ooc: I definitely think combat is the way to go for you now. You have such great diplomacy rolls that you should be totally set now on that score. I'll glance over and see if there are any feats I recommend. Also, whenever a roll is important, feel free to use an action point to reroll or what have you. Especially since we're ending this game in a few months, you might as well use them now! You should be getting more as you level up too.

Hm....what about gunslinger for your levels up? I'd waive the prerequisites for you because you're in your own thread anyway so who cares if you get to cut a couple corners? Also, since you're a level behind on your sheet, be sure to add THREE levels when you update it. So that will definitely help.

Here are some feats that looked interesting to me: (ignore if you already have them)
dead aim
farshot
point blank shot
weapon focus
heroic surge
combat reflexes

Admittedly, you have uncommonly bad luck at your rolls. I'm sure it's frustrating but I've had such great laughs from it! Hahahahahahahaha!

ic:

Your search doesn't turn up much, other than that she's clearly a witch but she also seems to have very little paraphernalia that you would find incriminating. No horrible ingredients in the basement, no spell book, just a few odds and ends. You suspect she was quite possibly, a good person, making her death all the more unfortunate.

As you make it back to town, you see Will and several others, shaken and wounded, but somehow alive. Marcus goes running toward him, picking the boy off his feet in a bear of a hug. Ow, ow, ow, ow! Will winces and Marcus lets him go quickly, apologizing, though the youngster has a big grin on his face nonetheless. He runs up to you then, looking mischievous. A kiss for nearly dying perhaps? He gives you a wink, nevermind that he's thirteen.

Meanwhile, the townsfolk have gathered around their returned members, everyone shaken and startled. Several of them are looking at you, for some reason. Whispering to each other and glancing at you uncertainly.

OOC - It is quite funny, my rolls, but it makes it very obvious why I TRY and play non-combat characters. Somebody with only combat capabilities would HAVE to answer every situation with deadliness (or at least would if they were appropriately roleplaying, etc) and then I would be very, VERY dead hahahaha!

I'm still terrible at leveling up, but I'll have more time to do it tonight, and possibly tomorrow, so I'll try and speed through it.



BIC - Seeing the townsfolk staring at her awkwardly, Josephine knew this was the moment to show what she was made of.

Smiling at Will, Josephine laughed and brushed his hair all over his head, like one would a small child, and she turned towards Marcus,

"Thank you... for everything."

Turning back towards the people of the town, she spoke with a softer tone, but a higher volume,

"It is because of your hard work, and your desire to fight, no matter the odds, that we have found success today. This was horrible, and I wish it upon nobody, but let nobody say that this town, and these people, are weak-minded!" she paused, to hopefully allow the townsfolk to feel better about themselves for a moment, and put it in a more heroic light, "In the future, you can hold off anything, if you just work hard, and work together. Now: get some rest, and try and recover for a rebuilding effort tomorrow of what was damaged today." she said, allowing the people to disperse before turning back towards Marcus, hopeful that her words would help the town cope.

"We need to move, and fast." she said, knowing that the trail was running cold as they stood around...

ooc: No rush. I'm trying to remember what happened in this thread so far. It's been a while since we've done anything with it! ;P

ic: Thankfully the townsfolk seem heartened by your words. They are obviously still in shock, dazed and rattled, but it is a nice bit of much needed encouragement that seems to set their feet in the right direction at least.

Meanwhile, Marcus nods at your suggestion of leaving. I'm going to see about getting us some horses. Kirk will whine, but too bad. We can't afford to wait for the train again. We can always meet up with it later if we have to, but I like the freedom of leaving when I feel like it. He starts to go get Kirk and obtain the horses but stops a few yards off and gestures to his brother. Watch the little devil, would you? Can't let him waylay us with yet another misadventure, he winks.

Will is more than happy to stay by your side, talking endlessly about how scary the ghosts were and how they were the first ones he's ever seen and if that makes him a real hunter now, like his brother?

Eventually, Marcus returns with a surly looking Kirk in tow, four horses being led by them. Soon enough you're off, riding fast into the afternoon light while Kirk grumbles from behind. He's the worst rider you've ever seen and his horse doesn't look any happier than the man himself about it. Marcus and Will, however, are champions at it and Will goes on about how their father used to breed Arabian horses back in Cairo before coming to America when Marcus was still a boy.

That night you are forced to camp out under the stars as there isn't a town close enough to stay in. Kirk wards the camp so no one has to keep watch but he looks furious that he'll actually have to sleep on the ground like an "animal." Luckily, Marcus had the foresight to purchase gear and you are comfortable enough in the late spring night.

ooc: Ok, roll listen, spot, and sense motive please.

OOC - Ok, put a bunch of time in to finish up the additional 3 levels, and decided to go with negotiator, because when I hit 10 on that class, I can talk down entire armies/rooms, and that would be where I'd envision her going. Now, it allows me to talk down multiple people in a fight, and pull favors/etc, so hopefully I'll be able to make this function! Don't worry: I'm STILL rolling like crap, hahahaha.

10:37, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 5 using 1d20.  sense motive.

10:37, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 4 using 1d20.  spot.

10:37, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 9 using 1d20.  listen.

Listen: 14
Spot: 16
Sense Motive: 13


BIC - Josephine laughs at Will's excitement about being a hunter. Clearly he didn't realize (yet) the almost guaranteed pain that was involved, but she left him to his enjoyments.

Seeing Kirk struggle, Josephine tried to help ease his horse before the ride got going. (Rolled a 2, of course, so 10 or 13 if the horse is male, but I don't know if that's how charm works - on an animal? I'm now averaging a 5 out of 20 on my rolls, so I'm REALLY glad I didn't go a combat build. Not that it doesn't hurt just as bad, but now I'll just make a horse mad instead of being shot!)

After that abysmal attempt, Josephine rode along with the others, letting things play out as they would.

Comfortable enough to rest, she did so, staring at the evening sky and enjoying the peaceful relaxation while she could.

ooc: Oh that's a cool idea! I hope your levels up at least help! lol

ic: The horse seems determined to be cranky towards the man, but there is something somewhat satisfying about that, since he is so utterly cranky himself.

You soon spread your bedding out, drifting off to sleep far easier than Kirk, but then you've had experience in this sort of setting whereas he looks like he's never slept in anything but goosedown beds. Your eyelids get heavy and you turn on your side, vision fading in sleep, but suddenly a sharp movement catches your eye from behind a tree. You squint, trying to get a better look, and there it is again. A dark figure, peering out from behind a tree. You have no idea if it's a man or woman, a threat or not, only that it is quietly watching you and the others.

Sliding slowly to her feet, Josephine crept towards the person, one hand out in a non threatening manner,

"Hello, stranger." she said softly, trying to talk them down, "Standing in the dark doesn't help anybody. Why don't you come out and have a conversation instead?" she offered, knowing full well that her words would at least warn her companions that somebody was here.

She was hoping to use her charms to figure out where this person had come from, and at least identify whether they were a threat or not.

15:30, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 20 using 1d20.  Uncertain diplomacy roll.
Not sure which skill to add so I rolled a natural 20! Hopefully it helps!

At your words the figure slips out, approaching you slowly. You see then, as it nears, that is a man. Not just any man, but your father. His face is pale, haggard. His eyes are bloodshot and have dark circles under them. He's thin, emaciated even, and staggers on his feet as he stumbles forward. Curiously, the others do not stir, only you and your father are conscious. Jo. You've got to stop chasing me Jo. He'll kill you. The man croaks.

"Father..?" Jo's voice was weak, uncertain. Peering through the darkness, she realized something strange must be going on. Nobody else was stirring... was this a dream?

Father, I can help you! Just keep fighting, and I'll be with you in no time! Keep fighting!" she urged him, pleading with her tone.

I've been fighting Jo. With all my might. He's just too strong. Too strong, his voice shakes. If I thought you could kill me, I'd beg you for death. After all my wretched body as been forced to do, I don't deserve life anyway. But he's too powerful. You've got to run. Find someplace safe! Don't come near me. He knows what you  mean to me, it will only amuse him to torture you!

As you talk, your companions are not stirring. This being a dream is seeming more likely.

Nodding, as Josephine understood the powers a demon could have, Jo tried to encourage her father, despite it all being a dream,

"Conserve your strength, Father. Wait until I arrive, and then fight, unexpectedly, to give me a moment of freedom to take him on! We can beat him together, I promise you! I will find a way to bring you back to me!" she said, hoping she believed herself.

No, Jo! It's too dangerous! You need to run, run far away! I- He's suddenly cut off by a cry of pain as his body stiffens and lurches. He makes a strangled sound and then, to your horror, his eyes turn black. A horrible smile spreads across his features, clearly the demon has taken control. Now, now, secret conversations eh? Can't have that. Why don't you just come join me? Someone with your spunk could serve me better than your pitiful father can, he chuckles.

Frowning as her father was taken back over, Josephine's eyes were full of spite,

"Oh sure... just give me your name, and I've got two barrels of ideas for our new 'partnership'!" she hissed, glaring at him.

Taunting his ego, she tried once again,

"I mean, even a man as pitiful as my father can have secret conversations around you... you must be growing weaker. Or, just weak to begin with. Tell me: what's been dragging you down, you poor thing?" she goaded the demon, hoping he would reveal his name or make some kind of mistake she could use...



Not sure what to roll to goad for information, but I'll try a bluff?
21:53, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 33 using 1d20+24.  bluff demon.

He looks amused at your threat but your goading does affect him, his eyes flashing at your words. I'm not weak, you pitiful pile of meat. Quite the contrary. You want to know my name? Think it will do you good? This is how little I fear you, child. He says the word child with disdain. I am Astaroth, archdemon of hell, and when you catch up to me, I am going to make your father watch as I tear you limb from limb with his bare hands. In fact, I have the time. I'll wait for you to arrive. His grin spreads from ear to ear and you find yourself shaking, frozen in fear as though his very aura is threatening to overtake you. I tire of your father's meat suit anyway. Yes. Catch up to me. Have your little confrontation. The moment he's killed you, I think I will find a new host and then eat your father alive. He'll wish he'd never resisted me.

ooc: Feel free to roll a knowledge check to see if you recognize his name.

Seeing that she'd gotten through to him, Josephine kept that hidden from her features, but she mentally chalked the name into her memory. Knowing his name would allow her, and the others, to hyper-focus on methods to defeat him, that much she knew would be necessary.

"You can bet on it, Astaroth, soon to be replaced arch-demon of hell!" she said, trying to sound brave, just to give her father a little bit of hope.

With that, she knew she was dreaming, so she tried to mentally will herself out of it. Earning the ire of an archdemon wasn't the best move, but it was successful in discovering who he was! She was ready to tell Marcus and the others immediately!



Ok!

21:36, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  knowledge.

Rolled pretty good, hopefully worth something!

ooc: Nice!

ic: You very much recognize his name, realizing now why he's so powerful. Hopefully that knowledge will enable Kirkman to do something more than he's been able to so far.

You are able to will yourself out of the dream, waking to the night sky above you and the peaceful slumber of your companions. Should you wake them, they will groggily listen, growing more alert by the second. Kirk looks most upset of all. Astaroth! So that's who he is! He shakes his head. That explains much. Still, the three of us against Astaroth...he looks doubtful. Will shoots him a displeased look for not counting him among the rest of you, likely because he is a child. Interesting, interesting, Kirk contemplates aloud. Well, strong as Astaroth is, I think with some enhancements and the help of Marcus and another strong mystic or two, we may just be able to stop him. But only him. He travels with at least a dozen men, no telling what either. Djinn, demons, witches. We can't possibly take on all them AND Astaroth. We need reinforcements.

Marcus cuts in then, running a sleepy hand through his black curls. You said he's waiting for you, right Jo? If that's true, he'll stop running and we can have a little time for reinforcements. Unless...damn but this feels like a trap of some kind, he shakes his head.

Nodding, Josephine responded cautiously,

"Its true: its most likely a trap, but unfortunately for him, he'd never intended to reveal his name, I just goaded him into it." she shrugged, a sheepish look on her face, "Maybe with that knowledge we can prepare for him better than he can for us, and we can hit him with some level of force he just didn't expect or prepare for."

Swallowing, she added hopefully,

"My father is stronger than anybody, even Astaroth, gives him credit for. I guarantee you, when the moment comes, if he can help, he will at least slow him down." she nodded affirmatively, knowing full well her father would if he could.

Yes, you're not wrong there. His name does give me something to play with...Kirk says with a frown. I just need time. And as many people as you can lay your hands on to help! This is Canada. We do have sister chapters of the men of letters here. You'll need to round them up, fast. With your silver tongue, you'd be able to do that I'd wager, he rolls his eyes, though it's the closest thing to a compliment as you've yet heard from the man. Marcus, you and the child had better go with her. The nearest chapter is two days away. I've got to start preparing for Astaroth now. You know how to get a hold of me Marcus. When I know the demon's final location, I'll be ready to give it to you and then I'll meet you there. This is going to take some doing on my part. He sighs. Marcus nods, face grave. Will listens with excitement as the conversation whirls, his boyish animation apparent on his face. Marcus glances at him, then wordlessly takes you by the hand and leads you further into the woods, waving at his brother to stay. His hand feels warm and strong against yours, most definitely not unpleasant.

When we reach the other chapter, I need you to convince Will to stay with them. He won't listen to me, hasn't since the day our parents died. But you... he puts his hands on your shoulders, his green eyes boring into yours, even in the moonlight. You can make anyone do anything. He'll listen to you. I need him to! It's my responsibility to keep him safe and...I'm incapable of doing it alone. He's so stubborn, he shakes his head, face frustrated. But he has to live on. The solstice is coming Jo. You know what that means. The endgame is on our heels. If they can't stop things in New York...if we can't hamstring whatever the hell Astaroth is trying to do...I just don't know. I don't know what will become of this world. But I damn well know I can't fully help if I have my little brother underfoot, worrying me half to death the whole time.

Nodding at Kirk's words, Josephine smiled, and said something she knew would drive him crazy,

"And I appreciate you too, Kirk. I'll try to round up as many as possible for us." she knew full well he wouldn't want to admit a compliment... which was specifically why she mentioned it!

Turning with Marcus now, she felt the warmth of his hand, and she listened closely. He was struggling, and she understood that, but acting out of fear wouldn't help anyone,

"Marcus, I know you're concerned for your brother, but what happens to him if we fail?" she paused to give him a second to think about it,

"This hell will fall on him, and he'll be alone. He wants to fight WITH you, not without you. I don't know if it's the right thing to do to force him to let YOU go alone." she explained, searching his eyes.

Marcus looks stunned at your words, turning his request back on him like that. You want me to let him come? he breathes, his green eyes wide. Oh he'd love that, he shakes his head. He'd have a right adventure too, until some demon ripped his heart out. He sighs then, looking down a moment before his eyes are boring into yours again. You're right. If we lose, he will be alone. He will be in hell. But Jo- his voice breaks suddenly, alarming you. I won't have to watch him die! Don't you see? If I have to see that...I-I... he puts a hand to his face, on the brink of tears.

Placing her hands on his shoulders, her eyes were understanding, and not at all hard,

"I understand Marcus, but if he's gone whose to say Astaroth won't attack from afar? He's been doing it all along so far, after all. He will be safer by our sides, and I will commit to protecting him, every step of the way, but..." she lifted his eyes to hers firmly, "If you insist, I will support your decision, and I will convince him to stay behind. You have my word. I will do what you think is best, no matter what." she reassured him, waiting to see his response.

He brushes away his tears roughly, but he looks at you with intense gratitude. You're a good woman Josephine. I don't think they make them better than you. And you're right. He isn't safe away from me any more than he is with me. I hate myself for asking this but...do you mean it? Will you really help me look after him? Maybe, between the two of us...maybe he'll make it.

Smiling through tears of her own, understanding his pain quite well, Josephine nods, and places a hand on his shoulder,

"Of course I will. We will give him the best chance anybody could. And just maybe we'll all make it." she smiled, patting him once more for emphasis.

ooc: Oh my! I forgot how dashing Marcus's avatar was, lol!

ic: He smiles back, shakily but sincere nonetheless. Thank you Jo. They don't come better than you. He kisses your forehead.

The rest of the night passes peacefully enough, though it's hard to sleep, thinking about your father and the torment he's gone through. Marcus likewise tosses and turns across from you, though Will sleeps the blissful sleep of the innocent. Must be nice.

The next morning Kirk takes off and you head the opposite direction, towards the nearest chapter of the men of letters. Will seems to sense the seriousness of what's going on, for he looks back and forth from you to Marcus with watchful eyes, saying little. You realize he might actually be afraid for once. But then his brother's sober tone is likely telling and children are more perceptive than they're given credit for.

ooc: Ok, what are you going to do for the next 2 days of travel? Any conversation you want to bring up? Also start thinking strategy as for how you're going to snag volunteers from this chapter.

OOC - Right?! GQ model :P

IC - Smiling and dipping her head slightly at the kiss, Josephine was feeling that warmth in her belly when good times occur (as rarely as that seemed to happen lately).

The next morning, as Kirk took off to begin his work, Jo headed towards the men of letters, knowing they'd need every bit of help they could get.

For the next 2 days of travel, I would assume Josephine would work REALLY hard (but subtly) to boost the confidence of the two men, to ensure they would be at their peak performance when things kicked off (that is her strength, after all!). Also, in terms of snagging volunteers: at this point Jo will do virtually anything, as she herself can sense how important this is! Most likely start from the top down, as making a strong speech to the leaders would inevitably trickle down, and gather her more support

Your efforts at bolstering the brothers' spirits seem to work. You are a welcome distraction and Will, especially, enjoys laughing and joking with you, as a boy his age is like to do. Marcus watches on, grinning in spite of himself, though you still see signs of worry in his green eyes, as is to be expected.

When you do make it to the chapter of the Men of Letters, you find they are headquartered in a massive white mansion on the outskirts of a small town. It is gorgeous. Clearly this chapter has quite a bit of money to be able to have such a place for their base. It takes a bit of doing to get through the guardsman, and Marcus is endlessly pulling out documentation, answering trick questions and jumping through various hoops to prove your identities. You, of course, are all rigorously tested with things like devil's traps and holy water, silver, and other such methods to be sure you're actually human. The whole thing takes hours before you're finally given rooms and a place to clean up.

Eventually you're taken to meet with the grand master of the chapter. His name is apparently Holden, and he's a very serious looking sort, with iron gray hair and eyes like blue steel. What exactly do three Americans think I can do for them? he arches a suspicious brow.

ooc: Roll diplomacy with your answer please, good luck!