Help me skim through this. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Look for anything odd. As the two of you skim you discover it is mostly incident reports and the names of those on duty. You are fortunate enough to discover a photo in the back and as you scan it a familiar face catches your eye. It is your specter, standing with a group of men. It would appear he was the fire chief some thirty years before. His name is Geoffry Standish. Well that's something at least Ian mutters, wiping at his still bleeding head. Now that you have a name you have something to look for. You re skim the book and discover an entry quickly scrawled in spidery writing.

March 7, 1869. Standish has been acting out of sorts lately. He has taken to fits of temper and has become very solitary. Jenkins is acting as second until he comes to his senses. Standish just spends all day in his office doing God knows what. He insists on not being disturbed but the men are beginning to talk. We fear he has taken to the bottle for when he returns he is obviously inebriated. I wish he would just resign.

Hm...office eh? That's a thought. It's probably that room on the second floor with the desk we saw. Ian muses. Of course I don't know if there's anything in there that could help us or not. It could be a dead end but I guess it's better than sitting here until we rot. I'll go and see what I can find, you stay here where it's safe. It's going to be dangerous and I can't have you risking yourself now can I? he grins. Naturally part of you balks at being told to sit and wait...He waits to see your response before he goes, perhaps not trusting that you'll take his orders so easily.

"I should go with you!" Josephine insists, standing up and placing her hand on her hip defiantly, "You've already been hit, and if you get hit alone, you need somebody there. Working together, right?" she pressured him, using his own logic against him, "Besides, you wouldn't leave me alone down here, would you? What if something happens that I'm not prepared for?"

ooc: I took the liberty of making a couple of rolls for you to save time. Also there is a drawing for you posted too.

He looks at you and shakes his head with a laugh. Well you do have your mother's stubborness it seems. Alright alright but be quick about it. He'll have regathered himself by now He grabs the half used bag of salt and shoves it in his pack, readying his shotgun. Alright, you lead the way. I'll cover you. It's the room at the end of the second floor remember? This is a long shot mind you but maybe there's something there we can use to distract him, weaken his resolve at least long enough to get out of here. He then motions for you to run.

As you both rush out of the circle Standish immediately appears before you only to be shot in the face by Ian. As you rush up the stairs to your surprise he appears again! Fortunately you are quick to react and manage to get a shot through him before you reach the office. Ian hands you some more shells and quickly reloads himself, so fast it's quite impressive but then you assume he's done this many times. Look for anything Standish might have been attached to. I'm not saying his soul is bound to it but right now it's something to try. He starts to rummage through the desk, indicating you check the shelf in the corner. Now that you have a name to go off it is much easier to look. As you do so Ian takes the bag of salt and makes a barrier around the borders of the room. He runs out partway through but at least now you know what direction the ghost will have to attack from and that's something.

As you search Ian picks up a half drunken bottle of scotch from a drawer and makes a face. Thirty years old. It's either really good or absolutely rancid. he looks halfway tempted to try it but decides against it. As you rummage through the shelves you find a tattered log. It appears to be Standish's and as you skim through it looks fairly typical. Nothing too interesting mostly just details about the firehouse and an occasional mention of his family. Something drops out on the floor though and you pick it up to discover it is a locket with a tiny lock of hair inside...
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Fri 12 June 2015.

Nodding her head, Jo took off towards the second floor, and when her and Ian took turns blasting the spirit, she took a deep breath to make sure she didn't lose it.

As he searched, and told her where to go, she did exactly that, rummaging through the shelf, murmuring,

"Standish... Standish, Standish, Standish..." she mumbled, pawing through things. As she found the log, she nearly called Ian, but when the locket fell out, she called out immediately, holding it in the air triumphantly,

"Look! I think I found something in Standish's log!" she said, holding it up proudly.

Ian brightens and takes it gently, scowling over it thoughtfully. I think this is a child's... he says sadly. Why do I get the feeling they aren't alive...perhaps this is what led Standish to the bottle...Hm. He may be tied to this place by this item or it may be unrelated. If we burn it and he's not linked then I have a feeling he will be pretty angry with us. It is a risk...hm. I have an idea though, he goes to the window and peers out. You are two stories up. You any good at climbing? I think I may be able to distract him enough with this that he'll loose his hold over the window at least. We'll have to do some unfortunate ledge climbing but we can inch our way round to the fire escape I'm betting. You afraid of heights?

Should you be game he will take out a couple of matches and raise the locket. He whispers for you to cover him with your shotgun and then addresses the empty room. Standish! I have your wee one's locket here! If you don't want me to burn away this last scrap of memory forever, you'll open this here window right now! Otherwise it's flames for this whole room! You've kindly left me plenty of accelerant he gestures to the half filled bottle of scotch. At first there is nothing and you both wait awkwardly, then the window suddenly unlatches with a bang and the panel goes slamming up as though unseen hands have shoved it open. You hear a disembodied voice full of hate and malice. Go. Leave the locket. Not until the girl is safely out Ian replied easily. Go on Josephine, I'll be right behind you I promise he assures you, still holding a lit match close to the locket.

ooc: Climb check please! If I rolled it you would probably fall and break your neck...

Nodding her head, worried, Josephine scrambled out the window, and tried climbing down slowly. Climb check 10




Rolled pretty badly, so I'm waiting to see?

ooc: Phew! You barely made it! Thank heavens climb checks are one of the more benign skills out there

As you head out the window Ian starts backing towards you, keeping his eyes on Standish the entire time. The night air is chilly as you slip onto the ledge and for a moment you have a wave of vertigo. It's not too high up but the pavement beneath you is hard. Fortunately the ledges are wide enough that you are able to inch your way along and the fire escape is not far. As you near the fire escape and Ian sees you are for the most part safe he follows you out onto the ledge. Unfortunately his foot slips and to your horror he loses his grip and hits his side hard on the window ledge before ultimately dropping to the street below. It's only two stories up but it looks like it hurt as he lies in a heap on the sidewalk for a moment. You rush down the fire escape and as he begins to stir, swearing savagely, the windows on the building suddenly burst into thousands of pieces, flying at the both of you like knives! Standish is not pleased it seems and you gasp as you receive several cuts slicing your flesh. Ian gets a couple himself but he ignores them as he stumbles up. His right arm is dangling strangely and you realize it is dislocated. Run. He'll be after us now he grunts and you see he is still holding the locket. No wonder Standish is furious! Indeed a moment later the ghost emerges from the wall, his mouth open in a scream of rage. The hunter is surprisingly fast considering what he's just been through. You're not sure if fear is the motivator or if he's simply that good at brushing off his injuries. He makes sure you are in front of him though as even now he is chivalrous enough to take the rear. If he's connected to this locket he'll be able to follow us. If not we should be able to lose him he explains as he urges you on. Indeed as you follow him across the street you see Standish eventually stops, disappearing with a look of pure hatred on his face. Ian has you run a bit more anyway just in case before finally coming to a stop in an alleyway. Curse this bloody arm. I don't suppose you'd be willing to snap it back in place? I can instruct you.

ooc: Go ahead and respond and if you want to help him roll a heal check

12 on treat injury check

With a worried look, Josephine ran to Ian, but of course, he stood up, tough as nails, and she nodded her head when he asked for help,

"So... this means he isn't attached to that locket." she said, matter-of-factly, "So we basically pissed him off for nothing." she said, frowning at him. He was reckless, and while she understood his reasoning for being so, she was giving him a disapproving look so he'd know she didn't appreciate him always falling and hurting himself.

With that, she tried to re-locate his arm, and help him out, despite the fact that the act of doing so nearly made her sick. Still, she hid her disgust, not wanting to reveal any weakness, and she was ready to work.

ooc: Curses! I always forget to give you damage info! You took 10 damage from all the flying glass back there.

Not exactly. It got him to open the window didn't it? Besides, now we know that we have to find his bones, assuming there isn't some other object he's attached to. It all worked out beautifully actually he grins. Well, except for that falling business. Well, better me than you right? You already have too many cuts to explain to your ma. He braces himself as you attempt to fix his arm after careful instruction on his part but to your horror it very much doesn't work. You hear an awful snapping sound and he hisses a slew of curses while clenching his jaw in a great deal of pain. After a few seconds of trying he pulls away and puts up his good hand. Alright, alright, alright that's enough thanks! he says quickly. Well this is no good. We should take care of Standish tonight if we can. Hm. Follow me he holds his drooping arm and gives you the locket to hold onto.

You end up a few blocks away at a telegraph establishment which is closed for the night. Ian removes a lock pick set and deftly opens it with your help, instructing you to hold one of the pins for him. After a lot of wiggling it finally opens and you both head inside. Hopefully no coppers are around for you would have a hard time explaining this one to your ma. He strides over to a telephone and has you help him dial a long and lengthy number before sitting down tiredly and waiting for a response. At last he gets someone and a short and blunt conversation ensues. Hey it's me, get Lily will ya? Corner of 5th and Main, tell her to bring a couple of shovels, lamp oil and a sling. I don't care if she's asleep wake her up! She'll do it for me now off with you. he hangs up the phone in irritation. Colleague is on her way. She's a mite feisty so be prepared for that but I can count on her. With my shoulder I won't be able to do much digging so it looks like the women will get a chance to do the heavy labor for once he shakes his head regretfully.

Soon you end up on the corner, waiting for the woman to come. She arrives in about twenty minutes time in a small horse drawn wagon and glaring savagely. To your surprise you see she is an Indian woman. She is beautiful with bold features and glittering green eyes and she looks none to happy with Ian. Just because you're too lazy to bring your own shovels you have to wake me up in the middle of the night? And who is this one, the latest conquest perhaps? What happened to your arm, did you two play too rough? she gives you a look of distaste.

Waving a small wave, Josephine ignored the woman's attitude,

"Hi, nice to meet you!" she said, glad to see somebody else irritated with Ian's pursuit of his goals.

She didn't feel like now was the time for her to speak, given that these two clearly had history, and they probably had a lot to say, so she just remained quiet, and ready to help, whenever possible.


Okie doke, I updated my hp!

Oh very funny Ian mutters drily. The woman ignores him and looks at you in surprise, not expecting a cheerful response after her snide remark. Ian interrupts her reaction with a quick explanation of what happened. And this young lady is no conquest I'll have you know he adds flatly. In fact she might be the safest woman from my advances in New York with a mother like hers. She's Hartley's daughter, you know that hunter up in Nebraska with the bar? Oh! The hunters bar! I passed by there once a couple years ago she nods in remembrance. That Djinn case remember? I am sorry about your father she turns to you sincerely. I suppose you've caught wind of things and want to be a hunter now? she arches an eyebrow. That's about how most of us got into the life. If anyone tries to talk you out of it you give them hell. Ignorance as to what's out there doesn't make you safe, it makes you dead. Might as well be the aggressor rather than the victim Ian rolls his eyes at this. Well if you're done recruiting do you think you could find time to reset this thing? We have a grave to get to, though I'll need you to help with that too I'm thinking he adds sheepishly. Lily makes a face and in one smooth motion she bends him over at the waist, pulls on his limb and forcefully shoves it up into his socket with a terrible popping sound, explaining to you the entire time what she's doing. Now that she knows you aren't some hussy she's much friendlier towards you. The important part of resetting a shoulder is not to be gentle. Just really give it a shove she grins even as Ian winces in pain. Seconds later though his arm is in place and she quickly puts a sling around it.

So this is your first hunt then girl? What do you think so far?

Seeing and hearing the woman's take on things, Josephine was immediately impressed, and her face may have shown it a little bit. When she was addressed, she laughed softly, and responded,

"I think its a bit scary, but I also think you have a lot more sense than he does." she said, indicating Ian with a tilt of her head, "He's already fallen off of a rooftop, tried to convince me it'd be better to hide my head in the sand from these creatures... he's quite the character." she said, glancing at him a bit fondly with her last comment, "I think he means well, though. He's tried to look after me well enough, and he doesn't seem like a bad person."

Nodding her head, she continued, "So, yes... first hunt, and I find it exhilarating, terrifying, but exciting. I'm ready for more." she said, her gaze determined.

Lily laughs at your description of Ian. Yes he's an interesting individual to say the least. And you got after me for knocking over that shelf! she teases the man, turning to him. One thing you'll learn is things can go wrong very easily. My advice, don't climb out a window any higher than two stories if you can help it she chuckles. And yes he does mean well. They all do. He's not the only one who will tell you to turn back and live a normal life. Most of us are tempted to at some point but if not us then who would keep the evil at bay? If everyone was too afraid to take the risks there would be no one to keep order in the world. You just remember that now when people start doubting you and as a woman they will only doubt you more. she looks angry at the memory and you judge that she's been through plenty of naysayers herself. We've let the men have their way too long it's time to start doing things ourselves. Ian shakes his head with a grin at this. You know I am still here right? he laughs. Yes and because you were too careless to climb down safely we two women have to take over for you. You have made my point excellently thank you.

In spite of their banter you get the feeling that the pair are very close though more in a brother/sisterly way than a romance. She turns back to you. Ready for more? Good, because there is more out there waiting for you. I heard your father was killed by a demon? Of all that you will face, nothing is more perfectly evil than demons and I fear you will face many of them. We'd best see you are ready for it.

ooc: Giving you a chance to finish your chat with Lily and then moving on. I will need a hide/move silently/ and search and spot please for the near future.

Hide: 21
Move Silently: 25
Search: 18
Spot: 24

Nodding her head at Ian as she explained how he'd just proven her point, Josephine knew she liked Lily already. When she asked about her father, her face slightly blanched, though it was controlled quite adeptly, and she nodded her head, fire in her eyes,

"I am ready for more. I'll always be ready. Demons think they are evil? They're just lucky I didn't pay them more attention till now." she said, clearly quite passionate about destroying those particular evils.

Lily gives you an approving nod. I do love fresh recruits. They have so much energy she grins. Let's see if we can't put any of that to good use shall we? As she gets back in the wagon and bids you follow, Ian suddenly looks nervous. Uh...I suppose you're going to be driving aren't you... it's not a question but rather a statement of dread. She glares at him. Well I know the way and you were the fool who fell out a window. I'm a wonderful driver! Besides, we'll get there at twice the speed if I do it. You always were wretchedly slow. Ian turns to you with a wince. My advice to you Josephine? Hold on to anything you can.

Indeed he seems to be right to warn you for as the Indian guides the horses through the streets you find she is incredibly daring as a driver. At first it seems as though she is reckless and perhaps a bit insane but the more you pay attention the more you realize she is extremely skilled, handling the sharp turns masterfully where anyone else would have tipped the wagon. Truth be told it is enormously fun too and looking at her face she looks just as exhilarated. Ian looks pale and it's hard not to laugh at his nervousness. When you finally end up at the graveyard, a large stately place surrounded by a wrought iron fence ten feet high, Ian scrambles out of the wagon gratefully. You do realize my arm still hurts? he snaps. Nothing like jostling around in a hellish wagon ride right after dislocating one's arm. She rolls her eyes. Don't be an infant Ian. If you want my help we're going to get it done quickly. I'm missing out on valuable sleep. Now, do you have a name? He relates the information to her but because of his arm is unable to scale the fence and so must stay behind though he does pass the shovels and pack through the bars for you and boosts you both up with his good arm. Apparently he is quite strong. You do quite well on your climb and Lily manages nicely too though you are pleased to note you are more graceful at it. What's more you both seem to be sneaky enough to avoid the attentions of the nightwatchman who apparently patrols the perimeter of the cemetery.

Soon you find yourselves breaking into a small stone building. Lily shows you carefully how she does it, picking the lock expertly. We break into this place so often I'm surprised they haven't just laid out a key for us she laughs. It looks to be a records room and she explains that it has the information on all the plots. So much easier than eyeballing every stone she grins. She gives you a stack of files to search and you are pleased to find his name relatively easily. Well aren't you a natural already? she smiles. Then she quickly sketches a map from the information before putting everything back the way it was.

ooc: That's a lot to skim over so I'll let you respond before moving on just so you get a chance to put your two cents in.

Laughing openly at Ian's reactions, Josephine didn't bother hiding it. She was high on excitement, and enjoyment. She really liked her new friend, and her feisty attitude!

As they found the records, Jo noticed she was more graceful, and perhaps a natural, but Lily was the expert here. If she could spot 2 things she was better at, there was no doubt in her mind Lily noticed 20 things that she did better than Jo did!

"He's really a big baby, isn't he?" she laughed with Lily as they worked together.


I don't mind reading huge walls of text. Some of the best stuff in them :)

ooc: Good to hear!

Oh all men are she grins. But Ian isn't completely useless all the time. You just caught him on a bad day She carefully locks the door behind you as you leave and hands you a shovel. If he ever flirts with you though you bash him in the nose. Or better yet, kick him between the legs. He could stand to be put out of commission for a while. Though with rumors of your mother perhaps he will be smarter than that. I met her once you know, long time ago. Very kind if you're on her good side but otherwise, well I'm sure I don't have to tell you. You come from good family. Your mother may not agree but I think you were made for this.

By now you are amongst the graves. She waits until you are close before risking a light lest you alert a watchman and only then does she light it until you confirm the man's grave. The stone reads his name followed by: "Finally at peace with his wife and daughter." Lily snorts. At peace my elbow! Well, we'll take care of that right? She extinguishes the light and starts to dig, handing you a shovel and giving you tips of how to angel the head. It is exhausting work and you are surprised at how tiring it actually is. You know, I think I envy Ian right now she pants. He would hurt his arm when there's work to be done. At last you hit wood and she pulls down the bag of supplies. Before you can do anymore though you hear a shout coming towards you and a man with a lantern and a pistol. Lily swears savagely. Well, time to split up I suppose. Would you rather be arrested or burn this fool for me? I'm thinking  your mother would prefer you not to land in jail but I never want to deprive someone the opportunity of their first arrest she laughs.

Beaming with pride when Lily compliments her 'stock', Josephine was proud to be counted as part of a good family.

"They're the best. Mother's bad side, however... yea, we'll just say I agree!"

When the light and man suddenly appear and make noise, Josephine bites her lower lip in thought a moment, and then shakes her head,

"You stay here, I might be able to convince the guard that something was going on, and I was in trouble. Every man likes to be a hero, right?" she laughed softly, and turned, heading off towards the man with the pistol, "You finish the job, and come save me if my tactic doesn't work, yea?"

With that, Josephine headed off towards the man, and when she drew within distance (she left the shovel behind so she didn't look guilty) she ran up with a terrified voice, holding her arms out in front of her to embrace the man in a scared hug,

"Oh thank God!" she called out, glancing behind herself, but not towards Lily, slightly off to the side, so the man would head the wrong direction if he was intent on being a hero, "I came out here to pay my respects to my father, and something moved in the shadows! Or at least... I thought it was something! It was so scary!" she exclaimed, crying into his shirt, as she gripped on tightly. She was trying to play to his 'manliness' and making him feel like a protector. She'd dealt with enough drunks at the bar to know the basic instincts of most men, and she played it up... being the victim.


Not sure what to roll, but I'm guessing charisma/bluff or diplomacy? I'll roll bluff, for the lie, and then when I try to talk him out of approaching Lily, I'll roll diplomacy.
17 bluff
37 diplomacy

I'm hoping I'm playing this sort of character right. She's social, so combat, or just hurrying wouldn't be her way. I'm guessing she'd try to manipulate this man, and control the situation, and escape later using her words and body language. If I'm wrong, please smack me and correct me!

ooc: No the character is whatever you wish her to be! You're doing great! And frankly this will probably work better than Lily's idea. I love Lily but she doesn't always think. You two will make a good team.

Absolutely! Lily grins at your request she come and save you if need be. As you ploy the officer he looks at you in shock, clearly not expecting to see a young woman. He lowers his pistol but doesn't put it away especially after hearing your description of something being out there. It's alright miss I've got you now he falls for the act instantly. Why are you so dirty? What happened? Can you show me which way he went? I don't want to leave you alone here but I can't let him get away. He speaks very kindly, looking at your dirt covered clothes in confusion.

Nodding her head, inspiring him to go along with her story, Josephine tried to maintain the facade, forcing tears from her eyes, pointing in a direction different than Lily was, hoping to lead him away from her, but in a similar direction, so she wouldn't be too far,

"He...he was horrible! I barely got away when he stopped trying to pull at my..." she paused as if she was horrified at the near-rape she'd just "gone" through, and she threw herself into his chest, pressing her head against his heart, sobbing. It made it easier to hide her faking, hiding her face, and she also immobilized him the best she could with her grip. She wanted nothing more from him than to not move, and to comfort her, so she could distract him just long enough.


Ok awesome! I'm just trying my best, I'm not sure how things work exactly yet :)

It seems to work well as the cop tentatively tries to comfort you. He's amusingly awkward at it too but he tries his best. He takes a description from you of your attacker and assures you he will find him, saying he will take you home if you wish. Before you can answer though there is a WOOOSH not far off and you both turn to see an open grave completely on fire. Lily is nowhere in sight so she apparently did her job and booked it, which is exactly what you needed. The cop of course doesn't take this well and he tells you to stay while he goes to investigate. As he rushes off Lily pops up from behind a large headstone to your left and waves at you before sneaking off back towards the wagon. It is up to you whether you stay and finish your lie or book it...

ooc: If you do run while he's distracted please roll a hide/move silently again.

13 and 19 hide/move silently

Josephine grins at Lily as she is leaving, and she takes off after her immediately. The cop, she assumes, would assume that she was scared and just ran off when given a chance, so she figured he wouldn't cause much problems. Plus, Lily mentioned that they broke in here all the time, so he'd probably just brush that off too.

She took off after Lily, but if she was noticed, she tried to sob again, and pull the whole "I'm just scared" routine. If not, she re-joined Lily and took off, exhilarated by the whole situation.

You manage to evade the officer and you and the Indian quickly return to the waiting Ian who is still with the wagon. Lily laughs as she climbs in, taking the reins. Well that was a lot better than my plan! I suppose if I were a better actress I wouldn't get arrested so much! she grins. Nicely done.Ian climbs in warily, aware another wild ride is in store. I saw the fire. Looks like you must have done the job he sounds approving. By now you are headed off again and Lily asks where you live so she can return you home. I'll send someone by the firehouse tomorrow to make sure Standish really is gone Ian explains, still wincing at his shoulder. Just as long as it's not me, I'll be asleep Lily informs him flatly.

She drops Ian off at his flat and he grins and waves with his good arm. I'll be catching up with you soon Josephine. Very nice work today! He looks impressed. As soon as farewells are done Lily turns the wagon around and starts towards the bar. Alright then, ready for the highlight of the night? Let's go and have a chat with your mother. Her face looks grim but determined. I'm not wild about the idea but she deserves to know the truth and you shouldn't have to lie to family. I'll help you. Think of it like initiation, trial by fire she grins at her own joke.

Nodding her head, Josephine's mood sobered almost immediately when Lily mentioned telling her mother.

It wasn't telling her mother the truth so much that bothered her, it was the fact that she had been willing to lie to begin with. Her mother was sharp, and would know the difference between Jo telling her ahead of time, and Jo telling her after. She would be able to connect the dots.

Still, if Lily was willing to help her, then she was willing to step up and be brave about it. It was all she could have hoped for.

Ah silent resignation. That's what I like to see Lily laughs as she urges the horses on. Relax, I won't let her kill you.

You arrive at the bar all too soon and at this late hour your mother has surely been worrying about you. There are still a few customers hanging about but as soon as you enter Elizabeth has Billy take over and walks towards you with a mixture of worry and fury. The worry especially since you are covered in dirt and various cuts from when Standish hurled that glass at you, not to mention the brick to the back. You will have bruises tomorrow. Lily stands next to you but she's not stupid enough to get in your way. At first your mother says nothing, just looks you up and down to make sure you're alright and then gives a curt nod. She grabs your wrist, barks for Billy to take over and then drags you to the back room as though you had planned on resisting her. Lily follows, the twitch of a smile on her face. By the time you get to the room Elizabeth turns and snaps at Lily, If you want a drink Billy will help you. Otherwise scat. My daughter and I have a conversation in the works. Lily meets her gaze levelly, her green eyes unyielding but also amused. Ah so you don't remember me. Good. she smirks. But no, I will not be...scatting. You're going to want to hear what I have to say, after you hear what she has to say she gestures to you. After hesitating your mother jerks her head for Lily to follow though she is none too pleased about it. A moment later she increases the lamp light so she can glare at you in full illumination. And of course, as expected she sets into you. I would ask you where the blazes you've been but I'm not stupid. You went and got that Hunter's address didn't you? You've been out hunting when I expressly forbid it! And look at you! The first night and you're already hurt! You're lucky you're not dead in a gutter somewhere you fool! And then you lied to me? What made you think that was a good idea?!