RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Gas Lamps and Steam

10:00, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

6: Lakshadweep or Bust.

Posted by GM StarMasterFor group 0
Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 320 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Sat 9 Mar 2019
at 06:27
  • msg #59

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 58):

"What the Hades do you people think you are doing?!" Dash calls out, sotto voce, as he follows everyone across the aerodrome to the hangar where the Black Zep is being kept, "Don't any of you recall that Chief Gendarme-lady--I don't remember, For-jay, or something?--she said that the Government of Bourbony was impounding this zeppelin!  If we take off in it--no matter how much tactical sense it make for us--it's still the same a stealing a ship from a harbor!  I'm a Maritime Trader--not a Pirate!"

"Besides, who's going to pilot it?  Is Remi giving up his Falcon?  And what about all your gear back aboard The Falcon?  I didn't see any of you shuttling your possessions over there while we were talking, just now, hmm?"
GM StarMaster
GM, 426 posts
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 09:10
  • msg #60

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

The Bourbony concept of impounding the black ship was simply to post two guards there. It's not like they could lock the hangar doors seeing as how there were no front doors any more. These huge hangars were built to house airships in the first place, and on the possibility that an airship couldn't move backwards out of the hangar (at least on its own), there were hangar doors at both ends.

Apparently these two gendarmes had been told about what your group had done to some extent, so Grimsby's presence lets you enter the hangar to board and inspect the black ship.

When Grimsby explains the situation to the gendarmes, a messenger is dispatched to Inspector Forget. Since she is busy with the exposition, she sends a message in reply.

quote:
"Mr. Grimsby: While it would be of immense value for Bourbony to have its own airship, we've done just fine without one up till now. Your efforts on behalf of the Crown and Country deserve greater reward than we could ever give you. Consider the black ship on loan to you and your group while you continue to pursue our common enemies."
                                --Inspector Coleen Forget


At that point, it takes about an hour to transfer any luggage from the Falcon to the black ship, or from Maybelle's hotel to the black ship. And you are ready to go.

Once settled into the black ship and exploration is complete, you do find the name of the ship is The Black Talon.
Maybelle Diggory
player, 32 posts
An actress.
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 15:33
  • msg #61

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 60):

"That's an interesting name." Maybelle said out loud, and picked up her luggage, not wanting it to leave her sight.
Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist
player, 73 posts
clockwork engineer
widow
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 20:48
  • msg #62

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

As they had a small amount of time, Rosabelle sent a note to her hotel, requesting her belongings be delivered to the hangar. She met the confused hotel employees outside the doors, preventing them from seeing the black airship, and taking her bags herself over their loud objections. She tipped them generously before sending them on their way.

She tended to travel fairly light, other than her tools, of which there was one large bag in addition to her clothes in a large duffel. Rosabelle abhorred traveling with trunks. They were so inconvenient and difficult to travel with. Clothes became wrinkled either way, so she utilized the easier means of packing.

When Rosabelle put the straps of the bags over her shoulders, Thorn took flight, not liking being jostled. He flew slowly behind her as she made her way aboard and to her assigned quarters.
Grimsby Baskerville
player, 644 posts
A Colonial agent
and wandering scholar
Mon 11 Mar 2019
at 02:06
  • msg #63

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Grimsby had one sturdy traveling bag. modest in size but rather heavy, which he carried over himself and carefully stowed in the black ship.
Mercy Kincaid
Player, 139 posts
English/Irish
Inventor/Adventuress
Mon 11 Mar 2019
at 02:37
  • msg #64

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Mercy traveled much like Rosabelle even if she hadn't had much time to plan a trip. She'd thrown together a bag to go to Scotland with the idea that, at worst, was only a train trip home. And then she'd jumped Remi's airship and the Adventure had begun!

Things would have been a bit cramped with all of them in the Falcon, but the The Black Talon was designed to haul several troops around, so there was plenty of room.

"To answer your question, Grimsby, I can fly the ship," Mercy said as they boarded it. "Admittedly, I don't have any experience in flying an airship, but that mostly comes in when dealing with weather and air currents."

"I daresay Rosabelle could probably do the same. We're both rather mechanically minded."

Grimsby Baskerville
player, 645 posts
A Colonial agent
and wandering scholar
Mon 11 Mar 2019
at 02:53
  • msg #65

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Mercy Kincaid (msg # 64):

Grimsby replied "I believe that was Mr. Hawkesbury's question,but I am very glad you are qualified to fly this ship. I claim no such skill myself."
Marian Holroy
player, 244 posts
English Author
Tue 12 Mar 2019
at 20:57
  • msg #66

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Marian is pleased to hear the name of the ship, remarking, Well I suppose that will do...

Overhearing Mercy mention weather and air currents she stifles her concern. Knowing how to move the ship was one thing, but what if the weather and air currents were a bit more complex than Mercy was giving them credit for? Admittedly she'd always been a bit nervous flying in such ships but Remi had had a reassuring way about him, clearly knowing exactly what he was doing. Hopefully Mercy could make good on her confidence. Oh dear.

Once she's settled into quarters and her initial jitters are hopefully lessened, Marian will explore as much of the ship as she can. She looks for clues, notes left behind, anything that can tell them more of the Vril, or at least anything remotely interesting.
Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 323 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Sat 16 Mar 2019
at 11:34
  • msg #67

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 66):

After having stowed his trunk and two carpet bags in one of the cabins near the piloting compartment, Dash joins the conversation.

"I'm sure that, between Connor and myself, we can keep the engines and such running." Dash adds in, "Plus I've been watching Remi fly his ship this whole time, learning a few things from him, here and there.  I'm sure, with Mercy's help, I can at least learn to stand a watch at the helm."

Dash give a shrug, "After all, how much different than helming a clipper ship can it be?"
Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist
player, 74 posts
clockwork engineer
widow
Sat 16 Mar 2019
at 12:34
  • msg #68

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Rosabelle hadn't considered the thought of who would fly the ship and was somewhat alarmed to be semi-volunteered for the task. She released a small sigh of relief as Hawkesbury too spoke up to offer his assistance.

Considering for a moment, Rosabelle finally said, I believe my skills might be more in the line of repairing the engines than running them, though I am not opposed to the idea of learning more as we go. At the least, I should take time to examine the engines and accustom myself to their workings.
Bellgrove G. B. Wander
player, 247 posts
Sat 16 Mar 2019
at 17:46
  • msg #69

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

OOC: Sorry for my absence here, but work has been a bit consuming of late and is likely to continue to consume for a while.

StarMaster, if I go silent for overlong, please feel free to NPC me!


Bellgrove finally breaks his silence, "I have done a fair bit of piloting and navigating myself, though I know bupkiss about engines or repair of any sort."
Grimsby Baskerville
player, 647 posts
A Colonial agent
and wandering scholar
Sun 17 Mar 2019
at 01:39
  • msg #70

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Grimsby commented, "We are fortunate to have several competent engineers. Ultimately, while piloting is very important, keeping the airship airworthy is even more critical."
Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 324 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Sun 17 Mar 2019
at 03:06
  • msg #71

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Bellgrove G. B. Wander (msg # 69):

Dash turns a wide-eyed look of surprise towards Bellgrove,

"You know how to fly an airship?!" Dash demands, "By Gad, sir, you certainly know how to keep a secret!  All these weeks on Cap'n Remi's vessel, and you never let on.  Tell me, where did you learn your skills?"
Bellgrove G. B. Wander
player, 248 posts
Sun 17 Mar 2019
at 05:25
  • msg #72

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Denholm Hawkesbury (msg # 71):

Bellgrove shrugs, "When one is a Lieutenant in the US Aerial Corps. When one is a Lieutenant in the US Aerial Corps one learns things..."

He pauses bland-faced, "I am certain I mentioned this at least once, but perhaps things were exciting and it was missed?"
Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 325 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Sun 17 Mar 2019
at 06:59
  • msg #73

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Bellgrove G. B. Wander (msg # 72):

"Really?  A Lieutenant in the Aerial Corps, you say?" Dash shakes his head in wonderment, "Well, Sir, as Cap'n Remi will not be accompanying us on this leg of our quest..." Dash turns an inquisitive look towards the others in the group, then looks back to Bellgrove.

"Well, then, I believe I am safe in saying that no one here would have any objection to your taking on the roll of pilot of this vessel."  Dash makes a grand gesture towards The Black Talon, "She's yours to command...Captain!"

Dash suddenly starts rubbing his hands together and takes on an impish grin, "Now all we need to do is raid the old Captains wardrobe and find you some appropriately villainous-looking uniform--eh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh..."

But then Dash straightens up and once again becomes serious, "I mean...that is to say...does anyone have a problem with Bellgrove taking charge of our efforts to run the airship?  He's a trained airship officer, after all.  Most of us have some mechanical or engineering skills that will be useful keeping the ship moving, but he's been trained by the United States Army to know how to run an airship.  Right?"
Bellgrove G. B. Wander
player, 249 posts
Sun 17 Mar 2019
at 14:34
  • msg #74

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Denholm Hawkesbury (msg # 73):

Bellgrove's typically serious demeanor does break somewhat at the suggestion of a costume change, but not too much. Looking around the company, "Quite so. I was a graduate of West Point prior to earning my 'wings'. I assure you all that while I have not piloted for some time I did engage with Captain Remi and am confident that I may step into this role rather readily."
Grimsby Baskerville
player, 649 posts
A Colonial agent
and wandering scholar
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 00:39
  • msg #75

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Grimsby remarked, "I am sure you are quite the most qualified pilot we have amongst us, Lieutenant Wander. I am very happy to leave the piloting in your capable hands."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Tue 19 Mar 2019.
Mercy Kincaid
Player, 140 posts
English/Irish
Inventor/Adventuress
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 01:57
  • msg #76

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

"It does seem like such a long time ago that we started on this adventure," Mercy comments, "so maybe you did tell us, Bellgrove. I know Remi was a bit... um, restrictive on who he'd let touch his precious ship. Not that I blame him."

"To a certain extent, Dash, an airship does work like a clipper ship. Controls are kind of the same, but controlling an airship has to take into account height, altitude, updrafts and downdrafts. You can learn a lot from watching birds and kites."

"I've never heard of an airship rolling over, though, but I suppose that's more of a possibility than with a sailing ship. On the other hand, if a sailing ship rolls over, she's done for. Not so much an airship."

"And speaking of sails, I'm sure you've noticed that The Black Talon doesn't have any sails. Like a steamship, it's controlled by rudder and propellers."

"The doors are open, Bellgrove. Take her out when you want; we're all waiting."

GM StarMaster
GM, 428 posts
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 02:35
  • msg #77

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

The layout of the integrated gondola beneath the rigid air compartment is rather straight-forward.

Bridge/helm at front, short hallway back to the common room, with a radio/chart room on one side and the captain's quarters on the other. Both of these doors have locks, but Dash had liberated the former captain's keys.

The common room spans the whole width of the gondola and that's where the primary entrance is. There are seats for about a dozen people, and fold up/fold down tables against the walls. The seats all have straps/belts for securing the occupant.

Going aft from the center of the common room's rear wall is another hallway. Doors on either side lead to quarters, quarters, sickbay, storeroom and quarters on one side and galley and four quarters on the other side. All the quarters are rigged with fold-down bunks. All the rooms have windows.

At the aft end of the hallway is a large storeroom that also spans the width of the gondola. There is a wide aft hatch, clearly meant to allow easy loading of supplies and equipment. All the supplies in here are strapped down against the walls. There are also folding bunk beds in here--which could hold another 8 men.

It isn't until you see the supplies that you realize someone has loaded the supplies onto the ship. Marian had been hiding behind some of the crates when the explosives had gone off. The deduction was that the doors would have been blown once all the supplies had been loaded.


Dash had gathered up all the papers he could find when he went through the black ship. There were many charts and a copy of Baedeker's Travel Guide as well as Murray's Handbook and Terra Nova Travel Guides. All three are the general ones for Europe.

Additionally, Dash had found a number of papers in the radio room that appeared to have coded writing on them.
Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 327 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 04:06
  • msg #78

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 77):

     Looking at one of the doors--one with a small, engraved brass plate on it--Dash squints as he reads the plate in the dimly-lit companionway.

     "Excuse me, but, what is a rad-ee-oh?" Dash asks loudly, "And why does it need it's own room?"
Prof. Cavor
NPC, 6 posts
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 06:06
  • msg #79

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

"I believe that's the term that fellow Bell used for his wireless telegraphy device, what the Brits have taken to calling Hertzian waves, although I've also heard ether waves used quite a lot," Professor Cavor responded to Dash's question.

"It is still rather new and mostly secret, so I suspect that it has its own room for security. Also, if you are communicating with someone on the other end, you might not want the rest of the crew hearing what is said... particularly if you being given orders to kill them all."

"Yes, yes, as awful as that sounds, it is just the sort of thing these Vril fellows would do."

Denholm Hawkesbury
player, 328 posts
"Right. Let's deal."
"All Sales Final"
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 07:33
  • msg #80

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

In reply to Prof. Cavor (msg # 79):

Dash started nodding as Cavor spoke,

"Yes, I remember something about this--a month--maybe two--ago, at dinner, my cousin was saying something about this Italian chap who had crossed the Atlantic on the New York Herald's dime--I say, Bellgrove, isn't that your outfit?  Anyway, The Herald wanted this Italian to demonstrate some invention of his by covering the America's Cup yacht race, not from the shore, but from a steamer several miles out.  I remember, now, my cousin mentioned something about 'wireless telegraphy', but I didn't quite catch what he meant by that, because my Great Uncle started asking about investment viability, and what-all, and I stopped listening.  Oh, what was that Italian's name?  Something like Macaroni, or Mister Tony...?"

Dash suddenly snaps his fingers, as something occurs to him,

"Wait just a minute!  Back in Graustark, when we foiled the plans of that Spanish lady scientist working with the Vril--we captured that big travel case that looked a lot like my Great Uncles stock ticker.  Could that be a Vril, uh, ray-dee-oh?"

"And I even remember there were a couple of what looked like codebooks in the case, too.  If we can't find a codebook in the papers I got from the Captains Cabin aboard this zep, maybe those could be useful...?"

Maybelle Diggory
player, 36 posts
An actress.
Mon 18 Mar 2019
at 12:50
  • msg #81

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Maybelle had heard about Mr Bell, although she'd never seen his invention in person. Well, so far. Perhaps now she could.
Grimsby Baskerville
player, 651 posts
A Colonial agent
and wandering scholar
Tue 19 Mar 2019
at 01:32
  • msg #82

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Grimsby remarked, "I understand Signor Marconi's invention has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of Her Majesty's Government, though it is not yet generally available. Given the Vrils' fascination with new technology, it is hardly surprising they have already adopted it.
If we can master their code, so we can exchange messages with them,it could greatly assist our impersonation of a Vril ship." 

Marian Holroy
player, 245 posts
English Author
Tue 19 Mar 2019
at 15:49
  • msg #83

6: Lakshadweep or Bust

Marian is deeply relieved that they've found a right and proper pilot and as they depart she is much calmer looking, though of course she could never be completely at ease in the air...

Should she hear the other's conversation she will listen, greatly intrigued. Codes eh? This would all turn into a proper mystery the rate they were going! She takes out a little notebook and scribbles notes into it. This bloody book was practically writing itself.
Sign In