In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 322):

"Maybe..." Dash points at the small device Connor is inspecting, "Maybe... that ...is the present mentioned in the message? Perhaps it has some nefarious function?  Because, if so, then we have already thwarted the Vril plans here, in Graustark."

In reply to Denholm Hawkesbury (msg # 323):

Grimsby commented "I would like to believe we had thwarted the  Vril, but this device
seems too harmless to be the center of a Vril plot  unless it has dangerous
properties we have not yet discovered."

"What device is that?" Mercy asks as the conversation turns to the item Connor is holding. When Connor shows it to her, she has no problem identifying it as her expression turns dark.

"It vibrates," she explains. "In your hand, it is just an amusement. Place it on the wall of a building, however, the vibration it sends out returns, gets amplified and sent out, returns, gets amplified again and sent out... Within 10 minutes, the building shakes itself apart!"

"If it had been place near where the Princess sleeps, it would have brought the whole castle down on her. And it mostly likely would be attributed to an earthquake, however unlikely that might be. Or else someone with an earthquake device would be accused of it."

"Mr. Tesla invented the device. It is quite simple in design, though only a brilliant mind could have conceived and developed it. I happened to be visiting him in New York a few years ago when he demonstrated it to a few of us. He applied it to a skyscraper... but stopped it before it brought the building down. Stories about that demonstration have circulated ever since."

"I assure you that Nikola is not a member of the Vril Society, but how they got hold of the device is a mystery. Actually, it doesn't look like his, except in size. This is the second device of his that has been replicated." She holds up her lightning gun for emphasis.

"Mr. Tesla might not be in the Vril, but you must concede that the man has a knack for inventing devices which has a lot of potential for....misuse," Connor replied with a quirk of an eyebrow, "He is brilliant, yes, I have nothing but the highest respect for the man, but he is just a mite naive at times when it comes to the practical applications of his research.

I met him once, some years ago, but that's a tale for another time, I think. Anyway, yes, it would have to be a pretty sophisticated workshop to duplicate something like this..."

The felinoid stopped in mid-sentence at this, examining the device's innards a little more closely, looking for traces of manufacture this time, i.e. who might've built it, hoping that nothing from his his works in Ireland was contained within, for that would've been mortifying...

Connor doesn't find ANY manufacturers' marks on the components! While he's pretty sure that he doesn't know every manufacturer in the world these days, he does know most. These components don't match any that he's aware of, but at least none of his components are in it at any rate, and he does note that this design is probably more efficient than anything he could have made... before now. There are some intriguing techniques used here that made it somewhat smaller... about the size of half a deck of cards.

Bellgrove had been quietly taking in the conversation, "I trust your words on whether or not Mr. Tesla is with the Vril or not, Mercy; however, whether the Vril are copying his designs are coming up with their own versions are equally terrifying thoughts."

"Just because an inventor doesn't instantly consider a way to weaponize his latest invention doesn't mean that someone else won't," Mercy answers Bellgrove, sounding a bit miffed.

"The principles of oscillation and amplification have been known for awhile now, but Nikola is the first one to figure out a way to combine them into something that didn't just make an interesting pattern on coated glass or produce a funny sound. He saw it simply as an intriguing combination that could possibly be used in quarry mining rather than using more dangerous explosives. There were no convenient quarries in New York at that time, so he demonstrated in on a building as the nearest equivalent."

"Even after his demonstration, he didn't think of it in terms of a weapon but as a tool or an amusement. If you need to take down an old unsafe building, use his tool rather than monstrous cranes or explosives."

"Flying ships can be used to bomb places... should we abandon their use because of that?"

"No doubt others have or will do the same with inventions; the Vril are not exceptional in that respect, they merely have access to better resources, fewer indecisive and short-sighted administrative incompetents, and less government interference."

Bellgrove holds up his hands defensively, "Forgive me, Mercy, but I did not mean to tar Mr. Tesla for having developed these technologies. I merely meant that if the Vril have managed to duplicate the science or develop it themselves it may be that they have somebody as brilliant as he. I would rather those I consider my enemies be less clever than those I hope are my friends!"

With a shrug he continues, "A naive thought, I know. Still, despite the concern it raises for me it is better that I understand these Vril. Remember, that I am new to them and I am now caught up with you all whom I have joined in the attempt to stop them."

Grimsby remarks, "Miss Kincaid's description of the effects of the device certainly explains why the Vril wanted it.  But I still wonder what the connection is between this plot and the Cavorite."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Fri 27 Mar 2015.

"In this respect, you are probably more experienced in this sort of thing than I am," Mercy responds to Grimsby, "but in science, particularly with invention, we often find a different reaction than the one we were expecting. We've taken to calling this parallel development."

"I'm beginning to think that that is what we have here... parallel plots that have a common starting point."

"As you surmised, Lord Kentigern's death would have left the only known cavorite mine in the hands of the Vril. When we thwarted his assassination at the Gas Lamp Club and then proceded to oust them from the mine, it did not stop them totally. That suggests that they were going forward all along."

"Killing Kentigern was merely the common starting point of both plots. One plot was further assassinations, the purpose for which we are still in the dark."

"The second plot seems to be transfering the cavorite and Professor Cavor to some unknown destination for some as equally unknown purpose, a purpose which I think we can agree on will not be good."

"Now, I may be wrong on this. I'm merely pointing out that you are attempting to weave together events into one cohesive plot and getting nowhere. So maybe there aren't tied together."

"Once again, Mercy makes an excellent point. Without knowing what the Vril Society's purpose and goals towards that purpose are then all we may do is guess not only at the plots we manage to stop and guess at whether their assassinations are implicit in their strategy or 'terrorism' and/or a means to distract folks like us whom would get in their way.

"You have made it clear to me that you do not yet know exactly what the Vril's purpose is; however, looking at the plots you have so far stopped might we not get some clearer sense of things? That is not to say that these plots are actually connected, but that regardless of whether or not they are each independent schemes, 'brush strokes,' if will, they might give us a sense of the larger picture."

"Very broadly, I think their purpose could be defined as the domination of the world --or at least the more valuable parts of it --by means of new scientific techniques." said Grimsby.
 "But I cannot help thinking there must be some reason that Cavor was brought to Graustark at the same time the Vril were, apparently, planning to assassinate the princess. What makes this seemingly minor principality so sigificant to them?
However, for the moment it may be enough if we can simply thwart their misdeeds even if we cannot deduce the larger design they are meant to serve.
If the attempt on the castle here has been defeated, as it seems to be, should we be returning to the search for Cavor?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:57, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 334):

"I believe so." Dash chimes in, "While there may still be some minor Vril henchmen about, I believe that we have thwarted their primary ambitions here, for now, as well as eliminated a pair of their top operatives."

"We know that Cavor was seen aboard the black zeppelin while it was resupplying, so I believe it is a fair bet that he's still aboard -- and said zeppelin has already left the capitol. Also, that list we took from the chief thug in Marseilles had two names left un-crossed off. One was the Princess, here in Graustark, the other was the Queen in Bourbony."

"I believe we should head for Bourbony. The black zeppelin is likely headed there next. Perhaps with Captain Remy's knowledge of, and contacts in, Africa, we might arrange to get to the island of Bourbony before the zepp."

Marian clutched her burgundy skirts nervously as she attempted to find the sergeant's office. A mixture of excitement and jitters ran through her spine. An airship! If she could find out who owned it perhaps she could manage to obtain passage and finally begin really living her life. James you would be so proud of me. I'm finally doing what I've always said I would. Or at least attempting to anyway. We'll see how accommodating the owner of the airship is she thought drily. I'm sorry you're missing it all James. A widow, Marian often directed her thoughts towards her husband. It made her feel connected to him even though he'd been dead a few years now.

As she approaches the office she notes a curious group gathered close by. Why were they all standing around like that? Was there a line? Perhaps she should have brought a book...

As a guest of the Princess, Marian had already been admitted to the castle, and when Yetive had gone off to do her princessly duties, Marian had gone off in search of the Sargent-at-Arms' office. She'd vaguely remembered passing it when she'd first entered the castle, but finding it again through all the maze-like hallways and staircases had been a bit difficult.

Graustark was not a populace country by any means, and it seemed like half the population worked in or around the castle, yet she could find anyone to ask directions!

She'd finally found a group of people standing in the hallway. As she neared them, she overheard part of their conversation about going to Bourbony. They didn't seem to be standing in line, but they were definitely just outside the Sargent's office.

When one of them shifted position, that's when she saw the body lying on the floor in the hallway.

Pleased that it didn't appear to be a line Marian gingerly approached, wondering if she could just pick her way through them. Upon seeing the body though she gives a little shriek and curses loudly. Bloody-! Are they dead?! I think they're dead! What happened?! she rushes forward to get a closer look, her green eyes wide with shock and her mind racing as she thinks to herself, Why are they just standing around talking about Bourbony?! Oooh, I must add that to my list. I wonder if I shouldn't try to find passage there too...but one thing at a time! Why in heaven's is there a body on the floor?! Am I the only one who sees a problem here?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Wed 01 Apr 2015.

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 338):

Hearing the lady's exclamation, Grimsby addressed her in reassuring tones, "Pray do not be disturbed by this unfortunate scene. I assure you there is no cause for alarm. I am Grimsby Baskerville, an accredited agent of Her Britannic Majesty, and I and my comrades were compelled to dispatch this wretch in the course of our duties.
We have good grounds for believing he was a member of a nefarious organization plotting, among other crimes, the assassination of Her Highness Princess Yetive, and therefore his death should be no just cause for distress to you or any other resident here."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 339):

As Marian walks over to the group -- there are three gentlemen, one young woman, and what looks like a man with a Tiger's head (probably male; if you have any experience in what Tiger Men look like ^_^) -- one of the gentleman, dressed in black turtleneck and tan johdpurs, pulls a gold pocket watch out and glances at it. Without looking up from his watch, the young man speaks with a distincly American accent.

"I say, anyone want to take bets as to whether that harridan, Senorita Iburra, has poisoned herself; like that Vril thug we dragged all the way from Marseilles?" he says, at about the same time as Marian calls out in surprise at sighting the body, and Grimsby introduces himself.

"Well, this bloke better be dead! Otherwise we'll have to shoot him again!" the blond gentleman says, after Grimsby, then he gives a little chuckle and taps himself lightly on the side of the head.

"Oh, but where are our manners? Grimsby, old mucker, for shame! You didn't make introductions. Forgive me, dear lady. Allow me to introduce us to you...I am Denholm Hawkesbury, of the Hawkesbury Trading Company, out of Nantucket. Please do call me Dash. Our Brittanic friend, here..." Dash gestures towards Grimsby, who had just spoken, "...is, as he has said, Mister Grimsby Baskerville. My fellow American, here..." Dash slaps the other young gentleman on the shoulder in a comradely fashion, "...is Mister Bellgrove Wander, a reporter from New York City...or so he says," Dash gives a wink and a smile, then turns toward the young woman in the group.

"And this young lady, the avante savant of our little group, is Miss Mercy Kincaid. A Mechanicalist and explorer, who has been blessed to study in the shadow of the great Tesla, himself. And last, but by no means least, there is this bundle of bon vivant, trying to stay to the shadows, Mister Connor Holmes, an engineer out of Ireland. My friends, allow me to introduce you all to...this...fine lady."

Dash chuckles, again, then lowers his voice and says, "I do appologize, ma'am, but I forgot to ask you your name, before I started this cotillion. You are...?"

Marian looks immensely relieved at hearing there was a valid reason for the dead body on the floor. She listens with excited interest, eyes widening at the mention of a plot against the princess. When she finally notices the tiger man her face breaks into the widest most joyous grin one could hope to see. Oh my bloody stars!she thinks with glee. I finally get to see one up close! Do not pet him Marian, don't even think about it! She clenches her fists to keep herself from touching the poor man but then she always was a curious woman.

She laughs at Dash's joke and politely listens to the introductions. You notice she is a pretty freckled woman with dusty blonde hair and about thirty years of age. She is British and well dressed but her clothes are a few years out of date and a bit wrinkled in places. Oh I'm sorry! I am Marian Holroy she reaches out to shake hands with enthusiasm, looking especially tickled at the prospect of shaking the tiger man's hand. For those who enjoy reading you may have heard the name, she is an author of adventure novels usually taking place in far off locations with exotic plots and plenty of danger. Well you all sound perfectly wonderful! You must lead such fascinating lives, especially to make such introductions at the feet of a corpse she chuckles. My own exploits are not near so interesting. I am just an author who is out to finally see what it is I'm writing about. I'm sure I could pick any one of your brains and come back with enough ideas to fill a dozen more books. But I am concerned to hear about her highness. I am a guest of hers currently and I would hate for anything to happen to her she frowns. I'm glad you got the wretch then. I surely hope there aren't more lurking about.

A flash of annoyance crosses Bellgrove's face when the woman suddenly appears and does what women too often do, but it is quickly replaced by the typically bland mien he bears. When Dash claps his shoulder he bows his head in a formal manner, but does not speak. When Marian reaches out to shake his hand he smiles and shakes her hand.

Grimsby waits through the introductions and takes Miss Holroy's hand in turn, giving a slight stiff bow as he does so. He says "Honored to make your acquaintance, Miss Holroy," rather formally, but then adds in a lighter tone, "I hope you have not followed the custom of too many of your colleagues in the adventure-writing profession and set adventures in Central Asia, of which they usually know nothing."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Fri 03 Apr 2015.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Holroy," the red-headed woman responds, shaking the offered hand. "I'm afraid I haven't heard of you or your writings. Most of my reading is technical manuals."

"So what brings you to Graustark?"

Marian blushes at Grimsby's comment. Well actually mine are centered pretty much everywhere though I do confess my own exposure is severely limited. However, my parents were world travelers and all of my information has come from their reliable experiences. she turns to Mercy. That is mainly why I'm here. I wanted to start seeing the world for myself, have some adventures of my own. Of course I must sound foolish to those who've actually done so. she looks embarrassed. Anyone caught up in such intrigue and murder plots against the throne would surely see me as a dreadful bore, which chagrins me because that is the last thing I want to be. Shut up Marian, you are babbling like a nit! No need to point out your dullness to complete strangers! It serves you right for always thinking others boring. I hope you realize the justice of your comeuppance!

ooc: Just for future reference, any italics are her own thoughts just so I don't have to say it every time :)

Connor stayed silent as Marian introduced herself, although the white tiger felinoid inclined his head briefly in greeting,  his long tail switching slowly behind him as he waited patiently to get underway to leave the castle and get back aboard the airship, then presumably on to Bourbony.

He cast his violet eyed over the newcomer somewhat critically, not really sure what to make of her, still a trifle wary in these unfamiliar surroundings, never mind all the Vrill stuff going on behind the scenes. It was all so vexing! So many mysteries, so little answers... Never mind though, he was certain his companions and himself would be able to unravel the mysteries one step at a time..

Grimsby says more briskly, "Well, Miss Holroy, if it is adventure you are seeking, you are likely to find all you want and more in our company. The villainous Vril will see to that. They're the sinister society I mentioned.
    As we appear to have thwarted their scheme in this principality, we were about to depart for Bourbony, which is apparently their next target.
    If you wish to join us, will you need to collect your baggage before we go?  Speaking as a more experienced adventurer, I advise you to travel light."