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.