Hey spirit trackers! This is Zach, of team Spirit Trackers, coming to you via the internet all the way from Poland!  That's right, this time we're exploring one of the most haunted houses in all of Europe!  This estate was once the home of a prominent Jewish family before the war.  When the Germans moved in, most were murdered except for one woman and her baby.  The story goes she murdered the officers, some say she poisoned them, others say she slit their throats as they slept.

The legend says she herself was killed in the attempt, but a Russian spy who helped her got the baby safely to Russia.  Or so the legend says.  In more recent years, 2 different families have reportedly gone mad after moving into this house, the most recent were all found dead.  What horrors lurk inside this once majestic home? Will we even be safe as we track the truth inside its corridors?

The camera cuts to another intrepid Tracker. Hey everybody this is Cory! I'll be at Zach's side as we journey together into this new hotbed of the supernatural.  With us now is a local who has agreed to talk to us, most of the locals refuse to discuss the house, especially on camera.  It's Tim right?  What can you tell us about this place?

Timothy Please, it is not good for you to be here.  This place truly is dangerous for those who are unprepared for the evils locked within.

I love it, you're doing great Timmy. Now, you say evil is locked within?  Are you talking about the Jewess who murdered the soldiers here?

Timothy, a thin young man in glasses, grows upset, his face flushing. Don't talk about her that way! She was protecting...she was trying to save her family, besides, she did not murder anyone to escape, not from what I've ever heard.  The troubles started later.  After Himmler sent Herr Möller to re-establish this estate as a base.  It seems he wanted an out of the way place to perform his experiments.

The camera moves again to a blonde girl with her hair pulled back whispering to Zach. This is fantastic! Audiences are going to eat this up! And he's for real, no coaching, no faking it.  We may have finally found the big score here Zach-baby.

She notices the camera on her, smiles, and becomes very perky, suspiciously cheerleader esque, but a cheerleader, on a show like this?!

Ok, we're almost ready, so let me introduce everyone! You've met Zach and Cory, our team leaders and primary trackers.  I'm Tanya, in charge of production, Hank is on camera, Megan is our on the spot techie and expert at the equipment we use tracking the supernatural.  And last but not least is Eli! Our new webmaster and producer!  Say hi Eli!

A handsome man moves next to her, a man with eyes that twinkle mischievously, and with a smile to make fathers lock up their daughters.  Yes, I'm the new webmaster and general editor.  It's my job to make the others look good.  Of course, Tanya, you make my job easy.

Ok, enough of that, let's get our equip - Hey! what's going on over there?!

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

The Spirit Tracker team gathers at their van as they see two large trailers being set up not far from where they are.  People are moving industriously, getting the site set up.

Damn it, that better not be those pricks at Ghost Hunters.  I swear, if they scoop me again!

Eli shakes his head Nah, it isn't them, I made sure they wouldn't be anywhere near here.

How'd you manage that?

Turns out their new producer is a nice lady who is fond of tequila.  Cost me the price of a hotel room but I got their schedule and managed to tweak it a little.

I did't hear that.
Uh...way to take one for the team?  I knew you were the right man for this job.  Someone be sure to edit this from the footage later.

An older man in a suit approaches.  Ladies, gentlemen, I am sure we can come to a...mutually beneficial arrangement.  You are here to investigate the haunted house yes? We have a similar, if tangential goal in mind.  As long as you do not get in our way, I'm sure there will be no unpleasantness.

Tanya whispers Who's the creepy Russian guy? Is he KGB?

Ah, how rude of me, my name is Sergei Mikhailov, though you may call me Sir.  As to your comment, young miss, the KGB was dissolved years ago.  Its successor is the FSSR, of which, I assure you, I am not a member.  We are here as a joint anthropological study.  There are many cultural artifacts we expect to find, both from the estate's time as a regional headquarters of the Reich, and its more historic role as an ancestral home of a prominent family of this area.  As you are more interested in the spirits and supernatural that may be within, I suggest you begin your "tracking" in the upper areas, we will start at the bottom.   Records suggest what we seek are primarily to be found in the basement.  Our liaison will be meeting with you soon.  We do not intend to disrupt you, and ask you not disrupt our proceedings.  Thank you.

And with that, he turns and walks away, headed for the command post to take his position.  Another vehicle arrives, this one more interesting to a member of the team.  Eli pauses for a second, then says Hey! I know that guy! It's Eli! Eli's here! Don't worry about a thing, no grumpy Russian guy will stop us with Eli around.

I thought you were Eli?

In reply to GM (msg # 2):

Israel and Jacob have arrived at the site, seen all the work on the site, and discovered the potential problem with Spirit Tracker X-Treme!

You have also traveled to the cottage nearby and met Tim, the grandson of the woman who use to live here.  It also appears Timothy knows much more than he let on previously.  He is one of the last of the order that assisted in the creation of the Talisman of the King Priest Israel now wears.

As you head back to the camp, Timothy in tow, a car pulls up, and a man of average height and build and above average suit gets out, walks to the passenger door, and opens it to allow a woman to get out.  Israel's pulse is probably going up a bit right now as he sees Rebekah for the first time in a few months.

As you get closer, your attention(ok, maybe Jacob's attention, Israel's might be hard to get right now) is drawn to a man running up the path from the van, calling for his buddy Eli.

(GM note - whew! we're finally ready for player posts.  I think I covered the majority of bases, the important stuff anyway.)

Israel strides directly towards Rebekah. He does catch Eli out of the corner of his eye, but he ignores him for the moment.

Israel makes sure Rebekah's greeting is passionate - more so than usual - in order to show off in front of Eli. Hopefully leaving Rebekah breathless he says, "One moment, milady, I must deal with a troublesome knave," and turns toward Eli and says:

"Why, you slimy, double-crossing, no-good swindler. You got a lot of guts coming here, after what you pulled."  After allowing a brief pause, he slaps Eli on the back and continues Lando's line, "How you doing, you old pirate?"

<OOC>Can I get a list of who and what we have with us on site?</OOC>

I'm going to gear up, load my weapons with the blessed ammunition, and take Duke and Alex to secure the perimeter.  I'm leaving the M4 at the base for now, I don't want to alarm anybody by walking around with an assault rifle.  There will be time enough for that later.


Alex, how you feelin' 'bout this mission?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 4):

Eli grins, looks at the large group behind you, looks back at you. What happened? You volunteer to blow up another shield generator?

A thought shoots from the heavens and attaches itself to his brain. He reaches for Rebekah's hand to kiss it. And who is this? My dear, you truly belong with us in the clouds.


ToJacob

Alex replies: I sense great evil.  It is watching, waiting, anticipating us.  It almost feels like something in there is looking forward to what's to come. I have a bad feeling about this.

"This, my old friend, is the beautiful, intelligent, and dangerous Rebekah, my better half.  Usually I would threaten to kill you for flirting with her, but here it is not necessary...because she will kill you instead."

Israel then turns to Rebekah and introduces Eli. "Rivkah, this is Eleazar Cohen, scoundrel, schemer, and my oldest friend."  He pauses for a moment, then grins mischievously before adding, "He's basically me without proper morals or scruples."

He then points over toward Jacob and Alex, "The tank and young man speaking in hushed tones are my associates, Yakob and Alex."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 7):

Ok, there are 2 lists.  The narrative list, and the literal list.  The narrative list is Mr. Jehuti and all his toys, all those wizards, even Morgan and the wardens.  They are here for specific reasons all related to the story. In the case of Morgan et al. assistance can be asked of them, as they will enter the house with you, but, (Spoiler) will go fight that thing over there while you handle my carefully constructed(half-assedly thrown together) encounter.  There is, also, the Spirit Tracker X! Team.

The literal list is whatever you have on you.  You means Jacob, Israel, Rebekah, and Alex. You will not have Ben for this mission.  Sergei, Ariel, Angelica, and Ruth will be in the HQ running operations there.

The base is primarily equipped for afterwards. You did not bring a holy man. (I don't remember one, now is the time to tell me) You may ask Sergei if there is any holy ordnance.   You may also ask Sergei to inquire of the wizards if they can hand over anything that might help.  Israel can go ask the wizards, Jacob needs an intermediary.  Come to think of it, probably better ask Israel or Rebekah to ask, they don't really like Sergei.  Wizards are keepers of vast unknowable secrets. Sergei is former spy, stealer and redistributor of secrets. Israel is a spy, but he's their spy.

Please do not ask for a ring of make bad thing go away.

You also have Timothy, a current unknown.

They also have me! Eleazer, shh! They aren't suppose to know you have the power cosmic yet. Oh, sorry. I mean, not my fault!

Oh, I forgot about the guy who came in the care with Rebekah.  Technically he hasn't been introduced yet.

"Ok, Eli. Here's where I do that thing you hate.  You know, where I know exactly what's going on and you get left somewhat confused.  You're here with a group of ghost trackers to check out an pre-WWII house, that's supposed to be haunted.  I'm going to tell you something now that you are not to tell anyone.  The family that owned the house was mine.  And there is something of a personal nature, in the lower levels.  That is what my team is here to retrieve.  I need your team to stay out of our way.  The spirits you're hunting are on the upper levels, not in the basement, so our goals should not be in conflict."

Rapport = 0
Deceit = 1

Not my best rolls, but I would hope they would not need to be to high, since I'm talking to an old friend.

I'm thinking that instead of trying to bring a rifle into the house, a shotgun would be more useful.  It's more effective in close quarters and we don't have to worry as much about a stray round getting out of the house and killing a civilian.

Anyway, replying to Alex:

I'll tell you about the same thing I used to tell the junior marines in my squad:

"Stay alert but relaxed.  You've had the best trainin' by some of the most feared warriors on God's green earth.  Remember your trainin' and watch each others' backs.  You've got this."

I give Alex a manly slap on the shoulder.  Oo-rah!

Rapport:  0(+0, +1 Mark of Fenris)=1

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 9):

Eli grumbles I hate when you do that...but if you have that sort of backing, I'll trust you.  Just, in all honesty, we really need this show to go alright.  Great would be better, might even get us a cable contract, but we've all sunk all we have in this.  Each show could be the last, know what I mean?  That's why the guys at the van are nervous seeing all of you here, that Russian guy looking Official.  He's KGB isn't he?

Oh, hey, since flirting with Rivkah would put an end, albeit a worthy end, to my illustrious life, does she have a sister, who happens to be here?  Or any pretty women who don't know me in that great throng you have over there? If our ventures are successful, there will be due celebrating you know.


Alex to Jacob: I heard we aren't going for a little while.  I'll be praying and getting ready when you need me. 

Sergei approaches as Alex leaves. Ah, Williams, good. Once everything is set up our guests are going to take a look at the house in their own special way.  We'll need to be ready in case something responds.  Also, it appears we have a representative of Monoc Securities joining our expedition.  Mr. March has agreed to accompany the Spirit Fodder, excuse me, Spirit Trackers as a cooperative liaison.  He will also be coordinating the distraction and seeing to their safety.

To be safe, your team and the Wardens will enter first, secure the ground floor, and locate the entrance to the basement. We'll send the Trackers in afterwards, assuming it is safe, and see them upstairs.  As I recall, there are three floors and an attic. That should get them far enough away from you to both keep them safe, unaware of your activities, and far enough away their equipment doesn't completely malfunction.  A little static and interference is good for the effect though, it seems to me.  If I understand what our friend Ben and his friends are preparing, in conjunction with this March, they should get what they are looking for.

He chuckles softly.  I am reminded of the old Chinese Curse. Well, there are two parts of it: May you live in interesting times, and May you find what you are looking for.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:49, Fri 10 May 2013.

To Alex:  Alright, I'll holler when we're ready to go.

To Sergei:  Alright, Boss.  I'll be at the trailer, gearin' up 'n gettin' tactical.  I do wonder somethin', though.  Rock salt stings like hell when you shoot a person with it, what would shotgun shells loaded with kosher salt do to evil spirits and ghosts?  Well, anyway, I think Alex has the right idea.  I'll be at the trailer.


Jacob loads up with blessed ammunition and gears up while saying a soldier's prayer:

Brave warriors,
should fate find us in battle,
May our cause be just.
May our leaders have clear vision.
May our courage not falter.
May we be triumphant and earn victory
as we show mercy to our enemies.
May our efforts bring lasting peace.
May our sacrifice be always
appreciated by those we serve.
May we return to our loved ones unharmed.
Should we be harmed, may our wounds heal.
Should we perish in the struggle,
may God embrace us and find for us
a place in His Kingdom.

Amen.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Sat 11 May 2013.

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you."  Israel responds with a smile that is somewhere between mysterious, sarcastic, and annoying.



"Heh," Israel chuckles and shakes his head, "At least somethings never change.  If you play nice through this I MIGHT introduce you to Ariel and and Angelica, but I warn you, if you hurt them I may pull out your spleen by way of your nose.  For now, It's probably best if you get your people ready.  Someone from my team will let you know when you can enter.  And you are not, under ANY circumstances to have your people record us. In fact, its best to keep your equipment away from us - you know the effect I have on technology."


Once Eli has left, Israel and Rebekah gather gather their stuff, and are ready to go whenever everyone else is.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 13):

It is now 2 hours, 30 minutes to sundown.  We will enter the house no later than 30 minutes from now.  Team designations are Team Cloud and Team Warden.  Cloud, you have point, Warden, don't blow up the house unless you have to and you are reasonably certain it won't unleash whatever is inside.  Oh, Cloud, as a courtesy, please make Warden and myself aware before you do anything significantly stupid, desperate, or collaterally violent.

"Ah, you never let us have any fun," Israel jokes.
Israel takes his staff, sidearm, chalk, duct-tape (too much Macgyver), amulet/ring, Ben's phone and just for the heck of it, kosher salt for ghosts, and he's ready to go.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 15):

As Israel, Jacob, Alex, and Rivkah get together and make sure everything is in order, Timothy comes over and leads you in prayer. You are getting ready for the go order when a very nervous, twitchy, slightly odd looking guy in a wizard's robe runs over to you looking entirely too excited.

Guys! Guys! Wait for me! Wait! Whew! Thought for a second you were going in without my help and I mean, I'm sure you guys are awesome, your reputation says you're awesome, but without me something unexpected might have happened and you could be injected with a weaponized acid compound liquefying your internal organs and turning you into squishy bags of human soup and that doesn't sound Kosher, and I'd be sad for losing you because we just met.

He looks around at your varied expressions of confusion and mild horror. He's kind of like a puppy dog really. First, imagine you are alone, in a library, maybe using the out of the way card catalog when books and cards start flying everywhere and ghosts are terrorizing the patrons and not being quiet! Who ya gonna call? The guy with this sawed off shotgun, that's who.  I was a little bit rushed, so I only got 6 shots of the Ghost Shot.  It's mostly salt, but I wouldn't lick it, the part that's not mostly salt can cause illnesses in humans like allergic reactions, sinus infections, baldness, sterility, brainwarts, maybe even cancer or, you know, spontaneous decapitation.  Ooh, I had an accident getting the recipe exactly right, and ended up giving myself spontaneous bowel evacuations.  They hit randomly. I'm still not allowed back at that Chuck E. Cheese.  Don't worry though! I haven't had an episode in months! Wizard Listens to Wind assures me there is a 45% chance I'm cured...

Marshall looks around a little shyly, a little embarrassed, then pulls out another shotgun and more bullets.

I can outfit multiple folks, so don't be shy! These bullets, are more for heavy damage against a more substantial target.  A-agent Wi-Williams, I understand you were a marine, you probably know about incendiary rounds then.  I call these Dragon Rounds.  Mainly because I used actual dragonbreath in the construction of these bullets.  Hard to get, but worth it if you need heavy firepower.  Four rounds at present.  Also, you can't use Dragon Rounds consecutively in the same barrel, it'll melt.

Let's see.  Oh, here, you'll like this, especially you Agent Williams.  Is it true you're a vassal to F-fenris?  He seems like he'd be awesome to meet, so long as he, you know, didn't tear your face off.  Not that he'd tear your face off, naturally, but you know what I mean.   This might look like a lipstick tube, but it doesn't go on your lips, well, I guess it could, it's non-toxic...well, mostly non-toxic, and definitely not kosher.  Anyway, twist like usual, then apply beneath the eyes just like warriors and athletes do.  Helps to see ghosts, that which is invisible, or that which does not wish to be seen.  Sounds similar, but not always the same.  It isn't guaranteed to work, but it will help a lot.

That's about it.  Oh! I just want to say how much I've looked forward to actually meeting Cloud Taskforce, and it's an honor to meet all of you.  A-a-agent Levy, I have one more thing for you.  Or whoever you want to carry it.

He opens a silk pouch and removes a small slender jar with a stopper.

Please don't tell Wizard Morgan I gave you this! Try not to let him know you have it, though its use is permitted in these circumstances.  Everyone knows ghosts can possess the living.  What you do is unstopper the bottle, hold it up to the possessed's nose, and it sucks out the unwanted guest.  Left nostril works best.  It almost always works properly, but you might want to check with your buddy before, oh, dumping the trapped spirit.  Once a spirit is in the bottle, you can free them, dump them, or, well, those are the legal options.  The bottle can be used to consume the spirit, but that's highly forbidden, or used to possess someone else, which is usually forbidden. I'm giving it to you because you can use it to depossess yourselves, then just use the bottle to return the spirit to the immaterial plane.

Any questions?  I can get everyone equipped if you want, or explain anything I can.  I might also be able to get special requests, but it needs to be somewhat easy.

I'm inherently a little bit suspicious of strangers bearing gifts, so I look to Sergei and Levy for their input before accepting anything.

<OOC>Sorry, I am getting a bit paranoid lately.  Getting jumped by a 15 year old kid's goon squad in the other game has me a bit crotchety.</OOC>

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 17):

Warden Schmidt sees the consternation caused by Wizard Marshall and moves in to help.

Marshall, please go get that pair of glasses from Wizard Osbourne.

As Marshall runs off, the warden looks back to you. He's a good sort, but a little odd...for a wizard.  Also, he's found his calling from something called a "television program" entitled Alias. Apparently he has remade his image based on an imaginary guy who makes gadgets for spies.  Granted, wizardy gadgets are fun and instructive, and occasionally lethal.  And Marshall has a gift.  His tools are top notch.

Marshall returns with an antique pair of spectacles.  <Purple> You have been authorized to take these if you want, or we can keep them out here and send someone in with them if you want. They're reading glasses, only, you know, most any language.  There are limits, like how long you can use them per day before they make your brain hemorrhage, also, they don't work on items with too high magic saturation.  On the other hand, most scripts can be translated, or seen in case of invisible runes, those crafty svartalves.  We thought you might need them if there are instructions on getting to the goal in German or Yiddish or anything else you might not have.


Angelica's voice comes over the comms:  Alright everyone! Enough chewing the fat! It's time to kick the tires and light the fires! Stay frosty and alert, try to be in and out before sundown. ETA 121 minutes. Make your way to the basement door, both teams get in position, report to base camp, then proceed.

In reply to GM (msg # 18):

Morgan sternly turns to look sternly at his stern wardens. They sternly nod their unspoken understanding.  They have worked together before, and know what they are doing.

You walk onto the porch, the large, ornate doors, weathered with the passing of years and lack of loving upkeep, have lost much of the intricate patterns and ornamentation, yet manage most successfully to loom before you as though daring you to enter into the madness contained behind this last bastion of hope.

Alex mutters a prayer, ending it by asking God to bless the pygmies in Africa, Amen. Williams gets tickled, starting to laugh, then gets chucked on the shoulder by Alex.  Rivkah gives Israel's a supportive, comforting squeeze, smiles reassuringly, then prepares for whatever may come once you have passed the ancient entryway.

The door creaks loudly and the echo bounces throughout the hallways, alerting anyone within of your presence. As the sound dies down you are confronted by an unpleasant smell of plastic and mothballs, dust and mildew and the smell of old furniture.

Timothy enters behind the rest of you, and once he is certain nothing is going to immediately leap out of the woodwork to devour you testicles first, moves to the front of the group and leads you to the door leading to the lower levels.

Morgan checks in with basecamp, then looks to you Down the steps, and then you can go straight or left, whichever you choose.  We're going right.  You know how to contact us if you need to, we will let you know if we find anything...or anyone.

(GM's note: We're finally here! My next post will open the door.  Let me know if you took any of Marshall's toys, who got the glasses, etc. If you don't tell me before we go through the door, I assume you didn't take them.)

one last note: basic magical sense perceives the presence of magic in this house. Location undetermined, concentration undetermined, number of genus loci undetermined.

What? Who? Huh?
Israel's mouth opens as if to speak, but the strange little man continues before he has the chance.



What hath God wrought?

Israel zones out momentarily, too many fast paced words coming from the little wizard's mouth at once for him to deal with. His mind drifts to the past, to his grandmother, fleeing the house from Hitler and Himmler's insane schemes...



Israel jolts back to reality when he hears his name, accepting the pouch more by instinct, than actually having payed attention.



Exorcism in jar.  Cool.



I'm not usually the shotgun type, but if you are handing out multiples, I guess it wouldn't hurt to take one.  Give Williams the Dragon rounds - that's more of his thing.  We'll divide the ghost shot.  The exorcism in a jar is mine.



"Mine", Israel replies simply. Should anyone question his decision he adds "I'm a historian  and it's my family's house, therefore magical glasses are mine.  Besides, I look distinguished with glasses."



Ireal closes his eyes, ans quietly whispers the Sheheḥeyanu "Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, she'hehiyanu v'kiy'manu v'higi'anu la - z'man ha - ze.
(Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.)



Israel closes his eyes and runs his hands across the carved patterns in the door.  His feeling is less of fear, and more of unfinished business. This was his familiy's home, their fortress, their bastion, and by all that is holy he WILL take it back from whatever evil has claimed it for their own.  He feels Rivkah's squeeze and turns to see her smile, and returns his own - with a slight hint of mischief in his grin.



Straight. We'll go straight.  That is more likely to keep the teams closer should things go horribly wrong.

<OOC>Sorry, spent pretty much all day yesterday puking out both ends.</OOC>



Williams accepts the dragon rounds and half of the ghost shot (assuming Levy takes the other half) and quickly marks them in a readily identifiable manner before slipping them into his tactical vest.



Nah, Fenris ain't that bad if you like motorcycles, heavy metal, and killin' stuff.  Of course, maybe I just think that way 'cuz we're kin.

I apply the eyeblack to both myself and Duke.

<OOC>Now back to your regularly scheduled mayhem.</OOC>

I'm following Timothy's lead and staying alert but relaxed.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 21):

Israel opens the door.  Silence except for the squeaking of the hinges and creaking of the steps as you start down.  The stairs descend to a large square room, in the bottom right corner.  There is a hallway to the right, which the wardens are taking.  Your map indicates a door north and one west.  the stairs out of here are south.

The room is seriously dark.  I'll need to know what light source you are using.  Something is in this room, possibly a large rodent. You also hear music from the northern room, but it is very soft.

Declaring an aspect:  we brought chemical light sticks:  -1  (shit)

Declaring another aspect:  I have a tactical light on the shotgun:  1

Assuming I passed the check to declare that aspect, I'm turning the light on and investigating.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 23):

(GM Ruling: Everyone has either a flashlight or a magical means of producing light.  Since Jacob specifically said he was gearing up at the base - the post about the kosher salt- I lowered the DC for having a chemical light stick, meaning you have 3 good for 30 minutes.  If that sounds arbitrary, it is, it is also more convenient for yours truly. Alex also has one, though his sword can glow with various levels of brightness, same goes for alex.  Levi's pendant can glow, normal light and special medallion-y light that damages certain types of nasties.  Rivkah can produce flames or set something on fire and use that for light.)

Jacob is first to react, and you hear the loud *crack* of the stick and the pale glow emanates from it to reveal a very dirty, very scared little girl. She lets out a squeal of frightened surprise, and cringes from you, fresh tears tracking down her bruised, dirt covered cheeks.  As you near her, everyone notices she is barefoot, in a threadbare dress. Please don't hurt me! Please don't hurt me!

Israel and Rivkah immediately recognize the girl as Jewish, she was speaking Germanic Jewish, you've heard pieces of it before.

Rivkah kneels in front of the little girl:  We won't hurt you. We want to help you.  Is there anyone else in the house?

*sniffle* *sniffle**nod* Don't let them hurt me, please! please don't let them hurt me anymore!

Jacob's going to stand clear of the little girl and stay alert for spooks.  Do I notice anything out of the "ordinary" about the room or the girl?

Investigation:  1(+0)=1

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 25):

GM Ruling: Ok, fine, you have 1 stick, good for 4-6 hours.  Israel & Rivkah know all about the using little kids for bait/explosive devices, and it doesn't fit so much here, or if you prefer, those particular warning bells aren't going off.

Secondly, I'll call Semper Fi.  I'm kinda redefining it as Jacob Williams is a Marine at heart, his core is Marine Corps.  And there isn't a US Marine including Animal Mother who would see this little girl and not be ready to turn someone inside out like that poor red-assed baboon on The Fly.

Third, a cursory investigation reveals bruises and scratches on the girl, yes, she's solid, there is a section of hair matted with what Rebekah confirms is blood, but not that of the little girl.  You do not see the mark of the beast on her forehead, she looks nothing like Linda Blair, and her eyes are brown, not red.

On investigating the room, there are claw marks on the walls.  There is also one column, wooden, that appears to have been chewed upon.  You'll need to make me some sort of roll to know whether or not it is load bearing, or if you could make part of the ceiling collapse with it.

You also hear children playing in the northern room. The little girl in this room won't go anywhere near that door.

Israel speaks to the girl in Yiddish (German-Hebrew), that he learned from his grandmother. His pendant begins to exude a warming, comforting glow as he speaks. <Hello little one. I am Israel. And you?>

OOC (Ok that was weird. Rpol apparently has a new feature that stops you from posting if someone has posted since you started - to allow you to check their new post first. Cool)

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 27):

The little girl looks at Israel for a moment, her ragged breathing slowing as she calms down and begins looking at you speculatively.  <You have the look of Esther about you.  Do you know my sister?>

Since I've been doing a lot of DIY remodeling at my place in Edinburgh, would that help me determine whether or not that pillar is load bearing?  Because my roll kind of sucked.

Craftsmanship:  -2(+1)=-1

Israel swallows audibly at the name.  He had expected many things in the house. This was not one of them. <Yes,> he replies as he kneels to face the little girl, his voice soft and sad as he realizes who the little girl is (or was, or is an echo of), <She is a dear friend of mine.>

Israel's looks down and sighs before meeting the girl's eyes and continuing. <I am sorry, little one, but we need your help.> He points at the northern door. <There is something in that room you are afraid of.  I need to know what it is.  I promise you, we will to our best to chase it from here, so that you will never be afraid again.>

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 30):

to Jacob: From what you can tell, removing that beam will not collapse the roof without either a small charge, doesn't have to be a lot, and it would bring it down, or a decent weight from above. (Levy's Foos Ro Dah from a distance would do it.  Me jumping up and down would do it.)

Also, the music in the northern room stopped, and Sunrise ETA 105 min.

Oh, and I picture Jacob moving around the room, burglary can also tell you interesting facts about this room, or investigate, or whatever you might want to use.  You do hear creaking boards coming to the door though.

Oh! It's my necklace! Well, it was suppose to go to me, but Mueller and the Nazis came.  Now you have it.  And you aren't like many of those before us.  I can see it.  You believe knowledge is power, and power is given to be used to guard His flocks.  Sometimes the shepherd feeds the sheep.  At others he fights the wolves.  You have come to fight the wolves.  Both here and with that you seek.  They want it badly Yi-yi.  Our family treasure would teach them powers the forces of darkness must never possess. I have kept it hidden in this house.  I have also kept up the spell containing the evil within.  You have your work cut out for you. But of peoples, we Jews know:  The only easy day was yesterday.

The door to the west creaks but does not open.  A crippled little Jewish boy walks through it. His spirit moves across the floor slowly, but with urgency.  He uses one crutch to make up for a missing foot.  The stump looks bloody, torn, but he long ago bled his last.

His voice is a haunting echo as me moves towards Israel. Tzeitel! Tzeitel! They're coming!  I'm the last, and they're coming to get me! The kingpriest's necklace.  In the name of the God of our people, I beg you to help us. Once they have devoured the last of my essence, they will have the power to attack Tzeitel.  It has taken nearly 60 years, but they are close.   



The Northern door opens and 6 children between the ages of 6 and 10 come out.  Blonde, blue-eyed, and smiling ever so politely.

Why hello, sirs, have you come to play with us?   That would be just fantastic.

You wanna play, you creepy little Aryan bastards?  Alright, let's dance.  I'll start the music...

Guns (blessed ammo):  -2(+4)=2 (dammit, I take the trouble to come up with a badass one-liner and how does the dice roller thank me?)

Israel sighs and rolls his eyes.  Gorram Americans, I was hoping we could at least gather a little more intel before the shooting started.

Israel motions for his "Aunt" and the other Jewish spirit-child to get behind him, and he throws up a shield wall in front of himself, the children, and anyone who is behind him.  He does NOT fire a weapon of any kind...yet.  He instead, stops to observe the spirit's reaction, as well as watch the room for additional threats.

The little bugger's eyes grow large in shock as the blessed ammo rips through him, leaving shining, silvery light which grows until he erupts in light and spiritual energy. (not damage type so much as the energy keeping him formed is released, any magically sensitive types can feel - similar to air pressure changing.)

2 run toward the room they came from, 1 stands still, 2 attack Williams, their teeth stained red as their little faces contort with rage and evil.  Oh, don't forget the claws.

(Holy Reich Batman! The dice loved Williams this time, and no damage taken.)

Their small frames belie their speed and strength, a lesson you are quickly learning as the two quickly dash towards you, hands and mouth gnashing and biting and swiping for you.  But they are also small, and you dodge easily enough.

(Jacob got the first round and initiative for his "surprise attack".  Israel is counted as holding or readying an action at this moment.  Rebekah and Alex are awaiting orders, or I'll run them, only don't get mad if I forget to have them do anything. You can be specific, attack nazi spawn #2 with fire.  Or more general, keep the kids out of the northern room, distract them, give support/covering fire/whatever else))

Israel: You do not see any additional threats. Nothing coming through the walls, or the western door.

We also forgot about Duke.  I want Duke to try to herd the runners back towards us.  I figure that if they're running, they're running for reinforcements.  I want Alex to close in and do his thing, keep the little turds from getting around us.

Levy or Rebekah need to try to figure out what the one that's just standing there is doing.  Attacking or running away make sense, standing around like the Statue of Liberty doesn't and it worries me when things don't make sense.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 36):

Duke can answer the question of the one standing there doing nothing.  It's the Deer In Headlights syndrome.  she couldn't believe you did what you did and so effectively.

I am remiss in my Gm duties.  I am calling your concept, Running with Fenris.  You have the ability to affect supernatural creatures like this with the power granted by Fenris.  Plus the little nazi buggers are trying to eat you.  F*** the guns, screw bayonets, you want to disembowel them with your hands and taste their blood.

(by accepting this, you go wild on these bastards.  Claws, fangs, temporary of course, but they'll add base damage to unarmed attacks.  This is a twist on Berserk status, there are pros and cons to it.  The negative effects afterward aren't bad so long as you have a minute or so to calm down and collect yourself.)

Duke proceeds to head off the runners, keeping them from fleeing to the safety of the room.

Accepting the compel and going totally insane on the Hitler Youth Ghost Story and Glee Club.

Fists:  3 (+2)=5

As this likely being only the beginning of what could be several battles, and not wanting to get in the way or accidentally fire on a berserk wolf-marine, Israel is going to stay purely defensive for the moment.  His shield wall shifts to smaller, personal shields around himself, the two "friendly spirits," and Williams. (Shield of 4, so everyone gets a +1).  He asks Rivkah do the same for herself and Alex. (I know that's not her strong point, but I'd rather save the fireballs for the real nasties, and not burn down the hallway just yet.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Sat 25 May 2013.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 39):

(Expediting this scene just a bit)
(GM Note I'll explain everything later, promise, well, maybe not everything, but there are reasons for everything happening)

With a wild fervor he has never experienced before, Williams rips the creepy little buggers into glittering pieces.  With a scream and a pop as their spiritual energies are released, he quickly goes through all of them, only to feel a little let down, after all, no blood, no body parts, they weren't all that satisfying.


<That was disappointing, now wasn't it? Not satisfying at all. Not like those three.  Smell their blood pumping through their bodies.  Hear their hearts pounding. They will be delicious.>

Alex backs slowly from Jacob.  Uh, guys? We've got a problem here.

to Israel: You see Jacob's eyes change and he begins to bulge, almost like he's hulking out.  It's a form of lycanthropy almost forgotten.  His claws look sharper, nastier, his jaws elongate, and you hear a deep, terrifying growl.

Esther: You have to bind him! Direct magic won't work, but you might can do something indirect.

Morgan Wizard Levy, do you hear me?  We heard a gunshot, do you require our assistance?

"Dangit, we just can't take you anywhere, can we?" Israel quips belying his fear.

I knew I should have done the Batman thing an kept some wolfsbane in my belt!

"Give us a moment," Israel yells to Morgan, "We've got a slight problem, but I think we can handle it.  If you hear bloodcurdling screams, you'll know I frelled it up."

Big talk little man, Israel thinks. Know you've got to come up with a way out of this. But better that than Morgan deciding to behead Williams.

Israel had already extended his shield around Jacob (see last post).  He's going to try to basically reverse that shield, turning it into a prison.  He dissipates the shield around himself and the others to turn that energy toward Jacob. (Discipline 8[Roll 3 + 4 skill + 1 staff], the Shield was 4).

That should hopefully hold him for the moment - and it is indirect, the magic is surrounding Jacob, not technically acting on him.

"So if anyone has any ideas to clear his mind, I'm all ears."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 41):

Jacob hits the shield once, which has now been reinforced by Rebekah. Afterwards, he stands still, watching, ready.  A careful study of his eyes and body could make one think a war is being waged within.

Tzeitel moves toward him and begins to sing.  Her voice is pure, innocent, and when you recognize it as the song your mother sang to you when you were sick or upset, you feel the pain inside.  This was the song sung to your mother and hr=er sister by your grandmother, and her mother before.  As she sings, it seems the pain and terror of the world have ceased to matter for a moment.

Jacob is slowly regaining ctrl.

Israel - you feel a dark presence exerting its influence over the room.

Unable to do much about a mysterious dark presence until Jacob is returned to normalcy, Israel simply keeps his eyes open for anything new or odd, remaining on watch for danger. (Investigate 1)

Mumbling to himself, he recites Psalm 121
I turn my eyes to the mountains;
  from where will my help come?
My help comes from Adonai,
  maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot give way;
  your guardian will not slumber;
See, the guardian of Israel
  neither slumbers nor sleeps!
Adonai is your guardian,
  Adonai is your protection
  at your right hand.
By day the sun will not strike you,
  nor the moon by night.
Adonai will guard you from all harm;
  He will guard your life.
Adonai will guard your going and coming
  now and forever.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 43):

As you begin, Alex picks it up, a little slowly to adjust for word changes.  Rebekah joins in a little slowly, as she doesn't remember the words perfectly.  Tzeitel and the Jewish boy ghost join in.   You see the aura of the group's faith emanate from the individuals, becoming a corporate entity.

Jacob:  You feel the warm glow of faith wash over you, driving the darkness away.

Tzeitel looks to Israel The path to what you seek is blocked until the sun goes down.  In the dark, the nature of this place is revealed.  What was done here, what it has become. Prepare yourselves, it is not long now.

In reply to GM (msg # 44):

As Jacob returns to normal and regains control of himself, you hear sergei: Team Cloud, I repeat, do you hear me?

About that time Morgan and the Wardens rush in looking a bit worried.

Is everyone ok in here?  What happened?

...less than 5 minutes to sundown! Repeat: There are less than 5 minutes to sundown! Where are you?

"Uh, everything's under control. Situation normal. Uh, we had a slight Williams malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?"

"We're just a little ways in, I was having a nice conversation with the spirit of my aunt and her friend. Then we attacked by the Afterlife chapter of the Hitler Youth.  Some kind of evil spirit/energy source made Williams a little funny, but everything's cool now."

"Unless someone has objections, I say we continue on, find out whatever Evil Spirit / Nazi Zombie / Demon thing whose name shall not be spoken, is lurking further in."

Thanks for the save, e'r'body.  Let's go find this dirtbag 'n' kick his teeth in.

What in the hell was that?  Fenris warned me that I'd have "urges," he didn't say shit about whatever that was...

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 47):

Rebekah takes a look at Jacob, her brow furrowed in thought.  Jacob, did you hear a voice, or feel like someone was influencing you?  By taking the Mark of Fenris, you create a bond, a magical channel to him.  But not just him.  Theoretically, anyone with a channel over Fenris would have one to his emissaries.  And according to legend, Fenris' dad is Loki.

Oh, and what did Sergei mean by 5 minutes to sundown?  It was over an hour to sundown less than 10 minutes ago!

Alex comes from the room the little Jewish boy came from. Uh, Agent Levy? The floor plan I saw showed another level below this one.  But I don't see the way down. 

Morgan: It took us an hour or more to get into this room.  We also discovered the way up has been blocked.  While this normally wouldn't hinder us, we don't know what breaking through would do to everything around us, like the civilians outside, or what we came for.


Alex scrunches up his face: It's a trap!

Yes, I did hear a voice tellin' me to attack the three of you.  I oould hear your hearts beatin' and the blood rushin' through your veins.  The voice was tryin' to convince me that you were food and that you'd be delicious.  You say it's possible that someone like Loki could influence me?


Declaring an aspect:  We have a map!:  2

I look at Warden Morgan:

How was the way out blocked, physically or magically?  If somebody just bolted the door behind us, I think I can get us out of here  I pat my shotgun.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Tue 28 May 2013.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 49):

(A map was listed in assets, maybe early on.  So yes, you have a map, no, it does not appear to be accurate.)

This level may have been moved to a pocket dimension. Which would certainly explain the time dilation and spotty reception with outside.  Spotty reception for both tech and magic.  It appears whoever set this trap wants us here after dark.  You should prepare yourselves, it isn't long now.

(preparations can be anything from what type of ammo you are loading, drawing a circle, praying, playing hopscotch with the ghost kid, etc.)

Everybody check your ammo!  If you have blessed rounds, load them up.

I'm staggering blessed/ghost shot in the shotgun and moving the dragon rounds to the side-saddle so I can quickly pop one in as the next round if I need to.  Other than that, I'm going to say a quick prayer and mentally run through old drills from boot camp and A-school to try to build a barrier against further mental attacks.

Discipline:  0(+3)=3

Israel repeats a psalm to himself, then draws a circle on the ground and begins the process of casting a shield to cover the entire group.

Shield 12 Divided amongst everyone in the room (expect the wardens - they can take care of themselves).
This of course presumes I have enough time for 4 rounds of action.
Three shifts are moved into the spell each round.
The first three are successful (4, 9, 6)
The last roll (1) would be a failure, so I'm invoking either "On a Mission from God" or "Wizard Spook - Now with Judaism", which ever you prefer, to gain the extra two shifts to move that to a three, which would allow success.

Which would mean Jacob, Israel, Rivkah, Alex, and the two friendly spirits, get a +2 to their preferred defensive skill on the first attack.

Hopefully this makes everyone a little less squishy if this goes really bad, really fast.

Time must be messed up in here, Israel thinks to himself, It seems like we've been sitting here for days without anything happening

:)

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 53):

The room begins to tremble for a moment.  In the northwest corner, on the floor, is a trap door you did not previously notice.

Tzeitel looks at Israel Are you certain you want to do this?  I can go a little ways, but there is not much I can do to help.  One last thing.  Mueller may send ghosts to possess you.  Only in a mortal body can they hurt me.  That's they're goal, to destroy me, which will lift the spells of containment allowing them access to the outside world.

She thinks for a second.  You know, it's theoretically possible your blood could be used to free them.  Especially in combination with the amulet.

In reply to GM (msg # 54):

Morgan adds We also don't know what they can do with just the amulet.  Wizard Levy, it is vital you not lose possession of that amulet.

The shadows seem to shift and take form, standing atop the trap door.  Well Well, how nice, a little family get-together.  In just a bit we'll send you to join the rest of your ancestors.  Wardens, you are outnumbered, fall back and live.  The rest of you, well, swordsman and Wolf-kin, we have no quarrel with you, unless you enter this door.  Wizard, we know you and your cow won't leave, and we wouldn't have it any other way.  A couple less Jews will make the world a sweeter place.

It cackles evilly as it dissipates. Morgan looks around. Anyone wanna go back, or wait here?

In reply to GM (msg # 55):

Zach stands looking at the house, the final reddish orange streaks of light in the sky as the house appears to loom ever more threatening, more mysterious.  It's time.  Let's go everybody, equipment ready? We got the feed going?  Sir?  What are we suppose to call you?

I would prefer Herr March, if you don't mind.

Eli:Wait, like, March hair? Madness.

Herr March: Careful, you might find out how far the rabbit hole goes. One is not always given the option of the blue pill.

Eli has an outraged look on his face I don't need Viag- oh, the movie, right.  Dude, I am so far passed the red pill it'd make your hair piece spin.

My only reply is General Anthony McAuliffe's answer to the German ultimatum at Bastogne:  Nuts!

Israel just smiles and winks at the child "Have faith, mommellah."



As always, Israel disguises any fear with attempts at humor. "Wow, a monologuing Nazi ghost-demon. It's like someone is checking all the boxes on the villain checklist. What's next? Is he gonna stroke his goatee or twirl his mustache at us?"

He looks down at the trap door. "You know, only Nazi's would be so boring and straight forward to put a literal trap door in their trap. No imagination whatsoever."

His staff glowing slightly as he keeps his shield active, Israel scans the door for wards/traps/etc (Investigate = 2), and heads down the stairs/ladder/whatever, assuming that the group is right behind him, but determined to move forward even if they are not.

"I ain't afraid of no ghost." He mutters to himself as he climbs down.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 58):

All of you enter, taking the stairs down to the next floor.  The first thing you notice as you descend is the humid warmth, followed by the cloying smell of blood.

Bring me ze medallion und ze Jews.  Ze rest? Have fun.

Shapes begin moving towards you.  Presumably these grotesque abominations were once humans, but have since been horribly changed.  Claws, fangs, extra appendages, and worse. Extra mouths, odd angles, and a smell you hope to never encounter again.

Morgan's usually stern face pales for a shocked moment, then becomes one of barely contained rage. Outsiders! These were once humans, but someone experimented on them with Outsider grafting.  None of them can survive.  Levy! We'll clear the way, you deal with the trouble in the next room.  If there is anyone not dead or mutated involved, you are authorized to use deadly force.  Everyone or thing in here is involved with breaking The Laws!

You run past the terrors into the next room.  It appears to a laboratory set around a blank area.  the room is different dimensions than you expected based on floor plans.

As you enter, you see Mueller, rogue wizard, former student of Kemmler, and associate of Himmler. There is a form keeping to the shadows, and 6 Nazi ****heads.  Your senses, magic or Fenral, tells you they ain't right.

Hearing those words out of the mouth of Morgan may be the most frightening thing Israel has ever heard.  The most "by the book" of the wardens, the man who would normally have Israel's head for killing with magic just told him he has permission to kill pretty much everything in this room - that, to Israel, is terrifying.

Israel is going to hold off casting for the moment, as that would disperse the shield he's holding over the group - let's let that take a hit before we disperse it.

Instead, Israel swings around the shotgun Marshall provided and takes a wild shot at a clump of Nazis.  It being a shotgun, he's not really aiming at a specific flunky, just trying to distract them so the others in the group can take more precise shots.

Tactics:
Trying to place an aspect - a maneuver - on a few of the Nazis (however many are in the 'splash' of a shotgun)
Guns = 2 - If successful, thugs get a single use aspect placed on them (Let's call it 'Under Fire').  Jacob or Rebekah can tag it next turn to get a bonus hitting the group.

Once at least two of those Israel is shielding (Himself, Jacob, Rebekah, Alex, and the spirits) take hits (the shield will only give a +2 for one hit per person) Israel will drop that spell and switch to something more offensive.

Pumping a dragon round into the gun because, well, why not?

No witty one-liners, it's time to do things according to Major General James Mattis' philosophy:  "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

I'm tagging the "Under Fire" aspect on the clump of Nazi spooks.  Let's see how they like fire.

Guns:  -2(+4)+2=6  (Damn dice roller still hates me...)

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 61):

Williams rips into two of the Nazie, tearng flesh `s, and burning bodes.  You hear a strange whining sound as the two collpse together in a heap.

(they are terribly wounded, but will recover eventually)

Hands begin reaching for you from the walls, and the remaining members of Hitler's Youth League advance on you/

(for this step, I'll handle basic defensive rolls unless you wanna do something different.)

As one approaches, Rebekah sets one on fire, and Alex runs one through.  It seems the holy weapon is more painful than fire, but Rebekah is immolating the Nazi, dealing lots of damage.

The shields on Rebekah and Jacob go down as two Nazis attack.  There is no humanity in their eyes.  Whatever they are or were, they no longer qualify as human.

With the shields down on two of the heavy hitters, its time for Israel to go on the offensive.

He thrusts his staff forward as a focus, targeting whoever looks like the man in charge.  He quotes Samuel quietly to himself "And Adonai will lighten my darkness," then shouts "Yuvon Jun Tuz" (Golden Blade of Light), Something looking akin to a golden laser fires from Israel's staff at the target.

Conviction 5, Discipline 5(skill)+3(roll)+1(Spirit/Force Specialization)=9
Addition of Soulfire makes the difficulty 1 higher (5 instead of 4)
So attack roll is 9, weapon damage is 5, and with soulfire if enemy has any Toughness powers, they get dropped by one level - Mythic becomes supernatural, supernatural becomes inhuman, etc...
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:07, Mon 17 June 2013.

Jacob quotes Matthew 18 as he pumps some blessed shells into the downed Nazis:

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."


My intention is to keep up the pressure and advance towards Mueller with the purpose of putting a dragon round straight down his throat at point blank.

Guns:  -1(+4)=3

Segment from live session, in proper story detail...

The wizards set the chest near the door breathing hard from exhaustion.  Israel sighs to himself. "We must have missed something..." He turns to see Tzeitel looking away, sad.  He bends town to one knee places his hand gently under her chin to turn her face towards his and looks her in the eyes. Reverting back to the small amount of Yiddish he knows, he asks "Vos iz, Momellah?" <What's the matter, Little Mother?>

Tzeitel sniffs slightly, "When you go Yisreal, I will be all alone." Israel pulls the girl toward him, hugging her tightly. "Come now, you think I would leave you behind? The evil is gone, shouldn't you free to leave? To rejoin the family in the next life?"

"I am bound to this house," she replies sadly, "Until the barrier falls, my remains are buried properly."  Israel smiles, "That, dear aunt, we can fix."

With the assistance of the other wizards, the barrier guarding the house falls within short order.

Tzeitel's bones are take just outside the house and buried under a large oak Tree.


Israel recites the Burial Kaddish:
"Exalted and hallowed be His great Name."

Rebekah and and any others of the Jewish faith respond "Amen."

"In the world which He will create anew, where He will revive the dead, construct His temple, deliver life, and rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and uproot foreign idol worship from His land, and restore the holy service of Heaven to its place, along with His radiance, splendor and Shechinah, and may He bring forth His redemption and hasten the coming of His Moshiach."

"Amen."

"In your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon, and say, Amen."

"Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and to all eternity, blessed."

"May His great Name be blessed forever and to all eternity. Blessed and praised, glorified, exalted and extolled, honored, adored and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, blessed be He."

"Amen."

"Beyond all the blessings, hymns, praises and consolations that are uttered in the world; and say, Amen."

"Amen."

"May there be abundant peace from heaven, and a good life for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

"Amen."

"He Who makes peace in His heavens, may He make peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

"Amen."

Israel returns to Tzeitel, who has one more request, "I would like to see the sun, one last time."  Israel looks to the other wizards, who nod silently and begin to cast the appropriate spell.  Israel takes his aunt's hand and they walk out onto the porch and sit down on the steps. Israel wraps his arm around the spirit of the little girl, and together, they watch the remainder of the sunrise, Tzeitel slowly fading away. "Return to the arms of your mother, little one," Israel whispers. His arm falls limply to his side and he stands and composes himself, surreptitiously wiping away a tear from his eye, and yells at the rest of the group, "Well come on you lazy schmucks, we've got a chest to unload!"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 65):

Sergei: Gentlemen, excellent work.  Levy, I must admit I was not completely forthcoming earlier.  In order to bring in Rebekah to help, I had to promise a favor.  It seems she only agreed to help if I agreed to sending the two of you to Paris for 2 days.  The plane leaves in 4 hours.  You have 48 hours from then.

Agent Williams, take some time to go to the states, go see your family.  I'll see you back at headquarters in a few days.  Don't worry, I'll make sure everything gets where it is suppose to. And play referee.


Before you leave Eli comes running to Israel.  Eli! Did you find what you were looking for?  We did! It was incredible! Cable tv here we come! Gotta go! Lots of editing and posting to do.  Between us, I knew about "you know what" but I didn't expect anything like that!

Thank you, sir.  It'll be good to see my boy again.  I'll have my cell on if you need anything.

I look at Levy and Rebekah:

You two enjoy your 2 day pass, you've earned it.  See you in a few days.