Emma looks a bit flustered but grudgingly nods. She can find it therefore it is as good as found in my eyes. If she knew it already she would tell me but I've not had the opportunity to ask it of her yet. You see, I've been seeking it for years. I'm no fool and I know that Belial seeks to betray the followers of Baal. I performed a spell in order to help me find it and it revealed to me that Sarah could do so. I consider it as good as found due to this but of course it is likely not that simple. I have followers of my own who seek to bring down Belial as well. I could not simply say to them I know someone who can ask the spirits where to find it, that does not breed the confidence and trust I need from my people. Instead I have taken to putting it in slightly more concrete terms though I assure you the end result is the same. Sarah can find it and we will obtain it, simple as that. I don't' see the use of my vernacular is so vital as you think she sniffs.

Simon stared at Emma. It is a trick many parents and Priests use. Let the air stay dead, people will fill it with words and eventually the words will be true.

09:25, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 19 using 1d20+13.  Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Wed 02 Sept 2015.

Emma scowls back defensively and folds her arms. You can doubt me all you want but I'm not lying. I may not know where it is but Sarah can find it, I know it! Why else would I be brought back from death itself if she couldn't! she snaps. You get the feeling she at least believes what she is saying, which is a great comfort if nothing else.

Simon nodded, "Very well then. Tell me about this Sarah Winchester, you said you know her."

Rolled a natural 16, but I don't know what modifiers to use... the +4 for handheld attacks?

Nodding with a grin, Josephine shot her hand forward, trying to punch quickly for Lily's arm. She wasn't aiming for the face, because she certainly didn't want to bloody her nose or anything, but she wanted to give a good effort, and hope she could at least punch her shoulder, and have a little bit of fun!

ooc: Simon, she will answer you, I just don't want to get too far ahead of Penny in case she wants to chime in ;P

Jo: ooc: Yup, you do the +4 but for your damage you roll 1d3+ strength modifier and it is subdual nonlethal damage.

You hit Lily squarely in the arm and though she tries to dodge it is of no use. She makes a face and tries to hit you back but you are too quick and she misses. Cursing she squares again. Well blast! Again! I'm going to make a fool of myself aren't I? she wrinkles her nose.

Laughing as she darted out of the way, Josephine shook her head,

"Trust me, we keep that up, eventually you'll win. I've just learned that the first punch is usually the last in me and ma's line of work!" she teased, laughing again.

"You could still teach me a few things. Next time we get into a brawl, I'll hold em, you punch em, eh?" she giggled, having a blast.

Penny listened quietly but watching closely through Simon's exchange with Emma, concerned that their lead on the Ring of Solomon was rather less solid than initially claimed. But Emma Bently seemed certain that Sarah Winchester could led them to it, and that would have to do.

'Tell me about Belial. What kind of creature is he?' Penny asked, her words cold. She dreaded to hear about his vile wickedness, especially while Kate was still in his clutches, but she had to know the kind of man she was dealing with, how he would act and react. Her sole meeting with him the other day had been too brief and too shocking to get a proper read on him.


OOC: Sorry, I have a cold and didn't have another post in me last night. I think Emma's already told us everything about Sarah, but you can presume my question comes after.

Penny/Simon: Emma answers your questions thoroughly. There isn't much more about Sarah I haven't already said. She lost her daughter a few weeks after she was born and between that and her husband's death she became a bit unhinged. She was told by a medium that her family was cursed and if construction should ever stop on her property in California she would join her husband and daughter. Even I think that is nonsense. Since when did ghosts care about ridiculous things like that? she scoffs. But Sarah didn't listen and she's still there now, building away at the wretched place. As for Belial, well he's about as bad as one would expect. He's very cunning. He has a deceptive calmness about him that gives you a false sense of security at times and then when he's after you it's difficult to see it coming. she sighs at the memory. I do think he is overconfident though. He underestimates humans a great deal. He also overestimates his own abilities at manipulation. Right now he's lied to so many people he doesn't fully appreciate just what the consequences will be if they all find out exactly what tales he's been telling. He in no way has the following that Baal has, well not without his manipulations. I hope to one day use that to our advantage.

Jo: Lily laughs merrily. That sounds like a splendid idea! In the meantime do you want to have another go? I hate losing I'll be honest though knowing my wretched luck I'll do even worse the second time. I will admit, when I do lose I lose dramatically. For instance normally I pride myself on my ability to sneak quietly but just last week I was doing so and knocked an entire shelf of china down and had to run for my life. I sometimes wonder if there isn't some curse on me at times she chuckles. ooc; Or in her case, bad luck on the dice roller...

Simon looked crushed as she admitted she was still under the demon's influence. He shook his head, "Wheat from chaff."

Laughing, Jo nodded,

"Sure, let's have at it!" she said, playfully throwing another punch at Lily's arm. It was pretty clear that Jo was trying not to hurt her, but just make contact for practice purposes.



Rolled an 11, so is that a 15? Lol, I don't want to do any damage, Lily's my favorite! If I do damage, I'll diplomacy attack myself, and convince myself that myself is my own enemy, and punch... myself? Now I'm confused, lol!

'A curiously specific piece of advice from a medium, though.' Penny noted, intrigued by the case of Mrs Winchester and her house. The urge to continue construction was too specific and banal to be a simple case of a medium spouting nonsense. Whether it had a mundane or occult solution, this was something she wanted to investigate. And could there be a connection to Dean and Sam Winchester? 'Vague statements are the fraud's normal stock-in-trade. Unless, of course, this medium happened to have some interest in local construction firms.' she added with a small smile.

She listened carefully to what Emma had to say about Belial, remembering it for a future encounter. 'Oh? And what brought you to the Hand of Baal? I can't see what benefit you might find in following a missing, presumed dead, demon?' Emma was being surprisingly optimistic about getting back to the Hand of Baal; Penny didn't intend to let her get back to any kind of diabolism.

Penny/Simon: Emma looks at Simon with a glance of worry, perhaps remembering she is supposed to be turning her life around and no doubt thinking of Lily's threats should she do otherwise. She answers Penny with several wary glances at the priest. Many witches see the benefit of serving other masters, my coven is no different. True we can do remarkably onour own but we are no fools as to where our power comes from. There are a few white witches true, though they are rare and often fools. Most of us get our powers from less than savory places. When Baal was in power quite long ago I assure you, he was not afraid to share his good fortunes. Why do you think he has such a loyal following even now? His power is our power, or should I say was she looks at Simon quickly. I did swear to end my pursuits to that Indian woman. Though that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of his followers in the meantime. I think if they really knew about Belial's plans they would help us even for just the time being.

Jo: ooc: lol! That would be awesome to see! Yeah, as for damage you can just roll a 1d3 and add your strength modifier, which in your case is -1 so you won't get much damage at all and what you do get will be subdual so it would barely hurt, so no worries!

This time the Native woman dodges and returns with the lightest ever blow to your chin, so gentle it is literally the faintest tap and doesn't hurt at all though her speed surprises you. Oh thank heavens! she looks relieved. I've still got it! Either that or it was luck but I'd prefer to think the former. I can't have a brand new hunter just waltz in and put me in my place after all! she laughs. Now dare I go a third try and possibly be humbled again? I will admit, I'm the type of woman who has to end on a win. If you best me this third round there shall be a fourth! she winks.

As Lily teased her, Josephine darted in, ducking, and stuck her hand out once more, this time, teasingly reaching for the center of her chest, her aim much more accurate than before,

"Haha, I'll give it a shot, but if you keep making it too easy, maybe I'll train you!" she teased, laughing out loud, thoroughly enjoying herself. She made a few quick mock shadow boxing movements afterwards which, unfortunately for her, did two things: showed she wasn't actually trained very well in boxing, and made her look ridiculous in a fun way.




23 Ooh!

She gives a mock offended gasp, especially since you actually do strike her quite squarely in the chest and she looks down at where you hit with a scowl. Trying to strike you back she unfortunately misses and balls her fists up and screeches in irritation though it is more humorous then angry. I knew I should have quit while ahead! Blast it all! Again! she demands though their is a grin in spite of her frustrations.

"Alright, sounds like a plan!" Josephine laughs again, darting forward, and sending out her hand once more to teasingly tap Lily on the chin, trying to mirror Lily's own graceful movement from earlier.

LOL 22!

You hit her lightly on the chin and her green eyes bulge, mouth screwing up in determination as she lunges forward to land her own tap on your cheekbone, looking pleased with herself. Well that's something I suppose. At least we're even this time. she shakes her head with a laugh. You are far too spry! Alright, well let's say we call this even now so my pride can settle down but we really should work on something else while they chew each others ears off in there. Hm...what else is good to practice? I know! Let's see how good you are at staying hidden! Hide and seek is not just for children when you consider it training! You hide first, I shall count. You have twenty seconds. I suggest you try to be quiet about it too. Oh, and you have to stay in the house and no hiding in Sarah's room, got it? she turns to count, already covering her eyes.

ooc: Roll hide/move silently if you desire to play her little training exercise ;P

Disappearing with an excited look, Josephine ran off to go hide, nearly giggling and giving herself away entirely. She waited, hidden nearby, keeping in the shadows near the doorway...

ROFL a natural 20! 28! I'm awesome when the stakes are zero!

Penny was silent on the matter of the Hand of Baal, having little more to say in that direction and thinking of her own small dabblings in witchcraft – so-called "white" magic, she believed. She might talk further with Emma on technical matters of magic, but it seemed unwise with a priest in earshot. 'And how can we speak to these followers, either those in your coven or those within the Hand of Baal?' she inquired, thinking that stirring up some suspicion and dissent within the ranks of Belial's followers could only help them.

Simon simply waited and watched. He figured his own presence was necessary for Emma to tell them what she knew. He had given up hope now on her redemption.

Simon/Penny: Unfortunately many of my coven has turned on me. When I found out that Belial was using us I started making plans though at least I'm wise enough not to trust anyone. My paranoia proved accurate too, my wretch of a husband is proof enough she scowls. I suppose they figure that being on the winning side is more important than maintaining one's loyalty. I would count out most of my coven, it's too difficult to know who to trust. As for the other followers, well there are some seedy circles we would need to visit. You won't even get in the door alive without me so once again I think you'll be glad you brought me back. Everything in good time though Miss Dreadful. First let us rescue Miss Piper then on to other things. The longer he has her the more use I assume he will get out of her. I do not know how she is the key but I mean to find out.

Jo: ooc: Man! She rolled terribly too! Her reputation of coolness is going downhill!

You struggle not to laugh as the native stalks the brownstone for you. You will admit, she does move silently and with the grace of a cat, which only makes it that more amusing she is so far off track in her search. She disappears upstairs for a while then downstairs then upstairs again before finally getting angry and she stomps her foot. Aaaaaaarg! Alright you win! Come out! she fumes. When/if you do and she sees where you were hiding her eyes bulge. You were there the whole time! she exclaims. What the blazes! This is ridiculous! I'm supposed to be training you not the other way around! Are you some secret champion hiding boxer or something!? Well I have skills too I'll have you know! I may not apparently be the best at finding people but my basket weaving skills are legendary I tell you, legendary! I make the most beautiful beaded designs in them and even white folk like you would come from miles around to buy them and exclaim they were the loveliest thing human hands ever created! So ha! Keep your silly hiding skills! I have my weaving! she plops down then on a chair and glumly puts her hands on her face, leaning forward with a sigh. Oh who am I fooling...I was expelled from my tribe's basket weaving circle for my incompetence and for breaking a basket over the teacher's head when she tried to throw me out. But I did carve a flute out of wood once! It even worked too! she declares proudly. Of course it never did play in tune...it would set off dogs barking from miles around... she adds half to herself, looking glum. A moment later though her resolve reasserts itself and she sets her jaw.Well it's my turn now! That's all there is to it! Cover your eyes! she stands up determinedly as she decides to take a turn at hiding.

ooc: Roll a spot check please

And that brought Penny back to the painful matter of Kate, and her desperate need to find her. Tensed, she asked 'Setting aside your spell of location, do you have any ideas where Belial might be keeping her? Where are his bases, in this world or another? And what is actually going on in Central Park?' If the spell failed, Penny could always try more old-fashioned detective work and investigate likely locations directly.


OOC: I don't think I have any more questions, so I'm ready to move on when Simon is.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Tue 08 Sept 2015.

Laughing, Josephine kept her smile on, so that Lily would clearly see that she wasn't being judged for it,

"I know a few things Lily, very few, but some." she laughed again, continuing, "Everybody has a bad day, or a bad moment, which is why friends and support are important. You're a wonderful person, a powerful woman, and someone that I look up to. As a result, on my finest hour, you know you had a part in that, and you didn't really fail... you're just having a moment that you're letting your friends support you." she said, smiling and putting a hand on her shoulder.

As Lily ran off to hide, Josephine smiled again, and nodded, covering her eyes. After a while, she opened them, and she slipped out, trying to find Lily.

OOC: Haha, yes, she's getting terribly unlucky. I rolled average on this one though! 16!

Also, is there a way to playfully cheat? Like peeking? I think that they'd get a kick out of that! Haha :)

Jo: ooc: You totally can ;P In fact, we'll say you do if you like.

Lily gives you a half grateful smile though you can tell she's still frustrated with herself. Her eyes are determined though and as you rush off to "count" she races up the stairs with surprising silence. However, you have decided to watch her and she clearly goes into the upstairs powder room. Knowing it as you do you know the only place to hide in there is the oversized cupboards that line the room. This will be easy...

Penny/Simon: The man has several bases as you put them, though he did not entrust me with many. The best one I know of is by the docks, a warehouse of sorts. He's been up to some experiments there. As for Central Park, all I know is that is where he intends to perform the ceremony when Kate is ready. I assume he must make preparations of some kind, that is why he protects it so. It is integral to his release. I'm actually surprised that Miss Kate isn't there but you could have tracked her if she were. Hm...she frowns.

ooc: Ok, we're going to move on soon and find Kate, so everyone let me know of your plans for the next couple hours.

Simon will hang out with Lily. Elsewise prayer.