Colin:
The girl sees the penny and nickel and her face does look tempted but the expression quickly disappears. Good sir, as much as I need any money I can get, right now I would settle for you getting my little brother back for me! She shakes her head sadly. I've been trying to get anyone to listen but they won't believe me! He's been taken by the witch on the hill! All of them have! I saw her with my own two eyes sir! She comes at night when no one is around and she offers them sweets and money and things. Then they are never seen again! I told Michael not to go with her but he didn't listen. He was so hungry and I couldn't stop him! Tears run down her dirty face and she wipes them away roughly. Please, you've got to believe me!

Colin's face grew more worried as he heard the girl's story. He was upset that this had not been dealt with sooner. Children were often the victims of the supernatural by the sheer fact that they could not defend themselves. He placed the nickel gently in the hand of the small girl and placed his hand on her cheek. "I will get yer brother back, little one. I will need your help, though. When was Michael taken and show me the place he went."

If anything, Colin could skulk around the place and wait for daybreak. Things of the night often hated the day and were weaker. If it truly was a witch, he would have to act fast and save the children he could. He would need a little luck if he hoped to save them all. He was sure that the others would have just talked and talked instead of acting. That is all anyone ever seemed to do. Now was not the time for talking.

OOC: Once the place is scoped out, Colin will circle it to find all the entrances and then Move Silently to get to it unseen.

He was taken three days ago sir! I will show you. Thank you sir! No one else will believe me! She looks excited but also worried. She leads you through the city streets, taking back alleys that only the poor and desperate would have the guts to traverse. A wealthy person in these parts wouldn't last five minutes with the cut purses and murderers about. Fortunately you fit in well and you both make it without incident. By the time you get to your destination it is quite late. You are just on the edges of the city and you see a hill with a tall black iron gate around it. On top of the hill is what was once a grand house but it has fallen into a state of disrepair. At first glance it looks abandoned, but in the distance you can see the glow of a candle behind a curtained window and faint smoke from the chimney.

You take your time finding the best way to approach. There don't seem to be any guards or anything so it is easy enough to go undetected. The girl, Sarah is her name, begs to go with you. If you allow it she will follow closely behind, otherwise she waits at the gate worriedly.

There are three entrances. The front door, the back door, and the cellar door.

ooc: Please roll search, listen, hide, and move silently as well as your intentions :)

Colin looked at the house in thought before turning to the girl, his eyes lingering on the house as he squatted down. He fixed his gaze on her and put a hand on each side of her shoulders. He smiled and shook his head. "I cannot have ya come with me in tha house, little one. I do have a job for ya, though," he said in a serious tone. He fished out a few coins and handed them to her. "Take tha coin and find others. Give me a look out while I'm inside. You and the others make a lot on noise if someone other than me comes out. Can ya do that?" , he said in a serious tone. Child she may be, but he needed her to be a reliable contact.

Without waiting for an answer, he made his way towards the cellar door. He knew that was likely the most likely place to find the children and the witch.

The girl nods and runs off as fast as she can. In the meantime you find that the cellar doors are locked. There is a rusty chain on the handles. However, it looks to be so old that it doesn't take much to break it. Should you open it you find there are stairs that go down but the room itself is pitch black and smells incredibly musty. Damp air greets you as well as the dripping of some leak in the darkness.

ooc: Do you have a light of any kind? Also, roll a search, move silently and hide

Colin brought out a small matchbook and was ready to use the small amount of light to get quick glimpses of the interior of the place. Why would he use anything else. Matches were quick to use, lasted long enough to get a new hiding place and didn't take up any room. It probably helped they also were great at lighting his cigarettes. He twisted his neck so that is gave a few soft cracking sounds and proceeded down into the cellar as quietly and efficiently as possible. He realized maybe too late that using a light that lasted only a handful of seconds as despite his best efforts, he bumped into a few things and could barely see anything past a few feet. He would need to find something else to light his way.


Looking for a more permanent light source to use.
22:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 15 using 1d20+14. Move Silently.
22:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 21 using 1d20+12. Hide.
22:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 9 using 1d20+2. Search.

You can see in the dim light that the cellar is full of junk. Broken chairs, antiquated furniture, damaged paintings, all of it not worth much. Fortunately you are able to find a half broken oil lamp that has enough oil left to give you light for a little while. It takes a bit of fumbling, and you cut your hand lightly on the glass, though not enough to do more than make you irritated fortunately. Now that you have the lamp lit you can see much better. The place is even junkier than you realized. There are cobwebs and dust over everything. The ground is wet and slippery, black sludgy mold and a bit of mud means you had best wipe your feet before entering the rest of the house if you don't want to leave tracks. You do make a bit more noise than you would like but no one seems to hear you. After looking around nothing looks particularly important. The stairs up from the cellar squeak as you walk up them, but if you go slowly they aren't too bad. The door at the top is unlocked and listening on the other side you hear nothing, though you do see a light from underneath, indicating someone is definitely about. Should you open the door you see you are in a hallway. To the left it goes towards what you assume is the parlor and kitchen. To the right is a staircase to the second floor. You can hear muted conversation coming from the left.

Colin lowered the light to the floor and snuffed it out. If the area was well lit, there was no need for him to carry another method of getting caught. He glanced down towards the voices and shook his head. He needed to know what all he was facing in the house. If it was more than just an old woman with a tendency towards witchcraft or something more sinister, he needed to know. Colin moved as quietly as he could towards the stairs. No since in wasting time, he thought to himself. He drew a knife and prepped it to throw in case something surprised him.


14:13, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+14. Move Silently.

You move with impressive silence as you traverse the stairs. As you reach the landing you find yourself in a narrow hallway. There are several doors, 6 in the hallway and a seventh at the very end. All doors are closed. You see most of them are dark but the door at the end of the hallway has a light shining from the gap at the bottom of the door. There are muffled voices. Should you try any of the doors they are locked save for one that appears to be a bathroom. There is a small lantern in the bathroom already lit to make the way easier to see. You glance at the bathtub. It is covered in blood.

Colin keyed into the muffled voices as the bloody bathroom threatened to push him over the brink of his sanity. Sure, he had seen such quantities of blood before, but never when it might have involved children. Before he would have been glad to offer this witch a chance to plead for her life, but now Colin was sure that a little bit of revenge was going to be required. He ran through a few choice techniques in his head as he approached the door with the light and the voices. He pressed his head to the door gently and offset himself so that if the door suddenly opened, he could hide to the side.

OOC: So sorry! I thought I had posted, but I must have forgotten!
10:20, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Listen.

ooc: No worries! ;D

You listen at the door and wait as the words become clearer. It is a man and a woman and you can hear them fairly well. No! You tell him he is not in charge! It is the woman. Tell him yourself. I'm not your servant. Besides, I'm not risking my neck for you. Belial sent him to work with us which in my book means he's in charge. If you want to decide otherwise you can be the one to pay for it. You hear a noise of frustration from the woman. This is infuriating! This isn't part of the plan and you know it. How do we know Belial really wants to free Baal? What if it's just some kind of trick? We had a plan! None of this makes any sense. He's changed things so much already... she trails off. I wouldn't let anyone catch you questioning him Maggie. I'm used to your stupidity but someone else might take your doubts seriously. Well if I'm so stupid why do you care what I do? she snaps. There is a long silence and she gives a laugh. What? What's that awkward look? You don't actually like me do you Saul? Can demons even care about others or do you just want this body? she has a mocking tone and you hear anger in his response. Shut up Maggie or I really will show you what demons are capable of. I would just love to see you try. Her voice has a teasing quality. Suddenly from downstairs you hear footsteps approaching the stairs...

Colin made no effort to continue listening to the conversation. Instead, he made his was to the stair and took as much cover as he could. He knew that he was not in the best position to hide in but he needed to find out how many possible enemies there were in the house. So far he was convinced of a demon and its companion, but the noise at the stairs I dictated a possible third beasty to be put down. Colin was no stranger to danger, but he at least liked to know the odds against him.

19:56, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+12. Hide.

As you hide the footsteps near. In spite of your best attempts, they do see you. Fortunately you are pleased to see it is a familiar face. What part of meet at four o'clock don't you understand man? It is Ian, looking irritated. He has his weapon drawn and looks to be heavily armed. If I hadn't had my connections lead here, and if that little girl hadn't been so trusting of me, you would be in a bad way my friend. Now, any idea of how many? His temper fades as he sets his mind to the task at hand. That girl said somethin about children being kept here. Any idea where they are?

Colin gave a maniacal smile as Ian expressed his displeasure. " Would you have waited on me if you knew kids were here?", he asked in a rhetorical manner. His knife had disappeared and it would seem that the Irishman was unarmed at the moment. Ian likely knew better, Colin mused to himself. He looked down the stairs and then relayed the information he had previously gathered by eavesdropping by the door. He have quick glances around and then placed a hand on Ian's shoulder. " Find the kids, I'll cause enough of a distraction to keep them occupied up here. No child need suffer longer than necessary," he said in hushed tones. His face had gone stark and serious. Lives were at stake and if he could save even one child, he would have it no other way.

Ian grabs your arm before you go and hands you a small velvet bag. Put this in your pocket and keep it there. It will help you against witches and the like. You won't be invulnerable but you'll be...hardier. Holler if you need help and if all goes well we'll meet by the girl at the fence. Be careful. At that point he turns his attention to the rooms and pulls out a lock pick. Things could get ugly quickly. He presses his ear to the door first to make sure it's safe.

In the meantime should you go downstairs you hear the sound of someone sweeping in the kitchen. Other than that it is silent...

Colin made his way to the door of the previously arguing couple. It had sounded like they were the ones to deal with first and if it was to be a good ruse, he would need to ensure they stayed occupied. He then thought if he made noise then anyone downstairs would likely be the first to react outside the room. Colin glanced at Ian for a moment before assuring himself that the man was a big boy and could handle any goons that might pop in to say hello. Colin doubted there was more than a handful of people of import in the house and a majority were in the room before him. He ideally would have liked all of them to be there, but wishes were not dealt with in the land of the living. He tried the knob on the door slowly, his demon knife at the ready. Barring it being locked, someone was in for a shock.

You enter the room, which is now silent, and as you enter you see why. A man and a woman are kissing passionately, the bodice of her dress is unbuttoned a bit but they clearly haven't had a chance to go any further. You couldn't have caught them anymore by surprise. They turn to face you in fury and shock.

ooc: Surprise round for you plus for convenience please roll the next round as well and roll a will save, reflex save and fortitude save. I haven't decided yet what I'm gonna hit you with but this way I'm prepared. So basically two rounds plus three saves please.

Colin sprang into action in a flash. Covering the distance quicker than should be normal. His knife held in a reverse grip, he grabbed the arm of the man, fearing him to be the biggest threat, and jammed the knife into his side as he moved the arm away. Seeing that next play, Colin rolled his shoulder and came low across the swing, his knifepoint to hamstring. He realised his mistake of closing too soon and the knife was in the wrong grip as it passed harmlessly by the demon. Colin snarled like a rabid dog and disengaged to set a defense once the two recovered from the shock. He was thinking of the children and his mental defenses faltered for a moment.

---

Surprise attacks on demon(?)
Target with dodge, AC20 vs all and demon subject to Agile Reposte

21:04, Today: Colin Browne rolled 22,13,2,25 using 1d20+2,1d20+6,1d20+1,1d20+7. fort, reflex, will, initiative.
21:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 4,2 using 1d4+1,1d4. knife damage plus streetfighting.
21:00, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+8. surprise attack demon knife.
20:59, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+8. surprise attack demon knife.

You manage to hit the man on your first attempt and he gives a snarl of pain and surprise, clearly not used to weapons actually hurting him. He's more prepared for your next attack, dodging out of the way. Meanwhile the woman faces you and snaps her fingers, hate on her pretty face. You feel something sharp in your esophagus as though something is scraping you from the inside, but you are able to fight whatever spell she cast. You aren't sure if it's your determination or the talisman Ian gave you, either way you are glad you avoided whatever she tried to do, for the time being. As you fight off the spell, the male attacks, striking you with a powerful backhand. Miraculously, even distracted as you are, you dodge the worst of it and what should have been a bone crushing blow merely bruises as he strikes you across the jaw.

ooc: Next two rounds please, and please roll two will saves. In the meantime you take 8 damage from his backhand. Also, please keep me posted of your current hit points as we go so I can keep an eye on things. Oh, and I'm going to soup up your knife. It's a demon knife after all, so it's only fair that it be better than 1d4. Let's make it 1d8 from now on shall we? Just so it fits better with Supernatural cannon. After all, the Winchester's knife ain't no 1d4! ;P

Colin rolled with the blow and made another spring at the man. He was quick and powerful, but Colin was just getting the feel for him. He needed to end the tough bastard fast and before the witch could get ahold of him with a spell. Once the demon was dead, she would be next. Colin came at the man with a knife still in a reverse grip. He spun low and looked to feint another hamstring blow before quickly spinning the knife around in mid-swing to hold it in a normal grip. The action caused the blade to rise and seek the soft middle of the demon before another twist made him come at the man from a different angle. Colin was a blur of motion and looking for an opening. Any mistep by the demon was ready to be exploited via a knife to the exposed defense.

---

2 attacks vs demon
Agile Reposte attacks rolled with dmg just in case.

09:06, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14,16 using 1d20+1,1d20+1. Will saves 1 & 2.
09:05, Today: Colin Browne rolled 27,5,4 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Agile Reposte round 2 if required.
09:05, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26,9,2 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Agile Reposte if required round 1.
09:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18,6,2 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Strike, knife dmg, streetfighting 2.
09:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 27,5,1 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Strike, knife dmg, streetfighting 1.

You slice the demon this way and that with your blade and it clearly hurts him for his wounds flicker with an almost lightning like effect. He is very enraged at this point and he hits you square in the jaw at one point, hurling you backwards painfully. You slam into the door and you hear the wood groan upon impact. You are lucky he didn't dislocate your jaw and you know if he lands many more like that you're done. As he moves in for another attack though you are much more careful and he misses, giving you a chance to sink your blade in again. By now he is bleeding from several wounds and looking weaker but he still has enough fight left that you are as on guard as ever. The witch keeps trying to attack you, this time you feel an overwhelming urge to turn your weapon on yourself but you stave it off and she screeches in irritation. How are you resisting me?! she snarls.

ooc: 20 damage, he got a crit, sorry. But you did get an agile riposte in at least! Keep me posted on hit points and another two rounds please. This time two fortitude saves, thanks!

Colin ignored the pain, he had to. If he stopped for even a moment, he had no doubt that the demon would be on him and that would be that. Instead, he redoubled his focus and came at the demon like a bolt of lightning. His senses were keen and he knew that just one opening would be enough for him to take advantage of. The demon knife was flashing faster than he had wielded a knife before, he was on his a game. Colin had never expected to even have a chance against a witch and a demon, but God pitied fools and Colin was the biggest among them. He started to let loose a giggle that turning into full maniacal laughter as he fought for his life.

---

Same as before but it would seem I expended the last of my good rolls on the Agile Repostes. Bad saves.
The last Agile Reposte is a poss crit, so if it hits, you can determine if it was without slowing the posting even more.

08:51, Today: Colin Browne rolled 12,3 using 1d20+2,1d20+2. Fort saves.
08:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 28,8,4 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Agile Reposte if required 2.
08:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 25,6,3 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Agile Reposte if required.
08:48, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23,3,3 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Strike, knife dmg, streetfighting 2.
08:48, Today: Colin Browne rolled 25,6,1 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Strike, knife dmg, streetfighting 1.

Your knife work is unparallelled as you dodge this way and that, slicing up the demon and bloodying the foe expertly. As he lets out a string of punches he catches you in the side and you can feel painful bruising on your ribs but you dodge his next attack and stab him in the chest in retaliation. He is not looking well but unfortunately during this time his lover has been busy. You feel a grinding in your lungs as though they are being twisted by a knife. She looks triumphant and shortly the feeling deepens. You find yourself choking on blood as you struggle to fight. ooc: You take 21 damage between the three attacks. Please keep me posted on your current hit points so I can keep track of ya ;)

Next round plus a will save please

Colin grunted and spots filled his vision as the combination of being struck in the ribs and torn at by foul magic took its toll. He spat a gobbet of blood from his cut lip and gave a bloody smile. He was likely not going to make it through this fight, but if Ian had gotten the kids out and he had munged up some demon scheme, then he figured it was worth the price of an Irishman. He twisted to try and stab at the demon again, but pain lanced trough his chest and he was forced to abort the attack. It also left him off balance and likely not to counter any attacks that might leave an opening. With his mind racing on exit strategies if he got a chance, Colin ,ade a quick prayer to last the next few moments against a demon and a witch.



OOC:My hit points and AC are posted up by my picture in the BIO section.
21:09, Today: Colin Browne rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Will save.
21:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13,8,4 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Agile Reposte if required.
21:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 12,5,1 using 1d20+8,1d8+1,1d4. Strike, knife dmg, streetfighting.

You are clearly weakened by this point and the demon sees it. By now though the witch has something else in store for you. You feel yourself succumbing to her as your mind suddenly calms and you have the overwhelming urge to stop fighting. You simply stand there, motionless and acquiescent as the demon grips your shoulders, ready to restrain you should you break through her spell. Dimly you are aware of a window you could likely break through, though soon your thoughts are overcome with the desire to please the woman. We should kill him! snarls the demon, looking very irritated at the damage you have done to him. Soon enough. she snaps. I want to know why he's here. she turns to you. Answer me pet. she waits expectantly.

Colin's head swam as the urge to please the witch overtook him. He cleared it enough to have a few rebel thoughts before his mouth betrayed him. He was an Irishman after all! His people had resisted oppression throughout history and he was going to prove just how stubborn his people could be. He smiled sweetly and answered like a drunkard. "I came in this room to cause as much trouble as possible" He swayed as much as he thought he could get away with.

Colin is going to try and fool the witch since he passed the will save.
19:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Will save.

A drunkard who just happens to have a demon killing knife? I doubt it. the demon snarls. Now, answer truthfully or I'll skin you myself. He grips you tighter and the woman frowns as though trying to determine if you are still under her spell. You do manage to shake it off, but if you don't want her to catch on you're going to have to come up with a pretty good bluff. With a knife like that you've got to be some kind of hunter. Are you working alone or do we need to search the house? the witch demands already looking suspiciously at the door. You can't help but worry about Ian and the children if they decide to go looking for him.

ooc: Go ahead and roll bluff if you wish or you may attempt to escape, either way

Colin began to speak and immediately regretted the decision. He was absolute garbage at lying and it was likely that the woman would catch on to the fact that he was free of her spell. As the words spilled out, he knew that he was done for. He could spin a fantastic tale and if he told a big enough lie with just a bit of truth, he could likely confuse them on what was real. "Me? Yeah, I'm a hunter. Have me own knife from me da. He gave it ta me when he bit the bullet facing one of ya foul witches. I heard from ta local youngsters that kids went missing an' a witch was involved. I gathered all me buddies and told'um ta wait on me to send one of ya through the window there before descending upon this place like locust. If ya are going ta kill me, throw me through that window so they can come in and kill ya!"

Better to go big and give them pause than try to keep to the subtlety.

The witch laughs, a bitter sound. Neither of them seem to believe you. You are obviously lying. Nice try though, attempting to throw us off the scent. she turns to the demon. I'm willing to bet he has a partner. Even an Irishman isn't fool enough to come alone. Go and take a look around. she gestures to the door. The demon moves to obey even as the witch continues to speak to you. Now, you can either cooperate while I restrain you, or I can rip out your guts from the inside. Your choice.

ooc: Please roll a fortitude save just in case. In the meantime you can either go along with her or try to attack the demon before he leaves, etc.

Before she can make good on her threat you suddenly hear the demon shouting. They've escaped! The hunter wasn't alone! he snarls from down the hall. The witch curses and with a flick of her wrist sends you flying across the room, rushing out after her partner...

Colin cursed as he rolled from the blow. He was done with this crazy. Witches were bad enough, but a demon put the situation in a whole other category. He needed to regroup and get his bearing. Seeing the opportunity that was presenting itself, Colin dove to the window and made his escape.

09:46, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+6. Reflex save.

You manage to jump out the window with minimal damage though you are on the second level so you will have to jump to get down. From your vantage point you can see Ian carrying two children and herding the others at breakneck speed down the hill and towards the gate at the bottom of the property. The girl you were with still waits eagerly, looking frantic at the sight of twenty or so children rushing towards her.

A moment later the pair you were with bursts out the front door in an attempt to pursue. The children have a good lead but with their little legs it won't last long. For the moment you have a clear shot though...

Colin grimaced at the situation. He clutched his bleeding side and looked at his busted arm. There was no way he was going to be able to face those two down again. Not looking to survive anyway. He then looked at the running children and nodded to no one in particular. He crossed himself and began to sing a solemn yet joyous drinking tune. He sung the lyrics louder and louder, walking towards the running pair. He finished the first chorus and brandished his knives. "It's me you want," he said as menacingly as he could. He knew it wouldn't be very effective or threatening but he had only to draw their attention. He spat a gob of blood on the ground as he stared the two down.

12:10, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Intimidate.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RL9yB0ne67A
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

The pair look at you a moment and the woman laughs. I'll finish with you soon enough hunter she grins. Ian sees you though and twisting he fires off a shot at the woman, grazing her in the side even as he is still carrying the two children. Colin, don't be a fool! he shouts as he turns to hand the youngest pair to a couple of older children. Now that he is properly freed and the children are rushing to the gate it is two on two. The witch looks stunned at her wound, shaken and furious at the same time. The demon is surprisingly concerned about her, indicating perhaps he has feelings for the woman. Alright, if you two are going to be such nuisances we can deal with you now. The children won't get far. the man growls. Run Colin, take them and get out Ian looks surprisingly calm.

Colin gave a bloody smile but frowned as he looked at the kids. They wouldn't make it if both he and Ian fell. He was sorely pulled both directions. His Irish was up and blood flowing, but he knew that one solid blow might lay him low for good. Colin spat again and pointed at Ian saying, "Yer a right bastard for doin' this ta me." He gave a solemn nod of understanding as he picked up the two children that Ian had dropped and began to herd the others at a frantic pace.

Ian gives a half grin at your words. Oh I might just surprise you and live through it yet. Just do me a favor and don't look back, no use in it anyway. With that he pulls out another pistol and starts advancing on the enemy.

Meanwhile the children are crying and whimpering as they follow you to the bottom of the hill. In spite of your wounds you have an excellent pace and it would seem Ian is making good on his efforts to clear the way for you. You hear shot after shot ring out from the hill and should you look you see three figures moving around at a terrific pace, dodging and moving this way and that. The children take much of your attention though and the little girl who led you there in the first place is overjoyed to see her brother is amongst the rescued throng. We should go and get the coppers! she suggests excitedly. They'll have to help now that there's a grown up!

Colin made a face as if he had tasted sour milk. He smoothed it out quickly and shushed the voices telling him his job was done. He bent down and gently took both of the little girl's hands. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I'm going to take you someplace safer. The coppers don't care too much for the likes of me or a few street urchins," he said in a serious tone. He then began walking towards the men of letters hiding spot. If anybody knew how to help, it would be them. After all, Ian was associated with them and was confident taking on a witch and demon at the same time.

It is quite a walk across town and the children are all quite traumatized but at last you make it. When you get to the warehouse a red haired man greets you. You recall his name was Frederick, he must be on watch that night. Should you explain the situation he will listen intently but inform you that the children would be better off in one of the safe houses enlisted by the men of letters. We seem to have been...compromised. Westbrook has some suspicions that the enemy may have infiltrated us. he scratches an address on a piece of paper and hands it to you. The key is under a flower pot on the stoop. I'll send someone to relieve you of the children and check out the manor Ian is at. Hopefully he's alright he sounds worried. Oh, and Victoria will want to talk to you. She's been looking for you all day. Says she has a mission if you're interested.

Colin took the note and nodded to the guard. Frederick seemed to be a swell enough guy but that didn't mean much if a demon was riding inside him. Colin herded the children again and set off to the safe house. He tried to make the children as settled as possible before cleaning himself up slightly. He would need to visit a proper bathhouse to get fully clean again. One the major wounds were dressed and he was in tolerable pain, Colin began to entertain the children with songs and stories of his Irish heritage.

The children are badly shaken but they respond well to your efforts. Living on the street they've likely been exposed to shocking things frequently enough that they are resilient though some of them do claim to have homes and families they would like to get back to. The rest are mere urchins, wandering the streets by themselves. After an hour or so of entertaining them the door opens to admit four women. You note there is a devil's trap by all entrances and they cross over smoothly which eases your nerves somewhat. The leader addresses the children. You will be fed and looked after tonight. Tomorrow we will return you to your homes and if you have none see that you find proper ones. See that you mind these women and they will make sure you land on your feet she then turns to you with a scrutinizing frown. She is pretty with the palest blond hair you've ever seen. Her eyes are a deep blue and she is well dressed with the air of someone used to being in control. I hear we have you to thank for the safety of these children. Well done. You look awful, I have some skill in healing if you require it, otherwise I would like to speak to you alone if you are agreeable to the idea. She has a no nonsense brisk way about her. You're pretty sure she could balance a book on her head at any given moment her posture is so impeccable.

Colin chuckled at the biggest understatement of the night. He gestured for the high strung woman to head into the other room. "I could use a spot o' help getting the bigger bruises and cuts wrapped. Fine mess tonight was, indeed. Any news of Ian?" ,he asked as he started to take his shirt off. Much of the blood and grim from the fighting was still there. He still had his charm that Ian had gifted him around his neck.

The woman takes a bundle of supplies from a wooden chest and pours a basin of water in preparation. She neatly removes her green coat and rolls up the sleeves of her blouse looking used to dealing with such things. I'm afraid not she shakes her head. But they didn't find his body. They did, however, find a man and a woman's bodies with several bullets in them. I assume these are the two you mentioned but we will want you to identify them later when you can. We took them back to headquarters for an autopsy. Knowing Ian he could likely be at a pub somewhere she frowns disapprovingly. For his sake I hope that's all it is She starts to clean your wounds with the water and a strange ointment she removes from a wooden container. It stings horribly at first but then is strangely cooling. You did well to get those children out. Not bad for a hunter. Of course you're lucky you weren't killed in the process. I suppose someone has to do the dirty work though. she notes with a shrug. I am Amelia Kirk by the way.

Colin grimaced not just at the pain, but at the thought of Ian being missing. Either the man was tough enough to walk away from the fight or unlucky enough to survive long enough to die somewhere hidden. He sincerely hoped that it was the former. Colin's attention snapped to the woman as she mentioned him being a hunter. "Thanks, missy, but I know the fact that not everybody can be on the upper crust. I'll drudge it out in the lowest of low places if it means this war ends."

She smiles at your words, the first time you've seen one from her and it suddenly makes her considerably more appealing, though a moment later she is frowning again. Well I can't say I'm not grateful for your efforts. I may be more...upper crust as you call it, but I'm not a fool. We need the rougher sorts on the front lines. Only these days even that isn't enough. she sighs. Well you seem a blunt sort of man so I may as well say this now. Victoria wants me to be your partner. I recently volunteered to make my abilities more available so to speak and she thinks we would pair well. She looks a bit awkward as she says this and she tugs on the bandage tightly, eyes strictly on her work. I understand if you want to decline, you don't even know me after all and me being a woman might make some uncomfortable Her deep blue eyes flash in irritation. Likely she has been rejected before. You feel her fingers tense as she continues to tend you, waiting for your answer.

Colin smirked and pulled out a small tin. After taking a few seconds to retrieve a cigarette, one that he had rolled earlier, he light it and replied in an offhanded manner. "I didn't know Victoria was playing matchmaker now." He let the joke linger a moment before inhaling and motioning to the bandages and ointment. "What else can you do beside patch people up? It certainly will be handy when we are out in the field. Can you handle a weapon?"

She gives a gasp at your joke before realizing that's what it is and then blushes, looking slightly scandalized. She seems grateful for the change of subject and she is all prim decorum once more. I can handle one better than most of my sex though not near so well as a hunter like yourself. My talents lie in the arcane. I am currently training to be a master of spells, which is why Victoria thinks I could be of use to you. Brawn will only go so far when facing a witch. she gives a little sniff. You get the impression some have doubted her use before and she's still defensive about it. Anyway, there is trouble upstate that we're supposed to investigate, provided you are up to the task of course. People have been disappearing. Children, just like these.

Colin gestured to his body and the multitude of bandages as she spoke of difficulties with witches. "Aye, missy, I know the troubles all too well with witches." He stood and tested the strength of her work and nodded in satisfaction. When she mentioned the trouble and that it involved children, he nearly made a snarling sound and a face to match. "Why are they messin' with kids?"

She shakes her head. I don't know Mr. Browne. I don't like it anymore than you do. The good news is that no bodies have been found and after questioning these children a bit no one has been harmed. I don't know why this is happening but hopefully that means they aren't being abused. I guess the only way to find out is to go investigate. Are you up to the task? I'm sure by now you've seen the risks

Colin finished his cigarette and snuffed it out on the ground. Things were moving fast and he was too beat up to say anything about it. He looked the woman in front of him over once more and decided that even working with a rube like her, as helpful as she might be, those kids would need saving. He gave a slow, repetitive nod of his head. "Aye, I'm up for it. Lead the way."

The woman gives a pleased smile and you note how suddenly pleasant it makes her look. A moment later though her pinched frown is back as she starts explaining travel plans. I will meet you back here in the morning with a wagon and supplies. It's late so I suppose you'll want some sleep. Nine should suffice. It will only be a nine hour trip or so if we are quick about it. By then I should have more word on Ian for you, hopefully good news. Is there anything you require that I should obtain? I can get almost any weapon you want if you wish to round out your arsenal.

ooc: Go ahead and finish up with her, let her know if you have any supply needs and then tell me your plans the rest of the night.

Colin nodded at the woman and cracked his neck. "A shotgun and a rifle, plus a slew of throwing knives if you can get them. Other than that, I should be good. Now, I'll thank ya kindly to leave me ta get a hot bath and ease my pain with a little from the home country," he said with little joy. It seemed that the pain was finally getting to him and he would need to simply let go for a good, long while.

OOC:Sorry, I though I had posted a few days ago.

She gives a nod and informs you she'll meet you on the morrow.

The rest of the night passes easily enough. Her healing has done much and though you are still in some pain it is not nearly as bad as it was and you manage to even get some decent sleep. By the next morning the children have been taken to find homes for them though the girl who set you out on your hunt for them in the first place stays behind to give you a hug and thank you before setting out with her brother.

By the time Amelia arrives with the wagon you are finished eating and the house is empty again. She enters a bit hesitantly, dressed in a finely made traveling dress of gray. She is definitely of a different class than you are used to. I thought you should know Ian turned up alright. He's been badly wounded but he will live. The fool thought it more important to pursue a lead than come back and stop his bleeding. He always was too stubborn she shakes her head irritably. I hope you are more considerate Mr. Browne. I've met my fair share of hunters who don't know when to stop playing hero. Ian shouldn't still be alive with his ridiculous risks. I would like to think you have more sense at least.

Colin smirked at the woman and the dress as he adjusted his cap and lit a cigarette. He was happy to hear about Ian. Damned fool was blessed by someone up above. Colin pointed at Amelia, his tone hinted with humor. "Aye, Ms. Kirk. I don't aim to get meself nor anyone else killed. What I do is help people not end up in the ground. I have ta ask though, have you ever been in the thick of it? If we are goin' ta be workin' I have to know if you've seen the bad stuff before."

Amelia notes the cigarette with a hint of distaste though she is quickly distracted by the question. I've seen bad things before! she sniffs. I've healed many a hunter and seen terrible violence inflicted on them. And I have been on a mission or two but honestly...I haven't been in the thick of it as much as others have... she suddenly looks awkward. But that will be rectified soon enough! And I assure you Mr. Browne, I can keep my head about me. By now she is climbing into the wagon, which she doggedly does on her own in spite of the hindrance of her skirts. She is an interesting woman. She seems to want to be independent and show her worth but is green and poorly dressed for hunting. This should be interesting.

Colin smiled and snuffed his cigarette under his boot. He adjusted the best he wore, the concealed knives shifting slightly, and climbed the wagon. He plopped down beside Amelia and chuckled as he mimicked her previous tone. "I don't want you to play hero Mr.Browne, if only because there can only be one on this team." He tried to keep a stern face but faltered quickly.

He started to retrieve another cigarette, but decided against it after seeing her face the first time. He returned the small tin and stared ahead, his words softer and more distant. "I have seen what men can do to men and it pales compared to what we might face. I need to know if you can handle death, I need to know you won't lose your sanity if we find dead children. Do not bluff me with bravado, you not proving anything to me."

She gapes at your joke and you can tell by her face she doesn't find it funny but at your next words her face calms. I will admit, some might see me as sheltered and they may be right but I intend to do what must be done. I will not lose my sanity, I know what is at stake and I know the horrors that are out there, even if I've not seen them as you have. she hesitates before continuing. You must wonder why a woman of letters is getting so involved. Normally we leave the grunt work to the hunters and sit back from a safe distance. To be honest I think this cowardice. Many of us possess abilities that can turn the tide of a battle and yet we do so little with them. We let others take the risks while we play librarians. I had a...friend, a hunter like you. He was going against a nest of vampires and did not survive. I always wonder if I could have saved him had I been there. she shakes her head. By the way she talks you get the impression he was more than a friend. I won't hide away while others do the fighting anymore. I mean to make a difference or die trying. I may not be as hardened as you would like, but I am determined, that I promise.

Colin looked pensive for a moment before returning to the conversation. "We live in troubled times, Ms. Kirk. This day an' age, you are lucky if you survive past half a century. War engulfs the world at every opportunity, even if the war is one of shadows and games. Imma soldier in this war. Let me be the soldier, 'cause there are always more of us. People like you don't need ta be provin' anything," he finished, lapsing into a cold silence. It was obvious from his face and body language that a weariness had taken him. Not a physical toll, but the emotions and trials of the mind.

She gives a small twitch of a smile at this and looks at you with sympathy. Thank you Mr Browne, but you do not carry this burden alone. I will let you be the soldier but I will help you as much as I can. Maybe I don't need to prove anything but I do need to help. I am determined on that front so you may as well accept it. I may not be as brave as you but I will try to make a difference as long as I'm able. And if I die? Well don't you feel badly about it. I was the fool who decided to take these risks and I'm ready to face the consequences. If the worst happens don't you waste any sleep over me. she smiles though there is a seriousness in her blue eyes too. Now, our journey is a long one, nine to ten hours I'd say. I hope our conversation isn't going to be this dark the whole way.

Colin gave a grateful nod and then turned his eyes to the road. "Have ya never traveled with company before? Don't you know the proper way to pass the time is ta sing?" , he said with a cheery tone. Before she could say anything else, he smiled and began to sing a light hearted tune. It was a folk song about a company of pikemen called to battle to defend their homes and die as men of honor. The words were fluid and the tune quick and Colin sang it with pride as they traveled. He sang as if he had done so before and with many men beside him, though the truth was quite different. He finished and smiled in satisfaction, turning the Amelia. "I would give an arm and leg for a good ol' bodhran."

OOC: the song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0zBlHlnR4Y

Amelia listens with surprise at first though it melts into a rare smile. When you finish she grins and claps for you as best she can with the reins in her hands. How wonderful! Music is something I don't get near enough of, you're going to regret showing me your talent for your lungs will be sore by the time we get there if I have my way. The aloofness is momentarily gone as she speaks. I've always admired those who could sing. I wish I were one of them but I've been told I sound like a dying cat and therefore I leave it to better people than I she makes a face. I don't know if you've met Lily yet but she can be frightfully honest.

The rest of the journey passes easily enough. Occasionally she requests another song and asks you the history of it and what a bodhran is and if you don't miss home. She's apparently quite adept at conversation though she has a prim gentility throughout. You have a feeling it is difficult to get to know her completely but then it is only the second time you've met.

She packed well and as you travel she sees to it you are well fed and provisioned. Looking at the wagon you can tell she brought too much. The pioneers probably didn't pack this well and you're not sure if it's because it is her first time on a hunt or if it is because she is simply the over prepared type. By the time you arrive in the small town it is about eight o'clock and quite dark. The narrow dirt road is eerily quiet and coyotes howl in the distance. Amelia guides the horses stiffly, looking around worriedly. You aren't sure why but the hair on the back of your neck is standing up and you feel on edge. The lights of the town guide you the rest of the way but you feel no safer here than you did on the wooded road. Perhaps even less so...

ooc: Let me know your plans. There is an inn and a separate pub across the street. The town is tiny but you can see many farms about and houses here and there. It is not so late that there aren't still people about though the shops are closed save for the pub and the inn. Be sure to roll search/gather info and sense motive if you question anyone. Also, really liked the song! I have a piano book of Irish folk songs. I'll have to see if that one's in there :)

Once settled at the inn, Colin spoke to Amelia about his intentions. "I am going to head 'cross the way ta the pub. I'll see if I can't drum up intel, but it ain't my strongest skill," he said with an honest tone. He pressed on. "I suggest you wait at least a half hour before coming over. If we show up apart, it will let us seem individuals and not a party."

She nods at this. Very well. I will pretend not to know you. However, if either one of us comes up with something important we should have a signal so we can meet outside to discuss it. she looks excited at the prospect and it is almost cute watching her eyes light up at the prospect of such espionage. Um...what if the signal is to dust yourself off perhaps? That should be subtle enough.

After you work out the details of what signal to use she takes the wagon to the inn and gives you enough coin to rent out a room. In case you need to keep up your deception, it wouldn't do to be seen with me handing you your room key. she smiles.


Soon after you find yourself in the pub. It is a noisy, boisterous place but not necessarily the jolly sort. Instead it is full of grimy looking sorts mixed with the occasional better off patron who looks a bit disgusted to have to eat there. It is the only place that is open though so there is little choice. A busty looking serving woman approaches you with a scrutinizing eye. Well you're a new face if I ever saw one. Don't get new folks often. You drinking or eating or both?

Colin sorted the details of his room and left for the pub. He smiled broadly at the woman and nodded in the fashion of someone very tired. He laid on his native accent, figuring that a travelling Irishman looking for work was very believable. "Aye, miss, a bit o' both if you please. I'm a might parched with a hunger ta match. What might ya have fer the strong drink?"

Whiskey, scotch, gin. Whiskey will go easiest on your wallet she eyes you as though sizing you up. The cook made lamb stew and potatoes tonight if you like. If you don't then I can scrounge up somethin else but I can't promise it will be hot. She seats you at the bar as all the tables are full and you note the counter is sticky. Amelia is not going to like it here at all. So stranger, what brings you to these parts? Passing through? We don't get many travelers. she goes behind the counter to pour whatever drink you ordered.

ooc: Don't forget a bluff check... ;P

Colin smiled at the lass and slapped the bar. "A hot meal an' a bit o' the fire, if you please." He looked around and noticed that the place was becoming more and more apparent as the only real place in town. Sure, there may have been other locations and buildings, but places were where people congregated. This seemed like such a place. So caught up was Colin in his thoughts that he almost didn't answer the barmaid. "Aye, an' ye likely won't see much o' me. Just lookin' fer work when and where I can. Seem you Yanks don't take too kindly to me and me kin here." It wasn't so much a lie as a half truth told in vague generalities.

OOC:
21:39, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+1. Bluff.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Wed 03 June 2015.

She chuckles and puts down the stew and whiskey. The price is a bit steeper than it should be but considering they are the only establishment in town it makes sense they can gouge the customers. She listens to your answer with the twitch of a smile. Well not all of us mind you Irishmen. Better than the redskins and Chinese after all she shrugs. As for work, you're not likely to find anything long term here but there's always a few odds and ends people need doing, if you have any skills that is. There's a job board up on that wall she points across the room. Just a few things like roofin, hard labor and the like. Probably only last you a week or two but it's still money in your pocket. You should know though, folks around here aren't in the best of spirits lately. Don't make yourself obnoxious by being too friendly if you do go for that board. We've had a run of bad luck and nothin will earn you a fist in the face like grinning too broadly at the wrong person, though I'm sure you've seen enough bad times of your own to understand that she adds with a look of scrutiny.

Colin put his fingers to his brow in a mock tip of the hat. "Thank ya kindly. I'll try not ta piss off the wrong people. Mind telling the subject of ire so I don't tread upon it?", he asked politely. He continued to eat, not making anymore conversation unless he was inquired after.

OOC: Sorry, work has been hell lately.

ooc: No worries! That's the beauty of your own thread, no one is waiting on you so take all the time you need :D

She looks hesitant to tell you but after a moment the gossip in her wins out. Leaning in so you can especially see her ample bosom (you're certain this was on purpose) she speaks in a low voice. Well, it would seem we have a villain in our midst. For the last two months people's children have been disappearing. At first it started when they were playing nearby, in the fields or woods and they just wouldn't come back. Folk thought it was wolves at first, not that we ever found any bodies mind you but we've had some lambs go missing too so it only made sense. So they started keepin the kids in the village and close to home. Didn't work! They started disappearing from their beds! Can you believe it? Now what kind of wolf does that? No that's a human at work and we all know it. There's been eight children gone as of just last week. Everyone's real jumpy and on edge as you can imagine.

ooc: Roll a knowledge check when you post next please.

Colin shook his head in dismay. The fact that he had known they were in town for missing kids aside, he still hated for the townsfolk to go through it. He also noticed her amble bossom, which complicated his thinking process. As his mind looked for some correlation, his mouth began to speak. "Aye, that sounds like foul business alright. Somethings ya figure are sacred, like churches and children. I'd like ta find tha bastard meself. Monster like that needs ta be put down with haste," he said grimly. He wasn't even trying to hide the disdain or any truth. It was the truth as far as Colin was concerned.

14:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Knowledge (Current Events).

She listens to this with admiration. I think everyone here would agree with you greatly she smiles. But I would take care if I were you. Folks are already jumpy as it is and a stranger can be a scapegoat if they're not careful. I have a good feeling about you though. Still, angry fathers are lookin for someone to pummel. Watch yourself.

By now a bit of time has passed and you see Amelia enter looking prim as ever, a stark contrast to the less than savory folk here. She does a wonderful job of ignoring you and instead seats herself at a small table, looking a bit disgusted with the surroundings as she takes a handkerchief and wipes the seat. She's not sat down two minutes before a burly looking fellow who is clearly inebriated stumbles over and sits next to her. You can't make out what is being said in all the din but her face is speaking volumes, turning beet red at whatever he is saying to her. He puts a hand on her thigh and with a gasp she slaps it away which only makes him laugh.

Colin was enjoying the rest of his drink and was about to order another. That was when he saw Amelia come in and show her daintiness. He even chuckled when she wiped the seat off. His mirth was interrupted by the man attempting to harass Amelia. He was about to rise and come to the rescue when he recalled the conversation they had earlier. He and she were supposed to be strangers to each other. Coming to her aid might ruin that. He also knew that if she wanted to be in the same game as a hunter or Man of Letters, she would need to be able to deal with a drunken idiot on her own.

If she made eye contact with him, Colin would simply raise his glass slightly with a nod of his head. It was to be a clear indication he was not going to step in. He turned back to the barmaid and ordered another glass of whiskey, not eager to get up when food and strong drink were readily available.

You do see her glance at you but she doesn't look angry at your rejection so much as determined. So at least she seems to be taking your inactivity the right way. She snaps some angry words at the man but he only laughs again. To your surprise she stands up, grabs the chair and breaks it over his head! He stumbles back and then she primly lifts her skirts just a bit in order to give her foot clearance as she swiftly kicks him between the legs. He crumples in a heap and she smirks down at him triumphantly before selecting another chair for herself, wiping it off carefully and then motioning for the barmaid to take her order. The barmaid laughs. Well she'll do fine in this town I think. How much you wanna bet she orders tea? she chuckles before headed out to take the woman's order. The pair chat pleasantly a moment and then the woman returns to you with a huge grin. Yup. Tea and soup of all things! Never would have thought she could be so feisty. she shakes her head. Now, I've been mullin my brain and I think you might find a day's work at the Johnson farm if you are interested. I can put in a good word for you, they need someone to help lay shingles and a few other things. Two of their kids went missin just last week though so be sensitive of that she adds.

Colin nods and finishes his drink. He smiles and tips his hat to the barmaid. "Thank ye kindly fer the help. I'll make sure to call round in the morning and steer clear of the subject. Yer a right sweet lass, darling. Don't go changin' that. I expect I'll be in tomorrow evening," he finished in a cheery voice. He took the empty glass and set it upside down, a signal to Amelia that he had a lead to follow. Colin then rose and departed, not wanting to remain and appear suspicious.

The woman blushes and grins happily at the compliment. Oh I always did have a soft spot for you Irish boys. Had an Irish beau once for a spell, I suppose you remind me of him she laughs. Well, I'll see you tomorrow evening then. Your first drink will be on me.

After you head back to the inn you are in your room about fifteen minutes before you get a quiet knock at the door. Should you open it you see Amelia and she will rush in so as not to be seen. Did you see? Did you see? I clubbed that clodhopper into next week! Lily would be so proud of me! she looks so excited by her little venture that it's both cute and a little pathetic at the same time. She really is green. I must say that is some of the worst tea I've ever put in my mouth and the soup is not much better. I've half a mind to go back and make it myself next time. Oh well, I suppose we're not here for the cuisine. Did you find anything out? I didn't get much with that stupid masher ruining everything. For some reason the men seemed skittish of me after that. I suppose I should have tried a different tactic. she sighs.

Colin chuckled as Amelia went on about her encounter with the drunken idiot in the tavern. He pulled out his smoking tin and rolled a cigarette as she spoken. By the time she was done, he had lit the thing and was exhaling a long breath. She looked disappointed with her actions and Colin pointed at her with the cigarette between his fingers. "Look, ya did fine. That whole thing was the reason we came separate. As for me, that lovely lass told me that young children have been taken, eight so far. Farmer family on the edge of town was the last taken. I'm going on the morn ta look for work," he said, emphasizing the work part.

Looks like we came to the right place then she frowns. I wish I could go with you but it can't be helped. Perhaps I can find a way to investigate on my own the other victim's residences. What I need from you is a keen eye and a sharp memory. The slightest detail will determine what we are dealing with and I need you to pay attention to everything understand? Write it down if you have to but do it, you can always slip it under my door since we won't be able to meet easily. I can't do much until I know what is going on.

ooc: When you've finished any final remarks you can respond to the following:

The next morning you make it to the Johnson farm and they seem to be expecting you as the barmaid did indeed put in a good word for you. The foreman is a burly type, red faced and hatchet nosed but friendly in a gruff way. He tells you the family is in mourning and not to disturb them but the farmhouse needs shingles laid and bad weather doesn't wait for missing children. He gives you some tools and a ladder and tells you to go to work though he insists he'll be checking up on you. As you work the February air is crisp but the work is hard enough you get hot anyway. You note that a young woman of about eighteen watches you from the front yard, seemingly busy at digging up tulip bulbs. You don't know if she's curious or perhaps intrigued by the young man on her family's roof.

ooc: How handy is Colin? Does he have anything in craft? If not go ahead and make a general intelligence check and heck, a balance check while you're at it. You don't need anything spectacular but just to see how well you do. Also, a gather info and spot check too.

Colin was no roofer. He knew enough of how to use tools in order to not make a complete ass of himself. The woman digging in the garden intrigued him. She seemed to want to at least talk, but Colin knew the dangers of an Irish vagabond conversing with an unfamiliar lady. It did not equal a good time. Instead, he half focused on his work, making sure that he was not going to get fired and daydreaming of what trouble Amelia might be getting into. His sly nature was getting the better of him and Colin risked a wink and tip of his cap to the girl in the garden.


22:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Balance Check.
22:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Craft Mechanical.

Fortunately you balance wonderfully on the steep roof but your skills are much more on the clumsy side. The young woman watches with amusement and when you tip your cap she gives a laugh. No offense sir but you are the worst roofer I've ever seen. You must really need the money she grins. Not that I'm complaining of course. I could watch you all day. A pity it isn't hotter outside, then you could remove your shirt, I'm betting I would enjoy that. The girl is so brazen it is shocking! A good thing Amelia isn't present for she would likely give her an earful.

Colin grinned like demon. He might actually like working here. His mind then turned to the tragedy that had first brought him to the farm. Colin could not do anything that might get him turned away from the opportunity to save those kids. He had to believe that they were still alive. Rather than stay in a coy attitude and playful banter, Colin came right out with it. "Little forward there, miss. I may not be a good roofer, but I do want to earn a few bits to live off of. Nothing more. Not that I will stay here for long. Town seems a little too on edge tolerate an Irishman."

Well that's not your fault she sighs and mentioning the town's troubles instantly turns her mood sober. I'm sorry, I am not usually so forward. I was actually hoping to take my mind off something... she shakes her head. I'm sure you've heard about the children in this town. My own brother and sister were taken from this very house. Right from that very room there she points to a first floor window. Some say it is some demented man preying on the wee ones but I almost think it is some kind of wolf. I mean, look at the scratches on the sill she points out though of course you can't see them from where you are very well. And what with all the lambs being killed by somethin it only makes sense. Thing is though the window wasn't broken and how could a wolf take children out of a closed room without breakin somethin? I can't for the life of me figure it out she frowns.

Colin made a heavy, understanding sigh of sympathy for the poor girl. Must have been hard to lose loved ones, especially young children. Colin then mental reprimanded himself for thinking that they were truly gone. He would find them. He had to. He searched his brain for something relavent to attach to the attack, but nothing came to mind. Wolves usually were the work of shifters but the silent part had him thinking of many other things. He would need to do some digging.

Colin got down from the roof and looked at the girl. He nodded towards the window, wiping his hands free of tar with a rag. "Can't imagine what you are going through, you and your family. Losing a youngin' is hard for any family, let alone two. I'd be curious to see those marks. Never heard of a silent wolf before."


19:10, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Knowledge (Current Events).

She gives a sad smile of thanks at your kind words and then happily shows you the window. See! They are so deep though, I never knew wolves to have claws like that but how else do you explain the missing lambs? Or maybe it's just a coincidence I suppose but what would have made these? And look, we had the window locked what with all the other children going missing but it seems to have broken it here she points to the window sill that is so mutilated the lock seems to have been destroyed. That's too intelligent for an animal to do I just know it. So if it was a person why the claws? Maybe a tool of some kind they used? I've run it through in my head a thousand times she sighs. Then she looks at you again and gives a half smile. You look even better up close don't you? Sorry, like I said, I need a distraction. Flirting takes my mind off it all.

As you look at the claws and listen to her story you come up with nothing however there are a few details that stick in your mind as somewhat familiar though you can't for the life of you recall where. The lambs in particular tickle your memory. Perhaps Amelia would know, she seems like the book wormy type who might have read something about it.

Colin listens to the woman's explanation and theories. In truth, she was probably more correct than not, but she could not know that. She shouldn't know that. Colin made a dismissive gestue as she spoke of clawed humans. "Sounds like you've been into the whiskey a little too much, lass. I've been through some pretty rough times, but drinkin' isn't the answer. Here," he said, passing a rolled cigarette from his trusty tin. "Much better for ya."

He then looked back in the direction of town and made a sigh. "I'll be back tomorrow, providin' your father needs more work from me," he said simply. Colin made sure to finish his work before going back to the inn and relaying everything he learned to Amelia. Hopefully she would understand and know how to go forward, because Colin was stumped.

She looks irritated at your easy dismissal of her ideas but calms down and takes the cigarette sulkily. Perhaps you're right. I suppose I do sound a bit crazy. But you have to admit it's odd. It has to mean something! she takes an angry puff.

The rest of your work goes as well as can be expected. At least you are starting to get the hang of roofing a bit by the time you are through. By the time you get back to the inn it is around 4:00 and you manage to find Amelia in her room, avoiding prying eyes as you do. She answers the door in a robe and with her long wet hair falling down her back. It is the first time you've seen her without her hair tightly pulled back and you are surprised how different it makes her look. She pulls you in quickly and wraps her robe all the tighter around her, looking slightly uncomfortable. She has apparently just come from a bath and seems embarrassed about it. Her mind is quickly distracted by your story though and she listens intently, growing excited as you speak. I'd heard of livestock going missing too but if she said lambs specifically that changes everything! she announces triumphantly. At first I thought it could be a werewolf or something like that, a wendigo perhaps though it's rare to find one in such a populated location. But the lambs! It all makes sense! I think it could be Black Annis! Being Irish you are passably familiar with the legend as your British neighbors have scared children with stories of black Annis for centuries. This is disturbing news.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Annis

Colin involuntary crossed himself at the mention of the English bogeyman. He had hard spirits of the beast with iron claws and a taste for child flesh. He gave Amelia a stern look and placed his arms across his chest. "Are you sure? Because if I go after Black Annie and it turns out to be something different, or worse it is her, I'm going to be the one hurting," he said in a worried tone. He lowered his arms and rubbed his forehead. "I know what the legend says to do to keep her away, but what do you say?"

Well no I'm not sure, no one ever is until they face the thing straight on she shakes her head. But it all fits! The lambs, the children, the claw marks! It's all I have to go on right now. And you aren't going to be the only one facing her, I will be right with you. she adds with determination. Now, there isn't much on the lore except the stories they used to tell children. They don't talk much of a way to kill her though I imagine if we fill her with enough blessed bullets it should do something. In my experience a lot of these types of creatures take on human form. I doubt she's wandering around with a blue face and the skins of children hanging off her belt, and I do think she is walking around. How else would she know which house to go to, which bedroom had the children? No, the monsters I've researched tend to be more sneaky these days. I think we are looking for a woman, though there well may be a cave she is hiding out in too, she has to take them somewhere. Have you seen anyone suspicious? We should see if there has been any black cat sightings around too. she laughs suddenly. How on earth do you pose that question in normal conversation? I've never had to act discreet about this type of thing before. You must be awfully good at lying.

Colin shook his head. "Lying isn't the way I do business if I can help it. Most of the time, people will just tell you if they want to. People aren't keen to keep secrets. They want to let others know what is going on so that they can either confirm something is wrong or simply get out of town. No, Ms.Kirk, I'm not a good liar, just good company," he finished with a smirk.

He lit up a cigarette and pondered the question that was Black Annie and how to deal with her. He pointed the cigarette at Amelia. "Seems to me that you are going to have to go looking for this mystery woman. I'll keep pushing on my end. See if this farm girl knows any more about the weirdness happening."

Amelia looks amused at your comment about good company though she eyes your cigarette with barely disguised distaste. She ignores it though and instead listens to your suggestion with surprise. For a moment she seems nervous at the prospect of investigating on her own but her jaw sets and she gives a nod. Very well then. I shall do the footwork. Heh, I don't suppose the farm girl happens to be pretty? she rolls her eyes. You may have more luck finding women then I do. Something tells me you are a natural at it...but I'll see what I can do. Perhaps if you do well with your handiwork other farmers will use you and you can get a lay of the land. My guise is as an education administrator unfortunately. I thought it might get me closer to family's with children but it may be a poor reason to search out women and cats. I'll see what I can do though.

ooc: What are your plans that evening? I assume you go to the pub? If so we'll pick up there. Feel free to finish with Amelia too.

Colin chuckled and waved away the question about the farm girl. He looked outside and then took a more serious stance. "I'll drop by the pub this evening and inquire about a few more jobs. After that I will take to the streets and try to spot anything unusual tonight."

Amelia nods approvingly. Sounds good. I am going to explore the outskirts of town, see if there isn't actually a cave somewhere, you never know right? When you get in tonight knock on my door. If I don't answer then you may want to come looking for me.

Should you go to the tavern you'll find the same barmaid there, looking pleased to see you. She gets you a whiskey for free as she promised and her name turns out to be Mary. Word has it you aren't the best roofer she laughs with a teasing grin. But they seem pleased enough from what I've heard. I don't suppose you fancy stickin around a bit longer? I have some jobs of my own if you're interested. The grin widens.

Colin gave a tip of his cap to the plucky barmaid and drank the whiskey eagerly. After finishing he looked at Mary with a grin, "You have me there. I know more 'bout boilers than roofs. I might be able ta be persuaded ta stay though. Towns getting a little spooky though. Saw the marks, whatever made them, over at the worksite. Nasty stuff. Like something out of the old tales of the homeland." He shook his head as if remembering a particularly bad dream.

He looked up and began speaking in the same manner of repeating a nursery rhyme. "Black Annie, Black Annie comes tonight; close your windows, shut them tight. Nails of iron, fur so black; trust not the strange woman, nor that midnight cat. Guard your babies and guard them well; else Black Annie will drag them all to hell," he finished dourly.

Goodness what a rhyme! she blinks. Is that how they raise you over there? I've heard of frightening children into behaving but that seems almost too much! I suppose I can see why it sprung to mind though. That wasn't the only house with those marks at the windows. Some folks think that it could be from a tool or something they used to jimmy the windows open. What else could it be? Except this black Annis of course she wrinkles her nose. You note inwardly that she called the creature by her proper name in spite of your calling her Annie. Could be nothing, she did say she used to court another Irishman. Mary continues on, getting you another whiskey. What are you doing tonight? I get off my shift in about thirty minutes... she gives you a flirty smile. If Amelia could see the way she was looking at you the woman would be shocked, the idea almost makes you laugh. Hopefully she is getting along alright in her search for the supposed cave.

Colin grinned outwardly as a scowl formed on the inside of his mind. No save those of England would really know the name of Annis. He only knew of the name because Amelia had said it. Black Annie was the more common name the folk gave her. There was another he knew of though. Another way that might shed light upon the dark shadows of doubt. "Aye, I'm free. I be thinkin' that we will need to make thirty minutes go by quickly." He fished around in his pocket and pulled out a genuine silver dollar. He held it up and smiled wryly. "I know a little bit of magic. Care to see?" ,he asked. As he did, a simple motion hid the coin from view during a flourish of fingers. He made the pure silver coin appear again from behind her ear and made sure to keep it close to her face.

Take 10 slight of hand for a 23.

As the silver nears her face she gives the slightest hint of surprise but then smiles in amusement. It is difficult to say whether she is affected by the silver or not but a moment later she wrinkles her nose. Clever trick, though I never was one for magic. Perhaps I can see if I may get off my shift a little early? she purrs and without waiting for an answer she saunters off to speak to her employer. If memory serves you correctly the best way to kill Black Annis is a silver stake but you don't exactly have one of those on you. Hopefully the blessed weapons the men of letters have provided you with will do as well, otherwise perhaps a silver knife or letter opener would do the trick. She returns a few minutes later with a triumphant smile, carrying a bottle of scotch. We are in luck! My boss was feeling generous tonight. Shall we? My place is just down the street.

Colin gave a grin as she returned and motioned towards the door. "After you, m'lady," he said with a tone of false chivalry. He made sure to take the bottle from her, gently of course, so that she would not be seen in the company of a man and carrying a bottle of hard liquor. He let her lead the way and as they exited, he caught sight of the inn. He thought for a moment and decided to risk something. He looked at Mary and bowed, "Pray ye might excuse me for a quick moment. I must run to my room at the inn and retrieve some personal effects. I seem to have misplaced my tin of smoking tobacco and I would like to have some for later in the evening. Pardon me," he said. He left before giving her a chance to object, running a a slower pace, but putting on a show that he was trying to hurry.

Once he was at the inn, he scribbled a note that said 'Mary the Barmaid' and had the initials 'BA?' underneath. He left the note with the night deskman and a silver dollar for his troubles. He instructed him to give it to Amelia if she was in her room or as soon as she returned. He then left the inn and returned, sauntering back to Mary with a lit cigarette in his teeth and made a show of putting the tin away. "Shall we?"

She waits easily, a small patient smile on her face. When you've returned she leads the way to her house, a small little cottage that has seen better days but is still tidy and clean. By this time the hour is getting late and there are fewer folks in the streets. She lets you in and lights her lamps for her cottage doesn't seem to be wired for electricity yet. She gestures to a brown upholstered couch which is surprisingly nice considering the exterior of the place. In fact the inside has some beautiful things, she's clearly done the best she can. She gets out a couple of glasses and pours you both drinks. Should you drink it the Scotch is surprisingly good. Just so you know, I'm not the type who normally invites strange men back for a drink but what can I say? I like your accent she smiles seductively and takes off her coat, revealing the very tight and low blouse underneath. Goodness this town is full of brazen women it seems! She sits on the couch next to you, leaning in a bit.

ooc: Roll a spot/listen please

Colin eased into the cottage and made for the couch, accepting the Scotch as he did. He noticed it was Stratheden in origin. Pretty good stuff for a small town like this. He tried to pay attention to his surroundings but only ended up paying attention to the undressing woman. He gave a wry smile and replied in Gaelic, "A little bit of the homeland will do wonders to a woman's bodice!"


Wow, just...wow.
22:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+1d6+1.  Listen check, plus action point.

OOC note: Are you going to implement language groups? Also, RNG hates me. Please note that Colin cannot be caught flat-footed.

ooc: Lol! Could you be any more unobservant? Luckily I meant to ask you for a spot check too so I rolled one for ya and had better luck, hope you don't mind ;)

She looks pleased by your Gaelic but she doesn't seem to understand it, surprisingly. Either that or she's pretending, it is difficult to say. Well that sounded cheeky, whatever it was. I don't suppose you'd mind translating? she leans in incredibly close, putting her drink down. She smells of soap and perfume and she is quite pretty, it would be easy to lose your head at a time like this. If you allow her she will go in for a kiss, the brazen thing. Suddenly out of the corner of your eye you see a small dark shape enter the room where it walks toward the door and stops, staring at you intently. A black cat. Your memory sparks that Black Annis could take the form of a cat, or perhaps this is just a coincidence or perhaps Mary is Annis and the cat is just a fancy of hers. This whole thing could have just gotten more complicated. Mary turns to the cat with an exasperated sigh. Blacky what do you want? Out to catch mice again? she starts to get up to let her out though the cat's eyes never leave your face.

Colin accepted the kiss, his hand straying to the knife but the motion disguised as a shifting of his weight. His thoughts were drawn to the fact that maybe this girl was just friendly. He wouldn't take it much farther in any case. That was his thought before he saw the cat. Black cats were omens to begin with, but with Black Annis haunting the town, it became more dire. He noticed the cat acting odd and decided to drop the pretense. He stayed on the couch, but his hand gripped the knife firmly. He spoke again in Gaelic, the tone low and smooth.

"You know my purpose here, terror from the old world. I will find those children. You will not wear their skins," he finished with a cool, pleasant smile. He needed to be able to play of the lines if he was indeed just being paranoid.

The cat's tail flicks back and forth rapidly and its stare does not break, the hair on it's tail growing bushy with agitation though its face stays perfectly serene. Mary laughs, still not understanding. Whatever you said I'm guessing she doesn't like it. Probably not more sweet talk I'd say? she grins, moving toward the door. Here, I'll let her out. Don't want Blacky to interrupt things... If you do nothing she will let the cat outside at which point it will tear off. However, you have time to prevent it should you wish.

Colin's voice sounded like a thunderbolt had struck in its sharpness and clarity. Gone was his cheeky, humorous tone. "Stop!" ,he shouted as he moved just as fast as he could. He grabbed her wrist and placed himself between her and the cat. "The foul thing is unnatural! Stay away from it!" Colin was sure that in such small confines he could prevail but protecting Mary was a top concern.

Combat?:
If I have initiative, Colin will move to block Mary, drawing the blessed knife at the same time. If attacked, he will use combat expertise to boost his AC to 24, taking a -4 to his attacks until next round. Agile Reposte is in effect for any missed attacks.

Of course, I could be prepping for nothing. Lol



22:33, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Initiative

Mary looks startled by your sudden outburst and the cat merely looks at you with its lashing tail, looking agitated and yet calm at the same time. It's only a cat, what on earth are you on about? she gasps. Here, I'll let it out then we can forget about her. Really, what has gotten into you?

ooc: Roll a sense motive please, and we'll keep the combat rolls in play should you need them... ;P

Colin shook his head and pointed to the couch. "Please, go sit on the couch. I just need to have a moment. Do not let the cat out," said as he made to nudge her in the direction of the couch. There was no need to get physical, not yet. He just had to be sure. He turned to the cat, staring it down once again. He then spoke to Mary. "How long have you had the cat?"

Mary hesitantly obeys, staring at you as though you are mad though. Just a few weeks. She was a stray, looked hungry. Please, you aren't going to hurt her are you? The cat stares at you a moment longer then suddenly starts to rub up against your legs, purring. For a moment part of you wonders if this isn't all just a coincidence but the hunter in you is not so easily convinced. You are torn, without proof of what she is this is going to be tricky...

Colin pinched the bridge of his nose and motioned toward the cat, easing it off his leg. "Let me guess," he started in a tone that communicated he was trying to work something out. "Did the cat show up around the same time as the kids started missing? Does the cat ever look hungry anymore, despite not eating the food you put out?" ,he asked. Colin, frustrated, put his hands behind his head took a few steps and some deep breaths. No lie or evasion would work now, he was sure. He had to gain the trust of this girl if he wanted to get somewhere. He was a hunter! He needed to protect people. He turned and looked back at Mary. "What if I told you that the thing that go lurking in the dark in stories weren't stories? What if I told you the boogeyman was real?"

Yes, but surely that is coincidence! she scoffs at mention of the timing of her cat's appearance. She listens with wide eyes but when you start to reveal the truth about hunters to her to your surprise she gives a sigh and stands up, shaking her head. Oh I just don't have the energy for this anymore she snaps. She stalks to the window a few feet from where she is standing and thrusts it open, pointing at it. Go to the cave, he may have another hunter with him and you need to make sure the children are still there. Go! It takes a moment to realize she is talking to the cat, who starts to burst towards the now open window, moving alarmingly fast. The beautiful Mary smirks at you then, her eyes turning black as pitch. A demon? Working with black Annis? This is all very unusual, even for a demon but at the moment your main concern is with the cat. If she gets out then Amelia may be in very grave danger soon, for no doubt she is still looking for that cave.

ooc: You have a chance to try to grapple the cat or strike her if you wish but she is fast, otherwise you can try to go for Mary. You can keep your initiative as you had it before and I will keep everything else in mind regarding agile reposte and combat expertise.

Colin never hesitated. So long as Amelia was safe and had found the children, his mission was complete. Mary was a disappointment and he was sorry that she might have to die but he would not let those kids come to harm. Mary's words had told him they yet live.

Colin made to appear he was going to bull rush the demon, but at the list moment spun and did a acrobatic maneuver similar to a carnival performer. He sought to put himself next to the window and block it if he could not shut it. His hands came up to defend himself, risking fighting like a street boxer to keep his hands free.


Move: Tumble past Mary to shut the window.
Standard: Shut window or at least prevent exit.
13:09, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26 using 1d20+12.  Tumble check.

You make it to the window just in time to stop the cat though you don't have a chance to shut the window, just block it. The cat hisses and tears off through the parlor and through the hallway presumably to where the bedroom is. The demon calmly goes to block the hallway should you try to follow her. A pity you had to get so foolish, you were quite a good kisser she laughs. But now I have to end things. Far too much to do, you understand. She raises her hand and you feel a horrible pressure around your heart...ooc: Roll a fortitude save please and your next round :)

Colin clutched at his chest. He could feel the pain, becoming alarmingly familiar at this point. It was one of the worst feelings in the world. Likely the worst. He moved forward and struggled to keep standing. Colin made a grunt and closed the distance between him and Mary in a heartbeat. Though it was wild, the haymaker had real power behind it. "Damn Succubus," he spat in pain.


Combat:
Move- Close with Mary
Standard- Combat expertise(-4 attack/ 24AC)
00:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 9 using 2d6+1d4+1.  Nonlethal dmg.
00:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Poss crit?
00:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Attack Mary, unarmed.

Unfortunately you are unable to shake off the horrible feeling from the grip she has on your heart and you can feel it quiver in agony. Fortunately your attack hits her right on the jaw and it is enough to distract her and her hold on your vital organ is lost for the moment. She stumbles a couple feet back looking irritated more than anything and she lunges towards you to strike you but fortunately you are able to dodge for which you are grateful as her hand goes through the wall instead. That would have hurt. Filthy cur! she hisses. You can either continue your attempts at fighting or the door is still behind you.

ooc: Take 9 damage please

Colin gave a halfhearted jab and cross at the demon as she passed him but didn't really want to overreach before he recovered from the demonic attempt to crush his heart. She seemed furious and that suited him just fine. He gave a grin and ruled up his sleeves. "Very unlady-like words," he said as he gave her a motion with his fingers to come at him. He was counting on his years of streetfighting to even the odds against a much stronger opponents.

Combat:
Rinse, lather, repeat
Move- roll sleeves
Standard- Unarmed vs Mary
Agile reposte and combat expertise -4 in effect.

00:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Attack Mary, unarmed round 2.
00:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Agile Repost vs missed punch.

You know you're as good as dead unarmed against me she sneers. Some hunter you are, but then at least I'll have a bit of fun with you before I tear you limb from limb. She rushes at you then but to both of your surprise she slips on the wooden floor and goes stumbling against the couch. She looks furious and embarrassed and it's very hard not to laugh considering her big talk a moment before.

ooc: Ah, gotta love natural 1's. Next round, roll for your agile repost as well :D

OOC: Is it Agile Reposte for one or two rounds?

ooc: Once per round. Oops! My apologies.

Colin grinned but did not linger long. He saw an opportunity and seized upon it. As the demon fumbled and lost its footing, Colin gave a series of quick jabs to the body of the demon. Blows to the kidneys would hurt just about anyone. Followed up with a vicious right hook and then an upper cut. The strong combination would likely have done more damage, but he only clipped with the uppercut. Still, the demon would be feeling the blows, even if Colin had neither the strength nor fortitude of the demon. He retreated back a few steps, "Submit now, exorcise yourself and let the girl go."

Combat:
2 Agile Reposte hits, 10 nonlethal
Round 5&6 2 hit, 15 nonlethal



21:56, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8,7 using 1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1.  Round 5&6 dmg, nonlethal.
21:55, Today: Colin Browne rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Poss crit?
21:54, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20,24 using 1d20+4,1d20+4.  Round 5&6 vs Mary .
21:53, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d6+1d4+1.  AR 3 dmg.
21:53, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  AR round 3.
21:52, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d6+1d4+1.  Agile Reposte dmg.
21:51, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Agile Reposte round 2.

Though you do indeed have quite a productive string of blows against the woman you can tell that she is not being harmed near as much as you would like but then as a demon she will be able to withstand quite a bit. She looks irritated though and fortunately your physical tactics have helped in that they inspire her to return in kind. No doubt she wants to beat the living daylights out of you and though she does indeed clock you across the ribs so hard you find yourself gasping you are able to withstand it better than you would another grip on your heart. Her second swing misses though, giving you another opportunity to take advantage of her miss.

ooc: Ok, take 6 damage please and roll for the next 2 rounds. She hits once and misses another.

Colin rolled with the lunch and came up with another blow, this time striking at the knee. His boot impacted solidly before he whirled his fist it for a sledgehammer blue to her stomach. He was not sure if it had any effect, but he was sure the blow that followed it to the solar plexus would hurt. He might not withstand too many more of those rib crackers, but he was unwilling to simply killing the demon without trying to save the girl. "Let the girl go."

Combat:
Agile Reposte hit, 6 nonlethal
Unsure if 17 hit for 10 nonlethal
Round 8 hit for 8 nonlethal

22:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6,10,8 using 1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1.  dmg, nonlethal.
22:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19,17,23 using 1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4.  Agile Reposte, plus Round 7&8.

You only miss with one of your blows and just barely. She looks irritated that you are putting her through so much trouble, though she is withstanding your attacks quite well. She backhands you across the face and you feel your jaw crack a bit as you stumble backwards. She misses with her second attempt though for if nothing you are at least agile. So that's why you aren't using your weapon against me she chuckles. How sentimental! You really think this meatsuit can be saved? I could stab myself right now and kill her if she's causing too much of a distraction for you... she sneers. I should think you would be more concerned about Annis then me. She went out the back you know, probably headed for her cave right now. I sure hope that puny woman you pretend not to know isn't lurking around by herself. I have a feeling she is an even easier mark then you...

Colin struck quicker than a snake. His knife was out and he hoped that he had beat the demon enough that she would go down without killing the poor girl she was inhabiting. He closed quick and abandoned all form of defending himself. She wanted to goad him, she would get his fury. His fury spoiled his aim and he snarled past Mary. He turned, ready to defend himself again.

Combat:
Move, draw knife
Attack: Men of Letters Blade vs Mary demon. nonlethal attack Miss

19:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+1d6+4.  MoL blade vs Mary, nonlethal.

She tries to counter your attack with a fist to the neck but you duck just in time and she looks irritated. You note that now you have your knife out she is still looking amused for she has not tasted its power yet. Most weapons are useless against demons but soon she will be educated that this is no ordinary blade. Well, as much fun as this I have to go attend the children. Annis gets hungry and I can't have her killing them before its time. Consider yourself lucky, I'll finish you quickly she purrs and you feel the grip of her power crushing your kidneys this time! The pain is excruciating and despite her words you can tell she is trying to prolong it just a little anyway...

ooc: Next round and fort save please :D Oh, and I forgot to give you the damage from her punch so you take 8 damage please. Note, she did miss again so roll your agile repost too.

Colin shrugged off the attempt to seize him and stalked forward, giving a few half-hearted attempts to cut her with the knife. He grinned at her, something slightly maniacal about it. "What's wrong? I'm not the easy prey you thought I was? Perhaps I am something far deadlier than even you?" ,he crooned at her in a deadly voice.


22:09, Today: Colin Browne rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Intimidate.
22:05, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Blade vs Mary, nonlethal.
22:04, Today: Colin Browne rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Fort save.
22:04, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Blade AR vs Mary, nonlethal.
19:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+1d6+4.  MoL blade vs Mary, nonlethal.

She looks at you as though you've gone mad and though she's clearly not afraid of you (she has not tasted the power of your blade yet) she is starting to look uncertain, especially since you've lasted so long. You are able to shake off the effects of her demon grip with much effort and though it has wounded you, you are still able to function, much to her shock. Deciding on action rather than taunting now she flicks her hand and sends you hurtling back towards a bookshelf, perhaps wanting to put some distance between the two of you.

Colin hit the bookshelf with a thump and rolled as soon as he hit the ground. The effort would ensure minimal damage and he once again came at the demon. She would feel the blade at some point in the future, Colin vowed that it had to happen. He simply grinned as he made a toying slash at her.


Combat:
Reflex save with action point: Total 17, if successful no damage due to Evasion
Attack missed
22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+8.  Blade vs Mary lethal.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d6.  Action point to Reflex save.
22:01, Today: Colin Browne rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Reflex.

She looks furious that you so easily bounce back from the bookshelf and she is clearly losing her temper. It's like you're some aggravating little gnat that won't hold still! she screeches. Hurling you once more, this time towards the back wall. She looks livid, crazed.

ooc: Reflex save is DC 15 in this case so feel free to describe your impact or lack thereof as you roll the next round. I'm surprised how well he's doing! Of course, part of that is my own poor rolls ;P Have you ever read the Wheel of Time books? There's a character, Mat Cauthon that Colin is reminiscent of. He likes the ladies, is just a tad scoundrelish and is unbelievably lucky.

Colin cursed as he slammed into the wall and came away with a bloody grin. He moved forward and spat a gob of bloody phlegm on the ground. He said nothing, tiring of banter, and struck like lightning. He flashed the blade across her midsection, looking to slice a bloody gash to the torso.

OOC:
Failed Reflex. 8 dmg with the blade.

22:36, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d6+1d4+1.  Blade damage.
22:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  Attack Blade vs Mary.
22:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 1 using 1d6.  Action point to Reflex save.
22:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Reflex again.

I have read the first book, but could never get into it.

ooc: Well, the first one is definitely slow. It gets better though they are so frickin long and detailed it takes a lot of energy to read them. Still haven't finished.

Now that you have finally made contact with the blade the demon suddenly realizes what she is in for. Pure shock transforms her face as she understands now you can hurt her. A flash of fear crosses her eyes and she glares at you contemptuously. What is that? she demands, hurling you back again though you sense this time it is in an attempt to keep you away.

During this the front door flies open and to your relief you see Amelia there, looking quite determined. You note her hair is a bit wild and her clothes are disheveled but she seems unharmed. The demon turns in surprise. You alright Colin? the blonde woman demands, eying Mary with disdain.

ooc: Take 9 damage please and roll another reflex as well as your next attack.

Colin rolled backwards as he hit the ground, spring up like a rabbit. He grinned as he twirled the knife in his fingers and spoke over his shoulder to Amelia. "The children? Black Annis went after them," he questioned. He did not wait, instead he rushed at Mary. At the last moment, he sidestepped and came in at a completely different angle.

OOC: I'm not sure why the dice roller thought I needed three saves.

22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24,7 using 1d20+8,1d6+1d4+1.  Attack Mary, Blade/dmg.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.

What? I looked for a cave but I couldn't find anything, got lost and fell down a ravine too she grumbles and you note that as she talks she scowls as if in concentration. I have a lead though she grunts, still concentrating. Mary hisses in pain as you slash her again and though she is still physically doing well she looks worried. You feel her invisible grip on your heart, this time desperately squeezing, clearly trying to finish you off as fast as she can. No doubt she likely sees you as the bigger threat since Amelia is unarmed and apparently just standing there. This time the pain is excruciating and if you can't break free and she is not stopped you won't last much longer. Hold on! Amelia orders through clenched teeth.

ooc: Make a fort save and another round please :)

Colin screamed in pain, then in rage. He rushed forward and barreled into Mary, knife in hand. He was not going to last another. He knew it. She knew it. He could only hope that Amelia had a trick up her sleeve.

18:13, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19,4 using 1d20+8,1d6+1d4+1.  Attack Mary with Blade, dmg .
18:12, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Fort Save!

You manage to meet Mary's flesh with your knife but it is no killing wound, her hold on your heart is too strong. It beats rapidly, wildly and you find yourself gasping in pain. Fortunately Amelia seems to have readied her spell and with a gesture she suddenly slams the demon against the wall where she stays, pinned and looking panicked. Fortunately your heart is then released but blood is coming out of your mouth and you feel weak and light headed. It's a good thing you wrote that note for Amelia! Finish her quickly before she breaks my hold and then I can tend to you Amelia instructs, completely focused on Mary who is screeching in fury. Just stay with me, alright Colin? You can rest in just a moment

Colin nodded to Amelia, taking up his knife and staggering over to the Mary demon. He held the knife in front of her face. "Blessed blade," he said in a serious tone. "It will ensure you don't go back to hell. No escape." He spat a stream of blood out of his mouth, his Cheshire grin never returning. The next time he spoke, it was in Latin. "Release her and you both live, demon. You have my word as a Catholic and an Irishman," he said, raising a hand to forestall any argument from Amelia.

Mary hesitates, seeing how close you are to death but she also sees Amelia and thinks better of retaliation. Instead she throws her head back and opens her mouth wide, a thick black smoke rushing out and disappearing through the floor. Mary falls to the ground then, limp. Amelia rushes to her side, examining her. Her wounds are numerous and she looks even worse than you. She's still alive! Barely she mutters, relieved. Now sit yourself down before you fall down. she orders, putting her hands on the woman's face and closing her eyes. She concentrates, muttering something you can't understand and you are grateful to see the woman's color and breathing improve though she is still unconscious. She should wake soon. She is still incredibly weak but she won't bleed out at least the blonde woman mutters. Then she turns to you and grips your face tightly, repeating her strange words. You feel a surge of something icy rip through your body and suddenly your own wounds are feeling considerably improved, though you are by no means back to full strength. She plops into a chair then, looking tired and rubbing her temples. Well that was a mess it looks like. Good work saving the girl. I have no idea why a demon is here though. Do you think she was pretending to be Black Annis? Obviously Amelia wouldn't know about the cat, hence her conclusions.

ooc: You get back 20 hit points :D

Colin inhaled deeply as his wounds knitted themselves together. He couldn't see them, of course, he suffered mostly from the horrible, heart stopping spell of the demon. He recovered and regarded travelling from of Mary, if that was even her true name. Poor girl needed some more healing, both spiritual and physical. He snapped his head towards the door. "She was not Black Annis. It was disguised as a black cat. Escaped a few minutes ago. The demon mentioned the kids were alive and in a cave. I stalled as long as possible. We need to find them," he said with an urgency in his voice.

Immediately Amelia heads for the door, headed for the inn's stables. We'll get there faster on horseback. We only have the one so we'll have to share, and I hope you don't mind I'm going to have to push decency aside for the time being. I can't exactly ride side saddle she sighs. I already searched the northwestern edge of the woods, apparently the north is where most of the lambs have been taken from so I thought it best to check there. We'll try the northeast this time and pray for luck. She leads the horse out and starts to put on the tack though it will go faster if you help of course. I can't think of why a demon would be working with the likes of Annis. This is all very strange. she turns to squint at you worriedly. Now, are you sure you're going to be alright? I can try to heal you more but I need some of my strength to deal with Annis.

Colin nodded and made for the door as well. "We should put on a charade. Claim some crazed man attacked Mary and made for the woods. Likely for a cave. The folk here knew the woods better than us and we know none are that creature. Could help us get the kids faster. Think you can play a jilted lover that saw the deed?" , he asked with a raised eyebrow. As much revulsion as she might have for the idea, she surely could see the logic behind his suggestion. Right?

Amelia looks surprised at the suggestion but nods quickly. Yes, I will do whatever it takes. I'm not much of an improviser though. Tell me what to say before hand and I'll say it well enough.... Are you my supposed lover then? she looks suddenly awkward and embarrassed. I just want to be sure I understand everything correctly she adds matter of factly, finding her dignity again.

Colin looked slightly abashed for a moment as he suddenly realized what he had asked of Amelia. He shook his head and grabbed her shoulders. He took the knife he had used on the Mary demon and gave it to Amelia. "Change of plans. I'm going to need you to stab me. Someplace where it won't kill me. The story is not believable if I am not injured by a sharp weapon like her. You're going to say you heard screaming and saw me struggling with a figure. Mary was on the ground and I was stabbed. The figure ran off into the woods. I will pretend to be out of it until the townsfolk rally towards the cave. Understood?"

OOC: Suddenly got very busy!

Amelia looks relieved and yet somehow embarrassed when you change your mind. I'll do what you think best Mr. Browne, but don't think me squeamish when it comes to lying. she frowns, perhaps not wanting you to think she was unequal to the task. Now, you can keep that pig sticker yourself. You're still banged up enough that it's clear to see you were in an altercation. That should be adequate enough, especially since I won't be able to heal you again for a bit. You'll need every bit of strength. Your plan is excellent but once they lead us to the cave I will try to distract them off so they aren't put in danger. Unless you think it better that the whole town join in the hunt? she adds uncertainly. I suppose we could use their numbers at that. Hm...well you're the hunter you decide.

ooc: Let me know final plans and I will skim through to the cave :D And no worries, you are always welcome to take as long as necessary.

OOC: Colin will go with his plan and once there, go with Amelia's suggestion to distract the townfolk until Colin can flush Black Annis out.

She looks pleased at not having to stab you and you both head towards the pub, the most likely place to find a crowd of people at this hour. She does beautifully, exclaiming so loud upon entering that several people jostle their drinks. She points at your battered body and frantically explains about the man who stabbed Mary and beat you half to death. I think I must have frightened him off when I saw him and screamed! He ran towards the woods. Does anyone know where he could have gone? Several people stand to offer you help and some of them suggest an old barn that had been abandoned as a likely place to hide. She expertly leads them in her interrogation, asking where else they could be until someone finally suggests a large cave to the north east, just a half a mile north from the Johnson's farm. Smiling triumphantly she suggests breaking up into search parties, claiming she and you will go towards the cave. Everyone is eager to seek vengeance on the man who would harm their beloved Mary and soon you have a small group of posses on your hands. You end up with five men in your group but Amelia gives you a reassuring smirk as you head out. You end up taking some horses and are there within twenty minutes. As you are led to the cave you dismount so as to remain silent, tying the horses up to some trees. The five men with you draw their pistols and weapons, eager to search the place. You glance over to see Amelia whisper something to herself and suddenly you all see a dark figure several yards away running through the trees ahead. There he is! I recognize him! she shouts and they are off like hounds after a fox though the form is quick as it leads them away. She turns to you and laughs once you are alone. I set the illusion to lead them for about half an hour so we'd better hurry before they double back for us. Poor things, I feel almost mean. Now, I think I can heal you a bit more, you're going to need it. She takes your head in her hands and closes her eyes. You gasp at the cold shock of it but soon you are feeling almost back to your full strength though she looks a bit tired afterwards. The cave lies before you. It is time to reckon with Annis.

ooc: You heal another 20 points. Also roll hide and move silently please.

Colin gave a nod back and his trademark grin. He needed to focus. The children were depending on him to help. He inched toward the cave, careful of his footing. What he had not counted on was how little he had to work with as far as cover was concerned. Instead of focusing on not being seen, he was more interested in not being heard. A stay footfall or rock tumble might alert the old horror faster than his brass buttons or white shirt.

22:10, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13,22 using 1d20+12,1d20+14.  Hide, Move Silently.

You enter the cave cautiously and Amelia quietly hands you a wooden stake with whispered instructions that it will be the only thing to finish her off. Our weapons will wound her but the final blow must be with this. I will entrust it to you she instructs.

As you sneak into the cave you can see the light of a fire winking from within. To your disgust you glance at the entrance and see several animal skins hanging off a tree, just like the stories. Fortunately it looks like only lamb skins from the looks of it and Amelia looks weak with relief at not having seen the children's alongside. You enter and though you try to stay hidden it is very difficult and Amelia slips a bit on the damp floor, wincing. Now inside you can see a fire, a cook pot and the bloody remains of several lambs. Then, laid out on the floor you see about eight or so children, all on their backs and their eyes closed, looking pale. Whether they are dead or not you do not know but they are all motionless and white. Before you can move further you hear a voice, a hooded figure across the room stirs the pot, not even looking up. So, the demon did not seem to be as strong as she claimed then she speaks in a surprisingly human like voice. Well then, without my watcher there's nothing to stop me from eating these pretties. After I dispose of you first of course. Never send a demon to do a witch's job.

ooc: Feel free to roll init and your first round or do some bantering if you wish

Colin came out more into the open, hands up and exposed. He was confident enough to not need the knife handy just yet. He looked to the children and then to Annis. He spoke in his native, Irish tongue. "We're both from the Old World. Tell me, elder one, have you found this place to be as fearful of you as the rainy isle? Have these Americans given you due respect?" , he inquired. He was hoping that he could engage with words, as with violence he was sure he would lose.

Respect? Ha! she repeats with bitter amusement. These Americans know nothing of the word. Belligerant, rebellious things. Even their children whine and resist more than others. Drives me mad. I look forward to teaching them a lesson soon. Of course it is a lesson they will take to their graves but that doesn't bother me. Now, go Irishman and perhaps I will let you live. The flesh of adults is not nearly so tasty to me but I will choke it down if I am forced to. She replies in her native tongue. Amelia listens with the look of slight confusion, not understanding of course, though she can tell by your tones that some kind of banter is happening. As you talk she ever so slightly moves to the side of the cave and you note she is mouthing something to herself. Likely a spell in preparation for what is to come.

Colin gave a smirk and bowed to Annis in a very stage like fashion. "Far be it for me to suggest something to one as old as you. You who were there when the Celts first graced the Emerald Isle," he crooned. Flattery while usually not believable from him, did wonders to boost the ego of many a young lass. Colin was hoping that even obviously false praise to Black Annis, something she had not likely heard for a long time, might stall her long enough for Amelia to pull her stunt. He continued in the same tone as before, like an actor reciting the Bard. "Might I offer an alternate outcome here? It is obvious that someone will not leave this cave, likely myself or the children. Instead, I offer a contest of the old ways. A game of Brandubh to decide the fate of both myself and the children. To sweeten the deal, I will even lead the villagers away from your cave," he said again in the Irish tongue.

The woman gives a short laugh and removes her hood to reveal a pretty dark haired woman in her late thirties, not what you expected at all. A moment later her visage changes for a fraction of a second and you see a flash of a hag faced crone with blue skin though it is so fast you almost think you imagined it. It makes sense though, she can hardly go around showing her natural form and expect to remain unseen. You really expect me to risk losing my meals over a contest? Firstly, you'll lose, I've been at such things far longer than you, second I suspect this is a trick or distraction and I assure you, it won't work. That said I do like a fellow countryman. If you leave now I will let you live. I imagine I'll be finished by the time you return with anymore hunters she grins wickedly. As she speaks, across the room Amelia catches your eye and gives the slightest nod of her head, indicating that she's ready, though she still isn't able to follow your conversation.

Colin nodded as if he was considering the old terror's words when he sucked on his teeth suddenly. He drew the knife and smiled at the crone. "It already has," was all he said as he rushed forward. He didn't make a blatant charge, rather rushing in to grab her attention while Amelia could do her work. Colin maintained his guard, not wanting those foul claws to seize him.


Combat:
Move- Close with Annis
Combat Expertise for +4 AC/ -4 attack
All ACs 24, Initiative 13


OOC: Busy Halloween and November! Hope you didn't miss me too much!

Your ruse works and she considers you the greater threat, slashing at you with a screech which you thankfully dodge. Meanwhile Amelia hurls a fireball at the woman who gasps in surprise, catching her robes aflame. Though she hisses in pain you both know this is not the way to kill her but perhaps if she is distracted and wounded enough you will be able to move in with the stake Amelia gave you...

Still smoldering, Annis suddenly flicks her fingers and the massive iron cauldron goes hurtling towards Amelia who yelps and moves out of the way. The hot liquid splashes against her though and you can see she is badly burned from it, gasping in pain. Don't think to outwitch a witch my dear Annis chuckles.

"AMELIA!",Colin screamed as he dropped his own knife and pulled the stake as he charged back into combat. His face was flush, not with combat but with anger. This old crone, this monster, had hurt Amelia. Colin was past furious. He came in with no effort to defend himself, using his own fury to strike true and retaliate against any mistake that Annis might make.

Combat:
Attack vs Annis, no Combat Expertise
13:00, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  Stake to the heart!

You miss for the witch leaps back, avoiding the attack though you can see a register of shock on her blue tinged face. She knows what you hold in her hand and now she is finally worried. She claws at you with iron nails sharp as knives and slashes you across the chest though fortunately the wounds are not deep. You feel an icy jolt as the claws connect but luckily you are not mortally injured. From the corner of your vision you see Amelia stumble towards you both, though she is moving in a hunched limp and trembling. Putting her pain aside she mutters something and gestures at you. A moment later you feel an almost protective aura around you and it is clear your companion is trying to bolster your defenses.

ooc: Take 8 damage from the claws. Also, your character sheet says your AC is 19 I believe. So for the next 3 rounds Amelia's spell increases that by 4 so you have a temporary AC of 23. Sound about right?

Bolstered not only by the fact that Amelia had placed a ward around him, but the fact that she was moving at all, Colin have a predatory grin at the Old World terror. He twisted the stake around and flexed his arm in mock stabbing and slashing motions. He spoke for only a moment before lunging forward, more cautious than last time. "You should have stayed in the bounds of the British Empire. Now you will perish here, far from home."

Combat:
Combat Expertise -4/+4 AC
Should total out to 27AC on all counts.
18:55, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Stake vs Annis.

OOC:
AC assumption was correct. Combat Expertise is a dodge bonus and Mage Armor is usually a force bonus, so they should stack.
Don't forget to roll for my Agile Reposte if Annis misses.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

ooc: Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too! Even if it is now a week and a half later...sorry...

You miss with the stake and she snarls, lunging at you but you dodge easily, grateful to have evaded her iron talons. You see an opening as she stumbles past you but unfortunately she is fast too and you miss. Seeing her tactics with you aren't working, her eyes flick to the wounded Amelia. You're fast boy, I'll give you that, but what of your friend? Perhaps it is she who shall perish she chuckles. With that she withdraws from you, moving quickly towards Amelia so fast that she will be there in moments...

ooc: Withdraw means you don't get an attack of opportunity but you can roll your next round since hers takes a full round to do.

Colin felt his eyes widen involuntarily with alarm. There was no way he could let Annis get to Amelia. He darted forward, confident in his own speed. He had practiced running from more skilled opponents and lawmen alike. His real talent was fitting through places he normally could not unless standing still. He made a jerking motion forward and rolled for the space between the monster and Amelia. "You shall not touch her," he said in a very dangerous tone. The stake was in his hand, ready to strike if she made a move.

OOC:
Tumble past Annis and come up with stake ready to go.
10:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 25 using 1d20+12.  Tumble.

Annis looks surprised at your speed and then chuckles. You're fast when your woman is in trouble eh? No matter. With that she flicks her hand in Amelia's direction, causing the blonde to slam into the cave wall with a great deal of force. She grunts in pain but stumbles up, extending her hand towards the witch from across the room. I'm alright! she assures you, panting, though you can tell she's quite wounded. With that she mutters something and Annis suddenly moves slower, eyes bulging in rage as she realizes the spell that is affecting her...

ooc: She will have a lower defense, movement speed, attack, etc. So go ahead and give it a shot :)

Colin snarled in beastly frustration and charged the monster with reckless abandon. He jabbed at her, lashing out with not only the stake, but fists and feet as well. He was growing tired, that much he knew. His reflexes were stowed and the monster seemed to have no sign of stopping. He tried with everything he had to end it but knew that it might not be enough.


20:26, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Attack vs Annis (stake).

ooc: Well, at least Annis has horrible luck too ;P

Fortunately Amelia's spell seems to have hindered the crone for as she tries to slash you with knife like claws, she moves slow enough that you dodge with the greatest of ease, and thank god for it too, tired as you are! Meanwhile Amelia twitches her hand towards the woman and you see her cry out in pain as blood suddenly blooms on her robes. You notice her hands erupt in small scratches and cuts and she shrieks savagely, intent now on stopping Amelia as soon as possible.

ooc; Since she missed I believe you get your agile reposte, so feel free to roll that should you wish along with your next round.

Colin dodged nimbly to the side and came back at Annis with a will. The stake poised in a reverse grip, he came at her from nearly underneath. The stake sought after the monster's black heart and he drove at it with all his effort, knowing that if he struck, he would have little opportunity to follow up.

12:28, Today: Colin Browne rolled 25,22 using 1d20+8,1d20+8.  Agile Reposte and Attack.

The stake misses her heart but does hit her chest both times and you hear a sound of panic in her screams as she realizes she may just die after all. Desperately she raises an arm and you feel your bones start to twist and squeeze as though unseen hands are crushing you. The pain is immense. Seeing your plight, Amelia shouts in fear and rushes towards you in spite of her wounds, hurling a fireball at the woman's face. ooc: Roll a fort save. If you get a dc 15 you take 11 damage otherwise 22 please. next round too

Colin screamed in pain. His bones felt like they were being pryed out of his body with white hot crowbars. He fell to one knee, small whimpers of pain uttering from his lips. He spat a gobbet of blood on the floor and rose with a will. He no longer had any semblance of his previously genial mood. Even he had succumbed to battle fatigue and rage. He let forth a primal roar and darted forward like a big cat seeking its prey.

12:22, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Attack
12:22, Today: Colin Browne rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Fort save

ooc: 22 damage it is then. Sorry :(

Colin!!! Amelia shouts with worry. Fortunately your attack hits Annis once more and though it is not in the heart it is only a few inches from it and she gurgles in pain as blood drips from her lips. Amelia holds up a hand towards the witch, muttering something and she struggles against an invisible force, held in place. Now! Do it now! the blonde woman gasps with the strain of keeping the witch still. Annis's eyes bulge in fury and fear, she won't hold long...

ooc: Coup de grace should you wish it! I just thought you would like to properly describe Colin's actions ;)

Colin wiped a streak of blood from his lips, smearing the back of his hand and staining his teeth crimson. He wasted no time moving over to the hapless monster and leaned in close as he slowly drove the stake to her heart. His words were slightly raspy from the pain and damage his body had endured, but dripped with menace and danger. "You should have taken my advice and gone back to the Old World, hag. Say hello to the devil for me," he finished by driving the spike through and into the heart. He kept his hand on the stake's heel and looked over to Amelia as he rammed it to the hilt into Black Annis.

Annis gives a great scream, the noise piercing and echoing off the walls of the cave before finally sinking into silence, her limp form at last still. Amelia rushes to you and to your surprise embraces you tightly before pulling back and looking you over, her usually immaculate hair in disarray and her own body covered in bruises, cuts and burns. You both look a wreck but at least the witch has been stopped. Are you alright? she asks and you can see her hands are shaking. She's struggling to regain her composure but then she's new to the world of hunting versus being cloistered away with the men of letters, and likely she is still getting her battle sense. It is unusual to see her so shaken and off poise.

Meanwhile you hear a groan across the room. Should you investigate you find the children seem to be stirring, miraculously unharmed but then the demon had said they were to be unspoiled. Thankfully Annis was kept in check or things could have been a great deal more gruesome. Still, you can't help but wonder why they were left alive at all.

Colin grimaced in pain as Amelia hugged him. He knew that he likely had a broken bone somewhere in his ribs but that could be dealt with later. Colin gave a smile and was about to respond when he heard a noise. His head perked up like a hound on the trail of an animal. When he discovered the children, he gave a silent sign of the Cross and a deep, genuine smile. He turned to Amelia, his voice rough from the battle. "We need to get tha children gone. Foul place like this is not good for their health."

Amelia looks quite surprised and pleased at the children stirring but also seems embarrassed at her display of relief and blushes as she nods, limping her way to the small figures to examine them. There are thirteen or so of varying ages, all somewhat drowsy and confused. Amelia talks to them but as though they are small adults, in formal terms, albeit with kindness. She seems awkward around children, no doubt she has little experience with them. They seem to remember nothing except the scary woman at the window and wonder how they got here. Amelia avoids the subject instead saying they should get them back home, though it will take some doing without a wagon.
Fortunately by now the mob has lost Amelia's decoy and have headed back toward your direction and soon the parents are reunited with the children, looking incredibly relieved.

Look at the two of you! one of them exclaims. What happened here? One of the men takes out a flask of whiskey and offers it to you.

Colin took the proffered flask and drank long and deep. He handed it back and thanked the provider. He looked to Amelia and started the tale he had been coming up with for just these questions. "Looks like some hermit convinced an ill man to steal children for her. She seemed not too right in the mind and started raving about crazy things. We tried to calm her down but there was no reasoning with her. She had crafted some sort of contraption that attached knives to her fingers. She attack the lady and went for the children. Threw burning oil at me and the others. I had to put her down. Ain't going to deny it, but it had to be done. She made it clear that she was going to kill the children if she could rather than let the children go," finished. He trusted Amelia could fill in the logic gaps if required.

The crowd look shocked at such a revelation and Amelia quickly corroborates your story, even managing to feign fright and appear shaken, though part of you wonders how much is acting.

Well I'd say you're a hero then good sir! one of the men slaps you on the back heartily then looks apologetic when he realizes it was not the best move considering your wounds. Saved our children and this fine looking woman here! he eyes Amelia with a wink and she gives him an irritated glare but keeps her silence. He seems not to notice, continuing happily. I say we take him back to town and treat him to as much whiskey as he can stand, what say you boys? he turns to the others with a grin. They all hurrah in agreement and you head back toward town.

ooc: Plans for the rest of the night? Amelia seems to be falling back into the pretense of not knowing you and she will maintain a polite and icy silence on the way back. She looks...grumpy.

Colin grinned and bowed to Amelia. "I'll not drink a drop unless I get to share a glass with the lady, and maybe a dance. We did just go through an ordeal of significance!" ,he said. The smile flashed again, more wryly this time, before turning his attention back to the man offering him whiskey. Colin chuckled in spite of himself. "Free whiskey for an Irishman is a bold tab to open. I'm sure I can be lenient, however!" ,he finished with a heartier laugh. It was obvious that his bombastic and charismatic nature was trying to distract the townsfolk from asking too many questions. Colin suddenly stopped and looked to the others. "How's the young lass, Mary? Did she survive her wounds?"

OOC: Colin is going to drink with the men until they retire, then go talk with Amelia in her room.

Amelia looks surprised by your kind attention and gives you a rare smile. Fortunately your joviality works well with the men's current victorious moods and they seem more intent on celebrating than asking for too many details. At the question of Mary they nod vigorously, informing you that she indeed has lived and the doctor expects her to make a full recovery within a month or so. She seems quite disoriented though and with her strange talk they think her mind must be a bit addled still.

At the pub there is much carrying on and your tab is indeed kept open to drink as much as you could possibly wish. Amelia declines a similar offer instead having a cup of tea and watching the merriment from a distance, as is her way. She will retire early but you suspect she is waiting for you and when you go to find her she is in a violet dressing gown, her golden hair in a loose braid and a book in her hand. Well, did you leave them with any money or did your Irish thirst do them all in? she arches an eyebrow with the hint of a smile. You wager she is trying to gauge how drunk you are.

Colin smiled and raised his right hand while putting his left on his chest. His accent had come back with a vengeance and his speech was mixed with words of proper Irish. "I'll be swearin' to ya da man will have some left to sell to others," he said as he swayed a bit. He looked and saw a chair that would set his head from spinning. Sitting heavily into it, Colin gave Amelia a look that could have been construed as a leer, but thought better of it. Instead he placed his face in his hands while leaning on his knees with his elbows. His voice was much more solemn that before, but still heavy with the drink. "Tha was almost a cock up. Many a more people could've died. God forgive me if tha little ones had been hurt. Ida never forgiven meself for it."

She arches an eyebrow at your drunkenness, looking a mixture of disapproving and amused though when you become serious she nods in agreement, putting the book down and watching you with sympathy. Nor I Mr. Browne. We were lucky. Very lucky. It would seem that whatever plans our enemies have they entail leaving the children alive. You had a similar rescue not a couple weeks ago did you not? she refers to your misadventure with Ian. It would seem that children play a part in some overall scheme and thus far it requires them to be alive. Let us hope this never changes she shakes her head. I was thinking, if you're up for it tomorrow perhaps you can pay a visit to Mary, see if she remembers anything, if she's even conscious. You seem to have a way with women, I'm sure that will serve you well she makes a slight face of distaste, but then she was a very proper sort of woman. I'm sorry I can't heal you more. If folk saw us suddenly healed overnight it would cause too many questions. she sounds sympathetic but then her own body is quite banged up too between bruises cuts and burns. It's been quite a night.

Colin made a dismissive gesture. He smiled at the same time, though it may have been more lewd than needed. "A little bruising might be good for you," he said with a grin. His better, more sober brain section caught up to his womanizing brain and Colin appeared to deflate. He raised a hand and turned. "Sorry, love, the drink seems to flow strong tonight. I meant nothing by it," he apologized. He rose and made his way to the door. He was just about to leave when he stopped, halfway through the door and poked his head back around. "I don't know how long we'll be together for this, but if you find me too loose with my words again, feel free to get violent. I've been known to get tossed and not be kind to people," he said with a look of shame on his face. It was obvious that he was fighting many different emotions and urges. He left without further words, lingering to see if Amelia took a parting shot. He would go to Mary in the morning.

At first she seems confused by the bruising comment but then her blonde eyebrows shoot up to her forehead. As soon as you apologize though they settle down again. I'd heard hunters could be crude... she shakes her head. I assure you, if you need it I'll keep your manners in check, the woman folds her arms and stares down her nose at you like a prim school teacher disciplining a student, though a moment later she softens. But...thank you for the apology she adds with a blush and a hint of a smile. Get some sleep and we'll speak no more of it. You need to be charming for Miss Mary.

The next morning you don't see Amelia but there is a note slipped under your door claiming she would meet up with you later. After breakfast you find Mary at the doctor's surgery, though luckily her wounds were not so bad as that. She lays in one of the sick beds, bruised and paled and somewhat out of it though you expect laudanum might play a part in that. The doctor leaves you to speak to her privately though he is not far, in an office adjoining the little building. You look...familiar... she mumbles.

Colin closed his eyes for a moment to regain his composure. He was still reeling from the effects of the bottle and needed a solid day to recover. Knowing that no reprieve was coming, Colin opened his eyes and pushed through. He gave a warm smile and offering some water in a glass from the pitcher and tray in the room. He starts to speak and then stops, repeating the process a few times before finally speaking. "Aye, I suspect I am. We've seen each other a few times over the last few days. What do you remember right now, love?"

She frowns, thinking hard and then her drugged eyes widen. You...stabbed me.... a lot...but I wasn't exactly myself was I? It sounds like partly a genuine question and she closes her eyes a long moment. You almost think she has fallen asleep but then she keeps talking. Are the children safe? I remember children, and that woman... she gives a shudder. And a cave. I think whatever had me...was going to take them away. They were supposed to go to Boston. I don't remember... she winces at the effort.

Colin looked genuinely hurt when Mary mentioned the knife. A knife he still had on his person. He had tried his hardest not to hurt the girl when he discovered the truth. He had failed that part, but the girl yet lived through a possession. Hopefully God would not hold that against her. He touched her hand gently and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "That I did, love. By heaven above I tried to keep you as whole as possible. Not many people live through a possession. You are strong though and helped me get those children home safely. The monster in the cave is no more," he said soothingly. He did not want to upset her. Colin instead summarized the events before and after the fight at Mary's cottage. He pats her hand and does not interogate her. Instead, he answers any questions he can, avoiding spilling too many details about Hunters and not revealing the Men of Letters. Answers would come in thier due time.

She listens intently, blushing at your rubbing her hand. She is relieved at the news that everything turned out well though she looks exhausted. She asks about the demon inside her and how common they are and what can be done to prevent such a thing from happening again. Clearly the idea of ever being possessed again is horrifying to her and her face turns angry at the memory. They used me to help capture those children! That cannot be allowed to continue! All I remember is Boston. And a hotel...the Cecilia...I'm sorry I don't know more. she shakes her head, eager to give you the information even if it is not asked for. I think you've some time at least. I think it was supposed to be a week or so before the meeting. But if you do go...be careful. I do not know what awaits you. she laughs suddenly. I'm far too fond of you considering you stabbed me she winks to show she's jesting.

Colin gave her a gentle smile and patted her hand before he stood. "Don't you worry. I'll make sure that meeting is stopped. No more children are going to be taken that I can stop. You just get better. If you ever need me again or think something odd is happening, here is how to reach me. It might take a few weeks, but I'll come if I can or write if I can not," he said as he wrote the address to a paper that several of his contacts worked at. They would send the message to all the big cities as an ad. It was an easy way to contact him. It would only work once, though. He had only paid them for one ad.

Satisfied that Mary was well enough and her curiosity satiated for now, he went to report his findings to Amelia.

Thank you. I will do just that. Though...it may be nice if you dropped by just because you wanted to... she adds with a flirty grin.

It takes a bit to find Amelia, but you are informed by a towns person she was last spotted at the stables and indeed you find her there, sitting on the floor surprisingly, for a lady such as herself would likely not do so if it could be avoided. She seems not to care though, hugging her knees to her chest and staring ahead blankly. For a long moment it seems as though she will say nothing but at last she speaks. I just spoke to Victoria. Half of the men of letters are dead. They were possessed for who knows how long and when they were exorcised, well...our ranks have greatly thinned. Her voice is quiet and matter of fact but it's clear she's in shock.

Colin saw the danger that Amelia was in and sprang into action. He had heard of men that suffered great loss of friends in the Civil War decades before and never recovered. He bent down to his knees in front of Amelia and grabbed her shoulders. He squared up with her and looked her in the eyes. His face was firm but caring. "What did Victoria say exactly? How did you speak to her? Was there a telegram?" , he asked rapidly. He hoped to force her mind to focus on him and the questions than dwell on the horrible news.

Your method seems to help for her deep blue eyes flick to yours. Telegram...? N-no. I scried with her, with a bowl of water. She told me everything. Half of them, dead, just like that. Who knows how long they've been possessed. How do they expect us to function with so many dead? My friends...so many... she shakes her head and starts to tremble, still stoically keeping from breaking down. You aren't sure if it is because she is so shocked or because she is Amelia, too proper and self controlled to allow such a reaction.

Colin forced Amelia to her feet. She needed to move. Blood flow would help her ease past the shock. He knew that from experience. Improper or though, once she was coaxed to her feet, Colin embraced her with sincere comfort in mind. He knew what it was like to lose people close to you. It might have been the reason he was a little madder than the populace at large. Done with the hug, Colin eased her off and took her shoulders, squaring up with her. "Look now. We've got to get moving. There'll be time for proper mourning when the work is done. Mary told me about a meeting in Boston regarding the kidnapped children. Im sure there will be a pub on the way that we can honor the Men of Letters at, but we gotta go save those young ones. Think you do that with me?" ,he asked. His tone appealed more to her sense of duty and her stiff upper lip than it did to her emotions, but then again, that was why he had hugged her before. There would indeed be time enough for a wake following thier work. Whether a Hunters work was ever done was a completely different question.

At the embrace Amelia seems surprised at first but returns it gratefully. You can feel her shaking. As you pull back and talk of the children though she gives a quick nod, wiping at her face for she has finally allowed a few tears to fall. O-of course she straightens her dress and tugs at her sleeves. You can literally see her sense of duty overtake her as she is back to the straight faced woman you've come to know. It won't take me a moment to get my belongings. Meet me here and we'll take the wagon. If I'm correct it should take about four or five days to make it. Less if the roads are good and we hurry.

ooc: Let me know your plans for the travel time. You will fully heal by then too so keep that in mind. You will have two nights of inns and two nights sleeping in the wagon because there is nowhere nearby. One of those nights it rains. Have fun with that! ;P

Colin squinted as he looked up at the angry sky and the thunderclouds rolling and barking claps of booms at them. He had wished the wayside inns had been further along, but the city of Boston had most of the traveler lodgings close to the city. Colin shook his head and finished rolling his cigarette. It was likely the last dry one he would get. Another day of travel and they would hit the city. Two nights under the wagon for sleeping was easy enough, if uncomfortable since Amelia got most of the comfort. He smiled and looked at the small shelter the wagon bench would provide. He reckoned that a bit of canvas would serve as his own private fort against the elements. He exhaled a puff of smoke and looked around in slight panic that Amelia wasn't around. If she found out where he hid the tin of smoking supplies, he wouldn't get another one till Boston. Safe and sound for now, Colin enjoyed the crisp air and wind of the coming storm. More than weather loomed in the distance and he was not worried about getting a little muddy either way.

During your travel Amelia is mostly silent save for giving you directions via map towards your destination. She does her best to keep you sheltered from the rain with tarps as necessary, even sharing her umbrella when seated next to you as you drive. When at last you reach Boston though you are both so grateful to see the city before you that even the somber woman breaks into a tiny smile. The rain pours down relentlessly and you manage to find a city stable to store your horses and wagon. The stable hand points you toward the hotel Cecilia, looking surprised you would select that over the others and you dash in the dark through the puddled cobblestone streets, the gaslights dimly lighting the way through the storm. It is several blocks away and the going is simply awful. Fortunately your carpet bags are waterproofed so your few belongings are dry at least.

You stop under the stoop of the hotel, an old seedy looking place that has clearly seen better days. Amelia puts a hand on your shoulder before you enter. What should our story be? We could be betrothed. That would allow for separate bedrooms, not that reputations probably mean much here she sniffs disapprovingly. Unless you want to claim to be strangers again, though if word gets around we arrived together that would raise suspicion. It's up to you, subterfuge is more your expertise. I'm just interested in a hot bath and some tea, if they have the like here that is... she wrinkles her nose.

Colin thought for a moment before retrieving a cigarette. His face was a mask of contemplation as he worked through the rolled tobacco. When finished, he nodded and presented his idea. "Seedy place like this invites little questions. Easiest way to explain us together is also the best. You be the prissy upper-crust runaway from home and I'm the hired help to look after you until the tantrum ends. Boston is an old town, lots of money from both sides of the pond. No one should look to hard, especially if you make a show of being independent. I've enough street smarts to play the part of shadow. Separate rooms, but if I'm seen with you, no one asks too many questions. It'll be me trying to 'convince' you to go home," he finished. He offered a cigarette her way out of habit before placing it in his own mouth. He lit it and inhaled before speaking again, this time with smoke leaking from his nose. "Now, the ruse requires a scene when you check in. I'll be trying to stop you from it, but you say whatever you like about being out of your father's control. Call me a henchman or even a slur to drive the point home that you are a spoiled child with a family that cares enough about you to hire an Irishman to bring you home," he said, as he left the rest of the plan into her capable hands.

She makes a face at the cigarette but nods at the rest of the plan though her face is a bit startled for a brief moment before returning to a mask of calm as she nods. Alright. Let's go. She enters without another word and you can't tell if she's actually irritated at you for some reason or if she's just ready to implement the plan. She barges in and stomps toward the front desk where a greasy man with shaggy thinning unkempt hair glances up from the counter, a half empty bottle in front of him. Stay away from me you twit! she snaps back at you with surprising venom, gesturing at you with her closed umbrella. Then she turns to the desk again. I require a....room.... she looks around at the decrepit place with disgust. Best you've got. And as far away from HIM as possible! she glares back at you. The man glances at the two of you with only half interested surprise though his eyes linger lewdly on her attractive figure and fine clothes. She raps the end of her umbrella on the counter violently. Keep your eyes where they belong you impertinent fool! she snarls. I'll club this umbrella over that stringy head of yours! Now, give me the blasted key and get back to your bottle before I climb over and get it myself! And as I said, that blasted Irish MERCENARY is to stay away from me! She turns to you again, deep blue eyes blazing. I don't care how much money my father is paying you. I can take care of myself! Now go find someone else to mind! By now the man's bony fingers have found the key and he watches the exchange with a sneer, not phased by her words, well not too much. He quotes her a ridiculous price and she laughs derisively. I'll pay a third of that and you'll be lucky to get it! Or do I have to find an officer to straighten things out? Surely he would be interested in dishonest men such as yourself. With a scowl he accepts the fee and slaps the key down on the counter with a grunt, muttering that her room is upstairs.

Colin had followed the young woman with a grim look on his face. He took her tirad in stride, even throwing in a few looks of frustration and ridicule for good measure. Once Amelia was done with the clerk, Colin swaggered up to the counter and brought out a fold of bills in an obvious show of money. It was everything that he had, but acted as if it was nothing more than pocket change. "If she was a'smart as she thinks she is, she would 'ave waited for meself to check in," he said with his returning Irish accent. He wanted to sound from the Enerald Ilse but not over do it. He hadn't been since he was a kid and his natural accent was more faded. He slapped a silver dollar, followed by three more, onto the counter. "You let me know if she decides to leave and I'm not following her?" ,he asked in a casual, but firm tone. The implication that more money would be given was heavily implied by his tone.  He turned to head to a room before turning around and pulling out another pair of cigarettes. One was for him, the other for the clerk. "Anybody in the hotel that I should be worried about? Anybody might cause trouble or harass the young miss?" He was trying to leverage his knowledge from the underbelly of New York. He doubted the question would get a solid answer. He followed it up with another that was sure to start a conversation. "Any lads around here I could talk to if I was looking for work? I'm good with my fists and skilled with a blade," he said. That was likely to point him to crime and thus, to seedy people that might point him to people kidnapping children. No one could tolerate them that preyed upon the children, not even hardened crime bosses.

07:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  Streetwise.
07:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Gather Information.

By now Amelia has disappeared upstairs, no doubt realizing you'll have better luck with her out of the picture. The man looks greedily at the money you give him and intrigued by the prospect of more. The Cecilia is...not known for it's refinement...he answers the question of Amelia being in danger. We thrive because we don't ask questions and we mind our own business. If you're worried about the miss, you can take the room across from her he flicks you a key. If she locks her room at night she'll probably be fine enough. Tell her to watch her pretty mouth though, not everyone is as good at taking abuse as I am. As for...work opportunities? Well, this end of Boston is probably full of some rough work for men such as yourself. Your best bet? There's a poker game most nights in the basement. Some are hotel guests, others just locals wanting a scratch at some out of towner's money. You can ask around there, but watch your nose. People don't take to a lot of questions. Keep it brief and don't win too much money or that's another way to get into trouble, got me?

Colin gives a nod to the man's explanation of what Colin knew entailed that rest of his night. A poker game was just what he needed. He retrieved his bag and placed it in the room across from Amelia's. It wouldn't do for him to reach out to her just yet. Instead, he spent the intervening time between then and the poker game rolling cigarettes, ensuring that he had a properly sharpened knife, and walking down the street find a decent pub in the area. He tried to rustle up some rumors of what was going on in the blocks surrounding the Cecilia, just to get a feel for the area. He also let slip to a few of the newsies, along with a few quarters, that anything new breaking should come be delivered to him at the hotel. He promised a dollar to the lad that brought him the significant news first.

Once back at the hotel, Colin geared up for the poker game. He tried a few of his palming tricks so that he would not be relying on his bluffing skills alone. The only man that lost at poker was the one that played it honest. Still, he was keen not to over step his invitation. Last thing he needed was to get roughed up for dirty dealing. Not that he would be on the losing end, it just wouldn't be fun. He made his way down to the game and started to get the feel for who was in attendance.

There are a few scraggly lads who seem keen on finding news for you. You have a feeling they will come in handy. Between the pub and the newsies you get a general feel for the area. The rest of the city is apparently pretty affluent, but in the cheap side of town things are humming. There have been homeless going missing, blood in the streets with no blatant cause, and many shifty looking meetings in back alleys that no one is fool enough to investigate. The police don't come by here much, likely a combination of fear and being paid off by the right people. New York city is rougher of course, but Boston is starting to look a mite dangerous...

When you make it to the poker game you find four other men already there, smoking cheap cigars and chuckling at some private joke. They look quite unsavory and when they see you suspicion immediately crosses their faces. In the corner is a woman readying whiskies who must have been pretty once, though hard living and a few years have creased her face and deadened her eyes. She looks to be around forty and is wearing an alarmingly low cut blouse, her breasts at least have held up nicely. One of the men takes his wet cigar out of his semi-toothless mouth to ask, Who the devil are ya and whaddo ya want?

ooc: Don't forget to roll a bluff ;)

Colin gave his trademark grin and took his cap off, bowing low. "Name's Colin Browne, with an 'e' on the end. I'm babysitting a client and she is preoccupied at the moment." He put heavy emphasis on the word preoccupied, hoping it was enough to get past initial scrutiny. He was also banking on his accent lending credit to his duobiousness. Irish were common in the Northeast and were either vagabonds or constables as far as the public was concerned. "The clerk upstairs told me about a game down here and I figured I'd join. You have a problem with that?"

12:20, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Bluff.
OOC: Good to be back in a playing rhythm. Work has been rough. I also editted my character sheet for the new levels and changes. Please let me know if you see any problem.

Irish eh? Me mum was Irish. Alright, you can join so long as you've money enough. Don't get sore when you lose it all though. He turns to the woman then. Esther, fetch him a drink woman She wordlessly gets another glass and soon brings the tray of drinks to the table, her brown eyes flick to you with mild curiosity and then away again, deciding you aren't worth a second glance.

You can call me Smitt. The others are Jake, Benji and Wilfred. Don't ask me to repeat em. He begins to shuffle expertly, the others watching you warily. They seem a bit suspicious of you but the idea of a stranger's money in their pockets is temptation enough to let you stay. here Smitty tosses you a cigar as he starts to deal. Babysittin eh? That wouldn't be that woman I heard made such a fuss upstairs? Is she as pretty as Tom says? You realize Tom must be the man at the desk. ooc: Go ahead and roll a 6 sided die. If you get a 1-2 you have a crappy hand, 3-4 is ok and 5-6 is a good hand, 6 being excellent. And I shall look over your sheet as soon as I can, thanks so much! :)

Colin smiled as he took his seat and pondered how to answer the question. Colin took the cigar as he did, using it to buy him more time to think. He settled on a story and went with it. "She is right pretty, indeed. Causin' a racket is her God-given gift." He was surprised it had taken him so long to come up with that simple explanation. He looked at his hand and decided to play it strong. It was no trump hand, but if he could convince the table that he was shit at cards, they might not suspect much. Especially when he lured them in with a big hand. He was going to wait to ask question until after they were more comfortable with him.


14:57, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d6.  Cards!

Heh-heard that too. It's to be expected. Rich folk are usually hollerin about somethin or other. I suppose she's too stuck up to ever show a man a proper time eh? he arches a seedy eyebrow and you note Esther make a face from where she sits across the room. She lights a cigarette and starts puffing irritably. The others laugh, oblivious to her mood. How well she payin you anyway? You thinkin on making us rich men tonight? Or are you one of those gutless gamblers?

Colin gave a sneer, but it had no real threat behind it. "Ain't nobody going to call me gutless after I take all your money!", he said with a flourish as he put down his cards. They were shite for the round, but he had to maintain the air of overconfidence that his roll as a prim girl's body guard might have. "I've got enough to live by and gamble some from what the family is paying me. Easy enough job though. Girl causes a scene but tends to be to scared to actually do anything adventurous. All I have to make sure is that someone doesn't try to swipe her. Last time that happened was a long time ago. When she was a wee lass actually."

He looked at his next set of cards. Same as before, decent hand, but likely to be beaten.

11:12, Today: Colin Browne rolled 4 using 1d6.  Cards again!

Heh! Overconfident and unlucky, good combination for cards laughs one of the men, Jake is his name. He and Benji both end up having excellent hands where Smitt and Wilfred lose far more than you and look grumbly about it. Jake wins overall and with a laugh orders another drink from Esther, demanding it quite rudely. She glowers at him and then at Smitt. You gonna let him talk to your wife like that? she pouts. Smitt just laughs. Maybe if you were as pretty as this stranger's meal ticket I'd put in for ya more. Just be glad I keep ya around woman Hey now! Her breasts are still somethin I'd say! defends Wilfred with a leer. You don't see their like very often! True, Smitt nods. If you just look her in the bosom she's passable I suppose. he turns to you then. I don't suppose you've had occasion to chance a look at your lady's goods have ya? How are they? How much is she worth anyway? Must have real rich and worried folks to have a bodyguard after her...You can clearly see the wheels turning in his mind.

Colin let his smile drop as he looked the man in the eye. "I'll take no further disrespect to the lady. She might be a prissy high born, but her family pays me to take care of her. I'll not let you bad mouth her. I still require money to survive, even if she doesn't need any more," he said. He paused for a moment before giving the group a rakish grin. "I'll tell you that they are not as nice has your wife's." He gave her an obvious and deliberate wink. He shook his empty glass a bit at her. He looked at his next set of cards, he palmed a good one, and Colin folded his hand into the pile. He was going to lure them into giving him money.

OOC: RL sucks.

Take 10 slight of hand, total 25

At first they seem irritable about your protests but the joke softens them as you intended and they give raucous laughs. The woman is flattered by your comment and gives you a smile, the first you've seen from her. Yes, she was pretty once and the smile is one of the last reminders of that.

The game goes well for you should you desire it. None of them have a very keen eye and half drunk as they are it is all the easier for you to manipulate the game how you choose. They aren't too careful with their money either, overconfident that you can be bested. When and if you choose to play your hand to your advantage they look surprised and pay grudgingly, eager for a chance to regain their loss. The whiskey flows strong though and in spite of their tough talk and villainous manners, they are obviously not the brightest for they can be reckless with their cash, making bets they ought not to. Jake ends up being the smartest one, drinking less than the others and playing more carefully. He watches you like a hawk, looking for any signs of a tell, or perhaps any signs of cheating. Yes, he is the one to be wary of.

Conversation flows easily enough. Fortunately Amelia finally stops being the topic and it slips into other things. Local gossip for the most part. A bar owner who owes Smitt money, a couple of pretty sisters Jake has had his eye on, that sort of thing. From time to time you hear them mention a Mr. Langton, likely their employer from the sounds of it, though it is only a comment or two here and there, such as needing to borrow money if they keep losing at such a rate or mentioning how disappointed Langton would be if he could see such luck, that sort of thing.

Colin slipped easy into his confidence man routine, losing a majority of hands, but dealing cards well enough from his tricks to win enough to break even for the most part. He plays it well and doesn't cheat if he doesn't have to. Colin did keep an eye on the various members of the poker group and a stray eye on the wife. Might as well look while he could. He enjoyed a few cigarettes and drinks, ensuring to not imbibe too much of the hard stuff. As the night lingered on, Colin waited until he thought the question was right. After the third time he is mentioned, Colin blurted out a question in drunken fashion, not having to try too hard to slur his words. "Who is this Langton? Ya keep mentioning him, but I haven't a bloody clue who you mean."

Ah! Langton is our employer! laughs Smitt in spite of the fact there is nothing remotely funny about the comment. If there's a profit to be made in all of Boston, Langston's got his hand in it. A right genius he is! You notice two things at his comment. First, Esther's face tightens at his name and you get the distinct impression she doesn't like the man. Second, Jake, who is still fairly sober, immediately gets on edge, trying to shush his companion with a black look but Smitt is too inebriated to pick up on such cues.  If he were here he'd take us for all the money in our pockets and then some! Ha! A very good thing he doesn't mingle with his men eh? Elsewise I'd owe him Esther by now! Jake puts his glass down on the table harder than necessary and Smitt drunkenly turns to face him. Perhaps Mr. Langston would not wish his business aired in front of strangers he warns his companion.

Colin gave a cautious smile as he raised his hands in an innocent manner. "Easy friend. No need to get upset." Colin did, however, give the man a stern glare. He had no clue as to the nature of the business that the man conducted, but the game had started. There was no going back.

There is a palpable tension between you and Jake and he stares you down without blinking. The other players don't seem to notice, Smitt and Wilfred have drunk themselves to great distraction but Jake is looking at you calculatingly. How long are you and your woman in town for again? He cuts the deck with dexterous fingers.

Colin stared the man down just as easily as looking at a person can be. "Just so long as the lady has it in her head. She will come down from her tantrum eventually. In the mean time, I find work to supplement my pay. I quite a renaissance man, actually," Colin could start to feel uneasy about the whole situation. Before him was a man that knew how to play a room, just as Colin did. The only difference was that two confidence men could not co-exist in the same game.

Work you say? And what kind of work do you think you are looking for? You won't find many nice jobs this side of town. A man in these parts can't be afraid to get his hands dirty, in all sorts of ways he gives a small smirk as he tosses the cards out and takes a long drink. You get the impression he is trying to decide just how streetwise you really are. Langston can always use another hand, if the man is tough enough. Babysitting pretty girls isn't the sort of work he's interested in though, you know? Smitt slurs, also thinking you over. You ever seen any action? Bein Irish I'm sure you get into your fair share of scuffs eh?

Colin gave his signature grin as the man evaluated him. He kept his stare locked with Jake, even as he leans in to speak to Smitt. His voice was calm and cool, even save for his Irish inflection. His butterfly knife came out in a flash and did a slick demonstration of his skill and dexterity. "I've seen my fair share of blood. Mine and others in even swaths. You wouldn't think that it be just me on the babysitting detail if I wasn't capable of protecting her? The Yanks here, they are soft as pudding when it comes to proper fighting. I'm tougher than a coffin nail and fast as greased lightning."

Heh! I'll bet you are! Smitt laughs and thumps the table. He turns to Jake. Whatdoya think? Langston might like him. Jake's eyes narrow as he stares you down a long moment. At last he nods slowly. Maybe. Maybe. Hm. If he doesn't like ya though, keep in mind he may take it out on your hide. Doesn't trust many people. Of course you don't exactly seem the stellar type to go poking your nose into stranger's card games in the basement of the worst hotel in the city. You're either very stupid or you're used to men like me making it hard for you. Tell me, you ever killed a man? Not sayin we're murderers mind you he takes a drag on a cigar, but sometimes deals go wrong and people get hurt. Permanently hurt. If you want in you'd best mean it. Unless you really are here for a poker game? The arch of his brow tells you he knows you're here for a job, or at least he thinks as much. Yes, Jake is definitely the one to watch out for.

Colin rolled his shoulders after Jake asked his question. Now was the time to pounce. "I've taken a life and I'll have to answer for it, whether from the people left behind or the good Lord above. I'm not afraid to do it again, if there is enough to convince me. "

Jake listens with a small smirk but Smitt's grin splits his face. Ah, sounds like a good fit! We could always use some more muscle on our little jobs. I say you're in! he raises his glass for his woman to refill. She watches you with a frown, not liking that you've become involved with the likes of her husband. She seems almost disappointed in you. Meanwhile Jake glares at the other man. Now now, we need to wait and see what Langston says on the matter. Besides, I still don't trust him. We'll let Langston vet him, see what he thinks. He turns to you. There's a restaurant, fancy little place on the other side of town. I forget the name but it has flowers and overpriced food, it's on Clint street. Langston will be there tomorrow morning. So will I. You think you can get away from your wench long enough to stop by?

ooc: Go ahead and answer him and then let me know your plans for the rest of the poker game and afterward too.

Colin gave a look of understanding to Jake and then continued with the poker game. He played it straight, not caring about the money anymore. "I just hope that I have enough money left to pay for a meal tomorrow," he quipped. He finished with a chuckle and went about the night as a friendly sort of fellow. He would remain that way until he could pass a note to Amelia about the meeting. She would be more than capable of finding a way to accommodate the plan.

The game ends soon after, they laughingly decide to leave you some money for your needs.

You slip a note under Amelia's door and in the morning you find one under yours:

Fine, just be careful. Ruffians can be as bad as demons you know and either one could get you killed. I won't be around to help you either. I'm going to do some searching of my own. I may be able to find a network here, I have my means. I'll meet you back here around two o'clock or so. If you're not here I'll assume you did something stupid. Don't do something stupid. You can imagine her rolling her eyes as she writes it, her penmanship flawless and unbelievably straight. You wonder if she used a ruler to write it, you wouldn't put it past her.

By the time you read it she's already gone having left at an ungodly hour to do whatever it is she is going to do. Hopefully she takes her own advice about stupidity. In the meantime you find Clint street easy enough thanks to the seedy man at the front desk and soon you take a cab to a much finer part of town where you feel a tad out of place. Amelia would probably love it here. The restaurant is called "A Veritable Quandry" and when you enter you feel surprisingly self conscious. A waiter gives you a barely disguised sneer but leads you to Langston's table as though he's already been expecting you. Jake is there too, looking a bit hung over but he nods a stiff greeting anyway. Langston is a portly fellow in his middle years. Impeccably dressed and smoking a cigarette from a long holder. He's just the type of fob you would make fun of on other occasions. He sees you and gestures for you to sit, pointing at a menu. You simply must try the eggs benedict my boy. You'll think you've died. Now, Jake tells me you are in need of some work? he arches a well groomed brow.

With a fresh day ahead of him, Colin looked to start it on the right foot. Surprisingly, his wardrobe included a fresh waist and shirt. His pants were a little old and worn, but they fit right and he couldn't complain. The tailor had called it jade or india green.Colin thought it looked close enough to his beloved emerald green. Placing his knives about his person and tucking his cigarette case in his waistcoat, Colin set out for the eatery in question.

Not finding it particularly difficult, the search came to an end and Colin sat in front of the fop called Langston. Colin nodded with a smile and noted that he was getting don to business quickly. Colin retrieved his cigarettes and offered a fresh rolled one to Langston and then to Jake. "Aye, your man has the right of it. Truth be told, I'm not so much looking as offering my services. I have a living already, if you pardon me being frank about it, and love to throw in the odd job or two. My employers, well, they are old money and a bit too prim to call me what I am. But, I'm the best there is," he finished. His annunciation is much clearer than he was letting on in the poker game. He still had his very pronounced accent, however. He leaned onto the table with a deadly grin. "Now, sir, what can I do for you today?"

Confident. I like that he politely declines the cigarette though Jake takes it wordlessly. Do you take coffee? They make the most wonderful stuff here he chuckles. Without waiting for an answer he gestures for the waiter and promptly orders all three of you coffee, eggs Benedict and an enormous side order of bacon to split. Jake makes a slight face when the man isn't looking and you judge something on the menu is not to his liking but he clearly isn't about to complain about it.

Old money eh? Then you're used to dealing with the upper crust. Good. If you're serious about the work I have a shipment tonight coming in and I'll need all hands on board. It's bound for Harvard, I'll need an escort for it from the docks straight to the school, you've surely heard of it even where you're from? There's a certain professor who is very...particular about his merchandise. He gives a sniff and puts the cigarette out. You get the feeling he's not particularly fond of the man. Now, tell me about your employers, anyone I would know?

Colin stared at the man for a second, trying to determine what the merchandise was. He would need to find out if he was going to know if his lead was a dead end. It never occurred to him that his poker game might have led to a simple introduction in to a normal crime syndicate. He was musing on this when he realized that he had let the question about his employers linger. Colin's mind raced to come up with a plausible story, in the end, he decided to go with an answer that, if it was found out to be a lie, it would only serve as cover that he was trying to protect his normal employers. "Well, you might know them. The Smith family out of North Boston, Lady Julia and her husband Jonathan. Point of order is that I'm not known for my cheery demeanor, if you expect me to sweet talk this customer, it'll cost extra. That said though, once I'm paid, I'm your man. Through and through."

22:33, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Bluff.

Heh. A man who knows what he wants. I like that. I also like your loyalty to your employers, whoever they may truly be he takes a confident drag of his cigarette as though showing off the fact that he knows you're lying. I will pay you half now and half when the job is done. That's more than fair. I've got some decent men but they can be a bit...distracted. Jake's just about the only fellow I can trust not to mess anything up. Now, I hope you don't think me overly cautious but since I really don't know you I'll have a little...incentive for you to follow the plan as I specify. Your charge, the woman. I'll make sure she's well looked after while you're gone. If everything goes well she'll be in the same condition you left her. If not...well Lady Julia and her husband may be a bit upset with you he says their names with amusement but his eyes are cold as steel.

Colin met the gaze of the man with a look just as steely as his soon to be employer. Sensing he might unravel the charade if he kept up his bull headed stare, Colin turned his eyes away and gave a signature grin. "Right then, nothing like a bit of motivation for me to start off a job. I understand the sentiment and trust that I can get your man his merchandise," he quipped as he lit a cigarette and joined his newfound employer for breakfast. "If I'm not mistaken, you said they make a right decent cup o' tea here."


OOC: I'm ready when you are.

Langston watches you with a twitch of amusement, sensing he's won, though you feel Jake's gaze on you, ever contemplative.

The rest of breakfast goes as well as can be expected. Mostly the banter of a powerful man eager to take every opportunity to flaunt it. Jake says little, just chokes down his food with a look of disgust. Langston was right about the quality though, very good, even the tea. Langston eats an enormous helping before leaving you with a nod, looking to Jake to give you your orders which he does. You are to meet at the docks that night come ten o'clock and then ride with the shipment via wagons. There are about four massive crates to expect and therefore you will man one of the wagons along with Jake while the others from your poker party will deal with the other three. It will take roughly three hours with your cargo, which is apparently fragile. Getting back will be much faster. Meanwhile Amelia will be kept under close watch, though they will keep her ignorant of it so long as she doesn't make trouble.

ooc: If you have any questions or anything to add to all this just post it

Later you make your way back to the hotel. By now it is early afternoon. You manage to kill some time until two o'clock at which point you get a knock at your door. It is Amelia, dressed impeccably as always, quite the contrast to the seediness of this decrepit place. Well, I don't have names yet but there's definitely something going on here she immediately sets into talking, carefully removing her dove gray gloves as she talks, removing her hat and straightening her hair as well. I found a shop, a little herbalist to the layman, but I recognized the hunter signs in his window. Rowan, mistletoe, that sort of thing. He said there's been a lot of disappearances lately. Murders and other nasty things. Could be the preparations for a ritual perhaps. Or- she sighs and sits down on a rickety chair with her back so straight and proper you're sure someone would be impressed, perhaps this place is just so full of bad eggs it's completely normal. This hotel for instance, she wrinkles her pretty nose. Humans are just as bad as demons sometimes if you ask me. Now what about you? Did you have any better luck than I?

Colin inhaled deeply. Seems that thing were getting interesting. "Looks like we both made progress. Seems that I have been hired to deliver some cargo to some Harvard professor. Gave little as to what it was, so i expect i will have to deliver it and interrogate the man to find out. In the mean time, keep close watch on yourself. The are using you as leverage against me. I'm sure they won't be a problem for you if things get nasty, but don't hold yourself like the Men of Letters you are. They are sharp enough to know that it is all suspicious," he finished. Colin then made to his cigarettes, but stopped for some unknown reason, suddenly not craving one anymore. He then proceeds to go into detail about the encounter and how Amelia able to do to help.

She listens thoughtfully, making a face that they are trying to use her to manipulate you. I see. How villainous of them. Well alright, I suppose I can play the unwitting damsel in distress if need be but if they pose too much of a threat I make no promises for their fate she adds darkly. If they are half so lecherous as the man who runs this dump I would be happy for an opportunity to censure them...In the meantime what of you? You're going to be surrounded by churls and far away from me. Do you think you'll be alright? I wish I could go with you she shakes her head in frustration. I'm sure they'll have a tail on me. I could lose them, make it look like chance, and follow behind if you wish? We should hopefully have little reason for this charade after tonight.

Colin shook his head at her questions. "I took on a demon single handed well enough, I think I can take a few thugs if required. As for this whole endeavor, I will need you to stay here and keep tabs on those that hired me. They might be simple criminals, but the second of the boss I met seems off in some way, though I can't quite put my finger on it. Plus, one of us will have to be fit enough to take care of me if I get out of trouble with a few scrapes," he said with a Cheshire smile.

She arches a disapproving brow and folds her arms. You are a confident thing, I'll give you that she mutters. Hopefully you know what you're doing because I will be hours away if things go wrong. If you can drag your carcass back here I'll be happy to patch up whatever is left. She looks frustrated at your decision but with a sigh accepts it. Just...be careful will you? I don't want to have to break in a new partner. She looks genuinely concerned.

ooc: Ok, finish up here and let me know your plans until nightfall at which point I'll put you at the docks.

Colin placed a crooked finger under Amelia's chin and gave her a wink. "Don't go gettin' soft on me now. Men of Letters aren't supposed to have emotion, remember?", he said as he walked towards the door. He turned over his shoulder to talk as he left the room. "Things ain't going to be the same if you get soft."

He departed Amelia's company and proceeded out into the town. A pint would sent him right and he could likely get a few items for the job. His knives were good in a pinch, but the fight with the demon had taught him that it might be a wise choice to have a pistol as well. Barring that, he was going to ask around and find out what he could about his new employer.

OOC: Colin will secure a pistol for the job. Also going to use the Gather Information skill to try and find out more about Langston and Jake.
21:20, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Gather Information.

Amelia's dark blue eyes widen in surprise as you touch her chin and at your words her face blushes deeply, though you aren't sure if it's because she's embarrassed about 'getting soft' or something else. She watches you go silently.

Once in the town you find a pistol easily enough, and are able to haggle for a good price too. You choose the seediest place you can for a drink and are rewarded with news. It's just the kind of place Jake would frequent and it seems most of the folk there have at least seen him. A half intoxicated man tells you that Langston is apparently a man of some importance in the city. He is in tight with the city coroner too. The patron slurs an implication this is quite convenient considering the bodies he sends the man's way. Apparently Langston is able to get off any charges because the coroner comes up with rather creative causes of death. But you didn't hear that from me! he adds with a laugh. Why, I even heard of a man full of bullet holes and they claimed he had a heart attack! Can you believe it!? I'd stay far away from that fat lard if I were you mister. Even his own men don't trust him.

He won't talk much of Jake, looking more fearful of him than Langston, but you find a pretty bar maid eager to tell you what a lout the man is. Apparently they used to be quite an item and she holds nothing back complaining about how he cheated on her frequently, and is basically the scum of the earth and just about the wickedest man you'd ever hope to meet. Him dumpin me was the best thing that ever happened. I was gettin sick of him hittin me anyway. I'd be careful if I were you though. He doesn't like anyone hornin in on what he thinks is his. Careful asking questions about him. If he thinks you have too many ambitions and want in his affairs he'll end you right quick. You sure look dangerous enough to get under his collar. He has a nose for danger. But  you've got kind eyes. I like that she purrs. She promptly buys you a drink on the house.

Colin smiled and tipped his hat to the young woman, suddenly reminded of Amelia for some reason. His voiced oozed his natural accent as he took the proffered drink. "My eyes are only kind because of the kindness you put on them. You're about a sweet a sight as the green of the grass after a morning rain on the isle, sparkling to invite the sunshine down from his cloudy throne. I thank ya for your drink, but I must be off. Work will leave without me and I mustn't lose this job," Colin said as he finished the drink and lit a cigarette. He dared steal a kiss from the woman, as he had no idea if he would find sunlight the next morning. He left to go make his rendezvous with Langston's contacts and keep his eye out for the snake in the grass that was Jake.

The woman heartily accepts the kiss with a pleased laugh and then bids you return the next night if you're able.

Soon you find yourself at the rendezvous point and you see all the men from the poker game, Jake at the lead of course. He eyes you warily. So you had the guts to come after all. Good. Alright, our cargo arrived about fifteen minutes ago. There's a few night watchmen on the docks and we don't need any questions while we load up. You think you can distract him while we get the wagon loaded? Should only be one of the fellows on our particular stretch. Start with talkin but if that doesn't work you may have to get more physical. Just keep him quiet, we don't want him alerting anyone else. Can you manage that?

ooc; Go ahead and respond and then ready your bluff checks and your story. Should agree it won't take long before you are standing watch and they are wrestling with a massive crate about ten feet high and six feet long. You note the side reads fragile. It looks like a lot of horrid work to move. You spot the nightwatchman approaching about one hundred yards in the distance...

Colin simply nodded and saw the night watchman with plenty of time to walk to him and come up with a decent story. As Colin approached, he hailed the guard and jogged slightly towards him. Colin feigned a slightly heavy breathing cadence and bent to rest on his knees. "Mate, am I glad to have finally found you. You're harder to find that miser's pocketbook. Professor McDowell has been looking for help and sent me. Seems the same hooligans broke in and ran off with some chemicals or something along those lines. He has been trying to find a night watchman to watch the building until they come back. Seems one of the thieves dropped a personal item or two and might come back for it," he finished. The story was vague and Colin kept it that way. Too many details could cause questions. Kept the story general and people will create a tale for you. He was also hoping that the watchman wouldn't question the random Irishman reporting on a supposed theft in an unnamed building by a professor that may or may not exist. Colin gave his best urgent look as he rose up from the feigned resting position.

11:23, Today: Colin Browne rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Bluff Nightguard.

He understandably looks confused but seeing your state decides to try to puzzle it out a moment. He looks over at several large buildings close to the docks where cargo is unloaded and stored. Do you mean one of the warehouses?! Speak man, which one?! He is already reacting as though you've said yes, eager to rush off to investigate. Fortunately they are far enough away from where your crew is that it will prove a nice distraction from him, especially if you direct him to the farthest one. Ring for the police won't you? See if you can rouse one of my coworkers, he should be lingering on the docks on the other side. He'll know what to do.

ooc: I'm going to assume you let him go to the warehouse. If I'm wrong I will edit all this!

Once the watchman is adequately out of the way you return to find Jake and the others grunting with the crate and they growl for you to help them. It takes all you can manage to get the blasted thing on the wagon and it sticks out terribly off the back, requiring a great deal of lashing and tying to keep it in place. I can't believe we have to do this all again next week! When will these shipments stop!? one of the men grumbles. Jake glares at him so coldly he actually flinches, realizing he'd said too much. You'd best hope they don't stop. It's money in your grubby little pocket. Now, not one more word out of you The underling clamps his mouth shut.

You start off, and they provide you with horses to ride alongside the very full wagon, Jake at the reigns of the thing and the rest of you spreading out. Before you can leave though the watchman comes hurrying back, seeming to understand he's been had. He takes out a pistol and waves it at you, still far enough away you'll likely escape if he doesn't manage to shoot one of you first. Stop! Thieves! he shouts.
Take care of him Jake orders you specifically, a mean little grin on his face. Last thing we need is to leave a witness.

Colin looked at Jake with a stoic face and leveled his new pistol. He was no good with the things in any case, so he aimed at the ground in front of the guard, hoping to force the man to dive for cover. If not, he would at least put on the show of complying with Jake. Colin was getting the feeling that his time with Jake was coming to a head, the other man simply waiting for a chance to attack Colin and end his life. Colin readied a knife as well. Though he might be attacked, his goal might be achieved by simply cutting the lashings and supports of the heavy crate. He gave a curse of anger as his shots went wide. "Blasted, useless piece of trash! I knew the price was too good!" ,he said while continuing to empty the gun at the guard.

OOC: Colin will purposely miss the guard, using Bluff to try and convince that the gun is shoddy and Colin is just a bad shot. 12:16, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Bluff being a bad shot.

The guard whoops in surprise and leaps back, trying to decide if it's worth his meager salary to risk his life over unknown cargo. Jake seems to buy your lie, though he's still irritated at your seeming lack of skills. He pulls out his own pistol and fires at the man as he holds the reins in the other. He misses even worse than you do! The guard fares little better, his bullet piercing the top of the crate harmlessly. Jake swears and decides it's better to get out with the cargo intact. It will be our hides if anything's damaged! he snarls. Colin, John! I said no witnesses! Go and take care of that idiot and catch up to us when you're done. If you fail it will be your hides, understood!? Without glancing back to see if you're complying, he urges the horses on faster, the other riders following. John, a simple minded man if ever there was one, pulls back away from the others and joins you, already taking aim. The guard starts to book it, realizing he's in trouble.

Colin motioned to john to start following him. Taking off at a jog, Colin looked at John and made an exasperated sound. "This babysitting job is the easiest money I've ever made, mate. How about you? What are you getting with your five hundred?" His goal was obviously to upset John into losing focus and making a mistake. If Colin could turn John, it would give him an in with Jake. Then he could see what was in those crates.

Five hundred! You're getting five hundred!? he exclaims in shock. Clearly he is not so well paid. His face clenches into a scowl and he aims at the guard but misses. The guard seems hellbent on running at this point, turning to pop off a poorly aimed shot of desperation that flies over your heads. What makes you worth so much? he grumbles, though he is clearly trying to concentrate on his work.

"Besides my dashing good looks, mate?" ,Colin said with a laugh. "Not sure, I thought everyone was getting that. Didn't you see the gold in the crate? Why do you think the thing is so bloody heavy?" His goal was not only to keep the other man distracted, but maybe to also pry a little bit of information about what was going on at the university at night. He popped off another shot, but aimed wide left.

Is that what's in there?! he gasps, quite the gullible sort. Then why in blazes are we giving it to some fool professor?! We should be keeping it for ourselves! No wonder they never let me stay to unload the thing! Probably wanted to keep the wool over my eyes! And I still don't know why you're getting paid so much. This is so unfair! I've been with them for two years! He looks aggravated and to your displeasure he manages to shoot the guard in the leg. The man yelps in pain, missing his return shot, and still trying to get away.

Colin grimaced and decided to push the issue to the breaking point. He grabbed John and attempted to whirl him, making as angry a face as he could muster. "You go back and I'll deal with this loose end. I think it is about time that we has out what exactly has been going on here. You might want to be careful. You and I both know that gold is worth a lot and if Jake thinks we are trying to question why we are getting paid what we are, he won't hesitate to shoot us both. Look mate, I ain't trying to pull the wool over your eyes. No point for me doing it. Seems like Jake might be trying to skim what he can and make a fair bit of money off of it in the process. You head back and wait for me, then we can deal with him together. Sound fair?", Colin asked in a genial tone.

He didn't really wait for an answer. He had quoted the price of gold and how much could possibly be in the crate. He knew for certain that John was familiar with how the game worked and simply started the process of undermining Jake. John would be able to fill in the gaps with his own answers and hopefully decide that Colin was a better bet than Jake. That was the thing that Colin knew well. Greed and paranoia were much better liars than Colin was. Anything was a better liar than Colin, he was shite at it.

With John hopefully returning to the cart to contemplate his next actions, Colin turned his attention to the guard. If he just let him go, Jake would know and the on would be up. Instead, Colin took off at a dead sprint towards the guard, looking to tackle him. He might take a hit from a bullet, but Colin seriously doubted it. Instead his goal for the guard was simple. Tackle him and convince him that he was a friendly. Get the guard to lie low and then bring the authorities in later. Colin needed time against Jake, now that the path had set John against him. If need be, Colin could beat the guard senseless and return to the cart to finish the confrontation.


20:50, Today: Colin Browne rolled 15 using 1d20+11.  Streetwise check, fencing values.

Fortunately John is a trusting sort of fellow. It wouldn't surprise you if Jake really is taking advantage of him somehow, it would be easy to do. He heads back without a backward glance, completely sure that you'll finish off the guard.

In the meantime the guard is frantic, limping and bleeding badly and aiming wildly. He manages to graze your arm with a bullet and needless to say it's not pleasant, though it is fortunately just a light wound. You've had worse in a bar fight.

ooc: For time's sake I rolled your grapple against him. You take a wound as you approach but only 7 damage. You are quite successful tackling him if you wish though you'll have to come up with a good story if you want him to believe you. Otherwise you can feel free to make 3 general rolls (3d20 plus your B.A. bonus modifier and I will average how long it takes to beat him senseless and how wounded you get yourself in the process) :)

Colin grunted and swore as the bullet grazed him. Taking the man to the ground, he proceed to straddle him and hold him. "Listen, mate. LISTEN! I've got no time for this. I'm in the middle of a case and you are about to blow it. I told you to shove off once and you didn't listen. You have two options. Make no more noise and give me twenty minutes before you run off for help or I beat you senseless and you die from bleeding out. I could have killed you already, you know that. So, why don't you play nice and let me go do my job?", Colin said as quickly as he could. If the man kept struggling, he was going to have to risk wasting time to make sure the man didn't die after Colin knocked him out. He tossed his own gun aside for the man to see and made a gesture to the man to do the same.

The guard looks bewildered at your words but when you throw your gun it seals the deal. A c-case? he stammers. A-a copper? Alright, alright officer he makes the false connection himself. Sorry to have interrupted! Mostly he just looks incredibly relieved. Judging by his shaking and poor aim you'd say this man is not the most experienced watchman. A lucky thing for you too or this could have gone very differently. He waves you away to go finish what he must assume is important police work, happy to limp off, breathing raggedly.

ooc: Assuming you go back to the others

Catching up doesn't take long seeing as how the wagon is a hindrance and your horse is a fast one. John is there, relieved to see you. No doubt he wants to know more about how he's getting screwed by Jake and he isn't likely to find answers on his own. In the meantime Jake glances at you with a half sneer. I trust he won't be comin after us? I heard shots

ooc: Go ahead and respond to all this and then let me know if you have any plans between now and the college. It will take a few hours ride. John will definitely try to talk to you during that time so you can decide if you want to continue your charade or tell him to buzz off till later. Just be sure to roll bluff checks as warranted.

Colin showed Jake the graze that he got and shook his head. "He winged me, but everything has been taken care of. Did you think it wouldn't be?" ,Colin asked with obvious challenge in his voice. "I'm getting paid good money to protect this here cargo and you seem dead set on figuring out a way to cut me out. If you want to have a go, then by all means, let's go. Otherwise, shut your bloody mug and let me do my job. And if you are thinking of sending your muscle instead of yourself, I guarantee you they aren't getting paid enough to deal with the likes of me. Like I told your boss, I'm faster than greased lightning and as hard as a coffin nail," Colin challenged.

It might seem obvious to him and Jake, but others might have trouble with it. Colin was trying to put Jake in a corner. If he said nothing, it would make him look weak. If he lashed out, it might prove to John that he had something to hide and wanted to take out someone that could reveal his secret. If he told the goons to take Colin down, not only was he weak, but John might just be the ace in the hole against Jake.

The only thing Colin knew is that a fight was not too far away. If it did, Jake needed to start it, John had to live as a witness, and most importantly, Colin had to survive it.

John watches the scene with interest, just smart enough to realize he'd better pay attention. He twitches at mention of the good money you're making, just a reminder to him about the disparity in your wages. Jake listens with the slightest indication of surprise, face blank and calculating though there is temper behind his eyes. You may need coffin nails if you're not careful boy he says quietly. I don't need any muscle to deal with the likes of you. Now, are you going to quit your grousing and do your job? As you said, you're getting paid good money for it. Either do it or don't. No need to blabber on about it all day.
At this John surprises you by speaking up. How good of money is he gettin? Slightly puzzled, Jake turns to his underling impatiently; annoyed that he cut into his little speech. What do you care John? It's less than you're getting. Now shut up.

Colin saw his opening and took it. He was likely not going to get a better chance. "Seems to me that you are taking us all for a ride that we are not wanting. You've been an ass to me and as much to John. You damn well know that," Colin said as he moved in front of the wagon and stood next to John in an act of solidarity. "You said I'm makin' good money, but getting less than John. Something stinks to high heaven here and I think it's you. You think you can put those coffin nails in mine? We settle this, right here, right now."

With that, Colin took current stock of the man and readied himself. He wasn't going to be taken off guard and he was going to put an end to Jake as soon as he could. Rolling up his sleeves, Colin made a stern nod to John that was a clear sign not to interfere. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a cigarette and lit it. His tin also held a small vial of holy water that he poured on his hands, hoping to quickly tell if Jake was more nefarious than he already seemed.

OOC:
Light cigarette and coat hands in holy water
Declare Jake Dodge target
Initiative 23   AC 22[all]
Readied action: Unarmed attack vs Jake if he gets down. Sucker Punch!

11:50, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

John seems to be squarely on your side now. Folding his arms and glaring at Jake. You have a feeling the simpleton isn't exactly treated well by his fellows and your defense of him has done much to earn his loyalty.

Meanwhile Jake watches the scene with a sneer.
My pleasure he spits. I've been wantin to put a fist in that smug little face of yours since I first laid eyes on it He does indeed get down...

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll your sucker punch as well as the next three rounds for time's sake. Should you hit you will discover he seems to be human luckily.

Colin, knowing the opportunity had come, bull rushed Jake like a battering ram to deliver a solid haymaker to the prissy man. His first set of blows were wild, but he reigned it in. Taking a boxer's stance, Colin met Jake with jabs and crosses. Colin was an expert streetfighter and could take advantage of any missed or glancing blow to return the strike with a counter move. Colin felt a satisfying impact of a solid blow at least once. Whether Jake knew it or not, Colin could back his claims. After all, he had gone toe to toe with a demon.

Colin Summary[AC22 vs Jake]
Sucker Punch hits AC 27 for 11 nonlethal.
First round hits AC 17 for 7 and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 19 for 4 nonlethal.
Second Round hits AC 30 for 9 nonlethal and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 29 for 3.
Third Round hits AC 15 for 7 nonlethal and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 26 for 4.
No secondary attacks came close.

20:52, Today: Colin Browne rolled 27,11 using 1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1.  Sucker Punch.
20:48, Today: Colin Browne rolled 15,11,26,7,7,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 3, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
20:47, Today: Colin Browne rolled 30,7,28,9,2,3 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 2, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
20:47, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17,5,19,7,4,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 1, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

It is quite a scuffle thus far, though you feel you are indeed the stronger opponent. He is completely surprised by the sucker punch and as you land blows here and there he misses narrowly, giving you plenty of chances to strike again. By the end though he seems to be getting his footing and punches you hard across the temple. You barely feel it though, the adrenaline is rushing. He's gone crazy! Jake snarls, looking at his men wildly. Did you see the way he rushed me!? He readies himself to attack again. You start to worry he'll sic his goons on you but fortunately John seems quite pleased at the way things are going. Hopefully he has some sway on the others should you need it.

ooc: Three more rounds please! :) Also, so you know if you hit in the future, his AC is 18.

Colin never let up. He rained blow after blow upon Jake, never giving him more than a few seconds of breathing room. A quick glance to the rest of the goons tells the story that he would be more than capable of transferring the beat down to them if they interfered. He was trying to send a statement that Jake was no longer in charge.

OOC:
Round 4 deals 14 damage and counters for 3.
Round 5 deals 8 damage and counters for 2.
Round 6 deals 7 damage and counters for 5.


23:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18,12,19,7,2,5 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 6, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
23:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 31,11,18,8,5,2 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 5, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
23:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26,20,20,10,4,3 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 4, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

He manages to punch you three times during the fray, though fortunately you've had far harder hits in your day and though it's annoying it's little more than that.

His men watch in shock as he takes his beatings. By the end of it he is staggering, leaning against the wagon and spitting out a couple teeth. He looks completely terrified and what's more close to passing out. Do something you idiots! Get him! he shouts with a mouth full of blood. The men hesitate but John steps forward, grinning from ear to ear.

Hooo-eee! Look at that! Big ol Jake, such a tough talker all these years goes down like that! Seems to me like you're all talk Jakey boy he laughs. This is clearly a long time coming for John. Some of the men are torn, looking like they would still like to come at you and others are looking at Jake with...disappointment. Irish here seems ready for more too! Ha ha!

They hesitate, waiting to see what you'll do and not exactly eager to instigate the next beating.

Colin rolled his shoulders a few times to test out how bad he was hurt. Turns out, it wasn't that bad. He looks to the others and then back to Jake, staring the man down. He spoke at Jake, though not to him. "If you all rush me, maybe I go down. I won't pull a knife or gun, so long as you agree to the same. I'll warn you though, I better with a knife than my fists."

He then focused in on Jake, leaning in with a voice barely above a whisper. "Jake, I want to know why you thought it was okay to keep it up with the crates. Did you think no one would notice? Did your boss?" His tone was deadly serious. With any luck, Jake would get nervous enough to spill the beans about the contents of the crates.

Ooc: crap! I forgot to tell you that he did 12 subdual btw. Also feel free to roll a bluff or intimidate. Thanks!

OOC: Thanks!

07:08, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Intimidate.

W-what? What are you talking about? Jake demands, still wiping his bloody mouth. The other men thankfully seem too unsure to take you on at the moment and they also are curious as to his response. You always did say you were the man on top. Shouldn't that mean you'd know what's in these here crates? Always put on airs like you did John crosses his arms. Jake looks conflicted, wanting to show power in front of his men and at the same time afraid of you. I-I know I did but... his shoulders sag, I really don't. I got caught tryin to look once and well...nearly lost my head for my troubles. Not been fool enough to try again since. I never tried again, I swear it! he insists to you, as though afraid that's what you are referencing, his attempts to see inside. So, he's just as in the dark as the rest of you. Interesting. The men are apparently disappointed, shaking their heads and scowling. Between his defeat at your hands and admission of ignorance, things aren't looking well for the man.

Colin shook his head and looked at John. "Let's bust'em open," Colin says simply, looking to John. It felt easier to shift the leadership role to the more experienced thug in the group. Plus, Colin knew that Jake was out of power. A beat down could happen again, but after the confession Jake had just made, he doubted any real trouble could be had by the defeated lieutenant. Instead, Colin started to come up with ways to explain off his roll in the whole thing.

Jake's eyes bulge at the suggestion and he shakes his head frantically. No! No you idiots! They'll blame me!! If they find out you looked...! I came so close to getting it! he gestures with a finger across his throat in imitation of a blade. It's not worth it! John, pleased with his new bit of power, ignores his former boss, feeling high on how things have gone. He waves off the man's concern. Oh don't be a coward, we're not gonna get caught! Won't even disturb anything, I promise. We'll just pry open the top and take a peek. See what we risk our lives for every month. Then we'll nail it back on, none the wiser. Come on guys, don't you think we deserve to know? We're the ones doing all the work. he implores the others. Jake continues to protest and several seem hesitant but John, still excited by Jake's downfall, grabs a crowbar and leaps onto the wagon. No one has the heart to stop him, curiosity a bigger motivator than fear. Especially since it's his hands that are opening the crate, not theirs. Perhaps it will be his head that will roll.

Everyone watches tensely as he wiggles and creaks the lid off. It's on quite tight and he has to work at it. Even Jake stares, transfixed. He was curious enough once to try it after all, it only makes sense even he would want to know what this is all about. At last the lid is removed carefully and John slides it off gently, not wanting to damage it and reveal he's tampered with things. Then he excitedly looks inside.

The first instant he looks confused, staring uncertainly. He peers closer and his eyes widen. W-What the h-hell? he murmurs. Then to your surprise he turns around and retches messily over the side of the wagon.

Should you go and look inside you will see about fifteen or so children. All crammed into the crate like sardines. Their eyes are closed and they are pale and still. They look dead and are cold to the touch, which explains why John reacted the way he did, but if you feel long enough for a heartbeat you will find a faint one.

Colin raised an eyebrow and clambered up to look inside the crate. He regretted it as soon as he did. He too rushed to the side of the wagon and retched, the bile burning the whole way. Colin stood up, wiped his mouth and made the sign of the cross. He put a hand on John's shoulder. "They are slaves. That's what they meant when they told me it was pure gold," he said softly, looking down at Jake. "He knew. He knew the whole time."

Colin looked at John. "What do you want to do? You are the one that is on the chopping block if this goes south. I'm behind you whatever, but I'll tell you the lid is not going back on that crate."

Jake rushes forward to look as well, turning completely pale. What? Why would they? I swear I didn't know! I swear it! he pleads desperately, a far cry from the man you were fighting minutes before. The other men are just as stunned. These poor fools have no idea what they are into, well as far as you can tell.

John looks surprised at your question, relieved upon discovering they are alive.
I never signed up for this! None of us did! We can't take them back to Boston can we? It can't be safe for them. And we're certainly not taking them to that blasted professor!

What about Somerville? That's not far. Can't we find a doctor or somethin? Or the cops! We could drop em off there, though they'll probably wonder what we're doing with a crate full of children... he sighs.

There are seven men total, including you and as you watch, each of them seems completely flabbergasted by all this. Even Jake, villain that he is, is stunned. Perhaps he draws the line at children. At any rate, one man, small and quiet, catches your attention. He seems nervous, worried. At mention of Somerville his eyes bulge slightly and he opens his mouth to say something before closing it again.

ooc: For time's sake I rolled your sense motive :)

"Know a woman who can help us. Get the kids out quick and quiet," he was saying when Colin noticed the man and was on him in a moment, holding him by the collar. "What do you know?" ,was all he asked, but Colin left no room in his voice for lying or feigned ignorance. Colin would not let this rest, not so long as he had breath left in him. Demons and vampires were inhuman, but whoever was responsible for this were true monsters. Colin would not let it stand.

He tries to protest, denying everything, but should you persist he finally caves.

You don't know what you're getting into... he genuinely looks frightened. Meanwhile the others are mulling over why anyone would possibly want the children. The supernatural aspect of things is apparently lost on them. These are probably just poor fools conned into something far over their heads. I'll tell you all I know, but n-not in front of t-them he looks at his fellow henchmen nervously. I will speak only to you. Uh...over there! he points to a copse of trees about two hundred yards away. Otherwise you  may as well truss me up now and haul me to hell and back. I'll not say a word without privacy!

Colin laughed. "You're a bloody riot, you know that? You're going to spill your guts or I'll spill them for you," Colin threatened. He backed up his threat by pulling his knife and resting it on the ribs on the man.

22:37, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Intimidate.

He looks to the others, who are incredibly intrigued, and back to you. I-I don't know much. You wouldn't believe me anyway but, the professor who's waiting for these... he gestures to the box of children, He's more than he seems. He also knows where the others shipments have gone to. If you promise not to harm me I will help you take him!

Colin grinned and shoved the man close to the cart. "I won't hurt you, but I also don't speak for everyone here," he said with a pointed look at John. "Tell me where he is. Someone has to answer for this bit of evil. We may be rogues, fellas, but I for one am a God-fearing man. Lord might have some words about this whole thing. I'm going settle up with the good professor. I recommend you figure something out about Jake and the big boss. He ain't going to like this one bit and I'm sorry I put you fellas in this spot."

Jake listens intently, making a face. Don't get me wrong, I hate your guts and when this is all over I have every intention of killing you, but I don't mess with children. I'll leave you be just enough to handle the professor. I'll even help if you like, but after that you and I have unfinished business he says darkly.

John looks to you and back at Jake again. Whatever you need Colin, we'll do. If you want we can tie Jake up til we get back, we can try and get these children to a doctor, or we can all go together and deal with the sick professor. Tell us what to do To your surprise all of the men are looking at you expectantly. The children have rattled them so that even this cutthroat lot are meek as lambs for the time being. The man you've been interrogating, Drake is his name, nods eagerly.

Yes, we can all take him together or we can sneak in, whatever you like! I'm just the eyes and ears, that's all. I don't know much save I'm supposed to report to him directly. He trusts me though, I can help you take him by surprise

Colin leaned down to Jake, whispering in his ear. "You think about carrying this further, you won't live through it. I beat you with my bare hands, you don't want to see what I can do with a knife," he said with as much venom as he could.

Colin then turned to the others. "Alright, here's the plan, lads. You two are going to take the kids out of here. Get them to the hotel I am staying at. My charge there, a young high-born lady with a soft spot for kids, will be able to get them the care they need and not have too many people ask questions. The rest of us will load the crate with rocks for the weight and get to the drop-off. I'll take the professor, with Jake and Drake lending a hand.  I'll get to the bottom of this. If you have any reservations or want to have a job going forward, leave now. If you go with me from here, you likely won't work this town again. I ain't aiming to mess with your livelihoods."

ooc: Man! Why do I always have a habit of accidentally making npc's with rhyming names?! Hahahaha! My most famous of these in a different game was Jett and Minette. Sigh. Just....sigh.

I ain't leavin you with the likes of these two for help John shakes his head sternly. I'll come with. Wouldn't want to work for child takers anyway. The rest of you lot, go find a wagon, take these poor souls to this lady. Hopefully she's as good as you say Colin. Alright, you got your orders, go on then he shoos the men off. Two go to get a wagon from the nearby town while the others carefully unload the still unconscious children. They are under quite deep, but then they'd have to be under the circumstances.

Finding enough rocks is a challenge but eventually it's heavy enough not to be obvious and by now the children have been loaded into a separate wagon, ready to go back to Boston.

You feel better knowing John is with you, considering the other two men aren't exactly trustworthy. He may be a simpleton but at least the man is loyal.

Eventually your wagon pulls up to the college, a massive beautiful place. You've heard of this Harvard. A well respected place of learning. Who would have thought it the would be recipient of such cargo.

As you near the south hall and towards the back entrance, which is quiet at this time of night, Drake turns towards you. Alright, I will go in and find him. Get him to come out. The four of us should be able to take him easily enough. He trusts me though, he may not answer for a stranger like yourself. I'll only be a moment he moves as though to go inside alone.

Colin slid next to Jake as Drake moved in to find the professor. Colin smiled cruelly, his harsher, more hunter-like side emerging in the situation. "Oh, I forgot to tell him, but I will tell you. If he betrays us, I'll gut you, him, and the professor. His will be quick, your will not be. The professor deserves more than I can judge and deliver but he can make his peace with the Lord," Colin said with a tone that not totally sane men had. Cunning and quick, Colin had not survived as long as he did by constantly taking the high road. His time with Amelia had tempered it, but some of the mania remained.

Jake stares at you, wide eyed, no doubt wondering what kind of man he's been saddled with. John grins from ear to ear, enjoying every moment.

You wait. And wait. And wait...Something is not right. He should be back by now. Should you go in you find the door unlocked but the hallway is mostly dark, dimly lit by a few lanterns but hard to see. Jake and John follow uncertainly and after a few feet of movement John suddenly slips, landing on the stone floor with a thud and a curse. He starts to get up but suddenly makes a noise of disgust. What the blazes is this?! he gags, looking down like he's going to vomit. If you lean in to investigate you'll see a blobbish pile of skin, hair, and fluid...

Colin stopped short of the pile of disgusting leftovers that lay in the middle of the floor. Looking around, he drew his knife and looked at Jake and John. "Leave now. Don't ask questions, just go. If you hear me scream, don't come looking for me. This professor, I think, is not of this world," he said and moved swiftly and silently to look for his target.

10:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 27 using 1d20+18.  Move Silently.

Jake is more than happy to flee the scene but John hesitates. I'll let you do your sneakin but I'm not going far. Whatever that is...a man shouldn't have to face it alone. He seems adamant about it.

You are able to traverse the quiet hallways silently and something tickles the back of your mind about the pile of flesh you ran across. Didn't...didn't shifters leave something like that when they changed their skins? You've not run across a shifter before but if the rumors are true you could have some real problems on your hands. A shifter loose will be hard to pin down, not to mention you aren't sure if the professor and this thing are one and the same or if you have two to contend with.

You find yourself at the end of a long hallway, an office of sorts at the end. The door is half open and a man in spectacles leans over a desk, squinting at a pile of papers. Everything is silent.

Colin thought fast. He had little time to sues out a shifter, if his hunch was close to correct. John would be in danger by himself, poor fool having little idea what was really going on. He would have to put the man on good footing with some local hunters and do right by him. Moving his mind back to the problem at hand, he decided to go with a more direct approach. The thought of always going with the more direct approach crossed his mind.

Moving slowly into the office, he knocked on the door softly to get the professor's attention. "Are you the professor? I'm with a few others here to drop off some crate. We didn't find you at the drop off so we came looking. John and Jake are around as well."

The professor looks up, curious as to who you are in spite of your words. They sent you alone? Curious, usually I deal with Drake, or at least a more familiar face. Very well then, lead on man he gets up to follow you to the supposed crate. There is such an air of confidence about him you get the impression that even though he's slightly suspicious, he's wholly unconcerned about it. If Drake has been here to warn him he's doing an excellent job of hiding it. Something tells you the little coward may have made himself scarce. Or perhaps he's just waiting around to see who wins. Problem with shifters is he could be anyone, though it's unlikely he'd be fool enough to take the professor's form knowing what is likely to transpire.

Colin shook his head at the old man. "No sir," he said, doing his best to sound like the ignorant Irishman. "I was just sent to look for you. Drake went one way and Jake another. Last I saw was John was guarding the crate. Seems the right choice for a man so big. Anyway, you wouldn't happen to have an animal on the loose or a groundskeeper with a pet, would you? Something made this disgusting pile of rags and nasty in the hall." Colin figured that if he could get the old man on the subject, maybe he could find out more.

The professor's eyes widen at the last bit of news, and for a moment you see genuine confusion and alarm, but he quickly recovers, shaking his head. Not that I know of. No. You say Drake went one way? Which way was that? I have need to speak to him I believe. As for the crate, you can unload it in the back laboratory. I trust everything is in order and have no need to inspect it. He stands quickly, already wanting to search for the shifter. Your guess is he knows something must be amiss to have the man give up his guise as he did and the good professor wants to know what's going on.

Colin let the old man walk slightly ahead of him before he responded to the comment about inspecting it. He obviously knew what was going on or had a good idea. He needed to figure out what the connection was. Steering back to the subject of the crate, he motioned the direction he had come from and spoke louder than he likely needed to. That would serve two purposes, giving John a heads up that they were coming and hopefully keeping the shifter's attention on Colin. "I don't know about the contents besides being as heavy as a pile of rocks. Jake handled all that, as far as I know. We were supposed to meet back there, since it's your crate and all, might as well take you to it if we found you," Colin finished with a nervous chuckle. He was doing his best to play the fool about the details. He had no idea if it was actually working.

Once they made their way back to the wagon, he looked for any signs of John, the cowardly Jake, or the shifter. His hands casually rested in his pockets, which was to say they rested on his knife.

John waits at the wagon, surprised to see the professor with you considering everything that's been revealed thus far. He looks like he wants to exclaim but suddenly realizes you must be up to something and shuts his mouth.

The professor is looking more suspicious than ever at seeing only one man there though. This is not looking good. Take it to my laboratory and push it inside. No need to unload it. Though if you're curious I could always show you my lab. I'm sure simple men like you most be curious about what I do. He crosses his arms after pointing to the laboratory, a small building several yards away. Something doesn't feel right though. Every instinct is telling you this man is dangerous and that he's clever. Yes, something is wrong here.

Colin rolled his eyes and decided that enough was enough. He pounced upon the professor, hand on his knife but not drawing it. His forearm slammed into the older man and Colin pushed him against the cart. He felt he might have overdone it as he looked over the academic and asked, "Tell me what you know and this doesn't get any uglier."

10:23, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Intimidate Prof.

The professor turns his head, amused. Oh I don't think it is I who will do the talking... his eyes turn black and he grins. John, seeing this, gives a yelp of fear but to his credit stays, pulling out his gun. You obviously looked into the crate. Where are the children? Tell me and I'll kill you quickly. Trust me, that is a bigger favor than you know.

ooc: If you make an attack you know what to roll

Colin smiled and drew back, raising a hand to John. Colin kept his eyes on the demon, drawing the knife and keeping it at his guard. Colin was not going to kill the thing before getting some answers. Twirling the knife in his hand, Colin nodded back towards where they had found the shifter's mess. "You and the shifter have some sort of deal? You get the kids in return for giving the shifter money? Seems a bit low brow, even for a bloody demon."

OOC: Colin is on the full defensive, AC now 28 across the board if the demon attacks.

A hunter? Interesting... he looks surprised but not afraid. Most hunters don't carry blessed weapons so it stands to reason he would assume you harmless. The shifter works for me, keeping an eye on my shipments. The coward must have put together what you are and run off. He'll pay for that when I catch him. See how he likes it when I peel off his skin he emphasizes the word "I." As for the children, I have good reason to want them. The collecting has been going on for a while now. But that's nothing you need to concern yourself with because you are about to die. Pity you didn't unload the crate first. It really would have saved me the trouble. Unless of course, you filled it with something else? No matter, I'll find out what I want shortly

With that he raises a hand and squeezes his fist. You feel an internal tightening around your heart as you struggle to resist...

ooc: Roll a fortitude save, DC 18. If you fail you take 17 damage. If you succeed you take 8. Feel free to enter combat as well.

Colin clutched at his heart, falling to one knee. His pain was obvious in the grimace, but he struggled to his feet again. "You demons always resort to that cheap trick. Can even be bothered to fight like honest scoundrels. Ye best pray to Satan, because the good Lord above has sent upon you a reckoning," Colin stated as he made the sign of the cross and leap at the demon as fast as a gunshot.


Full Attack: Declare demon dodge target. Agile Reposte 1/turn on failed melee.
Round 1: Hits AC16 for 10dmg and AC23 for 4dmg. Agile Reposte failed melee AC19 for 3dmg.
Round 2: Hits AC24 for 10dmg and AC10 for 2dmg. Agile Reposte failed melee AC22 for 4dmg.
Round 3: Hits AC13 for 10dmg and AC11 for 3dmg. Agile Reposte failed melee AC27 for 2dmg.

22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16,23,19,10,4,3 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 1, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24,10,22,10,2,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 2, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13,11,27,10,3,2 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 3, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
22:01, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Fort save.

ooc: Ha! I love it! How bad ass is that? :P

The demon is quite surprised at your reaction, not expecting you to be so tough OR so aggressive. The fight continues in a series of hits and misses. John, trying to be helpful, does his best to grapple the man to give you an advantage. It doesn't exactly work, but it does make it harder for the demon to defend himself even if just because of the distraction. He flings the man away, but John shakes himself off and just gets right back up again. Fortunately the professor stumbles a bit, giving you a chance to get some hits in, though his fist makes contact with you on a couple occasions and it hurts...ooc: Take 12 damage please. Also, for future reference his AC is 20, though it's 18 when John is flanking him, which he will be doing the next 3 rounds.

Colin nodded at John and came back at the professor with a will. His knife flashed and danced. His pain was bearable but only just so. Demons could hit like a falling pallet of bricks. Colin saw a few telling blows against the demon and felt he was getting a good handle on the fight. At least he was giving as good as he got...

OOC: Does a total 16 damage, with an additional 17 in Agile Reposte and a confirmed critical on the 2nd.

10:36, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20,12,19,7,4,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 4, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
10:37, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17,10,31,6,5,6 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 5, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
10:37, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18,18,30,6,3,7 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 6, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

Nothing is working! John shouts in frustration. His knife is of course useless against demon flesh, poor sod. Still, he tries and if nothing else draws the demon's attention, making it difficult for him to attack you without distraction. He does, however, land some significant blows on your friend and you worry for his survival at the rate he's going. At least he demon is showing signs of slowing, though he's still got some life in him yet.

ooc: Next rounds! Still being flanked.

Colin grimaced as he held his hand to his side, as if the effort would mend the broken rib he thought he had. John was fairing no better and his lack of experience would get him killed. The man had done Colin a favor by backing him and Colin could not repay that with harshness. It just wouldn't be very Christian of him. Instead, he made a swiping motion, his voice carrying. "John, get out of here. Get back to my hotel and grab my other knife. That will give us the edge here."

Colin knew, of course, that John would never be able to get back in time. Instead of press the attack, Colin made an effort to stall for time. At least it would give the demon something to focus on. "Look here, demon. I'm ready to go the distance on this, but I don't think you are. You willing to gamble your life against my blade skill? You make it worth my while and we go our separate ways. No one needs to die here tonight."

OOC: Full defensive stance for 28 AC, if he decides to press the attack.

Oh you're quite wrong. Both of you need to die, but I'll start with him The demon gestures to John, who was quite confused about getting the knife though he looked half ready to do it. Unfortunately the poor man never gets the chance as suddenly his head is twisted violently to the side as though by unseen hands, his neck breaking with a sickening snap. He falls down dead instantly, frightened eyes wide open. The demon chuckles. He wasn't a hunter was he? That was just too easy! You note his bravado but seeing his wounds, you're willing to bet he's in a pretty bad way.

Colin screamed in fury as John died. The man didn't deserve what he got. Colin should have pressed his advantage while he could.. John has died because Colin had tried to do the right thing. His anger boiled over and his glare at the demon could strip paint. "You should have taken the deal. I will find your bones, demon, and I will kill you for good. I swear to the Lord Almighty." Colin came at the demon possessed of a righteous fury.


OOC:Hits for 15 dmg, with a poss crit, and 11 more for Agile Reposte.

09:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23,9,32,5,5,4 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 8, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

09:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16,12,22,8,5,7 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 7, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

09:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13 using 1d20+12.  Agile Reposte critical confirm.

09:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 32,6,15,10,6,2 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 9, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

09:32, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18 using 1d20+12.  Primary Round 9 Crit Confirm.

The demon grins, completely unworried and he readies his fists, eager to kill you in a more hands on way. You manage some decent blows and he looks surprised at them, thinking you'd be long dead by now, but unfortunately he is quick to return with his own, fists hard as granite raining upon you. Weak as he is, he knows he has you. He strikes you in the stomach with rib crushing force and as you nearly pass out, sinking to your knees, he laughs, ready to finish you. Suddenly from behind you though, a familiar voice sighs. Stay behind indeed! You're lucky I'm too smart to listen to you, you Irish fool Suddenly you feel your body jerk and stiffen as a cold feeling grips you, and then your bones begin to knit back together, your vision clears and your strength starts to return. You manage to glance back to see Amelia, arms crossed and glaring at you like a schoolmistress who has caught a child cheating. The demon, so previously sure of his win, now looks uncertain. He's clearly not thinking he can take on both of you but he's loath to leave his crate of precious cargo. Well, I'm not getting my hands dirty with that thing. Finish him off Colin she makes a dismissive gesture and folds her arms again, waiting.

ooc: You went from 1 hit point back up to 22 :) Next round.

Colin wiped the blood that he had been coughing up from his punctured lung from his mouth. Amelia was as stubborn as Colin; and thank the Lord Almighty she was. The knife twisted to a reverse grip and Colin lept at the demon like a cat on a mouse. He focused on the weak parts, if there really were any to exploit. As the fight drew to a close, Colin knew that he had figured out a tell of the demon and if he could slide under its reach, he could get a clear shot at the throat.


OOC:Does 22 damage, plus a confirmed crit Agile Reposte for 14 more.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
08:07, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Crit damage.
08:07, Today: Colin Browne rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  Agile Reposte Crit?
08:06, Today: Colin Browne rolled 31,8,32,5,2,6 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 12, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
08:06, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20,23,17,7,6,2 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 11, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
08:06, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23,6,26,4,3,6 using d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 10, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

---

ooc: Hahaha! Wow, I rolled really crappy all three rounds.

You are able to dodge the demon easily, though he certainly tries hard to end the fight quick, but then he doesn't have a witch handy to ease his wounds like you do. You shift this way and that, moving fluidly and using his missed attacks against him. Before long he is covered in slashes, finally ending with your blade plunged into his throat. Gurgling, the demon sinks to his knees and lands face first, still at last. Should you examine him you'll find he's still alive but only just. You have the option of finishing him or keeping him alive for questioning.

Amelia watches with mild irritation. I took on a demon single handed she mimics your Irish accent surprisingly well, rolling her eyes, a mockery of your previous words to her before you left. Pah! You're lucky I'm too smart to stay in one place. If I'd been any later you would be dead that's what! I'm going to have to keep a better eye on you Mr. Browne. Now, mind telling me what I've missed? Who's this poor devil? she looks down at John's body grimly.

Colin ignored Amelia for a moment and bent down to check the demon. Finding it still alive, he turned to Amelia. "It's alive. We need a devil's trap and quick. We can still save the professor if we do this right," he ordered and began to move.

Well let's get him out of sight first. This fellow too she gestures to John's body. The last thing we need is to try to explain any of this. Help me. She starts to drag John towards the wagon. Before long both men are loaded and you drive the wagon a little ways to what appears to be a small storage building. You find breaking in to be easy enough and soon Amelia is expertly drawing a devil's trap on the stone floor with a piece of chalk. You can tell she's done it many times and under the circumstances it is relieving to leave it up to her since a single error will render it useless. She questions you as she works, not glancing up much, completely focused. So I don't suppose you figured out what was in the shipment? Any information for me?

ooc: Go ahead and answer her, even if it's just a skim and then move on to the questioning of the demon via devil's trap. Be sure to roll intimidate and such if you're interested in that route.

Colin helps as much as he can and seems to be in a simmering rage as he does so. When Amelia asked questions about the situation, Colin gave short, terse responses that relayed the discovery of the children after the fight with Jake, the strange shifter skin that he found and that Drake was likely the one that it had belonged to, as well as the fate of poor John during the fight with the demon. Once everything was set, Colin looked to Amelia and pointed at the demon, speaking in an uncharacteristic tone. "Heal him. I want to make sure that the bastard knows that we are going to draw the answers out of him."

In any case, when the demon wakes up, Colin is squatting next to him, an evil tone in his voice. "This will hurt, a lot. I'm a hunter and she," he said pointing to Amelia, "...is one of the Men of Letters. Between the two of us, we have enough experience to inflict a level of pain that the Dark Prince himself could relate to. I don't tell you this to scare you or to try an intimidate you. I tell you this because I want you to know what is coming and that if you had not killed John, we might have been fine with just the answers of what is going on here. Instead, you get pain. Pain for as long as I can inflict it, and then she will take over. Do you understand?"

Amelia listens with surprise and then sudden understanding, realizing that John was some kind of ally and not just some ragged henchmen. She puts a hand on your shoulder for a moment but says nothing; merely nodding as she wakes the man up wordlessly.

The demon professor listens to you with a mixture of rage and concern. He struggles, trying to force his way out of the circle, but Amelia's work is flawless. She watches blankly, just awaiting your need of her. Don't you want answers? Surely some kind of bargain can be made! he pants, exhausted from his efforts. Or are you really so upset over that measly man's life that you'd throw away your chance to barter? he arches a brow. Kill me and all this will be for nothing, and I'll not talk for no reason. You can torture me if you want, but only freedom will loosen this tongue.

Colin nods and looks back at Amelia. "Your shifter friend is still out there. We will find him, interrogate him, and then kill him. I can get the answers I need from him. You should have talked before we fought. Then you would not have to be dealing with me. I don't want answers. I want you to suffer," Colin said with a dangerous menace to his voice. The menace of a man that is going down a path that is not unfamiliar to him. The path of damnation for a God-fearing man. Worse yet, Colin seemed to know it and still didn't care.

OOC: Colin is starting to snap. His mind is starting to wander back to the darker road before he met Amelia. As a character, he is honestly not looking for answers, just to inflict pain.

You notice Amelia look at you with a mixture of concern and grimness. She seems to realize just how bad things are and decides to get involved.

As you can see, my friend here is a bit...unhinged. You'll not get freedom so forget it. But I will offer you exorcism. You'll hate it and wish you were dead but you will live. Maybe you'll even crawl your way out of the pit to bother us again someday. It's the best I can offer. If you take it you'll tell me everything. I'll know if you lie and if you do I'll set him on you and watch with a smile on my face. Otherwise, well I'll just do that right now she shrugs. You know by now we have ways to hurt you. It will be just like being human again, pain and all.

The demon listens, then looks at you and back at her, weighing his options. He seems to want to try to barter, to resist, but seeing your face, realizing just how snapped you really are, he starts to rethink her offer.

Alright. I'll do it. But keep him off me he points at you.

Colin looked at Amelia with a fierce look he had not taken before. He made a snarl, not liking the deal that had just been made. He ran the knife over the cheek of the demon, whispering as he did, "Pity."

He looked at Amelia. "Do what you have to," he said as he back away from the situation.

Amelia gives you a long look and then with a nod turns to the task at hand. The demon, looking relieved, proceeds to explain himself. I suppose you're wanting to know what the children are for. She nods and he continues. Human souls have a great deal of power. There are ways of harvesting and using them for our own gains. What most don't know is that children's souls, being pure, are leaps and bounds more powerful than adults are. A vastly untapped resource and so easily obtained. Unfortunately, they are also more firmly rooted and are difficult to dig out. We're gathering donors for the coming battle. Belial has a way of ripping the soul out that even children can't resist. We're just keeping them asleep, getting his stock ready for him.

Amelia listens, completely horrified. Her nurturing female instinct no doubt scandalized by such actions. Indeed she pales and looks unsteady for a moment before steeling herself to continue.
How many? How many does he have now?

Oh I'd say a thousand or so. Not sure where though, but they're safe enough for now. Souls are best used fresh, he wants to be ready for the apocalypse. No sense opening the tin before you're ready to eat eh? He has other collectors, like me, all through the country. It's a bigger operation than you'd think. He sounds proud.

I see she says simply. Any idea where the others are?

Nah, he likes to keep us independent of each other, in case something like this happens. Belial hates a tattler, so he takes precautions. I did hear rumor of one in Virginia though. Alexandria I believe. Don't know if they've moved on or not. It's the best I can give. Now, that's about all the information I have for you. I wasn't given much myself. I don't much like the looks he's giving me so I think I'm ready to go before he changes his mind. he adds with an uncertain look at you.

Amelia, face as cold and calm as ice, gives a single nod. She makes the slightest gesture with her head and he's suddenly pinned in place, much to his consternation.
I am a woman of my word demon. I take my promises seriously. But someone who would harm a child, even just one, well...I don't exactly feel bound to do right by such a monster. Colin- she turns to you, deep blue eyes hard as steel. He's all yours.

Colin gave an evil grin as Amelia granted him permission to lay into the demon. Colin made a single step forward before he paused. Colin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Several deep breaths, in fact. He looked to Amelia, his eyes hard and set. "Fulfill your promise. You made it in good faith and I won't let you be damned for my sake."

She looks startled by your words, and a moment later regret flashes across her face, clearly feeling censored. She says nothing to you, merely faces the demon and with the most perfect and quick Latin you've ever heard, exorcises the demon so fast even he looks surprised as he spews forth his black smoke, which sinks into the ground, disappearing. The man's host falls down dead, leaving you both silently staring at the corpse in the devil's trap. After a long moment she speaks. Well, who would have thought you'd have had a more level head than I? she murmurs. Thank you Colin. Though under the circumstances I hope God would forgive me for my withdrawal of my promise. I'm normally quite calm under duress but when it comes to children...I can't seem to stop myself. Perhaps you'd be better off with another partner You can tell she's upset with herself though her face is smooth. Someone with better control.

Colin continued to look down at the corpse as he spoke. "I stopped you because I do not want you to walk my path. As much good as I might do in the world, I know I still have to face judgement in the end. I have done things, horrible things. All in the name of protecting people. But it doesn't make up for the wrong that I've done. I won't let you walk that path, but I need you to continue helping me find the right one. I have been a better person since we were placed together. I hope that can continue."

He looked over at her with a frightened countenance. "I don't want to go back in the darkness. Not when I've seen the light again. I almost did. I wanted to. I wanted to make it hurt, to let it feel the pain that it has suffered on others. But in the end, it was your permission, your acceptance of it, that I knew it was wrong and had to stop. I don't want to version of myself to emerge again. Not ever."

Colin looked back the corpse and knelt beside it, taking the old man's hand. "I am sorry that you came to suffer. I hope you find peace," he said as he made a sign of the Cross.

Amelia listens silently. At last she says quietly, Perhaps we can keep each other in check then. I'll not fail again....thank you.

She gives you as much time as you need before getting back to business, though she's extremely subdued and grim sounding as she makes her suggestions. We can take John back to Boston with us if you like. He may have family there who will want him. This poor fellow we should leave. I hate leaving a trail but the authorities will get his body back to those who have claim upon it. We should go see about the children, make sure your new friends did their jobs right. It's going to be a long night she sighs.

ooc: Let me know if you agree with her plans and what you plan to do the rest of the night.

Colin stands after awhile and nods to Amelia. "I would see John laid to rest proper. He supported me and had no need to. He was a good man in a bad profession," Colin comments before agree with the rest of her plan. He also made some effort to clean up and make the professor look respectable, slumping him over the desk that Colin had initially seen him at. He made a cursory effort to throw the gun he was given into the desk to throw off suspension it was his. After all, who intentionally leaves a used weapon at a crime scene? When he was done, he told Amelia and was ready to depart for Boston after checking on the kids.

The wagon ride back is mostly silent. You are able to retrace your steps back to the city where the children were unloaded. You find a few of the men waiting uncertainly, relieved at seeing you at last and surprised at finding John is dead. Only two men have stayed and none of them know where Jake went but they remark he is a self serving sort and you may not have seen the last of him and to watch your back.

The children have been delivered to a hospital where they still are asleep. No one can seem to rouse them though their vitals are strong at least. Amelia does not seem concerned at this and turns to you. Leave that to me. I can fix that in two minutes. She has one of the men guide her to the hospital, having you stay with the wagon and the body just outside of the small town. Ten minutes pass. Twenty. Thirty. After an hour you start to worry considerably. The remaining man with you also looks nervous for his companion. His name is Taylor and for a ruffian he's not too bad. He at least has some odd form of ethics and you trust him a great deal more than you did Jake.

Do you want me to go find out what's keeping them? he asks shakily.

ooc: By the way  you are in a small city about an hour away from Boston. It's just you, the wagon and body and Taylor. If you decide to go yourself then roll a search/spot/gather info. If you decide to stay then roll a listen/spot check.

Colin placed a hand on Taylor's shoulder. "I will take this. I don't know what is keeping her, but if it is what i think, you don't want to be around it. If you start to even think that something is not right, get out of here. You've done more than right by me and I'll see you repaid for it," he says as he moves away. Colin then makes his way towards the hospital. Unsure of what he will encounter, he tries to move as quickly and quietly as possible.

23:55, Today: Colin Browne rolled 35 using 1d20+18.  Move Silently.

23:55, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Spot.

You are able to traverse the hospital easily and without detection. It is late, roughly two in the morning, and there aren't many about to notice you. You are able to find the ward with the children easily and to your relief you see they are awake and asking for their parents, to which the overwhelmed nurses are busily trying to take down their information. Other than being frightened, they are well enough. Amelia clearly was able to make it here. It must have been the coming back that detained her somehow.

From what you are able to explore of the hospital, all looks well enough but as you navigate one of the back stairwells you see some rather messy smears of blood against the wall and floor, dripping in a macabre trail that leads up several flights until at last you make it to the roof, though the door seems to be jammed shut from the other side.

ooc: you can either try to roll a strength check to break it down (DC 15; it's makde of wood) or if that doesn't work you can try to find an object to break it (roll a search for that) or you can try to find another way up such as an outdoor fire escape in which case you still roll a search. This is of course provided you want to :)

Colin cursed as he bounced off the door with all the strength of a wet rag. He shimmied the door again to be sure. Satisfied that he was completely blocked by an irritating door. Colin began his search for another way up, including ledges and fire escapes that would let him scale the building.


14:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Search for a way up.
14:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Str vs Door DC15.

It takes longer than you'd like and you take a few wrong turns but at last you find a fire escape that leads where you want it to. Hopefully you're not too late if that was Amelia's blood...

When you get up to the top you see the roof is mostly empty save for the doorway and two figures across the way. One is prostrate on the ground and though it is too dark to see properly you think it could be Amelia. The other is a man, leaning over her and grumbling something to himself. A large knife winks in the moonlight.

ooc: I rolled a hide for you and you can keep your move silently from before so your stealth is looking pretty good. You can either sneak or go for the blunt route. Should you approach you will discover it is Jake of all people.

Colin rushed Jake immediately, looking to surprise the man before he had a chance to react or take Amelia hostage if she was still alive. Jake had better hoped she was, otherwise he would face the wrath that the demon had not faced. Colin sought to tackle the man and bring him down, pinning him before a real fight could ensue.

OOC:Not sure if you want an attack roll but feel free if required.

ooc: Thanks, I rolled for ya and for once my usual bad luck did not affect you!

Moving quickly, you rush Jake, tackling him to the hard roof floor and startling the life out of him. The knife is dropped in the fray and you are able to grapple with him but it's hard to say how long you can hold him, he's squirming so. In the dim light you can't tell if Amelia is alive or not but you can see she's bleeding heavily from a head wound and has blood on her side too where it's clear she's been stabbed.

I'll kill you! snarls Jake, struggling like a madman. You ruined everything!

ooc: Go ahead and roll an opposed grapple check and/or an actual attack depending on what you'd like to do. You have fought him recently and he looks about as bad as you still so you both don't have a ton left in the tank so to speak.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:38, Fri 15 Sept 2017.

Colin pulled the knife quickly and set after Jake with a will. He said nothing, only grunting with the effort of the attack.

06:38, Today: Colin Browne rolled 5 using 1d6+1d4+1.  Dagger damage.
06:38, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18,5 using 1d20+12,1d20+4.  Primary attack, Secondary attack.

He reacts with a shout of fury as the knife enters, though there is pure fear mingled with the hatred in his eyes. Unfortunately it is not a mortal wound and he responds by holding his side and darting away, full on running away desperately towards the fire escape. I'll be back you bastard! If she isn't dead already I'll track her as long as it takes and skin the flesh off her pretty face! Then I'll kill you next. Slowly! he pants. Even weak as you are it's clear you're in better shape but he is running surprisingly fast.

ooc: Ok, he's full out trying to get away so the usual rules apply as far as fighting. If you have a ranged weapon on you, you can take a pot shot at him, otherwise you'll have to book it after him. Roll a general constitution check if that's the case.

Colin gave Jake one last hard glare before turning to Amelia and kneeling at her side. He tried his best to administer help, but he was not skilled at giving care to others. Colin's anger faded as he realized just how desperate his situation was and cradled Amelia's head for a moment, trying to wake her. "Come on, beautiful. You got plenty of your life ahead. Just stay with me," he said as he picked her up with a bit of effort and rushed as quickly and carefully as he could with her to help in the hospital.

Amelia does not waken but you are able to open the roof door from this side and rush down the stairs to find a very shocked nurse at seeing the state you're both in. She bids you lay her down on a bed and rushes to find a doctor, remarking that you don't look much better yourself.

Soon you are whisked away and Amelia is left in the physician's care, the nurse patching you up herself and demanding to know what happened. Should you tell her she'll insist on putting out a description for Jake with the police, assuring you she will do it herself. She's not a bad looking woman. Under other circumstances you'd be tempted to flirt with her.

You are given a bed for the night while you wait on word of Amelia and as much laudanum as you want for the pains but it is difficult to sleep knowing Jake is still out there. He may not be a match for you physically but he's clearly trouble.

By now it's the middle of the night and all is quiet around you. You have finally drifted off to sleep but the sudden creak of your bedroom door wakens you and your knife is in your hand in an instant. It's only me Amelia whispers, clutching at the door frame in an attempt to keep upright. Are you in any shape to go? The fact that she's proposing you leave is almost laughable. Even in the darkness you can see she looks absolutely terrible; barely able to stand and about as weak as a kitten. Hopefully our horses are still outside the town. I don't want to have to walk back to Boston she adds drily.

Colin simply stared at the ceiling and chuckled. Then it quickly turned into a laugh as he tried to get up, only to have pain silence him. Now that his adrenaline was gone and no danger close, Colin felt all of his cuts, stabs, broken ribs, and bruises. Getting up slowly, he limped his way to Amelia. "Forget the horses, your dressing and stitches would come out anyway. We both need rest. Jake won't get to us, not tonight at least. We both need a week to recover, at least. Let's enjoy the peace for now."

She looks hesitant and frustrated but at last gives a slow nod. Alright...if you think it's safe...I don't know if I'll get much sleep though knowing he's out there. He's crazy Colin. He nearly killed me. I've seen a lot of evil over the years but he's just as bad as any monster she shudders. You realize now that she's afraid of him and that is why she's so eager to leave. How can you be sure he won't come back?

Colin put his arm around her and guided her to the bed. "Because he won't get past me. I'll stay up and stand watch. Get some rest. You are about as strong as a wet kitten right now," he said with a smile as he pulled up a chair. He began to hum a lullaby he remembered from his youth, only stopping to prevent Amelia from getting up or protesting.

She does indeed try to protest but under the circumstances you are more persuasive and you get the feeling that she's more relieved than she lets on, thanking you sincerely, even if she looks guilt ridden. She sleeps deeply and you manage to maintain your watch despite nearly falling asleep on many occasions yourself.

Over the next few days you are both able to regroup thanks to some promises from the hospital staff to keep an eye on things. Amelia also has someone send a message to the man waiting with the wagon and horses and they are brought to the local stables so you can access them when you're well. The man is happy to have been relieved of his charges and you have a feeling you'll never see him again. Amelia also informs you that when she followed via horseback she brought your belongings with you since you both travel light, which means there's no need to backtrack to Boston if you do not wish.

You are both somewhat grim as you recover. The threat of Jake looms in Amelia's mind and you are still reeling over the senseless death of your comrade and how close you came to losing yourself in the process. There's work to do though and a long way to go and at last it is time to depart.

As you ready the wagon and horses, Amelia turns to you. It's going to take us weeks to get to Alexandria and we have to pass through New York anyway to do so. We should stop at headquarters, resupply and debrief them. I've missed my old city anyway. Of course, it will take a week or two just to get that far she sighs. Perhaps train rides are in order after we get to New York, though that limits our maneuverability. We'll have to borrow horses every time we stop. What a bother

ooc: Let me know your plans for the next week and I'll move things along. Also, to save time, roll a listen check for when I do. Thanks!

"I would agree, but we haven't used rail thus far and could get us some much needed time to properly rest while we travel," Colin says as they mull over the plans. He suggests riding a train all the way there, the likelihood of a pursuer dropping off on the railways. "Point is, Jake would have to be on the same train as us or know our destination and timetable. We have time before we need to be in New York or Alexandria. I would take the trains, but detour at two points. We take to New York, but go to Albany first. After New York, we go to Philadelphia. It offsets us a week and those two cities will leave Jake curious as to our real destination."

Amelia nods in agreement. Good idea. The last thing we need is that louse making more trouble for us, though after some of the things he said to me, I'm sure he'll find a way to catch up to us someday she adds quietly. In the meantime we should discuss the logistics of our travel. I suggest privacy as much as possible so we can feel free to discuss our plans without fear of listening ears, not to mention it is infinitely more comfortable. I detest being crammed like a sardine amid  a sea of strangers. IF, however, we choose privacy and comfort over economy, we will have to pose as husband and wife. I will not share private sleeping quarters, even on separate beds as ours will be, without ensuring my reputation is intact. She arches a prim and perfect brow, waiting your response.

ooc: After you've responded just let me know what your plans will be for the next couple of weeks and if you want to see how much you hock the horses and wagon for you can also roll for your haggle. I assume a diplomacy will do.

Colin chuckled and shook his head. "You always go straight to the married angle. You need to get out of the romance serials. This day and age, there are much easier ways to have a man and lady wander about together. More specifically, a traveling lady off to see her aunt in the countryside for the season and her Pink bodyguard is much easier to pass off. Then there are no awkward questions. I look and sound rough enough to be a Pink, and you sure look like a proper lady," he said with a roguish smile. "I'll try to secure some travel and ask around as we go. Midnight riders are common in the country for smuggling and we might be able to hitch a ride in a coach if we agree to smuggle some stuff out of the cities. Earn some extra cash too. If you don't have any strong objections, I will get to work."

Colin made his rounds, greasing palms and securing what he needed to in order to ensure they had as smooth a ride as possible. Should anyone ask, Colin made the pretense that Amelia was running from her abusive husband and her aunt had hired Colin to throw the man off the trail and act as bodyguard. If he was sure about anything, criminals had a code, one that despised men who preyed on women and children. The wounds on them both would see to the evidence. A fake Pinkerton badge he looked for as well, if only to cement his role as body guard. The security and detective agency was notorious for brutality and Colin was just the sort of man to be hired.

OOC: Colin is garbage at haggling, but his streetwise knowledge should be able to get him into the right areas. With Amelia as beat up as she is, it shouldn't be a hard sell to make people think she is escaping a wife beater. No real change to the plan, save Colin is using his criminal knowledge to make the trip more covert.
09:59, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Diplomacy.
09:59, Today: Colin Browne rolled 28 using 1d20+11.  Streetwise.

Amelia listens with a dry look. I assure you, romance is the last thought on my mind She pulls on her dove gray gloves with precise, jerky movements, betraying the slightest irritation. Perhaps she is embarrassed. You have the feeling the woman is not used to being teased. I suppose you're right though. No one would believe that we're married looking at the two of us. If you want to tell tales that is fine by me. Just let me know if you need anything.

You are able to procure what you need and make the proper contacts but the seedy men you contact seem wary of you and it is only after Amelia makes an impressively convincing plea that you get your way. Through this means you make half the journey back via coach, taking round about routes to throw off anyone who may be trailing you. It is a long, bumpy journey and though Amelia does not complain she is clearly uncomfortable, being jostled this way and that on the rougher roads. After a week or two of this, it is time to board a train, Amelia paying the fare and acting every inch a woman in charge of her bodyguard. She obviously cares a great deal about her reputation and refers to you as such with frequency. A private car is procured and though it is far and away larger than the coach was or the other poor passengers' cars, it is still cramped, especially at night when you fold down the beds and curl up in an attempt to sleep. For someone short like Amelia it isn't so bad, but your legs cramp up from being tucked all night. New York can't come quick enough.

At long last it does and you quit the train and take the trolley back into the heart of the city. It is late by now and Amelia steps off the trolley and gestures to a row of brownstones several blocks off. We may as well rest before we check in at headquarters. Do you remember how to get there? It's been a while. My house is not far, I can make it on my own if you want to go home. I've no idea where you live but hopefully its still in one piece. We can meet tomorrow at the warehouse at say, ten o'clock? I'm sure there are a few things I'll need to tend to beforehand.

ooc: Where does Colin live again? It's been a couple years since I knew! You can decide if you let her walk home and head off yourself or what have you. Either way you'll need a spot for something so go ahead and roll it when you respond. Thanks! :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Mon 30 Oct 2017.

Colin responded with a simple nod, smile, and a tip of the cap, ready to be off on his own in the city. It had been too long since he walked the busy streets and felt the damp city air. He made his way back to the city proper and to the slum building that had been his home. The flat was above a speak easy that catered to the gambling type, the small apartment little more than a square room with a small bed and sink. The floor had a public shower at the end, though Colin dared not use it. Instead, he washed his face of the grime from the trip and tucked a few dollars in his pocket. With any luck, he could have a few drinks, enjoy some cards, and avoid responsibility for the night.

15:28, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Spot check.

You find your place thankfully undisturbed, but then there isn't much to take in the first place. It could definitely use a good airing out though.

Soon you make your way downstairs. Able to enjoy a bit of fun without Amelia's disapproving looks for once. The owner of the establishment, and also your landlord, Garret, sees  you and waves you over. So you are still alive you rascal! Without you buyin all my whiskey I thought for sure I'd go out of business! he laughs. The place is particularly busy that night and it feels especially good to be back among the lively patrons you so often rubbed elbows with. Should you take his offer you find yourself at the bar. He pours you a generous glass of whiskey. First one's on me eh? Where you been all this time? I was thinkin about renting out your place if you didn't get back soon

As he talks you notice a man enter the bar, mostly because he looks so out of place. He's in his early fifties and well preserved. No doubt many women find him handsome, no matter the gray in his hair. He's extremely well dressed and holds himself in such posture that he clearly has money and no doubt power to go along with it. A look of disgust crosses his face as he sits unhappily and gestures for the barmaid to bring him something. Then he sits, surveying the room a while with a sneer. When the barmaid returns with what appears to be brandy, he asks her something and she turns and points toward you. He then appears to be irritated at her for some reason, growling something that makes her go white, then stands up and storms out, his drink untouched.

Colin notices the exchange and finishes his glass with a final slug, his concern melting into a cocky grin. He held out a hand to stop Garret. "A moment, my good man. I will enjoy your whiskey more with a little company," he said with little preamble. Taking no further delay, Colin takes to chatting up the barmaid that had interacted with the man. Slurring his words, really without much effort, Colin dons his roguish smile and gestures to the empty seat next to his. "Penny for your thoughts, love? Some paper bills for a bit of company."

The woman still looks shaken about her recent encounter and gives you a look of surprise that melts into a half-hearted smile. Um...alright. She looks at the doorway again, distracted and almost fearful he might come back. You...don't know that man do you? Did you see? A real upper crust cad if I ever saw one. He asked me about you by name. Colin, isn't it? she blushes suddenly. Sorry, that's presumptuous of me to assume but I saw you talking to Garret and he told me you were spotted back so I figured...I'm so sorry sir. I didn't mean to interfere in your business. I should have told him I didn't know and left him alone It's clear she's quite upset and she slaps the counter for a drink of her own, downing it quick and appearing on the verge of crying.

Colin smiled and lightly tapped the girl's face with his hand. "Don't worry about it, lass. Lots of folks don't like us potato eaters much," he said with a smile. He held her hand and signaled for another drink. "Don't be upset. Nothing you could have said would have made things different. Did he say something to you that made you this upset, beautiful?"

Y-Yes. He was upset that I called your attention to him. He called me a worthless whore and said I was lucky he didn't show me the back of his hand! Can you believe it!? She starts to take heart now that you've been so kind to her, though the drink probably helped. I am no whore sir! How dare he make such presumptions! And such a supposedly well bred sort should have a more civil tongue in him! If I were a man I'd go find that rat and pummel him good!

Colin slammed his drink down and adopted a voice of somewhat false bravado. "That cur," using the word her had heard been used against him many times in the past. It sounded right. "Fear not, m'lady. I'll make sure that your honor stays intact. I'll go teach that mongrel a lesson right now!"

Not waiting for anything, Colin took up his hat, paid for his drinks with a few more bills than required and stormed off out the door. He took the first alley he saw and dropped the belligerent drunk routine. Not really having much to go on, Colin scrambled up the nearest fire escape to the roof tops, figuring to make towards the more wealthy side of town and stay out of sight while he was doing so.

OOC: Colin will start a search, using a vantage point of the rooftops to find the interested man.

This time of night there aren't many folks out and those who are tend to be unsavory types, at least to people like whoever this rich fob is. Therefore, as you scan the streets from the rooftops, it's not long before you see a solitary man walking quickly to one of the main streets, probably in an attempt to hail a cab from his pace and wary glances. He doesn't think to look up though, and so you remain hidden from him.

You could probably catch up to him if you hurried. He's not moving slow by any means but he doesn't seem the type to run unless he absolutely must.

Colin continues to follow him, hoping to learn something about this man and why he has taken an interest in Colin.

Following him is a bit tricky since he is in a cab, but fortunately you have the advantage of height and you are able to track the carriage's movements fairly well by scrambling to various building tops. At last you spot the man get out at a very fine brownstone close to where Amelia parted ways with you. It will take you about ten minutes to get there by foot if you hurry but at least you have your location.

ooc: If you decide to do the sneaky route go ahead and make the appropriate rolls for when you get there. Also keep in mind it's about 11:30 p.m.

Colin decided that the best plan was to wait the man out. Colin took out a cigarette and lit it, observing the building with interest. He decided that he would give it a couple of hours to see if the man had reported Colin or was expecting company. After that, he would head back and sleep it off. The man needed to be watched, but for now at least, Colin could let him think that nothing was the matter. After all, Colin knew where he was staying and could visit during the day.

You wait a couple hours. By now it is very very early morning. You are just about to call it quits when you see the front door quietly open and a woman emerge, along with a couple of servants bearing trunks. A small carriage is pulled around from behind the place, likely the estate's, and soon the trunks are loaded inside. During all this the woman looks back at the house worriedly, gesturing and speaking quietly to the staff, just as involved in this hasty packing as they. As you get closer you realize to your surprise, it is Amelia.

Colin made a sneer as he first recognized Amelia. What was she playing at?, he thought as he got closer. Then it hit him. The man was likely her husband, which made more sense as he thought about all the times she had insisted they remain proper business partners. He lit up another cigarette and moved even closer.

Colin's first thought was to confront her. It would serve her right for lying to him, but he stopped himself. Colin knew with all his bravado and charm, he was the one in the wrong on this fight. If she was married, he was the intruder. Deciding against any direct action, Colin flicked the freshly lit cigarette near the carriage, right where Amelia would see it.

Not caring if she actually saw the sign he had left, Colin walked slowly back to his apartment, his thoughts and shoulders heavy with the weight of what he just saw.

The rest of the night passes fitfully. The fact that you are to see her the next day doesn't make it any easier.

ooc: For time's sake I'm going to assume you are going to keep your meeting at the men of letters headquarters? If not let me know!


By the time you make your way to the warehouse and into the tunnels below it's late morning. You've not slept well and it shows. You are greeted by passerby, other hunters and their superiors but it's a bit of work to find out where Amelia is. Few seem to know and by the time you are able to track her down, that combined with what you saw the night before, make you angry indeed.

She is in a sitting room with Victoria and the two are bent in heated conversation which stops the moment you enter, each looking like someone caught talking about something they shouldn't be. Amelia looks even worse than you somehow. Her usually flawless hair and clothes a bit rumpled and you can see the creases in her dress from where it was folded in the trunk. What's more, she has just about the nastiest black eye you've ever seen.

Colin said nothing at first. His fist clenched hard and he had to stop for a moment. He retrieved a cigarette and didn’t light it, simply letting it dangle in his lips. He left it there before slowly grabbing his matches and lighting the cigarette up. His look said everything. He was quiet, serene, a man with a purpose. He glanced at Victoria for a moment before regarding Amelia. His words were short, but carried a heavy implication. “He struck you. Now he won’t walk again,” he said and turned to walk away.

There is an immediate response from both women. Amelia's surprise turns to desperation as she bolts up and blocks the doorway, arms outstretched in a laughable attempt to stop you. He'll kill you! You're no match for him! The pure fear in her eyes indicates she really believes this. Meanwhile Victoria looks just as shocked and she too implores you. Please Colin, you have no idea how powerful he really is. Calm down, we'll talk this out. How did you even find out about him? I think you two should head back out sooner rather than later if he knows about Colin she sighs.

Should you try to continue on your way, you feel your limbs try to stiffen in place...Having two witches trying to stop you makes for a difficult time...

ooc: You would need to roll a fort save if you try to continue out the door.

Colin didn't resist. He didn't feel a need to now that his point had been made. Instead, he kept the hard nosed look that had been on his face when he had entered. He simply stared at Amelia, Colin's eyes as cold as when he had nearly lost himself on the roof. "Man came to where I live, insulted a friend, and now he has struck another. Unless you plan on killing me, this won't stop me. You've seen me fight. You both know what I am capable of doing with my mind on it," Colin said with a quick glance to Victoria.

He returned his gaze to Amelia, saw the fear in her eyes and lowered his voice that he hoped the other woman would not be able to hear. "I won't forget this. I don't think I can if I wanted to. It ain't right and you know it. Nobody strikes a woman, especially one that I like," he said and his look dropped from coldness to worry as he realized the implication of what he said. Colin shifted the conversation quickly. "You must have seen what I left for you. You must have known what I saw," he said.

Amelia looks completely stunned at hearing he came looking for you and she pales, listening intently to the rest of your words. At your claim that you like her she somehow looks even more surprised and then gives a small smile, blushing fiercely. I'm quite fond of you too Mr. Browne she says softly. At your mention of the cigarette she turns grim. So that was yours. she says quietly when you've finished. I hoped it wasn't. This is all...so complicated. I'm so sorry you've been drug into this. I thought father was still in Europe she rubs her temples, still blocking the door as though you'll change your mind at any moment. The revelation that the man is her father, not husband is quite a surprise though it's difficult to say which is worse.

Victoria nods. Unfortunately it is more complicated than you know Mr. Browne. Whitt Kirk is one of the founding members of our New York chapter of the men of letters. My father was the first, Amelia's the second. He may be a blaggard and abusive, but he is one of the most powerful members, if not the most, that this city has seen. His skill in the arcane is not something to ignore. Where do you think his daughter got her talent? Victoria gives her friend a small smile though the blond shakes her head. I'm still years behind him. He hates that I practice too. But...what he hates more is my fraternization with hunters she looks up at you guiltily. He loathed my engagement to Jack for that reason. I think he was actually happy when he died she sounds bitter at the memory, looking down at her feet a long moment. I...understand if you don't want anything more to do with me Colin. He could make trouble for you if given a chance. I'm so very sorry.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 15 Dec 2017.

Colin gave a hard glare at Victoria. "I could give a good goddamn if he was President Harrison. Man did wrong. Father or not, I can't let him intimidate my landlord, his staff, my friends, or anyone else without confronting him," he said. Colin then looked to Amelia.

"I don't know what you have between you. That's a family matter and not mine to judge. Fact that he struck you is the problem. It's my job to protect you in these situations. I am a hunter and some men are monsters," Colin stated with cold determination. He deftly ignored her remark about not wanting anything to do with her. That idea was as inane as the idea that he would do nothing about her father.

Victoria falls silent at your rebuke, though she doesn't look like she really disagrees with you. You have a feeling some matters are beyond her control.

Meanwhile Amelia's eyes bulge and she re-solidifies her position barring the door. That's very gallant of you but I don't require your protection. In fact it is you who could do with mine. Stay clear of that man Colin! He probably only means to warn you away from me but if you rile him... she shakes her head. Please. Let's just leave now. Right now! We can figure out a way to deal with him later, I promise! But for now listen you fool! If you go in there flashing that pig sticker of yours and think you're going to get anywhere you're going to have a very blunt lesson. He could liquefy your organs with a gesture! He could empty your mind of this entire year and you'd not even know who the men of letters was if he wanted! Demons fear him for good reason, he's unstoppable! Don't go poking a lion with a stick and think you have the upper hand because you're angry at it. For once put that fool Irish temper away and use your brain!

Would he really do that? Victoria gasps. Amelia flashes a bitter smile. I don't know. Depends on how angry he gets. Usually father has some semblance of decorum but we both know he's capable of nearly anything if he's put out. You remember what he did to Jenkins? Victoria nods at this and gives you a worried look. I thought he said that was an accident... And you believe him? Amelia arches a bruised brow, then turns to you. I'm not going to budge from this spot until I can at least get your promise to delay whatever hair-brained thing you think it is you're going to do. I'll talk with him about harassing your friends, but I want you to stay out of it please