You return to your present time without further incident and Castiel departs, bidding you to send for him when you have need.

Upon returning to Victoria's brownstone she will ask how things went and be very pleased to see Kate returned whole, though shocked should you share the news of Penny's parentage with her. Meanwhile Emma seems to be impatient, demanding to go to California as soon as possible. ooc; How much you share of what happened with her will be up to you.

It will take a day or two for preparations to be made. As lovely as a train ride can be there is simply no time for it now. Emma claims to be able to transport everyone there herself, and Victoria decides she will supervise closely lest she try anything. Ian recovers nicely with sleep and a great deal of scotch, (his drink of choice) and is soon up and ready to go, his usual charming self.

Jo, should you return home your mother will be happy to see you, though because of the nature of time travel you were not gone long in her view so thankfully she was not nearly as worried as she might have been. ooc: It will be up to you if you want to divulge more to her... Meanwhile Lily takes special care to try to be cheerful and involved with you. You get the impression she feels guilty for going against your wishes and is trying to butter you up.

ooc: Ok, we're going to San Jose. Let me know what you do the day or two before, anything in particular you wish to bring, etc.

PMs are appropriate, I'm assuming since we're all alone?

With a couple of days, Simon would really like to take a quick trip to Boston to introduce Lily to his family.

Although it was a difficult and sensitive matter, Penny explained the truth of her heritage and all that they'd learned to Victoria. After all, Victoria was the one best able to help her deal with Belial, and keeping secrets, whether through privacy or shame, would only lead to trouble.

But it went no further than her; it would not be shared with the other Men of Letters. Penny was also not inclined to tell Emma Bently of her relationship to Kate, not trusting the witch formerly in Belial's employ not to use it against them. Speaking with Emma later, Penny only mentioned Belial's ultimate intention for her, his plan to use her flesh in some new body, in the hopes that Emma might shed some more light on the scheme.

OOC: Gather Information 26 – does Emma know anything about Belial's plan for Penny, now we have the gist of it?
21:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 26 using 1d20+9. gather information.

Over the next two days, Penny's grey mood passed and her spirits slowly recovered, now that she had a new plan to focus her mind on, and a way of moving forward and defeating Belial – the Ring of Solomon, Sarah Winchester and her peculiar house. She engaged in research and preparation for the new task. Penny was rather disappointed not to take a grand train ride west; magical transportation across time and space was getting too mundane. Still, Penny treated herself to a new hat, a quality Stetson cowboy hat.

Kate will spend some time alone, coming to terms with the events of the last year. Though not one to share emotions she seems well enough when in the company of others. She does get some funds from Victoria and expands her 1890's wardrobe and gear.

Simon: Lily seems downright terrified at the prospect of meeting your parents. She will go if you really wish it but she's awkward and nervous and of course quite amusing in her bumbling way.

Jo: pm

Penny: Emma seems only to know that he will come to power through you as a key and that it will all go down in central park. Belial did not trust her completely it seemed.


Everyone: After a few days things seem to be at the ready. Emma is kept in the dark as to the details of things that have transpired but she seems more eager to get on to California anyway. Soon you are packed (lightly of course) and Victoria closely monitors Emma's transportation spell for anything amiss. At last satisfied she bids you farewell and tells you to telephone or wire if you have need.

Soon you all find yourselves walking through the portal and as you step through you are on some rolling hills with short scrubby grass and little more as far as the eye can see save for tumbleweeds, spiky little bushes and other such shrubberies. In spite of the fact that it is late February, the air is warmer here, much warmer and as you lug your belongings it will likely necessitate the removal of outerwear. Emma looks around with a frown. Well I got us as close as I could but obviously we're a ways off still. I brought a map but that requires me to know where I am... she sighs. Anyone want to offer up a helpful suggestion?

Simon does whatever he needs to to make her more comfortable, but this is very important to him. His family embraced her, his mother especially was welcoming and warm. None of them seemed to mind or even notice her heritage.

Stepping out of the portal, Penny beheld the wild desert landscape with a mixture of fascination and disdain. Where was the greenery, where was the moisture, and the life? Where was the rain? 'I think I preferred Dartmoor.' she noted dismally, as the desert heat soon settled into the Englishwoman. Removing her outer layers of clothing would be a tough ask. Penny unfurled her umbrella to shade herself from the sun, then scanned the horizon for clues – smoke or a glint off metal would be the first sign of civilisation.


OOC: Various attempts to find a path, landmark, or ID our location:
Geography: Knowledge (earth & life sciences) 17 (corrected from roller)
Avoid getting lost: Survival 8, fail
Obscure Knowledge, rolled 25, if knowing some trivia applies.
Spot 28

Simon is terrible at maps. He lets the others handle that.

"I can deal with this weather," Kate smiled tipping her face up to the sun. She didn't seem to mind being in the middle of nowhere. "I can take a look at the map, but honestly I'm more of a landmark girl."

Penny spots a road about a mile off though you must come down from the steep hills to get there. Lily advises the best path to take and after a few slips you manage to get onto the valley floor. Emma doesn't do well, obviously not used to such physical activity. Eventually you get to the road but you don't quite know where it leads as there are no signs and it's a thin dirt trail. Well, it may come back to haunt us but let's pick a direction and stick with it until we find someone to ask. Watch out for rattle snakes please. They like the brush and startle easily. This time of year they won't be out so much at least but that's no reason to tempt our fate. Lily warns.

Penny seems to recall reading about a river that runs through San Jose but thus far you don't spot one and you wonder just how far off Emma put you. As you walk the witch grumbles and sweats, muttering about her aching feet and corset. Lily seems irritated at the woman. If you knew you were going to be this inaccurate you should have told us. I could have brought more water you fool! The middle aged woman glares in response and thereafter whenever she stumbles or whines Lily gives her the smuggest grin you'd ever see.

In the meantime you end up walking for hours with little luck. There's no telling if you went the right way or how far civilization is. Lily knows her directions perfectly but she has no idea where San Jose might lay in the midst of it all.

After some time twilight falls and you are getting a bit worried. Lily is snapping at Emma now who looks on the verge of tears and pale with exhaustion. Suddenly though, you see a light in the distance. As you near it you also see barbed wire, indicating a fence line of someone's property. You may just be in luck.

Should you go further you will see a quaint farm house about a half a mile off. In the distance coyotes howl and yip as the moon starts to rise.

ooc: Roll a spot please everyone, and let me know any comments/intentions during this time.

Simon had not intervened until it looked like Emma had broken then he quietly whispered to Lily, "I believe you made your point." He smiled, "Now I would like some attention."

As they come up on the farmstead, Simon takes a long look before speaking. "Perhaps I should ask for directions?"

09:24, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  spot.

Finding she was quite lost at this, not to mention actually quite lost, Penny was glad that Lily took over on trail-finding. It saved her from having to try to ask the Indian if she knew her way around, which would be the kind of colonialist assumption guaranteed to earn her ire. Then again, Penny had known her way around Dartmoor, and felt she'd had comparable ties to the land there. After all, she was a native.

Still, not to be outdone, Penny turned her hand to tracking, examining the trail for footprints and wheel marks. But she didn't have Holmes's skill for tracking, and though she could find ruts left by wagon wheels, she couldn't say which way it had gone. She let Lily choose, and marched along it.

Penny might not have been doing well in the heat, but there was no way she would complain. She remained stoic, even stubborn. Stiff upper lip, and all that. Only mad dogs and Englishmen went out in the midday sun, it was said, and Penny could be one or the other. At one point, she glared at a rattlesnake until it turned tail and departed in shame.

Penny wasn't happy to have Emma Bently tagging along, but given her friendship with Sarah Winchester, there seemed nothing else for it. Regardless, she felt Lily's ire at the witch was unfair in the circumstances, and their bickering grew irritating while she tried to speak with Kate. It was the constant heat, which frayed and shortened tempers all around. At last, she had to intervene, snapping a little more than she likely 'Let it go, please, Lily. Remember when we arrived in Dartmoor? In the rain, at night, amongst the bogs?' she reminded her, though Lily had fared rather well and with little complaint, she recalled. She tried for a more patient tone. 'Being cast lost into the wilderness is a hazard we must accept in magical transportation. Perhaps whatever god or spirit directs these spells is a spiteful one.' she suggested, gazing up at the harsh blue sky, wishing for a grey cloud. 'I still believe we should have taken the train.'

Penny gazed hopefully at the farmhouse. 'Yes, let's.'


OOC: Belatedly on finding our way:
Find tracks and prints: Search 21
Follow tracks and prints: Survival 2, not a chance.

Spot 17
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Fri 05 Feb 2016.

"I don't think we need to be freaking out just yet," Kate added her two cents. "I'll take nature over demons any day.

Seeing the farmstead was a relief and she hoped they would be able to point them in the right direction.

OOC: Spot: 22

Lily looks irritated with Penny's tone, clenching her jaw, green eyes flashing. Your bogs may have been hazardous Penny, but running out of water is a bit more pressing than our previous encounter She glances at Simon, recalling his earlier intervention and visibly calms herself. Sorry. I just hate being unprepared she glares at the witch again. I will try to calm down but if we end up being torn apart by coyotes as our shriveled water deprived bodies spasm in the only protest we can manage, I AM going to crawl with the last bit of strength in my body to this plump waste of flesh and strangle the life out of her! she growls at the woman. Emma actually gasps at this and then Ian bursts into laughter. You are such a fatalist! Giving up after a few hours already? What happened to your Indian pluck? Lily lunges at him. I'll show you Indian pluck you idiot! she then tries to smack him upside his head but he dodges easily which only infuriates her the more and amuses him to no end. At that point she runs after him and he ducks left and right, just barely keeping from her fists as he chuckles all the while. Wait! Don't you want to conserve your strength? Don't you likely have witch strangling to prepare yourself for? It would be a pity to waste it on me. he grins, giving Penny a wink and you get the impression it is mostly for her he is goading his friend. Oh I'll be just fine don't you worry! she snarls. At last Lily does get the better of the Scot, leaping on his back and slapping the side of his head until at last he cries defeat though he never does stop laughing.

When the farmhouse is spotted both Ian and Emma turn to stare at Lily accusingly as if to say I told you so. She blushes so fiercely you can see it even in the moonlight. We got lucky she mutters. At Simon's question she nods vigorously. Yes, you would be the best choice. Priests put most people at ease. The woman tends to get shy around strangers you've noticed, likely because of her Native blood and the poor reaction most give her.

Before Simon can step over the barbed wire fence towards the house though, Kate, Penny and Ian spot something run in the darkness and disappear behind the building. It moves inhumanly fast but it moves upright, like the figure of a man...

Simon took Lily's hand. "Fret not Love, God has granted me the knowledge of how to get Him to create water and bless it."

Simon is unaware of the potential danger at the farmhouse and thus continues toward it.

Penny wasn't sure whether to be alarmed or amused by Ian and Lily's antics, though she leaned more towards the latter than the former, returning a smile to Ian's wink. Eventually, she intervened, reminding them 'We should conserve our energy and water. Save it for the journey, not horseplay. You can brawl after we have arrived.'

*

'Wait!' Penny quickly halted Simon, blue eyes widening at something she'd sighted in the distance. Glancing around, she knew Kate and Ian had seen it too. She pointed, saying 'I saw something run behind the farmhouse there. It looked like a man, but moved much too swiftly. Unless it's some new American animal, it may be something unnatural. We should be on our guard.'

Simon was astounded, he normally saw such things. He nodded, "Yes, of course, caution is prudent. Should we approach or simply walk away?"

Penny smiled. 'You should know by now I cannot leave a mystery without investigating.' she said. 'Some of us should go to the house. The rest can wait in reserve if it turns out to be a trap. Shots or screams should be a sufficient signal.' And Penny, naturally, would go to the house to investigate.

Simon nodded, "Alright then, no ruse is necessary we are lost and in need of assistance. If pushed, you can use the same cover as before - we are Christianizing the Native American Tribes, yes?"

Considering this a moment with pursed lips, Penny answered 'I don't know what would be convincing here. As you think best. I'll follow your lead.'

Simon shrugged, "I don't lie. Whatever story you think best."

"I saw it too," Kate peered into the darkness scanning for the figure. Suddenly the welcoming farmhouse didn't look so fantastic.

"May as well go with the Native Americans since we have one with us. I can lie for you," she added for Father Simons sake.

'A handicap in a hunter.' Penny observed after Simon. She looked around the group, noting 'We are not carrying a load of bibles or anything one would expect of missionaries. Nor are we seeking the local Indian community. And we are quite an assorted band... Perhaps, instead, we can say we have come west looking for work. That's quite plausible on the frontier and, given our trade, it is not even a falsehood. If we intimate that our stagecoach was lost or broke a wheel, then that explains how we came to be wandering.'

Simon nodded to Kate and then to Penny's observation. "Indeed, we all have our Achilles' Heal." Then she spun a yarn that sounded better. "I like it. That way I am not lying, just omitting details. Very good. Thank you both, shall we?"

'Yes, let's investigate.' Penny said, going with Simon. She let the others choose as they would, but preferred a few remain in reserve, as well as to keep an eye on Emma. 'Never lie when the truth will do, or at least half of it.' Penny reflected on the way.

ooc: Jo, let me know if you lag back or go with the others

Ian and Lily agree to stay with Emma, who looks quite exhausted from the day and just grateful to lean against a fence post, too ladylike to sit on the actual ground. Lily easily sinks into a cross legged position, though she looks quite ready to leap up at any moment. Be careful she warns, looking extra vigilant.

When you get to the door a woman answers, about twenty six or so and heavily pregnant. She looks surprisingly spooked and has a shot gun in her hand. Who are you? Was that you I heard trying to get in the back door? What in blazes do you want!? I will blow your heads off if you try anything! she looks fatigued and very on edge. Seeing Simon's attire does help somewhat though.

Simon put his hands up, "Dear lady, my name is Father Simon Cole. This is Penny Dreadful, my assistant. We did not go to your rear Egress. We came to the front door as is customary. We are lost and in need of assistance."

Josephine hung back with Ian and Lily, preferring the company of her friend and a man who had been kind to her to the others, at least at the moment. She'd been much more quiet ever since her ordeal, and she'd chosen to keep her mouth shut more often than not.

When the others headed off, she kept to herself still, kicking the occasional stone around, and just puttering around. Decisions had already been made, and she'd already argued with her mother about coming until she was blue in the face. Her day had already been a full one, so she conserved her energy to hike more if necessary.

At the woman's warm welcome, Penny looked sidelong at Simon, knowing he had to realise it too. The creature she'd spotted had tried to get into the house moments before. And, notwithstanding what she'd heard of the American gun fixation, given the woman's defensive attitude, this farmhouse was under siege. But what were the odds, that a group of wayward hunters would happen upon the scene of a supernatural assault? Well, as ever, a hunter's timing was terrible. Unless it was more than a coincidence.

Saying nothing, hands raised, Penny quickly scanned the woman, what she could see of the interior of the house, and the yard outside.


OOC: Scanning the woman and looking for clues.
Find Clues feat: free Search check 17 if there's a clue in 5 ft
19:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 27,25,25 using d20+17,d20+8,d20+9.  Sherlock Scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.
19:32, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+13.  find clues: search.

Jo: Lily senses your still surly mood, and knowing her part in your healing and everything else makes special effort to cheer you up. She puts a comforting hand on your shoulder. Something feels off to me. Keep sharp...how are you feeling? she looks nervous as to the answer.


Everyone else: The woman looks alarmed that you have not apparently been the intruders she thought though she seems relieved at the same time. What? But someone was rattling the doorknob just a minute ago! And I heard scratching at the window... she lowers the gun, apparently deciding to trust you though she looks dizzy and steadies herself against the door frame. Ever since John left I've been feeling so tired... she murmurs, not looking well at all.

Penny, you can see the farmhouse is well kept, cozy and painted in pale pleasant yellows. Her woman's touch is evident throughout and there are flower boxes on the outer window sills, a pleasant and welcoming place, fairly well off from the looks of it. The woman herself is likely due soon and she looks very tired and haggard, more so than a normal pregnancy would indicate.

12:11, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

Simon tried to to figure out if the woman is suffering from some ailment.

And fails, unless the GM gives successes on natural 1's. =-(

Feeling Lily's hand, Jo's expression lightened quickly, a forced action, and she tried to smile,

"Oh, I feel fine. I must just be tired or something, I'm sorry..." she said noncommittally. She tried to put her 'oomph' into her smile to reassure Lily, but it wasn't the most convincing. Still, she knew people generally liked her for her happy go lucky attitude, so she tried to fake it best she could.

The woman's tiredness didn't appear to be associated with stress, at least not in her own mind, nor even with the pregnancy, which she would be aware of the effects of. This suggested a magical effect, concordant with some kind of supernatural siege. What was going on here? Why had they been brought here, or why had this happened where they were going?

With the gun lowered, Penny stepped forward and into the room, laying a caring hand on the woman's shoulder, and saying gently 'Madam, please let us help. Do you have any children? ...Father Simon, please, ah, see if anyone is at the back door.' Briefly, Penny considered calling one or more of the rest of the group down to the farmhouse, but she didn't want to overwhelm the poor housewife with a crowd of strangers. She tried to steer the pregnant woman back into the house, towards either a chair or a children's room.


OOC: Natural 1s on skill checks aren't automatic failures, IIRC.
Treat Injury 11
Knowledge (arcane lore) 19 - is anything affecting her?
08:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+2. treat injury.
08:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+10. Know: arcane lore.

Simon nodded, and stood, moving toward the back door with his hand on his pistol. AS he walked he prayed aloud, "Father God, let no unclean spirit take hold in this place or in these people..."

The woman is tired enough to let her suspicion drop and allows herself to be led to a sofa. She indicates she does not have any children save for the one on the way of course. I have been hearing tapping noises at the door and windows at night but I always thought it must be the wind or some foolishness. This was something else though she shudders. Uh...why are you here again? she puts a hand to her head as though she has a headache. Penny, as you mull over the situation you do recall there are several kinds of monsters known to target pregnant women. Narrowing it down could be the tricky part.

Meanwhile Simon, by the time you reach the back door there is nothing there that you can see, though there are some strange scratch marks on the exterior of the house. Just one or two long lines of indentation, not like any animal you've seen.


Jo: Lily makes a face at you and shakes her head, clearly not convinced but lets it drop. As the four of you sit in silence, you suddenly catch a figure running toward the barn, several yards away. The others seem not to have noticed it yet.

Standing up slowly, her eyes locked on the barn like a predatory cat's might, her head lowered slightly as if pursuing something, Josephine turned quietly and walked out the door towards the barn immediately.

She figured Lily would follow, and know what she was doing from her stance, but even if she didn't, Jo was pouting just enough to go out by herself. And whether it was pouting, or a lack of regard because she quite possibly could NEVER be hurt that badly again was yet to be seen, but she would deal with it when the time came... she hoped. As it was, right now she didn't have time to diagnose herself, so she moved.

Simon closed and bolted the door, making his way back to Penny. "There was something. It left a mark but I cannot identify what. Moving her is probably a bad idea. We cannot stay here long, but leaving her might be bad. I think we should try and lure it back if possible." He nodded to beyond the door, "Should I alert the others?"

"Not surprising since we saw that figure earlier," Kate spoke quietly so as not to draw the pregnant woman's attention. "They may not come back if they know she's not alone anymore" She added.  Her instincts told her to take a walk. The others were outside already and would provide quick back up if needed.

'We're here to help.' Penny promised the woman, concentrating instead on the situation. Given the strange sighting, unnatural speed, the ongoing harassment of the woman, she was sure a supernatural monster was involved. The likeliest candidate in her experience was the Spring-heeled Jack, but he largely restricted his attentions to young, unmarried maidens – and Penny still bore the embarrassments. There were others that targeted pregnant women specifically, for one horrible reason or another, but there was nothing she could formulate a plan around yet.

Bringing a band of hunters to the house would most likely scare the creature off – a sufficient outcome, but Penny preferred to identify, capture, and slay it to be certain – but they could not stay out there. She nodded to Simon, saying softly so only he could hear. 'Please do. And take care out there. Oh, and ask Kate to wad some clothing under her shirt as if pregnant.'

Returning to the woman's side, she explained 'Madam, my companions and I were travelling to San Jose for business when we went astray. We have been wandering the desert all day without rest or water. We would greatly appreciate it if you could provide some drink, food, and directions, and perhaps shelter for the night. I can pay you handsomely for the trouble.'

'Furthermore, it appears there is a scoundrel out there who means you some mischief or harm. Perhaps a thief.' Penny downplayed the threat, so as not to alarm the poor woman – at this stage, anyway. 'Hopefully some company will scare this rascal off, before more forceful persuasion is required.'
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Sun 14 Feb 2016.

The woman listens and nods gratefully, happy not to be alone. Yes, yes of course you can stay. I'd be grateful for the company. There's food in the larder and a few spare beds. As for San Jose, you're about a day's travel away. My husband is there now on business, he should be back tomorrow night thank goodness. The last thing I need right now is to worry about a thief. she glances at the back door again fearfully.

ooc: Kate, let me know if you go outside with Simon or stay inside with Penny. If/when you go outside you will see Lily running towards the barn.

Jo: You head to the barn but Lily doesn't immediately follow, perhaps thinking you are just upset about recent events. As you close in though she seems to realize there is more going on and fortunately starts after you. She should catch up soon thankfully. Should you look into the barn you are greeted with the sounds of horses shuffling in their stalls and the soft clucks of chickens. It is a pleasant place with the smell of straw and feed and other cozy things. It is pitch black unfortunately and as you step inside you see very little. You do, however, hear what sounds like footsteps above you in the loft...

In her usual straightforward manner, Josephine called out immediately,

"Hey! Who is up there?" before cautiously stepping a few more feet into the darkness. While logically she knew she should be stepping away from the darkness, something caused her to keep moving towards it... curiosity perhaps*?

Peering upwards, Josephine crept in, and tried to find steps, or a ladder that led up into the loft of the barn. She felt very comfortable, for some reason... probably the old 'home grown' feel of the place, and that made her more brazen in her actions.

Plus, what's the worst that could happen? Her body could be mangled and twisted multiple ways, but she'd already seen that bag of tricks...







*or the insatiable need for all television heroines to step into terribly stupid situations!

'Thank you very much for your hospitality. I'm afraid we're a large group, but I'm sure we shall be no trouble.' The creature outside was another matter... As, outside, the others approached the farmhouse and began to explore, Penny began to question the woman more carefully. 'Have you had any visitors recently? Travellers passing by and paying too-close attention? ...A thief may watch the house first to see how many people there are.' she explained, using the story of a thief to cover for the greater threat she suspected. Less mundane, she asked 'Has there been anything strange recently?'

After getting the others inside he spotted Lily and Josephine heading for the barn. He stayed at the house door watching. If he heard screams or gunshots he would sprint to help.

ooc: Kate pmd me and said she was indeed headed outside too

Kate, you also see Lily running toward the barn. Meanwhile Simon seems to be leading Emma and Ian inside, both of whom are looking on edge and then he waits outside, watchfully.

Penny: Ian and Emma arrive shortly thereafter. Emma is the picture of a proper house guest, her old whiles appearing again. She always could be charming when she wished. The woman looks surprised at such a group but seems relieved to have company. She informs you her name is Sarah Stockan and Emma greets her warmly and immediately sets out to making tea, the epitome of a motherly sort though Ian watches her like a hawk. I haven't had visitors, no. Though my friend Mary, a few miles up the road has told me her children have heard tapping at their windows sometimes. Always brushes it off as the wind but it has her spooked, I can tell. Could be a thief like you said, just sorting things out right? she winces suddenly and her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. Oh no. I think my water just broke. Indeed a wet puddle forms at her feet.

Jo: You manage to find a ladder but without light it is treacherous and slow work. By then Lily catches up to you. What did you see? she demands, realizing you must be after something and eager to protect you. Meanwhile the noises stop as though whoever it is must be hiding. I'll try to find a light. I have some matches... Lily mutters, tripping over several things in the process. ooc: Roll a will save please Jo. You're going to need it shortly ;)

Well I'm screwed, lol. 9 on the will save. Bring it on, I ain't afraid o' no ghosts!

Continuing to climb, Josephine glanced down at Lily, and shrugged,

"Nothing much, some sort of figure. I'm willing to bet its got some information though, and I'm ready to get it." she said, determined as can be,

"And don't light a match in here! If you catch me on fire, I'm going to hold that against you!" she half-teased though it was obvious her heart wasn't in it.

"Think I should see what they are up to?" Kate asked Simon when she spotted Lily sprinting towards the barn. She had a bad feeling about this place and almost wondered if they were better off lost in the wilderness.

The news that another household had been harassed in the same way intrigued Penny, though it made it harder to pin down the creature responsible. Was it after the mothers, the unborn child, or just children in general? Was it a monster that made a ritual of tapping at windows, or just a particularly annoying vampire? She should consider the possibility of unrelated forms of madness and mania in monsters, though it would require an extensive behavioural study. Penny was wondering how to ask if this Mary was also pregnant, when Sarah changed the topic in a big way.

'I'm sorry? Your water?' Penny echoed dumbly, looking for some issue with the plumbing, before spying that the puddle came from no other source that Mrs Stockan. 'Oh.' There was probably a world in which a woman naturally knew what to do in the case of childbirth. But Penny was not from that world. She wasn't even entirely certain how babies got inside women, let alone how to get them out. She could start with a few good guesses though.

'Alright, um, let's first get you laying down on the bed... Mr Shaw! Please, ah, inform the others, see who can help. Bring Kate, she will know. Mrs Bently, if could please lend me a hand?' Right now, she couldn't recall if Emma Bently had had children, but didn't think so. Penny tried to help Sarah to her bed, asking her 'Do you have a midwife?'


OOC: Anything about tapping monsters? Knowledge (arcane lore) 30
19:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30 using 1d20+10. knowledge (arcane lore).

What to do with a pregnant woman? Treat Injury 17
19:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+2. treat injury.

Simon lifted a brow, Kate had been away for a while. "I am courting Lilly and I've gotten to know her fairly well. If I help without her asking she gets angry. If she screams or I hear gunshots, then I will run."

Jo: Lily assures you she will be careful, swearing as she crashes into something else. At last she finds a lantern and lights it, by now you have reached the top of the loft and the pitch blackness is illuminated by the lantern. To your horror, not two feet away from you is a man! He is only half dressed, naked to the waist and wearing buckskin trousers. His long black hair and glittering skin mark him as an Indian but his head suddenly spins around with a terrible snapping sound and to your shock you see another face on the back of his head peeking through the hair! It is disfigured, pale and gaping at you with a wide open mouth that gasps and gurgles, the eyes glazed over and unblinking, broken yellow teeth glisten in the light. You are completely frozen in place, your muscles refuse to obey no matter how you try. Suddenly he lashes out with an elbow of all things and it is at that point you see the long sharp spike protruding from his elbows. It slashes you in the stomach and you fall backward off the loft, nearly two stories. Lily swears and rushes forward and manages to break your fall as you land on top of her, sending both of you to the ground. You missed the hay pile by two feet unfortunately. By then the figure is already rapidly escaping, leaping down from the loft and running toward the exit on the other side of the barn. The native woman starts to shout, pulling her gun out to aim at the creature before he disappears. ooc: You will still be paralyzed for this round but roll another will save to see if you shake it off the round after please.

Kate/Simon: As if in answer to Simon's question you hear a commotion coming from the barn. Lily is swearing loudly and shouting. Before you can move Ian bursts out of the front door, looking pale and shaken and seemingly unaware of Lily and Jo's plight. Baby. Baby coming! You've never seen him so shaken.

Penny: You can't think of a tapping creature off hand but the fact that it isn't trying to break in as aggressively as most do makes you think it is perhaps a crafty foe versus the more violent you've run across. It also waited until Sarah's husband was gone to stalk her. Between this, the long scratch marks out side and your current location, you're willing to bet it is a native type of monster. You seem to recall some are known for giving children nightmares, perhaps the tapping plays a part in this.
Meanwhile Ian looks completely horrified at what is happening and is grateful to have a reason to leave. Emma isn't much better, wringing her hands and offering to make more tea. She obeys when you ask but looks nearly as shaken as Ian. There's a doctor in town but that's a day's ride Sarah winces. It seems the contractions are starting. I'm not due for another month! Why is this happening? I'm not ready! she allows herself to be taken to the bed but she's on the verge of panic. You manage better than you thought you would under the circumstances but it is needless to say, out of your element. Judging by her contractions, she will be in official labor in the next several minutes. They are steadily getting closer together but not to the point where her labor is active. Instead she lies there, moaning loudly.

Simon had to get things together and prioritize. "Ian, go help Lily, please. I will tend to the baby." Simon went inside, "Penny I need you to either help me here or go help Ian, Lilly, and Josephine." He called out "Kate, we need towels and boiled water."

He inhaled, he had never done this before but had observed it several times. Really it was up to the mother to do the real work. "Madam, I have assisted several physicians. You might call me a nurse, the Church trained me, and I will be here the entire time." He positioned her so that she would have the easiest birth possible.

CRAP!
12:45, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

I do believe I'm dead then. And a 16 will save, if it matters :)

The question of the monster temporarily put far from her mind, Penny tried her best to assist Sarah. 'It may have been brought on by stress.' she suggested, though Penny was worried: an early, stressful pregnancy could be a difficult one. A difficult pregnancy with no midwife or doctor was a dangerous one.

'Now, please, lay down, and relax. I think you're meant to push... something.' Penny tried. Whilst trying to encourage Sarah, she focused on timing Sarah's contractions, determining that were indeed coming closer together and deducing when pregnancy was to occur. Penny didn't dither or panic, she just didn't know what else to do. The idea of the impending birth discomforted her; recent revelations about her own birth didn't help.

So Penny was glad when Simon arrived and seemed to know what to do do. Stunned, pale-faced, she duly reported 'I estimate labour will commence in five to eight minutes. But she's a month early... I know the head should come out first... I saw the birth of a foal once... I, I should go help the others, I think I know what they're facing. I shall be back shortly.' And if the birth lasted hours, as some did, then they had time for childbirth and monster slaying. Penny fled the house; everything seemed to be going on in the barn.


OOC:
16:50, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 29 using 1d20+13. Obscure Knowledge - childbirth?

Jo: You lay there, stiff and unmoving and Lily has to roll you off, though she tries to be gentle. Once she's sure you're alright she goes racing out after the thing, firing a shot and grazing him on the arm. She disappears into the night. You lie there next to the hay, bleeding from the slash across your stomach but it is not a mortal wound by any means though it is quite painful. At last you are able to start moving again though, the paralysis thankfully wearing off...Just then Ian bursts in, out of breath and gun raised. Seeing you he pales and rushes to your side. What happened? he demands.

Simon: Emma offers to get the towels and boiling water, seeing as Kate may be needed in the barn though she's welcome to stay if she wishes. The witch just seems happy for something tangible to do, she's looking very out of her element. Meanwhile Sarah takes heart hearing your words and obeys all your instructions. Unfortunately as her contractions continue, albeit fairly spaced apart, she looks quite weak and shaken. Not nearly as strong as she should be. This may not go well.

ooc: Disclaimer! No matter how bad the roll you'll never see a kid die in this game so no worries! I do have certain lines I do not cross :)

Penny/Kate if Kate goes to the barn: As you run to the barn you see Lily chasing a fast running figure in the distance, firing off her gun but the gap between them is lengthening. You can make out a string of curse words on her part. If you run you may be able to get a clean shot at the thing but the opportunity is slipping...
Meanwhile Penny, the thought occurs to you that the onset of labor may be a result of the creature's presence. If it goes after children it makes sense it would try to make them arrive early. Of course it could just be coincidence but she seems to be progressing unusually fast for what you've heard about childbirth.

Simon dug in, using faith and will to try again. He now knew something was wrong, he just needed to figure out what. He also felt it important to keep her attention. Between her contractions her bids her to talk to him, "Do you have a name picked out?"

09:37, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 21 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

Penny could identify Lily by the cursing alone. She took that to be a good sign – the nephilim would not turn the air blue. Running, she followed the swearing, and soon spied the fleeing figure. Trust Lily's instincts, Penny halted, aimed her revolver, cried 'Stop, Sharp-Elbows!' and fired.


OOC: Firing revolver: attack 21, damage 5
Point Blank Shot: +1 attack, +1 damage if within 30 feet
Precise Shot: no penalty on shooting into melee
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+8. revolver - attack.
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 5 using 2d4+2. revolver - damage.

I don't know if I can make a full attack, but the second is a miss anyhow.
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 1d20+3. revolver - attack 2?

Is concealment an issue? If so, that's a miss even with Blind-Fight.
23:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d100. miss chance
23:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d100. reroll
This message was last edited by the player at 15:06, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Grumpily mumbling under her breath, Josephine held out a hand for Ian to help her up, and grunted in pain, touching her stomach.

"Do NOT leave Lily alone, Ian. I swear, if you don't find a way to catch us up to her..." she said, not really irritated at him, and that showed in her eyes. She knew he was there to help, but she didn't want to let weakness allow Lily to get hurt.

With that, bleeding away, she took off after Lily, fully prepared to just tackle this thing, and teach it a lesson about screwing with a bartender's daughter!

Kate laughed at Simons comment. It was a surprise that he'd picked Lily but strangely fitting. The announcement or the baby coming and trouble at the barn left Kate torn. in the end chose to stay in the house."give a shout if yiu need backup!"  She called after Penny.
Inside the house she joined Simon next to Sarah. "No worries now. We're in this for the long haul," She patted Sarah's hand and shot Simon a worried frown. Sarah didn't look good. It was going to be a rough night.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

Simon: Sarah shakes her head, wincing. Oh no, we haven't! I thought we had more time! It's so early...do you think it will be alright? she looks quite worried, breathing hard. Fortunately Simon is able to ease her into better positions and her color returns a bit. Emma returns with boiling water, looking half frantic whenever she sees the woman, as though the child will burst from her at any moment. Upon hearing the gun shots Sarah turns worried. What was that!? Emma looks out the window with a squint. They're chasing someone. Hm. she seems fairly unconcerned but then she would hardly be worried about the lives of her captors.

Jo: Ian eases you up gently, looking startled at your threat. Alright then let's go. Though don't you go bleeding out on me or she'll have my head. You race after them and as you run you see Penny has started pursuit as well, firing a couple shots and hitting the man with one of them. She is yelling something about sharp elbows? It sounds odd. Unfortunately the creature is fast and soon he will be out of range. You've time enough to make a couple of shots though before he outruns you all. Lily is the closest, but even her long legs cannot keep up and she lags behind. ooc: Roll 2 ranged attacks please :)

Penny: Your shot hits, grazing it in the leg and Lily follows it up with one of her own, also hitting though your second attempt misses. You've time enough for a couple more shots before he is out of reach. If it doesn't fell him then perhaps you can follow his trail. Surely he must be bleeding and with the short scrubby grass and open area it would be fairly easy to trace, so long as you get enough light to see by. You do see Lily turn her head in surprise at your use of sharp elbows and it's plain she's familiar with the term.

Josephine pulls up short, knowing it was over. There was no point in chasing, and she was still a terrible shot, so she'd save her ammunition instead.

Placing her hands on her hips, she turned towards Ian appreciatively,

"Well, it was a good attempt. Thanks." she said, meaning that final word for quite a few things. The others may not appreciate him, but she did. She knew a good man when she saw one.

Penny paused, scrutinising and leading her target as it fled across the grassland, noting speed, fitness, agility. They might never catch it at that speed, but the bone skewers protruding from the elbows made it hard to run normally, and a bullet-grazed right leg would slow it, draw it to the right, especially on the slope. The moment perfect, Penny fired.


OOC:
Move action: Exploit Weakness: 18 vs DC 15, use Int on attack rolls
Standard: attack 17, damage 8 @ Sharp Elbows; miss roll 95

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Sharp Elbows, should it come after Penny

Simon nodded absently, focusing instead on the task at hand. "Beath, my dear, it is critical that you don't pass out." He nodded at her telling him the baby was early. "Women have given birth early throughout history. You and your child will be fine, but you must breath."

He nodded and too the towel laying them to the side. "When the child arrives, it will need to be washed. Make sure the water has cooled enough not to burn his or her skin." Then back to his charge, "Use your abdominal muscles and push when you feel the urge."

"We'll need something to cut the cord too," Kate added pulling a knife from her pack. She rolled up her sleeves, "I had a baby recently," she assured Sara as she washed the knife and her hands in some of the water provided. "I'm no doctor but I have an idea of how it works. Do you mind if I take a look?" If allowed Kate gingerly lifts the woman's skirt making sure to afford her some modesty with Father Simon in the room. One quick peek was all it took to tell Kate that despite having had a baby herself, she had no idea what looked normal or not. "Yep looks good" she said plastering a smile on her face and lowering the skirt. "It could be some time yet before baby gets here. Rest while you can and build up your strength," she suggested.

OOC: Treat injury 3 (2+1)

Jo: Ian blushes a bit, looking frustrated he couldn't do more. Meanwhile Penny grazes it again before it disappears over the top of a hill. Well thanks, very kind of you to say he mumbles, still looking where it escaped wistfully. I don't suppose you have any idea what it was? Here he adds, untying a red neck scarf and folding it up to place over your wound. How bad is it? I'd offer to take a look for ya but I have a feeling you or Lily would slap me for offerin he adds with a chuckle.

Penny: The figure winces at the wound which does seem to graze his leg but an instant later he is over a small hill and out of sigh. Lily is intent on following, in spite of the distance, like a bloodhound with a scent, she shows no signs of slowing unless someone should call her back. It will be difficult in the darkness but there is the trail of blood to follow, whether you try tonight with lanterns or pick it up at first light. You also notice Ian and Jo watching, the blonde holding her stomach which appears to be bleeding...

Kate/Simon: ooc: 3! Lol! I'd say you'd best let Simon do it...

The woman looks embarrassed to be in labor in front of so many strangers but at the same time she is desperate enough to allow it. She breathes obediently, whimpering and moaning awfully though the contractions are still slightly far enough apart that she's not quite ready to push yet. Still, she's progressing far faster than Simon has ever seen and as she lays there you can see blood start to pool on the bed. This will not be easy.

Meanwhile the gun shots finally fall silent though Emma shrugs and states that it got away, not looking too concerned about it considering the circumstances.

Simon looked at Emma, "Rummage the pantry for anything alcoholic." He nodded to the woman, "It will take the edge off. While we are not yet ready to push I will confer with the others so that we do not fall onto each other trying to do the same thing. We have done this, just not together."

He took Kate aside. "Find me a sharp small knife. We may have to cut the child from her. Do not disturb her with this, we will only attempt it if absolutely necessary. Do not tell Emma, I think she may backslide given the opportunity."

He then called out to Emma, "Mrs. Bentley, find lanterns as well, my dear. We will need light, thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Wed 24 Feb 2016.

Another grazing shot; satisfactory, but not ideal. The creature had disappeared over the hills and into the darkness, so the battle had shifted from a skirmish to an ongoing affair. They had to plan. 'Lily! Don't get too far ahead!' Penny called a warning, afraid she might run afoul of those sharp elbows in the dark. The nephilim could defend herself, but she was not immortal, and Lily would not like another black-out. Fortunately, the native hunter seemed well aware of what she faced.

Penny hurried across the field to rejoin Ian and Jo, reporting urgently 'It's a "Sharp Elbows", a native monster, a child-killer. It may be inducing the birth. If we kill it quickly, Sarah may yet be able to birth the child naturally.' Coming out of the grey twilight, she spotted the spreading dark patch on Jo's stomach, Ian patching it over. 'My god, are you well?' she exclaimed.

Simon: Emma obeys everything in a rush. When she sees the blood on the bed she pales and looks quite shaken but manages to chirp pleasantly to Sarah, who seems unaware of the blood. The older woman runs at the mouth nervously but manages to put a friendly enough air to it that Sarah seems to take comfort in the chatter as a distraction. Kate, if you look you will find a knife easily and it fits Simon's criteria nicely. By now Sarah is drenched in sweat and she starts to groan. Apparently things are progressing faster. Her contractions are getting much closer together. It won't be long.

Penny: Lily yells something intelligible in reply, much like a child irritated at a nagging mother, and continues her pursuit. She is abnormally dogged about this one and you wonder if she hasn't had dealings with such before.

Ian listens with a worried nod. We need to find the bloody thing then. Hopefully Lily can at least track it. She has eyes like a bloodhound. he looks at the hilltop worriedly. As you look at Jo you can see the wound is not mortal but it is a nasty one. No doubt sliced across the belly by sharp elbows (literally...). She also has some bruising starting.

Reaching down, Josephine pulled at the bottom of her shirt, lifting it over her head, and pulling the shirt entirely off, leaving hopefully a cleaner look for Ian. She knew he might be embarrassed, and if she were forced to tell the truth... maybe she didn't entirely mind. Still, he had voiced some potential medical knowledge, so she lifted her arms, and motioned him in,

"If you can do something, I'd appreciate it." she said, clearly not uncomfortable with her wardrobe change whatsoever. She'd worn similar things during hot days in ma's bar, when cleaning, so it didn't bother her much with trusted company.

Simon gives the birthing mother a shot of the strong liquid and pours one for himself ostensibly to drink but he drops the small knife in the cup instead. She will do most of the work, if things go well all he will need do is catch, but he doubts that is the case.

Even Penny blushed as Jo removed her garment, shocked by her forwardness, before feeling an unaccountable stab of irritation as Ian examined her. Of course, she'd treated Ian's bullet wound, and he'd carried her after Emma's spell had withered her legs, but jealousy wasn't fair. 'If you're well enough to track and fight, then follow me. If not, then return to the house. They'll be able to treat you there.' Penny snapped impatiently, before hurrying off into the night again.

Feeling annoyed and frustrated, and quite unable to say why, Penny ran after where Lily had disappeared off to, following the sounds of footsteps and cursing. She regretted not going back to fetch a lantern, but couldn't go back now. 'And fetch a lantern!' she called back to Ian and Jo, still moving.

Sensing, at least in a rough way, Penny's attitude, Josephine shook her head, and laid a hand on Ian's forearm gently,

"I'm sorry, I need Ian's help getting patched up. We'll be on that soon as we can, boss." she said, turning soft eyes back towards Ian appreciatively. She wasn't entirely sure why she enjoyed the attention, but she did, so she ignored Penny's demands, and focused on what was pleasant. At this moment: Ian.

"If you feel up to it standing can help things along," Kate added from her own experience. Giving birth in this timeline had been an awful experience, one of the most painful she'd ever had, and that was saying a lot considering her hunter history. She didn't envy Sarah's task and she squeezed her hand sympathetically.

Simon turned to Kate and gave her a single short "no" shake of his head. This might be worse than she realized. "Perhaps...a seated position, but no more."

Penny/Jo: Ian's eyes bulge at Jo's state of undress and to your surprise he looks awkward and uncomfortable, especially when Penny approaches. He goes to work quickly, wanting to get out of this situation as fast as possible, examining the wound and wiping away as much blood as he can. Uh-l-lantern eh? Sure thing, I'll be there in a sec Penny. Can't do much here without a medical kit anyway... he shakes his head. He keeps his eyes trained on the wound, not daring to look anywhere else which is surprising considering his reputation with women. It could be because he knows Lily would have his head for even thinking about Jo, or he could have other motivations. Hard to say at this point, but either way he looks uncharacteristically ill at ease. It takes less than a minute for him to do all he can with so little at hand and he wipes his bloody hands as best he can before motioning to the house. Simon is a better healer than I, and he should have the means of stitching you up. If you're for it you can certainly help track the cad, but if you're feeling faint I suggest you head inside and we'll catch up when we're done he finishes, still blushing.

Penny- you see Lily in the distance, still running though slowing considerably but she at least seems to still have a general trail of sharp elbows. You doubt she would be running so otherwise. She is in shouting distance though she does not seem to realize you are behind her, eyes only for her quarry.

Simon/Kate: Sarah labors on and Emma paces back and forth uncomfortably. I-I may be able to help some father...I have a feeling you will need it. But there are a few things I will need help finding. she turns to Sarah and asks where she keeps her herbs. The woman moans an answer and the witch nods. Healing was never my area of expertise, but I can at least try. You two will be doing all the work but any support is better than none right? she smiles weakly. That is, if you would accept my contribution she adds uncertainly.

Simon nodded to Emma, "Do what you can."

Nodding at Ian's words, Josephine's eyes never left his as she smiled, and leaned forward, patting his forearm,

"I just appreciate you doing what you can, Ian. Thank you." she said sweetly, allowing him to run off afterwards. Watching him leave for a moment, she eventually turned away, and walked slowly towards the house, and Simon. If he was the better healer, she'd best get on his good side asap!

Penny risked calling out, 'Lily! Wait up!' so she could catch up to the other woman, feeling it better that they faced the Sharp Elbows together rather than alone. Lily seemed to at least be familiar with the beast; hopefully she had an idea how to slay it as well. Penny was also curious to see the much-vaunted Indian tracking skills.


OOC: Just trying to catch up to Lily.

Jo/Simon/Kate: As Emma tries to round up the supplies, hopefully with Kate's help, Josephine walks in, in a state of half undress. Her blouse is off and her undergarments visible, though you see why suddenly when you notice a nasty gash in her stomach, blood running down her dress. Jo, you find Simon with a woman, heavily pregnant and seemingly in labor. You're not sure which is worse, the monster or the chaos going on in here.

Penny: Lily is far ahead but she seems to hear you and slightly slows her pace though you can tell it takes all her self control. At last you catch up but she keeps moving, forcing you to trot along side her as she scurries onward. I saw him head this direction. If you look on the horizon I think I can see a house or something up ahead. I think he's going there, there's not many places to hide out here and we all clipped him fairly well. He won't go down easy though, so be ready and move fast before we lose him again. Sometimes I think I see him skittering in the distance but I can't be sure it's not an animal. If I had some light this would be a lot easier! she growls. In the distance behind you, as if reading her mind you see a light bobbing in the darkness as it starts to close in though it has a ways to go. You assume this is Ian with the lantern, finally done with treating Jo. It's a sharp elbows, though we Sioux call them double faces. Caused a lot of trouble in my tribe when I was a child. Nearly killed my mother when she was pregnant with my half sister, went after me too. As you can imagine, I want this thing dead.

Simon's initial look of shock is replaced by worry. He stands, takes Josephine by the arm to a chair. He opens one of the bottle of liquer and says, "This will sting." He pours a little on the cut, enough to cover it. Then he takes one of the clean cloths and lay over it. "Hold firmly." His voice is the kind of cammand you might hear from a doctor in a surgery.

Then he stepped back. "If you feel blood on the top of the towel or you feel feint, say something. Otherwise I must attend this situation."

Nodding her head, Josephine was happy to notice Simon's lack of a judgemental gaze. When he gave his advice, she let him knew she understood,

"Thanks." she said simply, holding the cloth against her wound. She winced slightly at the sting of it, but she was a tough enough girl. She'd dealt with enough crap to know this wasn't much, compared.

Raising an eyebrow, she tilted her head,

"Is, uhh... everything going alright in here?" she asked uncertainly.

Penny kept up a swift pace beside Lily, through determination if not fitness. She peered into the darkness ahead, distinguishing the outline of a house or barn, or possibly a shed. 'Yes, I see it. I'll be ready.' She glanced back, confirming that Ian was following by the bobbing light of the lantern, shading her eyes to avoid blinding them to the dark.  She briefly considered summoning Juliet to her side, the hound could see in the dark and hunt down their quarry with ease, but just as quickly rejected the notion. With Lily present, it would be far too risky. It was becoming far too easy to accept demonic aid, but Penny respected Juliet for the wild black dog she had been, not the leashed hellhound she had become.

'I came across these sharp-elbows and double-faces back in the Men of Letters' library during my research... I may have read of your case there. I'm very sorry, Miss Lily. I shall do everything in my power to help you slay it.' she offered, her concern genuinely felt. 'Speaking of which, how can we kill it? The stories had them stabbed or shot with arrows, appropriately, but maybe any weapon will do?'

As they moved, Penny watched the trail, studying the footprints and splashes of blood. If the double-face dropped something, she wanted to know about it.


OOC: Find Clues: in case there's an important clue on the trail, Search 21.
15:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+13. search.

Simon's remark was non-committal in response to Josephine, "We will have to wait and see."

That response didn't exactly make Jo more confident, and she swallowed uncomfortably, nodding her head,

"Alright. Let me know if I can help at all." she said, peering at the woman somewhat sideways...

Penny: Lily shakes her head. If you fill it with enough holes it will do. They don't die easily normally but our weapons have an advantage. The trick is not to become paralyzed. If it gets a chance it will slit your belly open and eat you. Jo was lucky. As you speak you search the darkness and find a track or two and some blood but in the blackness it is difficult to see. Ian has caught up to you by now, though he is covered in sweat and out of breath. He has run all out apparently and running is not his strong point. H-here's your bloody l...an..t..ern! he pants, thrusting the object at you. Lily makes a face. Must you breathe like that? You're going to give away our position! I told you chasing after women doesn't count as exercise you fool. You always were slow as mud. At the sarcastic remark he blushes and looks at you apologetically. Speaking of, Penny you must understand, I didn't encourage Jo at all. I don't want you to think... he trails off awkwardly. Lily immediately rounds on him, still pursuing the trail as you talk. What are you talking about? What did you do?! If you tried anything so help me... he puts his hands up in protest. It wasn't me! She just peeled her shirt off and got all flirty at me! She's probably in right now with your Simon- What!? she gasps, green eyes bulging. Not like that! Well, probably...you never know with some women. I mean look at you he shakes his head with amusement. </Red>Never thought you'd go after a holy man...but she was wounded remember!?</Red> he adds quickly, seeing her scowl. She just wanted medical attention! That's all! he adds turning to you. Suddenly he looks very uncomfortable with the glowering Lily and you facing him. Now that you have the lantern things go easier tracking wise and it seems that the monster has indeed headed for the building on the horizon. Getting closer it seems to be what was once a saloon. Judging by the half crumbled appearance it is not likely occupied.

Jo/Kate/Simon:

Seeing Jo, Emma brightens. You're wounded? Excellent! You would make the perfect test subject! I want to make sure my spe-....uh...medicines...work before we try them on Sarah here. She cuts herself off from saying spell, suddenly aware of the laboring mother though she seems not to notice much in her pain. What say you?

Meanwhile Sarah screeches and another gush of blood flows onto the bed. Things aren't going well. This is too much blood for a normal delivery. Clearly something must be done soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Wed 09 Mar 2016.

Simon had to stop the bleeding first. If he couldn't both mother and child might be lost. He focused on that, and prayed while he worked.

11:21, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 21 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury - stop bleeding.
11:24, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Action Point + Faith.
Total = 27

Shrugging, Josephine responded nonchalantly,

"Sure, why not? Do your worst." she said, figuring things couldn't possibly be worse than they had been just a day before.



12:54, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 19 using 1d20.  bluff, I'm not afraid of no spells!

'I'm not sure Jo understands just how lucky she has been.' Penny maundered, watching Ian approach breathlessly.

Penny received the lantern and shuttered it so it would not give out too much light, except in the direction they were going. 'I daresay the light has already revealed our position. In any case, it hardly matters, the double-face already knows we're after it.'

She watched blankly through the exchange. 'I'm quite sure I don't know what you're talking about.' she said stiffly. 'Besides, she must have thought it necessary for treatment of her wound – needs must in war, after all, though a lady might show more decorum. In any case, I'm certain it is no concern of mine how you deal with impropriety.' she stressed, though it seemed more a case of "the lady doth protest too much". Hunting left so little time for courtship, though now at least Penny had a mother to make a débutante of her.

Jo/Simon: Emma looks surprised and pleased with Jo's lack of fear and quickly finishes mixing the components in a bowl and then bids Jo to sit before muttering quietly over her. She tries to keep her voice down so as not to draw attention from Sarah but the woman hardly notices. Jo, as Emma chants her spell repeatedly under her breath you start to feel a tingling in your wound and your flesh grows warm, getting hotter and hotter until you can barely stand it at which point it finally stops, turning icy cold suddenly. You look down at your bare flesh and are surprised to find it is healed! Emma looks just as pleased as you and gives a little jump of excitement. Father! It worked! I may just be able to help you yet. I doubt it will make the baby come any easier but if you must resort to drastic measures... she trails off ominously and you realize she means surgery, I think I can keep her alive.

Simon, you have been doing a good job of keeping the bleeding in check and a lesser physician would have lost her by now, but as stable as you've kept her, she needs to deliver or she can't keep losing blood like this. Surgery is becoming a very pressing option...

Penny: Ian looks strangely hurt by the last statement, though his face quickly masks it and he merely nods. No, I suppose it isn't he says with a shrug, suddenly all business again. Lily arches a dark brow but wisely says nothing, instead she indicates the saloon. Alright, I say we split up, cover the exits and move in from there. He may not even be there but it makes sense he would try to find some place to recover. Penny, you can take the lantern and head to the back with Ian. I'm pretty good in the dark. Don't shoot anything unless you're sure. I don't want holes blown through me if I can avoid it. In fact, for the time being I'm going to switch to something a bit safer, she takes out her tomahawks. I'll take the front and we'll roust him out. Sound good? Ian shakes his head at this. I'm fine alone. You two take the front, it's more dangerous and you'll need the numbers. I'll head for the back he starts off without waiting for confirmation. ooc: When you post please roll hide and move silently

Simon nodded. He took them aside and spoke quietly, "Do either of you have an chloroform?"

"What in the heck is that?" Josephine questioned, her expression bewildered. First she was healed seemingly by magic now some strange word from a priest had her a tad confused.

Penny quickly surveyed the old saloon, soon accepting Lily's plan of approach. 'Very well.' She holstered her pistol and drew her ash-wood cane, which in battle she otherwise kept tucked in a belt and clutched in her off-hand. She swung and brandished the club in single-stick technique, stretching and flexing her arms in readiness for battle. 'With two faces, I doubt we shall sneak up on the fellow. And with bony spurs from his elbows, he shall fight as well behind as in front, if not better. So, do not try to flank him; instead, let us face him side-by-side, from the front.' she advised. It was a plan, anyway, something to give them confidence going in against the bizarre and dangerous monster.

Then Ian went off the plan and went off alone. 'Ian!' Penny hissed to call him back, suddenly worried and not wanting him to leave. 'Lily shall be fine alone.' Of course, she could not explain that this was because of her nephilim nature. But it was too late, and they no time to spare on debating the plan or chivalry, not while mother and child risked a difficult birth. 'Be careful!'

Penny led Lily to the front of the saloon, keeping to the shadows and away from the windows, her step light and steady.


OOC: Hide 22, Move Silently 22.

And just in case, Initiative 8

"Something surgeons use to render a patient unconscious. It saw extensive use in the War Between the States"

Jo/Simon: I think I remember Miss Dreadful leaving some equipment in the other room... Emma scurries off and returns a moment later with a small case which thankfully has the needed supplies. She turns to you both, speaking in a low voice so Sarah doesn't overhear. I will try to heal her as you perform the surgery, otherwise the loss of blood may be too great. Jo, you will need to assist him, if you have the stomach for it. I'll have my hands full. Perhaps between the three of us we can make this work. What say you? ooc: I will need checks from you both. Simon, if you like you can keep your most recent heal check since you've made plenty of them already and I will count it as the same effort since it is so soon in comparison. I will need a concentration check from both of you though to see how long it takes, how composed you are, etc.

Penny: Lily looks impressed by your input and nods in agreement. When Ian rushes off Lily shakes her head. Well you know why he did that... she mutters dryly to herself. Come, we must move she motions, already stalking quickly to the saloon, weapons gripped tightly. Fortunately you are both able to move silently and you enter the darkened building cautiously. Lily points to a trail of blood on the floor and motions with her head for you to follow. The room has been stripped of most anything worth taking. Only a few broken chairs and tables in pieces litter the dusty floor. The bar of course is devoid of anything but shattered bottles and peeling wall paper. To your right you see a private side room, no doubt where small parties could meet for poker or other such vices. There is heavy breathing emanating from within and Lily's face turns cold and angry, likely thinking of all she has to repay to their kind.

Her inclination is to rush in and have at it unless you move to stop her.
ooc: So go ahead and roll your first attack and let me know if you have a more calculating plan or if you're good to just go for it ;)

8, lol. I'm not the most trustworthy.

Simon nodded at the kit. He took Jo around to the woman's face. "Dear we are going to ask you to breath normally. This will make you drowsy, it is alright to drift off to sleep." Simon took a light cloth and put just enough to wet but not soak it. He handed the cloth to Josephine. "This is important. You must count slowly to sixty, say Mississippi between each number. At sixty remove the cloth and dampen it again. You must only dampen it. Too much and she won't wake up, not enough and she is awake too soon. Understand?"

Assuming she does, Simon went back to position and nodded to Emma. He was putting a lot of trust in her. "Alright, now Josephine." Once she was out, Simon would go to work.

Keeping prior heal check.
09:25, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Concentration.

Surveying the derelict old saloon, Penny wondered how these monsters always managed to find an abandoned building to lurk in, and why a saloon happened to be here, far away from a town to give it patronage. Well, perhaps that explained why it had been abandoned. She followed Lily and the trail of blood through the debris toward the side-room, but caught her friend's shoulder when they heard the heavy breathing, shaking her head in the dark. She had a plan.

Quickly, Penny pointed Lily to a place beside the door, while she stole into position opposite, her cane raised and ready to swing high. She hoped Lily got the idea. Then she called out, her voice high and childlike and plaintive. 'Mummy! I'm lost! Help me!' The monster surely could not resist...


OOC: Bluff 24, attempting to lure it into an ambush in the doorway.
Ready attack when it's in the doorway
I assume my Exploit Weakness bonus still applies.
Attack 14, damage 2

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
So, total Defense 19.

Nodding her head, Josephine didn't exactly look ready for this, but she figured she'd do her best, and that was all that could be asked of her.

With that, she dabbed the cloth into the fluid, and went to work...

Jo/Simon/Kate: Jo has a hard time with the chloroform but after a few tips from Simon she gets it down. You move the woman to the kitchen table so as not to ruin her bed and to have a stable surface. Emma looks nervous but has her supplies at the ready and her face has a steady determination. Jo acts as assistant, handing tools as needed and mopping up the blood as best she can. She tries to stay calm but sometimes the gore and stress are a bit much and she gets frazzled, though in the end she barrels through it. Simon, the pressure is also palpable for you but you are able to keep your composure quite well, even when Jo occasionally hands you the wrong tool or her hands fumble a bit. Kate also assists, keeping a steady supply of hot water, clean linens, and helping Emma with her spell components.

The surgery is messy and Emma will chant over the woman when the blood loss is particularly bad, her color returning each time though this sometimes necessitates another dose of chloroform as the healing takes it out of her system. Eventually you get a good rhythm down, Jo on chloroform and assisting, Emma healing and you Simon cutting. It feels like eternity but in fact it only takes about ten minutes to get to the infant, though her muscles and organs must be pushed aside to accommodate the child. Emma has to rush out at one point and is quite sick in the other room. Jo, you are not enjoying this either but you steel yourself and stay throughout. The witch returns a few minutes later, looking pale but ready to continue.

The infant is covered in blood and fluid and at first makes no sound but after some rubbing and cleaning on Simon's part it finally starts to cry. It is so small it's incredible that it is even alive but Emma quickly heals the babe as well and in spite of its size the cries grow healthier. Kate takes the infant, wrapping him in a clean towel and comforting the tiny thing. It is a boy.

Putting Sarah back together is easier without an infant to worry about and eventually she is in one piece and stitched up. Emma is exhausted from so much spell craft and without her it is certain the woman would have bled to death. As it is the kitchen is completely covered in gore and it looks like a murder scene with all the mess.

Penny: Fortunately Lily catches on and nods from her hiding place. Your impersonation works uncommonly well and a few moments later the man crouches in, ready to pounce on the fictional victim. You swing as soon as he is visible but his reflexes are fast and he leans out of the way. Lily likewise tries to attack with her tomahawk but with similar results. Fortunately his own slash with his sharp elbows towards your chest is deflected with your cane. At this point though you get a better look at the thing. He has native features and long black hair but on the other side of his head is a twisted deformed face, mouth open and gaping in an expression of endless horror. Your blood freezes in your veins and you can feel your muscles stiffen and try to hold fast...ooc: Please roll a will save. DC 17. If you fail you are paralyzed for two rounds, otherwise you shake it off. Also if you do succeed feel free to roll another round.

The creature's second face was shocking, but Penny was not shocked. Stern, resolute, stiff upper lip, she stood firm. As she had always done, she confronted the horror, looking it in the eye. Parrying the bony elbow-spike, she slid her cane along it, and thrust the butt into the creature's chest, before withdrawing. She delivered two more swift blows toward the creature's shoulders.

'Ian!' Penny yelled, summoning her ally. Battle had commenced, so where was he?


OOC: Will save, aced it: 25.
Agile Ripose: he missed me, so I get an AoO: attack 28, damage 2
Full attack: attack 16, damage 7; and attack 12, damage 7

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
So, total Defense 19.

Simon is pretty exhausted after the ordeal, but not so as Emma. When it is over he goes to her and hugs her. "Thank you." Then he stepped back so as not to be to invasive. "So now you see that your magic can be put to a good use, and I for one am proud of you."

He pointed to a couch, "Now as your doctor I am ordering you to sleep." He smirked.

Likewise he hugged both Jo and Kate. "I wonder how Lily is doing. I hope she and Penny are alright."

"Well done!" Kate returned Father Simon's hug with a grin. "Let's not ever do that again," she muttered just loud enough for him alone to hear. Turning to Sara she passed the infant to his mother, ignoring the urge to hold him a little longer. "If everything is under control here I think I'll go check on the others," she added waiting long enough to assure everything was well under control.

Surprised by the hug, still, it made her feel good, so Josephine was broken into a small smile by the time they parted. After all, Simon was a good man, right? If he was hugging her, she had probably not screwed up too badly.

At Kate's words, however, she wasn't quite certain if this was a certainty. Some kind of accelerated pregnancy with a monster lurking about... she didn't want to leave Simon alone with a potentially hostile situation, but she didn't want Kate running off alone either. Calling out after Kate, she held up a hand to hopefully catch up to her, to whisper her worries,

"I don't know if we should leave Simon alone with her, or even the woman alone with the baby. I mean, it was faster than normal, right? And more difficult?" In truth, Josephine had no freaking idea, but she was guessing she was right on that part at least, "How do we know this monster doesn't like, jump, or do something the second somebody is left alone?" she asked, and after a split second, it was clear Josephine really didn't have a clue what to do here, but she was worried, and she was hoping for some guidance.

Penny: You strike the creature with your first attack but he manages to dodge the other two, fortunately as he retaliates toward you once more he misses though he slashes Lily across the chest as she rushes him. Meanwhile Ian comes barreling to the room, seemingly he was still far enough away with the back entrance he only just now caught up, likely unaware of your location before. What the-!? he exclaims, seeing the second face. Luckily he manages to shake off the effects for the moment, gripping a long bowie knife and blocking the exit. ooc: Ok, so sharp elbows' AC is 18, also one of his special abilities is he cannot be flanked just fyi. This way you know whether or not you hit. Go ahead and roll the next 2 rounds and on the second round of that roll another will save. Every 2 rounds he gets another chance to paralyze you. Also, feel free to roll your agile ripostes to boot in case he misses again plus the other time he misses. Long story short, you have a lot of rolls ahead of you. If you need help organizing them let me know ;)

Kate/Tanzy/Simon: Emma looks shocked at the hug but you can tell she is pleased by the compliment and her ability to help. Listening to Jo's concerns she sits on the couch tiredly. Your worries are valid Miss Hartley. However, the others may well need help. Between the father and myself I'm sure we can keep this family safe. You can either stay with us or accompany Miss Piper but we shall do well enough on our own.

Simon nodded, "Go ahead, I think we have things covered."

Penny duelled the Double-Face with desperate effort, her speedy right arm a lacy streak as she deftly parried its bony skewers and lunged to strike its arms, torso, head. Her ash-wood cane was a solid, hefty club, cored in cold iron from its tip to its sigil-inscribed knob. She lashed the creature with the slender end, and thrust the weighty knob deep into flesh and bone.

Then it turned, turning its ghastly second face upon her. 'Cover your eyes! Don't meet its gaze!' Penny cried, and shut her eyelids tight. Using her keen hearing, a feel for the rush of air, and her analysis and predictions of the creature's movements, she still confidently battled it blindly.


OOC:
Two full-attacks; I'll skip the misses and summarise successful rolls here.
1st round: attack 28, damage 3
2nd round: attack 29, damage 3; attack 25 (rolled a 20, crit not confirmed), damage 7
Total damage 13

Agile Ripostes:
2nd round: attack 27, damage 7

I'd like to have Penny close her eyes, hoping to avoid the effects of the gaze, rather than risk a Will save. I have Blind-Fight, and successfully rerolled to beat the 50% miss chances. If you disagree or it fails, then 14, Penny fails.

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
So, total Defense 19.

Penny: You are able to get a few jabs in but it is by no means enough yet. You can't tell how well the others are doing but you hear a crash and the sound of someone falling followed by Ian swearing. Closing my eyes doesn't work for me! he snaps. Get out of the way at least! growls Lily and you hear the creature give a little shriek of pain. Unfortunately it also slashes you across the abdomen, hard.

ooc: I'm just giving Kate/Jo a chance to decide to come after them. If you do, please roll a search/survival check. Simon: I will post for you tomorrow one way or another.

"You stay and I'll go," Kate suggested to Jo. The woman had already been hurt enough the past few days and Kate didn't want to risk any more on her tonight. "Keep an eye on things," her eyes flicked towards Emma. It was hard to imagine the baby being a threat but she supposed it was possible.

Nodding her head, Josephine was glad Kate had made that decision for her,

"Sounds good!" she said, not even thinking about the fact that her belly had already been slashed by the monster, potentially making her the worst person to stay near the OTHER person potentially affected by it.

Still, she was happy to have something clear to do. Sit here, and wait. She could do that, hoping she didn't bleed out in the process. Remembering her little blanket piece, she held it against her wound once more, not wanting the bleeding to start back up. She'd really jumped into a lot of the crap, all of a sudden. Was her mother right about all of this?

Recoiling cat-like, instinctively sucking in her belly even as it was slashed through fabric and flesh, Penny stoically endured the cold-burning pain, knowing she would merely have a lot of needlework later, both of cloth and of skin. Automatically, she seized the opening the Double-Face had afforded her by thrusting downwards at its torso, returning the favour twice over as the sharp iron tip of her cane scored its gut.


OOC: Full-attack:
1: attack 18, damage 6
2: attack 20, damage 6

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
So, total Defense 19.

Simon: By now Sarah is starting to stir, likely because of the witch's healing and she looks around groggily, wanting to know how it went. Meanwhile Emma plops heavily on the couch, exhausted. Once Sarah is resting she takes you aside. When this is all over, will you vouch for me? Remind them how useful I've been? I have a feeling the others will put me down when all of this is over... she looks worried.


Penny: You hear Ian give a slight gasp and Lily swears. You wonder if he hasn't perhaps been paralyzed. Meanwhile Lily is making a great deal of noise and you get the feeling she is having as much trouble as you are with the lout. In spite of your attacks, the thing is desperate and he slices you again, this time on the cheek.

Kate: You rush out to find the others and run in the direction you last saw them head, however...in the darkness of the desert it is difficult to find your way and after some time you realize you are a bit on the lost side...

Simon grinned, having washed the baby and wrapped him (her?) in a blanket. "It went wonderfully Sarah. Your child is healthy and so are you. You will have a scar, there is nothing could be done for it." He handed her the baby. "You will have to teach it how to nurse. When you are done we can get you both some rest."

Emma pulled him aside. "Certainly, I have only to be honest about your help. Why do you think they will harbor new suspicions?"

'You can open your eyes now!' Penny hissed, taking a cut on the cheek for her troubles.

This was taking too long; Sarah might still be suffering in labour under the Double-Face's influence, and they would take too many wounds ere this was battle was done. She needed to even the odds. 'Ian! Lily! Trap its right-arm spike!' With her companions grabbing or locking the bony skewer amongst their blades, Penny reversed her cane and brought the iron knob down, trying to crack and splinter the unnatural weapon.


OOC: Sorry, Penny opened her eyes after the paralyse attack. The idea was to use it only while the Double-Face glares at us.

Penny's calling for Ian and Lily to give her aid another bonuses on the break attempt.

Full-attack, attempt to break an object:
1: attack 19, damage 5
2: attack 22, damage 3

Remembering, as she reached down and felt no wound, that she'd been healed, Josephine was at first startled, then it turned into pleasant surprise for her.

"Thank you, again, Emma, for your help. The wound feels completely healed!" she said, smiling across the room at her.

Simon/Jo: Emma looks pleased at Jo's friendliness, almost unsure how to react though she smiles back. She includes Jo in the conversation with Simon, face turning worried. I'm not so much worried about new suspicions, I have kept my word to help you. I more fear that once my usefulness is done they will decide my past wrongs outweigh my present usefulness. I'm no fool, I would be very surprised if you left me alive after this. I would try to escape but that would only mean Belial would win and if that happens there is no place for me to hide.

Penny:

Ian seems to be paralyzed unfortunately and he takes a nasty gash to the neck though it is not mortal luckily. What's worse is he can do nothing to defend himself. Lily, however, grapples the foe and does her best to hold him still while you aim for the spike. It hits solidly but not enough to break it yet. However, judging by the way he howls you've found a particularly weak point on him. He sends Lily flying back into a wall, his full attention on you now...

Simon nodded, "Listen carefully Emma. Even if you had not helped, I would not allow you to be slain. Your helpfulness may not be from a sense of penance, but in my opinion you are at least on your way. Fear not for your life. Fear instead for your soul. I still believe in you, I believe you can be saved." He smiled and patted her arm. "Now go and rest. You have earned it."

"Well now..." Josephine said, glancing sideways at Simon. He didn't seem to realize people could, and probably would, kill Emma despite his protests if they felt strongly about it,

"While the good Father has good intentions, I have realistic ones. What exactly can you offer as incentive to keep you from being killed? Nobody around here just coasts... everybody provides a whole lot of something. What is it you plan on doing to make yourself more worth keeping alive, than dead?" she asked, tilting an eyebrow.

Confronting it alone now, Penny squared up before the Double-Face, shifting to a duelling stance, her cane raised in front, her eyes downcast to avoid its gaze. Without her companions, she couldn't spend time trying to break the bone skewers. Instead, she was back to the direct attack. 'You'll not get the babe or the mother.' she warned. 'They are protected!' With a rapid one-two strike, she thumped the Double-Face about the head, pleased to score two good blows, if not a killing one.


OOC:
Full-attack action again.
1: attack 27, damage 5
2: attack 25, rolled a 20, critical confirmation 16, no, damage 5

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Total Defense 19.

Pm

Simon/Jo: Emma looks surprised at Jo's bluntness. Well for one our common goals should count for something. If I aid you enough in the coming battle with Belial that should surely warrant some leeway? Besides, my magic is stronger than anyone else you have with you. That should be incentive enough. My but you are a plain speaking thing! she looks uncomfortable.

Penny: You hit squarely and though he is not dead he is getting quite weak. You see panic in his eyes and then to your consternation he changes tactics and grabs the still paralyzed Ian, gripping him around the neck with strong hands. Sharp elbow's rough low voice wheezes, If you don't back off now I will snap his neck! Take the squaw and leave the way you came and I will let him live. Don't test me... It takes a moment to realize it is the deformed face that is talking.

Shaking her head with an understanding laugh, Josephine responded,

"While I try to be honest, you must think about your treatment as if you were me... If I proved to be dangerous or disloyal I would suffer a worse fate than you, to be sure." she said, establishing a similarity between them before continuing to lend her words more weight,

"We are all judged by our actions and not our promises. If you worry less about making verbal deals and worry more about what you DO to help others, I believe you will find more success and support. Especially from myself." she said with a comforting smile, trying to persuade her to her line of thinking.

Penny stepped back. She did not doubt that the Double-Face would follow through on its threat. She also did not doubt that it would murder Ian anyway, given the opportunity. Their only hope was to track it down and fight it again with greater numbers later. 'Now put him down, and go!' she ordered, voice thick with anger and fear. She had a hand near her pistol, ready to draw if the Double-Face threatened Ian again.

Jo: Emma listens with a thoughtful nod. I see...well then if you would both be so kind as to remind the others of the good I have done and will do. I fear their prejudices against me will blind them to any benefits I may provide. I will do as you say though, if only because I want to live. Dying once was enough for me she shudders.

Penny: Lily also steps back, hands raised with a look of fierce hatred on her face. Throw your weapons in the corner. Both of you. Out of reach, then step behind the counter. If you do so I will let the man live. I swear it on my people. ooc: Feel free to roll a sense motive if you wish.

OOC: Just the roll now. Sense Motive 26

Alone in the desert Kate found herself wishing she had the GPS on her phone.

OOC: Poop! I'm never going to make it back!

Snarling a curse under her breath, Penny tossed her cane into the indicated corner, where it fell with a clatter. 'Your people? Your people are child-murderers and fiends. How can you swear on them?' she hissed in frustrated rage, but stalked across the room and behind the counter.

Suddenly Penny tripped, stumbling on a broken chair leg and skidded on the shattered glass of old wine bottles. And one hand hoisted up her skirts, the other slipped her pocket revolver from her garter holster. Lily would no doubt see, but Penny kept all this hidden behind the counter, muttering curses in a thick country Devonshire accent to cover her deception. 'Now your turn! Drop him! Leave and never return!' she ordered. She had honour, she would keep to the deal, at least until the moment Ian was safely out of arm's reach, before battle would resume.


OOC: Ah, yes, I have a concealed-carry holster established to be in Penny's garter belt. ;)
19:34, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+5. bluff.

Ready: shoot the son-of-a-whatever when Ian is safe, or if it goes for Ian anyway, shoot it.

Simon smiled and put his hands akimbo, "Then go and rest, as I have already instructed."

Nodding slightly, Josephine countered,

"I would be willing to bet that no matter how blind one chooses to be, if your works personally save their lives, they would be loathe to forsake you." she said, hoping to inspire Emma to become one of them, or perhaps simply work harder. Either way: an improvement. Having her be constantly self-focused wasn't going to benefit anybody in the long run, not even Emma herself.

Penny: You do sense that he is lying, which makes you all the more determined to pull your little trick. Fortunately he doesn't seem to notice and Lily's face is the perfect mask, not displaying a hint of what she sees. Sharp elbows doesn't bother to answer, merely waiting until you are properly out of his danger. With that he hesitates, and you are suddenly afraid that he will kill Ian after all. Instead though he grabs the man with strong arms and flings him at the counter where he slams into Lily, the pair of them smashing against the glass wall behind them. At this point he books it... ooc: You have time to get a shot off and you may pursue should you wish it of course. Fortunately he looks quite bad off.

Simon/Jo: Emma takes heart at this and nods thoughtfully, going to rest as Simon indicated. ooc: So what are your plans until the others return? Keep in mind you are both pretty messy due to the surgery. You'll need a change of clothes, which I assume you brought?

Simon nodded as Emma left the room. Turning to Jo, "I will step outside while you change." He obviously expects her to reciprocate. He walks out and closes the door. He makes sure to keep his back to the door.

Sure, I can pretend I thought ahead and brought clothes :P

Seeing Emma leave and go to rest, Josephine, in her usual straightforwardish way, walked into a corner of the room, glanced around to ensure the strangers weren't staring at her, and quickly shimmied out of her clothing, changing into a long dress, and a blouse.

Having re-dressed herself, she rolled her previous outfit up, and placed it to take it with them, and returned to Simon's side,

"All done." she said, stepping out to allow him to change. She may have found his particulars a little silly, but she accommodated them.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Tue 05 Apr 2016.

The moment the Double-Face moved to hurl Ian, Penny's pistol snapped up and, as soon as he was clear, firing. Her speed was good, her aim was better; she was glad to see a crimson flower blossom on the body of the vile monster, before it turned and fled. 'See to Ian!' Penny told Lily, rolling over the counter and dashing after the Double-Face.


OOC: Readied attack 20, damage 10 (Precise Shot, no penalty for shooting into melee)
14:39, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+11. pistol: attack, PBS.
14:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 2d4+2. damage.

Move after it.

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Double-Face/Sharp-Elbows
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Total Defense 19.

Simon smiled, "Thank you, I shall only be a moment." He went in and changed into his only spare clothes, which are exactly the same as his other clothes, minus blood.

He opened the door, "Thank you again Josephine. Come back inside, lets see what we can do around here."

Penny: Your shot hits true and as he staggers out you realize he is nearly finished, what's more he realizes it too and he opts for speed, rushing desperately away...ooc: I'd say you have one more good shot before he is in total darkness and you will have some troubles aiming.

simon/Jo: There is plenty to clean up after. The surgery made quite a mess and hot water is prepped to scrub the floors and soak the blankets, etc. It is quite a domestic little scene, the two of you picking up Sarah's mess. The exhausted woman is supremely grateful though. Thank you so much. All of you. You must allow me to pay you. What of your friends? Should they not be back by now?

Hearing the word pay, Josephine's eyes lit up and she nodded,

"That sounds good to us! We get paid?" she whispered the last half to Simon incredulously, very happy about this news.

At the mention of their friends, she laughed,

"If you knew our friend Lily, you wouldn't be worried. Its the bad guy you should worry for!" she said with a smile to comfort the woman.

Skidding on the debris-strewn floor, Penny pelted out of the abandoned saloon and into the night after the fleeing monster. Seeing its dark rushing form, she raised her pistol as she ran, tracked its flight, and squeezed off a shot.


OOC:
Move after it
Attack 13, +7 with an action point to make attack 20; damage 6
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+10. pistol: attack.
08:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 2d6. action point.
08:59, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d4+1. damage.

I rolled a 2nd attack by mistake. I forgot I had Penny moving after it.

Penny: You hit and he stumbles with a growl. By now Lily has rushed after you, her own pistol raised. Ian follows her, though he moves stiffly and is not as fast. Lily shoots but misses with a curse. Fortunately sharp elbow's speed is greatly hindered by his most recent wound. You estimate one more shot should do it.

Penny halted, adopted a gunfighter's stance, and emptied her pistol at the fleeing creature – and missed in the darkness. 'Blast!' she swore. 'Lily, I'm out! It must be you.' She was satisfied, in a way. After how a Double-Face had threatened her family, how it had preyed upon her people, Lily might want vengeance against this one, and Penny was inclined to give her that option.


OOC: Attacks 12 and 6, both miss, with the last two bullets in my pistol. Well, that was disappointing, but I wanted to find a way to let Lily have revenge on a Sharp-Elbows anyway.
21:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+10. pistol: attack.
21:26, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 1d20+5. pistol: attack 2.

Simon eyed Josephine, "We are here on behalf of the Church, so a donation to it would be acceptable. We could use information and supplies, if you can spare it."

"I don't think its unreasonable to accept a donation on behalf of ourselves, and the work we're doing here and now, right?" Josephine asked, raising an eyebrow. She wasn't understanding the difference at all, really, but she wasn't exactly educated too highly on the religious front, so that was understandable.

Simon nodded, "That would be acceptable, but we should endeavor to make our way with as little as possible."

Nodding, Josephine's wrinkled nose showed she didn't exactly understand the why, but what she did understand was him basically saying she could accept money.

That much, she enjoyed, certainly. Having always had to help mom work for every bit of change, she was glad to finally earn something for herself.

Penny: Lily nods, rushing forward, pistol raised. She fires and thankfully hits the thing squarely in the back. He collapses on the dusty ground in a heap and twitches violently before lying still. Ian has caught up by now, his own weapon gripped tightly. Do you think he's dead? he wonders aloud. Lily responds by emptying the rest of her gun into the body. He is now. Her face is cold with hatred and she turns to you. Excellent work Penny. I doubt I would have caught up to him in time if you hadn't had that gun hidden. You came through nicely. Thank you It is clear she is most grateful for the way things worked out, and it is rare to see her so affected by something. Meanwhile Ian watches quietly, still a bit on the subdued side since your minor exchange about Jo.

Jo/Simon: Sarah laughs at your exchange. I can easily provide all of that. What supplies do you need? I can lend you a wagon if you wish, though I do ask that you leave it in town for my husband to retrieve. You can get to San Jose within a day that way. There's a town stable you can leave it with and you can send a note to him about what happened. Anything else? I have food, water, anything you need probably and you will certainly stay the night. And of course I can pay you she looks to Jo with a grin. For what you've done? How could I not!? she then goes to her room and returns with ten dollars, a generous sum for the time.

Penny quickly reloaded her pistol, feeding bullets from purse to barrel, not wishing to be caught with it empty should another monster appear. 'Thank you, you two fought well yourselves... I must say, I'm so very glad we put an end to this fiend.' she said, feeling great satisfaction. 'After facing all those shifters, vampires, and demons, after dealing with the ongoing Belial affair, it is so very refreshing to find, face, and slay our foe in a single night, to see the matter concluded. This was a good hunt. Now I hope the others saw Sarah safely through her labour.'

Her gun reloaded, Penny knelt, hitched her skirt up, and slipped the weapon back in her garter holster, topping her lacy stockings. 'A handy invention of mine, I had to make the bloody skirt useful somehow.' Penny was unconcerned by the brief flash of thigh Ian might see – hunting and the necessity of battle left little room for privacy and decorum, and Ian had already shown himself a gentleman. It wasn't even the first time Ian had seen under her skirt, though he'd been distracted by a gunshot at the time.

She rose, straightening her skirt, and caught Ian's odd look, mistaking it for the lingering effects of the Double-Face's glare. Nevertheless, she was filled with concern for her friend's well-being. 'Oh, Ian, how are you? It hurt me to see that thing threaten you so... And paralysed with horror – to be so helpless must have been terrible.' she consoled, laying a hand on his shoulder in support.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Sat 09 Apr 2016.

Simon nodded, "Yes, the wagon and directions. A little food and water if you can spare."

Then she brought them ten dollars. Simon is very uncomfortable accepting such a sum. He leaned in and whispered to Josephine,  Then he stepped back, "I will leave talk of money to those better acquainted with it."

Nodding at Simon's words, and Sarah's smile, Josephine gladly accepted all ten dollars, pressing them together, and placing them in her pocket,

"We welcome your generosity, and appreciate you appreciating our help!" she said, laughing along with Sarah, "You don't, by any chance, have any clothing that is... less cumbersome than what I'm currently wearing do you? We may have to move quickly here in the next day, and I would find myself being a nuisance to these men if I'm hobbling along behind them..." she asked, figuring 'what the heck, why not'.

Penny: Ian looks startled at your comments to him and his face quickly melts into a scowl. I wasn't paralyzed with horror! I was just...paralyzed! And I would have shaken out of it in a minute if you'd given me a bloody chance! he growls. Good heavens woman, do you castrate every man you meet or is it just us unlucky Scotsmen? he shakes his head angrily. Well I'll leave you to it. I'm off. With that he stalks away without a backward glance. Lily stares back at him, her mouth open in surprise. Uh....do you want me to go box his ears? Or would you like to do it? Goodness but you riled him! He's a scoundrel sometimes but temperamental is more my specialty. But then after the way you treated him with Jo and then patronizing him just now I suppose he does have a small right to be annoyed... she finishes with a shrug.

Simon/Jo: The woman looks pleased that Jo has accepted and she heartily agrees to the food and water request. As for the clothes she frowns in thought. Well...I have some looser things if you like, and sensible shoes if they will fit you. On the farm we can't just go about in finery after all. I often find it unfair we can't wear trousers as the menfolk do but then that would be too scandalous I suppose she laughs. She twitters off to go find something suitable. ooc: I'm about ready to merge you guys back with Penny and such, so sorry if it takes a smidge.

Lol, don't sweat it about the clothes. Jo will just 'deal' with a dress, and she'll be a martyr for the "women should be allowed to wear shorts" cause!

Josephine, thinking better of it, waved off the clothing idea,

"Not a big deal. Its fine. Thank you for your support."

With that, she grabbed Simon and headed off after the others.

While they walked Simon tried to explain something. "Josephine, Priests take a vow of poverty. We are not allowed to own more than we absolutely need. I cannot even buy Lily an engagement ring, though a wedding band is necessary. So you understand by taking such a sum, a year's wages in some parts of the country, you have made me somewhat uncomfortable. I understand why you did and I am glad for you. I just want you to understand why I am the way I am about money."

Nodding, Josephine didn't mind,

"If you choose to be poor, I won't hate you for it, Simon. In return, it makes me uncomfortable that you would, but I understand why you do it, and I'm just as happy for you in return. I'll gladly handle all of the financial gains we have now, and in the future." she said, smiling and clapping his shoulder with a soft hand.

In fact, Jo was quite glad to hear that Simon didn't want anything to do with money. She didn't mind getting the extra income!

At Ian's sudden outburst, Penny stared in shock, hardly getting the chance to correct or clarify her words, to explain that it was a magical horror one couldn't resist no matter their courage. She'd tried to show her concern and understanding, for all the good it did. 'Good heavens, what have I done now?' she exclaimed in exasperation, then cursed to the heavens themselves, 'Men!'

She waved off Lily 'No, no, men are such temperamental, precious creatures. I'll speak to him when his mood has settled. I have work to do still.'

Penny begged Lily for her tomahawks and took to the Sharp-Elbows with them, but with a purpose, and now working out a fair degree of frustration and irritation. With a few blows, and a good wrenching of the humerus, she broke off the twin bony spikes, finishing the job she'd begun earlier. Then she stoved in the creature's ghastly second face, leaving an unrecognisable pulp. 'That saves on difficult-to-answer questions.' She wiped the blood off the weapons and skewers on the creature's clothes, and left the body to the coyotes and vultures, or whatever carrion eaters they had out here. It seemed a fitting fate.

Handing back the tomahawks, Penny regarded the twin bony skewers curiously, with ideas in mind. '"No weapon forged", hmm...'


OOC: Ready to merge.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Sat 09 Apr 2016.

Simon sighed. Josephine either did not get it or was playing dumb, either way he was not going to explain further. That they had an understanding was enough for him at the moment.

Penny: Lily watches with interest. Those could come in useful I'm sure. Don't ask me how... she adds with a grin. But you're clever, you'll come up with something. As for Ian, let me know if he proves too pig headed for you. I'm sure his pride is the culprit but I'll leave that to you to determine.

Simon/Jo: Ian returns first, looking bloodied, bruised and extremely grumpy. He grunts something about the culprit being taken care of and then looks around for whiskey or other similar tonics. Sarah greets him with a smile and laughingly gets him a bottle of scotch that her husband is apparently fond of. Sitting down, he rubs his temples and takes a swig, asking how things have fared. I'd wager well considering the baby? Suddenly he arches an eyebrow. Where's Miss Kate?

Everyone: Soon after Penny and Lily also arrive but Kate is not with them.

'Well, you never know.' Penny answered Lily, 'Too often, one requires a strange and obscure item to slay a monster. We might as well as collect such things when we get the chance. A natural bone spike is fairly unique, I must say.' Stepping briefly back inside the abandoned saloon, she tore down an old curtain with which to wrap the bone spikes up. It was best not to explain or show such things to a civilian like Sarah. Nor did she wish Emma Bently getting any ideas...

Penny and Lily returned to the house very soon after Ian, no matter the head start he'd had. No doubt he'd lingered alone outside for some time to cool off before entering. She was glad to see Sarah well, and goodness, was that a baby? But she was also disappointed they'd not been able to slay the Double-Face sooner; they might have been able to save her from a difficult and premature birthing.

Entering the room, Penny's attention pricked at Ian's question, suddenly alarmed and asking 'What happened to Kate?' She couldn't bear to lose her again, especially now she knew the truth of their relationship.

Jo was glad to see Ian, and gave him a spontaneous hug,

"Hey big guy, glad you all made it!" she said, smiling as she backed away. He'd always been kind to her, and she was genuinely happy to see him alive. Lily too, but Lily and hers relationship was comfortable, and they both knew they were happy to see each other with little more than a smile and a wink here and there.

Hearing the question about Kate, Jo wrinkled her brow,

"Wasn't she with you?"

Simon looked a bit confused, "As Ms. Josephine says, we thought she was with you."

Leaning over, trying to help, Josephine whispered to Simon,

"Hartley is the last name." she said, thinking he might prefer to use her last name. Heck, she wasn't sure, priests were foreign to her.

Simon looked at Josephine oddly. "I apologize, I thought we were past using last names."

'No!' Penny answered, too loudly and too quickly, her voice edged with fear. 'It's dark, we never saw her... Oh God, all those gunshots...' she murmured, barely able to give voice to the possibility in her dread. 'We have to look for her!' Penny turned and ran back outside, calling 'Kate!'

Simon moved to Penny's side, "Wait a moment." He put a hand on her shoulder. He needed something easy to carry, close to her eyes...her scarf! He put his hand on the top of her neck, palm against her scarf, and whispered a prayer. "'I am the way, the truth and the light,' sayth the Lord." Her scarf began to glow as if it were a soft candle.

Cast Light on Penny's scarf

Penny stared in wonder at the small miracle, touching the glowing scarf almost to see if it was real. But she wasn't distracted for long. She nodded a brief thank you to Simon before hurrying out.

Raising an eyebrow, Jo responded,

"You said Ms... I've never been called Ms. Josephine, just Ms. Hartley, like everybody else. You're not Mr. Simon, you're Simon or Mr. Cole... right?" she was genuinely perplexed at this point.

When he cast what looked like a spell, she kept her eyebrow raised but didn't comment. She'd had her moments for wonder, and those were all before her body had been shattered and torn asunder by a man's mere thoughts. Now, she was a bit too cynical to get excited about things like that, but it was a bit odd to see, still.

Simon turned back to Josephine and nodded, "Ah. Force of habit. Sometimes I call Penny Ms. Penny still. My mother would smack the back of my head for not showing any woman proper respect...any adult for that matter. Josephine then. If I falter don't be cross."

Shrugging, Jo didn't mind,

"Doesn't bother me either way, was just tryin' to help you out a bit." she said, finally coming to terms with the priest. He didn't seem like a bad man, just a bit... odd? Or perhaps he was just too focused on his priestly duties to really keep up with social graces, which she wouldn't blame him for. Either way, they'd understood each other for now, and that was enough for her!

Calm down Penny, she probably got lost. It is dark and she isn't exactly familiar with finding her way places, at least I gather... she arches an almost amused eyebrow. I can probably track her but I'll need all the light I can get. If anyone is willing to help me now is the time. I will need to see as much as possible so keep that in mind. she grips her own lantern and heads out. If she ran into trouble we would have at least heard a gunshot by now. I doubt she wouldn't be able to get at least one off even in the worst of cases. We'll have to call for her too. Hopefully she doesn't get carried away and keep wandering around...

ooc: all who are helping, roll a spot and listen check please

Penny didn't mean to slam the door, but it slammed anyway, with her turned careless with urgency and irritation, as she heard casual conversation resume behind her. They were under siege by monsters, and a friend was lost in the dark! Couldn't they at least try to be concerned?! That Hartley woman – she was a bad influence on the team.

She paused for Lily, answering 'There could be another Double-Face, and we were firing pistols into the darkness. There were missed shots. She may be hurt. We have to find her.' Her desperation was clear; Penny had only just discovered her mother, had only just lost her and rescued her. She could not lose her again.

Yet she was still rational, and knew getting herself lost out here in the desert as well would not do at all. She would stay close to Lily and assist, trusting her expertise. 'Kate! Where are you?!' she called out.


OOC: Listen 19, Spot 15.

Simon lent his aid by holding lights and making things easier for others.

10:10, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Listen.
10:10, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Search.

Lily gently grabs Penny by the shoulders and stares her down firmly. Penny, calm down. I understand your concern and I promise, I will find her. Tracking is my specialty. I was the best hunter in my tribe because of it I'll have you know. But we need to keep our heads on straight. Vital clues can be missed in a panic and I need all the eyes I can get right now. Firstly, why don't we head to the saloon, make sure she wasn't around there and hurt alright? Though I'm sure we would have heard something, still it's worth a look. Then we can backtrack and find her lead. As for sharp elbows, even if there are more out there they are unlikely to go after her unless she is a threat to them. They tend to go after children remember? It will be alright she pats your arm kindly, realizing just how panicked you are. Ian watches with sympathy, face grim.

ooc: I'm letting Jo have a chance to roll if she likes :)

Lol, naw, Jo's a bad influence on the team apparently. She'll stay behind/just follow along

'Mothers and children.' Penny corrected tersely, 'Kate was recently pregnant, remember? A Sharp-Elbows could well sense that... But yes, the saloon.' she agreed. Penny didn't get hysterical; she didn't need reassurance, she needed action and decisiveness. 'Let's form pairs for search teams. Ian, Father Simon?' she suggested they search together.

"I'll go with Ian." Josephine piped up, clearly making a decision that she didn't want to leave up to chance. She hadn't chatted alone with Ian in a while, and she missed his sense of humor a bit, so she figured if they were all splitting up regardless, and Penny was clearly freaking the heck out, she didn't want to be around that so chasing Ian would be more preferable.

Grinning at Lily, she lifted an eyebrow,

"Want to join us? More like the first days, hmm?"

Simon's eyes went this way and that. Josephine chose Ian as her partner. Simon thought it best if the two people trained by The Detective were not together, that way they spread their experience around. He let Lily make her decision before he made his own.

Lily smiles at Jo's offer but declines politely. As much as I'd enjoy your lively banter, I think I'd best stay with Penny. Not trying to be prideful, but in all likelihood it will be me who finds Kate's trail and Penny will want to be with me when I do. Of course, with all my big talk I'd better find something now... she adds with a mutter. We'll head towards the saloon first and then come back, see if there isn't a trail. Please, be very careful where you step everyone. If you see any prints you need to mark them and find me. We won't be long.

Meanwhile, at Jo's decision to pair off with Ian he looks somewhat surprised but agrees with a grim nod, avoiding looking at Penny.

'Ah, there you are.' Penny announced when Hartley showed up, and rather pointedly, before she was caught by a sudden concern. 'Who's watching Sarah and the baby?'

As she set off with Lily, Penny began scanning the ground as well, seeking clues to help Lily in her tracking. She was no native tracker like Lily, but she was a great detective, her keen eyes and analytical skill completely comparable. In particular, she looked for the distinctive patterned prints of Kate's futuristic sneakers, and, though she dreaded to find them, the dark spots of blood. 'Oh, I wish we all had those mobile telephones.'


OOC: Looking for clues, Search 30.
09:55, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30 using 1d20+13. search.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Thu 14 Apr 2016.

Your last post responded to the fact that I was already here, and a bad influence, and now you're responding as if I'd just arrived?

Hearing Lily's words, Josephine grinned, remembering their 'hide and seek' before,

"Shall we have a 'find the person' challenge, like our stealthy challenge before?" she teased, raising an eyebrow with a smile at her friend.

Ignoring Penny's question, Josephine turned towards Ian, and approached, whispering...

Simon realized Penny was correct, it could be a ruse to draw them out. "I will remain here and keep watch over our charges. Go and find Ms. Kate with all haste."

He motioned for Ian or Josephine. He blessed one or both their scarves the same way he had done for Penny. Then to Lily, "Do you need extra light as well?"

Lily blushes at Jo's mention of the hide and seek debacle and she makes a face. That was an isolated incident! At Simon's offer of a light she nods and offers him her vest to light, giving him a grateful kiss on the cheek before turning to search with Penny.

Penny: You soon find yourselves by the saloon, quickly searching the area. Fortunately it yields no sign of Kate, which offers immeasurable relief. You backtrack, searching for clues, footprints, anything. At last you do manage to find some traces of tracks in the dirt and Lily seems to spot them just as quickly, a look of triumph on her pretty face. She does not chat during this time, instead keeping silent and focused unless you pose a question to her. The trail seems to lead East and though occasionally you lose it, between the two of you it is quickly picked up again. See the even weight distribution? she points out, squatting next to a track. She was calm it seems, well not running at any rate, which bodes well. Judging by her aimless trail she was wandering versus running away from something, though you probably already know that don't you? she half smiles. You'd make a good tracker. Hm. Well, these look recent enough and she couldn't have gotten THAT much farther during the time she's been gone. I would say it's time to start hollering. she then proceeds to call out for Kate...

Kate: You have been lost for what seems like ages and it is pretty spooky in this dusty place with only the moon and your puny lantern for light. It's so weak you can barely see it and you're holding the stupid thing. At last though you hear your name on the wind and after a moment you realize it is someone actually shouting for you. It seems to be coming from over the nearest hill.

Simon: You return to find Emma sleeping on the couch as instructed, blissfully ignorant of the drama unfolding. Sarah is trying to feed her new baby and has set out bedding in the meantime. I have two extra rooms and the rest can sleep out in the parlor if that works? she offers hopefully.

Jo: pm

Simon took a chair and put it near the door, sitting in it to rest his legs but staying alert otherwise. "It will be fine, my good lady. I apologize for my comrade's eagerness. She is not a Nun and has taken no vow. She is young, eager to learn, but also eager to earn her own way."

Penny swapped her glowing scarf for Lily's lantern, so she might more easily illuminate the ground below, while Penny raised the lantern to cast light into the darkness. While Lily tracked, eyes intent upon the ground ahead, Penny concentrated on scanning the night-cloaked desert and calling out Kate's name, trying to focus on the task of searching, and not considering all the dreadful fates that may have befallen Kate, her mother.

Still, she could not maintain either state, not the intense focus or the anxious fear, for very long, however, and Penny was glad to speak to Lily and reduce her tension. She crouched to examine the prints, curious and wanting to learn more. 'I see, yes... Oh, I can find a clear print, where and how I expect it, but to follow the faintest traces from here to there has been beyond me. Holmes could, and tried to teach me, but the villains I hunted rarely walked on two feet...' she explained, rising and following Lily. She called for Kate as well, then went on 'I wish I could learn the skill; I feel you would be an excellent tutor. Holmes was a great detective, but not a great teacher.'

'Kate!'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Tue 19 Apr 2016.

Pox: Thank goodness!

Hearing her name Kate took off in that general direction. "I'm coming! Keep talking!" She shouted holding her crummy lantern.

Penny's heart leapt in joy. 'Kate! We're here!' she kept calling.

Penny: Lily responds to the conversation looking pleased. I would be happy to teach you, though I'm sure you know already I'm not the patient sort either. With you though, it would be easy I think. she smiles.

At Kate's voice her green eyes light up with triumph. Ha! I think she's over that hill, must be! With that she tears off running, quite fast with her long legs and suede boots. As you follow you do see a figure in the darkness, coming your direction and carrying a rather pitiful looking lantern.

Simon: Sarah smiles and waves away the explanation. Oh I'm all too happy to do it. We would both be dead without you. My poor John, coming home to that she shudders. So tell me, what brings you to San Jose anyway? You seem an unexpected little group she glances at the other room where Emma slumbers.

Simon makes a non-committal answer, "We are...making house visits." It was vague and true enough that his conscientious would remain clear.

Penny ran after Lily up the hill, still shouting out to Kate, until she saw a familiar figure. Immensely relieved, she hurried to join her. 'Oh, Kate, we were so worried...'

Kate grinned sheepishly. "Sorry I was coming to help and I got a little lost. I'm usually ok with directions but everything looks the same in the dark! How'd we do? Is everyone ok?"

Penny clasped Kate by the shoulders, almost to be sure she was real, then gave her a tight hug, heedless of decorum. 'Yes, thank God! We slew the beast – a Sharp-Elbows or Double-Face, I shall relate the story later. But with at least one monster out here, and us firing pistols in the dark, we were afraid something had happened to you...' Well, perhaps only Penny had been really afraid.

ooc: I'm going to skip ahead to the arrival at San Jose. Everyone let me know general plans for the rest of that night and the next day's travel. Sarah lends you a wagon so it only takes a half a day or so.

Returning with an ashamed looking Ian in tow, Josephine looked quite satisfied and she smiled,

"What'd we miss?" she asked almost innocently...

Penny and Lily led Kate back toward the farmhouse, soon reuniting with Ian and Jo. Penny eyed the pair, dubious of Jo's pleasant demeanour. 'Kate was safe. She only got turned about in the dark.' she explained.

*

When they returned to the farmhouse, Penny related to her fellow hunters what had transpired, describing the Sharp-Elbows creature and showing off her stolen bone-spikes. She also explained to Sarah what had happened, only this time the villain was a natural human, a common murderer. It seemed essential to maintain the veil of secrecy over the supernatural world; the full truth of the horrors that lurked in the night could leave ordinary people living in constant fear.

Although reluctant and worried at first, Penny agreed to hold the baby, sitting in a chair, taking him gingerly in her arms and cradling him. Soon, she was delighting in his innocent smile and little fingers, and had a rare moment of fun playing and whistling to the boy. It all made up for the horror and violence of fighting the Sharp-Elbows; the baby made it clear what she was fighting for.

She organised a system of watches, so that at least one of the party would remain awake and alert through the night, lest another Sharp-Elbows or something else appear. But fortunately none came, and that seemed the end of the threat. Penny slept soundly, though not before turning over her fears for Kate and the strange argument with Ian, not certain what that was about.

The next morning, she politely insisted on paying Sarah for room and board and rental of the wagon. She also left a generous gift for the boy that would set Sarah up with cradle, clothing, medicines, toys, and so on, and still leave a little for the parents to invest. It more than made up for Sarah's own gift earlier, which Penny didn't know about.

Penny spent the wagon ride reading, detailing recent events in her diary, risking some cross-stitch needlework when the road was steady enough, and viewing the desert scenery.

Simon spent as much time as possible with Lily.

Ian is very skittish around Josephine that evening and the next day, going out of his way to avoid her even should she be aggressive. He is like a spooked animal! Meanwhile he looks uncomfortable around Penny too, looking as though he would like to say something but unable to figure out how, and so he keeps silent.

Lily enjoys Simon's company and invites him to sit up front with her as she's put in charge of the wagon. She decides since it is not her wagon she will treat it with more respect than she usually does and drives at a good clip but not breakneck as is her usual custom.

The desert is strangely pretty in places though there is not a lot of variation, so when after the long dry day is over you are pleased to see a city before you. San Jose. Palm trees and flowers dot gardens and streets and it is well kept and welcoming. By the time you arrive it is early evening and lodging should prove easy to find. There are three hotels, two on the small side and one quite grand but no doubt expensive.

Lily leaves the wagon in the community stables with Sarah's note to her husband, your duty fulfilled on that score. You will have to find a cab to the Winchester house, whether it be that night or the next morning. It is early enough you have a good three to four hours left of the night before everything closes down though the shops will close in an hour or so, but any bars, restaurants and the like will be open for some time.

Simon will ask for quarters at the local mission. He will also find the telegraph office and send communication to his superiors about where he is but not why. He can check back in the morning  if messages are received for him. Likewise he will accept the group decision on when to go to the Winchester home.

Penny did wonder what was up with Ian, but the confines of the wagon gave no opportunity for private conversation. No matter; the chance would come up some time. Of course, only Penny could put gnawing personal issues on hold until it was convenient, or even forever.

Stepping from the wagon, Penny gazed around the city of San Jose, surprised to see one this far west. She'd expected a quaint little frontier town, but this was a proper, established city. This concerned her; these Americans were developing much too swiftly...

She'd laid eyes on the grandest hotel, and would go there if not swayed otherwise.

'Our meeting with Mrs Winchester may wait a night, I think. I suggest we simply send a note to the Winchester House, and make an appointment for tomorrow. It is only proper and gives us time to learn what we may ahead of time.'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Sun 24 Apr 2016.

Emma insists upon writing the note as her friend will recognize her hand and you will be much more likely to obtain a meeting with her as the author. She does allow for you to examine it before sending it, in case you have any suspicions. In fact, the witch has been the model of well behaved throughout all of this, and Penny is surprised to discover she was instrumental in the safe delivery of Sarah's baby.
She also seems pleased that the grand hotel is the one selected, eyeing the dusty land and quainter areas with distaste.

The people seem to be a mix of high society and rugged ranchers and farmers. They have little occasion to hob nob though, as they rarely frequent the same types of places. You will all note though that even the more well to do citizens tend to have fashions a year or two out of date. It is hard to stay with the latest trends so far out west but they are surely trying their best and many of them seem to enjoy looking down their noses at the worker classes around them.

The grand hotel seem pleased with having such a large group to accommodate but when they see Lily the desk attendant's face turns sour and he looks at Penny (the woman with the money) with surprise, wondering if this isn't perhaps some oversight. I think there are some hotels across town that the lady might be more comfortable at... he suggests with barely restrained disgust.

Simon: You find the mission welcoming and there are quite a few people there, eager for news from other places. It seems they have been here some time and wish to know more about somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Irritated enough to toy with the nasty little man, Penny arched her eyebrow, and her tone. 'Oh? Can you recommend a better hotel, than this one?' she inquired.

Simon will talk about both Boston & New York, mostly Boston. He will tell war stories about exorcisms if they are interested.

Penny: The attendant looks confused at first. There is no better hotel in all of California good woman he sniffs. That is why we prefer a certain...caliber of guests. he glances at Lily warily. It would be most unusual to suggest such accommodations. I'm sure you will be quite happy here but your...companion would be more at ease elsewhere I'm sure.

'So you say.' Penny murmured dubiously of the establishment, looking around and none-too-impressed. 'Oh, I'm sure she would be, but Lady Chatterley will just have to make do.' Penny had the option of taking her business elsewhere, an option that deprived this man her business and money, and deprived her and her friends of a comfortable bed and morning room service. Or she could force him to accept her friends whether he liked it or not, and have fun upsetting the apple cart of class and racial prejudice in the process. 'I believe we'll have dinner at eight. Don't forget the silverware, there's a good fellow.' Penny, after all, was going to steal a spoon for her collection, and wanted a good one.

'And "Your Ladyship", please, I'm a baroness.' There was, perhaps, no one who could outdo Lady Penelope in a contest of snootiness. She turned around, appraising the foyer again. 'You know, I must say, I've stayed in the finest hotels in Europe – this really is quite quaint.'

Approaching Penny, Josephine kept her voice low so that the proprietors of the establishment didn't hear her,

"Please, stop using arrogance as your opening tool. Let me handle this in the future, and we'll find much better accommodations." she said, smiling at the hotel management to allay suspicions.

Raising her voice now, and putting her full charm on the hotel owners, she laughed softly to relax them, and explained,

"My friend is an aspiring performer, I apologize for the lack of understanding upfront. We have been traveling, and plying our trade where we go. She has quite the sense of humor!" she offered an excuse, "Our companion is an integral part of our particular show, and as I'm certain you realize, we need to practice. We clearly have some kinks to work out." she said, flashing a glare Penny's way before continuing, "If you don't mind, could you make us the exception here? I'm certain we'd be most appreciative of your support, in this regard, and we may be able to mention in passing the high standards of your hotel in our passing, as we travel... bringing plenty of guests here to boost your sales even further..." she hinted, lifting an eyebrow to offer him an "easy way" to agree with her, and let Lily in.

39 diplomacy roll

Penny delivered Jo a look of sharp annoyance, as she completely undermined everything she'd argued for. She could have had Lily accepted in this place and subverted their prejudices; instead, Jo was merely reinforcing them. A common theatrical troupe! Penny had once contemplated disguising herself as a prostitute to catch the Ripper, but an actress? The scandal! They were sure to be kicked out to the curb now.