Monday, Dec. 29th 2002

Holiday vacations are over for Cloud Taskforce, though you notice some of the others are only partially back to active duty for now, as they are waiting until after New Year's to get back to work full-time.

Not so for those working for Sergei Mikhailov.  Breakfast is being served as usual in the cafeteria.  Rebekah appears to be very pleased with herself, and Ariel looks like she might pass out from exhaustion, or maybe cry, or some combination.

Israel grabs a large plate of Hash Browns and heads towards his usual seat.  He greets Rebekah with a kiss on the cheek and sits down across from the girls.  "Ok, so what'd I miss?" He looks to Rebekah, "You look too happy," then to Ariel, "and you look beat. You guys have a busy morning?"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 2):

Ariel Ah, I've had little sleep these last 2 weeks.  Instead of vacation, I was doing research for this next mission.  I'll get vaca time later.

Sorry Ariel, I know this has been tough on you.  It almost makes me feel guilty about being so happy.  Israel, Sergei's agreed to give us a day or two after this mission.  Which is in Paris. Well, your mission is in Paris, I have a different assignment, and will back you up if you need it.

"Paris, eh? That actually sounds nice. The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the  Arc de Triomphe, the Latin Quarter..."  A strange look crosses Israel's face, "Which makes me think it may be too good to be true." He slumps slightly, "We'll probably end up fighting something insane like Napoleon's undead hordes or leftover Nazi mutants that lurk in Paris's undercity." He laughs its off, "I've been a spook to long, it makes you cynical."  A smile crosses his face, "Heck, no matter what we face, it HAS to be an improvement over snow-hell (Norway) and faire-hell (Erlkings lair)."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 4):

There's always subterranean hell (tunnels), terrorist hell
(french techno), or girlfriend hell(sidewalk cafes, fancy food, sappy music, and pretentious french people).

Israel shrugs, "Actually, girlfriend hell doesn't sound that bad - except for maybe the pretentious french people. "

He then looks puzzled momentarily. "What is a French Techno? Are we fighting robots now?"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 6):

Ariel giggles tiredly.I can teach you about French techno.  You'll have to try Le Rex Club sometime. 

Ariel's expression becomes one of nerves, with perhaps a little fear. This mission is no accident.  I begged Sergei to let me work this one.  We're going after a thief.  He's been at large for years.  He usually kept a low profile. Lately, he has begun stealing very rare, specialized pieces.  When he crossed national borders, he entered Interpol's jurisdiction.  There is no sign of supernatural, but Sergei is spinning it enough to get us on the case as a favor to me.

I believe this thief is my father, who I haven't seen since I was 10.

Israel takes a moment to absorb the bombshell, then says somewhat quietly, "I had wondered why you didn't talk about your family that much."  He looks, not directly in her eyes, but at her nose to give the impression of eye contact, without the soul gaze and says, "We'll do everything we can.  You have my word."

Jacob rolls into breakfast a little bit later than usual and grabs a plate of fruit and eggs and a cup of coffee before sitting down with the rest of the team.  When the rest of the team eyes his plate of fruit suspiciously (what kind of marine eats FRUIT for breakfast?), he shrugs his shoulders.

Damage control.  I can't go gettin' fat after the holidays now can I?

I pull a couple of envelopes full of pictures from Christmas dinner and the couple of days before and after to show everyone, especially the pictures of Krystal and James.  And I tell them the news that I'm going to be an uncle, Elizabeth's pregnant with her and Randall's first.

Getting back to business:

What has been stolen?  And do we know who's tryin' to buy this stuff?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 8):

As you enter the briefing room and take your place around the table, images are projected onto a screen at one end.  You notice the room has been remodeled, and Alec is in the back, working on the computer.

Hey guys! Have good vacations?  Master Hattori has been working me like a Hebrew sl...sorry about that. Anyway, Sergei came and had me trained on the computers and equipment.  Something about magical interference and him not having time to learn anything that doesn't kill people. I think he was joking about that last part, but I'm not sure, you know?

Of course it was a joke, I also learn to use equipment that maims people, for times when I need to take them alive.  First picture please.

This is a bust sculpted by Anton Sigursky.  Never heard of him?  Not surprising.  He is an up and coming artist whose work is growing in popularity, but nothing extravagant.  Which makes the theft of this piece highly unusual.  Next picture. This picture sold for about $2,000. Also stolen recently. We believe these items were all stolen by the same man, but we've no idea how or by whom.  None of the items are worth more than a few thousand. Also, the thief has robbed houses, storage lockers, and museums.  One of the houses robbed had a painting over the fireplace worth almost 1 mil.  It wasn't touched.  Instead they took a painting worth $950.   

Boss, they broke into a house wealthy enough to have a painting worth a mil, and only take a painting worth a fraction of that amount?  No jewelry, no gold bars, just a painting by someone we've never heard of worth less than a grand?

That's really selective for a thief.  He's obviously not in it for the money.  I somehow doubt he's stealing only one guys work just because he likes the way it looks.  There's got to be more to it: Codes embedded in the work, certain materials he works with, certain subjects he paints.  What else do we know about the artist? Name sounds Eastern Slavic - Poland, Ukraine, Russia, etc. He have any ties to anything odd - magical or mundane? Prominent bloodline, town where strange things happen, membership in fringe organizations?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 11):

Good guess.  Sigursky's not the only artist whose work is being stolen.  The only thing the artists have in common, that we know, is heritage, they are all Nephalim.  That could be what they are after, Nephalese art.  I doubt it.  The pattern suggests the thief is after something in particular, but doesn't know what it .

Next picture.

The next picture is of a tall, thin, handsome man.  Lean and muscular, not rakish.  He has bright, active eyes, and a smile that has stolen the dignity from more than one woman.  In his arms, is an adorable little girl, obviously full of life even in a stillshot.

A moment's examination confirms your suspicions; the little girl is Ariel.

This is the last known picture of John-Paul Dubois, known to the world as Gaspar St. Pierre, one of the most illusive, most successful, thieves ever. Believed to have retired several years ago after his one arrest.  They never even got him processed before he escaped.  While we don't know for certain my father is the one behind this, the methods are nearly identical.  Authorities are calling this guy The Tengu, after a mythical bird.  That might help explain his psyche to some extent as well.  If this guy is a nephalim descended from the Tengu, it could explain the nearly random selection, being nephalese items, a small amount of mystical aura could surround them, makingthem nearly irresistibly  to a tengu.

"Ok", Israel replies, "my degree focus is in the Near east and parts of Europe, and I was never an Anime fan, so I'm a little vague when it comes to Asian myths.  Tengu are Japanese right? Bird-like things maybe, not generally friendly?"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 13):

That is basically correct.  Only do not be quick to associate this thief with Asia.  It is likely a European journalist was trying to find a fitting name to call the thief and stumbled upon that word on the internet.

If this thief is, in fact, St. Pierre, then he is not in the least Asian. My initial conjecture is we are dealing with his successor. Someone trained by the legendary thief, and forensics from the crime scenes suggest a Nephalim.

As you may have read these past months, Nephalim is the umbrella term applied to certain supernaturals.  They aren't fae, or vampire, or one of the other classifications, and thus we assume they are descended from unknown unions in the far past.  Those would be true Nephalim.  There are also those mutated or transformed.  Many of the satyrs you saw in Wyvis were descendants of mutated humans. Wizards, fae, and others have experimented on humans from time to time.  The result gets classified with the Nephalim.  There are sub groups of course, like satyrs.

Meaning it is entirely possible this person is, in fact descended from an Asian air spirit that took on the form of mischievous bordering on evil birds.

Your mission:  capture this thief, alive, and determine why he, or she, is stealing these items. Ariel has risen to Probational Agent, and will therefore accompany you.  If her father is involved, she may prove useful, and, she will be granted a chance to speak with him, if at all possible.  Understood gentlemen?

Rebekah, Agent Tuchmann will be meeting you at the airport.

Israel gets a devilishly mischievous look on his face. "Ooh, our very own probie! I've always wanted a henchman -or henchwoman, I'm not picky. Wait, not henchman - minion! Even better!"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 15):

Ariel's expression comes alive for the first time today, curiously, Rebekah's falls.

Before you can wonder about it you hear Minion?! Henchwoman?! What are we, James Bond villains?  I guess that makes you Blowhard, or maybe No.

Sergei speaks upI remember them.  Right up til Stalin had them all eliminated for refusing to work for Mother Russia.  I had to go find a man named Ian Fleming, pay him off to write the books, make the world think Bond was fictional character.

Alec looks at Sergei with wide eyes, That true boss?

True, not true, how should we know, Stalin's dead!_{Well, officially.}

In reaction to Rebekah -

Israel raises an eyebrow in question towards Rebekah, but asks nothing preferring to keep anything personal out of the meeting.  His standard paranoia though assumes he did something wrong and his brain fills with confusion - well more confusion than usual.

In reaction to Ariel -

He sarcastically and dramatically replies, "Ah, but you wound me!"

In reaction to Sergei and Alexi -

Israel chuckles warily and adds "The way my crazy Uncle Julius always told it was that the original Stalin died ages ago, and was replaced by a series of degenerating clones - the last of which escaped and is currently running Iraq and calling himself Saddam.  I swear to this day Uncle Julius says Sadaam Hussein is a Russian experiment."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Fri 14 Sept 2012.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 17):

Hmm, interesting.  I was aware Sun Moon  being a runaway Communist  experiment in religion, but not Hussein, I assumed he was a small time America stage actor the CIA hired.

Plane leaves in 3 hours, you have a little time to take care of things, or pack what you would like to take to Paris.  You also have time to speak with Horace if you need anything.  He has asked Jacob to come speak with him.  Israel is allowed to come too.

Israel tells Jacob that he'll catch up with him and Horace in a minute and heads over to Rebekah.

In Hebrew - <Heh, what's up?  You went from walking on sunshine to dutifully dour. I say something wrong?>

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 19):

No, it isn't you.  I'm just just not happy about working with Tuchmann in Paris.  He smells like gefilte fish.  He's also arrogant, and kind of a prick. I'm just a little disappointed Interpol is sending him to help me with my stuff.  For the most part we're going over paperwork in a stuffy office when I'm in Paris, my boyfriend is in Paris, off chasing a bad guy who might be my friend's dad, and I'm stuck with a smelly jerk who thinks he knows what's best for everyone.

I'm not going to let him ruin things though.

I head on over to see what Horace wants.

Mornin' Horace, how was your holiday?  You wanted to see me 'bout somethin'?

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 21):

Good Morning.  It occurred tome over the holidays that perhaps you could be better protected.  If you will step over here I'll get your measurements, this sort of thing needs to be precise.

Tell, me though, do you prefer strength, heaviness, or maneuverability? I have a design I've never used, but might be interesting, helpful even, in given circumstances.  Of course, bodyarmor better than standard issue is good overall. I can make better armor for specifics however.  Armor that blocks magical fire for example (That armor gives 1 DR standard and either 2 or 3 DR vs fire.  Depends on time/resources put into it.)

Give it some thought, then let me know.  It'll take time, so the sooner you decide the sooner I start, and finish.  I could make armor to allow supernatural jumping, possibly levitation, immolation...hehe...also, this is not a one-time offer.  I can make multiple  types for use depending on circumstances.  I can do the same with ammunition types.

For this mission, I'm sending you a box of salt shot.  Salt can tear through the air magics causing one to fly, dissipating them, and causing them to crash to the ground.

Oh, for good measure, I'm also giving you a piece of chalk(large), electrical tape, and a pouch that you should never ever open unless attacked by a ghost, then open the package and throw it at the ghost.

In reply to Rebekah

"His name is actually Tuchmann?  I don't think I'll be able to see him as anything but a strange little Rabbi that resembles Mel Brooks hitting up the sacramental wine."

Israel takes Rebekah's hand. "I'd tell you you could call me anytime he gets too annoying, but I don't think blowing up cellphones will help anything," he says with a grin. "I'll make sure we get some time together in Paris before we leave, even if it means we have to 'accidentally get lost' in the city."  "Besides, I'm still anxious to try out some of that 'girlfriend hell' you mentioned earlier," he adds with a wink then kisses her on the cheek.

He then heads after Jacob to check in with Horace before he goes to collect his gear.

I like the idea of better protection, but speed and maneuverability is a requirement.  The Marine Corps' philosophy has always been rapid deployment and mobility, so I wouldn't want somethin' to slow me down more than necessary.  I would assume that since you're givin' me ammo to counter magical flight, we're anticipatin' flyin' stuff.  Have you had any luck with the steel-jacketed rounds?

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 24):

Yes, though I only have 6 rounds, and I haven't fully tested their effects on the gun itself. Not fully tested.  It works fine for a few shots, multiple inrapid succession?   I don't know.  Still, it'll be safe enough for a shot or two, then, who knows?  If I did my job right, as I normally do, you won't see any negatives until, oh, 30 or 40 shots.  Proper maintenance will keep that from happening.  It is my guess whoever this thief is, they are using air magic.  It's a guess, but it hardly matters.  The odds are one of these days the job will present you with air magic, and you need to be prepared.

For that matter, I've got wooden bullets for those variety of vampires who are susceptible to such.

Ah, Agent Levy, nice of you to join us.  I just took Agent Williams measurements for some bodyarmor, would you like to do the same?

Also, I can make the same offer for specialized ammunition.  Remember gentlemen, I am constantly working back here, but unless you ask for something specific I will make generalized equipment as I see fit.

"Sure, extra armor is always nice.  I don't really know enough about what we'll see on this mission to request specialized ammo though. Just give me a variety pack."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 26):

Accessories, that's what you girls like these days right?  These two handguns, one apiece, are designed with interchangeable parts so they can fire all the varied ammo I can think up.  It isn't going to do the damage of some of the larger handguns, but makes up for it in versatility.

I'm sending one each.
Jacob , you get the 6 steel jacketed.  You also get 6 of the salt rounds, 6 incendiary, and 24 "rubber" bullets.

Levy, you get the 6 salt and 24 rubber.  I haven't had time to make more than that.

In addition, here's a flash bang of my own devising.  Be careful with it, stout stuff.

Now, potions to keep you going when tired are tricky.  There's just no real substitute for a real night's sleep.  I've two potions of "super coffee" if you want them though.

Also, 1 potion of  breathing, cause you never know.  It makes an air bubble around your head.  And one potion of what I call Hawkeye.  I'll give you a hint, it can make a decent shot into a sniper.  Or help you spot things you might otherwise miss.  Like a mouse 40 yards away. Divvy up and get out of here, I got work to do.

"I'll leave the flashbang and the Hawkeye for Marine Boy, as they seem more his thing.  I'll take the breathing potion and we should probably divide up the "super coffee."  Of course, anything offered that Jacob doesn't want, I'll gladly take."

Once the toys are divided out, Israel heads to his room to get the remainder of his gear, and prepares to board the plane.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 28):

Everyone grabs their gear and prepares to head for Paris.

Meanwhile, Israel walks to his dorm, opens the door, and is surprised to see Warden Morgan  and a skinny, bookish man waiting for him in his room.

The skinny wizard  speaks first: Agent Levy, my name is Wizard Peabody, and the Senior Council have asked me to come in person to extend our invitation to join the White Council.  You will be an initiate at the beginning, and once your skills and experience have reached their proper level, you will be recognized as a full wizard.


Morgan clears his throat and addresses you: As an initiate, very little is expected or required beyond you increasing your skill at magic.  In all honesty, it was not unanimous to offer you membership without a Council master or mentor. We have a...strained relationship with Wizard Horace.

Still, in your short time with Interpol you have already dealt with far more than an average initiate.  Also, there is something of a political advantage in having a member of Interpol joining the white Council.  That works both ways, of course.  You, the Cloud Taskforce, are still building a reputation, street credibility if you will, whereas the Council has been around centuries and has a reputation well developed.  What response may I take to the Senior Council?

I head back to my house for a bit before we leave to take care of a few last minute details like making arrangements with Father O'Riordan to look after Duke while I'm gone (I assume Duke will be staying with the pastor and his family while I'm away).  Mostly, he just needs someone to keep him from getting into too much trouble and to keep him from wandering into the wrong places and getting shot because someone saw a wolf and panicked.  I figure he's old enough to be able to hunt for his own food without too much more than a bit of supervision.  I make sure to fill him in on what Duke actually is and how intelligent he is before "handing him the leash."

The surprise appearance leaves Israel with a brief stutter.  "Uh..yes..I mean..." He clears his throat. "I would be honored to be recognized as a member of the Council."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 31):

Very Good, wizard Levy.  I hope you understand the...uniqueness of this arrangement.  Normally, your initiation into our ranks would be done during a general council session. As your membership is being kept, shall we say, low key, you will need to come to us to finish the paperwork, take the oath, and whatnot.  I understand you are about to leave for a mission, we will be expecting you shortly after your return. It has been pleasant meeting you, initiate.

He looks around at your dorm room. Perhaps we can help you find some better lodgings upon your official membership.

As he leaves in a flash of light, Morgan gives you a stern, though not unkind look.
I understand you are going to Paris to look into the theft of minor magic items.  That is good.  It is felt among the Wardens the thief is looking for particular items, possibly hoping to recognize them once they find them.  We would be interested to know what you find.  Also, Captain Lucio has authorized me to give you this.  Place it in a small amount of water and it will allow you to communicate with someone in the wardens. He hands you a satin pouch containing a smooth, rounded stone, about the size of a 50 cent piece.  Runes have been carved on both side.

I shouldn't need to tell you that isn't to be used except under appropriate circumstances, such as one of the Laws being broken.  Even then, you should only use it if you cannot handle the situation and are in need of help. Here, this is the phone number for the Wardens' hotline, use this if you have access to a phone, otherwise, use the stone.  Good day Wizard Levy.

In reply to GM (msg # 32):

Preparations made, you board the jet, which you notice is the same jet you've always ridden in.  Sure enough, coming from the cockpit, is Captain Williams, your pilot ever since the Wyvis job.

When asked about it, and whether or not Interpol has other jets, he smiles, and replies, <Sure they do, but the Cloud taskforce has, well, unusual requirements for mechanical apparatus, so I'm told. I know a lot of renovations went into this bird.  But don't worry, you have me as a pilot, and she's a reliable jet, if a little old, and they put in a Capissen 38 engine, so we should be alright.


On the way over, Ariel corners Israel away from the others.Hey, talk to you a sec?  I was just wondering how you're holding up.  Try not to be too nervous, ok? I mean, I'm nervous, but we may be hunting down my longlost Dad and arresting him.  but you, you don't have anything to worry about, I mean, Rebekah broke up with him ages ago.  Tuchman, not my Dad. Just be yourself, and try not to take too much to heart, he's a bit controlling and judgmental.


Meanwhile, on the other side of the jet, Rebekah approaches Jacob. Hey, hope I'm not bothering you, just needed to talk a little and I'm not sure this is something I'm ready to discuss with Israel.  My ex is a member of the Ghana team.  He's meeting us in Paris, and I'm pretty sure they want me to transfer to that team.  I was originally offered my own team, either in the US or Ghana, I turned them down, but they haven't taken no for an answer.  But now Israel and I are...well, building something, and I don't know what to do, or what to tell him.  I'm sorry to dump my troubles on you, but I just need someone to help me figure this out, a different perspective than just my own, if you will.

*chuckle* You're askin' a fine one for relationship advice, you're aware that Krystal left me, right?  Okay, that's not really fair to her.  I understand her reasons, but that don't mean I have to agree with her.  That don't sound like it's relevant, but it is.  You and Levy are in the same line of work, you both know what to expect, so ya'll probably ain't gonna have the same troubles me an' Krystal have.  You was both brought up in this life of danger an' adrenaline, so you both know that you ain't guaranteed to come back from a mission.

Alright, so your problems are different than mine, time to try a different tack.  I think it's safe to say that you care more for Levy than someone who's "just a friend" or a squad mate would.  I think the fact that you're comin' to me lookin' for advice and the fact that you're thinkin' 'bout this kind of stuff means that there's somethin' there other than just friendship or a roll in the hay.  You don't hear 'bout people turnin' down a promotion just 'cause they don't want to leave their friends.  What I'm drivin' at is that I think you love that curly-headed goof-ball.  Otherwise, I've worked with you enough now that I think I'm pretty sure you wouldn't turn down your own team just 'cause you'd have some dumb-ass on the team.  You're too professional for that.

But maybe your problem ain't so different from mine.  My loyalties were split between bein' a husband and father and servin' my country.  There's gonna be times when workin' for Interpol and bein' Israel's girlfriend ain't gonna line up exactly.  I didn't fall on the right side of that line when I had to decide, so things didn't work out so good for me an' Krystal.  I still love her an' deep down, I think she's still in love with me, but my life ain't gotten no less dangerous since I came to Scotland.

I can't tell you what to decide and I don't think you'd want me to anyway.  All I can tell you is to do what you think is right.  If Tuchmann's half the jackass he sounds like, that'd be reason enough for me to stay in Glasgow.  But my advice is to talk to Levy, I think ya'll need to figure this out together.

Isreal shrugs, but then suddenly straightens, "Oh, I'm not worried about any... wait, 'broke up with him'? They were together? Nobody said anything about ex-boyfriends before now. Ah, cripes. I assumed she had dated other men, but I didn't realize they were in Interpol or that they would make cameo appearances in our relationship. Thanks for the warning, at least."

I can handle Super-powered magical creatures without flinching, so how come the appearance of Rivkah's Ex leaves my stomach tightened into a ball of anxiety?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 35):

Alright everyone, if you look out your window you will see Paris before us.  We will be landing shortly, and I understand two cars are waiting for you.

You land uneventfully, and disembark.  As the pilot predicted, two cars are waiting as you land. A tall, muscular, and unfortunately handsome man greets Rebekah with a smile and a hug. He is short and cursory with the rest of you, assuring you will meet later, when there is more time. A woman in grey business  attire greets you, and shows you to the car.  She gives you a file containing everything the Paris branch has on the thefts.

As you get in the car, Mrs. Everdeen informs you the car will take you wherever you wish, and she will join you if you would like a translator, or a liaison from this office.
  You are, of course, free to approach this case however you see fit.  I would like to offer some possibilities if you do not mind.  You just got off the plane, so you might want to go to Interpol, we have an office set up for you, and all relevant files.  You can peruse them to your liking.  Or, we can go to one of the sites of the thefts here in Paris, there are 2, or, we can go to The Louvre, which is the anticipated location of the next site.

I think we should probably go to the office first and look over the case files.  Maybe we'll find somethin' that the other cops have missed and it's better than runnin' off to the Louvre to confront the thief without any real intel.  Do we know what time the thefts have occurred?

The pit in Israel's stomach has tightened further upon seeing what must assuredly be Rebekah's Ex. He reminds Israel a little to much of his elder brother - tall, muscular, and unfortunately handsome. The doubts that can often plague a middle child come back to haunt him - but this time centered around his relationship with Rebekah.

OOC: Anyway I can get a compel out of this? Particularity the one about family - since much of Israel's self doubt here stems from his past? Or even from the fact that he is starting to view Rebekah as family?

Israel distractedly agrees to Jacob's suggestion, but finds it difficult to concentrate.

Control, control, you must learn control! his subconscious screams in Yoda's voice.

Ok, I can do this, focus. Maybe It'll be better when I'm at the office in front of their files. I'm a visual learner, I'll get more data reading them myself.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 38):

(GM's Note: Due to the aspects, background, I'll tag Israel with the temporary aspect Preoccupied.  This is usable by anyone wishing to spend a fate point on it, or can be compelled. I'll let you know when it lifts, if I remember.)

The car pulls up to a very nice office building in town.  You are lead to the second floor where you will be sharing a briefing room that has been converted to your office space for the duration.

Ariel begins to spread out the files according to relevance and sections. One board is split, showing the various art pieces stolen, along with known artists, and known details relevant to the case.  In depth details can be found in the files.  The other board shows pictures of the crime scenes and details of the security systems.

There is also a folder freshly provided by Interpol Paris showing the security system of The Louvre, and how it has been modified based on the previous heists.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 26 Sept 2012.

Ok, time to focus. What would Holmes do?

Israel begins to pace around the boards, analyzing each peice of art, and each crime scene. Investigate: 2(skill) + 0(roll) = 2

He also takes a moment to study the various security systems to try asking himself If I was a thief, how would I break in
Burglary: 2(skill) + 0(roll) = 2

<OOC>Ok, just to bring me back up to speed, have all of these thefts occurred in Paris or have they happened all over the world?  The answer to this will affect my course of action.</OOC>

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 41):

Across 2 collectors in France, and 1 museum.  It has been determined the most likely next target, is the Louvre, which is currently housing several items both local authorities and Interpol think fit the profile of the thief's previous heists.

Add to that the thief seems to always enter from the roof, or a high window.  There is no proof he, or she, ever touched the ground.

(once the thief crossed international lines, it entered Interpol's jurisdiction, after they failed to stop him, or her, thus far in France, your team was called in.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:39, Thu 27 Sept 2012.

And we've also established that the only commonality between the pieces that were stolen is the artist, right?  There's not a common theme or subject matter for the different paintings (and/or sculptures)?

Investigation:  0(+0)=0

I'm also going to assume that the crimes have been occurring at night?  I would think someone would notice art disappearing in broad daylight.  Also, I've gathered from overhearing conversations between Levy and Horace that magic doesn't usually fare well once the sun comes up, so flight spells probably wouldn't work so well in the daytime.

Israel is still not convinced Magic is necessarily involved. "I'm going to need a copy of the blueprints of buildings that were broken into, pictures of the projected roof or ceiling entries, or just a tour of one of the buildings themselves.  Before I'm convinced their is magic going on, I want to make sure these couldn't have been done any other way." He pauses to think then adds. "Ok, I'm definitely going to need to go to one of the sights eventually. See if my 'spidey sense' goes off."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 44):

(yes, the magical sense works, though sometimes you might have to roll conviction if it is faint or old)

(GM Note: Most of the action in Dresden is done at night, but largely because Butcher is trying for that old noir detective feel.  Sunrise breaks spells or weakens them a bunch, but certain types can still be operated in daylight. I mention this because some were stolen during daylight hours, but those are exclusively private collections, homes and such.  Though if it were in a home, during day, that almost excludes magic inside the house unless they were invited in.  they weren't.)

Ariel Sometimes, artists of a magical persuasion create an item they pour themselves into.  It's like they give part of themselves into the art, thus the art gains a piece of the artist.  Papa had a tea kettle that would pour water at the perfect temperature for tea, without ever adding water, or heating it.

The MO has been to attack from above.  Rooftop access, high windows, a terrace.  We do finally have a piece of footage from Florence.  That's a city in Italy, not a woman.

Ariel shows you footage of one of the museum heists.  At one point you see hands beginning to appear at the top of the camera, it goes fuzzy, and you see feet at the bottom.

Local authorities are puzzled by the static, but I'm sure of what that is.  The thief just underestimated the duration of the interference. Which suggests either a lack of experience, lack of skill or strength, or they are rusty.  What interests me, but the others haven't noticed are the hands and feet.  There's no cable, no rope.  From what could be told the day after, 2 items were taken, and the floor was protected by a laser grid, too small for a foot. 

She pauses to allow the information to sink in, process, one of you is an American male, after all.  She closes her eyes and her face again looks tired and worried.

I think I know what the thief is looking for.  There is a legend of 6 items created by the union of the Sons of God and Daughters of Man. That union is Nephalim, and according to legend, 6 specific items will grant the wielder vast power, maybe immortality.  I was always more interested in spending time with Papa than paying attention to some old bedtime story.  but he believed it.  Tried to find those items.  He discovered there are 7 items, which the story hides. The 6 are harnessed by the 7th.  Think of it like a 6-pointed star.  One item per point, with one in the middle to draw them together. I just don't know what the items are in particular, no one does. 

Great, "one ring to rule them all," just what we need.

"Well, I'd like to head to the most recent site (if its close) try to get a sense of any magic left, and try to pinpoint what was done.  Then we need to head to the Louvre, check out their security and basically lie in wait for the thief.  I'll set up a veil so we can watch the area, and then we catch him in the act."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 47):

There is an estate a short ways south of Paris.  The owner or the home invites you in,and expresses his hopes you can apprehend the culprit quickly and return his possessions. He is only slightly pompous while speaking to you. Inside the house are definite signs of magic use, and the owner appears pure mortal as far as you can tell.

Magic was used upstairs to open a window.  It also looks like magic was used to remove the items.  Possibly air magic to muffle the sounds. What doesn't make sense is why none of this set off the alarms. This house has better automatic security than some banks.

Outside you discover at least part of the answer in the form of small mounds of rocks around the estate.  It is a concept you have studied but never used.  Using earth magic, someone tried to hex the electronics, and used the mounds of rocks to increase range and get the whole house.  (it's like using signal boosters)

After a couple phone calls, it's confirmed the rocks were found at all but two of the previous scenes, the two probably didn't need the effort.