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08:30, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Week of 18-23 March 1925.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
Karlheinz Bergmann
player, 25 posts
Fmr. Zeppelin Crewman
Pilot/Navigator/Mechanic
Fri 2 Nov 2012
at 05:05
  • msg #6

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

John-Marc Falcon:
Oh leave the guns... women like big... guns...  :)


"Surely, you must be joking! Besides, I have seen the size of your guns. She will not be being impressed, ya?"
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 261 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Fri 2 Nov 2012
at 07:58
  • msg #7

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925



On the way back to the shop having put the delivery truck in the garage. The Count stopped at the grocer and the butchers for supplies. He greeted Mr Perkins and his friends and over a large cooked breakfast outlined all had been learned and the plans they has laid.

Mr Perkins also handed the Count a letter that had been hand delivered while he was out. He instantly knew its source when he saw the expensive paper it was made from. He stopped for a second and rubbed the envelope between his fingers, Russian, made from a reed endemic to the Volga river. The letter was short and to the point.

"Mr Perkins it would seem we have an appointment for Wednesday and that being the case we will open the shop again see if we can off set our expenses."

After breakfast the Count retrieved the Army and Navy catalogue from under the sofa. He made a quick list that included Pattern 1907 bayonets, several Sam Browne Infantry sets, shotgun belts and other sundrie items he spotted while flipping through the catalogue. He also made a call to the London Armoury for a case of .303 sporting hollow point ammunition and a case of 9mm Luger.

He had an idea to unhitched every second loop on the shotgun belts to accommodate the grenades in the larger loops and so ordered several sets both to modify and not.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 293 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Fri 2 Nov 2012
at 13:13
  • msg #8

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

The gentlemen seem to be thoroughly engrossed in the acquisition, use of, and ... comparison of their guns. Cynthia is quite content to leave them to it. She is an independent woman, and as such, provides her own firearms as desired. Firearms which, while perhaps not of the same monstrous calibres of those ungodly machine-mounted devices the men fawn over, is quite sufficient and satisfying for actual, practical use. She does try out the larger machine gun as a curiosity, but finds it simply too large to be comfortable, and returns with no regrets to her familiar tools.

Meanwhile, she loses herself in her reading. The party has recovered a large cache of books and scrolls, which only she and Ms. Fuller have taken the time to review, even in passing. With a week, she has the opportunity to more fully examine each text, and hopefully determine what sort of ritual Gavigan is actually trying to execute.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 266 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Sat 3 Nov 2012
at 23:52
  • msg #9

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

Karlheinz Bergmann:
"Surely, you must be joking! Besides, I have seen the size of your guns. She will not be being impressed, ya?"


"Ha!  That wounded me to the heart comrade!  I think it best to let the lady be the judge of what impresses her, ya?"

Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 262 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 5 Nov 2012
at 06:55
  • msg #10

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925



The range day had gone "well" it was more of a familiarisation exercise then training. It had consisted of this goes here, you pull this to fire, sights work like this and basic safety.

He had managed to secure the range during the working week and had explained away any machine gun fire with rapid fire drills from multiple rifles. By the end of it he was confident that no one would blow each others heads off, but that was about it.

Of course the men with military service had been the main instructors during the day and the Count had outlined a plan to use whistles as well as the torches and flare guns during the assault.
The Keeper
GM, 616 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 6 Nov 2012
at 05:17
  • msg #11

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 10):

Quickly, things came together.

The veterans found that working with bayonet, grenades (unfused) and machine-guns was all-too easy, and they quickly regained familiarity. As for the rest of the group, they concentrated on simpler weapons like sidearms, shotguns and the Mausers.

Those who were reading continued delving into the mysteries of the cult. It seemed to Cynthia that the scrolls holy to the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh worshipped someone or something called the "Black God" and "Nyarlathotep", possibly the same being.
Doctor Phillip Weston
NPC, 27 posts
Professor/Doctor
Psychoanalyist
Tue 13 Nov 2012
at 06:18
  • msg #12

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 11):

Dr. Weston repeated his earlier question to Ralph. "So, my good man, will you stay with me at the house near Walton-on-Naze? Help me care fore any wounded? I daresay I won't feel quite safe there with just Darragh to keep me company."
The Keeper
GM, 618 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 20 Nov 2012
at 06:14
  • msg #13

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg # 12):

The day before the raid, the boats were acquired. There were 3 of them rented locally, flat-bottomed river skills powered by oars and small petrol-powered outboard motors. It seemed the promised personnel were shaping up nicely, too. Darragh rounded up some river rats he felt could be trusted to pilot the boats without telling any tales. Darlington's mates among the London Met Police were all Freemasons, sworn to secrecy. Barrington confirmed the local constabulary in and around Walton-On-Naze and Harwich would give the area a wide berth and telephone service would be mysteriously disabled.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 266 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Fri 23 Nov 2012
at 07:01
  • msg #14

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925



The Count had all the intention to go out to the "hideout" early in the week relatively, but and unexpected visitor had thrown him off kilter.

So he arrive a day later with his entourage that consisted of Mr Perkins, his brother George Perkins and their friend Company Sergeant Major Jones all lately of the 1st (City of London) Bn London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Each had their own luggage and were dressed in their WW1 field uniforms and trench coats. The Count and Mr Perkins were the only ones in their group with their own rifles.



The Count was also dressed in the dull khaki of the Romanian Armies late WW1 officers uniform and long trench coat. He had left his sword behind, opting for a double edged dagger of Sheffield manufacturer instead.

The ride to the safe house had been uneventful they had all managed to squeeze into the Counts delivery van along with the additional supplies he brought.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 270 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Fri 23 Nov 2012
at 18:38
  • msg #15

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

JM stayed busy preparing for the raid and practicing with his weapons.  He decided to wear sensible hunting clothing of a dark brownish green with a thick, warm short jacket and a hat.  He had his pistol and of course a rifle with plenty of ammunition for both and brought along a torch, matches, two small flasks (one of petrol and the other whiskey) as well as a good knife and a few grenades.  The rest of his gear would be decided as the party gathered for the attack.
Karlheinz Bergmann
player, 26 posts
Fmr. Zeppelin Crewman
Pilot/Navigator/Mechanic
Wed 28 Nov 2012
at 08:42
  • msg #16

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 15):

For the following night's attack, Karlheinz was dressed in a leather coat, thick wool pants, and wool watch cap. He war armed with his broomhandle Mauser.

"Zo, mien frieund, what about a plane? I don't think vee can land zee Commercial either on ze beach or the field by the farmhouse. We can land the Brisfit on the field, and it'll be close by if we need it, ya?"
John-Marc Falcon
player, 272 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Thu 29 Nov 2012
at 03:43
  • msg #17

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

JM nodded in agreement with Karlheinz.  "You have the right of it comrade.  The Brisfit won't take many with it but if we need to fly someone injured to a hospital we can."
Doctor Phillip Weston
NPC, 28 posts
Professor/Doctor
Psychoanalyist
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 07:40
  • msg #18

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 17):

"I was originally thinking of staying at the farmhouse. But if poor Howard is there, and he's injured, I should like to render aid as soon as I may. Therefore, I shall accompany you in the boats. I will still prepare the farmhouse as an aid station in case we need to retire there to care for wounded."

"I will take my shotgun but don't think I should be any good with it."

Darragh
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 07:43
  • msg #19

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

Doctor Phillip Weston:
In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 17):

"I was originally thinking of staying at the farmhouse. But if poor Howard is there, and he's injured, I should like to render aid as soon as I may. Therefore, I shall accompany you in the boats. I will still prepare the farmhouse as an aid station in case we need to retire there to care for wounded."

"I will take my shotgun but don't think I should be any good with it."


Smelling like fish, as usual, Darragh smiled evilly. He was dressed in dark clothing: long coat, trousers, boots, gloves, "workman's" cap. A sawed-off shogun was slung at his side, and he was cleaning his filthy nails with a wicked looking knife.

"Oi wouldn't worry aboyt it, Doctor. I'll clap dat you're safe as 'ouses!"
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
player, 59 posts
Archaeologist
University of Wisconsin
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 07:44
  • msg #20

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Darragh (msg # 19):

"I'll stay at the farmhouse, then. I just don't think I'd be any good in a fight! At least this kind of fight."
Major Charles Storm
NPC, 63 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 07:46
  • msg #21

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Prof. Ralph T. Fulty (msg # 20):

Storm looked grim.

"Detective Sergeant, maybe you can lend a man to help the Egyptian boys and I? If one of us takes a bullet, we'll be in sorry shape with just the 3 of us."
Imran Singh
player, 192 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 13:58
  • msg #22

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

Singh has taken time at the range to ensure that Miss Fuller is expert at re-loading all of the various weapons and can identify the various types of ammo by sight and blindfolded. He has provided her a kit bag with a dozen clips for the Lee Enfield rifles and six moon loaders for the Webley .455 in two separate pockets. She also has a bandolier of 20 gauge shotgun shells. He has cleaned and loaded Phil's Luger semi-automatic pistol and given it to Molly with one spare 8-round magazine for personal defense.

In addition to the Lee-Enfield, Singh has readied his .455 Webley revolver and honed his kirpan to a razor edge. Over his shoulder he slings a musette bag containing six grenades.

After seeing that Cynthia's gear is in good order, Singh retires to his room where he meditates, then carefully grooms his beard and hair, secures his kanga (wooden comb) in the knot of hair atop his head and carefully wraps his dastar (turban). He dons his old uniform and boots and prays that he be faithful to his mission. Then he kisses his kara (iron bracelet) and slips it onto his wrist before thrusting the kirpan through his sash.

With his revolver in a shoulder rig and a moon loader securely tucked into his sash, he shoulders the bag of grenades and hefts his rifle. Then he joins the others.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 268 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sat 1 Dec 2012
at 19:40
  • msg #23

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925



The Count begins his last minute preparations in the kitchen of the rented house. He finds space on a table or bench and begins unloading his personal armament onto a soft cloth he retrieved from his bag.

He removes the two cut down Colt New Service revolvers from his jacket pockets and then removes the shoulder holster for the Gabilondo War Model automatic. Finally he lifts up a compact leather case and after undoing the buckles and straps he removes a rather odd looking rifle. It would seem to be some sort of automatic rifle similar to the lewis gun but much more manoeuvrable. From the two converted map cases on his sam browne belt he also removes six curved magazines.

The Count gives all his firearms a simple function check and reloads or loads them all. He has six webley prideaux loaders, three 20 round magazines for his automatic and the six magazines for his Fedorov Avtomat. He watches the others from the group as they went through the same motions.



Mr Perkins had removed his SMLE No.1 Mk.III sniper rifle from its case. It was sitting next to the table with its pattern 1918 telescopic sight now attached. Mr Perkins was checking each round of .303 hunting ammunition he took from the supply the Count had brought before inserting it into the magazines he carried.

Finally the Count began loading the magazines with the hollow-point ammunition he had brought from the London armoury. The 6.5x50mm Arisaka cartridge was an odd looking thing but the Count had seen it effectiveness first hand and it was terrible to behold.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sat 01 Dec 2012.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 275 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Sun 2 Dec 2012
at 00:59
  • msg #24

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

JM carefully checks and loads his weapons.  He'll make sure he has plenty of ammunition and then studies the photos and plans of the estate.
Albert Darlington
NPC, 144 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Mon 3 Dec 2012
at 06:53
  • msg #25

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

Major Charles Storm:
In reply to Prof. Ralph T. Fulty (msg # 20):

Storm looked grim.

"Detective Sergeant, maybe you can lend a man to help the Egyptian boys and I? If one of us takes a bullet, we'll be in sorry shape with just the 3 of us."


"Awright geeezzaa! Yeah, I'll leave one ov me mates wiv you, one wiv da Doctor. Should keep fngs safe! Sorted mate."

Darlington saw Imran hand Phil's Luger to Molly.

"Blimey! Hope yew can shoot what fing, miss. If yew see Phil, yew can give i' back ter da bugger. He left i' at da Shipley residence, da main reason we knew 'e was there. Nuff said, yeah?"
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 162 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Mon 3 Dec 2012
at 14:43
  • msg #26

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg # 25):

Molly looked at Darlington after taking a minute to translate his accent.  "I won't deny that I'm more comfortable with rifles and shotguns but I guess I can manage this.  I know which end to point at the bad guys and how to pull the trigger.  The rest is, how they say, on the job training?"

Molly wasn't as bad as she let on with the luger but she was correct in saying that she was better with rifles and shotguns.  Still, she was going in with something to help cover her and her group and she wouldn't look a gift gun in the mouth...well she hoped she wouldn't look a gun in the mouth.  That would certainly ruin her day not to mention her outfit she'd be wearing.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 297 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Mon 3 Dec 2012
at 18:51
  • msg #27

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

"Ms. Fuller, I have two shotguns, but only enough hands for one. If you're staying back, I'll give you the longer of the two. It's a fine weapon; excellent for grouse or larger game."

Cynthia checks over both of her guns; making sure they're clean and oiled. Mr. Singh can be counted on to maintain the guns before and after she does, but Cynthia has always felt it important, if she's to ever be taken seriously on the range or the field, to care for her own equipment.

Cynthia wears twead pants and jacket, a dark blouse, tall leather boots. She packs 100 rounds (all slug) for each gun in the boat, but will only bring 50 10-gauge slugs and the 10-gauge gun with her, along with a small utility knife, an electric torch, a packet of bandages and other medical supplies, pen and a notepad, and a small bottle of water.

She takes some time to study the maps and photos, to make sure she recognizes landmarks she can use to get back to safety if need be, and listens as the gentlemen recommend locations of tactical significance.
The Keeper
GM, 623 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sun 9 Dec 2012
at 01:21
  • msg #28

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

So as to not around suspicion on the day of the ritual, Karlheinz flew Dr. Storm up to the rented farmhouse the day before. Once there, they got it ready to act as a rally point and aid station, as well as collecting the boats they were going to use. That way there was no chance of finding out any problems at the last minute.

The Brisfit was stored in the empty barn, while the boats were tied up at the small dilapidated wharf floating on the quiet weed-choked river. Birds chirped in the warming early spring weather. Surrounding dirt and gravel country roads were empty and quiet, as the farms around al Misr House being abandoned due to the actions of the Black Brotherhood, all the better to keep their nefarious activities secret.

Also during the previous day, the people taking part were shuttled up to spend the night before the raid. It wasn't comfortable as around 20 people had to find places to sleep in the run down farmhouse. A number ended up sleeping in surplus army tents that Storm and the other veterans set up. Karlheinz slept in the barn, by the aircraft.

Keepeer's Note: Instead of trying to get it altogether the day of the raid, I figured it would work to have everyone come up the day before. That way any SNAFUs are worked out ahead of time, less chance of running into cultists on the empty roads coming up for the ritual, etc. The day of the raid itself, everyone tries to get as much sleep as possible so they're awake and rested for the night.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:21, Sun 09 Dec 2012.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 269 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sat 8 Dec 2012
at 06:03
  • msg #29

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925


The Count spent the last night in quiet contemplation. He had a couple of bottles of good brandy that he was keen to share, but other then that his mind seemed to elsewhere.

He had partaken of a cigar down by the river earlier in the evening and with his arms folded had taken in the somewhat serene scene. The Count spent the final day before the raid helping out wherever he was needed.
The Keeper
GM, 624 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 11 Dec 2012
at 13:07
  • msg #30

Re: Week of 18-23 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 29):

A number of the men decided to partake. After all, it's not like a motley collection of Great War veterans, Thames river rats and London coppers would resist! Only the Egyptians, Faruq and Haji, declined.

They finally fell asleep (with a guard posted) in the small hours of the morning. The moon was only a sliver and had set soon after twilight, so it was a dark night.
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