Marion, Mercy, Bellgrove and Connor:

The four of you are heading off to do some shopping. The style of clothing that you see on people as you head for the center of town appears to be that of India. The women are wearing saris and another similar type garment. Many are wearing jewels on the forehead.

The men wear a long jacket over trousers and a loose-fitting shirt. There are a few turbans in evidence, as well as some light muslin caps.

All around you see bright colors and embroidery. Some of it is very elaborate.


Grimsby and Dash:

So the two of you are escorting the Professor to the government building. He has no problem climbing down the rope ladder, but his dog will have to get lowered by sling.


Remi and Matthew:

Remi, of course, will stay to guard the ship as well as see about getting it restocked. Once the others come back to work on the engines, he'll slip out and do his own shopping.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 1):

Grimsby supervises the lowering of the professor's dog and then looks around for someone who seems official enough to know where they should escort the professor.

Having helped Grimbsby, Dash, and crew get the Professor and dog onto the soil of Lugaash Belgrove takes a look around and marvels at the sight. He has never been to Arabia and at first glance it seems as marvelous as the tales he has heard from others better traveled than he.

Nevertheless, he understands that he has a duty here and moves into a defensive position near the Professor while the more experienced Grimsby acts as navigator. "Welcome home, Professor!", he says with a wry grin as he scans the surrounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Sat 13 June 2015.

Connor allowed a small smile to cross his muzzle as he went with the ladies and Bellgrove off into Lugaash proper, his hand-hewn walking stick making a steady tap-tap-tap as he went along, his ears pricked up and his violet eyes scanning the sights as well as the throngs of people, interested and curious, but also remaining on his guard.

"I hear tell the coffee here is considered among the best there is," he said conversationally to his companions for the sake of a little small talk since he'd been mostly silent for the whole of the trip from Bourbony after rescuing the Professor, "More of a tea man...well tea cat in this case, but I did try a drop of the coffee last time I was in these parts a year or so back for a contract for my firm, but it was quite good, you might consider having a drop yourselves whole you're here."

ooc: I adore Indian and other cultural clothing so I hope you don't mind if I get a little nuts here. I spent twenty minutes just picking out clothes that aren't even real...Yes I have a problem.
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http://linzhouweb.com/wp-conte...ar-kameez-ad-111.jpg

Marian is wildly excited by all the new sights and she is constantly whipping her head around to try to look at everything, it is almost making her dizzy. She adores the fashion here and will plunk down money for a couple of outfits including a satin embroidered green and brown sari and a wine colored salwar kameez, the wonderful dress with trousers underneath which makes her ecstatic to be able to move so freely. She would love to buy more but considering packing light is important she decides to control herself. It is extremely difficult though and she literally has to clench her hands over her money purse to stop herself at times.

At Connor's mention of coffee she gives a delighted smile. That sounds wonderful! I tend to lean towards tea myself but I simply must try everything I can! You should consider picking up some new clothes too gentlemen she addresses both men. I imagine you'd look quite dashing in them. Of course I understand if your excitement does not mirror my own in that regard she laughs.

Grimsby says to Connor, "I am more of a tea man myself, but if the coffee is as good as you say, I am willing to try it. We are close to the land of its origins here. The legend is that an Arab herdsman saw his goats dancing after they nibbled a certain plant, so he decided to try it himself."
He also replies to Marian, "I have worn a fair amount of Indian garb in the line of duty, but it usually was not as nice as the new pieces here in the market, as I was usually trying to avoid notice. A pretended humble  beggar in a fine new robe would give himself away."

As it turns out, everyone is pretty much heading into town in the same direction anyway. At the outskirts of the city, you get shops and vendors that tend to be specialized. You pass a cart that offers nothing but shawls run by a woman in semi-peasant garb. It's hard to tell here because color is everywhere.

As you move further into the city toward the center, you start seeing more diversity, more variety. Some of the best work is at the edge, but it doesn't tend to match the commericial quality towards the center of town.

The center of town is dominated by the largest building in Lugarno is clearly the Shah's palace. It's roughly four-stories tall, though it appears to have been built as only three stories with each being taller than normal. The building has a central dome, and there are small spires at the corners. It is made of a pinkish-red brick with much white marble as cornices, lintels and such.

There is a wide avenue completely around it, so no shops or vendors are near it. But those are along the outer edge of the avenue. Once again, there is a distinction of shops. Those along the avenue are fairly simple shops. No vendor carts are in evidence. It's only on the outer side of the city blocks that line the avenue that you get the large shops. There are a few 'general store' types, along the lines of a department store, but most seem to be oriented to one type of product, such as a clothing shop, a leather shop, a pottery shop, a blade seller, and a jewelry shop.

There are cart-based vendors scattered all along the streets, only dwindling as you approach the living areas to the outer edge. There are water sellers, toy sellers, food sellers, trinket sellers, food sellers... There are jugglers, musicians, snake charmers, prayer chanters, fortune tellers, etc.

Marian listens to Grimsby's story with interest and will chat pleasantly about his experiences as they walk. Upon seeing the complexity of this place she is ecstatic with all of these new surroundings. Had she the space and money she would buy a lot more than she does and it is almost killing her to limit herself as she is. She is keenly interested in trying the different food too. Since Grimsby has more experience in travel she will direct any questions to him of which she has many, mostly why things are as she's seeing them, questions on the history, food, religion, etc, providing he has answers and she doesn't annoy him of course. She is particularly taken by the snake charmers and watches with fascination and horror. I wonder if I could ever learn how to do that...

Moving through the small crowds of people, you quickly realize that most of them are heading out to see the airship. The people from the airship might be interesting, too, but they've seen people before, even foreigners. They've never seen an airship, except maybe in an illustration.

The hustle and bustle of the crowd is a bit noisy, but it's mostly voices. There are other sounds, too... musical instruments, children playing, clink of coins, and some clacking sounds whose immediate source can't be determined.

But then Connor, followed quickly by Mercy, hears, over top of the din, the unmistakable clanking of metal parts against other metal parts. Mercy quickly diverts the shopping half of the group in that direction, which puts them in front of a tinker's shop. The small shop is full of an incredible assortment of gears and gadgets and widgets and whatnot. Large items are stacked against the back wall while wooden bins out on the floor seem to have some sort of semblance to them. That is, parts of a similar nature appear to have been sorted into the same bin.

It may look willy-nilly to the unlearned, but to Mercy it's like shopping at Harrod's!

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 8):

Griimsby eyes the street people with an equal, but less naïve, interest, keeping an eye out for anything from Vril agents to simple pickpockets. He knows that obvious tourists are likely targets for the latter.
When Marion comments on the snake charmers, he says "You might be able to do it, with practice, I believe they usually see the snakes have had their fangs out, so they're not so deadly as they look, and I fancy the creatures may be drugged with something into the bargain. At least, that's what I've heard in India. I've not seen it done in Lugaash before."

Charles spots the (shopping) group going into a shop and steers Mr. Smith in that direction and enters the shop.

Of course Hashim's shop can grab your attention but my friends have always sworn by Faud's ability to find interesting items.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 9):

Bellgrove moved with the party warily staying near to the Professor. He was not the sort to wander without thought for pickpockets or muggers (he is, after all, a New Yorker) and given that he has never before been to Arabia and escorting a man who was recently bombed by the Vril he is particularly wary.

Marian listens to Grimsby with interest.Well that's cheating! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised but pish just the same. Marian looks disappointed. I suppose the person who must really be commended is whoever had to take their fangs out. I can't imagine the dangers would be worth it just to scam a few tourists.

While Mercy, Marion and Connor peruse the wares in Faud's little shop of mechanical horrors, Grimsby, Bellgrove and Dash continue to escort Professor Strawbridge and Spirit to the palace, which, given the size of the city, is probably the government building, too.


Bellgrove's eagle eyes seem to deter any potential pickpockets, and he doesn't spot any other possible threats. However, like in most places of this nature, particularly in the less-than-civilized regions of the world, there are always people that seek to prey on others. Bellgrove does spot two or three of those sorts... lurkers in the shadows that eye the group speculatively.

Bellgrove stares them in the eye, not so much threateningly as just letting them know he's seen them.

Grimsby's presence is more subdued, and experienced muggers have enough sense to stay clear.

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 13):

Grimsby responds to Marion, "I believe the method involves tricking the snake into striking something that will immobilize the fangs, but I may be wrong -- I've not seen it done, le alone tried it. I suppose like any skill it depends on practice, but I should not care to be a novice in the art."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 15):

Dash had spent all his time since returning from the War with Spain working aboard Hawksebury family clipper ships, and was now quite familiar with the way a sailor at a new port needed to behave; he walked with a roll that would let a professional thug know that he was carrying a weapon.

However, like Marian, he had never been closer to the Orient than the port of Honolulu in the Territory of Hawaii, so he, too, was fascinated by the sights of both Araby and India that surrounded him.  And, while the sounds of the mechanical arts being practiced also drew his attention, Dash knew that his priority must be to find the telegraph office.

Really? Well that makes sense I suppose though I can't help but feel bad for the poor creature. Having one's teeth ripped out and then being drugged into performing for the rest of one's life must be awful. Not to say I adore the creatures of course but one can still sympathize she shakes her head.

Once they are in the strange shop Marian feels somehow even more out of her element. It is all fascinating and strangely lovely to look at but she has little idea of what anything does. She is happy for Mercy though, surely the woman must be enjoying herself.

Charles stands apart once they have entered Fuad's shop. Trying to stay out of the way while watching the people in the shop.

The intent when they started out from the Elephant In the Cellar was to go to the shop Charles had recommended. Once out of the pub, however, the presence of the airship had altered those plans, and they were heading for the edge of town to view the craft... along with half of the local population, it seemed.

Only about halfway there, it seemed as if plans were changing again... going back to the original--a visit to Faud's shop. That was because the occupants of the airship (a reasonable assumption based on their appearance) were heading there! How extraordinairy a coincidence! Pehaps, though, Charles claim was more valid that he'd believed.

Truth be told, four gentleman did not go to Faud's but seemed headed for the palace. Also not unreasonable. On the other hand, two attractive women were going to Faud's! Most extraordinaire, indeed!

He could hardly imagine what interest they'd have... until one of them began rummaging through the boxes of gears and apparati... just as he would have done.

"I don't believe you will find any American parts here, ma'am," he said to the fiery redheaded woman. "German, French, English... perhaps some Italian or Dutch. Not much of an American presence in this part of the world."

Meanwhile Grimsby was continuing on with the professor toward the palace.

Connor seemed to be enjoying himself as he perused the selection of parts, gizmos, and other mechanical bits and bobs inside Faud's shop along with Mercy, deciding to get some uds and suds for the upcoming retro-fit of the airship they had come on, specifically to the boilers and the engines, as well as few little things for himself to tinker with when he had gotten done with that.

The felinoid noted with a level of quiet pride that his own firm, Holmes Machine Works Ltd., was represented in a few intricately machined pieces here and there, not very many but still it was nice to see that his "little works that could" in Ireland was selling to such far-flung places such as this.

Getting back to his idea of retro-fitting the airship, the first modification he wanted to implement was a condenser to cut down on water and fuel consumption, which would go to increasing efficiency overall, as well as implementing superheater elements of his own design in the boilers, improvements to the lubrication systems and power transmission to the screws to further squeeze every bit of usable energy out of every nugget of coal burned. This in turn would yield superior range, improved performance at both cruising and flank speeds, and lower the cost of operation and the need to stop for fuel and/or maintenance. As such, Connor had a huge armload of merchandise when his turn came at the register, apparently quite used to mechanical treasure troves like this shop, and he intended on getting larger supplies like pipes, tanks, and other larger hardware here as well if he could before heading off for a pint.

"Little piece of heaven, this place," he remarked to Mercy, "Even if you never bought anything, you'd come away with loads of ideas from looking at all the bits and bobs."

"And what makes you think I'd be looking for American parts?" Mercy replies to Paul. "The country of origin is of less concern than the quality of manufacture. I can always convert a quality part to whatever need I have."

"It wasn't so long ago, Connor, that this would have all been sold for scrap. Now, even the smallest of iron gears has more value in its form than in its content."

She turned back to the stranger, though as far as she was concerned, anyone who was interested in all things mechanical was hardly a stranger.

"You sound eminently like an American of the United States," she said to Paul. "I am English, my name is Mercy Kincaid. Pray tell, what brings you to the ends of the Earth here in Lugassh?"

Paul smiled at the newly meet engineer and wondered how their coil be so many with the same profession as his.
"Well, I can see that you have quite the observational skills miss. My name is Paul Smith, and indeed I am from the US. I'm here to look for British and Indian manufactured pieces, since I've heard that they are quite the engineering, let's say, delicacy. I was only referring to American pieces because American steel is quite rebound back in Europe, so I was wondering if you had come in med of anything in the origin of the country across the ocean."
Paul walked up to the woman and put his hand in a position to shake hers.

In reply to Paul Smith (msg # 23):

Dash accompanies Grimsby and the Professor, as Dash is operating on the thought that Grimsby will know where the telegraph office is.

Grimsby, Bellgrove, Dash and the professor continue on to the palace. Considering the size and nature of the country and the city, Grimsby thinks it's probable that the telegraph office is probably in a hotel. As you near the palace, you spot telegraph lines strung over the buildings, and you can follow them to the Golden Tulip Hotel, which faces the palace across the royal boulevard.

Approaching the hotel, you can hear the sounds of a steam engine coming from a nearby building. Then you spot a penny farthing coming down the boulevard. The man on it is wearing a leather cap, goggles and some sort of mechanical vest. He waves at just about everyone as he cycles past.

Grimsby continues to escort the professor toward the palace, noting the Golden Tulip for future reference after the professor has been safely delivered. Seeing the cyclist, he observes him carefully --outwardly he appears friendly, but why the vest?

"Please to make your acquaintance, Mr. Smith," Mercy replies, shaking Paul's hand in a 'manly' gesture.

"You just missed Mr. Denholm Hawkesbury--a fellow American. He's been traveling with us... though I suppose you could also say we've been traveling with him. May I introduce Marion Holroy? And Mr. Connor Holmes?"

"We've just delivered Professor Strawbridge to Lugaash. I'd never of this country before that. I certainly had no idea I'd find such an intriguing shop here."

"Connor wants to improve our airships engines; he's bound to find something useful here. Me, I've been thinking of trying to add some medical skills to my mechanical bartender, Hugo."

She starts pulling a few odds and ends out of the bins... mostly small gears, but a few metal rods, too.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Wed 24 June 2015.

Grimsby is still contemplating the mechanical vest when a loud noise draws his attention back down the boulevard. Around the corner clangs a three-pennyfarthing--a three-wheeled cycle with two large wheels in the back, though not as large as the pennyfarthing's main wheel. Sitting between the two wheels is a woman.

It's clear that the threepenny is steam powered, both by the noise it makes and the steam escaping from the back.

A glance at the pennyfarthing just as it rounds the other corner gives Grimsby a clue as to the purpose of the vest. Although the bicycle isn't going all that fast, it takes the corner rather sharply and the vehicle leans inward.

And I'm just along for the company. I've no head for this sort of thing I'm afraid. Marian adds with a laugh, feeling a bit out of place with all these mechanically inclined people. Very pleased to meet you she smiles.

The direct way of the Americans cuts though some of the etiquette that is expected of a gentleman. Best make use of it rather than wait for an introduction that may never come.

Charles steps forward to the group.

Ladies. He tips his top hat.

I shall leave you to your devices Mr. Smith.  I am going to walk through the Bazaar before the heat gets to great.  I generally dine and have tea at the Elephant if you are so inclined.

Marian turns to the other stranger in surprise. She had to admit that shopping, tea and food sounded far more intriguing than this place full of wonders she didn't understand but she could hardly go off with a total stranger. Still, looking at her face it is clear the temptation to join is great and she is wrestling with herself.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 28):

Bellgrove takes in the friendly fellow on the penny farthing when he hears the sound of the second penny farthing his hand moves towards the pistol holstered beneath his jacket.

"Rather heavy, erm, traffic on these streets. Quite a, erm, scene.", he says as he moves into a position between the Professor and the cyclists.

"No need to worry," one of the street people comment to Bellgrove. "That was the Shah and his second wife. He's been out on that infernal contraption every day since he got it a month ago. Only his second wife was brave enough to venture out with him. She was terrified the first time she rode the device, but I do believe she has started enjoying the ride."

"I hear the Shah has ordered another dozen. I can't imagine who else would ride one, though! Not I, that's for sure!"

"Indeed? The Shah? Well, what do you know?", replies Bellgrove.

Turning to the man, "I can tell you, my friend, that despite their appearance it is good sport to ride a penny farthing. I've not ridden a mechanical version, but the old fashioned version is a pleasure."

He suddenly realizes that he is chatting rather than bodyguarding and excuses himself turning back to Grimbsby and Dash and the Professor, "I say, fellows, it seems as if the man the Professor needs to meet is right here. That's the Shah!"

In reply to Bellgrove G. B. Wander (msg # 34):

Dash had noticed the telegraph line emanating from the hotel, and was just about to announce his intent to search out the operator, when the distraction of the pennyfarthings occurred -- and then Belgrove identified one of the riders as the local Shah.

"The Shah, huh.  Well." Dash said, frowning in thought, "Uh, Grimsby, old mucker, you're the Colonial chappie -- would it be considered inappropriate to just step out into the street and try to flag down an eastern potentate?  I'm not afraid to say that I am out of my league, here."

Grimsby said, "Most potentates of my acquaintance would not welcome being hailed by a stranger --but most potentates I know don't ride bicycles around their capitals, either. Perhaps the professor should hail him --after all, the professor is the guest he's expecting."

"Lemme at one," Connor murr-growled bravely as finished up paying for his purchases, the larger items having to be delivered to the airship separately instead of being carried out with him, the big tiger felinoid ready to go find a good place get a good pint, or at the very least a refreshing cup of tea, "I'd open up the regulator and see what the thing could really do, and could surely improve it if didn't go quite fast enough. It'd certainly do until I can find myself a locomotive and a couple carriages for it to pull."

Saying nothing more about it, the felinoid had a gander at what was going on around him on the busy streets, trying to decide what direction would be more appropriate to head to find some liquid refreshments...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Fri 26 June 2015.

PM

Grimsby observes Connor's behavior with some surprise, but does not outwardly respond. He has known Asiatic rulers who have beheaded men for less, but he hopes this is not one of them.

Charles notices the look on the young Lady's face and looks to Mr. Smith ( who appears to be heads down in a bin of do-dads) then bows and doffs his top hat to Marian.  Charles Harris.

She smiles, pleased at the introduction and nods her head in a polite mini bow. Pleased to meet you Mr. Harris. I am Marian Holroy she speaks in a warm British accent. If Charles is a fiction reader of any sort he may have heard of her books, quite popular for their tales of adventure, romance and intrigue. I take it mechanical wonders such as these are not quite your cup of tea either? Or perhaps you've already had your fill of them she laughs. I admit I am out of my element here though I'm grateful for companions who are technologically minded. Still, gears can only be interesting for so long for someone with only limited understanding of their uses. she admits. My word I hope I don't come across as stupid she thinks to herself suddenly. I'm surely not the only one who doesn't know mechanics...

Charles looks thoughtful for a moment as he puts his hat back on. Are you perchance the novelist Holroy or perhaps a relation?

As for this, His wave encompasses the shop.  I do not understand much of it beyond the basics that we must all know to operate in society. I met Mr. Smith at the Elephant and he mentioned an interest in shops like these.  Having been here for several weeks already I was able to direct him to Faud's.  But it is not a place that I would shop.   

Marina is surprised and pleased to have someone recognize her name and she nods. Yes I am she. I thought it high time I finally experience the things I've been writing about.

Hearing that Harris was not anymore interested in mechanics than herself she laughs in relief. I like you already Mr. Harris. she grins. So many people these days seem to have an affinity for it that I feel a bit behind the times though I truthfully have little interest in rectifying that. So, what brings you so far from England?

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 43):

Charles nods. Your books are quiet the talk at some of the evening gatherings I have attended in London.  I only get pulled into the talk if one of your books goes to some exotic location.

He returns her grin. Everyone cannot be mechanics.  Some of us must talk to other people about things without gears or steam.  As to why I am here,  I represent Her Majesty's interests in various places.

Fortunately, Connor was far enough away that he may not have been heard, particularly since the Shah disappeared around the corner of the palace before then, so that only the woman in the three-pennyfarthing was in sight.

Grimsby says "Shall we go on to the palace? We still must deliver the professor there before we go about our own business."

Oh glad to hear there are some readers out there anyway she laughs happily. I'm hoping my books will be improved after all this. I've been taking a great many notes already. She listens to his mention of Her Majesty with interest. Oh really? Does that mean you've been to other places too or are you relatively new at working on her behalf? I love to pick traveler's brains she admits.

In reply to Marian Holroy (msg # 47):

All of my travels have been on her Majesty's behalf.  As a soldier I was in India and Hong Kong as well as fighting in Afghanistan.  My further travels have taken me to China and the South Pacific. With a slight bow he continues.  I will happily give you cultural details for any of those places but it does not compare with going there and meeting the people.

He glances back to Mr. Smith and the rest of Miss Holroy's group. If you or your group wish to visit the bazaar I will be happy to escort you but perhaps Miss Holroy, you should introduce me.  I would hate for us to leave and they think a scoundrel has made off with you in a foreign port.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 46):

Giving the Professor a questioning look Bellgrove nods to Grimsby, "Yes, well, that does seem like the thing to do."

I would love to hear all about them she smiles with delight. I've long lived off of other people's adventures. My parents were world travelers too and I grew up listening to their stories. That's how I got into writing in the first place. I have been wanting to travel for some time now but...well my husband died a few years ago and I only recently decided to start living myself. Sometimes those left behind tend to follow the dead prematurely she gives a pained half smile. But it's high time I stopped all that. James would never forgive me if I wasted my life feeling sorry for myself.

Hearing his comments on the bazaar she laughs. Yes, perhaps I'd better. I don't think you would enjoy being chased by a cat man through the streets, though I confess it would be marvelously entertaining. She then escorts him to the others and proceeds with the formal introductions that the British relied on so much.

Despite the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula, Lugaash sport jagged mountains, and Lugarno, situated on the coast, gets its share of breezes. Still, the glaring sun makes the lowlands hot and the nearby Persian Gulf contributes a goodly amount of humidity.

And that is why the guards at the palace entrance stand just inside the open foyer rather than outside.

As Grimsby, Dash, Bellgrove and the Professor cross the boulevard and approach the 'front door' after the pennyfarthings have passed out of sight, the first thing they notice, besides the two guards, is the fans. There are two rotary fans blowing air onto the guards' backs.

The guards are dressed in khaki-colored shirt and shorts with black belt and bandolier, holding a spear and wearing a scimitar on one side and a sidearm on the other. They also wear a fore-and-aft pith helmet.

Stepping up to the foyer, the guards place their outside hand on the butt of their pistols and lower their spears across the door.

"What business have you at the palace?" one of them says.


Back at the Faud's, Mercy has made her purchases and the group moves on to another shop, which, at first glance, defies labeling, but then you realize is a Middle Eastern equivalent of a pawn shop.

There is quite a collection of odds and ends here, things that you wouldn't expect to see outside of the posh shops of London or Paris. A few things that catch your eye is the rhino head on the wall, the pair of tall African drums, an elephant's tusk, a camera, an ebony cane with a sterling silver dragon's head handle, a canvas-and-leather vest with two dozen pockets, a typewriter, a trumpet, three ukeleles, and a wide selection of guns (derringer, pepperbox, pearl-handled Colt, a Winchester rifle, and three elephant guns).

Charles Harris walks around the shop examining many items.  He pays close attention to the ebony cane and questions the proprietor about where it came from.  He can speak Dari/Farsi if the shop owner does not speak English.

Oh if it weren't so heavy I'd love another typewriter! she gasps with delight. Instead she looks more towards the ukeleles and if they aren't asking too much (she may have money but she wasn't stupid with it) she will purchase one. She already played two instruments and since the cello was also a stringed instrument surely this ukelele wouldn't be too hard to learn. The rest of the time she wanders around happily, enjoying both familiar and exotic merchandise. This was much better than Faud's.

The shopkeeper speaks heavily accented English, though oddly, the accent is Indian rather than Arabic.

"Mr. Sheridan sold it to me to pay his gambling debts at the Cobra Club," Mustapha replies to Charles. "It is quite exquisite, is it not? It is of Chinese craftsmanship. Quite rare."

"Mr. Sheridan was killed two weeks later, so he will not be returning to claim it. In order to cover the money I gave him, I could not possibly let it go for less than 10 pounds. A larger donation, of course, would be greatly appreciated."


The typewriter in question is a lightweight portable one. It's been banged up a bit, but seems to be functional. It's only 1 pound.

The ukelele has also seen better days, but is in reasonable condition. It is 3 pounds.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 51):

Grimsby says, "We are simply escorting an invited guest whose journey here was interrupted by a violent attack. We rescued him after his ship was destroyed and are making sure he arrives safely." He gestures towards the professor to suggest he introduce himself.

Marian is torn over the typewriter as it would be easier than scribbling notes by hand but ultimately decides against it simply for ease of carting it around. It may not be heavy but she doubted it would fit in her carpet bag and as much as she hoped her new companions would let her travel with them for some time she needed to be ready in case they tired of her company. Instead she will purchase the ukelele with a happy grin, excited to have something to occupy her time with.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 54):

Charles continues his examination of the cane.    I always enjoy someof the stories of the items.  It tens to make then...more valuable.  Mr. Sheridan was killed?  How did that happen.

"Alas, Mr. Sheridan engaged in a duel with al'Kazar... and lost," Mustapha answers Charles. "It is most tragic."

"Of course, there was a woman involved. al'Kazar has been courting Shalimar for over a month now, but when she seemed more interested in Mr. Sheridan, naturally al'Kazar had to remove his rival for the lady's affections, did he not?"

"That is the story that has been told and repeated by many tongues. Alas, I cannot vouch for its veracity. It makes for a great romance, though, does it not?"



At the palace, the professor steps forward and addresses the guards, pulling a waterproof leather pouch from his coat pocket and extracting a telegram.

"My good sir, I am Professor Xavier Strawbridge. In response to an enquiry made by your shah, I applied for the position of Vizier and received this telegram in response, inviting me to visit Lugarno to accept that position."

He holds the telegram out so the guard can read it--if the guard can read.

"Would you be so kind as to inform your shah that I have arrived, at no small peril to myself, I might add."

The guard scrutinizes the telegraph for a moment before ringing the bell. The door opens a moment later, and another person is there.

"Tell His Majesty that his new Vizier has arrived."

"I am not authorized to let anyone in that I do not know, so you'll have to wait for the Major Domo to return with the proper authorization."

The guard directed the last back to the Professor.

Just then, the pennyfarthing drives by behind you. The rider waves at you. Clearly there must be another way into the palace as the pennyfarthing can't fit through these doors.


Marion acquires the ukelele and Mercy purchases the vest of pockets and the pepperbox. Nothing in the shop seems to interest Connor or Paul?
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:14, Wed 08 July 2015.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 58):

As the penneyfarthing (the one actually carrying the Shah, I assume, not the trike with his wife?) passes, Dash tosses off a casual salute to the rider, along with a big 'ol American grin.

Meanwhile, Connor had broken off from the rest of the group to go exploring a little more freely on his own, keeping an eye out for a possible cafe or a saloon since that was what he had originally had in mind when he had disembarked from the airship with his companions.

The tiger-person kept on his guard as he weaved through the pedestrian traffic, not at all eager to repeat his experience that had occurred in Marseilles, but all the same his bearing was relaxed and his pace was slow and steady, a steady tap-tap-tap coming from the wooden walking stick he carried as he went along. Connor found the heat a bit stifling, considering his pelt of fur and his clothes piled on top of that it was no wonder, but nonetheless he found Lugaash an interesting place to have a look-about in, definitely a far cry from his own small town in Ireland where he had his humble abode and his business based in.

A little ways on, he paused to have a gander and one of the street stalls that was selling books and other printed media such as newspapers, in many languages and on many subjects. A slight smile coming to his muzzle, Connor selected out a good half-dozen books (not all of them in English, since he could read and speak practically every human tongue), including a couple penny adventure novels (a guilty pleasure, his favorites being the ones with the Shanghai Kid, essentially a collection of American Western stories, as well as Allan Quartermain, another favorite character), as well as a copy of the local paper. "What do I owe you?" he asked the proprietor of the stall in the local dialect, figuring if he didn't appear like a complete foreigner he might be able to wrangle a deal.

After all, it might be nice to catch up on his reading once he found a good drink...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Wed 08 July 2015.

ooc: I am assuming Marian heard the story since they are in the same shop. If I am incorrect let me know and I'll delete it.

A great romance? Really? That's one of the most awful stories I've ever heard! she shakes her head. They all seem daft to me. He'd only been courting her a month and he is already killing for her? That's not enough time to know someone let alone get blood on your hands for them, though perhaps it had more to do with his ego than the lady's affection. And what of Mr. Sheridan risking his life for someone he barely knows and then losing? Men and their pride! A wise person would have declined no matter what others would think of him, at least he would have lived! Or they could have run away together, now that would be romantic! And what did Shalimar do when her lover was killed? Surely she wouldn't stay with the victor would she? What a horrid mess! I much prefer a happy ending myself though I suppose life doesn't always supply us with them she finishes wistfully.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 58):

Love or lust makes fools of many men.

To Mustapha:

This intrigues me and the story is good.  I shall take it.

Charles passes over some money with a nod to Mustapha.


You will have to remember to tell me of any other interesting stories you might hear.

The day is growing hot.  If everyone is done with their shopping for now, I can escort you to the Elephant in the Cellar for some refreshments.

Mercy and Marion were still in the pawn shop with Charles and Paul, so Marion had no problem overhearing the story. It's a common practice among merchants of this time period, particularly in the mideast, to embellish their sales with... gossip. It's a carry over from when news was all by word-of-mouth.

Connor has wandered out of the shop and stopped at one of the street vendors, somewhat equivalent of a newstand, though he also has an espresso machine and sells small bags of nuts and candies.

Connor's choice of 4 books and 2 penny dreadfuls (one is actual an issue of Union Jack--a ha'penny dreadfuller featuring Sexton Blake) and a copy of the Lugarno Ledger costs him only 1 pound.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 58):

As they are waiting, Grimsby remarks to Professor Strawbridge, "I am very glad we have been able to bring you here safely. I trust the palace will be securely guarded so you need no longer fear the Vril."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 64):

"Y'know, Professor, it occurs to me that maybe, just maybe, when our business in Bourbony is finished, we may be heading back to Europe." Dash says, "We might even swing back this way, in a few weeks. I would certainly like to stop and see how your work on you, uh, project has progressed.  How would that be?"

Refreshments sound wonderful, thank you Mr. Harris she smiles, pleased with how well the day was going. New clothes, ukelele and now food, how could life get better?

Grimsby adds. "By that time we may have learned more of the Vril and might be able to share that knowledge wit you to help you take precautions against them."

Bellgrove, who has been standing quietly taking in the architecture of the palace, nods when Dash and Grimsby speak. Then a thought occurs, "One more thing, Professor, I know this may sound odd, but you probably ought to become a bit more careful about whom you trust with knowledge of your researches.

"Hopefully, in our visit to Bourbony we shall learn enough about the Vril plots to understand why they sought to kill you; however, despite what we know it is clear that we know little about their actual reach."

He pauses quickly and continues in a lower voice, "I know this sounds odd, but you may not be certain that even the Shah himself has not been influenced by them. You shall be safe here for some time, because as far as they know you are dead, but once the word gets out that you made it here alive they may come for you again."

In reply to Bellgrove G. B. Wander (msg # 68):

Grimsby nods "A good point. Try to stay out of sight and take care. The shah may have his own uses for your invention"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Tue 14 July 2015.

"Perhaps you are right," Professor Strawbridge replies. "It could take awhile before they find me here at the end of the world. Just because Lugaash is located at a strategic point in the Persian Gulf does not mean anyone actually pays attention to Lugaash."

"As for the Shah, I fear he may think my invention is just another toy for his amusement. However, come back in ten years, and half the population will be getting around via steam jet!"

"Thank you again for rescuing me and bringing me here. I left a small present for you back on the ship. Bye. Hope you can visit again when you aren't saving the world... or at least some little part of it."

He turns and walks into the palace.

Grimsby responds "Better the shah see your invention as a toy than try to us it as a weapon. But I hope it will prove as useful as you predict.. Meanwhile, we will do our best to forestall any trouble with the Vril." He bows and prepares to move off in search of the British consul.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 71):

"Goodbye Professor! Good luck!" Dash waves, then turns away with Grimsby.

"Should we be concerned that he left a surprise for us, back on the blimp?" Dash asks, "Wait...he did have his dog with him, didn't he?"

Bellgrove says goodbye to the Professor and then turns to Grimsby and Dash, "Something tells me that he shall be lucky if this technology enthusiastic Shah does not insist upon trying out one of his devices and then our friend the Professor finds himself being charged with assassination or some such.

"Well, at least he is out of the way of the Vril for now. We could go back to the ship and confirm that there are no surprises, but something tells me that if the dog, who is the most likely surprise-leaver, has already been found out."

Grimsby says "Before we return to the ship, I at least must go to the consulate. I must notify Her Majesty's Govrenment of the latest developments in the Vril affair, and see that a warning is passed on to our allies in Graustark."

Once all the packages are wrapped, Charles escorts the group through Lugaash to the Elephant in the Cellar.

While we could go to the Pink Palace it is for a more wealthy clientele and seems mainly there for gambling.  And their tea is not as good as the Elephant.

I happened to see an advertisement in the Times this morning for a tea kettle for aironauhts. It had devices on it powered by the wind so by just putting it out the window of the airship, the wind would power the heating elements and heat the water.  Do you happen to have one of those on board?

---

((quoted bit from GM on the Elephant)

Charles, Connor, Marion, Mercy and Paul can post in the Elephant In The Cellar thread now.


Spirit was with the Professor. Since no one paid any attention to him, he just trotted along beside the Professor.


After making a few enquiries among the people, Grimsby is directed to the Golden Tulip Hotel for the British Embassy. The hotel is just down the street, and is hard to miss as it's the second largest building in the city, after the palace. The hotel is taller, but the palace has more square footage.

When you walk in, you enter a large opulent lobby, two stories high. There are an assortment of tables and chairs placed around the room with people sitting at some, having tea, eating, playing cards, reading a paper or otheriwse just relaxing.

Going over to the front desk, they direct you to the man sitting in one of the chairs drinking tea.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 76):

After Grimsbys inquiries to the Consulate result in the pointing out of a European gentleman sitting across the lobby, Dash next inquires,

"Does this hotel have a telegraph office?  I must send a cable to the United States." he asks, "Also, have you a currency exchange?"

Bellgrove has no telegraphs to send, but he is taking in everything around him with a journalist's eye. If Grimsby approaches the European gentleman, Belly joins him.

"But of course we have a telegraph office," replies the desk clerk. "It is down the hall there in the back. You can see the sign of it."

"If you mean is there a business that deals with exchanging one currency for another, no, there is really no need for that. We handle what little needs to be done here at the hotel. Otherwise, if the amount is more than we can handle, you would do so at the Banque of Lugassh."

Grimsby waits to see if his companions have any more inquiries before he approaches the man points out as being with consulate.

No one else seems to have any inquiries at the front desk, but Dash heads off down the hall to the telegraph office, leaving Grimsby and Bellgrove to approach the man in the chair.

Grimsby approaches he man in he chair respectfully, bows and says, "Pardon me, I am informed that you are Her Britannic Majesty's Consul in Lugaash.  I am Grimsby Baskerville, an agent in the service of Her Majesty's Colonial Department. I am here on a confidential mission I wish to discuss with you, if possible more privately." He glances around the room to see if anyone appears to be watching..

"Ah, yes, my good man!" the man exclaimed lightly as he rose from the chair. "It's always a welcome sight to see another Brit in this Godforsaken place!"

"Ramsay MacDonald at your service."

"Discretion is always advised in these parts. It's not that the walls have ears, though I daresay they do, but the cockroaches that spy on you!"

"We can either retire to the hotel's drawing room, or to my chambers, whichever you feel is more appropriate."

Grimsby responded, "I should think your chambers would be best, if they are not too far away. However, one of my companions just left on an errand, so perhaps I should leave a note for him with the hotel desk, to say where we have gone."

"My chambers are just upstairs, Room 202," MacDonald explains.

"It turns out that I get a diplomatic price that is cheaper than actually buying a house here in Lugarno."

"My wife is out shopping for a few hours, so we shouldn't be interrupted."


He leads the way upstairs to his room, pulls out a key and unlocks it.

"Meals are also included, plus there is room service. Quite the advantage, is it not?"


Once inside and seated, he offers you and Bellgrove a drink.

"Now, what is this all about?"

Bellgrove is happy to accept a drink, but beyond a thank you he says little.

Grimsby leaves a note for Dash at the desk to say they will be in 202 and then follows MacDonald and Bellgrove there.
He declines a drink but responds to MacDonald's question by quickly reviewing the recent experiences with the Vril, and concluding, "Having safely escorted Professor Strawbridge here, we plan to go on to Bourbony, but first I came to request that you would transmit a warning to our allies in Graustark of the continued danger from the Vril, ad of course a report to my department so it is aware of my present activities and what we have learned regarding the capabilities of the Vril." 
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Sat 08 Aug 2015.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 87):

Dash thanks the clerk and heads off down the hall towards the telegraph office after a nod to both Grimsby and Bellgrove.

Entering the small office, Dash looks for the usual telegraph composition pad, then begins composing the message he needs to send to his family offices in Boston.

International telegraph lines, especially the trans-oceanic lines, are open lines, with many receiving and re-transmitting stations along the way; international telegraph messages are read by many eyes.  To that end, many organizations -- banks, businesses and even governments -- make use of private codes.

Having memorized the family business code many years ago, Dash wrote out a couple of drafts of his message. To anyone except a Hawkesbury employee, the message would read as a jumble of words that made no sense. To his Great Uncle, the message would read:

To Uncle Lash from Dash. Stop. Still researching zeppelin use for family business. Stop. Scotland to South France in two days carrying passengers. Stop. South France to Balkans via Italy in four days. Stop. Potentially faster than transcontinental rail without limits of rails. Stop. Entire USA open to us. Stop. Now in eastern Africa exploring oriental trade options. Stop. May continue into Asia. Stop. Contact again soonest. Stop. Dash.

Dash handed the finished message to the telegrapher while crumpling his rough drafts into a pocket.

"Here you are, my good man." Dash said, "Get this out over the international lines as soon as you can.  Ah, I say, do you take American greenbacks?"

"That is most disturbing," Ramsay responds. "Frankly, I'd be highly skeptical of your assertions if you hadn't already made reports, you weren't highly credible and have corroborating witnesses."

"There have been organizations such as these Vril for centuries... the Free Masons, the Illuminati and the Rosicrucians come to mind. Some are obvious, some are not, though most have secret aspects."

"I shall forward your information, and shall be on the lookout for any such incursions here in Lugaash."

In reply to Ramsay MacDonald (msg # 89):

Grimsby responded, "The Freemasons in Britain are quite harmless, though I understand some of the foreign jurisdictions are more political. What seems to distinguish the Vril from groups like the Rosicrucians is that they appear to place more confidence in modern technology than in occult powers, which may make them more dangerous. I will be glad of your cooperation in dealing with them."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Wed 12 Aug 2015.

"You may be right about the Masons, but I wouldn't dismiss them as harmless so readily," Ramsey replies. "And the verdict is still out on the occult. Things have happened that we can't explain. It might be very advanced science of some kind, but not everyone believes that."

"I find it hard to accept that the Vril would have any interest in Lugaash, though I supposed pink diamonds and the rumor of synthetic life might claim their attention."

"You are keeping rather quiet, Mr. Wander. Surely you must have an opinion on this matter. Do you think the Vril are a credible threat? Do you have any suggestions on what their goal is? Are they looking to conquer the world? Start a war somewhere?"

When the Ambassador addresses Bellgrove he responds, "I am afraid that until recently I was rather ignorant of the Vril and despite my recent and rather unpleasant dealings with them I must admit to be not much more knowledgeable about them, your Excellency. What is apparent to me, however, is that they have more power than any private organization ought to have and they do not seem to hesitate to use that power aggressively even if they make some effort to keep it in the shadows. I'm no mathematician, but this 'one' plus 'one' seems to add up to rather more than 'two', if you know what I mean."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

Grimsby comments "From what I have seen of the Vril, I quite agree with Mr. Wander.  They appear to have real power and the willingness to use it ruthlessly to obtain their goals --a dangerous combination."

"I won't ask where you are bound next," the ambassador adds. "The walls here often have ears, though your presence is unexpected enough that I doubt if anyone could have mustered the resources to eavesdrop on us."

"Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Grimsby replies "I believe that my two main concerns were the warning to Graustark and the report to my department. Beyond that, if you have any opinion you would be willing to share --understanding that we will treat it as confidential --regarding the reliability of the present shah and his government, I would be interested to hear it.  Since we are in effect leaving Professor Strawbridge in the shah's hands, I would like to feel sure he will be safe. Do you believe the shah will be willing and able to protect the professor from the Vril once we are gone?"

"It may be a bit cynical, but everyone has his price," Ramsey replies. "It may not always be monetary, so there is no way to know what might tempt the Shah."

"However, in the short time I've known him, he has struck me as an honorable man. He may seem the fool at times, but it's an affectation that he uses to put off his enemies, such as they are."

"Once I inform him of the Vril, he will be able to protect his new Vizier as well as anyone can."

In reply to Ramsay MacDonald (msg # 96):

Grimsby responded, "I am very glad to hear such a favorable of the shah. I trust the professor's account will convince him of the need to be on his guard against the Vril --from what the professor told us, I would expect him to be very persuasive on that subject."
Meanwhile,unless my colleague has anything more, perhaps we should take our leave"
He glanced at Bellgrove to see if he had anything more to say.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 97):

Dash walks up between Grimsby and Bellgrove,

"Hello, chaps. How goes it?" Dash says to his companions, then holds a hand out towards the British official.

"How do you do, Sir. Denholm Hawkesbury, of the Boston Hawkeburys."

Bellgrove was about to indicate that he had nothing more to add when Denholm walks up and introduces himself. He gives his fellow American a smile and nods hello without speaking.

Grimsby seems a trifle disconcerted by Dash's American brashness, but he simply says, "Mr. Hawkesbury has been one of our companions in the pursuit of the Vril, and has proven himself a worthy ally."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 100):

"More than that! Our efforts to stop these international hooligans has given me a fantastic business idea!" Dash says with some enthusiasm, "I'm thinking to hire Army veterans, like myself, of America's recent...unpleasantness...with the Kingdom of Spain, and perhaps other, recently resigned or retired Army veterans, and form them into a private company that will provide protection to persons and companies from such thugs as the Vril.  I'm thinking to call it a Security Systems Consultancy."

"What do you think, sir?"

Bellgrove listens to Dash's comment with interest. Being an American he is not surprised to hear that his 'cousin' has come up with an interesting business idea to exploit this situation. He has questions, but opts to let the conversation evolve before asking them.

In reply to Denholm Hawkesbury (msg # 101):

Grimsby remarks judicially, "Well, if Holmes can set up as a consulting detective, I suppose you can set up as a consulting protector."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 103):

Dash grins back in response,

"It's just a fancy, old man -- but I'll still suggest it to my Great Uncle." Dash says, "I mean, it would basically require the creation of a private army.  But still, I don't think anyone else has considered treating the concept of 'security' as a commodity; beyond the scope of guarding property, that is."

In reply to Denholm Hawkesbury (msg # 104):

Grimsby says with professional disdain,  "There was that Pinkerton fellow who was such a poor excuse for a Federal spy in your late rebellion. I believe he has set up an agency that professes to provide a private army for the right price, chiefly to deal with labor troubles. If his guards are no better than his espionage, I wouldn't regard him as serious competition."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 105):

"Well, Lads, I've completed my business, here." Dash said, "Grimsby, are you done, here? Perhaps we should go find our wayward companions, and get ourselves off, once again, toward Bourbony.  We are on a tight schedule, you'll remember."

Bellgrove makes clear by his nod and body language that he is ready to leave as well.

Grimsby replies, "Yes, indeed, there is no knowing what the Vril may be plotting in Bourbony."

"Well, good luck!" the ambassador responds.

"These Vril seem like a nasty bit of business."

"If you are looking for your compatriots, you should start at the Elephant In the Cellar. It's a decent attraction for visitors. There really is an elephant in the place."

He gives you directions; it's not very far away... maybe two blocks as those things are measured.

In reply to Ramsay MacDonald (msg # 109):

Grimsby bows to the ambassador and says "I thank you for your directions, and all your assistance, Your Excellency. We had best be going."  He departs in the direction indicated by the ambassador's information, assuming Dash and Bellgrove will do the same.