11:39, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 17 using 1d20+11. K: Theology.

11:39, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 13 using 1d20+9. K: Arcane.

Simon listened to the pocket watch man and the Jacob's question. He nodded and then answered allowed for everyone. "Baal was worshiped in ancient Canaan, what we call Israel today, before Moses lead his people to that land. He was a fertility god - meaning a sex god, but also a god of weather, learning, and reason. Basically things that are still worshiped in society at large, except perhaps weather. Baal's worship involved temple prostitution, so it was popular even up into the first century. Many of the old testament prophets, most notably Hosea, were given the Word of God for the people of Israel to turn away from Baal worship.

After Christ, Baal was unmasked as a demon. Baal is a lieutenant of Lucifer, his mission is to make people believe that there is no Devil or God, that people are created by some means outside of God - such as the current fad of Evolution, to turn people to the worship of their own minds and bodies rather than God. he actually has a rather easy job, given that most people are geared for this anyway."

Stefan listened to what he was being told and his mind began going thru all names nad knowledge of demons he knew of. Baal was one he recognized. He knew the feeling he had, before coming here was bad, but he did not think it was this bad.

Stefan looked at the man, after a moment. "Do ve 'ave a name ta place vith da 'ead a dis serpent."

20:01, Today: Stefan Von Frankenstein rolled 18 using 1d20+14. Arcane knowledge.

Kate looked from the man to the woman. "What is the date?" She asked slowly, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer. Kate had heard of time travel before but had little experience with it herself. Not that she would take two walking antiques at their word if they told her it was 1890. She'd need to see for herself before she decided if it was time to freak out or not.

As Westbrook began his tale, Penny leaned back into her comfortable chair and steepled her fingers before her, in a pose that indicated great concentration and analytical thought. It didn't really help, but she'd seen Holmes do it. Her composure was only disturbed with a small blush as Father Cole spoke openly of such private matters as "sex" and "prostitution". Morals were loose indeed in America.

Baal. She recalled the name from her studies of ancient history and mythology, and those dusty grimoires kept in the library of Darkmoor Manor. She'd had cause to read the entries on this demon, along with many others in morbid curiosity, but was fortunate enough not to have encountered him or his cult before. Reporting what she knew, she couldn't resist correcting the priest on several points. 'The word "baal" is actually an old Semitic word for "lord", "master", and even "husband". It was applied to a number of gods of Canaan, Tyre, and Carthage, and even some kings, so it is difficult to distinguish one reference to "Baal" from another. They may have simply been gods of other pantheons, or maybe they were fallen angels, or perhaps some demon simply stole the title, and with it the history, culture, and power. Ironically, the Jewish and Christian demonisation of the old gods may have driven many of them to Lucifer for protection.'

'Regardless, the demon Baal, or Bael, first appears in the 16th century as one of seventy-two greater demons named in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, and later in The Lesser Key of Solomon. The Dictionnaire Infernal summarises these accounts, describing Baal as a king of eastern Hell, in command of 66 legions. He is said to wear the forms of a cat, a toad, and a harsh-voiced king, or combinations thereof, but oddly the artist of the Dictionnaire placed the heads of all three atop the body of a spider. If summoned, he is claimed to grant wisdom and the power of invisibility. But, as is typical with demons, it is difficult to know what is true, what is speculation, and what are lies.'

'And Darwin's theory of evolution is no fad, but a perfectly reasonable and well-supported explanation of the natural world.' Penny pointed out to Cole, unable to let the priest's criticism pass unchallenged.

'But I must admit I have not heard of the Hand of Baal before now. What have they done, what crimes have they committed, and how did you learn of them?' she inquired of Westbrook again.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Fri 18 Oct 2013.

Simon smiled at the intellectual woman. "I suppose that from a purely humanistic point of view those things could be seen as correct. From my point of view this," he slides a Bible out of his pocket, "Is the only thing that really matters. All else is human folly. There is an old theory among Bible scholars that no animal ever goes extinct because God place an invisible veil over them at creation. This has been disproven by the loss of the Dodo bird, which has sent shock waves through my community. The current thinking is that indeed God made the Earth as a changing environment, that species can change to match their environment, which is basic evolution, but we of faith still reject the notion that mankind evolved from a monkey or a monkey from an amoeba. Evolution holds up for the current environment, but discounts many things such as the possibility that nature has fundamentally changed. However we are not here to debate the Origin of the Species, but rather stop an ancient demon from bringing hell to Earth."

Penny would have been quite atheist if she hadn't encountered a demon, a vampire, several fey, a few Chinese spirits, an Indian Thuggee murderer, and more. Since then, she had adopted the position that if all myths and creations and faiths and monsters were true, then none could hold primacy in the world. And as their power rose and fell with human belief and fear, then the true dominant force in the world had to be humankind and the natural and physical world, including evolution. For her, the supernatural was the exception that proved the laws of the natural world. Belief and superstition fueled it, reason was the only defence.

Still, she wasn't about to argue her heresies with a Catholic priest with whom she would have to work closely. She tried to end the evolution matter with a compromise, which was rather difficult for her. 'We each understand what we can. Personally, I am happy to be a proud ape, and I do not take affront at God's tools... Though, if by "fundamental", you mean an extreme change, then evolution should occur more rapidly in such circumstances. If you mean a magical change, then no, the natural cannot account for the supernatural by definition. But I do wonder how the demons evolved.' Penny finished, raising her teacup and daintily sipping.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:54, Sat 19 Oct 2013.

Ian shakes his head at the conversation between Father Simon and Penny. As thrilling as this conversation is, mind if we get back to the end of the world discussion? He says with an amused laugh. Westbrook looks a bit irritated at having been overshadowed. Clearly he is not used to having to try to maintain himself as the center of attention, and it is just a bit gratifying to see him flustered. No doubt he is a fine man, but it is still nice to instil a bit of humility in such a person from time to time.

He continues though, as if he had not been interrupted. At any rate, we have a real situation on our hands. The information came to us little by little and only recently have we put things together. It started as more of a few details here and there. Noticing odd things in our research and the hunters we worked with were reporting strange activities. Sacrifices and the like. Baal kept coming up again and again. We realized eventually that it was a cult. We were even more surprised when we found out that the monsters and demons alike were worshiping it alongside humans. You don't generally see that kind of cooperation. I don't know if I've ever seen it before actually. Then, when we really started delving into it, well, that's when we started to discover the ancient texts and scrolls. In cultures throughout the world actually. They all mention the end of the world being brought about early should Baal's hand ever grasp enough power. We realized that it meant the cult specifically. I don't know what they are doing or what their endgame is. But the information we have is enough to scare me into bringing you all together. He finishes gravely. I only hope that I can count on your cooperation. You will have our facilities at your disposal, as well as any supplies you may need.

Kate:

She looks at you gravely and you are surprised to see she doesn't find the question odd. Instead she says simply, 1890. But I have a feeling you expected me to say something like that. I also have a feeling that is not the answer you wanted to hear.

Simon nodded, "Of course, as well as my discretion. How should we proceed?"

"No it's not the answer I was hoping for," Kate said with a frown. Her mind was spinning at the realization of what had happened. She'd fallen back in time. One thing was certain. "I need to get back," she muttered under her breath. It was unclear what time it was but Kate knew sometime or other in 2013 her fiance would be leaving to pick her up from the airport and she wouldn't be there. Her fingers itched to pull her phone out even though she knew if it really was 1890 it would have no signal.

The black woman seemed to have an idea of what had happened so Kate chose to speak to her instead of the man who had pulled the gun on her. "Will you give me an idea of where I am and show me a way out?" She wanted to see for herself just exactly what the 1890's looked like. If they let her.

'It is strange that I have not heard of this Hand of Baal before. They must not have been able to gain a foothold in Britain, of course.' Penny mused with a national conceit. She stirred her tea and watched the leaves bob under the surface as she reflected on Westbrook's claims. It was strange that such a niche cult as demon worship could grow so large and so widespread and become so entrenched without being more noticed. Perhaps they'd operated under the guise of Anarchists or as a criminal organisation similar to the Moriarty gang. She also wondered how it could attract so many people to work in concert with demons and monsters. No doubt they'd recruited the dregs of society, the ignorant, the poor, the villainous, and those lacking all hope. But she was making the capital mistake of theorising before she had the data. Westbrook had offered her only nebulous fears and portents again, but no real facts she could build on.

She put down her teacup and looked expectantly to Westbrook. 'Mister Westbrook, I am an amateur paranormal consulting detective, and I have already crossed the Atlantic to be here. Thus you have my time, discretion, and cooperation should you hire my services. But I need data, I cannot make bricks without clay. Do you have a specific case for me— for us to investigate?'

Westbrook listens to you with a nod. Well, it just so happens that we have come across some clues that point us towards a man in this very city. He is a tailor by trade, and a fairly successful one at that. Little is known of him. He seems to be quiet and keeps to himself. But we intercepted a letter from him during one of our raids that looks to be fairly suspicious. We would like you to investigate him. There have been some disappearances of late that we are wondering if he could be involved in as well. It is getting late though and I'm sure you must be tired. If you are all in agreement, perhaps you could start in the morning?

The woman gives you an apologetic smile and shakes her head. I am sorry, but this location is very guarded. If you do not know where you are it is best that it stay that way until we can determine if you are trustworthy or not. I feel that you are, but my employer will not agree with me without proof. I can tell you that you are in New York though, and that you will be safe as long as you cooperate. I also imagine that we can help you to return, once we find out why you are here in the first place. You must be very lucky to have arrived amongst our organization, perhaps the only ones who can actually return you to your timeline. She says reassuringly. If you would be so kind as to follow me, I will take you to my employer now. I think this is worth interrupting him for. Tell me, what do you remember about arriving here?

Simon was a little disappointed but nodded, "Yes, but I would prefer not to sleep here. I can make arrangements with the local parish for cloistering."

'You tease a detective, sir, but very well: I shall eagerly await tomorrow's meeting. I should like to begin with that letter.' Penny returned. The talk of the Hand of Baal had intrigued her, and now she wanted to get into this case, but Westbrook was right: it would have to wait for a new day and a fresh mind. Why Westbrook had requested a meeting at ten-thirty at night was beyond her.

She agreed with Cole on one thing: she did not wish to stay overnight at the Men of Letters' facility. They might be employing her, but she was not one of them, at least not yet. Nor did she trust them, especially if Westbrook couldn't even trust his own. Her room at the hotel would do well enough, though she might lay down some salt. 'I, too, should like to return to my hotel. Can you please have someone call us a hansom cab?' She finished her biscuit and drank some more of her cooling tea.

Jacob nods at the others " I would prefer to sleep somewhere else , perhaps a Inn close by would be a good idea. We can than start first thing in the morning and meet up somewhere."

Westbrook seems a bit disappointed that no one has decided to stay but he recovers quickly nonetheless. Very well. Perhaps it is best to keep you at arms length from the rest of the chapter. After all, I do fear I'm unsure of who to trust. That's why I'm putting you on this investigation. If any word gets to the tailor before you get there to question him, he will either flee or get rid of all the evidence. Unfortunately that seems to be a recurring happening as of late. That's why I think we have a traitor in our midst. Too many times we've gone to follow a lead and discovered they were prepared for us. He shakes his head. He then takes out a large envelope from a dresser drawer and hands it to Penny. Inside you will find a photograph, the addresses, and some general information on the tailor. His name is Richard Bently. He has a home and a shop. I'm thinking it would be wise to divide and conquer tomorrow, however, I leave you to what you think is best. I will make sure a cab is called for you. He finishes with a nod. Ian, I would be most pleased if you would be so kind as to escort these fine people to their places of residence for the night? And then perhaps look into that other matter I asked you about.... He trails off. The Scotsman gives him a nod and then proceeds to start to lead you down the hall. He stops though at the sound of approaching footsteps.

ooc: Sorry, I'm waiting on Kate to catch up here, so feel free to comment on what's been said so far. I will continue the post as soon as she catches up though, so it should only be a very temporary delay.

Jacob listens before asking " Is there something we can perhaps get from you that will identify us with those we can trust ? Perhaps a phrase or keyword , or a question we can ask. "

Penny finished her tea and examined the teaspoon closely. Sterling silver, she estimated, and she thought she glimpsed the Aquarian Star worked into the handle. How interesting. Maybe she could ask for one at a later date. She set her cup down to receive the envelope from Westbrook, then eagerly riffled through its contents, first drawing out the photograph of Richard Bently to fix his face in her mind. It would take time for a full examination, however.

As the meeting drew to a close, she returned the photograph and rose from her seat. 'Thank you, I shall examine these in the morning prior to our next meeting, and hope to draw some conclusions for you. I shall do all I can to investigate this matter for you.' Then Penny approached Westbrook and laid her delicate fingers over the silver pocket watch in his large hand. A brief glance at it confirmed her earlier theories. 'I assure you, you have made the right choice in hiring me. I am sure your father would approve.' She tapped the watch to indicate what she was referring to, hoping this demonstration of her observational skills and inductive reasoning would assuage his doubts.

Kate listened with interest not surprised that they wouldn't just let her walk out of the building. After a brief moment of thought she decided to go along with them for now and see where things led from there. "I was investigating a cult in Connecticut. There was this ruined mausoleum I was digging around in actually. I found this symbol, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and brought up the picture she'd taken of the symbol. "It just sucked me into the wall and poof here I am." She watches their response to her phone intently to see if there is any recognition of the device.

Kate makes no objections to following the woman finding herself curious as to what she's stumbled upon. And even more so if they could find her a way home.

Simon nudged Jacob and pointed in the direction of the footfalls. He pulled on his ear ("Do you hear that?") and then pointed at his eye ("I'll go and have a look"). He pointed at Jacob and then with a flat hand waved it over his head ("You cover me").

She stood, putting his bible away with his left hand and reach down with his right he pulled back his coat, revealing a Colt Peacemaker. He drew the weapon and thumbed back the trigger in a single motion, though he pointed it up rather than out. "Whomever you are, its time to reveal yourself. Into the light I command thee."

Jacobs nods at Simon as he slips a set of brass knuckles onto his hands and moves to the side watching Simon check out who was following them. Jacob walks into the dark shadows and starts to slowly walk towards the source of the footfalls as Simon orders the person to stand into the light.

At mention of a sign or password, Westbrook nods toward Jacob. Yes. I should have one ready for you by the morning. Use it at your discretion though. If you ask for it and someone does not know it, they may get upset if they find out that I do not trust them. I will try to have those I send provide it for you from the start.

At Penny's words he gives a small smile. I can see why you are so highly recommended my dear. I look forward to hearing your conclusions.

As the footsteps approach you all turn to see three people, one of whom is a rather strange looking individual. There is a tall thin man who looks a bit startled, an absolutely stunning black woman with proud eyes, and a young woman who is dressed in what appears to be denim pants and all manner of layers including a strange sweater and a shirt that has the caricature of a ghost and the words "Ghostbusters" in bold lettering. Her shoes are strange as well, a mixture of black and a shade of bright pink that would not look uncommon on a flamingo. Such clothes in the first place, let alone on a woman are surprising. She is holding a flat square device and the black woman was looking into it before being startled by Father Simon's orders. Westbrook turns in surprise. It is alright....I think. The two are some of ours, though the woman in the trousers is new to me. He sounds unhappy about her presence, no doubt not liking strangers in such a secret place. Who are you?

Kate:

The woman looks absolutely flabbergasted by the phone, but looks into it nonetheless, still walking as she does so, albeit slower. A look of recognition crosses her face but the sound of a voice from around the corner interrupts her. You hear a man say "Whomever you are, it's time to reveal yourself. Into the light I command thee." Upon rounding the corner you see a strange group of people, all dressed in Victorian style and all looking at you in surprise. ooc: See above for Westbrook's reaction. From now on I shall post for you at the same time as the others. Welcome aboard Kate!

Simon was glad he had not pointed his weapon, it would have been rude. He noticed the black woman and the small box she held first. Despite their being nearly a half century removed from the war between the states, a black woman in the company of whites was unusual. Simon himself held no racist sympathies, some of his colleagues did and gave lip service to racial equality, Simon believed that God created all mankind and in His view all were His children wayward or not. The skinny fellow was hardly given a second glance as his eyes fell on the extremely strange woman.

He holstered his weapon as he took her in. At first he thought she was one of those women's suffragists, who go around wearing men's clothing in an obscene way. Her shoes were too odd, and her sweater was completely wrong. "Ghostbusters? Madam do you think this is some sort of game? Who are these Ghostbusters pray tell?" This was the first time he had really showed anything close to anger. Even with the holy water earlier his reprimand had been gentle. This seemed an affront to him. Perhaps it was the combination of obscene dress and the flaunting of her profession as a Hunter.

He shook his head, "Perhaps I should take confessions here and now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Fri 25 Oct 2013.

At the sounds of a confrontation outside, Penny hurried into the hall, brandishing her umbrella defensively. There she found some odd arrivals. The tall, thin man and the beautiful Negress were no doubt members of the Men of Letters — so they weren't just men or white; Penny approved — but the other woman was... what exactly?

She stared in shock at the strange woman, then began analysing her peculiar appearance, her dress and accoutrements. Caucasian, mid-twenties, her hair bobbed short to a quite unfashionable degree. With denim trousers (on a woman!) and jacket, and a plaid flannel shirt, she was attired as an American working man. All this was quite unusual for a woman, but Penny was no stranger to cross-dressing herself when "hunting", so she took this woman to be in the midst of doing the same. The style and cut were unusual, but perhaps were simply obscure American fashions.

Shockingly, her shirt was open to expose her chemise, tightly fitted, too. Perhaps she'd been in a fight or cruelly ravished, but showed few signs of a struggle; the buttons weren't broken. Why not cover up? Bizarrely, the chemise bore some glossy painted design: "Ghostbusters", and a caricature of a white creature (a ghost, likely) in a red barred circle, perhaps advertising some band of hunters who specialised in the dispatching of spirits. What kind of hunters would advertise? Who on earth would paint on clothing? The paint remained flexible without cracking, beyond any current chemistry she'd seen or heard of.

Penny glimpsed a gun holster under her jacket, and a knife at her belt. A hunter or a criminal, a Pinkerton detective woman, or some outdoors trade? Her hands did not show a great deal of physical labour, nor did her waistline. But neither was she unfit or incapable, and her stance was ready for combat.

She couldn't get a good look at the rectangular object she was holding, perhaps a compact or slim case. Despite her low-class clothing, she wore some odd turtle-shell bracelet and an exquisitely expensive jewelled ring, likely an engagement ring. That suggested great wealth, or at least a wealthy fiancé. The shoes were unrecognisable, black and flamingo pink. Her shoes and clothes were speckled in dust, cobwebs, and dirt — dry dirt, dry clothes, she'd not come through the rain outside, at least not recently, yet Westbrook admitted she was a stranger.

Throughout this analysis of a few seconds, Penny stammered 'You... Uh... Um...' simply unable to classify this stranger and explain her state and presence. She went back to basics. 'By her weapons and male dress, I believe she is what you Americans term a "hunter". Specialising in ghosts, apparently. She has recently experienced some shock or ordeal. By the dust, dirt on her shoes, and that cobweb, she has recently been in an abandoned building, a crypt, or underground. She is dry, so she hasn't been outside recently. Unless she was spirited here by some magical means, then she may have entered your facility via a tunnel. Is this possible, or do you lack for cleaners? ...You've tested her, of course?' she inquired of the strange woman's escorts. All the odd features might be explained by the inexplicable behaviour of a monstrous creature or practitioner of magic. But given Ian Shaw's earlier precautions, she took that she'd been tested and found human as a given.

'And do stop staring, gentleman.' she chided the men staring at the undressed woman. She approached the strange woman, passed her umbrella to the tall man, and reached for her collar, intending to assist this other woman with what she'd forgotten in her shock. 'May I?' she asked, before attempting to button up her shirt and cover her chemise and womanly parts. The buttons were of an unusual type as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Sat 26 Oct 2013.