'I try to be,' Penny agreed, before admitting ruefully 'But I still often seem to be caught unawares.' She was still blaming herself for not recognising the other Ian as an impostor. If only she'd seen the signs, she might have saved Kate. Had she become too familiar, too trusting? Was it simply the stress of the moment and the battle? Or was she developing a blind spot where Ian Shaw was concerned?

Having pointed out the disturbed ground, behaving as expected, Penny stood back under the tree and under the umbrella. Ian leaving the shelter of the devil's-trapped canopy proved he wasn't a demon, at least. She watched him work as she kept watch for onlookers and passers-by, as well as demonic spies. But Mr Shaw by the lake in a sopping wet shirt was reminding her thrillingly of a Pride & Prejudice adaptation a hundred years hence.

Under the umbrella, she knelt over the unearthed grave, inspecting Emma Bently's body and the dirt around while it was still in context. She grimaced politely in disgust but with the calm restraint of one who'd seen far more horrific injuries and mutilations. The wounds were a frightful variety, clear signs of torture and humiliation. Surely not even Emma Bently deserved this.

Then she heard Ian's macabre and grotesque proposal. 'I worked the Torso Killer case; I am not squeamish. Let's see, a leg, a leg, a torso, and two arms, divided up amongst the four of us, it is feasible. But, separated, we run a risk of any one of us being discovered with our grisly cargo, and being hardly able to explain it.'

'You know the police in this area? Can you make it an official police matter? Call it a murder victim exhumed from a shallow grave, and bring your most trusted colleagues in. Then the body need only go missing on the way to the morgue.'

'Otherwise... The boathouse is there. Might we acquire a small boat to transport the body in, unseen, to more secluded location away from the park?'

I could try the official route but to be honest some of the new officers don't particularly like me. They see me as abusing connections I should no longer have. Most of the boys love me of course, who wouldn't naturally? he laughs with a wink. But I'm trying to keep a fairly low profile when possible. Especially since if there's any chance of this getting back to Belial's men I'd rather avoid it. They seem to know far too much about our doings already and if we can keep at least a few things secret that would be best. I do, however, like your boat idea. We'll give that a go first and if worse comes to worse I'll bring the hacksaw. True we'd be in for it if anyone discovered us but I don't think most folks would question someone just because they're walking around with a carpet bag. He squints through the rain at the boathouse and suggests you go and look for a boat while he guards the body.

Should you do so you will find a sturdy rowboat chained up to the dock. Fortunately it looks easy enough to pick for the right person. If you report this he will nod easily. Sounds good. I'm thinking if we head to the west end of the lake there will be fewer patrols. We should have the two lovebirds meet us there with the wagon, see how things go. he suggests.

ooc: Should you go this route please roll move silently and hide. Also, if YOU want to try to pick the lock (too lazy to see if you have that skill sorry...) then roll as well otherwise Ian will give it a go.

'Oh, naturally!' Penny chuckled along with Ian, put at ease despite the gruesome sight between them. 'I normally worked with Scotland Yard back home, and could always invoke the name of the Yard for assistance. But I trust your judgement. I will go look inside the boathouse.'

Penny set off to the boathouse, soon finding the rowboat, and the lock and chain. Producing her lockpicks, ostensibly hairpins and so on, she deftly picked it open and loosed the chain. A useful skill, though not one an upper-class lady ought to possess by society's mores. Like Holmes before her, Penny had abused criminal contacts acquired during more mundane cases to learn a few useful skills one could not easily gain elsewhere, skills as useful in solving crimes as committing them.

Piling the chain and lock in the boat, Penny climbed in and looked at the oars. 'How does one row a boat, anyway?' Having visions of herself being washed uncontrolled downstream, she climbed out and fetched Ian.


OOC: I do indeed have Disable Device, and I'm glad to get the opportunity to use it so well: 27. :)
20:52, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 27 using 1d20+9. disable device.
20:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+4. hide.
20:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+4. move silently.

ooc: I had a feeling you had the skill. It fits Penny so well :D

Once he hears there is a boat secured he takes a small canvas tarp out of his pack and then making a disgusted face he covers the decomposing body with it before wrapping it around her and hoisting it from the grave. A trifle heavyset isn't she? he grunts though once he has her out he handles the load much easier. His nose is wrinkled in repulsion as he carries the corpse to the rowboat. I know saving the world should be motivation enough for this but I really feel like someone owes me he gags. If I get a maggot on me I'm dropping her. Not to be squeamish but there's just something about maggots... he shudders, headed to the boat house. Once she's in the rowboat he looks massively relieved. He is completely covered in mud and some more nefarious looking fluids that seem to have leaked through the canvas. I hope you don't mind but I'm getting out of these clothes. If we are to avoid suspicion it will be easier if I'm not covered in mud and liquified remains he says drily. If the good father takes an end we should be able to get her into the wagon without too much more soiling and I don't want to wear her guts on me any longer than I have to.With that he begins to peel of his shirt, digging through his pack for a replacement. He doesn't seem to care if you look or not though as a genteel woman it is the proper thing to do to turn your back.


Moments later he has changed entirely, even his shoes. It would seem he has come prepared. Well that's better. Time to get soaked I suppose. We'll have to douse the lantern for now but Lily should signal us from the shore so we can see where we're headed. He helps you into the boat politely and then takes the oars himself, expertly maneuvering the small vessel into the dark waters. It is pouring by now and visibility is very difficult. A ways off you see a light winking from time to time, marking your position and Ian relies heavily on you for guidance as his back is often turned. It takes some doing but eventually you make it there where a soaked Simon and Lily await you. The body is moved easily between the two men and more canvas is laid atop the woman as well as a few other items such as bundles and boxes to hide the shape of her body. Luckily the rain has helped with the smell a bit though it is alarmingly strong nonetheless. As you head off in the wagon you see a lantern in the path ahead of you. It is an officer it seems and he has his hands up for you to halt.

'A trifle heavier with her head, I'd wager, but a gentleman should know better than to criticise a woman's weight.' Penny tutted, though hardly seriously. 'Though I can understand the desire to carve her up like a Christmas goose.' Penny fussed around, holding the boat steady, keeping the tarp covering the cadaver, watching for passers-by, and generally doing everything she could to help without getting her hands dirty or carrying a load or actually really helping. After all, she wasn't strong and always enlisted some stout bobbies for such work. At last, feeling a little guilty, she offered 'Tell you what, I shall owe you a dinner.'

As Ian complained about his clothes, Penny suggested 'I suggest you bathe in the lake. Then we could say you fell in. The stains we could pass off as mud and...' But, too late, he'd removed his shirt and Penny trailed off, for once at a loss for words. Of course, she'd seen Mr Shaw shirtless before, when treating him for a bullet wound. But now, well, the rain put a sheen on his muscles that accentuated a fit and healthy body quite handsomely... 'Um.' she said, feeling a bit funny and flustered. Perhaps it was the rotting corpse nearby? Remembering herself, she turned around, trying not to think about it further. She needed to see a doctor when all this was over.

*

'I don't suppose we can simply speed away?' Penny said in a low voice to Ian from her position in the seat beside the driver. 'We shall have to bluff our way past.'

'Good evening, officer! How can we help you?' she called cheerily.

A dinner eh? Don't think I won't take you up on that! he laughs. At your awkwardness of his undressing he laughs all the more. You can look if you like. I've never had a complaint before he teases.

Later at the sight of the officer he looks grim. We can certainly try and honestly it may come to that. Still, best not to arouse suspicions if we can avoid it. he says quietly. In the back Father Simon and Lily try to look innocent as though they are simply safeguarding the load. The officer looks suspicious and grumpy in the rain. He has an umbrella in one hand and his other is near his holster though seeing women amongst the group he looks a tad easier. Yes, if you wouldn't mind telling me what you're doing out here in this ungodly hour? he sees Father Simon suddenly and looks a bit awkward at his choice of words. Nothin personal mind you, it's just a lot of unsavory activities happen in the park at night. We're supposed to question everyone.

ooc: Bluff check and also spot please

OOC: I'll post properly tomorrow, but I had a question: what kind of wagon is it? Is it open-topped or covered, and if covered, is there a door on the back?

My Spot check: 15
21:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 15 using 1d20+9. spot.

Sherlock-Scan the police officer: Search 28, Investigate 18, Sense Motive 19
21:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 28 using 1d20+13. search.
21:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+17. investigate.
21:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+8. sense motive.

ooc: No worries! It's an open top wagon. My apologies.

'Oh, of course. It's good to see the coppers keeping an eye on things. Fine work, officer!' Penny agreed chattily, a little differently and lower class from her typical reserved manner. She was stalling for time to think of a good deception. A priest, an Indian woman, and two British expats kind of narrowed her options. 'We were doing charity work. We took food and blankets to homeless folk camping in the Park – gets cold and wet out here, as I'm sure you know – while the good father tended to their poor souls.'

Changing the subject, she quickly went on 'Now, we didn't see any unsavory activities, sir. Just poor, honest folk trying to get by.' But the detective's interest was piqued by these "unsavory activities". Her voice took on a worried edge. 'What's been going on, officer? I hope no-one's in danger?'


OOC: Bluff 23. Great roll! Then I just had to think of something.
19:27, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+5. bluff.

Gather Information 18
19:53, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+9. gather info.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Mon 22 June 2015.

21:11, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 21 using 1d20+5. Spot Check.

ooc: I have to say that was a genius lie. Kudos!

The officer looks more than satisfied with this answer, even so far as to look sheepish at having stopped you. Oh well that makes sense of course! I'm so sorry to have hindered you. As Penny scans him she notes he seems unsure of himself, young and his uniform albeit soaked is in new condition. His ignorance of Ian also leads you to believe this is a rookie. The force probably shoved all the newbies out in the park rather than deal with it themselves. It's good that you are trying to help but this is a dangerous place at night he answers your question. There's been a lot of reports of screams and strange attacks. We've even found a body or two and not in good condition either. I don't mean to shock the ladies but you had best know what is out there. Might not be the best place for the homeless to be hangin about either he shakes his head.

Meanwhile Simon spots quick movement from behind the cop. It looks to be a young woman and as she rushes silently towards him you see a mouthful of fangs. This is not good...

Simon pointed, "Behind you, good sir!" He felt as though he should have been more on his guard. He raised the cross in his hand and casts Light upon it by saying, "And Christ said 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No man sits before the Father except through Me.' " He makes the light centered on his crucifix.

Cast Light

Penny wished she could get more details out of the fellow, but further questions would raise suspicions and they needed to be away. The troubles in the park came as no surprise anyway, given what they'd already found and how rundown and overgrown Central Park had become since its opening. 'My goodness!' Penny gasped at the policeman's report, raising a hand to her throat and playing the role of the good-hearted gentlewoman, shocked at the news of murder, even though she knew of a headless corpse not three feet away.

But soon her feigned shock turned to real shock as a vampire came rushing upon them, its fangs exposed. Penny was immediately on her guard, but thought – this wasn't right. It wasn't like a vampire to attack a group of five and be so outnumbered.

So, as everyone looked toward the vampire woman, Penny looked behind and all around, for the rest of the pack.


OOC: Initiative 13
14:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+2. initiative.

Active Spot check, 29! Are there any more of them?
14:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 29 using 1d20+9. spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Tue 23 June 2015.

The officer gapes at Simon's spell but manages to hear the warning and turns just as the vampire rushes at him. She hits and sends him flying back in a heap. Ian and Lily immediately dig an armful of machetes from the wagon. Never leave home without em Ian notes drily, offering them should you need. Penny, you do see movement fast approaching and you know the rest of the nest will be on you in seconds...

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll if you decide to attack. This round there is still just the one vamp but by the next round more will arrive. Simon, go ahead and brush up on the lore since it's a bit different in supernatural. http://www.supernaturalwiki.co...ex.php?title=Vampire   Note, decapitation is typically best but you can try the new angel sword too...

'We have company!' Penny warned, seeing fast movements in the night and through the trees. Damn their timing! Their cargo was too precious, their need too desperate, for them to stand and battle these vampires. How many more were there? 'Get him on the wagon! We must be gone ere more of them arrive.' she urged. They had to rescue the poor copper. And she'd told such a splendidly plausible lie too...

In one hand, she snatched up the reins dropped by Ian, ready to drive off as soon as they had the policeman. In the other, she pulled her pistol and aimed it at the vampire woman atop the struggling man. 'Hold still, sir!' she warned, focusing on her shot, on the vampire in the night. She breathed out, squeezed the trigger, and her enchanted pistol let out a sharp report.


OOC:
Draw pistol
Precise Shot: No -4 penalty on ranged attacks into melee
Blind-Fight: May reroll miss vs concealment.
Point Blank Shot: +1/+1

Attack 22, damage 6 @ vampire
20:36, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+9. shoot, PBS +1.
20:36, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d4+2. damage, PBS +1.

Miss: 94, should be good if it applies.
20:39, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 94 using 1d100. miss?

Simon recites:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." [Ephesians 6: 10-15]

Cast: Shield of Faith

He also drew the Angel's Blade in anticipation of the assault.

Lily and Ian jump from the wagon and rush towards the vamp. Penny's shot hits the woman, grazing her in the arm and she recoils, surprised at the pain the bullet has afforded considering most weapons don't harm the creatures. Ian tries to swipe at her with his blade but misses. Lily has more luck, burying the machete into the woman's collarbone, missing the neck but not by much, unfortunately this means it doesn't do much good. She swears in frustration and barks at Ian to get the cop in the wagon which he nods to. The poor officer is scrambling to stand up. As soon as he's in the wagon you leave! she snarls. We'll try to join you if we can but don't wait on us! This is more important and we've had worse before. Simon, you stay with Penny and get the cargo back safe. She dodges a couple of attacks from the vampire easily. By now you can see the others bursting from the trees. Simon's light has helped illuminate the scene nicely and it seems there are four more of the things.

"No," Simon said flatly, "I am staying with you."

'No! Everyone get on!' Penny cried to Ian and Lily, and now Simon, aghast at their recklessness. She couldn't lose anyone else, couldn't leave anyone behind. 'There's no need for heroism, and no reason to stay! We'll fight them on the run!'
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Thu 25 June 2015.

Arrrrrg! Well so much for getting Emma out safely she sighed in frustration. Fine, we'll do it your way but if it comes down to it saving the world is more important than either of us!Ian laughs. Looks like they may just care about us Lily. Let's make sure that doesn't get them killed shall we? They both run towards the wagon, the vampire woman close behind Lily and the others closing in.

ooc: Next round please

'Do you really believe leaving me alone to transport her is getting her out safely?' Penny hissed to Lily, her genuine concern her companions supported by a pragmatic concern for her own safety and the completion of the mission. She fired another shot at the nearest vampire, the attacking female, trying to cover the policeman's escape. She had the reins of the wagon tight in her other hand, ready to set the horses to motion. They were already spooking at the gunfire. 'Hurry!'


OOC:
Precise Shot: No -4 penalty on ranged attacks into melee
Blind-Fight: May reroll miss vs concealment.
Point Blank Shot: +1/+1

Attack 15, damage 10 @ vampire
20:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 15 using 1d20+9. shoot, PBS +1.
20:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 2d4+2. damage, PBS +1.

Ready move: drive the horses when everyone is aboard.

Simon follows Lily.

Simon was supposed to stay with you! she snaps back. You could have gone a lot faster without the two of us slowing you down she adds irritably as she scrambles aboard with Ian and the wounded cop who has started firing his pistol at the vampire to no affect of course. Oh for heaven's sake take this and chop her head off Lily rolls her eyes impatiently, thrusting the machete in to the bewildered cop's hands. By now everyone is on board, Penny's shot misses and the vampire has already leaped onto the side of the wagon, determined to continue her attack. Ian pulls out his pistol and fires at close range, hitting the woman in the side. She howls in pain, surprised that the gun actually hurt her and she struggles to grab at him but he dodges. The other vampires are incredibly close and as Penny spurs on the horses they run after the wagon and will catch up in seconds. This is bad.

ooc: Next round please

Simon lashed out at the female vampire with the Angel's Blade.

09:59, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Attack - Angel's Blade.
I still am unaware of any inherent bonuses in the stiletto, so this roll includes only personal bonuses.

Biting back an argumentative response to Lily, Penny instead lashed the reins and yelled 'Yah! Yah!' at the horses, sending them and the wagon clattering into motion. She continued to urge the horses, trying to get them up to full speed. They weren't warhorses, but with the gunshots and shouting, that shouldn't be too hard. The problem might be getting them to stop. What she wouldn't do for Kate's horseless carriage right now...

Twisting about in her seat, Penny turned to fire a quick shot at the crowd of vampires, but instead the wagon bumped over a stone, throwing off her aim. The gun reported, and the bullet thudded into the back of the cart in an explosion of wood splinters. She counted herself lucky not to hit her companions.

'Miss Lily! Perhaps you should take the reins.' she suggest, recalling how the Indian woman had given fresh meaning to the term "breakneck speed".


OOC: I looked through d20 Modern and d20 Past, but couldn't find and driving/vehicle rules specific to carts and coaches. If treated like a vehicle, then Penny will try to increase the speed category. If needed, Drive check 10.
13:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 1d20+2. drive.

Attack 10, rolled a 1, critical miss.
14:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 1d20+9. shoot, PBS +1.