OOC: Actually, Israel WAS packing a laptop - that's how he e-mailed Ben earlier, that said, yes the HD is probably fried.  That's why he has a stack of them back at the base.

Oh its definitely a trap, and the elders are definitely in on this. In fact, see that picture of the Elders from 1850 over there? Twenty shekalim says we're about to meet the those exact same guys and that this is about some kind of immortality thing.

Israel says a brief prayer - should I need to activate one of "guide my hand"'s abilities (let's me use conviction for any non-combat skill at the cost of a fate point.  I'm not using it yet, just prepping it in case I need to.)

Israel straightens his shirt, twirls the blasting rod in his hand, puts on a smug, self-satisfied smile, and marches into the meeting with the elders.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 83):

Boy, you have one wild imagination! This is about money, and town prosperity.  If a little prestige and respect get thrown in so much the better.  And if the town elders look a bit like the blokes in the picture, well, no surprise there, they're all direct descendants of the original town founders.

sheriff Frank scoffs, then ushers the two of you inside the chamber.  The 6 Ruling Elders, and their spouses, are sitting in a semi-circle facing you.  2 chairs have been brought up for you.

Now that the smart-ass wizard has mentioned it, yes, they do look suspiciously similar to the people in the portrait.  Or some of them do. That's definitely the mayor, and his wife.  The couple to the far right are different than that picture, but you think you recognize them from a different picture, you can't be sure without another look.

The Mayor addresses you:Please, sit, we need to talk before this situation gets out of hand.

Incredulously:

Talk about it before the situation gets outta hand?  With all due respect, sir,  I don't know what the hell you call 12 kids gettin' abducted every 30 years, but I'd say the situation's pretty damned FUBAR!  We're talkin' about CHILDREN here, this ain't a war zone, they ain't soldiers, and they damn well ain't acceptable losses!  Now, if you have some insight that's gonna help us get these kids back and put a stop to this for good, I'll be glad to hear it.  Otherwise, you need to stay the hell outta our way and let us do our job.  Sir.

Presence:  0 (+1)=1 +2 (calling the Family Man compel from earlier)=3
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 85):

I don't expect you to understand, you're a soldier! A man of action! But you take orders, not give 'em. You follow the law, while people like us make the law! I'm sure you've seen and done terrible things, but we have to protect the greater good! We have to make the correct decisions others like you will carry out.

Everyone here has given children to the trade.  And it isn't as though they are dying.  We wouldn't abide that, no, we aren't pagans.  We aren't monsters, though right now you think we are.

But you're missing the big picture.

He stands and gestures to a map of Scotland.

There is a phenomenon here in Scotland, I'm told it happens in a few other regions in the world, but no one region as large as Scotland.  Our lochs, it seems, operate as nodes of magical power.  Almost all of them. It isn't unusual for a lake to be a node, but with this regularity, it is.  Also, Scotland has no nodes which are not lochs.  Which makes Loch Glass a node of power.  There are also two ley lines running through the village, which is saturated with magical energy still from its days as a holy place for druidic rituals.  The bleed-off was worse than nuclear radiation.

Ask yourself: if what we're doing is so bad, why haven't the Wardens come to stop us? The council doesn't come here. Interpol has even left us alone until recently. But we've seen to that.  You'll be getting orders in the morning to pack up and leave.

There is nothing you can legally do to us officers.  This is well out of the jurisdiction of Interpol, and it does not violate the Unseelie Accords, strictly speaking.

(Ok, had to figure out how to work this out.  Mr. Mayor has used his pomposity and windbagginess to attack with a 6 against mental stress.Took me ages to decide on mental or social. Now that I've determined mental, I really don't understand social stress.

Mayor got a 6, Levy got a modified 6, Jacob got a 1.  Jacob just got hit 5 on social stress.  This means you just got argued down and will go quietly to the jail cell to wait for the call from Interpol in the morning.  Unless you want to take a consequence. Be aware, to take a consequence, you have to regain 4 stress at this point, which is a moderate, and returns you to 1.  Israel can choose whatever he'd like, you're still in this.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

"You give up children, but are not monsters? Seriously? Are you actually that deluded by power, or are you just legitimately that stupid?"

"I know of men such as you. So consumed by greed and avarice that they convince themselves they are upright and moral.  My grandmother was at Dachau - I've heard the stories. My ancestors fled from the Spanish inquisition - those men claimed the high ground as well - it does not diminish the evil."

"You say 'people like us make the law' and you call for the 'greater good.'  I have heard that before as well. Hitler, Torquemada, Stalin and Robspeierre all claimed to act for the 'greater good.'

"You act as if you are above your people.  The British philosopher John Locke said of govenrment power -  "It is a power, that hath no other end but preservation, and therefore can never have a right to destroy, enslave, or designedly to impoverish the subjects.  Never enslave - such as you have done with your children.

"You say, 'The warden's don't stop us'  as if that means something as well.  The warden's only stop those that threaten their own. It is not their job to stand for the pople - it's ours."

"I do not stand before you as an agent of Interpol, but as a man - one who serves the creator of all mankind.  Your children cry out - 'Miy-yäqûm liy im-m'rëiym miy-yit'yaTZëv liy im-Poálëy äwen' - Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?"

Israel straightens himself and looks directly into the eyes of the mayor. "I will."

Conviction - Roll (-1) + Skill(4) + Amulet (1) = 4

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 87):


(ooc:Patrick Swayze's b-day, RIP!  Which means if you die, you get to come back as a ghost with a black lady to speak for you.  Or you can take a ragtag group of kids and fight commies if they take over your hometown.)


The Mayor, standing before his seat, lifts his glasses and rubs the bridge of his nose. Upon sitting, he sighs heavily, looks at the other members, several of whom nod to him or make some sign of deference to him.

We are not going to change your mind, nor you ours.  You think we've never heard it before? It is as Locke said, the goal of government is preservation.  Every 30 years, 16 children are taken somewhere else.  They are not slaves, they are not eaten, or killed, or raped, or forced to work in abhorrent conditions, as our parents did, and even some of us.  Designedly impoverish subjects?  One of the taken children recently came to visit here, she is personal secretary to a Queen.  And that's impoverishing?  Ah, but the families are broken.  There again, the village is healthy, and safe, and thriving.  There have been more children born here than ever would have been possible if not for our actions.  They can sleep well at night, knowing we have protected them.

A tall, proud woman stands, her face, handsome, if not pretty, strong, she is a woman tried and tested.

And how dare you criticize us? You who quote scripture with one hand, and cast spells with the other? I am sure you will claim it is God's boon.  His blessing.  But where is proof it is of divine origin?  No, it is simply a power some are born with.  And you, who have the power, believe it makes you fit to judge others. It does.  The only error is in the criteria you use with which to judge.


(ooc: geez, this is turning into a nasty fight without physical violence.  The hard part for me is getting into the mindset of such bastards.)

In reply to GM (msg # 88):

(ooc: At this moment, Jacob is considered out of the argument.  Nothing he does adds to or detracts from what is going on, unless he takes a consequence, then he rejoins the encounter.  If not treated like that, he just took more social stress, and that ain't cool.

At this moment, there are 6 elders in semi-circle, their spouses are here, but their seats are slightly behind.  They aid, help, but the 6 have the real power in Wyvis[which is probably a really nice lakeside town with the nicest people in the world and here I am villainizing the poor folks.]

Levy's speech(more specifically the roll) did damage some of 'em, and a sharp eyed former Mossad agent would be able to spot that, having spent time in interrogation rooms.  Jacob would too, to an extent, but in both your cases, none of these people look like they've been waterboarded.

One last thing.  If you don't see a way out, or a way forward, think of this kind of like a tv show.  Right before the commercial break it looks bleak for our protagonists, and it is only after the commercial does a solution present itself.  Of course, sometimes you can't find a way forward because you've completely forgotten/overlooked something.)

"I'm glad you bring Locke back up - as he also argues under natural law - a law above that of man - that all have the right to liberty, to freedom of choice. A privileged slave is still a slave.  Anyone taken as a child - before they have the ability to make their own choice, is a slave."

He looks to the woman - "You want proof of my mission? Look me in the eyes and see for yourself - if you have the courage."

While speaking, a line from earlier comes back to Israel's mind. And it does not violate the Unseelie Accords, strictly speaking.   Israel whispers to Jacob. "I need you to text Ben.  See if he can find the actual contract - and pour over it.  I'm looking for any kind of loophole here.  Anything that can be used against them to void the contract.  Also, find out what would happen if I destroyed the Piper's pipe - just in case things get nasty.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Sun 19 Aug 2012.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 90):

(Note: I'm going to assume Jacob sends the text, and not wait for confirmation this time in order to move the scene along. )

So now I'm a paranormal paralegal, my mother's be so proud, assuming of course I had a mother.  The mayor is right though, by strict interpretation of the rules set forth by the Unseelie Accords, there's nothing you can do.

Well, you.  Because neither of you are members of any signatory group of the Unseelie Accords.  More specifically, the elders, or this arrangement, would have to cause grievance to a signatory or someone representing a signatory.

One thing, in this case, if you could find a relative, have to be blood kin, they could appeal to a signatory to challenge the elders on their behalf.  It's a tight fit though.  Since the trade agreement is to culminate on Friday night, you aren't allowed to delay that.  You either have to get everything together before it's over, or wait and challenge after the fact.

Dena, the lodge owner, could challenge for restitution, but not for release of the children or termination of the arrangement.

I looked into nearby signatories.  You aren't gonna like what I found though boss. These guys have been in business a while.  The Council is bribed, more or less.  Mortal authorities have been corrupted, all this covered up.

Your only options I see would be a faerie, have to be fairly high ranking, and that means striking a deal with it.  Or, uh, there is someone just South of you a little ways, but I have to discourage you from that.  Really, it isn't a good idea, take your chances with the elders.

Oh, last thing, from what I can tell, if you snap that pipe, absolutely nothing will happen except you getting 2 pieces of pipe and splinters. From what I can tell, with the proper ingredients, they aren't that hard to make, and the ingredients just happen to be indigenous to that area. They probably have another, or can get one.  Has to be a vanilla mortal though. I think.  You could always try it.  Play a tune around your partner while thinking: You will bring me a cup of tea.  If he does, you can use it, or he has a strong enough mind to block it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Sun 19 Aug 2012.

In reply to GM (msg # 86):

<OOC>I was TRYING to post earlier but my damned keyboard's acting up and I didn't have time to fight with it before I went to work.  You'd be surprised how many words you can't spell without a "b."</OOC>


Damn right I'm taking the consequence, I'm not done giving this pompous ass a piece of my mind yet!

<PLACEHOLDER UNTIL I HAVE THE TIME AND ENERGY TO DEVOTE TO A PROPER POST>

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 92):

(GM's note: I shoulda known if I set up a room of babystealing bastards and let the two of you go at 'em verbally there would a storm of vexation and berating.  Wasn't expecting quite so many historic quotes or references, but that's because I wasn't thinking.

Also, Josh told me about the keyboard, so I was aware, which is one reason I was careful not to progress past this point, Mike should have equal opportunity to give them these guys another piece of his mind.  Isn't venting on fictional villains therapeutic?

One last thing, I should put this in the rules if I haven't.

GM's Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and the opinions, actions, arguements, comments, and methods of the NPCs does not represent the views or positions of the GM.  We don't need anyone taking anything personal and getting offended.)

<OOC><sarcasm>I find that offensive, how dare you!</sarcasm></OOC>


Jacob fixes the mayor with a steely-eyed glare:

The children ain't harmed, huh?  I'd bet 3 months pay that none of YOUR kids were ever taken.  The families ain't hurt?  You don't know a damn thing about pain and anguish 'til you lose your kid.  It burns me up that I can't be there to hug my son every day when I come home.  It's like someone stabbed a KABAR in my heart and twists on it every day that I can't see him and tell him that I love him and I'm proud of him.  And that's just because his mother and I are havin' problems, he ain't been killed or stolen away from me by some arrogant bastard that thinks he's justified and doin' the right thing, there's still a way that I can see him and hold him again, unlike what you've done to these families.  You're wrong about me, I'm not just another dumb jarhead.  I'm a father.  I turn and look every single one of them in the eye.  If any of you had a shred of humanity 'n' decency, you couldn't ask this of your people.  No, you're content to sit here in your ivory tower gettin' fat off the sweat of your people's brow.  When they speak of you, if they dare speak of you, it's always quietly because they fear you. As Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty."  And as Benjamin Franklin said, people willin' to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both, your town is livin' proof of that.  You have no right to rule these people, you forfeited that when you gave away their children and their liberty.  And for what?  Youth?  Immortality?  Power?  "Whenever a man has cast a longin' eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct."  You're whitewashed tombs filled with nothin' but death and decay!

Presence:  -1(+1)=0  Fate point reroll:  0(+1)=1  (yutz!)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Mon 20 Aug 2012.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 94):

In the end, perhaps your words affected them, or at least some of them.  The less convicted won't meet your eyes, or look at the leadership. The Mayor and the Tall Woman, however, seem unphased.  Their conviction and belief were forged through long decades of tyranny, and manipulation and fear.

As the meeting of the two sides grows longer, Deputy Frank enters the room, and whispers in Sheriff bill's ear.  He looks up sharply, questions him quietly, then quickly scribbles a message on a sheet of paper, and hands it to the mayor.

I see.  Gentlemen, it appears we have much to discuss. If you would be so kind as to give us time to talk amongst ourselves. Food can be brought for you if you like, there is also a room you can use to get some sleep if you would prefer.

He turns and speaks with the others in hushed tones. It is obvious none are pleased with the discussion.

At this point, it is well past midnight, you are both tired from a long day (it is Thursday morning now, you left Glasgow less than 24 hours ago). The Elders will be deliberating privately for a time.  You have been offered food, a place to get a nap.  They have locked the doors, you are not suppose to leave.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

I whisper to Levy:

I don't think both of us should sleep at the same time and I'm not sure I trust their food.  If you don't mind, though, I should probably take the first shift on the nap, after effects of the mandrake and all that crap.


I really hate asking that, but I'm no good to either of us if I can't stay awake and there's only so much adrenaline can do.

Go for it.  I've got a potion to help keep me up, if necessary.
Israel takes the time to pray for guidance, as he's not exactly sure where to go from here.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 97):

You have been in the room just over an hour when the Mayor, Tall Lady, and Sheriff knock at the door.  They step inside the room with a slow, tired pace.

Mayor speaks up first: You've put us in a tight spot boys. This was always contingent upon keeping it quiet.  Once the public knows, or at least the supernatural community at large, we're through.

We can't harm you, that would bring too much attention, so we're stopping it.  Everything.  There will be no more deal, no more children taken.  Tonight marks the end of our part in this matter.

If you wish to know what happens to the children, or rescue the ones taken, I suggest you take that up with the Piper and his Troupe, up in the mountains, or with the buyers. They won't be around until Friday though.

Now, if you will excuse us, we have packing to do.  We intend to be gone before the village proper knows what is going on.

Feel free to gloat. You win, we lose, and now I have to run with my tail between my legs.

They begin departing the room single file, the sheriff last.

Frank'll be around in a bit with some food, if you need anything else, he'll get it for you. You really don't get it though.  This town is dead without that deal.  Not that you care about us.  We just didn't fit your sensibilities.  You never even found out what the deal was for, but judged them that harshly.

You'll find out soon enough though.

Finished speaking, the sheriff turns, and heads for the door.

Israel raises an eyebrow, than leans in to the doorjam, blocking the sheriff's exit.  "You said, and I quote - 'This is about money, and town prosperity.  If a little prestige and respect get thrown in so much the better.' And you expected us to act differently?  Your own words accuse you. If you truly care about the people of this city then you will tell me - in exact, specific, and boringly minute detail, exactly what the contract was, who it was with, and why anyone would sacrifice their children for it. Or you can do what your Mayor just did. Leave, give up, flee.  Unwilling or unable to defend his people."

Israel stares at the sheriff with conviction in his eyes and a menace in his voice that hasn't gone away since confronting the elders.  "Let me make one thing real clear to you.  I don't care about your property.  I don't care about your money, I don't care about power or wealth or any of the idiotic temptations that normally effect people in power.  I care about the innocent.  I have spent my life preserving the innocent in an area of the world where my people are hated just for existing. I will continue to to that whether at home, here, or on the other side of the globe. That means if what we just did saved a few, but put the remainder of the people in jeopardy, than I will stay here and fight until everyone of your people are free of whatever petty tyrant has set themselves up over them.  Now you, and any men you have, can either help us - or get the frell out."


I will save these gorram people whether they want me to or not!

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 99):

Well S**t.  I don't know all the details of the deal.  You didn't see my face in that picture.  On the other hand, I'm 80 and look 50, and it's because I've towed the line since they brought me here.

Agents, this place is going to be a smoking crater in less than 48 hours, and I don't know what it would take to stop it.  I'll get Frank, and we can evacuate the town, better to have done that needlessly than lose everyone because we couldn't stop what's coming.

They're going to blame you, Agent Levy.  I know that much.  Something about unstable magically whatever, and basically the presence of wizards can make it worse, especially if you do a lot of casting.

One more thing.  when the elders said the deal is over, they meant after the remaining children are taken.  After you came to the hall, the piper's troupe went and got kids.  No one said they had to be entranced.  They're the ones you have to worry about now.  They have the kids, and tomorrow night will make the exchange. They won't release the kids without a fight, and just so you know, they aren't human.


With that the Sheriff heads out to start getting people out of town.

Watch yourselves, yer dealing with a bunch of vindictive p******s.

I growl:

'Bout time we got done with all this investigatin' and crap.  The pipers want a fight, I'll give 'em one.  Israel, Rebekah, Ariel, you ready to show these punks what the inside of a can o' whoopass looks like?

(GMs Note: Jacob hasn't seen Rebekah or Ariel since they left Granny's house with Israel. They didn't come to Town Hall, I specifically said only you two were brought to the hall.(Msg 74) At this point, you don't know where they are, or what they're doing. Same goes for the leprechaun.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:16, Thu 23 Aug 2012.

"Oh, I expect Rivkah is already out there doing what Rivkah does best.  The good news, it that means the kids should be safe.  The bad news, is everything may be on fire - like Great Chicago Fire, or Great Fire of London kind of thing."  Israel pauses, and then adds, "We should probably follow the smell of smoke."

He gathers his things, than begins to leave, but briefly stops and and turns back to Jacob. "Um, what exactly is a 'can of wopazz' and why are we showing it to them?"

<OOC>I assumed that we had radios or some way of communicating with them, I should have been a bit more clear.  I was on my way to work or something when I wrote that.</OOC>

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 104):

(Couple of things.  Riv, wait, dangit, Rebekah, doesn't get a radio.  She's a little too old fashioned wizard to have electronics.  Also, at some point, I need to know just how much Ben is allowed to talk to whom. There's the e-mail address, you might want to just give a few people the address and make it look like a reference source you've found.)


As you leave the room and head for the front door, two men are carrying Deputy Frank on a stretcher. You've both seen wounds and beatings before, and you realize he'll survive, but he took a severe beating.  Probable concussion, broken arm and possibly some cracked ribs, not to mention the bruises and cuts.

He smiles weakly when he sees you and calls you over, the effort causing him to cough painfully.  I tried to protect...didn't work too well for me.  Your partners gave 'em hell.  Almost literally.  The town is quiet again, but out past the village limits, it's war.

Parents have swarmed the pipers, trying to get children back, or make them pay for siblings, uncles, aunts, that sort of thing.  But we've only got til sunrise, then the pipers will be in hiding, and we can't track them through the mountains.

I squeeze his hand in a gentle yet manly fashion.

You done good, Frank.  Assumin' we survive this and don't get canned, there may be a place for you at the agency.  We could use more men with your guts.  Just somethin' to think about once you're on your feet again.  Good job, now it's my turn.

First off, we need to head to the airfield and grab some gear.  I'm thinking extra ammo, any special ammo we have, the M4, binoculars, body armor, a roll of duct tape, and a satellite phone if we have one.  Then we need to go regroup with Rebekah and Ariel and get the lay of the battle.

Jacob's a bit quieter than usual while gearing up and "gettin' tactical," he's pushing all of his worries about Krystal and James into the closet along with any of his other doubts.  Right now, these kids don't need him to be a father, they need him to be the warrior.  They need him to eat lightning and crap thunder.  They don't need him to be an investigator with an international occult taskforce, they need him to be a devildog spawned from hell itself.  It's not bloodlust or rage that drives him, it's the ruthless professionalism of one of the most prestigious and elite fighting forces on the planet.  The opposing force awaits and it's time to show them why the USMC is feared and respected throughout the world.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Fri 24 Aug 2012.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 106):

Right now, it is 2 am.  You have both passed your second endurance checks, so you are ok for now. To drive a car or jeep to the plane and back will take about an hour. Two pilots aboard the jet, their job is to hold down the fort and operate as base.  Also as communications center.  Speaking of which, Home base wants an update.

+1 body armor is available, weapons within reason (assault rifle, various pistols, clubs, stun guns, what I mentally consider standard.  This includes tear gas canisters but no bombs)


If asked nicely, I think we can come up with a Rambo headband.  For Jacob, there is also a GPS loaded with the local map, with trackers on him and Ariel.  You also have 4 trackers to be used at your discretion.

Ariel's tracker shows her to be in the area of Dena's Lodge, as you look in that direction, the sky is red, lit up like a fire.