things moving along.

[Private to Albert Darlington: Let me know anything specific, or if this is just a routine questioning on the murders or some other matters. Also, if it's on behalf of the CID, etc.]

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:37, Fri 04 Nov 2011.

Group,

I'm posting to move things up. I've also made something of a plan combining the elements that have been proposed. Unless they're gainsaid that's what I'll use in the absence of solid planning. Dr. Weston is stuck searching records but be can be part of the burglary if you wish!

If anyone is going to post regarding Tewfik's warehouse I will give you a couple days to post, then move along.

I understand the expectation that Darlington is going to take the lead in investigation, bear in mind the player is no more a CID Detective Sergeant with the London Met than I or anyone else is.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:16, Sun 06 Nov 2011.

Group,

The game lagged a little because I couldn't answer Lampton's question due to computer problems. Those are getting solved and I'm glad there was also a post for Imran! Other players seem a little pretty passive and as mentioned without posts for their actions they will be NPCd as needed. Darlington seemed to have dropped off the map which is unfortunate but the show must go on and there are other players waiting for an opening to join.

That said, I hope you as a group keep being interested and engaged in investigative RP. How do you all feel about a 3-day cycle? I generally check and will post daily if needed, every few days I will advance the narrative whether you've posted or not. Players can post at their own pace but those that post more often will get the most benefit.

Regarding a visualisation of the shop, I posted maps and will repost the map links to Reference (link to a message in this game). The scale is uncertain, probably a few feet at most per square, but should give you some idea. I don't know what else I can do to describe the scene; 3-D models are not within my capability!

Tony

I don't think the issue is maps, as much as 'what is of note'? Since we can't be in the room, nor should we expect you to provide 3D maps, as players, we can't really do much about that. As a player, I don't want to be scouring maps anyway, asking what's in this chest or what that object is, so I don't think this should be a big deal except perhaps in combat.

What I am looking for as a player, especially as a player who is still largely innocent to CoC, is that when my character searches for clues, I either find them, that I didn't find them, but that's because my character failed on a roll or lacks a skill and thusly nothing I do as a player will change that, or that the clue doesn't exist. I don't know if this is the case here, so I'm sort of at a loss as to how to proceed. Are there clues in the warehouse that I need to do something else to find? How would I know what I need to do? I *feel* like there should be another clue, but I don't know how I would find it, so I'm hesitant to leave, but I really have nothing to do there.

I don't mean to be confrontational, but I feel like I'm at a loss as to how to proceed (both in the warehouse and in general, since we have so few threads to follow up on). I'm hoping one of the other players has a good idea.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #165):

I'm sorry if I've made anyone feel defensive.

For anyone new to CoC, nothing would please me more than for you to rise to the challenge! Any frustration over a lack of leads doesn't cut a lot of ice, no one said this would be easy, eh? For my part I don't want to lead you around by the nose.

Thinking analytically and acting systematically is the key in this style of adventure. You can, and should, be specific about what you're doing whenever you can, try to cover all avenues you can, not just the high-probability ones.

For example, I heartily applaud Lampton for taking specific actions and looking in a well-defined area for clues. This approach will be rewarded if at all possible and more non-specific Spot Hidden rolls will be more difficult. PCs not otherwise engaged can at least help keep a lookout.

I hate to sound like it's mainly on you, the players. If you're finding this mind-set difficult for whatever reason, then no matter what I do for you this is not going to be a fruitful experience.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:21, Fri 11 Nov 2011.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #40):

[ooc - I think anything more than an hour would be pushing our luck.]

Group,

As a request, all-OOC posts should always go in the OOC thread. I took the liberty of transferring it, please accept my apologies.

Also, this is a perfectly valid IC comment! Unless Cynthia can read Imran's mind, how is she supposed to take this reasonable suggestion into account?

In general, try to confine OOC comments in IC posts to clarifying your post to me or the other players. Else, post a separate comment in the OOC thread so the discussion can freely continue. Thanks.

Tony

Not a bad idea.

1) If your Investigator is doing this, then it needs to be phrased as a character action.

2) If this is a suggestion or question for other players or for the GM then it again needs to be in the form of dialogue or action (etc.). If not then it's posted here in OOC, but this may as well be a player action.

3) Otherwise, I'm thankful you're getting into the swing of things. Not everything will work, but usually it's better to try and fail!

Tony
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:53, Sat 12 Nov 2011.

In reply to The Embarrassed Keeper (msg #169):

Oh goodness, this is confusing!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:53, Sat 12 Nov 2011.

Hey guys. Sorry I've been AWOL for a while. Had a terrible couple of weeks. After this weekend I'll be back and ready to post daily once more, if you'll have me back. Sorry for holding things up for everyone.

Ha ha, sorry for the confusion! I do that sometimes, grab the wrong name from the drop-down list when I'm GM.



Paul,

Sorry to hear things went south on you! It was a drag not having any info or even a notice. Such are always deeply appreciated! We'll certainly have you back, but
I won't like, a new player was already on warmup to take over Darlington because he's a central element of the investigation, a lynch-pin if you will.

I understand that lack of contact is usually an emotional factor; physically, I was able to find cheap or free internet all over SE Asia, including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, etc., despite appalling poverty and even political oppression.

Otherwise, events should be relatively easy to follow. Darlington's been juggling the questioning of Tewfik while the other investigators have been tossing his warehouse/flat and acting as go-between  for a third group scouring the London archives.

Tony
This message was last updated by the GM at 18:05, Sat 12 Nov 2011.

If you have someone l;ined up to take over DArlington then they can if you've already arranged it. I was absent for a while, I should get to the back of the queue. I could play the character of Molly, bring her more into the frame.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #173):

Oh don't sweat it. If you're back in the saddle then that's fine. Someone should play Darlington, and we know you can do him justice!

I'm going in a different direction with that player and might bring him in anyways if you want to continue as Darlington. I've known the guy for years and he's understanding.

Tony

It would be possible! Although Cynthia would probably not know how effective.

I will take this as an IC question asked to Darragh, who's right there and an expert.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #175):

Sorry about absence, my wife's car became an issue during a batch of 12 hour shifts for me.  And that has been top of my mind for a bit.

We've looked outside of the building, right? There's no possibility of a secret room off a side wall, is there?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #177):

could be a hidden bookcase, stairwell, basement, crawlspace?

Has anyone mapped it to check for hollows?  Probably no time for that though!

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #178):

You haven't taken measurements but it's unlikely that the front, rear and side walls have any hidden rooms. It's also unlikely there's any rooms under the building or on the roof, as the floor plans don't show any and there are no doors or means of access. Small compartments are still possible but the walls, floors and ceilings have been examined fairly closely and only the one was found.

Although, without detailed measurements there is no absolute way to be sure!

Tony

Group,

Arrrgh! I hurt my wrist, so short posts from me for a couple days.

Tony

Hello All,

My name is Cymon and I shall be playing a new character called Count Sigismund Báthony (deposed). He is the owner of a small book store in Covent Garden and a fairly new arrival to London. I play with Tony in a couple of other games so am looking forward to getting started. Thanks.

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #181):

Group,

The Count is obviously involved with books as a seller or collector (non-Mythos related!). This seems like a natural point of entry for this character, probably someone who talked with Elias Jackson before he cleared out of London. In that case, you are all waiting for a packet of documents and additional information sent from New York by Jonah, so there could be something that directs you to the Count. This could take a couple game days to come into play, unless anyone can think of something better?

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #182):

It depends on what is under the floorboards!  A copy of a rare book bound in oddly supple leather with disturbing illustrations might cause us to visit a book archivist of some sort.

And... why be a count deposed?  England is lousy with titles that have no money.  Well, unless it adds drama, of course.  Just answered my own question.

Yes you are correct, it more the way he feels then the reality of the situation. The Count will still refer to himself as a Count, but he feels deep resentment for having to leave the country of his birth.

Cymon

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #183):

I should mention that Elias (the murdered author and a friend of Jonah Kensington, JM's friend) was looking for a recently-published but strangely rare book here in London and at Harvard, Dark Sects of Africa. Both the copy from Harvard and the British Museum Reading room were missing when you checked.

Tony

Since Lampton is London-based, might he know Bathory from other research?

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #186):

Lampton is Baltimore-based, I believe, but could know of him in some academic capacity. Perhaps through Johns-Hopkins? Dr. Weston is based in England but is more of a doctor specialising in criminal insanity.

Tony

Lampton grew up in Baltimore, but... "He returned after two years (in Turkey and Eastern Europe, 1921-1923) to London where he wrote two more books by 1925."

Depending how long Bathory has been in England, he may have met him on his travels or have used Cymon as a resource to confirm details for his last two books.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Aha! I agree, that makes a lot of sense.

The group is naturally wrapping things up in the warehouse and returning to the hotel at this point. The Count can commence posting if he doesn't mind waiting in the lobby of the Park Lane. [Private to Count Sigismund Bathony: The post you PMed me was great, simply re-post.]

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Of course you don't have to answer, but ... how did we do with the search? Did we generally find what we were supposed to find, or do we need to handle things differently in the future? It would be frustrating to be missing things because we aren't asking the right questions.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #190):

Good questions, I'll answer specifics via PM. [Private to Cynthia Jane Holloway: The items in the box and the mirror were all there was to find in terms of specific items. There were no other hidden compartments or rooms to find. You also made the inference the Quar'an and Egyptian idols seemed to be somewhat out of place beside each other and therefore might not reflect sincere beliefs. All-in-all, a satisfactory effort.]

Generally speaking, that was pretty good! You searched all areas, were specific, and so on. Looking in the walls, floors and ceiling is smart. Things to keep in mind: post a guard or lookout. Examine the furniture for hidden compartments, if there are painting look behind them (there were no wall hangings other than the mirror). Establish lines of communication (like to Darlington via telephone) if possible, also contingencies in case you are attacked or discovered.

Everyone gets a check on the Spot Hidden skill if they actively searched.

Tony

By the by, am I recalling correctly that we don't have anything scheduled for this evening? So perhaps we should begun researching these goodies we collected?

In reply to The Keeper (msg #191):

cool, are you keeping track of such mechanics or us?

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #193):

Researching is fine. Are you asking if I can keep track of these efforts? Be glad to.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #194):

Thanks Tony!

I almost forgot that mechanic!

This could easily be answered as you return to the Hotel (as it's not really a time-sensitive question). For that matter, Lampton very well knows someone who could help! He's waiting in the lobby.

Tony

Group,

If you like, we can dispense with the formality of bringing Bathory on board! It might come as a bit of a shock that his friend and his colleagues are engaged in an investigation that includes breaking into someone's place, but the presence of DS Darlington should assuage his concerns somewhat.

Tony

Haha, awesome!

Lee, I suggest JM trains out to his home at Lympne and pick up the Brisfit there. The train station is about 2 miles from home but he has his Ford truck parked there so he won't have to walk. He can also pick up his own shotgun from home.

Simmons has already secreted the sceptres in Lampton's stoutest trunk and as far as he's concerned, that's where they're gonna stay until his boss says otherwise. They are each about a foot long and an inch and a half (3cm) thick, not that big.

Tony

Making the keeper laugh means I get extra XP, right? ;P

Who is Lee?

1) It's not that kind of RPG!
2) JM. I find I like to refer to people by name where I can.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #198):

Cynthia mun person:  I'm Lee!  I sometimes even play characters named Lee to make it easier on everyone.

Also, apparently Tony is married, so the time honored tradition (from Munchkin I believe) of the advantage "Boffing the DM" may not apply.

Or is it laughing the DM?  Anyway


Sorry, I am on my 12 hour rotation for nights this week, and that schedule eats me up, leaving me with little other than sleep and prep for the next night time at home.

Tony, can we assume and throw in a ST post that JM does all that?  It might be easier, and move things along faster, and get us ready for that fly by he suggested?

Lee,

Whatever you like. You mean set up the flight (training out to Lympne) but stop short so we can take it from there?

If so, PM me and lay it out in point form if there's anything specific. Otherwise, he's going home, getting his plane ready.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Fri 09 Dec 2011.

I'm just a little American, so excuse me as I sort out your crazy lingo:



'mun' person? :P You mean 'player'?



I HOPE YOU MEAN HITTING!

I added the person bit because mun is an old mudd term for "Mundane One", aka the player!  I figured that mun might not translate for anyone here, though.


Tony:  sure!  I'll try to wrap my head into the game tonight, if you haven't done it yet.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #204):

Lee,

Ah, I played in a MUD or two but "mun" went completely over my head. Hey, "hitting" can mean the same as "boffing", nowadays! At any rate, per the GM code I don't accept any bribes, including sexual favoures. I can, however, be intimidated through violence.

As a rule, I prefer to use "real" names OOC as it's easier to address the player, not the character. Plus, character sex and player sex may not match, leading to some confusion. I won't insist, however.

Don't worry about your character, I can post this at any time so waiting until tonight isn't an issue.

Tony

I hope you don't mind me moving this request, unless Phil is asking this OOC requests can be made here or via PM.

1) Certainly, have Phil talk to Darlington.
2) He can (and should) just declare his intention to get a shotgun, or better yet make some in-character arrangement or plan to effect this.
3) He has a full set of tailored clothing like suits, if he gets a haircut and dresses well Phil can pass as a man of means if he likes.

No meeting has been arranged for the artist, for some reason I thought Bathony was taking care of that but Cymon hasn't followed up. (It looked like his character was heading to the Park Lane to RV with the group.) I will follow up later today with information on how to find Shipley if Bathony hasn't caught up by then.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #206):

I was unsure if the artist would have a telephone ? I thought we could just arrive at his home to look through his stock. I don't think it would be out of the ordinary if he sold his work out of his studio.


Cymon

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #207):

Sorry, I should have specified that Bathony discovered while there is a showing of Shipley's work, he is rarely there and prefers to work out of his home/studio in Soho. I assume Bathony is going to the Park Lane to meet up with the others.

Could Lampton's player PM me on what he's reading or researching? Even if it's just a reminder!

Tony

Yes he will be in the lobby when the others come down. So I was thinking we just take a cab to his home/studio then ?


Cymon

I will post Fulty and Storm coming out and they can inform Bathony where the group is located, you can take it from there.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #208):

[Private to The Keeper: Howard is diligently working on The Pnakotic Manuscript. I think he's done 5 out of 20 weeks.]

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #211):

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #212):

two empty posts... suspicious!

The scout flight post will be in the daily forum then, I take it?

Reflecting on it, I suspect now Lampton's post is a PM to the Keeper. At the time I thought he'd just posted nothing, so my post was just to tease him :P But you can imagine it's something deep and conspiracy-y if it makes it more exciting!

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #213):

Hmmmm... empty posts. Wheels within wheels!

I was just going to straight narrate the flight so you wouldn't need to have input. That will get going mid-day in the regular IC thread.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #215):

Be my guest.

Conspiracies and CoC go hand in hand.

Missing girl? Did I miss something?

Oh, you mean Molly Fuller, the reporter. But she went to see the artist, not out to the estate, right? And weren't the aero-reconnaissance duo already departed before we got that information?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #217):

You're right, I just tend to overlook minor inconsistencies like this.

Also, Lampton can change his mind and accompany folks to the Shipley house/studio. Otherwise, he's basically going to be hanging out all day lest someone telephones him at some point.

I think Singh has a revolver, as does Bathony (who might have 2 pistols, not quite sure).

Tony

Lampton is settled in with his Pnakotic Manuscripts. He'll spend the day studying. He can act as a point of contact for the away teams.

Yes the Count has a Colt New Service revolver in .455 Webley in his right trouser pocket and a Gabilondo War Model .32 Automatic in a shoulder holster.

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #220):

Not exactly a Detective Special there, but under his coat and vest should be reasonably concealable if some care is taken.

Colt New Service in .455 Webley:


Tony

Colt New Service in .455 Webley "Fitz Special"

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #222):

Cymon,

Ah! Much more reasonable.

Tony

But a bit dangerous with that open trigger guard.

Being double-action it's safer, but accidents can still happen.

Added:



Sorry not to address this a little further. He sounded a little concerned (at least enough to mention it) but not gravely so. So you're skipping the gun shop for now, and heading to Shipley's without calling ahead. That's fine, just checking.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

Yes Tony,

I would think that would be the normal course of action. The shop can wait.

Cymon

Phil's concern is touching.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #227):

Let it be known, Phil has never touched Cynthia's concern, or any other part of her either.

Ha ha!

I thought I'd throw a visit to the Royal Thames Yacht Club in there. There was a thought about going by the club and checking to see if the yacht was berthed there. However, their permanent berthing is not on the Thames, it's on the Isle of Wight. Their club building (included accommodation) is very close to the Park Lane, overlooking by Hyde Park.

Tony

Grou,

I guess Phil is going around back? There is a lane separating the row houses along Holbein Mews from the Holbien House student residences behind it. Holbein Mews is a single lane width.

Doing some research, Dr. Weston informed you that Holbien Mews is within a block of Holbien House, where he stayed when studying medicine at Imperial College (Royal Hospital Chelsea).

http://g.co/maps/aqsdy

Holbein Mews:




Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:21, Wed 14 Dec 2011.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #230):

Phil is not going anywhere alone.  He will, at worst, stay with the taxi to see that the driver stays.

Good move. Unless the cab driver is the killer! Just kidding.

I'm assuming it's Bathony first, then Cynthia with Singh bringing up the rear.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #232):

If that happens, this time Phil will use the gun!  ;-)
He has a license.....

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #233):

Ah, but any licence for the Luger won't come until later, when Darlington is free after 5pm.

Tony

Was there any reaction to Bathony's question about the books ?

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #235):

Cymon,

Yes, sorry, I missed that.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #236):

Wake me when we get to the station!

Pardon me boy, is that the Lympne station?  Track by the fence, here's a pence?

Lee,

Ha ha, quite! I'll be sure to move JM along.

Tony

Hang on, good The Keeper. Phil didn't say he drew his Luger, but that he 'checked' it.

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #239):

"Phil gets out and does a quick check of his Luger."

I see what you mean, but if you see what I mean the object of that sentence was undefined. This isn't a nitpick: there is real confusion here. Also, "checking" could mean chambering a round or checking to see it's loaded, both of which require 2 hands (thus bringing it out). Taking off the safety could be done by feel, but if something's that ambiguous then I might well assume the most likely action (that is, he gets out the gun.

I'll rule the driver couldn't see any gun (regardless if it's in his pocket or not) but no telling what Mrs. Shipley saw!

At any rate, the front door is now locked.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:31, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #240):

Add to that a Luger of that vintage is apt to blow a hole in you by accident!

Hi Tony

Was Bathony able to defuse the situation or is she calling the police.

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #242):

Cymon,

I'll allow a Bargain roll if he's actually pulling out money intending to buy. Post the result to the "Die Rolls" thread.

Tony

Tony,
Intending to buy is stretching it a bit, trying to change the topic maybe ?

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #244):

Sigmund has a 05% in Fast Talk and 45% Bargain.

Best play to one's strengths!

Tony

Sure that's very true. Lets see how it goes then when his wallet comes out.
Cymon

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #246):

Cymon,

Much too late for me to resolve this.

Why not edit your post or make a new one and include the roll as a PM? That is, add something along the lines of actually negotiating to buy? Vague hints and misdirection are not going to work this time.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #240):

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The intent was to insure that the Luger was still there and to let the Keeper know he had it with him. As in, it had not fallen out his pocket or gotten swiped or left at the hotel.

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #248):

With a chunk of metal like that banging against his nuts, he'd never forget it was there. If that's your story, no problem, we can say he was checking the safety. Sure hope it doesn't go off and cause a "war wound"!

To clarify: most locks of this period generally required the key to be either inserted or left in the lock, especially older locks. Mrs. Shipley locked the front door, then took the key. Cynthia is unable to unlock the front door without picking it. As well, the windows are barred.

My apologies, I had to modify Cynthia's post somewhat, as she's unable to unlock the front door. Mrs. Shipley is still continuing to the kitchen, regardless. This means she, Cynthia and the Count are all in the kitchen. Mrs. Shipley hasn't called the police. Singh is outside the front door, Phil going along the street and finding the side lane.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:08, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

Group,

I'll wait for any response to Miles' final offer (the painting in the closet isn't on offer). If none is forthcoming, then the lot of you will get chucked out! Unless you want to draw the scene out a little longer?

(Singh is at the front, Phil circling around back, Cynthia and the Count are in the kitchen with Miles at the door to the parlour and Mrs. Shipley at the stove making tea.)

Tony

Tony,

I was waiting for Mrs Holloway to respond to going upstairs to have another look.

Cymon

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #252):

It's only 7pm here, in 5 hours NORAD will scramble a couple of CF-18s for their annual "Santa Intercept" exercise.

Anyways, Merry Christmas to all!

Tony

I don't recall being given an offer for a second look. I'm debating if I want to press a little harder. I expect the police arriving would be more awkward for them than for us.

How hard would it be to find Aliester Crowley?

The historical Crowley was traveling throughout Europe in 1925, if I'm not mistaken.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #254):

Msg #123

Play it how you like, things have gotten a little confusing, especially for Mrs. Shipley!

Tony

Alas, I was considering either an action scene (although I lack any applicable combat skills for this situation) or a fast-talking 'go ahead, CALL the police. I'm actually', but it seems just as likely to backfire horribly. I guess we'll just need to regroup and reconsider. I'm so used to playing thief characters, having to just TALK to people is so tough!

I thought of pushing an "action" scene also but could not logically bring my character to make the move. Maybe I was trying to make the encounter flow as realistic as possible.

Cymon.

Group,

I appreciate that you're putting thought into your actions and considering the potential consequences! Even the confused (Mrs. Shipley) and the insane (Miles) would insist their visitors fish or cut bait at some point.

Also, the "timeline" for JM and the investigators at Holbien Mews is not quite the same. This is to allow Lee some RP and frankly, whatever happened in London was unlikely to affect him, anyways, and vice versa.

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #260):

Yay!

And JM is unlikely to interact with them as well.

Group,

Happy New Years!

Nothing witty this year, just a photo I came across of Michelle and I in Cambodia, New Years before last:



Tony

Can't you read the sign right behind you?!? What a rule-breaker!

I don't think that's quite what I meant :P We need to get back into the artist's house, which I don't suppose the cabbie is eager to help us with. I thought after this stop, we were moving on to the house by the river JM is cruising by? I hope we can at least use some binoculars, otherwise Cynthia shall feel completely inadequate.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #264):

Ha ha, I see what you mean, a bit of a non-sequitur for the cab driver. He's waiting for directions.

It'll take something like an hour and a half to drive out to the al Misr House estate as it's quite a ways outside London. If you don't have binoculars with you Cynthia probably has a pair with her things at the hotel (being an adventurer and world traveller).

Tony

What skill would one use to forge a letter? (And does anyone have that skill?)

I am thinking JM might be familiar with ritual stones like that behind the mansion, since he has been to Persia and such?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #266):

Good question, I would guess "Forgery" falls under "Craft", much like other fine arts.



1) Is this an OOC Question to me or the other players? If so, please post to the OOC thread.
2) Actually, this is a fair IC question, something Cynthia could well wonder. If so, please edit to clarify who is asking and being asked.
3) If you want this to be an IC question then it's probable that Bathony could find out using his connections (probably Credit Rating).



Another good question, I'll clarify this in a narrative post if you want to make a Spot Hidden roll and post the results to the Dice Rolls thread. Why not ask Storm to describe it? He had a better look (possessing field glasses and not engaged in flying) and could have made a sketch.

Tony
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Tue 10 Jan 2012.

Oh. Well ... in that case, never mind.



You mean this OOC thread?

I'm wondering if we already know, since he's a celebrity. In real life, he may be in Italy, or at least on the continent. But I don't know that we're actually following the real timeline for such minor things.


Can we identify the mountain in the painting? We know it's in Africa, and we can tell the general environment. Since we've already been doing research on Africa, can we match it to what we know about where the Carlyle party disappeared?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #269):

1) Confirmed: this is the OOC thread! I don't mind short OOC notes or questions for Keeper clarification appended to IC posts, but there should be something, you know, in-character there.

2) I don't know what Crowley's real-life schedule was for 1925 except generally, that's why it's somewhat abstract.

3) Your characters don't recognise the mountain. It's not Kilimanjaro or Mt. Kenya. The location can probably be narrowed down to a part of Africa with research, or even identified if lucky enough.

Tony

1) So in other words, it isn't something I already know. Yes?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #271):

Correct, the mountain is not one she's seen before, although she's visited Africa (it's a big place, of course). Assuming that's what you mean!

Tony

I was referring to your point number one, about whether I know where Crowley is or not. He's a world-class celebrity in the field I'm studying. So is his location something I actually have to research, or do we just 'know'?

Sorry Tony I don't know if the hotel room has a terrace. I can edit if it's a problem.

Cymon.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #274):

Cymon,

Huh, looks like some of the rooms for the Park Lane do have terraces! But on the lower floors, overlooking Piccadilly.

Keeper Fiat: the rooms on the 4th floor overlooking Green Park  (Holloway/Singh, Lampton/Simmons)each have a very small terrace. The room across and down the hall (Webley/Falcon) and elsewhere (Dr. Weston) do not. The terraces were removed after a tragic accident in 1925. Completely unrelated to the investigators. You hope.

Tony

Investigators,

Tomorrow I'll advance the time to 5pm, when everyone is together. That is, Darlington/JM/Storm are back from Lympne, Weston/Fulty are back from the archives.

At that point your characters can decide what, if anything, they wish to do in the evening.

You

Group,

As a reminder, the last "principal", Jack Brady, is the one that set the your doomed writer friend, Jackson Elias, on the path of proving the Carlyle expedition didn't die in Kenya. While investigating the massacre, Elias met someone in Kenya who claimed to have seen Brady in China at least a year after the expedition's supposed demise.

Tony

How close is the Valley of Derwent to all of these locations we're following?

Does the mask match anything in the paintings we've just purchased?

Sorry to have been out of contact for a few days, had a devilish gastric problem.

I must confess that I have no idea what 'rogue' or 'fake credit note' Bathory is talking about. There are so many threads and leads flying around that I have trouble keeping everything in mind. Sorry.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #280):

1) The note might have been mentioned in passing, and is more a part of Bathony's back-story. A couple years back, Bathony was swindled out of some rare volumes about African culture and history by a man in London who might be connected to the Carlyle expedition.

2) To confirm, it's after 5 pm, and all the Investigators are at the Park Lane Hotel. Storm, JM Darlington returned to London via train.

3) Therefore there's no real way to reconcile JM's post with continuity so I'm going to delete it. Sorry!

Tony

And Cynthia is indeed gravely offended by JM's foul language! >(

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #282):

I see no foul language from JM!  =D

Tony

In reply to The Keeper (msg #283):

I think he said "Duck!"???

Ok, I was lost on the time, duh.

Sorry for missing this.

The "Derbyshire Monster" has been rampaging around Derby (pr. "Darby") in the Derwent Valley, about 130 miles north of London. Not really close at all to Gavigan's mansion (al Misr House, between Colchester and Ipswitch). Not too far from Nottingham and Sherwood Forest. It's easily accessible by Midland Rail or motor car. Or plane.

Tony

Group,

As there appears to be nothing to add for the evening, I'll move things along to the next day.

Please have a read of the fanfic that was posted. It's really quite excellent! My compliments to Cymon, the author. [Private to Count Sigismund Bathony: I noticed some wording that could be corrected or improved, such as replacing "rights" with "rites", "six sense" with "sixth sense", etc.]

In reply to The Keeper (msg #286):

Sounds good.

Cymon

http://www.independent.co.uk/n...nastery-1780274.html

Inspiration ?

Cymon,

Quite possibly! Outstanding post.

Still waiting on Lee to post, but if that hasn't happened by tomorrow I will NPC JM and continue.

Tony

PHIL! You burnt down our primary lead!!

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #290):

Sorry folks, I got busy, should be reading all posts and posting tonight, sorry for the inconvenience!

No worries.

It looks like some investigators are going to swing by the former Shipley residence. I'd like an idea what this is supposed to accomplish so that I'm not completely winging it!

As well, pay attention to what Darlington has to say about new missing people, and the Count has additional information to impart regarding the Penhew Foundation.

Tony

The Count would like to know how many bodies are removed from the house and if any of the structure survived. Mostly he is interested in the basement.


Cymon.

I'd also like to know the number of bodies, as well as if that silver frame has survived (I doubt the painting has), or what else happens to be in that basement. Plus, finding Phil would probably be good, and that's our last lead.

The last lead aside from probably Tewfik (who may have kidnapped a couple people at the Blue Pyramid club the previous night) and possibly Gavigan, the Penhew Institute and for all you know, al Misr House, the country estate.

As well, while the paintings are presumably gone, there is a similarly silver-framed mirror in Tewfik's apartment above his shoppe.

Tony

I assume that the painting frame, being larger, has more information on it. No?

Good question. The frame in the house was similar to the silver frame in the shop. I never specified what it was made from, it could be silver as well! It seemed to have a similar lizard-man motif and you'd need to examine it closer to determine if it has any significant differences.

Tony

Well regardless, the house has the potential to have everything from Terwif's place, without the risk of breaking in.

I'm happy to speed through, or if you want to just tell us there's nothing there we can move on to the next place.