Penny and Kate:

It doesn't take long to find something suitable for the banquet amidst the Men's sizable wardrobe. There's even shoes should Kate wish them. By the time you get to the banquet it is 6:30 and the sky is threatening rain. The building is very old and stately. It was once a great home but now it has been converted into a community center of sorts. Still, the decor is very fine and at the moment it has been decked out to the nines. The banquet is soon to start and most people have found their tables. As you enter you give your names to one of the serving men who finds it on a list and waves you to a large circular table that seats roughly 10 people. Mrs. Bentley is there, dressed far above her station and looking almost opulent. She seems pleased to see you and waves you over.

Penny found herself a suitable green dress with a somewhat daring neckline and matching hat, and assisted Kate with choosing her clothes and dressing in some of the odder items, such as a petticoat or corset, if desired. Afterwards, she collected her weapons from Master Frederick and inspected the mystical symbols inscribed in them. It wouldn't do to have them too closely inspected by others now.

She acquired a large bag from the Men of Letters in which they could conceal a few other small hunting supplies and weapons, then covered them all over with pamphlets for the National Woman Suffrage Association, books on feminism and newsletters from similar groups in Britain. Penny's own handbag carried some of her smaller and more innocuous equipment. She carried her enchanted umbrella, warded against both demons and the rain.

Privately, the prim and proper Victorian lady hitched up her skirts to Kate and revealed her small pocket revolver in a garter holster, along with several vital hunting supplies tucked under the band.

*

As they entered the once-stately home, Penny looked around, impressed at the decorations and the expense to which Mrs Bently had gone in the name of charity. Father Simon would no doubt be choking and spluttering at the misplaced extravagance. Penny supposed this was done less in the name of the poor than in the name of Emma Bently.

'Good evening, Mrs Bently. I must say, this is quite a splendid reception you've organised. My congratulations.' she greeted, playing up to the woman's ego.

Kate was more than happy to let Penny help her choose appropriate clothing for the evening. They settled on a dusty pink dress that was entirely too fancy for Kate's taste. There was much cursing from Kate as Penny helped her struggle into the corset. "This thing is more evil than anything we will face tonight," she muttered once she was dressed. Lastly she tucked her hair back behind her ear and secured it with a small hair comb.

She also followed Penny's example and strapped her gun to her thigh. She also tucked her butterfly knife, mace and a few other tools into a small clutch that matched her dress.

The banquet was full of eye catching decorations and interesting people. Mrs. Bentley waves them over and Kate follows Penny to the table smiling politely and giving her "good evening" as well.

Oh why thank you! I do what I can with the little I've been given. She glances over at a middle aged man drinking with others at the bar, her face frowning in distaste. You get the feeling this could be her husband. Ian's arrival confirms it as he strides toward the man with an outstretched hand. You recall he had received his own separate invitation from the man. It is paramount that you do not give away that you know the fellow. Her eyes flick back to you quickly and her face is pleasant once more. She quickly introduces you to her inner circle, giving you several names that are said so fast it's hard to keep track.I must say you clean up nicely. I wish I had the bust for such a dress my dear Penny, but unfortunately time is not always kind. But where is the good Father? I had thought he would be particularly supportive of our little charity. She looks around in disappointment. As she speaks you get the opportunity to glance over her dining companions. They are all women, ages ranging from thirties to fifties and all dressed quite fashionably. Their faces are smiling and polite, but there is something in their eyes that you don't like. As you speak a waiter brings a plate of salad and a bowl of creamy soup.

ooc: Responses and please roll a spot check

Penny's eyes followed Mrs Bently's, sighting a man who could only be Richard Bently seated at the bar, joined by Ian Shaw. The put-upon husband theory was growing in her mind. But the steely detective didn't turn her head and gave no other sign of recognition or interest.

She nodded and murmured polite greetings to everyone else at the table, deftly appraising each woman in turn. She'd been to enough high-class affairs to know when manners concealed hostility. Goodness, what a pleasant group this was. 'A pleasure to meet you. This is Kate Piper, I'm Penelope Baskerville.' She'd adopted another false name in this case, given the oddity of the "Dreadful", and the "Darkmoor" might be somewhat excessive.

Penny was a little peeved to be told she cleaned up nicely. Hadn't she already been so at their first meeting? Kate she could understand, but her? She was a little embarrassed to be complimented on her bust, not having all that much there, and realised the dress she'd chosen had given her a particular prominence in that department. She blushed a little, answering 'I have been to have enough balls and soirées at the manor, and in London and Paris, to know when to dress up and when to dress down.' she said casually, emphasising her upper-class English accent. Emma Bently was quite aspiring, so Penny expected she would naturally wish to attach herself to a member of the aristocracy.

'I'm afraid our good Father Simon must tend to his flock. An emergency involving a poor boy afflicted with polio, I understand. He does such good work in the name of his Lord.'


OOC: Were we invited to sit down?

A general Sherlock Scan over Emma's friends: Investigate 23, Sense Motive 20, Spot 13
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23,20,13 using d20+12,d20+7,d20+9. scan: investigate, sense motive, spot (proper).

Spot 28. I forgot to set the dice for my scan, so I'll take this roll for Spot.
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20. scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Do I need a Bluff check? Bluff 5. Erk, well, it should be quite believable.
09:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 5 using 1d20+1. bluff.

ooc: Forgive me, yes you were invited to sit down. And yes you will need the bluff check, good instincts. I'm going to give Kate a chance to roll before I move the story along, but I will inform you of your scan results.

There are 8 women total including Mrs. Bentley. Basically you get the impression that these women come from different walks of life, in spite of their being dressed to the nines. Some really do seem to come from wealth, others look out of place and are wearing ill fitting gowns and awkward embellishments that look a bit cheap upon closer inspection. You also notice an air of superiority amongst the truly wealthy, and a hostility from the lower members of the table. There are little glances and glares barely caught that lead you to believe this group has its fair share of inner rebellion. No one appears to be acquiescent to each other though, save for the case of Emma Bentley. They all seem a bit afraid of her, plastering on eager smiles and laughing a bit too quickly at her comments. You can also tell that one or two of the women are foreign, though they are doing their utmost to hide that fact. One is Romanian, the other Greek possibly? You caught the slightest hint of an accent upon their introductions.

Kate took her seat glad that Mrs. Bentley seemed more interested in Penny than in her. She did not give away that she recognized Ian and her face remained blank when Penny introduced herself with a different last name and lied about Father Simon. She had a feeling this was going to be a long night. Hopefully by the end of it they would know what Mrs. Bentley was up to.

spot :20 (16+4)

Emma listens to Penny's story with a small nod, though her eyes seem to show an almost alarming intelligence. She may or may not have believed it. Hard to say. In the meantime, she begins polite conversation, particularly interested in Penny's station. She asks about your family and social circles and gives Kate a polite smile as if to say, "You poor dear," in comparison to Miss Dreadful. Evidently you don't give off a wealthy nature. This does, however, seem to endear Kate to some of the lower women in the circle, who ask her many questions about her hair and her prospects of marriage and the like. Meanwhile though, you both notice that your waiter has the remnants of what appears to be fresh blood on his cuff. His face is blank and expressionless but unless he is also in the back slaughtering chickens, there likely isn't a good reason for that to be there....

Penny's eyes and ears took in all the details of Mrs Bently's circle of associates, from dresses fine and new and custom-made to those cheap and off-the-shelf, from the little looks to the flicking eyes. My, this was an interesting study in class and society. The genuinely wealthy carried themselves with superiority and arrogance, the less well-to-do and foreign were not reserved but jealous of their betters. It was a contest of wealth, class, and influence And though she'd place Emma Bently at upper-middle class, about fourth in the circle, she was clearly the most dominant personality, out of proportion with her actual wealth and class. That just left influence, and power.

Making polite conversation, Penny freely answered Emma's questions, answering with facts more general in scope than anything specific, and generally remaining discreet. Keeping her story truthful and and believable, she spoke more of the Darkmoors than their old rivals the Baskervilles, but cherry-picked what she needed from both clans and others in the moorlands. She doubted these people of New York could easily or quickly corroborate her story with the moors of far-off England. Holmes' Baskerville case — which Penny had consulted on — had only been last year, but Watson had not yet published and such incidents as had made it to the papers had surely not crossed the Atlantic.

As she spoke, she steered the conversation toward the matter of witchcraft, both to observe the reaction of those at the table and to tempt invitation as Kate had suggested. '...Why, the family dates back several centuries, surviving the Civil War and the Black Death, though the Inquisition was a particular thorn in our side. A few of my ancestors were even burned as witches! One old great-aunt for talking to her cat, of all things, and a family matriarch for apparently attempting to slay a rival lord with a hex-bag — a, uh, small bag filled with certain occult items. It's all quite fascinating.' The hex-bag was a far from commonly known item of witchcraft, so Penny had casually mentioned it to suggest her knowledge was somewhat beyond that of the lay-person.

Her eye was taken by the waiter with blood on his sleeve, and she observed the man's hands, dress, and composure. An accident with the kitchen knife or a fresh steak? But the waiter would not normally be involved in food preparation.


OOC: Scan the waiter: Investigate 17, Sense 18, Spot 23
21:27, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17,18,23 using d20+13,d20+7,d20+9. scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Mrs. Bentley listens politely, her face a perfect mask of ignorance. Hex bags you say? How delightful! I've never heard of such a thing. It would make a sensational story, you know how spiritualism and seances are all the rage these days. Still, I hardly believe in such things. A pity about your poor ancestors. I'm sure countless innocent women were put to death for silly misunderstandings and the prejudices of an uneducated mind. She sounds a bit irritated by the end, and you can tell she has an opinion on the matter. Meanwhile the other women at the table look a bit uncomfortable.

Your scan on the waiter tells only a little. He appears to be nervous. His pocket handkerchief is creased and poorly folded. His hands are a bit shaky as he pours your drinks. His face though, is set and smooth. A mask of polite indifference. Quite a contrast to the rest of his manners.

ooc: Sorry, just waiting for Kate to catch up before I get too far ahead.

Kate interacted with the women at her table in a friendly but polite manner, answering their questions about her hair using the same story she'd given Mrs. Bentley about her mischievous brother. "I honestly prefer it short," she added running her fingers through her dark hair. "Who knows maybe it will start a trend?"

She scanned the room looking for anything out of place. It was interesting to see the different classes of women and how they interacted. She was not at all surprised to see Mrs. Bentley's pity looks cast her direction. Despite the fancy dress Kate was well aware that she was a fish out of water here.

Her attention turned to Penny as she spoke to Mrs. Bentley of her family and moved the topic to something much more interesting than hair styles and prospects.

Kate had noticed the blood on the waiters cuff. When he poured her drink she touched his arm lightly. She made sure to speak softly so as not to draw too much attention. "Are you alright? It looks like you have cut yourself," she pulled her handkerchief from her handbag and held it out to him flashing a concerned smile.

bluff 16 if needed for her hair comments

'Yes, it is quite tragic. The Church has always been frightfully uncomfortable with women of power... Perhaps it is just as well Father Simon could not make it tonight.' Penny joked lightly, looking at Emma and trying to recover from her earlier fumbling of the lie. 'Still, it does make for some delightfully grotesque dinner conversation, especially with the recent revivals of Druidism and witchcraft. Though I suspect those who currently dance about in robes have no real powers as our ancestors did.' she continued. Penny didn't expect Emma would reveal her practices so soon, and certainly not at the dinner table. Naturally, she would deny it first, even if in the company of her coven. But if she could just get Emma Bently to let slip a little something, she could start to make more firm inquiries.

The waiter was anxious, perhaps even afraid; though he stoically covered it, he was given away by his poor state of dress and the slight tremor in his hands. Blood on the cuff suggested he'd been working with his hands, perhaps cutting meat or cutting himself, or cutting someone else.


OOC: Is the blood on the inside or the outside of the cuff, and on which hand? Is the waiter right-handed? Can Penny determine the activity from the blood spatter?
Analysing a clue: Investigate 15
15:40, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 15 using 1d20+13. investigate.

The waiter is taken off guard at Kate's question. He looks down at his cuff with what appears to be genuine surprise and turns pale. Wh-what? How did that get there? He examines it with an expression of increasing panic. The women at the table exchange nervous expressions but Mrs. Bentley is the epitome of calm. Oh my! Have you cut yourself good sir? Or perhaps you obtained it in the kitchens, brushing past some meat perhaps? She arches an eyebrow. The man looks up at her and for a long moment his face is blank, then he calms visibly, straightening his sleeve. Yes of course. That must be it. I had not thought of it. I never liked the sight of blood you see. He gives a small smile. Excuse me. And with that he leaves quickly. Emma continues on, undaunted by the exchange. She turns back to Penny, taking a sip of her dark wine. Real powers you say? I take it you are a believer in such things? I myself find it entertaining but hardly accurate. We would hardly be considered the weaker sex and given such low stations in comparison to men if we truly had any powers at our disposal. She smiles politely.

Meanwhile Kate, you see a familiar face enter and stride over to Mr Bentley across the room. Michael Jones....

ooc: Penny, he is right handed but the spatter is too hidden to reveal much, other than that it looks to be fresh and he should have noticed it himself without anyone pointing it out.

"I do hope he is okay," Kate mutters to the woman sitting next to her. Penny and Mrs. Bentley were nicely engaged in conversation so Kate took the opportunity to get to know her neighbor. "This really is a wonderful banquet. I can tell Mrs. Bentley has put a lot of work into the evening. Is Mr. Bentley here tonight? I'm always interested to see what the other half is like." She was well aware of Mr. Bentley's presence but played stupid for sake of conversation. The appearance of Michael Jones was a surprise. Kate took a sip of her drink to settle her nerves. She was pretty sure he'd never noticed her in 2013 but it was unsettling to see him here. She had to fight the urge to grab him and haul him out of the room. He was her ticket home after all.

Kate: The woman next to you seems pleased to make conversation. You get the feeling she is a bit neglected. She seems a bit mousy and shy and her attire is not nearly so fine as that of her companions. Oh yes! He's right over there. She points with emphasis, earning her a dirty look from one of the other women. Apparently it's not polite to point...She blushes but continues on nevertheless. He's a very good man, no matter what Mrs. Bentley says sometimes. All women complain about their husbands I hear. She looks at him again and gives a sudden smile of delight. Oh look! He's with Mr. Wickham! I haven't seen him in ages! He's a very big contributor to the organization you know. So generous! She gestures, this time in a more polite fashion, at Mike Jones.

Kate was relieved that her neighbor was so talkative. "He does seem to have a kind face," she said of Mr. Bentley. "A humble looking man," she added with a smile. "Not at all as I had imagined. And Mr. Wickham? The name sounds familiar for some reason. Is he of some wealthy background? How nice that he is such a large contributor."

If the waiter's sleeve had brushed against something, then Penny expected to be on the outside or underside of the cuff, and easily missed. But it was on the upper-side, and Penny expected that any reasonably attentive man would notice it, unless they were as distracted or anxious as this man clearly was. And Penny did not miss the significance of Emma Bently's interaction with the fellow, clearly providing him with a suitable explanation. This coven stretched further than she'd expected, if even the wait-staff were up to bloody murder. 'What is for dinner, anyway?' she wondered.

Going on, she responded to Emma with a touch of steel. '"The weaker sex" should not be disturbed at the sight of blood.' looking pointedly at the departing waiter. She went on 'I am... open-minded to the possibility. The new sciences of electromagnetism and the powers of mediums and mesmerists have shown us that there are phenomena in this world beyond the common sciences or what the Church would tell us.' Penny lowered her voice and said with a small laugh, as if to impart a naughty secret, 'I must admit, I found some old grimoires and dabbled in several spells and circles. It's all quite thrilling.'

Penny also noticed Michael Jones arrive, recognising him from the telephone device. Kate seemed to have noticed as well and had the matter in hand, so Penny paid him no attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

Penny: Emma listens to you with interest, though amusement is plain on her face. Thrilling indeed I should think! It is perhaps a good thing that the priest could not make it. Surely if he knew such things he would disapprove. She chuckles. I am a decent Christian woman myself, but I would be lying if I were to say I wasn't tantalized by such beliefs. Don't tell me any of them worked? She arches a dubious eyebrow. As entertaining as I find the subject, I hardly think it a viable pursuit. As she speaks you notice the other women looking a bit uncomfortable, their eyes shifting nervously as they sip their wine quietly. The tension is palpable, though Emma is clearly committed to her charade.

Kate: The woman, Miss Bunt is her name, nods emphatically and takes a large swallow of wine. Oh my yes he is wealthy. And single too! She giggles. Unfortunately he does not appear to be interested in me, though I've certainly tried to appeal to him. He is a horrible rogue they say, but it would seem I am not his type. She frowns, drinking yet again. She is beginning to get a bit tipsy it seems. Her companions are glaring daggers at her, some even nudging her, but she ignores them. Oh well. At least I have my friends! She laughs loudly. Judging by the way they look at her, she may not have them long if she keeps up this behavior. She gives a sudden gasp of pain and rubs her arm as though someone has pinched her, though no one has touched her. She glares furiously at her companions until she sees Emma give her a look of warning and then quickly falls silent.

'Father Cole disapproves of a great many things.' Penny said critically, stirring her soup and watching the vegetables bob beneath the surface. 'Oh, yes, indeed, I also remain a "good Christian woman", but the theory of evolution, the geological age of the earth, and other sciences have shown us the cracks in what the Church teaches us... Why not magic too?'

Penny distracted herself by sipping her soup, and taking the opportunity to observe reactions at the table. The discomfort and tension among the other women of the circle was palpable, so Penny was clearly getting at a guilty secret. She'd have to be careful, however, not to push too far, lest she find herself on the receiving end of a curse. Just a little more to pique their interest... 'But, of course, it does not seem at all practical...' She lowered her voice, leaning in to Emma to whispered hesitantly 'But, I do believe that, on one occasion, I was, in fact, able to conjure... a frog!' Penny leaned back from the admission of a simple cantrip and smiled innocently. 'Or perhaps it simply hopped into the garden!' She laughed merrily at her little joke, and sipped at her wine.

That was enough of that. 'But enough about me and my ghastly family. Do tell me about your charity efforts, all of you.' she invited.

The tale of the frog garners some amused chuckles from the circle, and even Emma smiles in amusement, but she seems happy to change the subject as well. How droll! She responds politely to the frog tale, though she doesn't remark whether she believes it was truly conjured or not. Ah yes, our charities. Well for instance we try to raise money, like we are doing tonight, in order to help the needy. We've actually been able to help make many repairs on local orphanages for instance. And we have volunteered in soup kitchens and clean up efforts. Quilts for the homeless, things of that nature. She muses. She's suddenly interrupted though by the sound of a dreadful scream coming from the kitchens. A loud crash quickly follows, as though someone dropped a stack of dishes.

Kate pats Miss Bunt on the shoulder. "Don't worry, there are other fish in the sea. Mr Whickam seems nice enough from here but men with money are more often then not pigs. Not that I wouldn't mind finding out for myself," she adds with a wink.

The scream from the kitchen took her attention away from Mike Jones. "Perhaps we should make sure everything is alright?" She looked at Mrs. Bentley, this was her banquet after all. Standing Kate gathered her skirts and made her way towards the kitchens.

The charity worked sounded legitimate, though an extravagant banquet seemed an odd way to raise money; Simon would no doubt be leaping out of his skin at the sight of the china. Penny was about to ask they raised funds when she heard a terrible scream and a crash from the kitchens. 'Goodness!' Such a scream could only result from violence or terror, hardly the sighting of a mouse. Violence had surely already been perpetrated in relation to the blood-spattered waiter. The discovery of a body, then?

Penny rose quickly from her seat, taking a few steps towards the kitchens, but focused more on scanning the dining room for three familiar faces — Ian Shaw, Richard Bently, Mike Jones, the bloody waiter; where had she seen them last and where had they got to? — and for anyone leaving the area while others hesitated or moved closer.


OOC: Spot 20
13:41, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:12, Fri 31 Jan 2014.

Penny, you see Ian headed towards the ruckus and Mr. Bentley stays where he is along with Mike Jones, both doing a good job of looking surprised. The waiter is nowhere to be seen. Mrs. Bentley likewise gets up and quickly hurries towards the kitchens. The other diners have heard as well of course and many of them get up to investigate. Ian hurries forward, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Kate and Penny, but sticking close.

Should you choose to enter the kitchen, you'll find quite a scene. The cooks and a maid are gathered around a still figure lying on the ground. The maid is in hysterics. H-he was stuffed behind the ice box! She stammers, pointing at an exceptionally large cold closet in the corner. Looking at the body it is clear that his neck was very violently broken. Whoever did this was very strong because his head is almost entirely twisted around. You also note with interest that there is no blood on the man's sleeve anymore...

 Mrs. Bentley watches this with a look of pure fury, but she quickly masks it into once of concern. Clearly she is agitated though. Who would do this?! One of the waiters stammers, looking about to be ill. Ian steps forward at this point and produces a badge, no doubt from his police days. I am a Police officer. I'll take over from here. He says in a calm and commanding tone. It's a surprising change from his usual jolly casualness. No doubt though the man is far more capable than he acts. I need all of the exits to be shut right now and men posted. The murderer could still be here. Move quickly men! He barks to the waiters. He turns to you two. I thought I saw this man serving your table not long ago. I don't know how he ended up here without anyone noticing, but until I figure that out, did you note any suspicious behavior?

Not spotting any likely suspects in the dining room, Penny followed the rush to the kitchen, nimbly slipping through the press of people to get inside. Quickly, she made a shocked gasp, a trick that reassured many men who might otherwise be concerned to know how many dead bodies such a delicate lady as herself had seen. She quickly took in the scene: the waiter from before, his neck broken with great force, with no blood on his sleeve. Curiouser curiouser...

'Yes, officer, he served us. The fellow seemed nervous and unkempt. There was blood on his sleeve — oh, he must have cleaned it now.' she explained breathlessly. She couldn't say much with so many ears around, but gave Ian and Kate a firm look, her lips twitching to say shifter.


OOC: Do I need a Bluff check to talk to Shaw, or to convey a secret message?
15:46, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 1d20+1. bluff.

Investigating the murder scene:
15:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+13. investigate.

Sherlock-scanning the waiter?
15:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30,24,15 using d20+13,d20+7,d20+9. scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

"He did seem a little off, worried about something." Kate added her bit to the story. She caught Penny's look and nodded ever so slightly her understanding. "We'll this certainly puts a damper on your banquet," she patted Mrs. Bentley's shoulder sympathetically. "Maybe we should take our seats again so this officer can do his job to find out how this happened?" She scanned the crowd to see if Mr. Smith or Whickham or whatever his name was had taken an interest in the scene in the kitchen. Maybe later Ms. Bunt could arrange an introduction...

Shaw listens with a stern expression. If he catches anything special about Penny's words he gives no indication, though his eyebrow arches at the mention of blood on his sleeve. Penny, as Ian examines the victim you see that it has only just begun to show signs of rigor mortis, putting the timeline at approximately three to four hours ago....Other than that he looks to be a typical man with no real suspicious marks or clues. Obviously whatever did this is very strong. You also note that there is no real sign of blood on the corpse, which makes you wonder where the blood on the sleeve came from.

ooc: Penny, I'll let you decide if you want to stick around here a bit longer or if you'd rather return with Kate. If you do go with her, you see the following as well.

Mrs. Bentley looks upset, but she has regained her composure. She nods quickly at Kate's suggestion. Sitting down quickly with a stiff posture and lips that are pursed together in an attempt to regain control. Kate, you do notice that Mr. Jones is still with Bentley, and the pair are looking at Mrs. Bentley from time to time when they think no one is looking. Their faces are tight and upset. Something must have gone wrong....Suddenly Emma rises from her chair, looking apologetic. Forgive me, but this whole ordeal is most distressing. I need to go to the powder room and wash my face I think. I'm sure you'll be alright here. It is not a question. Clearly she wants to go alone.

It would be unseemly for a lady like Penny to remain with the corpse, though she lingered long enough to complete her inspection and overhear any gossip among the waitstaff. She let Shaw ask the basic questions, and only made a few discreet inquiries to clarify matters while reassuring tearful maids. Who was the dead waiter, had he had any arguments, strange behaviour, or unusual acquaintances recently? And particularly, had anyone seen him in the last few minutes? The few hours of rigor mortis did not need to be advertised.

She remained happy with her initial identification of a shapeshifter of some kind. A demon might wear the man's body for a time, self-inflict a broken neck, then dump it behind the ice box, with signs of death soon revealed. But that did not account for the missing blood stain. The demon would not bother to change his jacket if it was only going to dump the body minutes later. No, Penny was certain that a shapeshifting creature had killed the waiter, concealed the body, and impersonated him. But to what end? Certainly not to serve drinks and the entrée. To get close to someone then? Mrs Bently? No, she'd clearly been in on the matter and provided the killer with an excuse. To get close to Penny and Kate themselves? Perhaps... But there was still the matter of the blood — the waiter had a broken neck, but no visible wounds. Penny highly doubted the stain had been left by raw meat or the sherry, judging by the colour and consistency. There must have been another attack.


OOC: Using the Investigator's Profile ability:
Gather Information 21 vs DC 15, success: gain a rough description of the suspect (kind of redundant in this case, I guess)
Investigate 20 vs DC 15, success: profile the killer and their methods of operation, gain a sense of possible aims and future plans; gain +2 circumstance to further Investigate checks re: the killer.
20:40, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+13. investigate.
20:38, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+7. gather info.

Penny: pm

As they were leaving the kitchens Kate snagged a medium sized meat knife off of the counter. It was elegant and sharp and hopefully silver. If they were dealing with a shifter she wanted to be ready. If asked she will simply say her meat was too well done.

At the table Kate tucked the knife away. The other ladies seemed nervous and tense. The evening was obviously not going according to plan. After their host excused herself Kate looked at the other women and Penny. "I don't think any of us should be alone with a killer on the loose. I think I should go check on her." Kate excused herself as well and followed in the direction Mrs. Bentley went. Once out of sight of the others she took care to stay out of sight. Mrs. Bentley obviously wanted to be alone and she doubted it was to wash her face.

Hide:22
Move silently 12

Penny: As Kate leaves you see Mr. Bentley and Mr. Jones approach. Bentley looks around for his wife and appears to be on edge as well. Good evening ladies. Have you seen my wife about? I'm sure she is most distressed with these events and I think I should check on her. Mr. Jones stands silently and lets the tailor speak, but his eyes shift over everyone's face, including your own. There is a cold deadness to his eyes, and yet also a fierce intelligence. It's all you can do not to shiver. You've seen eyes like that before in the Ripper; a memory that is considerably less than welcome.

Kate: You follow her down a hallway at a safe distance. You seem to do a fair job of keeping hidden, but at one point your skirts jostle a shelf and she turns around sharply. Fortunately you stay out of sight and she seems to brush it off. Eventually the woman stops at the bottom of a staircase and she is soon joined by the waiter. She looks furious and you flinch as you see her slap him hard across the face. Why have you not changed you fool?! She snarls and to your surprise he cowers a bit. Shifters are usually a force to be reckoned with. She must be powerful indeed to make him fear her. The slap though, also seems to jar him and he shakes his head as though trying to clear it. W-what am I doing here? He mumbles and her eyes narrow. You are here to spy for me you idiot. Stop fighting me or you'll end up far worse than the fool you so carelessly left for everyone to find. What about the other one, is someone going to stumble across that too? He shakes his head in response, his expression hardening, no longer questioning himself. Well get on with it then! If Jones suspects anything, all of us will hang for it! Now change your face. Someone inconspicuous this time! The shifter nods and you watch in horror as the bones twist and crack and he pulls off his skin in handfuls, leaving a slimy pile on the floor. You never had cared for that part....

Thinking furiously through events, Penny followed Kate to the table, finding Emma Bently had departed to the powder room. 'Take care.' she said to Kate with concern, hoping she did not run afoul of the murderous shapeshifter.

She looked to the new arrivals, seeing men who could only be Richard Bently and Michael Jones. Her voice caught in her throat as she observed Jones' eyes, seeing a cold and terrifying mania, the recollection hitting her like a knife to the gut. Those cold dead eyes, that wicked grin, that flashing knife...

Averting her gaze, Penny looked to Bently, and answered him 'She's gone to the lady's room to refresh herself. My friend is attending her.' She could hardly lie about Emma's whereabouts with the other women present, but did not want Richard Bently wandering up behind Kate. Penny tried to distract him. 'Did you know the deceased, sir? Do you know what happened? Are we safe here?' she asked, stepping close to Richard and putting a note of urgency in her voice, hoping some feminine fear in a young, pretty face might evoke some male protectiveness in a middle-aged man in an unhappy marriage. Too bad she really hated this kind of act.


OOC: Distract and question Richard Bently: Diplomacy 2, Sense Motive 26. Sigh.
15:45, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 2 using 1d20-1. diplomacy.
15:45, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 26 using 1d20+7. sense motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Fri 07 Feb 2014.

ooc: lol, poor Penny.... ;P

Mr Bentley listens with a nod. I see. Well I think it best that I go and check on her. And no, I'm afraid I didn't know the deceased. He looked to be a waiter from what I've heard. Not to worry though, I'm sure you are quite safe here. You do seem upset though, so I will leave Mr. Jones here if he is agreeable to this? He arches a questioning eyebrow at the man who gives a slow smile, speaking for the first time in a rich deep tone that you would find remarkably attractive on anyone else. But of course. How could a man refuse the company of such lovely ladies? The smile widens, but his eyes contradict his kind words. They are calculating, delving into you as though trying to figure you out. Bentley turns to go and Jones continues. Tell me Miss. What is a woman from the British empire doing in New York? Though his voice sounds conversational you get the distinct impression that he is interrogating you more than anything else. You also feel a sense of nervousness from Bentley. You would almost think that he is trying to foist Jones off on you....

Kate remained hidden, wincing as the shifter pulled his skin off. She'd seen it before but it never stopped grossing her out. Mrs. Bentley seemed to have some sort of hold over the shifter, controlling him somehow. Their hostess had mentioned another body somewhere. So two people have been killed tonight... she thought with a frown. The blood on the waiters sleeve probably  belonged to the second victim.

The mention of Mr. Jones brought her to attention. Apparently he was the brains of whatever operation they had going on here...

Curses! She thought frantically for a solution. 'Mister Bently!' she snapped suddenly before he could leave. She lowered her voice to sound discreet. 'Please, it is a delicate matter, women's business.' After all, the inner workings of a woman were a horrid mystery to most men. Then she appealed to the abuse victim in him. 'I am sure you would not want to disturb your wife in one of her... moods.'

She averted her gaze from Jones momentarily. It was an action that could be taken as a polite blush in response to a compliment, but was more of a flinch in Penny's case. Either way, it was one that gave her the brief opportunity to glance across his person, from shoes to hands, clothing to that cold-eyed face. She'd almost expected to see blood, or a knife. Despite her unease, she put on her best ballroom smile for the Ripper the man, deflecting his incision inquiry. 'Why, Mister Jones, how charming. Tell me, what should a woman do in New York?'


OOC: Try again? Bluff 18
21:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+1. bluff.
Sherlock Scan on Mike Jones: Investigate 33, Sense Motive 27, Spot 13
21:35, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 33,27,13 using d20+13,d20+7,d20+9. scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Kate: Emma watches and makes a face. Clean that up when you're done. We don't want someone finding it and asking questions. She gags a bit. You'd think after everything I've seen and done I could stomach it better. By now the shifter has changed into another man, his face is unfamiliar but you suspect it is meant to be. He finds a towel and scoops up the mess as best as he can, looking afraid of the woman before him. We need to end this evening. She continues. Did you get a good enough look at him to get what you needed? It has to be flawless. She warns. The shifter nods emphatically. Good. Well, the exits are blocked thanks to that fool policeman. We need to get out of here before too many things become suspicious. You should get rid of him. Take his place. Then you can drop this whole murder investigation and we can slip out. Figure out a way to get him alone, and for pity's sake don't let anyone find the body this time!

Penny: Mr. Bentley listens to you in confusion for a moment, and then what you are saying dawns on him and he gives an understanding nod. I see. Thank you. I would hate to upset her further.... He looks like he's nervous at the thought. Well then. I could use a drink I think. I will return momentarily. He gives you a nod and heads to the bartender, at which point Jones gestures for him to bring him something. He returns his attention to you with a lazy smile. Well, Penny was it? A woman should do as much as she possibly can. I'm sure it's not as refined as some of the circles you are used to, but it certainly has appeal. A woman should also dine with me tomorrow night at the cafe Marseille. What say you? He looks expectant and the women at the table with you look a bit surprised.

Penny nodded thankfully to Bently, and unfortunately had to return her attention to Jones. And his offer. She had a recollection, walking down the roads of Whitechapel, past the filth and wretched humanity, to where it was quiet and dark and alone. She was dressed as a common harlot, cheap dress doing nothing to keep out the chill. How else to draw out the fiend? Her blood ran cold, her heart was pounding, her breath quick and sharp. The first strike would be to grab and silence her, then cut open her neck— 'I have never thought much of what a woman should do, but one could certainly consider it... Now, how did you know my name, sir?' she inquired, more intrigued than suspicious, recalling she'd not given it to any men here.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Sat 08 Feb 2014.

So Mrs. Bentley is going to have the shifter take Ian's place... Kate frowned. Obviously her return to the table would need to be by way of the kitchen to warn their new acquaintance. She remained hidden until she was certain the coast was clear. She hoped Penny was doing well with the other women.

Penny: Jones doesn't look at all taken off guard by your question. If anything he looks amused, as though he's only barely trying to put on a charade for you he is so confident in himself. Oh, Mrs. Bentley told me that you would possibly be attending tonight. She must have thought we would make a good match. He smiles. I hope you will consider my offer, Lady Darkmoore... He finishes quietly. The use of your real name sends a chill up your spine. I must be going, but tell Kate I'm sorry I missed her. I know she went through considerable effort to find me and I should not want to disappoint her when she's come all this way. He takes your hand and kisses it with a small bow. I shall see you both very soon. He turns then and leaves without a backward glance.

Kate:
I suggest you try to lure the policeman away from the scene of the crime. Bring him back here if you can. We don't want anyone running across him. I need to return to my guests. That Penny woman is no doubt already asking far too many questions for her own good. If she's not careful she will be paying you a visit soon.... She finishes. By now they are headed your way and it is all you can do not to run but you know it will give you away. ooc: Roll hide please

Kate held her breath hoping they would not notice her as they passed. Her fingers clenched the serving knife and she fought the urge to just get things over with and use it. It would not look good if Mrs. Bentley returned to the table without her but that couldn't be helped. Ian and Penny both needed to be warned, Ian obviously more so now that the shifter had his orders...

Hide: 28
ooc: to quote my son when he really wants something: please please please!!!

Penny felt a chill up her spine as Jones revealed how much he knew, of her real name, of Kate's reason for being in this time zone. He knew everything! Her real name! A name she'd tried to hide and even to forget, such was her bleak and unhappy childhood under a tyrannical father. A name she'd thought she'd left behind in England. Frozen in shock and as helpless as she had been when first confronted by the Ripper, or by Father, Penny was unable to resist Jones as he took her hand and kissed it, her skin crawling at the unwelcome touch, the violation.

It was only as the psychopath left that she regained her wits her nerve. For one frightful moment, she recalled that the other ladies had named him Wickham, and she'd addressed him as Jones. Oh God, had she been so unnerved by him as to give the whole game away? Horrified, her heart felt like it would plummet in the empty void inside her... But, no, no, Mr Bently had introduced him as Jones. It was with no sense of relief that she realised the mistake was not hers.

She took a deep breath, tried to calm herself. I am not feeling hysterical, only a little fear. Suddenly, she wanted to be away from this coven of witches, this table of snippy, spiteful, scheming women, and the likes of Mister Jones. She wanted a drink, a good book, and a gentle massage. No, first she wanted to catch a monster.

'Excuse me.' Penny said to anyone who was listening, then strode off after Jones, to see where he went and have the last word.

OOC: Assuming I find him. Shaw did have the wait-staff stopping people leaving, as well.

'You have the advantage of me, sir... A woman might consider dining with a gentleman,' Penny called to Jones from the door, 'If she knew his real name.'

Kate: Fortunately you manage to hide quite well and they pass you without seeming to notice you....From the looks of things they are taking a different route back to the banquet so that gives you a slight chance to get ahead of them...

Penny: Somehow he is being allowed to leave, but you catch him just as he's at the door. He turns to you with an amused look on his face. Some know me as Wickham, some as Jones. but if you like, you may call me Belial. He tips his hat and leaves, not waiting for a response.

ooc: Roll a knowledge check please to see if you've heard of him :)

As soon as the coast is clear Kate gathers her skirts and heads back the way she came at running at top speed hoping to beat Mrs. Bentley back to the banquet.

"This place is ridiculous!" she gasped when she arrived back at their table. There was no need to pretend to be winded. Kate was in pretty good shape but running in a corset and heavy skirts was more than she bargained for. "I went to find Mrs. Bentley and got a little turned around. Then I imagined myself being the next victim..." she smiled sheepishly. "Well I got scared and ran like a mad woman back here. I hope Mrs. Bentley is all right on her own..." Kate didn't give the ladies a chance to respond before she headed off to the kitchens. "I need a good stiff drink after that wild goose chase..."

It worried her that Penny was no longer at the table and that Mr. Whickham or Mike Jones or whoever he was had also disappeared.

Bluff: 22 if needed

OOC: If she didn't make it back before Mrs. Bentley or she runs into someone else let me know and I will edit this :)

A demon. Penny was almost relieved, as she caught a glimpse of his black-shrouded eyes; he was only a supernatural monster. Those she knew how to deal with. It was men that were unpredictable. Then she realised which demon: Belial. Good God. Frozen in shock, Penny watched the Prince of Darkness leave, just to be certain he had, unable to take her eyes away for fear of losing sight of him. Then she retreated inside the house and closed the door, shuddering in horror for the close encounter. He'd touched her. He knew her name. He'd made her feel things, and she'd felt such revulsion. A man who would rape you with his eyes.

Recovering her composure, Penny made her way back through the old house and past the banquet, looking for Kate and Mister Shaw to report this terrible finding. Belial and Baal; what unholy alliance was this? And she'd gone and made dinner plans with the devil.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Kate/Penny: Penny, Kate is easy to find for she has rejoined the table and looks to be winded. Kate, you have made it back before Mrs. Bentley it seems and as Penny approaches, the women at the table all look nervous as though they aren't sure whether to keep up social niceties or start to be concerned....Before either of you can greet each other you spot Emma returning from across the ballroom. Ian has emerged from the kitchens, eying everyone with a thoughtful expression. He arches an eyebrow at you two as if to say, anything? He is a fair distance away and Kate, you notice the shifter, now in his new form, emerge from a hallway and make a beeline straight for him.

Penny stalked back to the table, fully demonstrating the famous British stiff upper lip. She spotted Kate and intended to update her on what she'd learned, when she glimpsed Ian Shaw and Emma Bently returning as well. It would be difficult to confer with the Bentlys present, and difficult to find a reason to speak to Shaw. Penny tried to read their moods and spot anything out of the ordinary, or even out of the extraordinary.


OOC: Isn't the shifter currently looking like Ian?

What's going on? Sense Motive 22.
Can Penny see the shifter acting suspicious? Spot 23
15:14, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+9. spot.
15:11, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+7. sense motive.

pm

Kate cursed softly under her breath. The shifter was heading for Ian, Mrs. Bentley was returning and she had no way to discreetly warn him. She flashed Penny a warning look and tipped her head towards the shifter. Penny was pretty sharp so she hoped the woman understood what she was trying to say. "Officer," she called loudly to Ian as she walked toward him as calmly as possible. "When can we leave? I really don't feel safe here with a murderer on the loose. she emphasized the word safe. "I'm sure the other ladies would agree me."

'Yes, indeed.' Penny said, joining Kate. Though she didn't know what Kate had found or intended, she followed the other woman's lead in this. Belial would have to wait.

Penny, you definitely see a waiter looking suspicious. He is sweating and has a nervous expression. When he sees you approach Ian he looks frustrated and glances at Mrs. Bentley, who completely ignores him. Ian listens to Kate with an arched eyebrow, scanning the room quickly before responding. Well, it is getting late so I will try to wrap this up quickly. I do need to question a few more people though, so if you ladies would care to sit tight? I think I'll start with the wait staff. They are the most likely to have seen anything. Upon hearing this, the shifter, who is currently a waiter at the moment, steps forward eagerly. I will volunteer first. I have things I need to attend to soon, and it will save me trouble if I get it over with first. Ian gives a nod at this suggestion, and you have no idea if he has any clue that this waiter is the shifter. He starts to head off with him. Meanwhile, you both suddenly start to feel dizzy and nauseous...

ooc: Respond as you will and please roll fortitude saves

Kate rolled her eyes. This was getting frustrating. It didn't help that she was starting to feel dizzy and nauseous. Either the 1890's food wasn't settling with her 2013 stomach or someone was fooling around with them. Since breakfast had digested just fine she assumed the latter. With the shifter and Ian moving further away, and the sick feeling growing there was only one think for Kate to do.

"Watch your back Ian! That guy is a shifter and he's after your face!" Her words were quick and to the point and honestly she didn't really care who overheard her.

Fortitude 22 (20+2)

Another nervous waiter; the shifter was distinctly lacking in imagination. And once again he looked to Emma Bently for guidance. Apparently she could dominate even supernatural creatures. How did she keep it bound? As the shifter waiter volunteered itself for Shaw's questioning, Penny knew she had to intervene and make a distraction. She was actually considering making a show of swooning even as she felt genuinely dizzy, when Kate broke cover and warned Shaw directly and unsubtly, in earshot of the whole dining room. Oh fiddlesticks! Did they have no tact in the future?

'Back! This man is the killer!' Penny cried, and looked to the nearest table for a silver-plated knife.


OOC: Fortitude 19
Since this is probably going to go south, Initiative 17

The shifter's eyes bulge in shock at Kate's words, obviously not expecting this by any means. You also see Emma and her circle of women react in surprise. After that, all hell breaks loose. Ian draws a long dagger from inside his coat and lunges at the shifter. The two start to wrestle, crashing into tables. Mr. Bentley takes the opportunity to start to clear the ballroom, calling for everyone to clear out. We have the murderer! Everyone out!! The frightened people seem only too happy to obey and they start to rush out in a terrified crowd. The women's circle leaves too, save for Emma who's face is now a calm mask as she watches coolly to see who the victor will be. You both manage to shake off her attack, and for the moment she seems content to hold off on anything further. In fact, she sits down and starts to calmly sip some wine. There are several silver knives available at the tables, so weapons are not hard to come by. It is clear the shifter is in panic mode, for he is giving Ian a great deal of trouble. This would go a lot faster if I could get some help here! He grunts.

ooc: If you guys decide to, roll your attacks and in Kate's case, initiative too. Naturally reactions would be much appreciated too.

'Do try to hold on, officer!' Penny was unwilling to reveal their enchanted weapons before Emma Bently at this stage, so she snatched a silver knife off the table. 'Terrible etiquette, I know.' she sighed to Emma, then hurled the blade at the shapeshifter's back.


OOC:
Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs Shifter
Move: Grab knife
Attack: Throw knife @ Shifter, attack 12, damage 4

09:03, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+7. throw knife, PBS [corrected; I used the wrong modifier]
09:06, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 4 using 1d4. damage.

"I'm on it," Kate whipped her stolen knife out and moved in quickly to help Ian. It felt good to drop their cover and she grinned wickedly at the shifter before she brought the knife in for an attack. This was her favorite part after all.


Using quick draw to pull knife out
Dodge +1 to AC against Shifter
Attack 25 (20+5)
Confirm critical: 25 (20+5)
Do I remember right that we are doing quick kills?? If not damage 6 :)

OOC: Wow that must have been a total glitch in the dice roller. I'll take it though...

ooc: Wow. In all my roleplaying years, none of my players have ever had a successful quick kill before! I've only done it once on tabletop and it was on accident when I was trying to interrogate a guy and apparently got a little too rough. It figures the only time I get a quick kill is on accident.....pshh! Congratulations! This will be epic! :D

Ian looks to be grateful for the assistance, and Emma watches in mild irritation, but otherwise she remains motionless, drinking her wine. This surprises you considering if she wanted to, she could no doubt do quite a bit in the way of stopping you from killing her man. By now the room is cleared save for both Bentley's and Ian and the shifter. The shifter looks to be frantic, calling to Emma for help, though she decidedly ignores him. Penny's attack misses as the pair are wrestling wildly and it is difficult to aim. Kate though, draws her knife and strides over the the pair. She jams the blade into the shifter's throat with expert precision and he gives a surprised gasp as he sinks to the floor limply. That was bloody impressive! Ian pants, looking very relieved, though his eyes shift to the Bentley's in apprehension. We may need you to do it again in a moment... He adds. The shifter is twitching on the floor, bleeding out quickly. You suppose if you were so inclined you could try to save him, but you hardly see the point. Mrs. Bentley arches an eyebrow at Ian's words, looking amused by them. You could try certainly, but I will not go down as easily as my friend here. I have to say, you've put me out there terribly. I've gone through great lengths to arrange everything and you've gone and spoiled it. If I were not forbidden, I would kill you right now. Her polite tone is in direct contrast with the fury in her eyes.

ooc: Just fyi quick kills always go to -1 in my games, so if you ever need to stabilize or be stabilized you get the chance before you or your victim dies. That way if I should roll a quick kill against you, you have a fighting chance before you die. Seemed like the fairest way to do it ;)

Well, so much for that charade. The Bentlys knew they were hunters or the like, and there were no more secrets to keep or games to play. Penny was relieved, but disappointed that they'd spoiled the etiquette of the thing. Recovering her composure, she moved to stand opposite Emma with the table between them, and inquired 'Oh? Forbidden? How convenient for us. Do you mind telling us why?'


OOC: Diplomacy 19
10:52, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20-1. diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Sat 22 Feb 2014.

Kate retrieved her knife from the shifters throat and wiped it clean on a tablecloth. She let Penny take the lead in dealing with Mrs. Bentley as her friend was obviously more skilled in the social aspect of talking with their enemy. She did catch Mr. Bentley's eye and gave him a your next smile to discourage him from doing anything stupid.

Mrs. Bentley gives a smile of amusement at the question. I think more out of amusement than anything else. I suppose you could always ask him yourself. I saw you talking to him just minutes ago. I'm sure he offered you some kind of invitation to meet with him. He usually invites pretty women to do such things. She says in disgust. But then he always was improper when it came to young ladies he was attracted to. If you cause me enough problems though I'm sure he'll make an exception. He also gave special instructions toward Miss Kate here. It would seem he has an interest in her I am unaware of. Hm. I don't imagine him being too upset about me killing the Scotman though, but I suppose then you would try to interfere and then I may cause an accident. She smiles then wickedly, and it is a truly chilling thing to see for her eyes are cold and hard. Oh how I do wish you would try. But in the meantime, if you decide you wish to live, I suggest you make no fuss when we leave, which we are going to do right now.

'Belial.' Penny answered coldly. 'Yes, we have become acquainted, thank you.' So, the demon prince had some special interest in Kate and herself, enough to know both their origins. No doubt he had some vile perversion in mind, if she knew her demon lore correctly. Repressing her sense of loathing, she went on 'I suppose it would be only cricket if we were to allow each other to leave in peace. But, before you go, would you care to explain what this is all about? Shifters and demons and witches, oh my, it's quite an impressive scheme.' she inquired, hoping to appeal to Emma Bently's quite significant ego and extract some more information, or least buy time. She'd considered the situation. Three hunters versus one witch was good odds; she did not rate Richard Bently very highly. But Emma's confidence and high role in this scheme suggested a great deal of power and some surprise tricks that made an unprepared battle a risky proposition. Still, Penny was contemplating her options...


OOC: Do I have some means of thwarting a witch from here?
17:08, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+9. arcane lore.

What's the furniture like here in the dining room?

ooc: As far as you can tell there are no obvious ways to thwart her offhand, but you don't know if Ian is better prepared for such things or not. The furniture consists of rounded tables and chairs along with some straight tables bearing drinks and the like in the corners. There is a chandelier in the middle of the room and a couple of exits that go to the street along with some plated glass windows.

ic: Ian swears at the mention of the man's name. Belial?! Are you sure? He looks at the husband and wife with a sudden look of nervousness. Emma laughs at his reaction. Yes. You are wise to fear him. As for my 'scheme', it is hardly anything I would reveal to you young huntress. I have my plans and I would hardly share them with someone who wants nothing but to thwart them. Sorry. She says the last word mockingly. Mr. Bentley has by now drawn a firearm of his own and is looking nervous. Dear, we really should be going. Who knows how many hunters may be lurking about? He mutters uneasily. It is clear she is done talking and the pair move cautiously backward toward the door. Ian looks uncertain of what to do, his hand is on his weapon and he exchanges troubled looks with you. It is obvious that he wants to stop them, but is unsure if that is a good idea.

ooc: Well guys, time to fish or cut bait! You want to let them escape or risk a battle you may or may not be ready for? Mwahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa!!!!!!!! >:)

Kate noticed Mr. Bentley draw his gun and frowned. Her own firearm was buried under her borrowed skirts. She would look ridiculous and probably be shot before she could even get it out.

It was alarming to hear that someone had a higher plan for them and knew their history. And apparently Penny had made a date with him. She would have to remember to ask how she'd managed that one.

As the Bentley's retreated Kate's freehand lifted her skirts so she could more easily reach her gun. "Penny?" Obviously Kate wanted to stop them from leaving but in the end she would defer to Penny's judgment. Mr Bentley would be pretty easy to pick off but Mrs Bentley must have been very powerful if she could control a shifter. "It's three against two," she added softly, sliding her weapon from it's holster.

OOC: Emma was sitting at the table, so I'd like to interrupt before she gets too far away from it. Penny I had standing opposite, so...


'Indeed.' Penny said, seemingly lost in thought as she contemplated the room and its furnishings. She watched Emma rise from her seat, saying 'Fortunately, Mrs Bently, I do not play cricket.' Suddenly she grabbed the dining table and heaved it up as fast as she could, trying to flip it over on to the Bentlys — and showering them both with hot soup and cold wine, and all the fine china, utensils, and floral bouquets!

Penny kept pushing, hoping to trap them beneath the heavy table. She regretted that the physical education of a young upper-class woman did not concentrate on upper-body strength and unsightly muscle development, but Penny had the vigour and desperate need to do what she must. The best way to break a witch's concentration was to really piss her off!


OOC: And what did you expect? :D
Strength 15
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Wed 26 Feb 2014.

Mrs. Bentley gives a most irritated squawk as the table is pushed upon her. Mr. Bentley is far enough away that he is able to evade your attack, but his wife is struggling fiercely from where she is pinned. At the moment you are assuming she must be having difficulty concentrating because no other-wordly abilities have yet been manifested. Bentley aims his gun at Penny, but Ian is faster, already aiming at the man's head. Bentley decides it may be more advantageous to try to find cover...and so the fight commences!

ooc: Please roll initiative if you haven't already. Penny, I believe you already rolled one, was it 17 I believe? And roll your actions for the first round too please. Let the battle begin!

As she upended the table over Mrs Bently, Penny immediately jumped on it, keeping the pressure on the witch and rocking it side to side. 'I apologise for ruining your table settings!' she taunted as she pushed the table down hard. But Emma's struggles made it hard for Penny to maintain balance even in her sensible shoes.

'Do excuse me, Mr Shaw!' Penny shouted, as she hitched up her skirts past lacy stockings and frilly garter, to free her concealed revolver. It was time to see if and how well the enchantments would work. She looked around to see what Mr Bently would do; if he was smart, he could realise he would be well rid of his cruel and domineering wife.


OOC: Yes, I rolled 17 before the shifter fight.
Move: Jumping on the table to hold it down. I don't know if need to roll something, but Balance 4, Jump 18.
09:23, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 4 using 1d20+2. balance?
09:35, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20. jump

Move: draw gun

Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs Richard Bently

Kate couldn't keep the smile off her face as Penny threw the table over. Quickly she slid her gun from it's holster. Not wanting to accidentally hit Penny who was pinning Mrs. Bentley under the table Kate chose to take a shot at Mr. Bentley as he dashed for cover.

init: 8 (5+3)
used quick draw
attack: 13 (4+9)
damage: 4
dodge +1 against Mr. Bentley

Penny/Kate Foolish girl! Emma snarls and you can hear pure fury in her voice. She suddenly says something in Latin, so quickly you don't have time to make it out. Both of you are affected, and you feel your legs start to buckle and weaken, as though they are withering. It is disconcerting to say the least...
ooc: Fortitude save please. If you make a save of 15 or over you can shake off the spell's affects, otherwise your withered legs force you to fall prone and your land speed is reduced to 5 feet.

Meanwhile, Kate's shot has missed her target but Bentley seems to see Ian as more of the threat at the moment. He raises his pistol and to your horror shoots Ian right in the stomach. Though in a critical location, the wound has not killed the man. Clearly in pain, Ian is not down yet and it seems he means to retaliate, though he looks to be struggling with Emma's spell as well.

ooc: Ok, so fortitude saves and next rounds please! Good luck!

Penny gasped as her legs suddenly felt so weak and feeble, desperately hoping the withering was not permanent. She lost her balance and collapsed, falling onto the back of the table. Distantly, she noticed Shaw suffer a shot from Mr Bently, but she had to ignore him. Pragmatically, she took the witch as the most important target. 'Very clever, Mrs Bently!' Penny grunted as she clutched the edge of the dining table, and dragged herself painfully across it. Now, Emma had fallen just left of centre; she was right-handed and so would struggle most that way; she was a portly woman too. A large target. 'But I'm clever too!' Penny angled her pistol over the edge of the table and fired point-blank at the witch.


OOC:
Move: Exploit Weakness - check 24 vs DC 15, success. Use Intelligence on attack rolls vs Emma
16:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+7. Smart + Intelligence.

Point Blank Shot: +1 attack, +1 damage
Standard: shoot at Emma - attack 25, damage 8
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Wed 05 Mar 2014.

ooc: I'm gonna roll for Kate. Good news at least is you succeed in your fortitude check though Kate! ;P

Penny, you hit the woman easily under the circumstances and she lets out a shriek of pain, squirming violently. You are certain though that it is no mortal wound for shortly after she hurls the table and you several feet across the room. She must have done it with her powers for there is no other way the woman could have moved so much weight. You hit hard, landing on your side and elbow. It is a painful fall, but not much more than an irritation. Meanwhile Kate has managed to shake off the effects of the spell but she misses when she attempts to shoot Bentley. Fortunately in spite of his still bleeding wound, Ian manages a better shot and he grazes the man in the leg, also able to resist the spell. In your case though, your legs still feel withered and weak, but you still have your firearm at least. Emma looks enraged now that you can see her. She is a proper mess, her hair in disarray and blood seeping from the wound in her side. Her husband is starting to edge towards the exit. Leave them Emma! He snaps. Judging by her expression though she is more keen on staying and finishing you off.

ooc: Next round please, and just to make things quicker, please roll a constitution save in advance so I can have your results ready for the next round when she does her next attack.

Penny landed hard, pain shooting up her elbow, side, and withered leg, breath erupting from her lungs in a gasp. Curse it all. She could not let these villains get away with murder. Recovering and resolute, she rolled quickly onto her front, staying down and keeping a low profile against further attacks. She brought her gun back to bear on the enraged and soup-soaked witch, rapidly computing the situation. Emma had been clipped in the left side; she would lean the other, but was a large woman with a over-stressed right knee. She should have followed her husband's advice. Penny adjusted her aim and fired!


OOC:
Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs Emma Bently

Point Blank Shot: +1 attack, +1 damage
Attack 29, rolled a 20! Critical confirmation 22!
Damage 6, critical damage 7, blessed critical damage 7. Total damage 20!
08:56, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 29 using 1d20+9. gun: attack + PBS w/ EW
08:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+9. critical confirmation
08:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d4+2. damage
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 2d4+2. critical damage
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 2d4+2. blessed critical damage

Is that a Fortitude save or a Constitution check? Fortitude 19 or Constitution check 15
09:04, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20. save/check

Kate turned her attention to Mrs. Bentley now that she had escaped Penny's table. Mr Shaw had been hit hard in the stomach but there was nothing they could do for him while the fight was still going. Thankfully he seemed well enough to return fire.


Dodge +1 ac
1st attack: 20 (11+9)
1st damage: 4
2nd attack: 22 (13+9)
2nd damage: 3
Constitution: 7

ooc: Very nicely done! And sorry, I did mean Fortitude save. I adjusted your roll accordingly Kate, but you still failed it. I'm sorry.... :(


Penny's shot hits the witch in the chest towards the right side a bit, enough to hit her squarely but not to kill her as yet. Still, a great deal of blood blooms from the wound and she staggers in surprise at the pain. She gasps in shock and calls Penny a curse that is most unlady like. She raises her hand, fuming in anger and you can feel a sharp burning pain in your throats. Penny manages to steel herself against it and it quickly dissipates, but Kate is having more trouble. Kate, you feel a horrid scraping feeling from your lungs and all the way up your throat. Moments later you find yourself heaving up bloody pins on the floor, they cut the inside of your throat as they pass. It is not only painful, but quite unsettling! ooc: Kate, please make another fortitude save to see if you can shake it off next round.

In the meantime, Ian shoots at Mr. Bentley and clips him again in the arm this time. The man tries to shoot back but his gun slips and he drops it. Deciding it is not worth the risk he withdraws and runs away, leaving his shocked wife alone.
By now she's realizing that even wounded as you all are, she may not survive if she sticks around much longer. She turns to flee as well, looking livid and bleeding heavily. Belial or not, I will see you dead for this! She snarls as she tries to leave quickly. It is clear she is not used to running for she does a clumsy and awkward job of it. If you all weren't in such poor conditions it would be laughable. On her way out though she does place her hand on a tablecloth and the thing bursts into flames, moving with a quickness that astonishes you. At this rate it won't take long to catch the whole building on fire...You do still have the opportunity to take one last shot at her though before she is out the door...

ooc: Ok, one more shot and then you may want to figure out your escape...Keep in mind if you fail your fortitude save Kate you will still be dealing with the pins, and Penny you are still prone...

Penny firmly resisted the witch's spell, but was shocked to see that Kate was not so lucky. The whole team was doing poorly, with Ian suffering a gunshot to the gut, Kate coughing up pins and needles, and Penny's legs withered and barely capable of walking. But by now she'd untangled her skirts and pushed herself to her feet, staggering upright and gritting her teeth against the pain. Stiff upper lip.

She levelled her revolver at Emma's retreating back. Her only hope was that defeating the witch would end her spells. 'Stand and face me, madam!' she bellowed before firing another shot, gratified to see it graze Mrs Bently again. Penny had certainly given her a few scars to remember her by.


OOC: Move: stand up
Standard: shoot Emma again
Attack 28, damage 5 (oh, so close to another crit)
10:16, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 5 using 2d4+2. damage + PBS
10:16, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 28 using 1d20+9. gun: attack + PBS w/ EW

Are there any large jugs or urns of water around? Would that be enough to put the fire, or is already too big?

Penny, you barely manage to stand, but it is only for an instant before you buckle again. The witch's spell was quite potent. Still, you do manage to shoot the woman again, grazing her in the hip. She looks furious, and also to your surprise, frightened. Another time you worthless wretch. I am not stupid. We will meet again. She says darkly as she runs away, leaving the place in flames. It seems she knows when she is literally outgunned. Fortunately, Kate has managed to steel herself against the spell this time and she wipes her bloody mouth, standing shakily but thankfully no longer spitting up pins. Penny, you are unable to walk as every time you stand your legs collapse. By now the fire has started to spread rapidly and Ian quickly holsters his gun and gathers you into his arms. You are keenly aware that he is wounded, but to your surprise he still seems quite strong as he hoists you up. Don't worry about me. I've been shot far too many times to worry about it now. He grins. This place is too risky to get out that way. Let's go through the kitchens. He suggests. Everyone alright? He looks a bit pale, but otherwise you are sure he'll make it once he gets patched up. The man is a tough one for certain.

ooc: Just fyi, I don't actually have the D20 modern book so I don't know if it has any rules on being prone, so I'm going off the 3.5 system for the regular books for things like that. It says you aren't supposed to be able to make ranged attacks save for crossbows while in prone, but I'm certain that pistols and the like would be more than easy to fire while prone, so I'm ruling that they are not affected by the position, just in case we run into similar cases in the future. Also, I rolled Kate's next fortitude save for her, just in case you're wondering Kate how you did :D

'I look forward to it!' Penny shouted after Emma Bently, clutching the back of a stray chair for support. She dared not look under her skirt to examining her legs, dreading they might be frightfully shrivelled. She was trying to make her way from chair to table when Ian swept her up in his strong arms. As she gazed into his dashing, handsome face, so like a rugged gentleman, Penny began to have impure thoughts. I must be delirious. Since when do I swoon?

'Never mind me. Fetch my bag and umbrella.' she begged him urgently. The bag contained the cover-story suffragist literature and concealed hunting supplies, while her enchanted umbrella would help her walk, and was too valuable to leave behind besides.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Tue 11 Mar 2014.

"I hate witches," Kate muttered hoarsely. Her throat burned and she still felt like she was going to be sick. With the room on fire there wasn't much left to do. Ian had scooped Penny up and was headed towards the kitchens. "I'll get your things," Kate called taking a precious moment to collect Penny's belongings before following Ian.

Ian ignores Penny's decline of his help. Sorry Penny. I'm going to have to insist. When a place is on fire, haste is usually the best option and even shot I can move faster than you. He grins. Indeed the flames have spread rapidly by now and it won't be long before the ballroom is an inferno. He hoists Penny and with a nod to Kate to follow him he moves quickly through the kitchens and out the servants entrance. He doesn't stop until you are a few blocks away from the building. The last thing I need is to be questioned should some of my fellow coppers see me. He explains. We have bigger matters to deal with anyway. He gently sets Penny down, resting a moment. Well, you look a mess Miss Kate. Are you alright? He points to the smears of blood on her clothes from the effects of the spell. I suppose we had best find a cab home but we will look a fright of it. Should be fun explaining... He trails off doubtfully. Now, do either of you know what Emma was talking about Belial for? Please tell me it's not the Belial I'm thinking of. His face is grim. In the meantime you start to hear shouts from down the street. The fire is attracting a great deal of attention.

Penny threw her arms around Ian's neck, telling herself it was only for the support. After all, Penny was not the type of woman to need rescuing by a man. Still, she held tight and let him carry her out of the blazing house, trying not to think of his arm around her legs. Her withered, crippled legs. She tried not to think about that either. She glanced over his shoulder back to the burning house. 'Pity. It was such a lovely old building of the Arkham style.'

Once they were well away and Ian lowered Penny back to her unsteady feet, she retrieved her umbrella from Kate and used it as a cane, leaning on it heavily. Next time, she should bring her actual cane. If the withering remained, she would certainly need it. 'There's a first-aid kit in my bag. Bandages, morphine. That should keep you going until we can see Doctor von Stein.'

'Yes, I'm rather afraid it is... But I think we should get off the streets and be away from here before we talk more. Is there some place private we can go?' Penny recommended as she heard the growing shouting.

Ian turns a bit pale at the confirmation it is in fact the actual Belial, but he quickly recovers. He nods at the question and he picks you up again without waiting for you to refuse the offer. It is rather slow going with the umbrella and your legs are so weak you can only stand for a few minutes at a time anyway. Don't worry about your legs. I'm sure our boys can fix them. He reassures you. In the meantime there's a pub nearby I'm on the friendly side with. He grins devilishly.

It doesn't take long to arrive and he makes sure Kate follows as well. Better take the back entrance I think. He grunts as he approaches the rear of the building. Sorry for taking you fine ladies to such an unsavory place, but the owners are good friends of mine. They helped me out a great deal back in my copper days. He explains. It's not long before the owner, a Scottish man in his fifties has you deposited in a back room and Ian is examining his wounds. Ian had started to tell the man an excuse for everyone's condition, but the man quickly brushes it off. I know better by now than to ask you questions lad. He smiles. If anyone wants a drink it's on the house. We have everything from whiskey to sarsaparillas, or I'm sure I could scrounge up some tea too. He adds generously. Ian asks for a scotch and proceeds to strip to the waist, looking over the gunshot with a wince. Once the owner takes everyone's drink orders he leaves. Ian had set Penny on a chair and both of you can't help but notice as he undresses that he has a simply marvelous physique. Well, we're alone now near enough. Why don't you two tell me what you found out in there. Besides of course that the Bentley's are now on my bad side. He gives a sarcastic grin.

ooc: Feel free to interject anything if you want. If I moved too fast in taking you to the pub let me know and I'll edit. Don't forget to order your drinks! ;P

Kate followed Ian and Penny through the streets pausing with them to catch her breath. "I'm alright," she said wincing at the smears of blood on her borrowed dress. "Hope they didn't want this back..." Her throat still hurt but at least unlike Penny she could walk.

Kate seemed comfortable at the pub not realizing that in this time it was not a place for ladies. When offered a drink she asked for a whiskey, it would hurt going down but it would settle her nerves.

"I overheard the Bentley's talking to the shifter in the hall. She had some power over him and it sounds like the witch and her husband answered to my Mr. Jones, or Whickham...whoever he is." she shrugged. "I'm sorry I blew our cover, but he was going to kill you." The apology was more directed towards Penny as she knew secrecy was more the woman's style.

Kate couldn't help but notice Ian's well toned body. Her fiancee wasn't nearly so defined and she felt a twinge of guilt that this was the first time she'd thought of him that evening.

'Don't worry about my sensibilities. I have surveyed many London pubs, and once spent time in a Limehouse opium den.' Penny murmured as Ian apologised for his choice of hide-out, taking them around to the back of the American pub. She allowed herself to be placed on the chair, then straightened her skirts out, still not daring to peak underneath, dreading the sight of her sudden deformity.

She ordered tea from the bar-man then retrieved her first-aid kit from her bag. Being a good and very repressed young Victorian woman, she looked away as Ian undressed, only returning her gaze to him when his shirt was entirely off, since then it was an entirely medical matter. She blinked. She really needed to see a doctor herself after all this was said and done. Penny concentrated on preparing a syringe of morphine, enough to dull the pain, though not enough to leave Ian insensible.

She waved aside Kate's apology. 'Never mind, it had to happen and was bound to do so eventually. I fear Mrs Bently may already have suspected us, and we would only have kept dancing around one another. Now we may fight her openly... And, on that matter, I hope you did not mind me, ah, turning the tables on her?'

'Hold still, please.' Penny injected Ian with a gentle prick. She removed the needle, but had a second ready, having heard much of the modern theories of hygiene. 'Kate, do you require any?' she offered. Afterwards, she began sopping up Ian's bloody wound with a cloth rag. 'It doesn't appear so bad. It's just a flesh wound. I may even stitch this closed — needlework is a useful skill, I've found. Unless you'd rather wait for Doctor von Stein?'

Working away rinsing out the wound with medicinal alcohol, she related her own findings. 'Mr Bently introduced me to Jones — as Jones — and Jones revealed himself as Belial. The Prince of Darkness, or one of them at least, a fallen angel infamous for his foul perversions and lust.' she explained with clear loathing, discomforted even by his creepy presence. 'I'm rather afraid we've made dinner plans.'

Penny halted her work to look directly at Kate with actual concern in her eyes. 'Kate, he knows everything about us: that you're from the future, my family name.'


OOC: Treat Injury 20 with a first-aid kit, though this isn't really covered by any uses of the Treat Injury skill.
19:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+2. treat injury.

Thank you miss Kate for that. He smiles in reference to her warning him about the shifter.

Go right ahead. Ian nods at the offer to stitch him up. He winces a bit but otherwise handles the pain well. He seems used to this sort of thing and looking at his shirtless form you see numerous scars. Did you say dinner plans?! He exclaims at the mention of Belial. I hope you don't intend to keep them! You surely don't right? The barkeep enters then with your drinks and laughs at the sight of Ian's shirtless form. Oh stop yer showin off boy. He chuckles. How convenient that you should be shot and two beautiful women happen to be available to take care of ya. Some men have all the luck. Ian laughs in response. Yeah, I'm pretty lucky alright. He says in amusement. A bullet in the gut is a small price to pay right? He winks. The man grins and leaves you alone, sensing that you are discussing something private. Do many women drink whiskey where you're from? Ian eyes Kate with a chuckle.

Next, Penny washed her hands then produced her sewing kit: needles, threads, blank clothes, and a number of complete and unfinished works of cross-stitched art, including a devil's trap sampler. She leaned in, pushed the sides of the wound closed, poked the needle through, then set to work making a number of small, delicate cross-stitches across the wound. 'Having done this on myself, I can assure you it shouldn't leave much of a scar... Does this hurt? Do you want more morphine?'

'Yes, at the Marseille café tomorrow night. And, no, I'd really rather not... However, it could be useful. Belial may mention something of his plans. We may prepare our own security, perhaps even ambush him, but we don't have much time and I can think of no way of killing such an advanced demon.' Though it would be an utterly unpleasant and dangerous experience, she had to admit it could be useful, to learn more about this plot. Penny was made of stern stuff and was prepared to deal with this creature, no matter uncomfortable it made her. But she would not be going anywhere if she couldn't walk or run.

She stopped talking at the barkeeper returned, then blushed at his words, noticing again Ian's lean musculature and washboard abdomen beneath her fingertips. She bit her lip and concentrated on her work while the others spoke, occasionally taking a sip of tea.

Kate laughed at Penny's pun of turning the table. "I didn't mind at all. That was really quick thinking."

She declined the offer of pain medicine, thinking it may have been a little extreme for her raw throat and mouth. She had Ibuprofen back at the hotel that would probably work. It was nice that Penny seemed to know what she was doing. Kate had never been a pro at patching wounds up.

Finding out that Mr. Jones was Belial was a little bit of a shock."How does he know so much about us?"  "I was sure he'd never seen me following him. Though didn't Mr. Westbrook say there was a spy among the Men of Letters? Someone must have given him our history. Penny is for sure not going to dinner alone," she added. "I'm sure we can get some good disguises or send some of the others to keep an eye on things.

Kate took a swig of her whiskey and swished it around. The liquid stung on the cuts in her mouth and with some effort she managed to swallow it. "The women where I come from drink almost anything, she answered Ian's question with a grin.

'Westbrook did fear a spy, yes... But I never gave the Men of Letters my true name. I have to assume they were exceedingly thorough in their research prior to contacting me?' Penny said, looking up at Ian in query. She'd had multiple reasons for using a pseudonym in her work: to protect her family name from possible public scandal, to succeed on her own merits without it, and, finally, because the name Darkmoor was a cause for suspicion among hunters who knew their occult history. 'Otherwise, Belial has taken a particular interest in us and used his own resources, which I find more disturbing.'

Ian politely declines any further pain medicine. Indeed, he seems to be handling it all very well.
If anyone knew your real name it was probably Westbrook only, and I wouldn't be surprised if he did know it, the man is excellent at finding out things. I'm his third in command and I never knew of it, so I don't see how any spy could have. I would assume that Belial has other ways of determining these things. He frowns. I'm certain he knows that you are coming prepared. I doubt he's worried at all. In fact, I'm assuming he'll expect you to bring backup. You may be safer than we think though if he's told the Bentley's not to harm you two. I wonder why that is? He muses. Still, I'm going to be predictable anyway and make sure you aren't alone. We'll see what Westbrook thinks at the debriefing. After the stitching is finished he puts his shirt back on with a laugh. Sorry to deprive you again ladies. Perhaps I will be wounded again in the future though. You can always hope! He winks and laughs all the more. You get the impression that he is being playful rather than truly bragging about himself. The barkeep comes in then and informs you that he has ordered a handsome cab for you.

ooc: I'm just gonna let you finish up your conversation before you head back to headquarters.

'And his second-in-command is Victoria Green, I take it?' Who can apparently read minds.

She made the last stitch and tied it off, then halted Ian before he could put his shirt back on. 'Wait, I'll bandage this too. Doctor von Stein may wish to redo all this later, but I should like to keep you in one piece until then.' Penny laid a cloth over the wound, then began wrapping bandages around Ian's torso, passing her arms around his waist. "I should like to keep you"? Curses.

'I fear Belial's protection may be at an end, given what I did to Emma Bently. She has vowed to see me dead, regardless of the wishes of her demon patron... Well, she wouldn't be the first.' She clipped the bandage closed, then was done with Ian's treatment. She looked apologetically to him and Kate. 'I hope you don't think my attack on her precipitous? I estimated we had a good chance against her, though her magic proved stronger than expected. She would have left us in peace, but, now, well, we all left with terrible injuries.'

Ian nods, confirming your assumption about Victoria. He thanks you warmly for your help, looking like he deeply means it at that. Don't apologize. I was about ready to act myself. It just felt so wrong to do nothing and leave them be. One less witch out there is never a bad thing. And don't worry, we'll all get patched up in no time. Even you Miss Penny. There's very few things that they can't heal with us. I'm sure you'll be right as rain in time for your dinner with Belial tomorrow night. My word that sounds wrong. He shakes his head.

ooc: Finish up, but feel free to take your time with it (character development is important after all!) and just let me know when you're ready to go back. Thanks!

After finishing treating Ian, Penny washed her hands of blood in the bucket provided. 'Fortunately, we hit them worse than they hit us. With luck, Emma Bently will not survive her injuries, or the wrath of Belial... In any case, I expect Emma Bently will be so wounded and enraged as to become reckless in future dealings. Now she will make mistakes.'

'I'm hardly looking forward to it myself.'

Ian's talk brought Penny's attention to her own health. She couldn't put it off any longer, she had to try to deal with her crippled legs. Was the deformity permanent? Would she walk again? Steeling herself, she grasped the hem of her skirt and slowly pulled it up to view her ankles and calves, expecting to see them hideously withered...

"We'd be too lucky to have Mrs. Bentley die from her injuries. I have a feeling she will be back to cause more problems." Kate said with a sigh. "I am glad we took the chance to inconvenience her though. I was really hoping you guys would want to take a crack at her." She grinned at the memory of Penny throwing the table at the witch.

Kate peered over curiously as Penny took a peek at her legs. "Do they hurt at all?" She hoped her new friends problem wouldn't be permanent.

Penny, as you look at your legs you do in fact see that they are withered and thin, as though they have been unused for years. You are hardly surprised but the sight is still upsetting nonetheless. I bloody hate witches. Ian says sympathetically. I'm sure we can take care of that quick enough though. Don't worry your pretty little head. He reassures you kindly. As for the Bentley's, we will have to bring Victoria along next time. She doesn't like to leave headquarters too often as not many people treat her well with her being black and all. Still, she is a very accomplished practitioner of hoodoo. I don't know how much she'll do against someone like Belial though... He trails off uncertainly.

A gasp caught in Penny's throat at the frightful appearance of her legs, all withered and thin. Where did the muscle mass go? she wondered numbly. With a shudder, she lowered the hem of her skirt back into place. It was not a blow to vanity or her attractiveness to others that so disturbed her, but the sheer body horror of the sudden change, the possibility that she might be crippled, for a time or even permanently. 'It hurt at first, but now... I barely feel anything.' Penny answered quietly.

Ian's patronising words had the opposite effect on Penny though. 'My head is not little, sir.' she answered in a prickly manner, but at least it brought her fire back. 'As for Belial, we shall have to conduct a great deal of research and preparation. The Marseille may well be a demon nest... Well, if you have recovered, you may as well pick me up now.' she said, raising her arms. If she was to be carried around like a piece of luggage, then she would have it on her terms.


OOC: I think I'm ready to move on.

Ian apologizes with amusement about the little head comment and picks you up easily and soon you are all headed back towards the warehouse.

ooc: Ok I'm going to make a thread for everyone, watch for it and I'll post for you there!