Penny washed as much as she was able at the sink, as she had no time or energy to draw a bath, washing away the filth of grave digging and corpse handling, of demon hunting and vampire slaying. But she couldn't wash away her fears for Kate. She shed her ruined dress, and with nothing to change into, remained in her copious smallclothes. At last, she fell into bed, and into sleep not long after.

*

Recovering from the previous day, Penny slept in late, well past sunrise, but when she awoke, she was back in a flurry of furious activity and determination. Dressed in rather plainer clothes, which made her rather less noticeable, she had a quick breakfast, and threw herself into fresh research and investigation. She was a driven woman, like a bloodhound – or indeed hellhound – on a trail. Until she had Kate safely back and Belial defeated, Penny would not rest and would stop at nothing. That included the little pills she'd not used since the Ripper case.

Penny avoided Emma Bently, for fear of setting her off again. Her presence would only be an impediment in the interrogation. In fact, she suggested to Victoria that she reveal the role Richard Bently had played in delivering her head. If her husband had betrayed her, Emma might yet be convinced to work with them against him. Penny hinted that Victoria's mesmeric powers might be better suited to extracting the necessary information from Emma.

Penny planned to, in the following order:

1. Return to the scene of the battle in Central Park at daylight to see if the vampires had left any clues behind, even bodies. She wanted to confirm who the vampires were working for.
   
2. Question the surviving possessed members of the Men of Letters, if any, to determine clues as to the demons' plans, haunts, and activities. Investigate the base to find physical clues to the same.
   
3. Search the Bently's home and store, after first making sure that Richard Bently was out and no demons or other monsters were watching the house. She would look for any clue to the whereabouts of the Ring of Solomon, the location of Belial's lair, and his plans and operations, as well as those of the Hand of Baal.
   
4. Furthermore, she suggested discreetly tailing Richard Bently, in the hopes that he might lead them to Belial's lair, or at least one of his haunts. What was good for the demons was surely good for the hunters too.
   
5. If all the above failed, she would try her underworld contact to try to learn where Kate was being held. Failing that, she would learn what she could of Belial and his whereabouts.

She would also find out how to get a message to Belial. He had, after all, invited her to dinner.


OOC: That should do for now.

First, dice-wise, I'd like to use my Profile ability on Belial. There should be enough witnesses and evidence now, and it helps that Penny herself has met him. This could apply even if he switches bodies, I hope.
Gather Information 20 vs DC 15, success.
16:51, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. gather information.
Investigation 35 vs DC 15, auto-success
16:53, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 35 using 1d20+17. investigate.
So Penny has a rough mental picture of Belial, including physical description, distinguishing characteristics and mannerisms. She also has a profile of his modus operandi, a sense of what he's after, and what he might do next. All of which translates to a measly +2 circumstance bonus on all skill checks to locate further evidence or track him down.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Fri 17 July 2015.

Josephine: The next three days you find yourself split between the brownstone and the bar. At one point while you are tending the bar with your mother a man walks in and starts installing a telephone! When Elizabeth asks what he is doing he merely shrugs and says he was ordered to put one in by order of a Victoria Green who apparently paid him handsomely. Elizabeth is not exactly displeased as this will bring a lot of business to the bar and give you a way to call in and check up with her though you know it's more a way for you to be summoned to help than anything else.

The time at the Brownstone is illuminating. You learn a little bit more of your new companions though Penny is often away, a determination in her eyes that surprises you. Apparently a hunter from the future of all things (named Kate) was kidnapped and the woman won't rest until she has tracked her down. You also note to your surprise that Simon and Lily seem to be something of an item though there is a timidness about them that indicates this is a new development. There are two witches now, the resurrected Emma and a wounded woman that was brought in the night you met everyone, named Sarah. Victoria questions both of them though Sarah is more illuminating than Emma. She seems to know little save that her coven posted her at the park to guard against intruders. Apparently it is full of unsavory creatures and all the woman seems to know is that they are doing more than just protecting Emma's body.

As for Emma herself, she is still chained and encircled (as is Sarah) and she refuses to speak at all though when Victoria mentions it was her own husband who betrayed her she looks devastated. The rest of the time is spent familiarizing yourself with the tools of the trade and you also receive an enhancement of your weapons so that they are now affective against demons and other evils. You feel much safer now. When you're not busy with such things Lily often keeps you company. She seems particularly fond of Poker and Billiards as there is a billiard table at your bar and she visits often in order to play it with you. She's quite good at it though she's awful at Poker and has the worst poker face you've ever seen, getting quite irritated when she loses and she loses almost every time.

Father Simon: ooc: Feel free to add any plans you have for those three days too. I'm just moving things along but that doesn't mean you can't add anything for that time frame.

Lily seems a little subdued after what happened in the park and she seems uncertain around you, no doubt wondering what exactly she said to you and perhaps worrying for your safety since she has no idea what happens when she blacks out. She instead distracts herself with the new huntress though she is cooperative enough should you wish to talk to her. If you press the issue you will discover she is afraid of hurting you as she has blacked out with fellow hunters before and woken to discover them badly mutilated and murdered. Victoria's belief in her and assurance of her trustworthiness has kept her going thus far but now she worries that the woman is wrong and there will be a point where she hurts you too.

As for Emma, she is silent until the end of the third day at which point she sends for you and only you as she will not trust anyone else at the moment. Alright priest, you seem to be the most genuine of anyone here. How do I know you won't betray me after I cooperate? I will need YOUR word of my safety if I'm going to even think of helping you. I know your vows will hold you to it.


Penny: ooc: I'm sure you will be made aware of the events above by Victoria too so keep that in mind.
The three days pass faster for some than others. Penny is relentlessly busy and Ian will tag along if she lets him. Victoria takes your advice with an approving nod and sets to work on Emma as well as the other witch you took prisoner. The park is less dangerous in the daylight and there are a great many pedestrians about which makes it tricky to investigate sometimes. You do find the dead vampires are gone and there are signs of drag marks that lead to the shore. Likely someone disposed of them in the lake. Other than signs of violence and a great deal of blood spatters from Juliet's activities, you find nothing eye opening.

There are one or two survivors at the men of letters but they remember little save for being at the docks a great deal and taking orders from a coven of witches and sensing the demons within did not like this. Most of the time they reported back to these women after obtaining information from the men of letters. They also felt like they were put in place not just for eyes and ears but to be ready in the event of some plan unfolding, though of course they don't know what it is.

The Bentley's home and store have been completely cleared out though as you search the store you discover a letter on the ground, sealed with Penny Dreadful written on it. Should you open it, it reads: Since you are bent upon cheating my dear I will make things more difficult for you. Do give my regards to Emma. Also, I will be at the four seasons tonight if you desire a late supper. It is not signed but you know immediately it is Belial.

Unfortunately because he has emptied his properties you have no idea where Mr. Bentley is.

As for your contact, you recall Castiel's instructions on summoning Crowley in order to help you find Kate. It takes a bit of doing but you complete the ritual easily enough thanks to several ingredients that Victoria has on hand. Now all you need do is wait.

Enjoying her time, at least the little bits where Lily plays poker or billiards with her, and tries to befriend her, though she realizes that she's sort of late to the party. As the newest member, she understands this... there has always been a sort of initiation period for new people in groups, and it'd be unfair of her to expect otherwise. Still, seeing the capabilities of the group made her feel out-classed, but she'd be damned if she accepted that. She'd work her butt off, harder than anybody, and she'd prove that she was just as capable as anybody else could be!

Still, when she saw the priest work with Emma, she chose to keep her distance. He was a strange one, at least in her perspective, as she didn't quite understand religion. He was never alone, and she didn't want to insult his knowledge base, so she never approached to help him out with his diplomacy, even though she felt inwardly like she could.

It didn't much bother her. She was sure in the future, she'd find her place. For now, it was time to be patient, and helpful, and stay out of everyone's hair.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Thu 16 July 2015.

Simon is uncertain around Lily as well. He is in no hurry to broach the subject, but at some point it must come up. Simon's explanation is this, "Lily it was like you were a different person. Your voice and manner were so alien that I felt as though you were ready to be done with me at first. Once I understood that you were having an episode, it was less of an affront. As far as attacking allies, you knew ally from enemy, you left alone the former and slaughtered the latter."

He took Josephine's advice, gladly, but made sure always to speak with her in the open, not in private, out of deference to Lily. Once Emma Bentley asked for him, he arrived. Her foray made him smile. "Emma, my concern is less for your help and more for your soul. Wouldn't you like to discuss this?"

OOC: Of course, thanks. I forgot we'd captured that other witch as well.


Hearing of the demons' activities at the docks, Penny was intrigued. She recalled the other hunters and Men of Letters had seized a shipment of demon summoning scrolls there several days ago. Did they have some other interest in the docks area? A vacant warehouse would be excellent place to conduct their evil deeds. She recommended that Victoria have her people discreetly investigate the docks area, on the look-out for demons, warded buildings, and other illicit goings-on. Penny would do it herself, but she had more than enough to do already, and the Englishwoman would likely stick out like the proverbial sore thumb on the American docks, if the demons didn't already know her face far too well.

Regrettably, she had no time to speak with Josephine Hartley, not for any disagreement or dislike, but because she was far too focused on finding Kate. Otherwise, she might have been only to happy to give the new huntress some tips and advice.

*

Penny looked dismally around the vacant tailor's shop. Scarcely even a thread remained. Regrettably, they had come to the Bently far too late. Still, reasoning optimistically that it would at least make her search easier, she'd gone over both places with fine comb, scrutinising every surface, tapping the walls and floorboards, checking light and gas fittings, and sifting through the dust.

It didn't take long at all to find the letter, placed so prominently on the ground and addressed to her. Warily, as if its touch might burn her, she picked it up, but scrutinised the envelope closely before she opened it and read the contents. She sharply drew in her breath in anger, disgust, and fear at Belial's note. Fighting her outrage back down, she examined the letter too, touching the paper with her fingers, sniffing the paper and glue. She examined the paper stock, watermarks, how it was cut. The seal, the ink, and the penmanship. The Four Seasons. Oh, Penny was tempted to accept the invitation, to confront the vile demon prince and demand Kate's release. She would offer herself in her place if she could. But it had to be a trap, and too dangerous even to scout out. If they met, it had to be at a place of her choosing, with her own preparations.

She quickly wrote a response below in excessive, violent formality: Regrettably, sir, I have already made plans for tonight. Please do accept my apologies. I shall make other arrangements at this address in the same manner. Yours sincerely, Lady Penelope Darkmoor. Just to spite whatever demon should find and open it, she drew a devil's trap on the back of the letter, folded so it would be concealed until opened, and replaced it inside the envelope, which she readdressed to Belial. It went back on the floor in exactly the same place as it had been found.

OOC: Search checks 23 and 25 for the Bently house and store for clues, +2 if the clue pertains to Belial.
10:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+13. search - house.
10:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 25 using 1d20+13. search - store.

Investigate check 23 on the letter. Any clues to Belial's whereabouts?
11:06, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+19. investigate - letter.

*

In a secure summoning room in the Men of Letters base, Penny worked feverishly to work the spell for summoning the crossroads demon. She could have done this at any isolated crossroads in New York, but  would have little choice over which crossroads demon came. She had no plans to make a deal or sell her soul; she was after a very specific demon, Crowley, whose usual haunt was back in her home country. She wished she'd thought to summon and question him back in Britain for some prior familiarity.

With all her preparations made and devil's traps drawn, Penny settled in to wait...

Simon: Lily looks surprised and disturbed by your news. She apologizes for her manner but falls silent, looking upset before heading out again, understandably unhappy about the matter.

Later:

There is nothing to discuss. No penance can save me now but at least I can get a little payback. Are you going to make me the promise or not? she sneers. Saving my soul is a waste of your time you may as well focus on what is at stake.

Jo: As the pair talk Victoria goes up to Josephine and speaks to her quietly. I've gotten all I'm going to out of Sarah, the other captive she explains. But Lily said you are quiet the talented lia-uh....actress! I'd welcome anyone else's attempts if you're up for it. It's good practice and shouldn't do any harm. She may have told me everything but one can never be too sure with witches. I suppose I could try more physical means of coercion but I prefer to save that as a last resort.

Should you accept the offer you find yourself upstairs in the small room the other witch has been bound to. She sits quietly, looking stressed. Victoria smiles and leaves you to it saying she is only going to be a room away if you need anything.

Penny: The letter yields little other then it is extremely fine stationary and your guess is it was imported from Europe though there are a handful of shops in town that would provide such things. The handwriting is tight, clean, perfectly in line as though made via ruler or straight edge and actually quite lovely in a masculine way. The letter smells of cologne just faintly enough that you predict it was from the wearer and not deliberately sprayed on the letter itself. It smells of sandalwood and cinnamon, a masculine and attractive scent.

Later, at headquarters as you summon Crowley you wait a few minutes before a voice behind you startles you in spite of your expectation. It is a man of about thirty in a bowler cap and vest, mildly good looking though a bit scruffy. He looks nothing like the Crowley you met in the future but then it would stand to reason he would have a different meat suit in your time. He speaks with a Scottish accent even thicker than Ian's. I was told to expect to hear from you but not like this he looks grumpy and you note he smells strongly of drink. I was right in the middle of the best game of billiards I could ever hope to play so you'd better make this worth my while he glowers.

'Well, then, don't let me detain you. If you answer my questions quickly, you can get right back to your game.' Penny answered brightly, her voice containing the hint of a threat that she might just stall Crowley until his game was ruined. 'Tell me all you know about Belial.'
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Mon 20 July 2015.

Nodding her head, Josephine headed upstairs almost immediately... almost. First, she grabbed a cup nearby, and filled it with liquid, bringing it with her.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Mon 20 July 2015.

Penny: He sighs but flops down in a chair and adjusts his dirty collar. I dunno, what do you want to know? He's planning some end of the world nonsense from what I hear he shrugs. I wouldn't bother about it normally but my bloody future self made a visit all the way back here just to pummel me into helpin you! He claims he's king of hell now though so I suppose he may know a thing or two. Anyway, I don't deal much with Belial, best to stay out of the way of the up and comers. I take my orders from Hecate, such as they are. Not much to it, go to the crossroads make a deal get a soul, simple kind of life is best ya know? Her and Belial are pretty chummy though if you know what I mean, between the sheets and all he grins wickedly. I was also told you had some missin woman I'm supposed to help find?

It was hard to credit this slovenly crossroads demon as a future king of Hell. Then again, it was hard to credit the future king of Hell as a king of Hell. Penny regarded Crowley carefully, not trusting the demon but knowing it was in his best interests to help her, if he expected to become king of Hell one day. 'Yes. Where would Belial be keeping her? In New York, or elsewhere.' she asked. 'And what are his intentions for her? If not his obvious disgusting vices.'


OOC: Just because it's Crowley, Sense Motive 17
20:19, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+8. sense motive.

Simon was calm, "Then my focus in incorrect. I believe any soul can be saved and all have value, including your own. Why do you resist salvation?"

Penny: He shrugs. Don't know and don't know. Like I said, I primarily deal with Hecate not Belial. All I know is he wants her well preserved for somethin. Not even supposed to bang her up if we can help it which is pretty rare treatment amongst us demons. Now, if you want to find her the best way I can think of is one you're not gonna like. I'm gonna need someone to make a deal... The way he winces slightly indicates it is just the kind of deal he is known for.
ooc: By the way, is Ian with you? I mentioned before he would try to tag along but we never really covered it.

Jo: She seems wary of you and answers you cautiously. It's a great deal more lucrative then not being one... she mutters in regard to the question of being a witch. Well, usually. What is it that you want from me? I've already told you everything I know. Emma will know a great deal more than me anyway.

Father Simon: She gives a bitter laugh. Salvation? It's too late for that. I've seen the pit, I know what awaits me. If you knew the things I'd done you wouldn't be spouting your dribble about forgiveness to me. Besides, I've chosen my path, what makes you think I want salvation? I would much rather have revenge. Now, I didn't come here for a sermon priest. Are you going to protect me or not? Me, not just my soul she adds drily.

"Is it now...?" Jo feigned interest, sipping at her drink once more and making the customary wincing face young girls often show with alcohol,

"What do I want from you? Well, not much specifically, I just wanted some space from those downstairs. Told them I'd be talking to you." she said, shrugging, and pausing an appropriate amount of time, thinking clearly evident on her face as she lured Sarah in,

"So... how lucrative are we talking here?" she asked, a practiced mixture of guiltiness, and interest on her face, "And how..." she glanced back towards the stairs conspiratorially, "Open are witches to newcomers who enjoy lucrative careers?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in question as she took another sip.

'A deal?!' Penny repeated, shocked. 'To sell a soul? What on earth for?' She told herself she had no interest in making any kind of deal, but if she could know why and how, she might have some idea of what the demons were after. At least, it seemed, Kate was safe, at least as much as demon hospitality extended.


OOC: Sure, he can be with us.

ooc: Perfect! Thanks!

Crowley shakes his head and mutters, I'm never gonna make it back to my game Then he straightens his hat, which he rudely still wears indoors and explains. Look, the typical demon is a powerful thing right? But we have limits. When you throw a soul into the mix and you make a deal though, suddenly we're a bit more...well rounded. You'd be surprised what people make deals for. Curing sickness, fame, fortune, heh even talent of all things! Now, some of that I can pull of on my own but others not so much. It requires a transaction. What people don't know is that it's partly the power of the human's soul that enables the transaction to be granted in the first place. I just know how to use the energy to my advantage. Of course sometimes it's all me he grins smugly. But there's a reason I can't go around making everyone a virtuoso or the next Da Vinci or Shakespeare just willy nilly. Trust me I've wanted to, have you seen some of the plays they come out with lately? he makes a face. It requires extra. Now, Belial could have your mate in any time and any place, he's good at moving around if you hadn't noticed. If you want a surefire way to find her a soul is your best bet. You'll get ten years, it's my standard contract. he adds as though that somehow makes it better.And of course it needn't be yours he adds with a look towards Ian.

ooc: I know that may not be canon but I always wondered how the crossroads demons have such powers when the typical demon is fairly limited. So I made it up, why? Because I can! Mwahahahahahahaha!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:29, Wed 22 July 2015.

'I know how it works.' Penny answered testily, grimly recalling the incident of Hugo Baskerville and the dark deal he'd made, what she'd learned. She was curious though, and if she could trick the system as her ancestor had done... But she found the whole thing utterly repugnant and unreliable besides. There was no guarantee of success, only that Belial would seize her soul now or in ten years' time, given that Crowley served Hecate and she was allied with Belial. She knew the demon prince had an interest in her, likely the same as he had in Kate. Darkmoor blood. But what, exactly, did he want? She decided to bargain. 'This isn't just any common soul, you know,' Penny responded haughtily, 'This is a pure-bred Dumnonii, a noble Darkmoor soul. It has power. There are prior claims. Surely you can do better than that? What can a demon do with a Darkmoor?'
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Thu 23 July 2015.

Simon looked sadly at Emma Bently. To be given this second chance at salvation and not to take it...

"I am afraid I can offer you nothing else Emma. It matters not to me which of Hell's generals you serve, only that you serve Hell. Nothing you say can be trusted. I will make no bargain with you."

He returned his chair to it's former position and made ready to leave the room.

Penny: Ian looks at you with alarm. Don't be foolish Penny! We'll find her another way. Crowley gives a chuckle at that. Your little Romeo here has a point. You could try to find her by other means, but I tell you now my way is the only sure way. How long has she been missing already? You really think her time with Belial is going well? he smirks. And you do make an interesting point. Darkmoor souls are particularly important...hm...also keep in mind I can't promise you that you'll live for ten years more. Belial may change his mind and then nothing I can do will protect you from him. But I can offer other benefits in the meantime. What exactly do you think you want? Besides the return of your friend.

Jo: ooc: Sorry, this one slipped by me yesterday!

You wish to join me? she blinks uncertainly. Do you even know the first thing about magic? It's not an easy thing to learn you know, not just anyone can do it... she frowns. If you're really serious though perhaps you can help me escape? I would put in a good word for you with the coven! she seems almost desperate to get out of here.

Father Simon: Lily makes a strangled noise as you leave and follows you, wincing though not from any physical pain. She takes your hand and practically drags you to the other room and once you're alone she grabs your collar and pulls you close. Oh no, no, no Simon, Simon, Simon... she sighs, stressed out. You're just too good my dear she gives a half smile. Look, I understand she is a loathsome hell serving evil doer but we need her help to prevent the end of the world. I'll say it again, end of the world. You seem to be the only one she will deal with and now... she shakes her head and starts to laugh. Well needless to say that went poorly! I know you don't want to deal with someone so evil but do we really have a choice? Death himself had us bring her back so that she could help us and now you won't let her help us? She sighs and leans on you heavily though you can tell she is being patient with you and that part of her admires your stance on things. Alright, how about this? How about you agree to deal with her if she promises to do nothing untoward? If she shows the slightest sign of betrayal I will happily put her down for you! she grins at the idea. And if she behaves she will be locked up for eternity. Please?

'I want Belial defeated and his plans in ruins. And that you cannot provide.' Penny reminded Crowley. 'You serve Hecate and she serves Belial. If I make a deal with you, then I shall find myself in his clutches regardless, whether tomorrow or in ten year's hence... Or I can deal with Belial directly, cut out the middleman as it were,' she gestured to Crowley, the proverbial middleman, 'And make a far better deal for Miss Piper's safe return. I know he desires us for more than just our virtues. What can Belial do with a Darkmoor soul?

Raising an eyebrow, Jo took another sip, as if thinking on it, and then responded after a bit,

"Its actually possible? I don't know much, but I'm a quick read..."

When she mentioned a quick escape, Jo frowned, thinking deeply,

"I could, but I'd need to know I can trust you." she said, delaying time just long enough to build anticipation, "What is it they want to know from you? I didn't even ask, frankly can't stand them enough to. But what are they searching for?" she asked, setting the trap, "Tell me that information, and I'll keep it as my bargaining chip. Then we'll get you out of here."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Thu 23 July 2015.

Simon smiled at Lily. "God is on our side, Lily. If this is the end then it is His will. I do not make deals with her kind. I am sorry if this spoils things, but whatever her motives, saving humanity is not among them. She hopes to twist the situation for her Master's benefit and against us so as to win some small favor in hell." He sighed, knowing she wouldn't understand. "Besides if Death wants this so badly, let Death handle her."

Penny: Crowley rolls his eyes. Now that would be just about the stupidest idea ever. You know he needs you two right? You want to end the world that much sooner just so you can see each other a few months before it all goes? Stupid. he shakes his head. Another thing? Belial does not keep his promises, I do. Anyone can vouch for that, it's a matter of pride on my part. You'll get no such guarantees from him. As for Hecate, I may serve her for now but apparently I'm going to become the King of Hell, must mean I strike out on my own sometime. Besides, I'm of a self serving nature, if it suits me to keep a secret I am more than happy to.

As he finishes his counter argument Ian steps forward, face grave but a determined look on his handsome face. I'll do it. You can take my run of the mill every day soul and tell us where Kate is. I trust you'll deal with me fairly, one Scot to another. I have ten years right?

Jo:
Sarah looks hesitant but after a long moment gives an uncertain nod. Alright but you've got to swear to keep your word. Should she gain such a promise she will continue. They want to know what's really going on in central park. I actually don't know all the details, only that it is where the ceremony must take place to free Belial completely when the time comes. He may walk this earth but he is not entirely restored. He has an army of demons, vampires, wendigo, nearly anything you can think of in those woods. He's guarding something though no one really knows what. He only truly trusts his higher ups. Heh, funny enough he used to trust Emma! See where that got him? No wonder he's paranoid. Anyway, that's all I know. Your friends think central park is important because of Emma's body but that's just the tip of it. I would steer clear of it if I were you, unless you're with me of course. she adds.

Father Simon: Indeed she doesn't seem to understand but you can see her wrestling with her temper for your sake. If you were anyone else you have a feeling you'd be hearing some rather unpleasant language right now. Instead she gives a stiff nod and turns on her heels and leaves, closing the door behind her.

ooc: Ok, so you have a room at the brownstone to stay at if you wish or you can wander about etc or try to go after her, whatever you want. Should you let her go though please roll a listen check.