Father Simon: Ian frowns and shakes his head. I have no idea. I was always under the impression that most people here liked me. It may or may not have been personal, hard to say. Either way, I hope he doesn't spread too many rumors about me before we can figure this all out. He sighs. He takes a few tries to find the others before you finally rejoin them in one of the studies. You see Penny, Kate, Victoria and also an Indian woman and a dark haired scruffy looking fellow.

Kimi: Frederick shrugs apologetically and says, Well, there may be a spell or something I am overlooking. I'll have to study it out with the researchers. Unfortunately, if there is, we may need to bring someone else along to cast it. I'm not really good at that sort of thing yet. He looks a bit sheepish. Perhaps we can just have them cast it and leave? The search shouldn't need many people, but I dare not risk trying it unskilled. Too many things could go wrong.

Stefan. Westbrook listens closely, his brow furrowed in thought. Yes, I had thought they didn't have the best relationship... He agrees. This does lend credence to the theory that perhaps the man was a shifter or some such thing? Though surely that would only draw more attention to him, not to mention the creature would likely not appreciate the resemblance. He sighs. Well there's no use speculating about it. We will have to go to Boston and look into this ourselves. The informant is there. I heard about all of this a few weeks ago. Hopefully they are still in the area. The trail may have gone cold by now. I have been communicating via telegraphs with the Boston chapter. I will find out what more I can and see if they have had any more sightings. Would you wish to travel there for answers yourself? Or should I put someone else on it? He queries. I would send a few people with you of course, but the choice is yours. I do not mean to drag you into your father's past if you don't wish it.

Penny/Kate/John:
Indeed! Lily agrees with Kate with a grin. I like your hair by the way. It suits you. She looks approving. Meanwhile as you are making your introductions, the door opens to reveal Father Simon and Ian.

ooc: I'm gonna give John a chance to respond to Penny real quick before we move you guys along. I'm just getting everyone on the same page before we divide the groups up for the night's adventures.

Kimi thought about that, then nodded. "Yes that will suffice Master Fredrick."  She moved around the lab to look at the various things that laid about.

<quote Artemis>

Stefan. Westbrook listens closely, his brow furrowed in thought. Yes, I had thought they didn't have the best relationship... He agrees. This does lend credence to the theory that perhaps the man was a shifter or some such thing? Though surely that would only draw more attention to him, not to mention the creature would likely not appreciate the resemblance. He sighs. Well there's no use speculating about it. We will have to go to Boston and look into this ourselves. The informant is there. I heard about all of this a few weeks ago. Hopefully they are still in the area. The trail may have gone cold by now. I have been communicating via telegraphs with the Boston chapter. I will find out what more I can and see if they have had any more sightings. Would you wish to travel there for answers yourself? Or should I put someone else on it? He queries. I would send a few people with you of course, but the choice is yours. I do not mean to drag you into your father's past if you don't wish it.

Stefan listens to Westbrook trying to take all this in. He nodded in agreement with leaving as soon as they could. "I am not sure about dhis being a shifter. If, so Jigsa man vould still try killin it, if it looked like my fadher. It could be a necromancer or a voodoo priest."

Stefan took a deep breath once more collecting himself and trying to contain his thoughts. "Yes, I vish ta go ta check dhis for myself. It vould not be fair ta anyone but myself ta do. Vhen can I leave?"

Simon enters with Ian. "Good evening. I believe Ian and I have made a rather intriguing discovery. What about you, did you find anything?"

Then he looks over Lily and John. "I am not sure we have been introduced, I am Father Simon Cole. This is Ian Shaw. Very pleased to make your acquaintance."

In reply to Penny Dreadful (msg # 287):

The man raised his eyebrows in surprise but didn't comment on how the woman knew his profession. "Ah first noticed tha blood seeping through the walls when Ah gave tha bricks acloser look and the bricks were loose. Tha body was decomposing, smelled somethin awful, which makes me wonder why the blood was poolin out. Ah'd think it'd be dry judging from tha body."

'That is unusual,' Penny agreed. 'I'd like to ascertain if it was a natural occurrence or some kind of ghostly manifestation intended to reveal his improper burial... Are you sure it was blood, not putrefaction? What was the colour? I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to examine the first body yet, given the plethora of victims. How long would you say the victim had been deceased for?' she asked, continuing her interrogation and learning all she could.

OOC: If we're moving on, you don't have to answer, I'll just look it up.

She looked over as Shaw and Cole returned. 'I conducted some desultory research into the Bently matter, and made a little headway into Miss Piper's problem. But I'm afraid I've found nothing new of import in the bodies-in-the-wall case. I was hoping you could provide some more solid avenues of inquiry?'

Simon nodded, "We have indeed uncovered avenues of inquiry. there are a great number of victims from amongst the poor. These victims were all on the receiving end of a great deal of charity work from one group in particular. Mrs. Bentley's Circle is the course of those funds. The police were only briefly suspicious, gave cursory inquiry and dismissed the connection as mere coincidence.

More similarities are that the victims go missing at night, and though there are signs of struggle such as blood or torn clothing, there are never any other signs of the bodies.

Most intriguing is that two months ago, when these disappearances began, there was a reported grave robbery of a Russian man's body." He nodded, "So that's what we found out..."

Kimi: It doesn't take long for Frederick to find a willing volunteer. It is one of the higher level Men, and he looks almost amused at being asked to assist. Sometimes the smugness of certain members could be....irksome. Still, the man would be useful nonetheless and he would not be there long. What the scholars had in skill they lacked in physical ability. Not many dared venture into the field. At last preparations were made and night drew close. The man, James Kirkman was his name, looked at his pocket watch and made a face. Well, I suppose we should get on with it then? He sniffs.

Stefan: Westbrook gives an understanding nod. You can leave in the morning. You are needed at the docks tonight if that's something you are willing to do. Also, I don't feel comfortable sending you alone. I will send at least one person with you, and you will likely work closely with the men in the Boston chapter. They will give you equipment, supplies, and men if it gets to be necessary. If your father really is alive or if someone is using his old work, then it is everybody's problem. I will let you lead the investigation though, considering your connection to it. He adds.

The Scotsman gives a nod of agreement at Father Simon's words. I'm thinkin maybe the body is a clue. I thought I would have the librarians see what they could dig up, no pun intended. He grins suddenly as though amused at his own joke. It would seem though that the cases are definitely connected. The Bentley's may have a spy in our midst. He adds, suddenly serious again.

ooc: John- the liquid was bloody to be sure, but you get the feeling there was probably purification involved as well :)

Kate listened to the others with interest, taking a moment to survey the newcomers. Lily had complimented her hair, so naturally they were going to be instant friends. The cowboy...lawman? Obviously had some haunting tale of his own. Though she got the feeling they all had their own crazy stories. It was hard not to with this profession.

From the sounds of it they were gong to have an interesting night. Kate found her self wondering what she'd be doing if she were back home? Thoughts of home gave her an idea. Maybe she did know of someone here who could help with the situation. Her friends had a Great Grandfather who was connected with The Men of Letters. She made a mental note to ask Victoria about it later.

"It might be good to have someone get closer to Mrs. Bentley tonight." She looked at Penny who was obviously the best choice. "Maybe she'll invite you into her little circle."

Penny was impressed by Cole's report. 'Indeed? How extraordinary. We shall have to correlate the descriptions of the missing persons to the bodies, to confirm the link. But, if true, it is all surely too close to be coincidence for us to be investigating the Hand of Baal and to find the suspects' own crimes in our midst... This Russian man, he could be the killer, some kind of maybe of ghoul, or perhaps the first victim. Suppose the monster began devouring old corpses robbed from graves, but soon developed a taste for fresh meat?'

'But the oldest cadaver I estimated to be some fourth months old. Now you say two months... How long had this Russian man been deceased?'

She considered Kate's suggestion carefully. 'Witchcraft or charity?' Penny inquired, attempting a small joke. 'Yes, that could work well. She would not accept an equal partner, of course, but a student who shares her interests and is willing to obey her... I believe I can impress her sufficiently with my knowledge of witchcraft. Enough of my ancestors were burned for it, after all.' But privately she had to admit her curiosity at mastering the magical arts as those ancestors were whispered to have done. To wield such power and have such knowledge...

Stefan nodded. "Very vell, as for tonite an da docks. Vhat is going on? Do not forget Mr. Vestbrook. I 'ave a charity event to attend. Da tailors vife still needs ta be checked into. I need ta know if she is a real vitch or a fake dabbler. She obviously knows 'er vay around herbs an such. I 'ope dis does not cause problems."

Kimi nodded to the man, then told them both she would meet them right there in a few moments.

She quickly headed back to her room, unlocked the door, and began to strip out of her kimono, and into black clothing.  She swept up her fans, and a tonja, tied up her hair, and then returned to them.

"We must see upon a map, where the Tailor's home is, then approach it carefully."

Simon was cordial enough, "I have already made such correlations to the victims we have here. I would not have brought this to your attention otherwise."

At Kate's suggestion and Penny's reply Simon interjected, "If you are going with Ms. Penny then I think I should investigate this Russian. I doubt having a Priest would facilitate such a...ruse." Besides he is a terrible liar.

When Penny mentions being a student of a witch he crosses himself. "Penny these are forces best left untapped. Even one who practices white magic can be tempted."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Wed 15 Jan 2014.

Stefan: Westbrook explains the situation. Well, we believe that the shipment of summoning scrolls is being sent tonight at the harbor. If they fall into the hand of Baal then they have an army at their disposal. I was hoping you could helm the group at the docks but if you think you would be better off at the banquet I can find others. It is up to you my friend. He says gravely.

Penny/Kate/John/Simon: ooc: Crap. I may have screwed up the time frame that the Russian was taken. I'll have to go and change it later, but basically it is supposed to line up with the first victim. Apologies.

Victoria listens to Father Simon's comment about white magic with an expression of disagreement. She looks about to say something on the matter, but quickly changes her mind....In the meantime Ian speaks up. If you are not going to the banquet Father, perhaps you wouldn't mind bolstering the ranks at the docks first? We can investigate the Russian after that, but I am concerned about these scrolls. He shakes his head. Besides, if it is something monstrous, it may be better to approach it by daylight. We may need to question his relatives and I've discovered people are more willing to answer questions by daylight.

Kimi: The map indicates that the house is on a street with quite a few houses nearby. The neighbors may be about since it won't be especially late. Frederick frowns. I think it best we make this look like a social call if we want to avoid the wrong kind of attention. You may be good at sneaking Miss Norkio, but we are at a decided disadvantage. He smiles sheepishly. We may want to think of a good cover story.

Simon nodded to Ian, "Of course, my good sir."

In reply to Artemis (msg # 302):

Stefan shook his head. "No, da scrolls are much more important. I vill send a message vith my regrets for missing it and offer to match 'er contribution."

Kimi leaned against the table. "I am seeing the wisdom in your words Fredrick.  Perhaps you to gentlemen can be the distraction we need.  Whilst you approach the household looking for the Tailor, I may find a way into the house?" Her almost shaped eyes looked to them each. "A good way to assess the people in the house?"

'I shall have to re-examine the oldest bodies. The confined space may have accelerated the decay.' Penny mused on the discrepancy between the theft of the Russian's remains and her estimated ages of those found in the wall.

The priest's warning about magic did not impress Penny much. And unlike Victoria, she would speak her mind. 'Father, magic is a science and a force of nature like any other, like electromagnetism or chemistry, with both positive and negative aspects. We would be foolish not to study what may be a useful tool in the fight for goodness and civilisation, or simply to know the weapons of our enemies... And you need not doubt my resolve against temptation. Regardless, it is only a ruse to gain her trust.'

Leaving aside the issue, Penny turned to Kate. 'Well, I do believe that's everything. Miss Piper, shall we go get ready for this banquet?' she said with a smile, looking forward to the evening. 'I'm sure we shall have a gay old time.'

"Should be fun," Kate grinned. She was ready to get on with the evening. Mrs. Bentley's banquet would be a very interesting party. She hoped the others would fare well at the shipyard. It bothered her that they didn't have the technology to call for backup if they needed it.

ooc: I am finishing up here and starting a new chapter plus sub-chapters so that we can keep things streamlined. I will let you know where to go. If you are done here you can simply go there when it's up. Otherwise, wind up any conversations and the like you may have going here still.

Kimi: Frederick nods his approval. Excellent idea. You can find a back way in while we take down the inhabitants. No reason for you not to get started while we take care of the rest. He hands you a rough sketch of the neighborhood. If something goes wrong and we get separated I suggest we meet at this park nearby. He indicates it on the map.

Stefan: Westbrook seems relieved that you are willing to go to the docks. Glad to hear it. I believe that Miss Dreadful and Kate managed to acquire invitations to the banquet separately so they will go and keep an eye on things there. I am going to put a new recruit with you as well as some of my more experienced people. There will be a small team with you, but as I mentioned I want you there for your expertise. An Indian woman named Lily will be leading the expedition but I want you to partner with her in leading this. She can be a bit....spirited...but she will respect your experience.

Everyone else:

ooc: Lol! Thanks for throwing me the bone there Penny about the accelerated decay throwing off dates. I appreciate it! :D If anyone has anything more to add here such as last minute details or responses feel free to do so. I am posting the banquet chapter now so you can finish up here and post there if you like as long as you don't do anything that will drastically change future events.

Stefan nodded. "Vhen you say Indian, do you mean Native American or a lady from  India? I vould dhink dhat dhey vill 'ave a large contingency dhere for dhis as vell. DO you not dhink? Vhat information do you 'ave on dhis besides vhat you told me?"

Westbrook gives a chuckle. Excuse the confusion. I was referring to her being a Native woman. As for tonight, all I know is that the Bentley's are planning to send out a shipment of scrolls tonight. If the other scrolls are like the one that Miss Noriko was able to procure we could be looking at summoning scrolls to raise more demon generals than I would like to think about. It seems as though they are trying to form an army. Any advantage we can keep from them is worth pursuing.

Stefan looked at Westbrook a bit embarrassed, but hid it well. "Ah, my mistake. Again I am dhinking dhat dhis vill be vell guarded. If ve must I vould radher burn it all dhen let it go, if ve can not secure it. I know dhis is not good an vould be a last resort, but ve can not allow dhem ta 'ave dhem. Vhat do you dhink?"

I think that is a wise idea. It would be a pity to lose such rare scrolls, but it is better than the alternative. Do what you must. He says firmly.