In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 57):

(ooc: honey and apples.  Summersisle is known for apples and honey, with which thy make cider,and mead, though the mead has a hint of apple to it.  It is said to be almost magical in flavor composition and for its smooth, refreshing nature.)

Alright, bite from a dried Mandrake.  A bezoar would work, of course, preferably from a goat or cow.  Gonna be messy to get one though, unless you happen to know someone who deals in the things.

As herbal remedies goes...here's the list.  A couple of key ingredients are missing from your area, but some of it can usually be found in the average kitchen these days. Fresh is better, but dried beats nothing.  The one plant you really need though is called a Maidenhair Fern. The only place in Northern europe it grows is Ireland.

Thankfully you know a druid who lives in Ireland right?  I'll contact Druid spell, and see about getting you the fern, you start on the rest of it, shouldn't be hard, decently common plants in those parts.

to Jacob:
"Ok, honey's good.  It should keep this stuff from killing you.  The apple may make it faster though...and decidedly more painful.  Ok, you're probably about to start hallucinating.  There is one very important thing I want you to remember no matter what you see.  DO NOT KILL ISRAEL - that would put me in a very bad mood. And I will haunt your sorry @$$."

to the group:
"Rivkah, you raid the kitchen for items on the list - and if your grandfather pops in with the fern, get him up to speed. Ariel, you watch over Jacob - in case this moves faster than I'd like. Jacob, take my laptop, and follow any directions Ben gives.  I'm going to scrounge around outside for ingredients."

Muttering:

Great job, Williams.  You survive 3 tours in Iran, a raid on a meth lab, an attempted bank robbery, Mardi Gras, a vampire, and a demon to get your ticket punched by a dried up ass root.  Don't let me die from this Levy, it'll be too embarrassing.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 60):

It takes a little over 20 minutes to find what you need, and get the tea kettle over the fire.  You have the leaves ready for the water, except for the Maidenshair.  Suddenly, there is a knock on the door.

I traveled all the bloody way from Ireland to get this here in a rush, isn't someone going to invite me in?

The young girl invites him in, and in walks Thorn, maidenshair in hand.  Got here soon as I could.  Whoo! Someone's trying to keep you in check tonight! That tea is gonna make the big guy sleep pretty soundly tonight.  Oh, he can get up if you want him too, but he'll be sleepy.  I also feel magic residue.  Someone tried a direct assault. Not a lot of punch, if I'm correct, but probably experience, know what they're doing.

In reply to GM (msg # 61):

Jacob begins to feel better the moment he smells the tea, or tries to convince everyone.  You find you don't believe him, but do, on the other hand, feel a large amount of empathy for him, you're glad you don't have to take it, and in no way envy him, having also smelled the tea.

Thorn From what I was told to tell you, it'll start working quickly.  He probably won't have many negative side effects.  On the other hand, you need to take it easy big guy.  You can get out and about in an hour, but no heavy lifting, alcohol, or blowing up buildings.

It is dark outside.  You could probably make your way back to the lodge without incident.  You are also invited to stay here, albeit in sparse accommodations.  You can also try to track down Ildena, or patrol the town, after all, 8 children are expected to disappear either tonight or tomorrow night.

(Israel needs a discipline check to bring back up the connection from the earlier spell.)

I'd expect Jacob needs to rest, but Israel is antsy. "You should stay, take a nap or something. I can radio you if I need you, but I can't just wait here. I'm going to take a position outside the town and see if I can spot the piper in the act.  Follow him back to the cave."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 63):

Israel, Rebekah, and Ariel prepare to return to town.

Thorn: I'll stay here.  If Jacob feels like catching up, then we will later.  Besides, it probably doesn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes here at the house.  Something unusual is going on, and I don't like it.  Why now, why the accelerated timeline?  Why attack the old woman?  And to use a mandrake and a mental assault?  It's overkill unless you suspect supernatural forces at play, and there was no reason to.  No one knows about the two of you, or shouldn't, and I wasn't here.

Whoever, or whatever this is, something has it scared, and that's bad for you.  If they're scared they'll be on guard, and quicker to take action.  Just be careful. Here, take this, it isn't much, but it might help you, Levy.

You reach down and accept a leaf from Thorn.  It feels warm in your hand.

Winter Court detector. Limited in power, I'm not going to just give you a magical fae detector.  It will last until sunrise.  It'll start growing cold if Winter Court fae are nearby.


With that, the three of you go outside, where it is quite dark, but enough light is shining from the moon and stars, and this is not a city, that you can see the path back to town.


You ride, the girls close by, and once you reach the village, you are certain you are being followed by no less than 3 individuals.  From what you could tell, two were in the woods, one is following you but being careful not to be seen.

As you move to position, you think you hear, in the distance, the sound of pipe music calling from the darkness.

I'm using a fate point to invoke Family Man or Semper Fi, Do or Die.  My reasoning is that since I'm a family man and can't stand the thought of of failing to rescue these kids, I'm going to push myself through anything that stands between me and completing the mission (Semper Fi, Do or Die).  Basically, even if it kills me, I'm not letting Levy go it alone and I'm not going to fail these kids and their families.

I shake my head and stand up.

No, Levy, these kids don't have time for me to sit around just because I've got a headache.  Let's go catch this bastard.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 65):

I should have been paying more attention, I'll compel Semper Fi, You don't want to be a burden or the one left behind.  You'll see the mission through.

instead of spending a fate, take one.  Like I said, I should have paid better attention and compelled it.

for that matter, I'm compelling Former Mossad for Levy.  You can choose seeking out the follower, or finding the piper, either one, but to the exclusion of most else.

of course, either of you may choose to spend fate to ignore it, meaning jacob stays in bed, and israel gets to dance around town at night.

<OOC>Ok, if you'd rather do it that way, who am I to argue?  Besides, I'm getting a fate point out of it!</OOC>

Israel's following the piper - he'd rather head straight to the source. Let Rebekah find out who's following us - as I'm fairly certain she's the more experienced spy anyway.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 67):

Israel, Rebekah, and Ariel exit the cottage and start down the path towards town.  As they are leaving, Jacob rises slowly from the couch, thanks Granny Bri for her help, then heads outside.  The cool night air feels refreshing and does much to clear his head.

As Jacob rides down the path, going a little slower at first, then picking up speed, he notices someone in the woods, watching.  As Jacob enters the town, he spots the town deputy following the team.

(well, now we know the identity of two of the followers, since technically Jacob just became one)

Ok, it's time to take care of this crap once and for all.  We don't need the local cops impeding our investigation.

Stealth:  -1 (+1)=0

I'm creeping up on the deputy and putting him in a hold, not trying to hurt him unnecessarily, but I don't want him to sound an alarm or get away.  I'm also trying to avoid actually threatening him if possible.

Might:  -2 (+1) (crap)

Why are you followin' my people?  If you really want us to find these kids and put a stop to this mess, why are you interferin' in our investigation?  You and I both know these kids ain't just runnin' away from here, Barney Fife.  We're gonna find out what's really goin' on here, you can either help us or stay outta our way.  These kids ain't got time for your interference, so tell me what's goin' on here.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 70):

Deputy Frank: I'm here to make sure you and your friends don't screw things up!  you interfere, or worse, stop them, and we're all doomed!  It was bad enough 20 years ago when they only got 15, if it weren't for!

He shuts his mouth as he realizes he's said too much. A look of fear forms on his face, afraid of what may be about to happen.

In reply to GM (msg # 71):

The town goes dark as windows latch shut and lights are extinguished. Across the village parents lock up, and pretend nothing is wrong, praying their child is not the one taken, that the piper will pass by their house this night.

The high pitched sound of a wood pipe comes drifting through the darkness.  Eight doors unlatch and open.  Eight children, 5 boys, 3 girls, step outside and begin walking towards the sound.

With tears in his eyes, Deputy Frank looks at Jacob and whispers, hoarsely : Don't you think I'd stop it if I could? That we all would? There are parents watching their children walk away into the darkness.  You think they have a choice?

The village is safe, so long as we give them a sacrifice.  They will be honoured, the families compensated.  And the village is safe. So long as we don't fight back.  So long as we let it happen.  We were warned, twenty years ago, when that Interpol guy showed up like the wrath of God. Him and that devil woman.  Now here you are, and who knows what the piper is gonna do.

In the darkness, just outside the edge of the village, the piper jaunts as he plays his tune.  Israel stands at the edge of the city, eight children walking in his direction.

As Israel Levy looks at the children walking toward him, a voice speaks from behind

This is the arrangement.  It does not concern you, outsider.  You are not of this village, not blood to the chosen.  Leave.  Now. And you may go in peace.

Conviction = 3 (just in case that's needed for my mocking banter)

Ah, spooky voice from behind.  Rationally, I should be completely terrified right now. But there's just something about jackasses that kidnap kids that boils my blood.  Reminds me to much of what happened with Seth.  Kidnappers don't deserve respect - only mocking.
Israel spins dramatically on his heal and faces the voice with a lopsided grin.
"Good evening. As a duly designated representative of Interpol, I order you to cease any and all supernatural activity and return forthwith to your place of origin or to the nearest convenient parallel dimension."

He leaves a brief pause, to allow the villain/creature/whatever to realize he/she/it is being mocked and then adds. "Come on, Ghostbusters. I'd have thought everyone knew that one.  Ok, let's go old school then. 'And the Lord said to Moses, Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed, for you must not profane the name of your God.'"

Israel mouths a silent prayer, then pulls out his blasting rod and takes a defensive stance should the piper respond with violence.

Jacob's blood boils at the thought of sacrificed children.

What do you mean "arrangement?"  What could be so damned terrible that you're willin' to sacrifice your CHILDREN to protect yourselves from it?

Jacob lets go of the deputy and decides that it's time to appeal to Frank's "fightin' side," he is Scottish after all.

You think William Wallace would've stood for this?  Hell no!  He'd tell that piper to go to hell!  I know what you're thinkin', you're just an ordinary man.  Ain't nobody in this world that God made ordinary.  Wallace was just a farmer that decided he'd had enough of the English pushin' his people around.  What about you?  You gonna stand up to this sumbitch or you gonna let him run off with more of your kids?

Presence 1 (+1)=2+2 (fate point)=3
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Thu 16 Aug 2012.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 74):

To Jacob: Deputy Frank trembles harder, his voice cracking with fear and shame.

Fighting will only make it worse! The others won't stand for it, not after the last time.  150 years ago something happened, the town elders made a deal with...something, and all these years later, we're still upholding the deal.  I don't know details, we are warned not to ask!  But something is wrong! They came early, and someone is fighting them.  We're doomed if we stand against them!

With that he crumples to the ground, cursing himself for a coward.


To Israel: You see a short figure, just over 5 feet.  In the dim light of the night sky you can make out at least 2 more shapes between you and the piper, who is still dancing and piping as the children move towards him.

As you look at the closest figure, something is nagging at the back of your mind.  There's no way this guy is normal. Something is wrong. But what?


You were warned.  Interference will not be tolerated! The exchange must occur uninterrupted!

A mist is flowing past him, stopping in a line right in front of you.  For a moment you wonder why, then realize, the mist is stopping at the very edge of the village.  Almost like a liquid meeting a barrier.  At this point, the first of the children, a girl of about 6 is mere feet from the mist. You take the briefest of moments to look, but her  eyes are glazed, you surmise she is not aware of what is going on.

The air is tense, the short men are watching you intently, waiting to see what you will do as they prepare to take the children.

And the piper plays on.

And the

"Fine, little man.  I did my duty as a cop - you were warned. Now we do it the Magic Mossad way."

Israel takes a breath, closes his eyes, and in his lowest rumble mutters "Lok Shul."
(Sky & Sun) - Big Light spell - basically a magical flashbang.

Putting the full four from Conviction
Discipline Rolled 1+3(skill)+1(rod)=5

Israel begins to glow - a bright light suddenly shines outwards, hopefully temporarily blinding the perps. Taking advantage of their temporary blindness (hopefully), Israel charges towards the piper, and yanks the pipe from his hand.
Athletics Rolled 3+1(skill)=4

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 76):

There is a sudden yelp of surprise and dismay as the light blinds the 3 short figures in front of you.  For a moment, as you run by them, you think you see one shimmer in your peripherals.  You dart forward, and snatch the pipe from the man's hands, who yelps in fear, and takes off running.

A heartbeat later you hear a girl's scream, followed by the panicked cries of 7 other children.

Gah! This isn't over wizard! There are still 2 nights to make you suffer.  We will start with the pretty ones.

As the spokesman finishes, he turns and flees into the woods, his cohorts following along.


In the village, still being held by a large, angry man, deputy Frank chokes out What the hell was that?!  Oh no, oh no! We're dead! They'll demand penance! Retribution! Punishment!  Beware, agent, if you stand against them, they'll come for you.  I don't know the details of the arrangement, none of us are told except for the town elders.  But we've always been told to comply or face the repercussions.

Israel does his best to round up the kids and bring them back to the village.  Presumably he'll meet Jacob and the Deputy along the way. He then turns to the deputy and says "I think we need to talk to the people in charge." Then, with added menace in his voice, "Now."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 78):

Frank, why don't you take the kids home, I'll lead the officers to the Elders. Sheriff Bill says as he emerges from the dark.

If you two will follow me, the Elders are going to want to talk to you, too. And I guess it's pointless to ask either party if this can't wait til morning, so come on, Town Hall is this way, they'll be making their way there right now.


You, Israel and Jacob, follow Sheriff Bill as Deputy Frank leads the children back to their homes, their parents fearfully hugging them, not sure if this is a pass, or a temporary reprieve, whether the hope is real, or simply dangling just out of reach.


As you enter Town Hall, Jacob gets a text message from Ben, of all sources.

Check your frelling e-mail!

The Town Hall itself is an old building, dating back over 150 years, and the architecture is most definitely dated.  There are portraits of prominent townsfolk of the past, most specifically the Mayors, but the founders are presented, and there is a group picture of the ruling elders dated 1850.

Sheriff Bill stops at a door and says Right through here gentlemen

Aside to Israel:

Uh, Levy?  Ben has apparently sent me an email.  Any idea how to check it on this stupid phone?


I'm also going to look around to see if anything seems odd or out of place.

Investigation:  0 (+0)=0

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 80):

A special e-mail address has been set up for your use in communicating with Ben.

(I don't remember Israel giving that permission, but obviously Israel isn't packing a smartphone or a laptop.  If you are packing a laptop, the whole flash bang incident reformatted the laptop into a paperweight.  We're going to say Israel gives Jacob the password and username for the emergency e-mail address, thus granting permission to Ben to talk to Jacob, more or less as a liaison.)

The culprits aren't fae.  True nature should be seen with Wizardy sight.  Or sniffing 3-eye.  Should be using a mortal as the piper.  Working as middlemen between the village and the purchaser of the children, most likely Winter Court.  Be warned, you don't have jurisdiction to intervene on the trade in the NeverNever.

Also, beware the power behind the village, the deal, and I haven't found it exactly, but it is between the village elders, the pipers, and the ones being traded to.

Israel, important note: spellcasting using rituals, circles, or drawing on ley lines/nodes may be unstable.  Of course, this also means you can channel energy and just let it go, hoping it doesn't destroy the time/space continuum, or unleash the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

The instability could have something to do with the original deal. That place is sitting on an unstable confluence of ley lines atop an active magical node.  If that site were used for, say, holy rituals, sacrifices, burial grounds, or the such, that area could easily have become magically unstable. To the point where it would have leaked.  Back up to 1850, or maybe even before, when people were much more superstitious, and they might have been willing to make a deal with someone for protection.

One more thing, from what I can deduce from the rumors, old articles, and a spirit who owed me a favor, whatever is going on, the town elders are part of it, actively, not just seeing to it being upheld, but probably beneficiaries in some way.  Be careful if invited to meet them.  You don't need Ackbar to tell you it's a trap.

I lower my voice:

Levy, we're probably walkin' into an ambush here.  Stay on your toes, Bob says the Elders are in on this, prob'ly benefitin' from it and not just keepin' it up.

I try to undo the strap on my shoulder holster as stealthily as I can.

Stealth:  1 (+1)= 2