I like the idea of better protection, but speed and maneuverability is a requirement.  The Marine Corps' philosophy has always been rapid deployment and mobility, so I wouldn't want somethin' to slow me down more than necessary.  I would assume that since you're givin' me ammo to counter magical flight, we're anticipatin' flyin' stuff.  Have you had any luck with the steel-jacketed rounds?

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 24):

Yes, though I only have 6 rounds, and I haven't fully tested their effects on the gun itself. Not fully tested.  It works fine for a few shots, multiple inrapid succession?   I don't know.  Still, it'll be safe enough for a shot or two, then, who knows?  If I did my job right, as I normally do, you won't see any negatives until, oh, 30 or 40 shots.  Proper maintenance will keep that from happening.  It is my guess whoever this thief is, they are using air magic.  It's a guess, but it hardly matters.  The odds are one of these days the job will present you with air magic, and you need to be prepared.

For that matter, I've got wooden bullets for those variety of vampires who are susceptible to such.

Ah, Agent Levy, nice of you to join us.  I just took Agent Williams measurements for some bodyarmor, would you like to do the same?

Also, I can make the same offer for specialized ammunition.  Remember gentlemen, I am constantly working back here, but unless you ask for something specific I will make generalized equipment as I see fit.

"Sure, extra armor is always nice.  I don't really know enough about what we'll see on this mission to request specialized ammo though. Just give me a variety pack."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 26):

Accessories, that's what you girls like these days right?  These two handguns, one apiece, are designed with interchangeable parts so they can fire all the varied ammo I can think up.  It isn't going to do the damage of some of the larger handguns, but makes up for it in versatility.

I'm sending one each.
Jacob , you get the 6 steel jacketed.  You also get 6 of the salt rounds, 6 incendiary, and 24 "rubber" bullets.

Levy, you get the 6 salt and 24 rubber.  I haven't had time to make more than that.

In addition, here's a flash bang of my own devising.  Be careful with it, stout stuff.

Now, potions to keep you going when tired are tricky.  There's just no real substitute for a real night's sleep.  I've two potions of "super coffee" if you want them though.

Also, 1 potion of  breathing, cause you never know.  It makes an air bubble around your head.  And one potion of what I call Hawkeye.  I'll give you a hint, it can make a decent shot into a sniper.  Or help you spot things you might otherwise miss.  Like a mouse 40 yards away. Divvy up and get out of here, I got work to do.

"I'll leave the flashbang and the Hawkeye for Marine Boy, as they seem more his thing.  I'll take the breathing potion and we should probably divide up the "super coffee."  Of course, anything offered that Jacob doesn't want, I'll gladly take."

Once the toys are divided out, Israel heads to his room to get the remainder of his gear, and prepares to board the plane.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 28):

Everyone grabs their gear and prepares to head for Paris.

Meanwhile, Israel walks to his dorm, opens the door, and is surprised to see Warden Morgan  and a skinny, bookish man waiting for him in his room.

The skinny wizard  speaks first: Agent Levy, my name is Wizard Peabody, and the Senior Council have asked me to come in person to extend our invitation to join the White Council.  You will be an initiate at the beginning, and once your skills and experience have reached their proper level, you will be recognized as a full wizard.


Morgan clears his throat and addresses you: As an initiate, very little is expected or required beyond you increasing your skill at magic.  In all honesty, it was not unanimous to offer you membership without a Council master or mentor. We have a...strained relationship with Wizard Horace.

Still, in your short time with Interpol you have already dealt with far more than an average initiate.  Also, there is something of a political advantage in having a member of Interpol joining the white Council.  That works both ways, of course.  You, the Cloud Taskforce, are still building a reputation, street credibility if you will, whereas the Council has been around centuries and has a reputation well developed.  What response may I take to the Senior Council?

I head back to my house for a bit before we leave to take care of a few last minute details like making arrangements with Father O'Riordan to look after Duke while I'm gone (I assume Duke will be staying with the pastor and his family while I'm away).  Mostly, he just needs someone to keep him from getting into too much trouble and to keep him from wandering into the wrong places and getting shot because someone saw a wolf and panicked.  I figure he's old enough to be able to hunt for his own food without too much more than a bit of supervision.  I make sure to fill him in on what Duke actually is and how intelligent he is before "handing him the leash."

The surprise appearance leaves Israel with a brief stutter.  "Uh..yes..I mean..." He clears his throat. "I would be honored to be recognized as a member of the Council."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 31):

Very Good, wizard Levy.  I hope you understand the...uniqueness of this arrangement.  Normally, your initiation into our ranks would be done during a general council session. As your membership is being kept, shall we say, low key, you will need to come to us to finish the paperwork, take the oath, and whatnot.  I understand you are about to leave for a mission, we will be expecting you shortly after your return. It has been pleasant meeting you, initiate.

He looks around at your dorm room. Perhaps we can help you find some better lodgings upon your official membership.

As he leaves in a flash of light, Morgan gives you a stern, though not unkind look.
I understand you are going to Paris to look into the theft of minor magic items.  That is good.  It is felt among the Wardens the thief is looking for particular items, possibly hoping to recognize them once they find them.  We would be interested to know what you find.  Also, Captain Lucio has authorized me to give you this.  Place it in a small amount of water and it will allow you to communicate with someone in the wardens. He hands you a satin pouch containing a smooth, rounded stone, about the size of a 50 cent piece.  Runes have been carved on both side.

I shouldn't need to tell you that isn't to be used except under appropriate circumstances, such as one of the Laws being broken.  Even then, you should only use it if you cannot handle the situation and are in need of help. Here, this is the phone number for the Wardens' hotline, use this if you have access to a phone, otherwise, use the stone.  Good day Wizard Levy.

In reply to GM (msg # 32):

Preparations made, you board the jet, which you notice is the same jet you've always ridden in.  Sure enough, coming from the cockpit, is Captain Williams, your pilot ever since the Wyvis job.

When asked about it, and whether or not Interpol has other jets, he smiles, and replies, <Sure they do, but the Cloud taskforce has, well, unusual requirements for mechanical apparatus, so I'm told. I know a lot of renovations went into this bird.  But don't worry, you have me as a pilot, and she's a reliable jet, if a little old, and they put in a Capissen 38 engine, so we should be alright.


On the way over, Ariel corners Israel away from the others.Hey, talk to you a sec?  I was just wondering how you're holding up.  Try not to be too nervous, ok? I mean, I'm nervous, but we may be hunting down my longlost Dad and arresting him.  but you, you don't have anything to worry about, I mean, Rebekah broke up with him ages ago.  Tuchman, not my Dad. Just be yourself, and try not to take too much to heart, he's a bit controlling and judgmental.


Meanwhile, on the other side of the jet, Rebekah approaches Jacob. Hey, hope I'm not bothering you, just needed to talk a little and I'm not sure this is something I'm ready to discuss with Israel.  My ex is a member of the Ghana team.  He's meeting us in Paris, and I'm pretty sure they want me to transfer to that team.  I was originally offered my own team, either in the US or Ghana, I turned them down, but they haven't taken no for an answer.  But now Israel and I are...well, building something, and I don't know what to do, or what to tell him.  I'm sorry to dump my troubles on you, but I just need someone to help me figure this out, a different perspective than just my own, if you will.

*chuckle* You're askin' a fine one for relationship advice, you're aware that Krystal left me, right?  Okay, that's not really fair to her.  I understand her reasons, but that don't mean I have to agree with her.  That don't sound like it's relevant, but it is.  You and Levy are in the same line of work, you both know what to expect, so ya'll probably ain't gonna have the same troubles me an' Krystal have.  You was both brought up in this life of danger an' adrenaline, so you both know that you ain't guaranteed to come back from a mission.

Alright, so your problems are different than mine, time to try a different tack.  I think it's safe to say that you care more for Levy than someone who's "just a friend" or a squad mate would.  I think the fact that you're comin' to me lookin' for advice and the fact that you're thinkin' 'bout this kind of stuff means that there's somethin' there other than just friendship or a roll in the hay.  You don't hear 'bout people turnin' down a promotion just 'cause they don't want to leave their friends.  What I'm drivin' at is that I think you love that curly-headed goof-ball.  Otherwise, I've worked with you enough now that I think I'm pretty sure you wouldn't turn down your own team just 'cause you'd have some dumb-ass on the team.  You're too professional for that.

But maybe your problem ain't so different from mine.  My loyalties were split between bein' a husband and father and servin' my country.  There's gonna be times when workin' for Interpol and bein' Israel's girlfriend ain't gonna line up exactly.  I didn't fall on the right side of that line when I had to decide, so things didn't work out so good for me an' Krystal.  I still love her an' deep down, I think she's still in love with me, but my life ain't gotten no less dangerous since I came to Scotland.

I can't tell you what to decide and I don't think you'd want me to anyway.  All I can tell you is to do what you think is right.  If Tuchmann's half the jackass he sounds like, that'd be reason enough for me to stay in Glasgow.  But my advice is to talk to Levy, I think ya'll need to figure this out together.

Isreal shrugs, but then suddenly straightens, "Oh, I'm not worried about any... wait, 'broke up with him'? They were together? Nobody said anything about ex-boyfriends before now. Ah, cripes. I assumed she had dated other men, but I didn't realize they were in Interpol or that they would make cameo appearances in our relationship. Thanks for the warning, at least."

I can handle Super-powered magical creatures without flinching, so how come the appearance of Rivkah's Ex leaves my stomach tightened into a ball of anxiety?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 35):

Alright everyone, if you look out your window you will see Paris before us.  We will be landing shortly, and I understand two cars are waiting for you.

You land uneventfully, and disembark.  As the pilot predicted, two cars are waiting as you land. A tall, muscular, and unfortunately handsome man greets Rebekah with a smile and a hug. He is short and cursory with the rest of you, assuring you will meet later, when there is more time. A woman in grey business  attire greets you, and shows you to the car.  She gives you a file containing everything the Paris branch has on the thefts.

As you get in the car, Mrs. Everdeen informs you the car will take you wherever you wish, and she will join you if you would like a translator, or a liaison from this office.
  You are, of course, free to approach this case however you see fit.  I would like to offer some possibilities if you do not mind.  You just got off the plane, so you might want to go to Interpol, we have an office set up for you, and all relevant files.  You can peruse them to your liking.  Or, we can go to one of the sites of the thefts here in Paris, there are 2, or, we can go to The Louvre, which is the anticipated location of the next site.

I think we should probably go to the office first and look over the case files.  Maybe we'll find somethin' that the other cops have missed and it's better than runnin' off to the Louvre to confront the thief without any real intel.  Do we know what time the thefts have occurred?

The pit in Israel's stomach has tightened further upon seeing what must assuredly be Rebekah's Ex. He reminds Israel a little to much of his elder brother - tall, muscular, and unfortunately handsome. The doubts that can often plague a middle child come back to haunt him - but this time centered around his relationship with Rebekah.

OOC: Anyway I can get a compel out of this? Particularity the one about family - since much of Israel's self doubt here stems from his past? Or even from the fact that he is starting to view Rebekah as family?

Israel distractedly agrees to Jacob's suggestion, but finds it difficult to concentrate.

Control, control, you must learn control! his subconscious screams in Yoda's voice.

Ok, I can do this, focus. Maybe It'll be better when I'm at the office in front of their files. I'm a visual learner, I'll get more data reading them myself.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 38):

(GM's Note: Due to the aspects, background, I'll tag Israel with the temporary aspect Preoccupied.  This is usable by anyone wishing to spend a fate point on it, or can be compelled. I'll let you know when it lifts, if I remember.)

The car pulls up to a very nice office building in town.  You are lead to the second floor where you will be sharing a briefing room that has been converted to your office space for the duration.

Ariel begins to spread out the files according to relevance and sections. One board is split, showing the various art pieces stolen, along with known artists, and known details relevant to the case.  In depth details can be found in the files.  The other board shows pictures of the crime scenes and details of the security systems.

There is also a folder freshly provided by Interpol Paris showing the security system of The Louvre, and how it has been modified based on the previous heists.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 26 Sept 2012.

Ok, time to focus. What would Holmes do?

Israel begins to pace around the boards, analyzing each peice of art, and each crime scene. Investigate: 2(skill) + 0(roll) = 2

He also takes a moment to study the various security systems to try asking himself If I was a thief, how would I break in
Burglary: 2(skill) + 0(roll) = 2

<OOC>Ok, just to bring me back up to speed, have all of these thefts occurred in Paris or have they happened all over the world?  The answer to this will affect my course of action.</OOC>

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 41):

Across 2 collectors in France, and 1 museum.  It has been determined the most likely next target, is the Louvre, which is currently housing several items both local authorities and Interpol think fit the profile of the thief's previous heists.

Add to that the thief seems to always enter from the roof, or a high window.  There is no proof he, or she, ever touched the ground.

(once the thief crossed international lines, it entered Interpol's jurisdiction, after they failed to stop him, or her, thus far in France, your team was called in.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:39, Thu 27 Sept 2012.

And we've also established that the only commonality between the pieces that were stolen is the artist, right?  There's not a common theme or subject matter for the different paintings (and/or sculptures)?

Investigation:  0(+0)=0

I'm also going to assume that the crimes have been occurring at night?  I would think someone would notice art disappearing in broad daylight.  Also, I've gathered from overhearing conversations between Levy and Horace that magic doesn't usually fare well once the sun comes up, so flight spells probably wouldn't work so well in the daytime.

Israel is still not convinced Magic is necessarily involved. "I'm going to need a copy of the blueprints of buildings that were broken into, pictures of the projected roof or ceiling entries, or just a tour of one of the buildings themselves.  Before I'm convinced their is magic going on, I want to make sure these couldn't have been done any other way." He pauses to think then adds. "Ok, I'm definitely going to need to go to one of the sights eventually. See if my 'spidey sense' goes off."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 44):

(yes, the magical sense works, though sometimes you might have to roll conviction if it is faint or old)

(GM Note: Most of the action in Dresden is done at night, but largely because Butcher is trying for that old noir detective feel.  Sunrise breaks spells or weakens them a bunch, but certain types can still be operated in daylight. I mention this because some were stolen during daylight hours, but those are exclusively private collections, homes and such.  Though if it were in a home, during day, that almost excludes magic inside the house unless they were invited in.  they weren't.)

Ariel Sometimes, artists of a magical persuasion create an item they pour themselves into.  It's like they give part of themselves into the art, thus the art gains a piece of the artist.  Papa had a tea kettle that would pour water at the perfect temperature for tea, without ever adding water, or heating it.

The MO has been to attack from above.  Rooftop access, high windows, a terrace.  We do finally have a piece of footage from Florence.  That's a city in Italy, not a woman.

Ariel shows you footage of one of the museum heists.  At one point you see hands beginning to appear at the top of the camera, it goes fuzzy, and you see feet at the bottom.

Local authorities are puzzled by the static, but I'm sure of what that is.  The thief just underestimated the duration of the interference. Which suggests either a lack of experience, lack of skill or strength, or they are rusty.  What interests me, but the others haven't noticed are the hands and feet.  There's no cable, no rope.  From what could be told the day after, 2 items were taken, and the floor was protected by a laser grid, too small for a foot. 

She pauses to allow the information to sink in, process, one of you is an American male, after all.  She closes her eyes and her face again looks tired and worried.

I think I know what the thief is looking for.  There is a legend of 6 items created by the union of the Sons of God and Daughters of Man. That union is Nephalim, and according to legend, 6 specific items will grant the wielder vast power, maybe immortality.  I was always more interested in spending time with Papa than paying attention to some old bedtime story.  but he believed it.  Tried to find those items.  He discovered there are 7 items, which the story hides. The 6 are harnessed by the 7th.  Think of it like a 6-pointed star.  One item per point, with one in the middle to draw them together. I just don't know what the items are in particular, no one does. 

Great, "one ring to rule them all," just what we need.

"Well, I'd like to head to the most recent site (if its close) try to get a sense of any magic left, and try to pinpoint what was done.  Then we need to head to the Louvre, check out their security and basically lie in wait for the thief.  I'll set up a veil so we can watch the area, and then we catch him in the act."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 47):

There is an estate a short ways south of Paris.  The owner or the home invites you in,and expresses his hopes you can apprehend the culprit quickly and return his possessions. He is only slightly pompous while speaking to you. Inside the house are definite signs of magic use, and the owner appears pure mortal as far as you can tell.

Magic was used upstairs to open a window.  It also looks like magic was used to remove the items.  Possibly air magic to muffle the sounds. What doesn't make sense is why none of this set off the alarms. This house has better automatic security than some banks.

Outside you discover at least part of the answer in the form of small mounds of rocks around the estate.  It is a concept you have studied but never used.  Using earth magic, someone tried to hex the electronics, and used the mounds of rocks to increase range and get the whole house.  (it's like using signal boosters)

After a couple phone calls, it's confirmed the rocks were found at all but two of the previous scenes, the two probably didn't need the effort.