Penny: While on the phone Victoria seems surprised about no one being there though she claims it is generally safe to leave Emma alone under the circumstances. Apparently the witch and the brownstone are warded beyond belief and she will personally know if any foul play occurs against the establishment though she does wonder where the others went.

Meanwhile when you see Emma she looks frantic regarding Juliet. Hasn't your Indian threatened me enough? she snaps. I agreed to help, what more do you people want? You're as bad as Belial and the rest of them! Where did you get that anyway? she demands, looking frightened. Fortunately you see her prison has enough warding to likely keep the hound out if you should lose control over her.

ooc; another concentration check :)

OOC: A proper post tomorrow. I hope the 17 will do? Is Ian present? (I don't mind if he is or isn't.)
21:06, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+6. concentration.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Mon 10 Aug 2015.

Simon/Jo:ooc: If you don't have evasion then take 7 damage please

You both manage to dodge the full brunt of the fire though Lily stumbles a bit and takes it all directly, biting back a curse for the priest's sake. Simon's bullet hits Sarah right in the side, a spray of blood littering the dirt path. Nice shot! she grins at you. She raises her own weapon to fire but seeing Jo is trying a different tactic she decides to hold off a moment, watching things unfold warily. Bleeding from her wound and seeing she is outnumbered, the frantic witch turns to her rescuer for aid, panting heavily and eyes wide with fear. Then do it woman! Get me out of here! she orders. As you talk Lily slowly starts to get into position around her, she looks to Simon to be ready to help her...

ooc: I'll let Jo finish her 'negotiation' and then next round Lily will make her move. If either or both of you will help then please roll your grapple checks!

ooc: No worries! And yes he is present and 17  is more than enough. Basically as long as you get a 10 you're good but anything less and things start to get hairy. Yes, pun very much intended :P

Simon also holds off and allows Josephine to have the floor.

"Alright, alright!" Josephine said, standing after her leap to safety, helping Sarah to her injured feet.

Turning around to speak to Lily and Simon, Josephine flashed Lily a wink hidden from Sarah, and spoke aloud,

"Can't you guys just let us go? We weren't going to do anything, except go where we came from, and leave you all alone."

From the lack of emphasis in her voice, Josephine was obviously prepared for them to ignore her pleas and 'take them both into custody', which was her entire plan. Since she'd gotten Sarah to walk into it, it'd be a simple matter for them, and would prevent more bloodshed, though she'd have to pretend for another few minutes.

As she spoke, she brought Sarah and herself within 'easy to grab' range for both Simon and Lily, expecting them to take the reigns.

'Friends in low places.' Penny offered, stalking around the protective circle and tapping her cane on her chin thoughtfully. She was trying to decide how to approach this conversation with Emma Bently, having come in here rather on impulse. The distraction of the hellhound had at least prevented the witch from bursting into a fit of insanity and rage. This was Emma Bently: she would like to be flattered, her high opinion of herself

'I'm afraid we started off on the wrong foot. I regret attacking you; it was impulsive of me. Honestly, had I known your importance in the grand scheme of things, I would have let you go unharmed.' That wasn't quite true; oh, Penny regretted her actions in hindsight, but she was a hunter, acting as she should against a witch, based on what she knew. But the Bentlys would have been wise not to stay and gloat, as they did, not to retaliate in a way that would anger Belial. But Penny would accept responsibility if it eased things along. But she'd bristled at being called as bad as Belial, utterly uncomprehending as to how one could think that. 'We really should have been working together against Belial from the start.'

Penny stopped her pacing and faced Emma, crouching to have her at eye level, leaning on her cane. 'You come highly recommended. I'm told you would know how to locate Miss Kate Piper – she is currently in Belial's foul hands. Tell me, how can I find her?' Penny pressed the witch.


OOC: Neh. I really need some points in this.
17:04, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20-1. diplomacy.

Penny: ooc: Yeah, I know what you mean! Jo is surprisingly good at diplomacy. I never realized how handy it could come before.

Emma listens with a sneer though your flattery does have some effect. Fortunately Ian steps in. We will not harm you Emma, I think Penny's right. We all know there is little choice for any of us. If nothing else you would think the opportunity to pay your husband back would be temptation enough. She considers the offer a long moment and then sighs and shakes her head. Very well though I don't know what Kate's part in all this is, only that you two were to be protected at all costs. Of course some follow directions better then others she smirks. If he's taken her then he likely has what he needs from her already. She may not even be alive, but I can try I suppose. I will need to be able to use my spells though she gives you a pointed look. A powerful witch like Emma with access to magic is on the risky side.

ooc: Fortunately Sarah lowed quite crappily, though with a DC 30 I was never worried.

Jo/Simon: Sarah seems oblivious to Josephine's hints, instead looking terrified and almost cowering behind the woman for cover. Lily makes her move then, leaping from behind to tackle the woman. Sarah struggles but is no match fortunately though her flailing is irritating the Indian. If someone could point a gun to her head or something this would go a lot easier she mutters. We need to get out of here. This place is too dangerous with just us. Even trying to sneak through is too risky.

Simon pressed the muzzle of his weapon to Sarah's skull. "Be nice for my Lady friend, would you?"

'I do not know how, but he needs us in order to manifest fully in this world.' Penny explained. She hoped she wasn't taking a risk in trusting Mrs Bently with this information, but it seemed the witch, who'd been so close to Belial's operations, would be able to make the best use of it. Perhaps she could tell her how Belial planned to use them. But Penny couldn't possibly let the witch work her magic. 'You can tell me what to do.'

Penny: Well that's because of your Darkmoor blood, and presumably Kate's  Blaeden blood as well. The story goes that from the beginning of humanity the heads of these two families pledged themselves to Belial and it is only one who is mixed of their two blood who can unlock his prison. They are the key, carefully constructed after centuries of planning and waiting. The two households are eager for this day. she shakes her head. Considering that he has Kate it must mean she is the key, it's the only thing that makes sense. At your refusal to let her work her own magic she rolls her eyes. This is not a very fair bargain for me you know, giving you everything you want with nothing in return. You'll have to trust me at some point. Perhaps getting Miss Piper back will be an act of good faith. she then proceeds to give you a list.

Simon/Jo: Lily gives Simon a pleased grin and Sarah immediately obeys, raising her hands as she stays motionless. Now, how do we get out of here? the Indian demands and Sarah grudgingly informs you of the password, a simple phrase in Latin that means enter darkness. Simon, you are aware that most witches would not fear a gun this much, even one that is blessed so you realize that this Sarah must be quite low ranking to be so easily overpowered. There is probably much within the park she would not have information on so likely Jo has only gleaned a portion of the truth of what is going on here.

Sarah turns to Jo, pleading. Don't let them kill me! I know you betrayed them but perhaps they will show mercy considering who your father was? It is startling that she should know of him and you can't help but be surprised.

Simon lifts a brow as Lily restrains the woman. Her fears are odd given her servitude of witches. Perhaps...she can be saved. "So do we explore or leave?"

"They won't kill you, darlin'..." Josephine reassured Sarah, shaking her head, "They call themselves 'good people', and that limits them." she said, still playing the role she was dealt, "Don't worry, I'll have us out of here in some time, but it might take some planning." she whispered, just loud enough so the others could hear.

With that, she followed the others wherever they went, playing the victim card.

What? Her family, pledged to Belial? The revelation was so shocking, so painful, so overwhelming, Penny had no idea how to take it and she scarcely reacted to it all, showing only a flicker of surprise. As Emma went on, Penny's face was blank and bland, still as a stone statue. But, inside, she had her jaw clamped so tight her teeth might crack, anything to stop herself screaming out denials and rage. Anything but him! 'The beginning of humanity?' Penny scoffed, trying to be dismissive, unconcerned. 'Mr Darwin would disagree. It was much later than that...' Her father's attempts to marry her off came to mind. And who were the Blaedens?

'Fair? You were restored to life, your soul liberated from Hell's grasp. You have already been handsomely reimbursed.' Penny reminded Emma. With notepad and pen, she began writing down the ingredients and particulars of the spell, trying to determine if it was one she could work. But it was hard to concentrate on the task while her head swam with ancient pacts with demon princes.


OOC: Identifying the spell, seeing if does what it should and isn't a trick by Emma: Knowledge (arcana) 20, Spellcraft 23
20:24, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+10. arcane.
20:24, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+5. spellcraft.

Jo/Simon: Lily gives Jo an approving look when Sarah has her head turned away and she pulls the woman firmly towards the entrance, using the password and looking relieved when it works. She treats Josephine with suspicion too, just as part of the ruse and soon you are in a hansom cab headed back to the brownstone. As much as the reckless side of me would love to explore that place if what Sarah here said is true we would be no match for whatever is on the other side. We'll have to return with reinforcements when the time is right. The last thing we need is her escaping and warning the others too so keep an eye on her! she nods to Simon.

Soon you are entering again and Sarah is quickly deposited in chains and her warded room. Once she is safely away from the rest of you Lily speaks more freely. Nice work Jo but that was close! If we hadn't been able to slip in like that you would be in a bad way. Try not to be so risky next time alright? I know you are determined but your mother would kill me.

As you speak you hear rummaging downstairs and should you investigate you find Penny and Ian, both who have been away much the last three days.

Penny:
Fine, though I think it was a small price to pay considering I may well know the only way to save the world. she gives a cold, smug smile. I should think that would earn me some perks, perhaps a cup of tea at least? At any rate you'll find the spell is not easy to perform. You likely won't be able to do it yourself. When you do find Miss Piper though you may want to save a lot of trouble and just end her right there. It may sound a bit medieval but since she is the key it would certainly foil Belial's plans. Or better yet, ask her to do it herself. You hunters are always so self sacrificing.

Simon gave both Ian and Penny a nod of hello. "Well long time no see. Penny the blade you gave me has come in very handy! Thank you. What have you discovered since our parting?"

She looked again at the ingredients and instructions, noting again the rarity amnd difficulty of the spell. She might need Emma's help after all, but she would consult with Victoria first. 'We shall have to get back to you.'

Penny stiffened at Emma's proposal of killing Kate, her anger rising at the idea, more than it had at the revelation of her ancestor's pledge to Belial. 'Being "a bit medieval" is why we are in this mess now, with demons and vampires and witches. And it won't put Belial back in his gaol, it won't end his threat for good. No. No one shall be sacrificed.' Penny declared, resolute.

She was interrupted when Simon and others came in. Penny rose, startled, and the unseen hellhound turned, lightning fast despite its bulk, to growl at the newcomers. Lily, and the trace of her, provoked the hellhound. 'Juliet! Down! Stay and guard.' Penny ordered the beast, pointing at Emma Bently, adding grimly 'Learn her scent.'

Quickly, she drew Ian and Simon out of the room, away from Emma Bently's cell and out of her earshot. Penny was all business, focused and urgent. 'I've spoken to my contact,' she decided not to mention the demon Crowley to the priest, figuring he wouldn't approve, 'Belial is halfway bound to his gaol in Hell, and halfway free in the world. This liminal state between life and death makes him immortal, but limits his powers. He needs Kate Piper to manifest fully in our world.' She also didn't mention the facts of the matter, of the Darkmoor and Blaeden families' pledges to the demon prince and the matter of the mixed bloodlines. It didn't seem necessary to know, and Penny scarcely understood it herself, yet.

'I do not know where Belial is keeping Kate. I tried to have the hellhound track her, but she's not in New York, nor even North America. She could be on another continent, another world, another time or plane of being...' Penny went on, exasperated with worry. 'We need a powerful spell to locate her: a crossroad demon's magic, at the cost of a soul, so that's out of the question. Or this witchcraft,' Penny waved her notepad. 'Victoria Green might be able to perform it, but we may need Emma Bently to do it.'

'What have you found? Any news on the Ring of Solomon?'
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 14 Aug 2015.

Smiling at Lily's words, Josephine shook her head and spoke with confidence,

"I trust you. I knew you'd come through for me. Ain't nothin' to it but that." she said, smiling and laughing softly. In truth, she was terrified the entire time, but she'd never show that. Nope. She'd be brave!

Jo: Lily looks surprised at the level of trust you put in her. Well thank you but what if I hadn't? I will do my very best for you my friend but there may come a day where I fail you. I would hate for you to pay the price for that. It might be good to be a little afraid at times, for my sanity if nothing else she grins.

Everyone:

Lily stiffens at the hell hound and though her eyes don't turn she looks incredibly on edge. When Penny leaves the room so does she, pulling Jo with her. I-I can't stay in there... she shakes her head, looking nervous. Jo, you may find her acting unusual, her knuckles white from balling her fists up. She looks stressed though at Penny's question she shakes her head. Nothing more on the ring yet. You two tell her about the park, I need to sit down. Penny, you can tell she's fighting her other half and Juliet is fighting your hold on her too as she very much doesn't like Lily...

Ian glances at the list and frowns. Victoria may be able to handle it...but Emma may be too advanced. We may not have a choice...

Simon nodded to Lily, "The Park seems the epicenter of the coven's activity. Josephine was smart enough to trick the witch into giving us the password. Lily suggests going back in force, though I do not know how much force is available. I might be able to call on the church for some aid." He lifted his eyes to heaven, "I only wish I were Isaiah, and then I could call on an army of angels."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Fri 14 Aug 2015.

Smiling back at Lily, Josephine explained,

"Its a price I'd gladly pay. When a person gives their trust, it ain't real unless it's full." she said, shrugging, "And if you don't have trust between friends, there ain't much you do have, is there?"

When Lily pulled her out of the room and began to act funny, however, Josephine was uncertain, but she figured the hell hound had something to do with it,

"You alright?" she asked, drawing closer, "I'm here, if you need to talk about it."

The stern look and firm order from Penny had been enough to keep Juliet obedient, the invisible hellhound staying to guard Emma Bently with an ominous, dreadful presence.

'Indeed? I visited the park the other day, albeit in daylight and only examining the scene of our battle with the vampires. Central Park does seem, well, central to all Belial's plots. I agree: it bears further investigating. I should take Juliet, she might track something.'

Penny frowned at Lily's departure, noting curiously the state she was in while the nephilim had almost, but not quite manifested. She was on the threshold, a liminal state. Perhaps there Lily might learn to master the nephilim. 'Excuse me.' Penny stepped away and approached Lily while she was seated, crouching in front of her and looking up into her eyes – not grey, she noted with relief. Penny spoke, her voice steady, firm yet gentle, almost hypnotic 'Lily. Please. You need to remember that reaction: what you felt, what you thought, what it made you think and feel. And you must know: you are in control of it. It is a part of you, as much as your hand. And like your hand, you may open or close it as you will. By your will, you can bring it out or put it back. Remember, your will. You are in control.'

'Now, you want to put it back. Relax. Open your hands. Let it go. Breath in, and out. In. And out.' Penny breathed slowly in and out with Lily, setting a rhythm for her to follow. Penny glanced across at Josephine, nodding, silently apologetic for interrupting her but feeling this was too vital an opportunity to miss to help Lily deal with her curse.


OOC: Hellhound handling skills still good: 14
16:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Concentration.

I don't know what to roll, if anything, for teaching Lily a calming/control technique, but maybe I shouldn't have tried: Diplomacy 10, Knowledge (behavioural sciences) 14
17:46, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 1d20-1. diplomacy.
17:46, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+6. know: behavioural sciences.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

ooc: We'll go with the behavioral sciences, lol. I'm back by the way, finally! Sheesh!

Lily looks at Josephine gratefully but says nothing, instead surprised by Penny's interaction. She obeys though, breathing as shown until after several long moments she is seemingly in control again. She gives Penny a shaky smile and then turns to explain to Josephine, albeit uncomfortably. I am not always myself I'm afraid...in times of extreme danger or anger I black out and something happens, though I never do remember. I've been told I'm someone else she glances at Ian who gives her a tight smile. But no one tells me much which is frustrating she glares at the Scotsman. Hey! We have our reasons! he protests and she sighs in irritation before turning and thanking Penny gratefully. He decides then to change the subject now that the Indian is under control. Taking Juliet is not a bad idea but we do need to go in force and we need to be careful. We may be safer in daylight hours but that doesn't mean we won't be harmed if they see us as enough of a threat. Perhaps we should focus on getting Kate back first before we go traipsing into the lion's den. Victoria can get here soon but if she can't do it I suggest we let the witch try. With Juliet and the rest of us at her toes I doubt she'd be fool enough to try anything.