Penny's incantation ended fluidly in a dark curse as the demon shook off the spell. Stumbling back, avoiding a clumsy swing, she abandoned the casting and the hex-bag, and worked frantically to bring her enchanted cane to bear, hoping to have a little protection. She noted the host's continued choking, the slackened grip the possessing spirit had on his body. 'We must slay the demon!' she urged her fellows.


OOC:
Dodge: +1 dodge AC versus demon (Agile Riposte)
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge AC versus melee attacks

Move: Exploit Weakness, 28 vs DC 15, use Int for attacks vs demon
Move: Draw can

I rolled an attack, but don't have actions for it, so I left it out.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Thu 04 June 2015.

ooc: Man I'm having the worst luck with 1's! Luckily for you... ;P

The demon attempts to grapple with Penny but he slips on some loose gravel and goes pitching past her. Ian tries to stab the man but misses. Fortunately Lily's tomahawk slashes his arm though it is not a disabling blow. Simon likewise misses though he is at least closer to his mark than Ian was. Well this is going horribly Lily remarks drily.

ooc: Next round :)

Simon took another stab at the demon with the angel's blade.

10:44, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Angel Blade strike.

Deftly, Penny sidestepped the demon coachmen, slashing her cane downwards. But his clumsiness even extended to her, as he slipped and fell before she could connect. Fortunately, the fallen hex-bag was still close by and Penny saw a fresh opportunity to recover her initial plan. 'Quickly! Restrain him! All of you! We may yet save the host!' she beckoned, launching into a new casting of the spell. 'Quod praecipio tibi hoc daemon emundatum purgari!' she rushed through the Latin phrases, commanding the demon to be purged and expelled, speaking not to the fiend but to the body and soul within. She had hoped, when they had a moment's peace, to speak to Father Simon first about her new spell, to ensure there were no further misunderstandings, but events had conspired against that plan.


OOC: I'll switch my last action to drawing/readying my cane, since Penny uses that more often and she was trying to save the coachman. And it didn't make a damn bit of difference.

Agile Riposte: AoO, attack 11, rolled a 1, miss.
22:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+10. Agile Riposte: cane AoO. (updated modifier)

Dodge: +1 dodge AC versus demon (Agile Riposte)
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge AC versus melee attacks
Total AC: 19

Re-attempt Depurgare: Concentration check: 20
22:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Concentration.

Penny's suggesting everyone else pile on and grapple the guy so she can exorcise the demon into her hatbox.

Translation of Latin: "I command you to be purged and cleansed of this demon."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Thu 04 June 2015.

Simon will not use the dagger if there is a chance to save the person.

ooc: No worries, we can just have Simon graze him purposefully ;P

The angel's blade slashes the demon across the leg and he lets out a piercing howl of pain and shock. Whatever this blade is it is far more affective than your usual weapons. When Penny began the spell again his screams became even more pronounced, unfortunate considering the fact that there are many people nearby who have become aware of the situation. Some men try to help the driver, seeing he is appearing to be attacked en mass, however when they spot the black fluid dripping from his facial orifices they suddenly back up in shock. Stay back! This man is sick! Ian barks and for the moment they are happy to comply. The Scotsman and Lily both rush to obey Penny's command to hold him and fortunately in his weakened state they manage, though only barely. This time the demon is unable to resist Penny's spell at least so far and he shudders as the spell starts to take it's course. Simon, you notice that Lily sees your angel blade and for the fraction of an instant you could swear you saw fear cross her face. A moment later it is gone though and you wonder if you didn't imagine it. Simon, grab him will you? He's strong! Lily grunts. Meanwhile you've all gathered quite a crowd.

ooc: If you decide to help go ahead and roll a grapple check.

Simon put the weapon away. He easily dismissed Lily's look as his own imaginings, and went to help hold the demon. He nodded at Penny, anything that would save the human had to be sanctified.

09:43, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Grapple.

'He's having a nervous fit! We must hold him still lest he harm himself!' Penny claimed to the crowd. Seeing a burly fellow nearby, she decided to recruit some aid. 'You, man, hold his leg! Lily, push harder!' She knew the nephilim in her could restrain the demon single-handed, but she would not draw it out, would not force Lily into it. But surely she could bring a little more strength to bear.

Continuing to mutter Latin phrases under her breath, she popped the lid off her hatbox and tipped out the head of Emma Bently onto the pavement. Fortunately, she'd put in a thick bag for added security and privacy in case anyone at Western Union peeked or dropped the package. She shoved the round box under the coachman's head, catching the foul black slime of the liquefied demon. 'Come on! Better out than in!' she beckoned the man brightly.


OOC: Recruiting aid: Bluff 21
21:44, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+5. bluff.

Penny will maintaining concentration and be ready to catch the demon in her hatbox. It has a devil's trap drawn on the bottom.

It is no easy feat even with four people on the demon (including the man recruited by Penny) but you are able to hold him so far. Lily looks offended at Penny's instruction to push harder. What do you think I'm doing here? Waiting for tea and cookies?! she snaps. During all this he continues to vomit black liquid which starts to fall into the hatbox. The newcomer swears at this and looks horrified but Lily snaps him back into action, yelling at him not to let go. You have quite a crowd gathered by now and a few more men rush in to help and some women upon viewing the scene start to faint, no doubt a combination of nerves and corsets strung too tight. The demon is screaming and shouting in spite of his expulsion and the whole thing is a right mess.

ooc: For some reason picturing this scene is really funny to me. It looks rather stressful. Also, Simon I have changed a few things about exorcisms. Remind me if I haven't posted by friday to update bonus threads reflecting this new change. Basically you can perform an exorcism in 3 successful rounds of concentration checks assuming they are trying to distract/taunt you etc. More details later.


Almost there! Roll 2 more rounds to fully exorcise him. If you are going to keep up with holding him Simon roll two more grapple checks though you can try other tactics too if you wish. Penny, two more concentration checks please. Because he is so restrained your DC will be fairly manageable.

13:49, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 15 using 1d20+6. Grapple Check.

'It's a matter of torque!' Penny growled back at Lily. She clasped the hex-bag to the back of the coachman's head, trying to force his face over the hatbox as he puked up the foul black ichor of the fiend, dropping in gobbets over the devil's trap. Grimacing, Penny tried to stretch her neck away from the foul scene. Not for the first time in her supernatural detective career, she regretted not choosing a life of leisure instead. I should have stayed in academia. 'Expellere sordes. Expellere malum.' she hissed into the coachman's ear, to drive the last of the demon out. It could still escape even at this stage, if it turned to gas. She could not fail.


OOC: Concentration checks: 9, boosted to 12 with an action point (3); 26
19:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 9 using 1d20+6. concentration.
19:50, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 3 using 2d6. action point.
19:50, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 26 using 1d20+6. concentration.

Latin translation: "Expel the filth. Expel the evil."

ooc: That was disturbingly descriptive. I don't think I like the word gobbet *shudders* ;P

At last it seems to have worked. The driver shudders violently as the last of the black mess escapes his body and into the hatbox. By now most folk have backed away in horror though your burly champion has stuck through it all. Between Simon and the others efforts he has been pinned enough for the spell to finish. You see now that the poor driver is in fact still alive. You are fortunate he was so recently possessed, most hosts do not fare so well. He wipes his mouth and pants as he tries to catch his breath. T-that was....thank you!! he looks suddenly very aware of the crowd that's gathered. Lily and the others release him and the Indian woman looks at the hatbox with disgust. What are you going to do with it? she asks in repulsion. Meanwhile the helper looks aghast at all he's seen. What the devil was that?!

Simon decided best to let his collar help them out now. "My good man I can explain. This was in fact nothing less than a battle for the poor man's soul. My comrade used her reliquary to aid us in a quickened exorcism. Normally such a thing is a long and drown out ordeal, but with your help we accomplished it quickly."

He took the mans hand and shook it, "I, my friends, this man, and the Holy Church owe you a debt of gratitude. Lets hear it for the hero of the hour my good people."

As the last of the liquefied demon dribbled out of the man's mouth, Penny snatched away the hatbox and jammed the lid back on tight. She looked upon it with glee. A captured demon spirit! What could she do with that? Study it, test it, find new ways of killing it. This was quite an achievement in the field of demon hunting. 'At this stage, keep it locked up and prevent it from returning to Hell with its information.' she told Lily. Penny quickly scooped up the bag containing Emma Bently's head before it aroused suspicion; carrying around a severed head would do that, and it was beginning to ripen...

During the struggle, she had considered an explanation with a more medical theme; a parasitic infection that caused fits and vomiting would do nicely. But while she organised herself, she heard Father Simon explain instead, with the honest truth. Penny started in alarm; he'd unveiled the conspiracy of silence that kept the normal world safe from an all-out war with the forces of darkness. Even if they didn't believe him, it wouldn't help them to be considered lunatics or fanatics, who just may have attacked this fellow. But, just maybe, the priest's tale would reassure and give these people hope.

Hearing this most people look alarmed, confused and in some cases disbelieving. The driver turns pale as well though it helps that he does not refute Simon's words. Lily exchanges nervous looks with Penny but fortunately the burly fellow gives a small nod. Really? Such things truly exist? Really? he looks unsure but willing to believe, perhaps he is a catholic judging by the way he takes Father Simon so seriously. Ian decides to take the opportunity to disperse the crowd. He removes a metal police badge from his pocket and waves it at the people. It's alright folks, policeman here we have things under control now. I suggest you hop on to wherever you were going and leave matters to the professionals. Fortunately with his confident bearing and official credentials the people reluctantly move along with much murmurings. He turns back to you all then. Well that was messy in more ways than one. Nice work everyone but we had best get out of here. he turns to the driver. Considering we just saved you from death AND possession might we borrow your cab? We'll have someone return it to you here in an hour but right now we just alerted far too many people of our presence to find another driver we can trust and no offense but I doubt you're up to it. The driver shakily agrees and the burly man informs you he'll look after him. Now, I'm not the greatest driver, anyone else want a crack at it?

Penny relaxed, relieved as Ian took charge and dispersed the crowd, quashing the inevitable questions. She watched them go, making sure that none lingered suspiciously, before regarding the coachman they'd just saved. She was glad he'd survived, that they'd not been forced to kill him. It always pained her to kill a host; even if they were already technically slain by the demon, she felt the terrible guilt. This would feel like a victory if it hadn't been her slip-up that had put the man at risk in the first place. She could not bear it if they'd had to kill him. 'I recommend warm lemon juice to remove the taste – and a stiff drink, I'll wager.' she recommended to the coachman, seeing him for before answering Ian.

'I can drive a horse and coach,' she said, 'Though when it comes to such things as outrunning a rampaging Egyptian hippo monster that escaped from the British Museum, I am better off passing the reins to another. Besides, I must carry our smelly friends here.' she said of the hatbox and bag in her arms.

Ah, better you than me Ian makes a face at the box. The driver wanders off with the burly man to the nearest pub but not until he thanks you profusely. Seeing that no one else is volunteering Lily immediately climbs up to the driver's seat with surprising glee on her face. No, I didn't mean to include you in the invitation! Ian protests and she gives him a defiant laugh. Too late! You had your chance! And for your information I can drive very well! Ian swears as he starts to head inside the cab. Our definition of well is not the same. Maybe in Sioux driving like a maniac means well but in English it's quite another thing. Promise me not to tip us over this time? he sighs. She rolls her eyes. That was once! You need to let that go. It was ages ago. Last month was ages ago Lily. You can't round up like that. If nothing else remember that Miss Penny here has a hatbox full of demon slime she doesn't want on her lap. I imagine none of us would be very happy with you should you spill it. Hearing this she suddenly looks nervous. Oh, I hadn't thought of that she murmurs. Maybe you'd better take the reins then she offers. No no no, you wanted it you get it! This will be good for you, driving like a sane person for once. Now let's go.

Once everyone is inside Lily gingerly guides the horses. You've never had a tamer ride in all your life, or slower. It is agonizing how long it takes to get to the safe house. During this time Ian will chat with both of you, asking Penny for details about the Egyptian Hippo monster and asking questions about the spell too. It's nice to have a moment of peace though it's odd to have such an experience with both a severed head and a demon in a hatbox sharing the cab with you.

Eventually you make it to the safe house and Lily watches you depart with relief. Did I spill it? Did I do alright? she demands and to your amusement she looks like she perspired out of nervousness. You drove like an old woman! Ian accuses. Well make up your mind! she snaps. Well I'm off to go return this to our un-possessed friend. I'll meet you back here within half an hour or so With that she turns the cab and to your surprise tears off in astonishing haste nearly tipping the cab on the first corner she turns. That could have been us. Ian shakes his head. Now that you've arrived you find yourselves at a three story brick brownstone. There is a light on inside so someone is home, hopefully Victoria.

ooc: Sorry, that's a lot to read over. I'll give you a chance to put your two cents in and then move things along one way or another tomorrow.

Amused by the exchange between Ian and Lily, Penny climbed back inside the coach, taking great care with her precious, grisly cargo, and settled back into her seat as Lily drove them off. The slow ride provided gentle and relaxing after the stressful struggle with the demon – much too slow, gentle, and relaxing. Time was of the essence and a slow coach meandering through the streets would be quite suspicious and easy to follow. Twice Penny urged Lily to hurry the horses, to little avail. At least New York had so few cobblestones, else it would be a very bumpy ride.

As it was, after some minutes, the demon-possessed hatbox bumped and wobbled threateningly in her lap. She kept a tight grip on box and lid, and passed the bag containing Emma Bently's head to Father Simon.

Penny regaled the others with her story of Ammit, a monstrous figure of Egyptian mythology. Part lion, part hippopotamus, and part crocodile, it devoured the hearts of the unworthy dead. A statue of Ammit discovered by the renowned archaeologist Flinders Petrie and sent to the British Museum had turned out to be rather more than a statue, coming to life at night to devour the hearts of hapless night-watchmen and lost visitors, who of course failed to meet the long-forgotten standards of ancient Egyptian morality, or ma'at. After a hair-raising chase through the streets of London, including a desperate struggle on the roof of a coach, Penny had enlisted the aid of a big-game hunter (of natural and supernatural beasts) and, armed with an enchanted elephant gun and golden shot, despatched the monster. The stuffed head now adorned the man's wall.

Initially surprised at needing to explain the depurgare spell to Ian again, Penny recalled she had in fact told his shifter impostor. She carefully explained it to Ian, and especially to Simon. Although it had been developed by a cruel Scottish hag named Rowena in the 18th century, and was witch's magic, it was "white magic", requiring no sacrifice and having no wicked effect. Apparently, this Rowena had needed to protect herself from the fiends she consorted with. Penny had since reconstructed it through research. The magic bound a demon in the form of black slime and empowered a host's own body to expel it, similar to an exorcism. The hex-bag had to be closer to a demon, but it had the added the benefit of liquefying a demon and allowing it to be more easily caught.

Finally arrived safely at their destination and alighting from the coach, Penny watched Lily hare off in the coach, hoping she wouldn't pick up any more monstrous pursuers, or worse, crash into something. 'Well, we arrived safely, despite everything. Let's get inside quickly and secure these ghastly things.' She needed to pour that demon into a good strong jar.


OOC:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammit
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Sat 13 June 2015.

Simon took the head in a bag and nodded at Penny's explanation. "In truth I had heard of this method and though it is unsanctioned I feel it was sanctified. You did well to leave our friend with his life. I commend you."

When they arrived her hopped out and opened the door for Penny out of urgency, she had the hat box and did not need to spill its contents. Lily said she would handle the cab and Simon nodded. He reached up to pat her thigh, "God Speed, my Love."

Lily blushes and smiles back at Simon. Considering her bold personality it is amusing to see her so flustered. Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it she mumbles almost shyly.


Ian is surprised by both the story and the details of the spell, mentioning you will have to teach it to him one day.


Ian admits you with a key, informing you that you'll receive your own soon enough. As you go inside you see it is a finely furnished place, very well kept and beautiful. It definitely has a woman's touch about it and you suspect Victoria has had much to do with the decor. As you enter you find a cozy fire has been lit and the place is warm and pleasant. It is a stark contrast to the parlor where you find Victoria surrounded by items of the macabre. Bones of various animals, human teeth, a human leg with flesh still attached (Simon recognizes this)and disturbingly a bowl of entrails form a circle around her. She sits in the center, reading a book and looking slightly bored. Seeing you she brightens. Oh good! No trouble I hope? Where's Lily? she looks around. Ian quickly explains the situation and she nods, relieved. She's already lost Westbrook today, it is understandable she is on edge. She bids you to remove the head and place it in the center of the circle. Hearing about the demon she is very surprised but finds an over sized mason jar and a funnel for you. Once everyone is gathered round she takes Emma's head and a map of the state along with a long needle. Hopefully they kept it in New York at least or I'll have to do this again with less accuracy she sighs. She proceeds to close her eyes and chant, rocking back and forth. You both recognize it as some form of hoodoo though it is quite a complex ceremony.

 Ian watches and in a whisper offers you both tea or coffee. It is odd having such an every day activity while she drones away in her strange language. This goes on for some time, enough that Lily returns, her presence announced with the bang of the front door. Ian winces and then goes off to scold her for being too loud. Victoria is completely focused though and you would say she is in a trance by the way she is seemingly unaware of the world around her. At last she suddenly stiffens, takes the needle and with a jolt of force jams it into the map without even looking. Her eyes open and she is suddenly Victoria again, so quickly herself that it's hard to believe the last hour actually happened. Ah! Good news! She's still in the city! Unfortunately it looks like she's at central park. Goodness. Well that's a hard find. I can narrow it down for you though. She's near still water, buried. Probably the lake. There are birch trees nearby and a nest of birds. She remembers hearing the hatchlings as they dug her grave. She says it isn't far from the boathouse though I can't get much more out of her she sighs. It's not perfect but it's doable. We should go tonight if you all have the energy. While it's still dark. We'll have to bring a wagon and be sure you are not seen. I will go with you if you like and we'll keep the head here for safekeeping. If you thought that headquarters were warded you should see what I've done to this place she smiles. It's perhaps the only place I can actually sleep soundly now.

Central park...Simon related the incident of how he and Lily had killed the Windigo. He asked if perhaps the two were related. It seemed and odd coincidence.

'Given the short time-frame for possession, I realised that the demon likely hadn't had the time to murder the host. I'm truly glad to have this chance to save someone.' Penny admitted to Simon.

*

No stranger to the macabre and the accoutrements of dark magic, Penny was unperturbed to see the workings of Victoria's voodoo ritual, nor to drink tea and eat biscuits as she watched, intrigued. She was English; she could have tea in Hell if need be. She greeted the other woman and helped explain what had happened since they'd last spoken.

The first order of business was to acquire the jar and funnel. A much more leisurely application of the spell rendered the demon liquid and dormant once more, and from there it was a simple matter to pour it into the jar through a funnel, the thick liquid remaining as a single mass. She screwed the lid on tight, having previously greased the screws to make it airtight. Penny produced from her purse a neatly cross-stitched devil's trap sampler, and placed the jar on top, while she drew another devil's trap on the lid. She could swear the black glutinous mass was glaring hatefully at her. Later, it would reform into smoke but remain trapped and angry.

As the ritual at last came to an end, Penny quickly noted down Victoria's report on the location, with some distaste. 'I do not like exhuming a fresh grave, much less in public, but we are fortune she is not within some guarded demon lair. Still, they may have left a watcher. Regardless, we must go tonight; time is now of the essence.' Penny was resolved, slapping fist to palm, though it had already been a long day fraught with dangers and battle.

She listened to Simon's question about a Windigo (a new monster in her experience) and added 'And what, pray tell, is the significance of this half-chewed limb?'
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Tue 16 June 2015.

Yes...that Wendigo was at the park wasn't it? Victoria muses. Perhaps our demonic friends are utilizing the park for more than one activity. It is massive and not effectively patrolled. It makes sense

It is Victoria who also answers the question of the chewed leg. Ah, Father Simon acquired that for me for use in my spell. It had to be a fresh body part you see and I was loathe to use any of the poor souls who died at headquarters. He found a ghoul on the other end of this, the same one we questioned. That is something else that will require investigation though perhaps Mrs. Bentley will know more about it. Anyway, I think we will have more time to discuss matters later. I will meet you back here tonight, I have business to see to at headquarters. I suggest you all start to bunk here from now on. There's plenty of bedrooms as Ian has his own residence he keeps. When you return with the body I will help you put Mrs. Bentley back together again. Be careful of prying eyes though. Should the police see you with a headless body they will be none too pleased. Even Ian would have trouble talking his way out of that one Oh I have an idea about that Ian assures her and she nods approvingly. Alright, take the wagon out back then and do be careful. Who knows what else is in that park...

ooc: Go ahead and finish any conversation/preparation and then I'm jumping ahead to the park. Since Simon is out of town this week I'm going to divide you into 2 mini search parties and then when Simon returns I'll join you guys back up. Also, Victoria will restore your hit points should you need them. She has a few healing tricks up her sleeve.

Penny: An hour later you find yourself east of the boathouse, searching in the darkness with Ian at your side. His lantern is kept low, just bright enough to see a few feet in front of you but hopefully not enough to be visible to anyone else. To your dismay it begins to rain. Well isn't this fine luck he mutters. Digging around in the dark is one thing but in the rain? It's like they're trying to make our job hard.

ooc: Please roll a search/spot check

When a spell or rite called for fresh meat, Penny had a distinct preference for beef, herself, but each to their own. She regarded the half-chewed limb with distaste. 'I do so hope it is not Emma Bently's leg. We have enough trouble reassembling her as it is.' she sighed. She noted Victoria's plans, and begged for some bandages and restoratives to treat her aching limbs and bruises before she set out again.

*

Refreshed and reinvigorated, Penny once again found herself out on the hunt, though this time she was armed, prepared, and equipped. For one – she raised and unfurled her umbrella as the rain began. 'We English are used to rain, Mr Shaw.' she said without irritation but perhaps a trace of self-satisfaction. 'Here, you better stand under with me.' she offered, sharing the brolly. She'd had it enchanted as a weapon by the Men of Letters, and the whole underside of the canopy already bore a devil's trap. Penny had tried sewing a sealed tube of rock salt around the hem of an umbrella, but without success. Inevitably, the water would get in and dissolve the lot.

Trying not to think about the dashing, handsome rogue Ian Shaw standing so close by, Penny peered into the slashing grey lines of the fallen rain. 'The rain will wash away the prints of our quarry, yes, but I had not expected any to remain after so long in a public area. We are fortunate, in a way: the rain keeps prying eyes away from us as well, and obscures our own footprints and grisly work.' Walking around the lake, she looked out for the birch trees, scanning the branches for a nest. For Emma's spirit to have heard the tiny squeaks of hatchlings, she would have to be quite close by.

'Furthermore,' Penny began, now casting her eyes at the muddy ground, 'A recently dug grave will contain looser soil that will absorb more water than the ground around it. Look for where the water quickly sinks. We may even see subsidence if the rain gets heavy enough. You see, the rain can be to our advantage.'


OOC: Penny searches like a boss: Search 33 (rolled a 20), Spot 24
Find Clues: Search 32 if within 5 feet of a clue
14:05, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 33 using 1d20+13. search.
14:05, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 32 using 1d20+13. find clues: search.
14:05, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+9. spot.

Are we restored to full hitpoints?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:28, Tue 16 June 2015.

ooc: Yup! Sure are!

Well aren't you just optimistic he grins, sharing the umbrella quite closely. He looks up at the devil's trap with appreciation. Well isn't that clever he chuckles. But then you always seem prepared don't you? It's strangely romantic being stuck under the umbrella with him in the pouring rain, like your own private shelter away from the world; almost alarmingly intimate at the moment. Fortunately your eyes spot a bird's nest, albeit a soggy one and as you investigate you see the ground appears to be disturbed. Should you point it out to Ian he will look incredibly impressed and immediately get to work with the shovel, warning you not to get too close lest he ruin your clothes. He gets quite muddy and wet and it is not a bad look for him. As he digs you are fortunate to find it is a shallow grave. Whoever did this was either lazy or in a hurry. The body is woefully bloated and ripe smelling and Ian makes a face of disgust. Should you investigate the body you find disturbingly it is naked and there are numerous signs of torture on the plump woman. Penance for disobedience perhaps? Specifically you see cut marks, bruises from blunt objects and what looks to be gashes from fingernails or claws, not human is your guess but not any animal you've seen. Perhaps from a werewolf? Hm, it would seem if that were the case that Belial has plenty of servants to do his bidding.I appreciate the female form as much as the next man but this is something I could have done without Ian mutters. Now, this part you aren't going to like. I know this beat well, I used to work it myself. What you do inside the park is usually unnoticed but there are plenty of coppers patrolling the exits as you may have noticed and even if we cover her up in the wagon they are bound to be suspicious. If we run across an officer that doesn't know me we're in for it. Therefore I thought it might be best to divide and conquer as they say...I brought a hacksaw and some lined carpet bags. If we divide the body amongst the four of us and take different exits and meet up a few blocks down we should be just fine. Victoria can put her back together easily enough. Of course, if you have a less macabre solution I'm all ears he adds grimly.