Colin rubbed his eyebrows with one hand. This boy had no taste for the game. Banter was a signature of Hunters. He removed his hand. "Ya aren't very bright, are ya boyo? I tracked him here, after facin' something that wasn't too pleasant and yer asking me ta come back in tha morn? How long have you been hunting?"  Colin talked with exaggerated motions. If he could keep the man's attention up at his face, he might not notice the foot sliding into position for a quick maneuver to rush past the man.

---

Take 10 on Slight of Hand to distract the doorman.   Ready action to try and Tumble past him if he attacks.

The man gives a start of surprise at your words and then stares at you with a blank expression for a long moment. Alright, you're a hunter. That's well and good but I wasn't lying about him leaving. He really isn't available I'm afraid. If there's something I can answer for you I will try, or you can come back tomorrow and I will be sure he is available. If you aren't inclined to believe my words I will prove them to you. He opens the door wider. Care to come in? He arches an eyebrow.

Colin displayed his most amiable smile as he paused for a moment to consider the man's offer. A chance to look at a place that might have unknown terrors lurking within? He was surprised at himself when he didn't immediately leap inside. He simply nodded and drew out a piece of cigarette paper. Taking a tin out as well, he shuffled to get at least far enough inside to roll at light his cigarette. He gestured to the tin and paper, offering a square to the mystery man.

For a moment the man looks tempted but he shakes his head politely. You get the feeling he doesn't want to let his guard down. Forgive me if I don't trust you right away. He says sincerely. You say you are a hunter and that makes us on the same side. However, you have to admit you are a bit pushy. He grins suddenly as if amused. He then steps inside, leaving you to enter at your leisure. Considering the nature of our work, would you mind indulging me? I recognize that knife as my companion's. Would you mind giving your arm a small cut so that I can be certain you are what you say you are? The knife as you may have noticed, has special properties. It will be apparent if you are lying. He finishes politely.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:43, Thu 12 Dec 2013.

Taking his cigarette between his lips, Colin nodded and made a cut across his palm. He held it out as he did it so that the man could see.

He looks satisfied and offers to show similar proof, which he passes if you take him up on it. Then he turns to show you the warehouse. It has the look of abandonment but there are still dusty crates and boxes that look like they have not been used in years. He walks across the room and takes a seat in a chair next to a lighted lantern in the center of the room. Well, since you are so utterly curious about this place and my companion, feel free to search since you apparently won't take my word for it. Just be careful if you go upstairs, some of the stairs are rather old. He arches his eyebrow in warning.

ooc: Roll search and sense motive as well as your response

Colin nodded and took a long drag of his cigarette. He toured the ground floor for a moment, casually walking around. He opened a few of the more interesting crates if he could. He shouted a few questions and making small talk with the man, feeling him out. When he was done with the ground floor, he moved to the man and the lantern. "What kind of outfit are ya running with here? It ain't no hunter set up I've ever seen."

As Colin asked the question, he moved ever so slightly towards the stairs, fully intending to explore the upstairs when the question was answered. So far, Colin was on edge so much that he was suspicious of everything.

The man gives a slight smile to the question. Well, I could tell you but I have to be certain you are trustworthy first. We may have use for one such as you, but I need to get the proper permissions first. I need to contact my superiors and see if they are willing to possibly include you in our cause. You can either wait outside while I contact them, meet me tomorrow morning as I have suggested many times, OR I could introduce you to them now. However, if they do not find you trustworthy I will literally have to kill you. If you are honest and decent we have ways of knowing it and you will come to no harm. If, however, you mean me or my companions ill will, you will not make it out of this building again. Your choice. He shrugs. Or, he adds, You can leave now, keep your new knife and forget you ever saw us. In spite of the severity of his words, he speaks very calmly and matter of factly. You can't help but sense he means what he says.

Colin sniffed and took a last, long drag on the cigarette. "Kill me if I don't fit your bill, eh? Sounds like a group of friendly bastards. Lead the way then, boyo, cause I ain't going ta let ya weave a tale like that and get on the street," Colin said in a slightly sarcastic tone. Seemed the young man didn't have much in the way of a sense of humor. He was quite fond of the new knife and if he could get his hands on more like that, all the better for Colin. Never turn down a good opportunity.

The man breaks into a grin. I'll admit I was hoping you would agree to that. You seem the type of man who doesn't stop asking questions until he gets his answers. I have a feeling I'll feel a lot safer around you once you get them. He speaks as he gets up from his chair and moves it several feet away. He then peels back the rug that it was on, revealing a trap door. Clever eh? There's no way you would have found it unless you had forced me to move. He opens it, revealing a ladder going down into the darkness. After you. He gestures. I don't suppose you've heard of the men of letters? Not too many hunters have these days, but we work closely with them. He explains.

ooc: Go ahead and roll a knowledge check. If you get a 15 you have heard the name but little else, if you get lower you have not heard of them.

Colin gave a chuckle as the man revealed the trap door. He removed another piece of rolling paperand made himself another cigarette. He lot it with a match and nodded. "Lead the way. Let's hope I don't have to go down fighting." He didn't bring up the fact that he didn't know who the men of letters were. Better to keep the young man in the dark than admit that he didn't know. At least he was going to meet and hopefully not kill the men of letters.

The man hesitates, but goes first after being sure you are in fact going to follow him. At the bottom of the ladder there is a tunnel, cobblestone floored and bricks for the walls. There are electric lights mounted on the walls, giving it a very modern and updated look. My name is Frederick. The Italian man you met was Daunte. He is a man of letters while myself I am more of a hunter like yourself. I will take you to meet Victoria. She's the second in command here. She'll be able to tell what manner of man you are. If she approves you may just find yourself with some very useful allies. He remarks with a small smile. By now it is very late and you follow him through the tunnels and pass by several doors and hallways but there are few people at this hour. Those you do see note you curiously but say nothing other than short greetings to Frederick. You hope your interview of sorts goes well because it is clear you are very outnumbered. The tunnels are very extensive and you estimate they could house a hundred or two people with ease. He leads you to a door and then knocks on it almost quietly. A woman's voice answers. Come in Frederick. How she knows it is him is beyond you. He enters and you see an absolutely beautiful black woman seated at a desk poring over a large book that seems to be very old. She is simply dressed with dozens of tiny braids in her hair but she does not seem to be any kind of servant. She has proud eyes and an authoritative posture that denotes a high rank. Surprising considering her race. She looks at you in surprise. Forgive me, I didn't realize we had company. I am Victoria. And you are good sir? She extends a slim hand.

Colin stutter stepped a moment as he saw the woman. He cigarette nearly fell from his mouth as it gaped open. He closed it before the lit end sagged too far. He recovered enough to extend his own hand in a hesitant greeting. His grip was still firm, far too familiar with combat and a rough life to let surprise weaken it. He removed the cigarette from his lips and rubbed his eyebrows. He let out a small chuckle as the realization hit and he gave Frederick a smile. "Ya got me good, boyo. I honestly thought for a moment ya took orders from the colored feek here. Ya got me for a gowl if ya think I'll be believing that."

He gave Victoria look of apology. "I'll be apologizing for the boy. He obviously pulled ya into something not too proper for a lass."

Victoria's eyes widen in surprise, and you can see Frederick gaping too. He gives her an apologetic look and starts to say something but she cuts him off. She turns back to you, a cool look on her flawless face. I am sorry to disappoint you Mr. Browne, but you are wrong. I am Frederick's superior and I am also second in command in the New York chapter of the men of letters. I know my color and my sex are both disadvantages, and in any other chapter of the Men of Letters I would either be scorned or laughed at to be attempting to assume such a position of leadership. This is the New York chapter however, and here I am what I said I am and I will brook no further disbelief on the matter. Either accept it as others have or you may leave and your questions will remain unanswered, your memory wiped, and your new weapon taken from you. Now, are you going to show me my proper respect, or shall I get that second option started? She arches an eyebrow at you as though she means to do so right then. You can't help but wonder how she knows your name and she suddenly has an air of command so powerful that you suddenly think she may just be telling you the truth.

Colin cocked an eyebrow and widened his feet a bit. He didn't take being threatened lightly. Especially not from strangers. He tightened his fist into a fist and moved his hand for quick draw of one if his knives if needed. "Listen here, your highness. I gather yer used ta being the leader here, ya got tha bollocks for it. I don't take kind to threats and yer boy here won't be enough ta slow me if ya try to follow through. So, come off it." His eyes darted to Frederick. If the man moved to grab him, Colin was going to make him pay.

---

OOC: Readied action to tumble past Frederick to Victoria. If he makes a move to grab or attack me. If she starts speaking Latin or another language without prompt, I'll do the same.
13:22, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Initiative.

Victoria gives a sigh and puts her hand on her head as though she is suffering from a headache. She certainly looks exhausted. Calm down Mr. Browne. She says tiredly. You just made me angry is all. If you would just be civil and calm down I can assure you nothing will happen to you. Even if you choose to ignore this advice I will not harm you. I'm sure Frederick threatened you with harm when he let you in if you didn't cooperate? Well, I tend to lean way from such...primitive methods. She shakes her head. I'm sure you are plotting your escape right now but it is not necessary. I'm afraid, as you can imagine, I've had a lot of trouble given to me about my color and I am overly sensitive perhaps. I apologize. She sounds sincere. If you would but calm down and listen respectfully I'm sure we can come to an understanding. I'm sure you're curious and I can tell already that you are a very accomplished hunter. I have certain...abilities. I can read people sometimes. You have quite the past Mr. Browne. If you think you can stand to work with a woman and a black one at that, I think there could be a place for you here. It is dangerous work, but nothing you aren't used to. And that knife you were given is just the beginning of our arsenal. Would you be interested, or not?

Colin relaxed slowly as Victoria spoke. She seemed to be genuine in not wanting to hurt him, but rather to help him. He certainly needed someone to rely on. He released the fist he clenched earlier, settling into a relaxed stance yet again. He spoke, caution but no malice in his voice. "Look, ya seem like you want to be on the level with me. I don't like sheddin' human blood if I don't haveta. Tha Negroes in New York have had it just as bad as me people. I tink we can work something out."

Victoria looks relieved and she sits again, offering you a chair. Glad to hear it. Good to know you're a reasonable man Mr. Browne. I apologize again for my outburst. She shakes her head. Now, I can tell that you are not well acquainted with the men of letters, nor are many hunters for that matter. We are a secret organization that has been around for centuries. We collect all manner of knowledge on everything supernatural that has thus far been encountered in this world. We share that knowledge with a very elite group of hunters who are then able to use it to dispatch evil and to keep the world safe. There are several chapters throughout the world, but ours is perhaps the largest. We are currently working on preventing certain events that could spell the end of humanity as we know it. Honestly we could use all the help we can get, and I sense you would be a great ally in this fight. I feel that I can trust you, but I want to know if you'll be cooperative. I know you don't like taking orders, but we work as teams and if you are to aid us we would need you to be able to work with others. Would you be able to do that? Are you even interested in joining the fight or am I perhaps wasting your time? She looks at you uncertainly, as though afraid of what your answer is.

Colin gave a thoughtful look and then smiled wryly. "Aye, I am interested. I'll even work with your boy here, provided ya give me one thing. Freedom. I do any assignments my way. No interference. You can say whatever ya want about me to your people, but I do things my way or not at all. I won't be some tin soldier." He cocked an eyebrow at Victoria.

The woman meets your gaze levelly and is silent for a moment as she considers. Alright. You shall have your freedom. However, that said please don't be reckless. Our organization has been around for centuries and we have ways of doing things that you may not understand. Please at least consider them before you reject them? You could learn a thing or two. She smiles warmly then. I suppose you'll be wanting a tour? If you wish you may stay the night as it is late. I will have some questions for you of course, though you likely have your own. She adds. Is there anything I can get you right now?

Colin nodded, his eyes looking around absently as he did. "Aye, a decent bottle of whiskey ta start. I'm a might parched.", he said as he began to wander aimlessly around. It had been a long, trying day and he was exhausted. All he wanted then was a place to sit, a bottle of smooth whiskey, and his cigarettes.

Miss Green gives an amused smile and strides to a desk across the room. Well, hopefully scotch will do for now. It is very expensive so that should hopefully appeal at least a bit for you. She pours a generous glass. You look tired. It is late. If you would like we can take this up in the morning. Would you like me to show you to a room? We have several guest quarters always at the ready. She offers politely.

ooc: I figured we can kind of finish up this evening unless your character really does have questions. Then I can try and get ready to add him to one of the other threads in the near future. I will probably keep you slightly separated for just a smidge so you don't feel like you have too much pressure to post as often as the others do. It seems like you have a hectic life and I will do my best to accommodate it until your schedule normalizes. You just let me know what pace you are ready for and I will post accordingly! :D

ooc: For the same of time I am going to skim...Ok, moving on! I'll fill you in on a few things here and then move you to the other thread after you confirm you have nothing further you wish to play out. So basically you spend the night and are given permanent quarters should you wish them. The next day you meet John Westbrook, the leader of this chapter. He seems serious and very busy, but fair. Victoria explains the finer points of the men of letters, explaining that they collect centuries of information on all things supernatural and use it to aid a few select hunters in the disposal of said creatures. There are chapters worldwide, but this is the only one that is...progressive enough to allow places for women and other races. She also informs you that she is a psychic at times, though she cannot control it very well. There is also a cult called the Hand of Baal, which is comprised of everything from humans to demons to vampires, etc; all bent on bringing about an early Armageddon. Lately the chapter's efforts have been centered around thwarting these plans.

 Later that day, as you are busy exploring and getting the lay of the headquarters she returns to inform you that you are needed that night. A shipment of summoning scrolls is going to be delivered to the docks and they contain spells that will possibly summon a hundred or more demon generals in the coming battle. She asks you if you are willing to help.

Colin flashed a smile and twirl his newly acquired knife in his fingers. He spoke in a cheerful tone, as if the idea of banishing demons back to hell was nothing more than child's play. "Aye. When do we start and can I get a streetsweeper? Me knives are great, but I would prefer something more powerful to back them up." He looked ready and eager, not as tired as he was the day before.

streetsweeper.....? She mutters to herself and then gives a sudden nod. You mean firearm? Of course. We have an entire aresenol outfitted and blessed, just like that knife you were given. Pick what you wish. She will be sure to show you the location before the day is done. We have two teams going tonight. The first is a small group who is going to scout for the ship. The second is going to stay hidden and ready for when things break out. I would like you on the second team please. I could use your sharp eyes on the lookout and I can't have too many people wandering the docks. It would call too much attention to them. She explains.