The next day Penny, Kate, Ian and Emma head to the Winchester estate. The name is quite coincidental considering Dean and Sam, but it seems there is no relation that you can tell. Ian is silent and uncertain around Penny, no doubt ruminating over his outburst the other day. He doesn't seem angry but he seems as though he doesn't know how to act normally again.

You take a hansom cab to the estate, which is a bustle with noise and construction. Workmen and carpenters endlessly banging away. How the woman could stand such constant noise is bewildering! It is a massive place, with odd levels and to your surprise a door that seems to come out of a second story wall with nothing underneath! Emma shakes her head and chuckles. So paranoid. She was worried that the ghosts of the victims of her husband's invention would come to haunt her so she tries to make this place as confusing as possible for them. She's rich enough for it I suppose, but if you ask me it's a huge waste of money. Now, the supernatural is no sticking point with her. She has an entire room just for seances! But she's not much in the know about demons and considering her fragile mind, I think it best we keep this simple. If I let slip that world is about to end she'd probably start building a summer home!

Stepping forth from the hansom cab, Penny gazed up and across the... structure. 'My word.' Penny exclaimed, for once almost dumbfounded. It was like houses upon houses, over and over and ever outward. Back home, an old manor house like Darkmoor Manor itself was often called the family pile, but this was quite literally a pile of houses. Darkmoor Manor had its quirks and peculiarities of design, but it had been built and rebuilt over centuries, as many of its kind were. This was plainly new and still in progress. The whims of a rich old widow with all kinds of fancies and no architect. American madness, Penny thought; Emma's explanation didn't change her mind.

Penny flagged a passing carpenter. 'Excuse me, good man, can I trouble you for a try square? ...Actually, I'll just purchase it, and a measuring tape, thank you.' Negotiating, she soon bought the second-hand tools from the bemused workman, certain she would need them eventually in this strange house.

'Well, how shall we handle this? From what I've heard, Mrs Winchester should be quite welcoming if we present ourselves as some novel new mediums.'


OOC: An image of the house before the 1906 earthquake reduced it in size:
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker...9zxrd7kdx0bqmtgm.png

Kate eyed the house in wonder. She'd taken a tour of the old place in the future, and was surprised at how different it looked. "Poor crazy woman," she muttered mostly to herself.

"I think that should work well enough," she agreed to Penny's idea. "After all who could resist such friendly faces?

Penny's purchase goes easily, though the worker looks amused that a woman would want such tools.

Emma answers Penny's suggestion. The fact that you are with me will help too. I've been friends with her for years. She would have made a good witch if she weren't just a touch off. Yes, mediums will do I suppose. Though be warned, she may try to test you. I can help with that though I think. And you... she turns with a frown to Ian who looks a bit out of place with the rest of you. I suppose you could be an attendent or some such thing. I think it best you don't talk though. Scottish accents ruin mystique. He looks a bit offended at this but decides to let it pass.

You head to the front door It's far bigger than last I saw it Emma muses with a small smile. That woman... She knocks crisply and the door eventually is opened by a small woman, out of breath and irritable. The mistress is not expecting visitors today she grumbles. Emma ignores the tone archly. Oh I do think she will make time for me. Just tell her Emma Bently is here to see her. An old friend I assure you, you'll see she finishes confidently. With a sigh the servant disappears and after some time, around seven minutes actually, she finally returns and bids you to enter. I'll have you sit if you would. It takes too much energy to track someone down in this blasted place and my hands are full enough keeping tabs on the mistress! So if you could just sit and stay that would make my life much easier she gestures to some fine chairs in a room off the entryway. Looking around you see there are no hallways. It seems that one room simply leads to another with doors the only separation. An odd staircase goes up only to go back down again and another leads to the second story but the steps are so incredibly shallow you wonder at the odd design. Well, I suppose I shall take the lead but what will you two say about yourselves? I assure you, she will ask Emma demands once the four of you are alone again.

Penny tucked the tools inside her purse, wondering how to fit the try square, then gave up and passed them to Ian. 'Oh, come now, Ian's Scottish accent is perfectly lovely, and a Highland brogue will be quite popular in a hundred year's time. For witches and mediums, an accent from the depths of Europe speaks of old knowledge.' she commented idly, then switched accents sharply 'Nay, ee's thikky ole Deb'm mouth-spaich tha'll proper ruin misteek.'

Beside Kate and Ian, she followed Emma up to the house and the exhausted maid indoors, gazing around at the bewildering architecture, and checking Ian had the tape and square again for reassurance. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this strange house than haphazard construction, that the geometry itself could well be something more than mundane mathematics.

She took a seat where directed, and conferred quietly with the others. 'With you and Kate, I think we have enough would-be witches and mediums. But Miss Penny Dreadful is already a noted London investigator of the paranormal, including those who claim to be mediums. I've exposed many as charlatans, a few as something more. I think it best I continue in my old role. In my experience, for every medium, there's a skeptic trying to expose them. It adds to the sense of authenticity – particularly if I accuse you of some hoax, only for you to defend yourself, me to splutter in outrage, that kind of thing.' she outlined. 'And Ian can be my man.' She meant a man servant or assistant, of course.

"Lucky, you get to be yourself. No lying necessary." Kate was envious of Penny's believable and true backstory. She would clearly have to lie about hers. "I'll be Kathryn Monrow and I can sometimes tell the future..." She flashed a grin at the irony.

'The truth is a refreshing change.' Penny agreed with smug good humour. She smirked at Kate's choice. 'So, the truth for you as well, then.'

Emma listens with a hint of amusement and nods approvingly. Alright then, well enough.

Several minutes pass before the beleaguered servant returns. Well you weren't wrong about knowin the mistress were ya? she pants with an arched brow at Emma. She wants you to come to her straight away. She's in the seance room. I'll guide you, just give me a minute... she leans against a wall a moment. Don't know why she had to build so many blasted stairs.

Soon you are following the woman through room to room, each beautiful and finely made but always something odd about it. Spiderweb windows and the number 13 are a reoccurring theme throughout and you could spend hours here and not see everything. At last you go up a narrow staircase and arrive at a blue painted wall which the woman slides away to reveal a secret entrance, motioning for you to enter before she leaves you. As you step inside you find yourselves in a small blue and white room with a small round table in the center, an oddly placed half window looking down at something, a coat rack wall with 13 hooks and a short middle aged woman who is looking at you intently. She is under 5 feet, has gray hair and is dressed elegantly with a serious watchful face. It has been too long Emma she gives a small smile and stands to embrace her friend. Emma smiles and returns the hug before turning and introducing you all as planned. You should know Sarah, Miss Dreadful is a bit of a skeptic. That's partly why she's here. To see this place for herself. I hope you don't mind Sarah gives Penny a long look before nodding thoughtfully. Very well young woman. You are welcome here so long as you remain respectful. You may not believe in the spirits but ignorance will not protect you from them. What exactly do you hope to find here?

ooc; There's way too much to describe. Feel free to skim at the link below.

http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/thehouse.cfm

On the circuitous route through the house, Penny marvelled at the architectural peculiarities, wondering what on Earth anyone had been thinking in building this place. Did anyone realise how strange and confusing it all was? This was a truly unique mania.

As Emma Bently and Sarah Winchester reunited, Penny gazed around the séance room, appraising the design and its secrets. 'The truth, Mrs Winchester!' Penny answered, with a note of pomposity in her voice that really wasn't hard for her. 'I have an open mind, I assure you. I honestly want to witness the spirit world, to see something beyond this mortal realm. But one must of course be sceptical and scientific. Before we can have proof, we must fully test all claims. Like those of this gypsy fortune teller.' Penny nodded archly toward Kate.

As Kate took the floor, distracting the wealthy and eccentric widow, Penny discreetly scrutinised Sarah Winchester, to discern if she was human or some creature, if she was unpractised in magic or a witch herself.


OOC: Scanning Sarah Winchester for clues:
11:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22,20,23 using d20+17,d20+8,d20+9. Sherlock Scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Sarah turns to scrutinize Kate now with interest. Fortune teller you say? How intriguing... Well if Emma has brought you here there may be some merit to you. Come, sit, sit she gestures to the small table eagerly. What do you see for me? Or perhaps you need to set the scene? I have a nightly seance here at midnight where I glean the plans for the house. The spirits are very opinionated you know she informs you with excitement.

As she talks Ian watches with great discomfort. He does not know what to make of this woman and seems grateful not to have to say anything. Emma gives your hostess a look of pity when she's not looking. Between this and Sarah's eccentricities you have to wonder if she has genuine ability or if she's just a bit touched in the head. Whatever she is though, there is real knowledge there. Her house is fraught with the occult.

Penny: You see that she is well dressed but her clothes are outdated and seem to have been repaired multiple times even though she surely has money enough to afford new ones. She also moves in stiff, careful motions, likely arthritis of some sort. Her eyes are sharp though, and miss little. Even now with Kate to distract her she is keeping an eye on everyone in the room. As you get a better look at the strange half window you see that it looks down on the kitchen below. From the construction you realize this would allow her to see the kitchen staff without them knowing it. Suspicious is another possible quality of Mrs. Winchester.

From what she observed, Penny was saddened to consider Sarah Winchester a woman who'd rather hang on to the past, in clothing, in house, and in memory, rather than change or move on. Yet she was not merely an eccentric and silly old dear, no, there was a sharpness and suspicion to her that made Penny wary. Just as well she hadn't claimed to be a medium; she had no doubt Sarah would see through that.

From the spying window, Penny strolled around the séance room. 'I must say, the plans for this house are... very interesting, to say the least.' she remarked, deciding not to creep delicately around the matter with Mrs Winchester, but instead to confront it head on. 'What do you expect to house in this labyrinth, the Minotaur?' she chuckled.

Penny started openly tapping the walls with finger and cane, listening for hollow spaces, unsteady sections, clicks and creaks, all sure signs of a secret passage. 'You don't mind, do you? The usefulness of a secret passage in a dedicated séance room is obvious, and this house is clearly riddled with them. Though having to go through a secret passage to enter is certainly novel... I remember a house in Somerset; a fraudulent medium had her accomplice make eerie noises from a priest-hole. Unoriginal, really. Of course, he wasn't aware the priest was still in there with him...' No medium expected a genuine ghost, she'd learned.


OOC: Search for more secret passages, 18. Knowledge (physical sciences - engineering) 21.

Knowledge (arcane lore) 24 - significance of the spider webs and number 13, etc.?

Kate sat readily in the seat Mrs. Winchester directed her to. "There is much that I can see already," she said mysteriously. "If this is a good time? Some people don't like to be read in public."

Kate new a little of Mrs. Winchester's history but would have to fill most of it in with her own flair.

OOC: Bluff: 19 (12+7)

ooc; Crap! I forgot to mention she is wearing a black veil. You can see through it though.

The spirits are the architects, not me. she answers Penny with a dark look. She doesn't appear to like light made of her home. She watches you like a hawk, not seeming to appreciate your exploring. What is it you want here Miss Dreadful? she ignores the rest of your words. You don't find another passage but you do see small hidden compartments which appear to have books, notes and things of the like in them. Judging by the way you are watched though it would be unwise to rifle through them.

She then turns to Kate. If you think you are able we can do it now, though I imagine you would wish to set the scene perhaps? I find more luck with a certain ambiance... she looks a bit hopeful at the prospect of her fortune being told and starts to pull out some candles and close the shutters to darken the room. I assume you can be respectful during this? she arches a brow at Penny.

Spider-webs, the numbers 7 and 13... They all had occult significance, but were notorious for it. Everyone knew that, and even the most amateur occultists made use of them. Penny couldn't draw any conclusions from these, and considered it only an architectural conceit. Now, if she saw anything from The Lesser Key of Solomon, she'd be impressed.

Penny turned away from poking at the walls; she'd find too many secrets there. 'Forgive me. As I said, I want to uncover the truth. I want to verify Mrs Bently's and Miss Monrow's claims. I shall only be too pleased to see proof of the spirit world, and I shall be the first to sing their praises. But I simply have to make certain first... You must understand, I have discovered too many frauds, been tricked by too many charlatans, to take any such claim at face-value.' she reiterated.

'I promise I will be respectful and silent until it is over – unless I see something amiss that I must catch in the act.' she assured Mrs Winchester. 'Ian, please, stand over there, will you, and keep a close eye on the proceedings.' she directed Ian to a spot near the wall, while she took a seat to give her a close view of Kate's show.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:38, Fri 12 Aug 2016.

Very well she nods at Penny with a touch more tolerance than before. Though if Emma recommends her I'm sure you'll find her genuine. I've known Emma for years she beams at the witch behind her veil. A truly gifted woman. I'm incredibly pleased to see you again. But I digress, I do not want to distract our psychic with needless chatter. You may all lunch with me afterward and I shall catch up then. She turns to Kate expectantly.

ooc: It's all you now Kate... ;P

Kate waited patiently for the candles to be lit. "Do you have an object on you that I might hold for a moment?" She asked politely. Kate had seen a fortune teller at work once or twice so she had an idea of how things worked. Hopefully she'd be able to come up with something believable.

"Some of your future is shrouded from my sight. What is it that you desire to know?"

Sarah hands Kate a locket and waits eagerly. Tell me if you see anything of my family, my husband and child? And what of me? How long do I live?

Kate fingered the locket feeling a moment of pity for the strange woman. Slowly she closed her eyes and let her shoulders relax.

"It is difficult for me to see much from those who have already died. My talent lies in what is coming not the past. I am sensing that your husband and child are not here with us tonight but they will visit soon. You will be unaware of this visit but will feel peace when they are close. As for your death... You will not die in this house. You will pass away in another place. In the home of a relative I believe." Kate wanted to provide a peaceful future for Sarah. Even if it was a lie. No one really wanted to know when or how they died. To have that looming over them would be an awful fate.

"Part of the house will be destroyed in a disastrous earthquake." Was it the 1905 or 1906 San Francisco earthquake? "You will survive this disaster when many do not. I'm sensing that you are a survivor, you will live many long years after this terrible disaster."

Kate opened her eyes pressing her hand to her head as if in pain. "I'm sorry, that is all I can see for now." She passed the locket back to Mrs. Winchester hoping that what she'd said had been believable.

As requested, Penny waited quietly as Kate began her performance, trying to seem dubious at words she honestly did not doubt. She was impressed by her friend's – and mother's – show, and her forwards-looking psychometry was quite novel. If anything, Kate was too good – in Penny's experience, most fortune tellers made vague and open-ended claims that were as hard to disprove as they were to prove. An earthquake was disturbingly specific; obviously Kate knew the history of the future. Sarah Winchester's creation was completely bizarre, a grotesque, but she'd put so much of herself into it, it would be sad to see it all broken.

Sarah listens, taking comfort at mention of her family but growing pale at the earthquake. I see is all she says and she is silent a long uncomfortable moment. At last she gives a nod. Very well, I think that's enough for the moment. Now, Emma why are you really here? Surely you didn't come all this way simply for a medium? Emma gives Kate an uncertain glance but shakes it off and presses forward. You always did know me too well old friend. Yes, there is another matter. Do you recall that ring I gave you for safekeeping? I'm afraid the time to collect it is now. Where did you put it? Sarah listens to this with mild surprise. Ring...? Oh yes! That's right! Well I take my promises to you very seriously Emma. I had my workers hide it. Even from me. You acted as though the very world depended on its secrecy and I take such requests as they are given. I do not know where it is in the house I'm afraid. Only Cole would know that and he died last spring I'm afraid. Honestly, after all these years I didn't think you would need it back so quickly. You're welcome to search for it of course

Oh, good Lord, Penny tried to suppress an oath to God for hope and a groan of utter despair as the fate of the ring was revealed. Hidden, forgotten, and lost, somewhere in this labyrinth of a house? It might never be found! She tried not to show too much shock; it wouldn't do for a notorious sceptic like her to show too much interest in the occult. Yet she listened keenly for Emma's responses, while she thought desperately for a solution.

Well you're thorough, I'll give you that much Emma sighs. Very well then, it seems we shall be conducting a seance of our own tonight. Cole you say? I shall need his full name and as much information as you can give. I'm not wasting eternity in this labyrinth of yours. If you have an item of his it would make things that much easier. You are welcome to join us if you wish, though I don't want to intervene in your own nightly activities Sarah listens to this with excitement and shakes her head. Oh no, I would love to see you work! It was always like pulling teeth to get you to do a reading, how wonderful! And Cole's full name was Cole Michaels. His widow lives in town, you should be able to get an item off of her though you may need to be creative to get it. She never approved of spiritualism she adds with distaste. Nodding, Emma turns to the rest of you. I think a trip to town is in order. Anyone wish to accompany me?

Penny tried to look dismissive instead of relieved at the idea of holding a séance to contact the deceased builder. It seemed their only hope now, short of begging Castiel to find this Cole Michaels in heaven. 'Well, this shall be very instructive, I'm sure. I'll accompany you, to observe the process at every stage.' she said, still in her role as sceptic.

Penny/Kate: Emma nods and soon Sarah leads you out, pleased at the prospect of your return. She even offers to let you stay at her home that night which Emma readily accepts. Soon you are outside on the beautiful palm tree lined lawn; fountains and statues in far more order than the interior of the place. Emma leads finds a bench several paces off, plants herself down and produces a fan, waving it at herself irritably. Well that was...interesting...Ian shakes his head. Why do I feel sorry for her? She's got money up to her elbows but somethin tells me I'd not want to swap places with her. Besides the fact that I'd lose my handsome looks he winks. Emma answers with a sigh.

Well she's gotten even worse than I remembered. A lovely woman but grief has not been kind to her mind. She thinks she's communing with spirits, but I'd bet you her entire fortune that her broken mind is the real architect. Sad. Still, at least we know wherever it is the ring is safe. Even demons would go mad searching that house. Getting this widow of Cole's to cooperate sounds tricky though. May be best to just swipe something of his when we call. Any suggestions?

Mary-Alice: You arrive in San Jose, tired from the long train ride, not to mention the voyage prior to that. Perhaps one day you'll sit still again but knowing Victoria it won't be anytime soon. No matter, the end of the world is pressing enough that you won't be complaining about such trivial problems. Instead you stow your things at your hotel and make your way to the Winchester house. You know little about those you are to join, only that their business is here. As you stroll through the gates you notice the place is a behemoth, with fine stained glass windows, countless wings added on and even a door that opens from the second story and leads to a nasty looking drop. You'd heard the woman was eccentric but you didn't realize how much.

Should you knock, you'll be greeted by a middle aged woman who takes quite a while to get to the door. She's very grumpy and out of breath and she throws the door open with a scowl. Another visitor!? Are you all trying to kill me? What do you want? My mistress isn't keen on nosy strangers so if you want a tour you can turn around now.

Alice stood gawking at the place, wide eyed and totally speechless. It took her some seconds to gather her wits and respond. "Sorry ma'am, I'm looking for Miss Dreadful and Miss Piper. Miss Victoria sent me, they are important and need looking after."

Penny remained standing, casting concerned gazes back at the brooding pile that was the Winchester House. Eccentric and faddish Mrs Winchester might well be, but Penny had seen too much to wholly dismiss her works as having no supernatural basis. There was always, however remote, the possibility of something strange and unexpected to be found around any corner.

'That could be me, in many years time, if I settled down in Darkmoor Manor.' she mused sympathetically. 'Though I hope I'd have a better architect at least.'

She considered what Emma Bently might need. 'How personal an item must it be? Could it be simply something he owned or touched, or something he used constantly, or something almost essential to the man?'

"I don't imagine you'll end up like her," Kate was also examining the house. "Clearly she's one card short of a full deck," despite her words she did feel sorry for the woman who had obviously had a difficult life. She never believed it when people said money didn't buy happiness. Clearly Mrs. Winchester was proof of that.

'No. I'd have lots of cats.' Penny said in jest, then reflected on certain family traditions. 'Or possibly dogs.'

Mary-Alice: The woman listens in confusion, and grumpy about it too. Who now? she grumbles. I don't know who you mean...oh wait! There was some folks here not long ago, you just missed them. I forgot their names already but they're probably who you're after. I think they're coming back tonight, you might try then. Or you can find their hotel I suppose, save me another trip to the door. It's not easy for me you know she points out dramatically.

Emma listens to the exchange with dry amusement. The more personal the better, it will make it easier to contact him. It doesn't have to be perfect but I'm betting a hairbrush wouldn't work. Ian makes a face at this. Well that will be a challenge. Just ask his widow what his most personal item was and ask for it? Not bloody likely. Couldn't just be easy now could it? he shakes his head. May have to distract her...I wonder how old she is? You can see the roguish wheels spinning in his head.

Alice was confused, she had not met anyone on the way here. She nodded though and went where she was pointed to, took a seat and waited. It was better than wandering blindly around and maybe someone would come back tonight.

pm

As she thought for a moment, she realized that these people would stand out, especially with a Scotsman in tow. She got a mental image of the short round elderly Scotsman she had met over time and giggled. She went back to the carriage and asked to be taken into town. When she arrives she will start by going to the telegraph office to see if new instructions had arrived for her. Unless otherwise instructed she will begin searching hotels, then high end restaurants, then other places more "lady like" women would want to go...

Penny made a suspicious face at Ian, wondering what, exactly, he had in mind. 'The truth should work well enough. Emma, you can tell Mrs Michaels that you're a witch or medium or somesuch and that Mrs Winchester wishes to contact the spirit of her dear departed husband to – oh, I don't know, locate the bathroom – and you require one of Cole's personal affects. Then I appear and loudly declaim its a harebrained idea, that I'll expose your fraudulent spiritualism and see that Sarah Winchester never again patronises mediums and witches and other loonies. If the widow is as opposed to Sarah and spiritualism as her voice implied, then she may be only too glad to share an item so I might ruin it.' Penny outlined her proposal.

Then she thought better of it, adding 'Actually, that is rather complicated... Cole Michaels was a builder, was he not? He could just as easily have a favoured hammer or the like. It may even still be here on site... First, let's ask the other workers. They'll know for sure, and should be happy to help, as it keeps them in work.'

Mary-Alice: Fortunately there are not too many hotels in town and you are able to ask around fairly easily, finding success at a particularly nice hotel who nods at your questions. He gives you their room number without much concern but should you knock you find they are out. ooc: roll listen please

Penny/Kate: When Penny gives Ian a shrewd look he merely winks and grins, devil that he is.

Emma seems satisfied to ask the workmen first and you find several quite easily. Should you ask about Cole's belongings you find they answer easily, used to such odd talk no doubt from their employer. One heavyset man nods jovially at the question. No tools per say but he did have a pocket watch he was very attached to. I half thought they would bury him with it but I'm pretty sure his misses has it. Good luck getting it off her though, she's not likely to sell it or give it over. Hated this place too, says it was the death of him He shakes his head sadly.

'It's always a pocket watch,' Penny murmured in understanding. The pocket was both very useful and very expensive, often passed down from father to son or the like; it was naturally bound to attract a spiritual connection.

But death always attracted Penny's interest. 'How so?' she inquired at the worker's last words. She was aware it was only a saying, but death came in many ways. 'Did he die here?'

Mary-Alice: You think you hear something rustling inside and should you press your ear to the door you hear two people speaking to each other in low voices. One of them hisses something sharply to the other. From the tone it is probably something like, "keep quiet." You get the impression they are waiting for you to leave so they can resume their activities. Perhaps this is the people you seek and they are not interested in visitors or perhaps it is something more nefarious...

Penny/kate: He nods. Yes siree. Dropped dead in seconds. He was on a ladder repairing the roof on the East side. They think it was his heart but hard to say of course he shakes his head. He was a good man. Even if he was black.

ooc: Of course you should all know I'm just keeping with the time frame! Not trying to come across as racist! Yikes!

Alice, holding her shotgun under her coat, knocked loudly at the door. "Hey, I'm looking for Penny and Kate. Victoria sent me."

Penny pursed her lips, frowning at the man's words. There was a time when she might have made such comments unthinkingly, but travel broadened the mind, and time travel deepened it. She now recognised the backhanded compliment for what it was, but knew the workman did not mean anything much by it, nor was this a time to argue. 'Of course he is... Sorry, but why does Mrs Michaels think the house is to blame?' she reiterated. 'Does Mrs Winchester overwork you poor fellows?'
This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Wed 24 Aug 2016.

He looks around cautiously and gives a half shrug half nod. Well yes and no I suppose. She works us somethin awful but she pays real well at least. I suppose we could always quit if we wanted but it's real steady work as you could guess. Cole's missus though, she thought the whole thing unnatural. Don't really take much stock in it myself but as long as the money's comin in...anyway she thought he was encouraging a crazy old woman by bein the foreman here and that delvin in her seances and such was askin for trouble. She's sent many a nasty letter to Mrs Winchester or so I hear he blushes suddenly, realizing the gossip he's admitting.

Penny realised he was looking around for Mrs Winchester eavesdropping, perhaps literally from the eaves-drops, but they should be safe enough here outside. 'Don't worry, we only want to help your employer. We won't get you into trouble for anything.' The bad relationship between Mrses Winchester and Michaels complicated matters, but didn't suggest a supernatural element (other than the planned summoning of the dead man's spirit to find the Ring of Solomon, of course).

Still, the house disturbed her for reasons beyond the shoddy design. Surely Sarah Winchester realised the architecture was crazed. Who, exactly, was given her these ideas? 'Do you have many accidents around here? Have there been other deaths?' Penny continued to probe. 'I mean, the layout and constant changes must cause so many mix-ups and hazards.'

Mary-Alice: You hear a curse and then the speaking stops at which point the unmistakable sound of the window being lifted is heard. They appear to be escaping out the back. No doubt whoever is in the room is not supposed to be there...

Mary was always a woman of action, not surprising given her lineage. She took a step back and put her foot into the door. If it gives she will level her shot gun and shout "Hold it right there!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Fri 26 Aug 2016.

Penny/Kate: No other deaths directly, thank the lord he shakes his head. But plenty of accidents. You know those doors that open to nowhere? Or the staircases that lead every which way? Dangerous! I can't tell you how many close calls we've had but the spirits want what they want she says. Not for us mere mortals to complain he mutters drily. Like I said though, the money is good. I suppose that's all that matters

When you are through with the worker and start off Emma looks back with a face. It would make it easier if there were some dark force to blame for this madness. As far as I can tell it's all the twisted mind of a woman's grief. Who would have thought nothing but human emotion could lead to a monstrosity as this? You two have been to the future, does she ever stop?

ooc: Feel free to add any additional questions still!

Mary-Alice: ooc: I rolled for you for time's sake

You manage to kick open the door and rush inside. The place is overturned, clearly someone has been searching it and you enter in time just to see someone slip out the window, seemingly unworried about your shotgun. Should you rush to the window you see two men headed out the fire escape. You can go after them or shoot.

Climbing out the window Alice shouted "Stop thief!" She will follow, not shooting unless she is sure she is dealing with something inhuman.

'Yes, indeed... Well, I shall let you get on with your work. Have a good day, and good luck with those stairs.' Back in London, there were too many deaths and injuries resulting from nothing more than a badly built stair.

After they left the workman, Penny regarded Emma curiously. 'Kate can answer that better than I, she's our seer after all... But surely she has a friend to set her right? She listens to you well enough. And you are certainly closer to the spirits.' Penny was wary, of course, not forgetting their battles with the witch not too long ago. Emma's death can't have changed her ways too much. What part had she played in Sarah Winchester's madness and her monstrosity of a house?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Tue 06 Sept 2016.

Mary-Alice: They pay no heed to your words but a man in the alley below hears your accusation and pursues them gallantly. Unfortunately his efforts are rewarded by one of the "thieves" grabbing his head and smashing it into the wall with inhuman force. He immediately goes still in a heap, a bright smear of blood staining the brick.

ooc; Go ahead and roll a general climb check to see how well you do with the fire escape at such a speed. If you pursue on foot roll a constitution check, if you want to take a shot at them you have a couple of rounds to do so before they turn the corner.

Penny/Kate: Emma listens to your comments with a look of discomfort. All well and good to try to rein her in, but when I try she gets...resistant. Threatened to never speak to me again if I kept on with my hounding as she calls it she mutters. I had my fill and left her to it. That was years ago and now I think perhaps I should have tried harder. It's probably too late now. Oh well, I suppose we'd best worry about larger matters for now she is all business once more, plump chin raised with determination.

ooc: Go ahead and finish up here and then let me know if you have any plans for the widow and how you want to organize that...

'Indeed. As Swift said, one cannot reason someone out of something that they did not reason themselves into.' she said sadly, letting go her suspicion of Emma Bently's role.

At last, after a time, she said 'Well, then, we perforce follow Plan A. Let me go speak to the widow alone first. I'll broach the plan first before we raise her ire by bringing in the Two Witches.'

08:09, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Climb.

She tossed her weapon back in the window and climbed down the stairs as fast as she could.

Kate/Penny: You soon find yourselves at a small house on the corner of one of the main streets in town. It has a white picket fence, well manicured gardens and is neat and tidy but it is small and the surrounding homes are not so well kept, leading you to believe this is not the best neighborhood. Compared to the slums of New York though, it is still fare superior.

Emma, Ian and Kate find a park bench down the street to wait. No sense sitting outside the woman's house and making her suspicious though they are in easy view of the house and all Penny need do is wave out the door for them to come should it be necessary. Ian watches the house restlessly as Penny approaches. As soon as she's out of earshot he turns to Kate. So is she still sore at me or not? You know, about the way I snapped at her the other week. Does she even care?

Penny: You knock on the door and after a moment it is answered by a proud looking black woman in her late forties or so. She sees your fine dress and well bred posture and looks dryly amused. Miss, I think you must be lost. The white parts of town are thataway she points the way you've come.

Mary-Alice: You traverse the fire escape with ease and rush past the fallen man, unsure if he's still alive or not. The pair have ducked down the street and disappear inside a shop, a butcher's shop from the looks of it. The building is quite large and you figure it probably stores a great deal of his merchandise. Great, nothing like a place full of dead animals and possible demons. Should you go inside you will discover the shop keep looking bewildered, bleeding profusely from the head but still alive at least. He points to a door leading to the rest of the warehouse, indicating that is where they fled.

ooc: If you look for them please roll a search/spot/listen

10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  spot.
10:19, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  listen.
10:19, Today: Father Simon Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner Cole rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Search.

Alice nodded at the butcher and turned to the doors. She drew her pistols and pushed the doors open and carefully stepped inside.

'No, madam, I'm not lost. I came to see you – you are Mrs Cole Michaels, are you not? Then you are the woman I came to see. May we speak inside?' she asked politely. She wished she'd known the woman's given name; she was too much a suffragist to be comfortable calling a woman by her husband's name.

With permission, she stepped inside, making some small talk with some compliments to set the lady at ease. 'I must say, you have a lovely home. And this garden is grand.' Given the contrast with the surrounding houses, it was easy to tell the Michaels had been house-proud.

'I have a small proposal for you, but first, I should introduce myself. I'm something of a paranormal investigator— no, no, not a medium or spiritualist, I assure you.' she quickly explained to head off Mrs Michaels' ire. 'Charlatans, all of them. No, I work to debunk their claims and expose their frauds. In this, I've had some success, and in their dread they've come to call me Penny Dreadful. But please, call me Penny.' she offered with smile. 'Forgive me, I don't know your name?'


OOC:
20:40, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+3. diplomacy.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:53, Thu 15 Sept 2016.

Kate snorted at Ian's question as to if Penny was upset with him. "I think that's a better question for her to answer don't you?"

Kate: Ian quickly shakes his head, mortified by the idea. Oh no that's not about to happen! Last time I apologized for somethin she didn't even care in the first place. I'm not about to go fallin all over myself for someone who wouldn't even notice.

Penny: She seems quite hesitant to let you in but your clear high social status has made her acquiesce. When you compliment her home and garden she almost seems pleased, clearly proud of them. She invites you to sit down but doesn't offer any refreshment, whether because she doesn't want you to stay that long or because she doesn't have any you are unsure. The interior of the house is just as nice as the outside though some of the furnishings are a tad outdated. When you explain yourself she does indeed start to seem irked but quickly calms once she realizes the nature of your work. I'm Molly. Investigator eh? Interesting. And you come to me why? Let me guess, something to do with that dreadful Winchester woman? her face hardens.

Mary-Alice: You look around but see and hear very little. The place is full of hanging carcasses in some form of dissection or another and the dim lighting makes it more difficult to look around it should have. A thorough examination of the place reveals the pair appear to have escaped but not before you notice a small torn piece of paper on the ground. It has a hand scrawled name on it and the bare bones of an address: Molly Michaels, Lorall street.

Alice sneered as she shoved the scrap of paper into her coat pocket. She made her way back out to the butcher. "Are you alright, sir? Do you need a doctor?"

'I'm afraid so,' Penny replied carefully. 'You know these rich folk: too much money, too little sense. But I fear Mrs Winchester is mad with grief, too willing to pursue fads, and so falls easy prey to confidence tricksters...'

'Well, in any case, another scurrilous pair has come to play their deceits on her. One a fortune teller, the other a witch who claims to summon the spirits of the departed. I've accompanied them so I might expose their trickery to their clients. They've accepted my presence as a challenge, but I'm determined they'll not cheat another.'

Penny took a deep breath, hesitating as she got to the sensitive heart of the matter. This would be offensive to the poor woman, but it would be offensive regardless, to her, and to nature and to God alike. The dark arts had a way of demanding they be used. 'This, I'm afraid, is where your husband comes in.' Penny reached out to place a comforting hand on Molly's own.

'The witch, the witch has promised to let Sarah Winchester speak with your dear Cole one last time. She wants to ask him where she left a ring in that infernal house of hers! Of all the absurdities! It's ridiculous fakery, of course, but the offence to your late husband's memory! I'm so sorry, madam!' Penny sobbed.


OOC: Bluff 18
20:15, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+5. bluff.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Wed 21 Sept 2016.

Mary-Alice: The man holds his bloodied head uncertainly, swaying a bit but at last shakes it. I-I think I'll be alright Miss. Who were those ruffians? I'm lucky they didn't kill me! he pants.

Penny: Molly's face turns aghast and then instantly furious. She stands and starts pacing the room like a wild thing. What!? Has she not done enough to him?! She's the one who took him from me in the first place and now she wants to accost his memory with her blasphemy!? No!! I'll go over there myself and tear that house down on her lying head! How dare she! she looks ready to cry but her anger is the worse of the two emotions.

Alice answered, "Robbers...thieves." She stared behind where they had been. She spun her pistols into their holsters without thinking, "Well if you don't need anything..."

She will head back to the hotel.

'No, wait!' Penny begged. 'Please, sit, listen: I have an idea, one that will expose their ruse and embarrass Mrs Winchester, and I hope dissuade her from dealing with such folk again.' she promised, but knew Molly would need something much more personally satisfying... 'And you'll get to have a good laugh at her expense...'

Penny leaned closer to explain her plan. 'Now, very soon, this pair will be stopping by here to visit you. I'll be with them as an observer. For their ritual, they claim they need an item of Cole's, something that was close to him for a long time, such as a favourite hat, a tool, a ring, a pocket watch? One of the workers mentioned your husband had one. They'll ask you for such an item. I propose you let them have it.'

'But, here is the trick: you give it to me to keep safe. I shall go into town and purchase a duplicate, as close as possible to the original, and make modifications to complete the forgery. After all, Mrs Winchester knew your husband too well to accept any old item, it must be convincing. I shall swap the items, and when in the séance, I'll let them work their chicanery on the insignificant duplicate. Then, afterward, I shall produce the original and expose the fraud!' Penny ended with as much as triumph as if she'd just done it. And, in a way, she had. Jesus, please forgive me for deceiving this innocent woman.

She returned power over this to Molly. 'Do you think this would work? Do know of something suitable?'

Mary-Alice: Pm

Penny/Kate:

Molly listens to Penny with growing horror, completely furious that they would use her husband's belongings in such a way. How dare they! How DARE-!!!! she fumes, looking so angry you fear she'll turn violent though she manages to avoid that at least. It is with effort that you remind yourself the very world is at stake and this pocket watch has grave importance. In the meantime angry tears stream down her cheeks and she wipes them away savagely. Break her! I want you to break that crazy old woman! There's no such thing as ghosts, shove that down her throat until she's as miserable as I! What kind of demented creature would prey upon my sorrows for their own gain!? Yes, take it, take it she pulls the pocket watch from her blouse where it hangs on a chain. The poor widow must miss him very much indeed to always keep it close. But I don't want to see them! There's no telling what I'll do, I can't keep civil knowing what I know. Tell them you took it, or that I sold it to you, heaven knows they'll believe I need the money. Just take it and make things right! I warn you though she adds suddenly, You had best return it in one piece! It's all I have left of him! Promise me now, that I shall have it in my hand again tomorrow! May God strike you down if you lie!

PM

Mary Alice decided to investigate the address. She will first look for, then ask around to find the woman. She believes the woman might be in danger or be a danger herself and thus she needed to find this woman. She took her shotgun with her, closing the room up completely. She hoped to stop evil, and she cannot say if this woman is evil or not.

Never mind the wrath of God. Penny quailed at the wrath of Molly Michaels. 'Madam, I shall do all I can and more, and you have my word that I'll have this back in your hand tomorrow. I feel I am doing God's work.' she swore, as much to herself as this poor woman. And if Father Simon hadn't had to leave so suddenly and could sit beside her, she might feel it.

She took the pocket watch and chain carefully, depositing it safely in her purse. She rose from her seat, but did not leave. Guilt compelled her to stay and ask 'Is there anything else I may do for you, madam?' She resolved to reward the widow handsomely tomorrow, when she had some more money on hand.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it." Kate recommended. "Penny can be oblivious to peoples feelings. At least from her admirers..." She remembered the mess with Father Simon and was glad they wouldn't be needing to worry about that now that he'd transferred his affection to Lily.

"As weird as it is I'm technically her mother so feel free to not ask me love advice," she added with a grin.

Kate: Ian looks aghast. Admirer! Who said anything about that!? You read me wrong woman! Why would I ask her mother- ugh! he looks mortified and embarrassed. And this be not love advice I'll have you know! It's merely getting along advice, that's all! I'm not the settlin down type right now anyway, all I wanted was-UGH! he shakes his head again, standing up and pacing around. Emma actually laughs, the first you've heard her do so.

Mary-Alice: As you approach the address you see a trio on a bench not far away, seemingly waiting for something. A young woman, a handsome man and a middle aged woman, the two females seemingly amused by their agitated companion. They seem like a good sort to ask for directions.

Penny: Molly shakes her head, anger still fuming but a great loneliness overtaking her too, you can see it in her eyes. Just, please, make them pay. They don't care what they're doing to me, what they have done to me. I'm powerless to do anything myself. A lone black woman against a rich white shrew like that Winchester. What could I do anyway? Make her pay. she trembles. It occurs to you the irony of both women being so afflicted by the same thing. Loss. Molly with her husband and Sarah with her family, both affected so differently and yet their grief no less intense.

Alice approached the house in question. She was carrying a shotgun under her coat, holding it with her hand in the pocket. Her western style hat, while common on the plains, seemed out of place on the streets of a city, as does her long coat and boots with spurs. She looked like she walked out of Bill Cody's Wild West Show.

She was searching, her eyes moving side to side as she looked for something or someone. She drew her left hand out of her pocket and looked at something in it (a scrap of paper with Molly Michaels, Lorall street written on it). She mouthed the words as she read them crossing the street. She stopped at the edge of the property, noticing two women and a man. The man was VERY good looking, which caused her eyebrows to lift but no other visible reaction. He was with a beautiful women and he seemed uncomfortable. There was a second woman, matronly, and likely a chaperone for the other. To Alice it seemed like this was a lady's man who was with two women, either of which might actually be his lover, or Dear God both of them, and her nose crinkled at the hedonism of it. Whatever interest she might have had for him evaporated at her own assumptions.

Her face snapped back to the house, trying to decide whether to go to the door or to the people sitting outside of it. After several seconds she decided to interrupt the lovers. "Excuse me, are either of you Molly Michaels?"

Face tight with shame and guilt, Penny regarded Mrs Michaels sympathetically. Perhaps she'd overplayed this, had provoked Molly anger too much, but what was done was done. In an ideal world, without class or colour or differing beliefs, Molly and Sarah might be one of a kind in their grief. Two sides of the same kind, yet they couldn't be more unalike. Awkwardly, she reached out, touched Molly's forearm to reassure her. All of Father's rantings against negroes rose unbidden in the red dark back of her mind, and she buried them again. 'You have already done much, madam, more than you can know. I'll do all I can to make this right, and return as soon I can... Please, have a good day.' she farewelled, and discreetly departed, leaving the woman to her grief.

On the walk away from the house, her anger grew, at Emma Bently and Sarah Winchester for getting her into this, and at herself.


OOC: I'm not sure how far away I am, I'll wait until Artemis says we're back together.

ooc: Since I know Kate is sporadically available, I'll have it so you two get a chance to interact too. Basically Penny, when you get out you see this woman talking to the others. I'll post more soon, when I get the chance. Crazy week.

Walking back to where she'd left her companions, Penny found another woman addressing them. She looked like one of the performers from the Wild West show Penny had seen at the American Exhibition in 1887, but it didn't take a detective to see she was no performer. 'Good day. What do you need of Molly Michaels?' Penny doffed her hat politely, but was wary.

Alice turned to see yet another pretty woman approaching. This fellow certainly had himself quit a little harem going. The new woman's accent was upper crust British. Alison answered the question with one of her own, "Are you she? If you are you are in danger. This may sound...off...but there are men who would see you harmed. It is a bit of a long story, and one not best shared in public. Perhaps we could go inside your home?"

Penny hesitated, glancing momentarily back to the house, afraid for Molly but not wishing to disturb her again. Returning now with some other tale would ruin the whole plan. And who could possibly be threatening that poor widow? Surely the danger was really to Penny and her companions. 'Can you tell me now? Who are these men?'

Alison felt odd, talking about this in public. It was difficult enough to tell an unbelieving world that demons exist, but doubly so to tell someone they are in a demon's cross hairs. She strained at the difficulty but eventually erred on the side of caution. "They aren't men, you see, they only look like men. Whether you believe it or not, ma'am, there are demons in the world and two of them are coming for you."

She continued, "You see I came here to find some friends of a friend. They are staying nearby at a hotel. When I found the room I heard people inside, but not women you understand. So I pushed in and found them rummaging around, two of them. I chased them, but I wasn't fast enough. They dropped this," she handed Penny the scrap of paper, "so I came looking for you because your in danger, ma'am."

'Quite.' Penny agreed, faintly amused at being told the revelation of demons.

She was more disturbed to hear of these demons creeping about in their rooms. What had been found, what had been stolen? Blast! The fiends were ahead of them once more. 'And who are these friends of yours?' she inquired. She fancied she knew already, but wanted to test this stranger's knowledge and relationship. Was she a fellow hunter, or demon attempting some ruse?

Meanwhile, Penny took the proffered note and inspected it: the nature of the tear, the type of paper, whether it was folded or crumpled, the ink and penmanship. She even sniffed it, for traces of perfume, cologne, or other aromas.


OOC: Examining the note for clues. I'm not quite sure what to roll right now, but here's a few:
11:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+9. spot.
11:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 16 using 1d20+13. search.
11:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+10. decipher script.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

Alison mistook Penny's amusement for disbelief. "Ma'am, while I would like to be able to provide you with proof, I'm afraid you would either not believe it or worse suffer some awful fate because of it."



Now Alison thinks Penny is disturbed because she is beginning to believe her, "Yes, you are in danger, Ms. Michaels, or is it Mrs.?" Then came Penny's question. "They aren't actually...they are friends of a friend, Ms. Victoria. She sent me to look after them."

'I wish Miss Green had sent someone more observant.' Penny sighed testily, abandoning the ruse once it was clear this American woman was simply mistaken. A demon would have been briefed on who they were. 'Consider: would an upper-class Englishwoman live at this distinctly middle-class address? Especially one whose pale complexion and, ow, sunburn, indicate she'd arrived only recently?' she tested, she thought to train a fellow hunter. Of course, this woman's own tan revealed her life spent working under the sun; that and the rest of the clues proved the truth of her.

'Forgive me, I'm being pompous, I just had an unhappy experience with Mrs Michaels. I'm Penny Dreadful, this is Miss Kate Piper, Mr Ian Shaw, and Mrs Emma Bently. We're the ones Miss Green sent you to assist, because she knows we hardly need "looking after".'
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

Kate laughed at Ian's discomfort, "Relax man! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. If you only want to get along with Penny keep on doing what you're doing. Be cool, have her back but give her space when she needs it."

Alison was a slow to anger kind of person. It took much more than someone pointing out flaws she knew she possessed to stir that. She just gave Penny her own bemused look and said, "Your a firecracker aren't you?" When introduced she gave each person a nod in turn, "Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner, but please Alice is just fine. As to you lot needing looking after, I doubt it. She probably sent me to be looked after, but you seem short on gun hands and that is a talent I possess, unlike figuring out who people are and such. Just point me in the right direction when there is dirty work to be done."

She nodded at the paper "I think Ms. Michaels could use some looking after, though."
This message was last updated by the player at 12:01, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

'I had hoped we wouldn't need our guns on this mission, but this news changes everything.' Penny quickly directed the group to some place where they could speak privately, now focusing intently on the case. 'If the demons are already here, and have Mrs Michaels's name, they must know what we seek and where, not too mention how. Somehow, they already know everything.' she deduced. And how could they have known the Ring of Solomon was hidden in the Winchester House, unless Emma Bently had told them? But, of course, she'd been tortured, and in Belial's service so long, it seemed no surprise, but Penny was freshly reminded that she could not trust the witch.

Penny opened her purse, and briefly revealed a pocket-watch, held tight in her hands, before concealing it again. 'I have Cole Michael's pocket-watch, and God forgive me for getting it from his widow.' For Miss Conner's sake, Penny quickly outlined the plan: to discover the location of the Ring of Solomon hidden in the Winchester House, they needed to summon the spirit of the deceased foreman, Cole Michaels, and ask him where it lay. For that, they needed a personal effect, and so Penny had borrowed the man's pocket-watch from his widow, Molly Michaels. She said no more than that. In fact, if Emma was treacherous and Alice was a demon or shifter spy, then it behooved her to inform the enemy they no longer had anything to gain by harassing the widow.

'Excuse me, I don't mean to be ill-mannered, but we must prove you are who you say you are: holy water, silver, iridium.' She listed the means for detecting a demon, werewolf, and shifter, respectively. 'And an anti-possession tattoo, if you have one you might reveal in polite company.'
This message was lightly edited by the player at 11:53, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

Alice is again very cooperative. She lay the shotgun down and took off her long coat. Inside her longcoat are two sharpened stakes made of Ash wood and a small mallet. She rolled up the sleeve on her right arm revealing a tattoo of a "Saint Coin" on her right inner forearm, this one depicting St. Marcellus The Vampire Hunter. She allowed them to perform all the common tests among hunters as well.

http://thecatholicsciencegeek....aint-of-vampire.html

Alice nodded along with Penny while she laid out the plan. "Seems fair. Like I said, I am much better with guns than people. I'll watch all your backs, and you can do your jobs without worrying. Anything else I can do? I've lived in lots of big cities so I know my way around both the good and bad side of a 'berg. Oh and I am practiced at Legerdemain. Not just pulling rabbits out of hand and card tricks, I know a lot of complex illusions too. Your seance, for instance, I know all their tricks like bells between toes, invisible wires, false backs or seats on furniture...you get the idea. If you need I can put on a pretty good show, though I am more practiced at ferreting out charlatans."

Penny was satisfied by Alice's humanity.

'Indeed? I daresay Mrs Bently can supply genuine theatrics, but I've found real magic to be somewhat disappointing compared to what an inventive charlatan can come up with. You might pose as a new medium, or else join me and Mr Shaw as investigators or simply an interested onlooker.'

'However, I don't wish to send you away so soon, but our first concern must be the safety of Mrs Molly Michaels. The demons have her name, so I believe they shall be here shortly seeking one of her husband's personal affects. I'm afraid I've already given her cause to distrust us – she despises mediums, as we are pretending to be – but she does not know you, and should not take you to be one. Furthermore, you can identify these fiends.'

'Therefore, I suggest you visit Mrs Michaels, stay a few hours, watch for these demons, and, ah, keep her company. She will need a more caring shoulder than I can offer, I'm afraid...' Penny said ruefully. Aware of her own habit of pushing through any plan, she added 'How does that sound to you? I have some preparations to make in town, and Mrs Bently must have some of her own. If all goes well, we can meet back at the Winchester House at nightfall, as all séances must occur after dark.'
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Tue 04 Oct 2016.

Alice nodded, "Fair enough. I'll take your lead when we meet Mrs. Winchester." She seemed sad as she got up to head to the Michaels home. "Anything I need to know about the Michaels?"

'Molly Michaels is a negro woman, but just like any white woman, of course.' Penny explained, with the best of intentions if not execution. 'She's a grieving widow, and will have absolutely no truck with mediums and spiritualists, so mention nothing of demons or anything else supernatural.' she warned. 'She is not fond of Mrs Winchester and her absurd house either, which she blames for her husband's passing...'

'Ian, Mrs Michaels will not suspect you of being a medium. Would you like to join Miss Conner?'

Alice nodded, "Alright then. I need the paper back, as evidence it will at least give credence to my story."

Penny passed back the note, still wondering on what she'd determined from it.


OOC: At this point, I should wait until Artemis's update on what if anything Penny learned from the note.

Emma watches the scene with a calculating brow, saying nothing but seeing everything. She makes a face at Penny's comment about magic but otherwise says very little though she is particularly interested in the pocket watch.

Meanwhile Ian nods quickly at the plan. Aye, I was going to suggest as much he says in his thick Scottish accent. Maybe we can even warn her away for the next couple days with that note of yours. Best way to keep someone safe in my book is to have em skip town. Not to say we won't be waitin at her house anyway he adds with a grin.

Penny, it's hard to gain much from the note save that the handwriting is decidedly masculine, aggressively slanted and the paper is about the cheapest money can buy. It smells slightly of cigarettes, also probably the cheapest money can buy.

'Masculine, aggressive, and cheap – definitely demon.' Penny concluded disdainfully on the note. But it wasn't Belial, thank God, who added an oily elegance to his little notes to her.

She was about to suggest they separate when she remembered something. 'Oh, Miss Conner – can you describe these demons?' With incisive questions, she proceeded to build up a thorough image of the two demons, or at least their so-called "meat-suits", the poor fellows they'd possessed and likely slain.

'I will return to our hotel rooms, investigate the scene, and determine what was stolen or what they were looking for. I shall also speak with hotel staff to report the crime – police can't do much to stop demons, but they can make it harder for them to move about.' Penny said. She had a few errands in mind, in fact. 'Meanwhile, Kate and Emma, perhaps you can collect whatever you need for the séance? We can all meet up at the Winchester House this evening, or in town later this afternoon?'


OOC: I realised I can use my Profile ability here (my first time, I think). With a total Gather Information checks of 20 and 22, beating DC 15, Penny gains a mental picture of both demon suspects.
11:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+9. profile: gather information.
11:41, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d6. action point.
11:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  profile: gather information.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:20, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

11:53, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 23 using 1d20+7. intimidate. Directed at Ian

Alice gave Ian her best steely eyed glare, the one she used on upstart pups who thought they could take her in a gunfight. She held his gaze while answering Penny, giving the best description she was able, especially with the limited amount of time she had to observe their quarry. When she was done, still holding Ian's gaze with her own she laid down what she considered to be the law. "I know what you are, and I am not some moon eyed girl who will fall for it. You so much as touch me and I will introduce you to the business end of Mr. Browning's lever action shotgun. We understand each other?"

ooc: So the way I understand it is: Penny goes to the hotel alone and to do her errands. Kate and Emma go to get seance stuff. Alice and Ian go to warn Molly and meet up with the rest of you later. UNLESS Alice takes Ian's offer to switch. Let me know if you have any plans in the meantime (if you haven't already told me) and feel free to finish up here. I'm going to post for Penny at the hotel now for time's sake but also if you want to say anything else before leaving go for it. Alice, does Penny hear the accusation against Ian?

IC: Ian's grin quickly fades at seeing Alice's cold stare as she talks to Penny. Then at her words to him he looks downright dumbfounded, taking a long shocked moment to respond and holding up his hands reassuringly. Look Miss, I don't know what you think you know about me or how you could tell within three minutes of meeting me but let me set you straight. Aye, I do enjoy pretty ladies' company, most men do you know, but I treat em well and I would never accost one. I wouldn't even touch one if they did not very clearly want me to in the first place. I'm not so bad as you think. You'll get no trouble from me but if I'm so very despicable to you I can always switch with Kate here and let her keep ya company if you like. Last thing I need is to turn my back on a trigger happy stranger who already thinks the worst of me. And if you really do know Victoria and trust her, you should know I'm one of her bloody favorite people, if that even means anything he finishes flatly. He looks nervous at your gun, holstered or not but also strangely hurt that you would jump to such villainous conclusions.

Penny: When you do reach the hotel you find your room a mess. They were in quite a hurry it seems but fortunately they didn't take anything. You doubt they had time. The window to the fire escape is open still. As you look around a uniformed policeman knocks on the still open door. Sorry to bother you miss, we've been keepin an eye on this room for you to come back. There seems to have been some sneak thieves. They killed a man on their way out. Just hoping to get some information from you.

OOC: Alice did not lower her voice. If Penny want she can over hear.

Her demeanor softened as Ian spoke. "Huh. She didn't mention you. She actually sent me looking for Ms. Penny and Ms. Kate." She adjusted her hat, "Well, I guess you cannot judge a book by it's cover." She nodded, "I apologize to you, sir, I should remember that people are different and should be judged by their actions and not by how they appear to me."

OOC: Nah, I'll move on, it seemed private anyway. Sorry for the wait, I was busy (and exhausted) with babysitting yesterday.


Penny gazed around their ransacked rooms in dismay, feeling so horribly violated that these villains had riffled through her possessions, her private affects. That was the least of the demons' crimes, of course, given the tragic death of an innocent bystander, but it was an uncomfortable reminder that Belial's forces were drawing ever closer.

She turned at the policeman's arrival, trying to look shaken by the experience. 'Yes, of course, I shall help however I can.' she replied tremulously, knowing she really could not, given she already knew the culprits were demons. She could hardly explain that to the local constabulary. 'We did not travel with any conspicuous wealth, but these thieves must have thought us worth robbing regardless. And that poor man! This is positively ghastly!'

As she wandered the room, seemingly shocked by the attempted robbery, Penny cast a practised eye over the crime scene, looking for clues, prints, any sign to her would-be robbers. Rarely had she had a crime scene so close to her; she could easily eliminate her and her party from the actions she observed, and their possessions from anything left behind by the demons. The poor policeman had an expert consulting detective from Scotland Yard on hand and didn't even know it!


OOC: Looking for clues: Search 28. Including Find Clues feat (entitled to a Search when passing within 5 feet).
15:46, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 28 using 1d20+13. search.

Crime scene investigation: Investigate 30 (Analyze Clue or Collect Evidence, as you think is appropriate)
15:55, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30 using 1d20+17. investigate.

Finally, use Profile ability. Investigate DC 15, auto-success. Gain +2 circumstance bonus on future skill checks re: these demons.

Kate: pm

Mary-Alice: Ian looks appeased at the apology but still a bit irked at the whole situation, eyeing you as though uncertain of what to expect and not liking it. Well I must appear like a real villain then. Hm. Well, shall we try to get our poor widow to abandon her house? I think you're the best one to do the talking on that point. I used to think I was charming but now I'm having doubts he shakes his head drily. You could tell her about that note you found, it wouldn't be a lie.

Penny: It is indeed Miss. No better word for it. Well, do you see anything missing? It may be they are after something in particular that may help us locate them. Just be glad you were out at the time. I shudder to think what they would have done! If you like, we'll place an armed guard here tonight, make sure you sleep safe and sound. The policeman is middle aged and portly. His offer is genuine and you feel he is probably a sincerely good man, going through such troubles. In the meantime you find that nothing is missing that you can see. It's all a mess of course. What you do find is some dusty boot prints and some specks of decimated plant that must have been caught on the sole of someone's shoe. On closer inspection it appears to be chamomile one of them walked through. Looking at the officer's footware, it is unlikely to have come from them, they seem to be quite clean and tidy.
Also, judging by the way the room was searched, these are not very intelligent demons. They picked a busy time to search, not giving themselves an easy escape route, and their procedure was clumsy, unorganized and without method. Either they were in a wicked rush or they went about it in a very juvenile way. You suspect a combination. Whoever they were they are likely not the most powerful to have run from Mary-Alice as they had, or to be so fearful of being caught in the first place.

Alice nodded and made her way to the home in question. She rang the bell, stood waiting.

'Yes, please post an officer, constable, if you feel it necessary... Perhaps he could patrol the hotel? I'm sure he shall help the other patrons feel safe as well.' Penny suggested, knowing a policeman would discourage these amateurs, but not wanting the fellow too close if real trouble arose.

And they were amateurs – clumsy, impatient, hot-headed amateurs! Belial insulted her by sending such lowly minions; surely he owed her a higher-quality foe. They'd have lost whatever they were looking for in the mess they'd made. If looking for something had indeed been their goal; simply invading and wrecking everything was warning enough. But they had a note, a name – Molly Michaels – so they would surely head to her residence next (where Conner and Shaw should be keeping watch) and thence straight to the Winchester house. Meanwhile...

'Well, they don't seem to have stolen anything, they must have been interrupted too soon.' Penny decided, but went on 'But I can't seem to find a certain pocket watch... It's not worth much, it mostly has sentimental value.' Penny quickly described a men's pocket watch similar to the one she'd received from Mrs Michaels, safely tucked away in her purse. The description wasn't so close as to have her or Molly in trouble with the police, but it should make it harder for the demons to operate if they ever got their hands on one... 'I fear I shall need to find a replacement. Do you know any good pawn shops or jewellery stores close by?'


OOC: Where could the chamomile plant have come from? Is it a potted plant knocked over here or did they tread through someone's garden? Were there any chamomiles in Molly Michael's garden?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Wed 19 Oct 2016.

Penny: The officers listen sympathetically. I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully it didn't hold great sentimental value the older man shakes his head. But I can help you with that last part at least. There is a very good jeweler a few blocks down. Winston Applebie by name. A decent sort, I'm sure he'll charge you fairly. Just tell him Officer Brewster sent you. He owes me a favor. In the meantime one of us could always escort you if you have a need, otherwise we'll finish up here and keep a guard around the hotel for a few days.

Mary-Alice: Ian stands with you, though keeps a respectful space between you. Obviously you spooked him with your earlier threat. The door opens a bit later and a middle aged black woman opens it, looking irritated. What do you want? she seems immediately suspicious and angry though you've no idea why. Her eyes are red rimmed, it seems she has been crying.

Alice realized this might be difficult, not impossible, considering her general appearance and seeming attitude. Alice remained as pleasant as possible. "Ma'am, I am Alice Conner, and this is Mr. Ian Shaw. We are investigators looking into some dangerous people, two men to be exact. I found these men ransacking a hotel room. I gave chase but they gave me the slip. One of them dropped this," she handed the woman the slip of paper, "which lead us to believe that you and your family are in danger and prompted us to find you. We believe you are in extreme danger and we came here to warn you. Please ma'am, for your sake and your family's, I beg you to flee. This would not be a permanent flight, but only for a short time until Mr. Shaw and I can find and jail or otherwise neutralize these men. Give us a telegraph office to contact when this danger has passed and we will do so."

She reached out and gently touched the woman's arm, hoping to emphasize her caring about the other woman and her hope that this can turn out well. "If you decide to stay, than Ian and I will do what we can to protect you."

'Thank you, officer, you're very helpful.' Penny said gratefully. 'But no, I don't think I shall need an escort, I shan't be going far before I meet with colleagues.' she declined the offer, deciding official scrutiny of what she planned next.

She took a long, last look around the ransacked hotel room. The maid would tidy up later, then they could put their things away. There was nothing more she could do here, except perhaps show the police up. 'Well. I should leave you to your investigation, looking for clues, catching criminals, that sort of thing. You may contact me here at the hotel, of course. I hope you catch the miscreants responsible, officer.' She farewelled the policeman, ready to leave for the next phase of her plan.

Mary-Alice: The woman looks at you with surprise, suspicion and a hint of fear. What nonsense is this? Your timing is awfully suspect. I just had a visit from a young woman claiming some charlatans were trying to use my dead husband's belongings to summon his ghost and now two more white strangers come with outlandish tales...? she gasps suddenly. You don't think I just handed my pocket watch over to a thief do you?! she looks very shaken. Ian gives her a comforting look, speaking kindly. I doubt it. The thieves Miss Conner refers to were much more direct in their efforts. I'm sorry to tell you they killed a man in their escape. You have every right to be suspicious but we cannot let you risk your life over it. I assure you, you can trust us. I am a former Pinkerton agent and a New York city police officer he pulls out a metal badge from inside his vest and she looks at it with sudden surprise. After hesitation she motions for you to come inside. What do these fools want with me? I-I don't think I can leave this place. Not until I see my husband's watch returned safely tomorrow she offers you some lemonade.

Penny: The officers bid you farewell, telling you to take care and let them know if you have any needs. Then, should you wish it, you can find the jeweler not far. Applebie's Jewelers, not a very original name but easy to find at least. He is a slight man, in his fifties with a shy smile and professional manner.

Alice was very sympathetic to the poor woman, again reaching out to place a sympathetic hand on the poor woman. "Ma'am, we want nothing from you, at all. We worry for your safety. I understand your wanting this memento. I might have the same reaction if I lost something of my father's. I can promise you that Mr. Shaw and I will do everything in our power to return this item to you. I cannot stress enough that you are in danger. Please let us handle this matter, if you wish we will even sign a contract with you."

Historical Note: Today contracts are broken as easily as they are made, but in the 1800s contracts were all but unbreakable. Alice's offer is not as facetious as it sounds.

Before leaving the hotel, Penny stopped some place secluded to carefully examine Cole Michaels's pocket watch, identifying make, manufacturer, inscriptions, and any tell-tale scratches and marks and subsequent repairs. It all should be consistent with an upper lower-class owner in the American West, formerly owned by a hard-working builder, with whom it would take bumps and scrapes and dirt, and latterly by a house-proud grieving widow, who would keep it polished. She didn't doubt Molly, but needed to confirm it hadn't already been switched by the demons and that she could return the right pocket watch later.

Afterward, she made her way to Applebie's Jewelers, taking a moment to browse and carefully case the store, before addressing Mr Applebie. 'Good day, sir. Might I look at your pocket watches?'


OOC: My plan is as I said in my PM. This could happen off-screen, if you like.

Mary-Alice: She seems hesitant at first but between Ian's credentials and your offer of the contract you soon have the house to yourselves though she warns you against any funny business and insists you only have one day to sort things out. In the meantime she will stay at a friend's house.

Soon you are alone with the Scotsman who immediately produces a piece of chalk, flips up the carpet on the front entryway, and starts drawing a devil's trap on the wood floor. Might as well make our preparations now. There's no telling if they will show or not, especially since they lost the poor thing's address. You want to take the back door? he tosses you another piece of chalk. How do you want to play this anyway?

Penny: You are pleased to find he has a number of watches that will substitute nicely and should you wish it he will help you make your modifications. From what you can tell the watch she gave you is genuine, bearing all the expected dings and marks one would find from such a man. The whole process takes about forty minutes and soon you are on your way. As soon as you walk out the door though you have a feeling of being watched. ooc: go ahead and roll a spot check. For time's sake if you get a 13 or more you see a young man duck behind an alley, clearly keeping tabs on you. Otherwise you see nothing and continue on your way with the same feeling.

She caught the chalk and nodded, going to the back door to draw another Devil's trap. She stopped at his question, "Perhaps a deception is in order. I could pretend to be the Lady of the House?"

Penny was pleased with Applebie's work, soon purchasing and forging a decent duplicate of Cole Michael's pocket watch – on the pretence of a gift for a gentleman friend. Concealing the two pocket watches (the genuine slipped under her dress, the other in her purse), Penny stepped out of the store, only for her keen eyes to glimpse a furtive figure slipping around the corner.

Ah. She should have prepared for being followed, but didn't think her foes had the patience or had other plans. Blast. If the demons knew she'd copied the pocket watch, her ruse would be ruined. She gazed casually about the street, contemplating her next move.


OOC: With a +2 if it's one of the demons Mary-Alice chased.
17:52, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. spot.

Is it one of the demons, or someone else?

Mary-Alice: Good idea. Hopefully they don't know she's black or you'll be a dead giveaway. All we need is for them to step foot in the house, one way or another and we're golden. If I have to get out and push I'll do it He starts to take out a cigarette, looks at the polished and lovely home and puts it away with a sigh. Never know about housewives. They can be particular. I suppose we'd best try not to trash the place ooc: What are your plans as you wait?

Penny: You do recognize him from Alice's description. He ducks away but you doubt he has seen you spot him. From what you can tell he hasn't run so much as hidden, like a spider tucking itself into a crack.

Alice made sure she drew the Devil's trap correctly, then covered it with a rug. She gave Ian back his chalk and then walked around looking at things and not touching them. She does engage in casual conversation, "So...uhhh...what is a Scotsman doing in the US?"

At last, Penny turned and put her head back through the door to Applebie's Jewelers, saying 'Oh, Mister Applebie: there's a pair of shifty-looking men lurking out here,' Quickly she shared Alice's description. 'I fear they may intend to rob you or cause some mischief. Do take care, will you?' Hopefully that gave him sufficient warning of trouble should the demons come into the store. They were quick to use violence, but it was clear they wanted no more trouble than necessary. In any case, the fellow had to following her.

She sighed and raised her umbrella. After all, this sunny California heat was murder on an Englishwoman raised in the damp and gloomy moors. Sheltered from the sun, and under a cross-stitched devil's trap, Penny sauntered off down the street, past the alley where her demon loitered, intending to lead him around the sights of San José until she thought of a good trap for him.

Mary-Alice: He shrugs at the question. Oh nothin special. Came over with me folks at seventeen. Worked for the Pinkertons for a while, then the New York police after that. I've seen my share of things worse than any demons. What about you? I know absolutely nothin about you.

Penny: The jeweler takes your threat seriously, thanking you and immediately going behind the counter to his shotgun where he stands at the ready, not touching it but ready to in a moment's notice; watching the windows. He offers to let you stay if you think you're in danger but he lets you go with a kind warning when you decline.

Meanwhile, your demon tail seems to think he has the upper hand, following you from a safe distance and a casual air. The city is by no means as big as New York, but it is decent in size. After a while you can tell he is tiring of the task, getting slower at hiding and generally impatient looking.

Looking over a glass menagerie Alice spoke almost off hand. "I'm from Texas." It was all she would reveal about herself for the moment. "How do you know Ms. Victoria?"

And the more tired and impatient he got, the closer he got to her. At last, Penny tired of the sights of San José and of leading the demon around them. This had gone on long enough. In a sufficiently well-populated street, she stopped abruptly, then turned to face her pursuer. 'Excuse me, sir, can I help you?' she demanded.

Mary-Alice: Ian waits a moment for you to expound, realizes you're not going to and then laughs. Very well keep your secrets he chuckles. As for Victoria, I met her through her father, well stepfather technically. He ran the men of letters in New York. I was a copper and ran into a bit of trouble. Some hunters helped me out of it and the rest is pretty well history. That was about three years ago. What about you?

ooc: Roll listen please

Penny: The demon looks completely flabbergasted that you've discovered him. After an awkward moment he swears, looks around frantically and then opens his jacket to reveal a revolver which he grips by the handle, still concealing it. I think you'd best be coming with me You have a feeling that once again, this is not he cream of the crop demon wise.

She stood for a moment, thinking about what she should tell him and what she shouldn't. In the end she opted for less is more. "She is a friend of a relative. She let him know she needed help, so I came calling. It really isn't scandalous or anything." She looked more closely at a very pretty glass elephant. She changed the subject, "So which of those women are you interested in?"

Penny merely eyed the pistol as though it were a fashion faux pas. 'Oh? Whatever for?' she asked unconcernedly.

Mary-Alice: If he'd been drinking something you're certain he'd have choked on it. His eyes bulge. And you thought I was the forward one! he gasps. Look, you might have been right about me being a womanizer, but only when the lady is as interested as I am. I don't often go to bed alone but I'm not fool enough to mix work with pleasure. The one time I tried that was with a feisty Indian woman, heh, nearly lost my scalp for that one! I have a feeling you'll like her. Ended up with a priest of all people! We'll see how long THAT lasts! Anyway, I'm unattached at the moment and I don't see that changing. Besides, even if I DID like one of them, she hasn't shown any interest in me-uh hypothetically! he adds, looking laughably flustered. You hear that? HYPOTHETICALLY. Don't go around telling any of them I like them alright? Cuz that would be pretty much the most awful thing that could happen to me right now... he looks around suddenly. I don't suppose she has anything to drink in this place eh? Knowing her she's one of those temperance fanatics...

A moment later you hear a sharp knock at the door and Ian stiffens. You think they'll recognize you? Should I answer it? Should neither of us answer it? Do we WANT them to break in? he whispers in a rush.

Penny: The man looks at you in bewilderment and then back down at his revolver in his jacket. Uh...because I have a gun? he seems genuinely confused and then after a moment he takes your meaning. Oh! Because I want to know where the ring is, that's why! he does his best to look intimidating again after his mistake. Yes, definitely not the cream of the crop.

Penny was, of course, distinctly unimpressed. 'This is the American West – everyone has a gun.' she sniffed, before looking pointedly around the streets and passersby, suggesting he would have a problem if he actually tried to use the weapon. Since the fellow seemed an utter fool, Penny decided to try drawing some information out of him, to find what out what he knew. 'Now which ring would that be?'
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Sat 19 Nov 2016.

She looked at him without emotion as he took a breath and paused the first time. As she speaks her own face becomes marred by a sense of loss, a very profound sense of loss. "Unsolicited advice - women crave attention and romance. It is a part of the female psyche, something even the most rationalist among us needs. Even if we claim not to need it, even if we protest, it is a deeply seated need. If, hypothetically, you do have feelings for one of these women, do not let some past indiscretion stop you from acting on them. Do not wait too long. We are only given this one life, and it can end with our next breath. Do not wait until it is too late.."

She nodded solemnly after he asked her for secrecy, "Your secret is safe with me, Scotsman."

"A Moment, please!" She called out to the door in a slightly higher pitched voice. She nodded, "Indeed they might, but there are remedies for that. Catch," she said as she tossed him her shotgun, "It is loaded with buck so don't fire." She discarded her long coat and drew her pistols. She motioned with her head and indicated for him to open the door as she stood back from it...

Penny: The ring of solomon of course! I know you know where it is! he growls though you see a hint of doubt in his eyes as though he's ever so slightly uncertain. He clearly cannot be a demon of significance and you wonder why he's involved in something so important when he's quite possibly the biggest dolt you've ever met.

Mary-Alice: Ian looks surprised by your advice and a kind look crosses his face as he's about to comment but the door interrupts him. He takes the gun but doesn't cock it lest the noise travel to the demon's ears. I'm going to try to lure him in. We just need him to take one step he whispers. Get ready! He then throws open the door, hiding the gun behind it so as not to cause the demon to run. On the other side you recognize one of the men from the hotel. He immediately rushes in, not bothering for pretense. Where is it! he snarls, already grabbing for Ian who takes a leap back and cocks the shotgun. That should do it! Now! the Scotsman barks, aiming the gun for the man's legs. The demon looks confused and furious but soon discovers the devil's trap has him pinned. The problem, however, is that he is still armed and he draws his pistol angrily...ooc: Go ahead and roll your first round.

Alice, in typical gunslinger fashion, let loose with both guns blazing.

09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #3.
11 with blessed.
12 with blessed and PBS.
09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #2.
14 with blessed.
15 with blessed and PBS.
09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 16 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #1.
17 with blessed.
18 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 2d8+2.  Damage Right #3.
16 with blessed.
17 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 2d8+2.  Damage right #2.
12 with blessed.
13 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Damage right #1.
11 with blessed.
12 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  LS #3 left hand.
18 with blessed.
19 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  LS #2 left hand.
9 with blessed.
10 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  LS #1 left hand.
16 with blessed.
17 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  LS #3 right hand.
19 with blessed.
20 with blessed and PBS.
09:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+7.  LS #2 right hand.
19 with blessed.
20 with blessed and PBS.
09:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  lightening shot #1, right hand.
16 with blessed bonus.
17 with blessed and PBS.

'Do you really believe,' Penny began sardonically, 'That, if I knew where the Ring of Solomon was, I'd still be here wandering the streets of San José and idling in its little stores?' Penny was beginning to like this demon, he was so refreshingly stupid. But she had to wonder: if Belial hadn't sent him, who had? 'Now who told you a silly little thing like that?' She also wondered what had led him to Mrs Michaels and thus the Winchester House, but it was difficult to ask without giving away what she knew that he might not.


OOC: He's not just playing dumb is he? I figured I should roll something for interrogation; I included my Profile bonus.
22:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+10. sense motive + 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Tue 22 Nov 2016.

Mary-Alice: A few of your shots hit the demon squarely and though he's still alive he is quite wounded and looks extremely upset. He drops his gun and cowers on the floor in a ball. Ian looks flabbergasted. I give up! I give up! he sobs to your shock. You've never seen a demon behave this way. You're almost embarrassed for the lout.

Penny: From what you can tell the man really is this stupid. It's astonishing in fact. Well that's what everybody's saying! You ARE Penny Frightful aren't you? Or was it Dread something...?hm...You and your party fit the descriptions perfectly! No, you're her, I just know it! Besides, my brother told me you were asking questions at the Winchester place. That's got to mean something if you ask me! Unless, you really did just want a pocket watch? he is second guessing himself so comically it almost makes you laugh.

Penny Frightful! She was offended by that alone. Composing herself, she noted 'The Winchester House is a fascinating local landmark home to a well-known heiress. And pocket watches are popular gifts for gentlemen.' Which neither confirmed nor denied the questions and hopefully might steer the pair away from their investigation. 'Why? Why did you think I wanted a pocket watch?'

She tried to steer the conversation back toward the demon's employer or informant. 'I must say, your employer can't be very important to keep such a talented agent like you so poorly informed. Who do you work for anyway? I suppose it's some small-time cowboy operation.' she suggested sniffily, hoping to get the demon to boast of his boss. A little flattery might help too: stupid people liked to think they were clever.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:30, Sat 26 Nov 2016.

Unless Ian stops her, Alice will delive a Coup de Gras saying, "Make sure you tell them Alice Conner sent you when you get back."

Penny: Oh! A gift? We thought the ring might be hidden in it! My brother overheard your questions about that Cole fellow. Why else would you be interested in him? It's said he's the one who hid it. Probably in the watch we thought! he admits proudly, as though the theory were his idea.

At your question of his employer he makes a face. We don't work for no one! Least not anymore... he sounds so bitter about it you're certain he must have been let go somehow, an amusing thought, a demon being fired. Probably for incompetence. But we figured if we could bring the ring back we'd be back in high graces again! It was just dumb luck we ran across you. We've been searching that fool house for weeks! Me brother has a witch lover that knows your Mrs. Bentley. Heh, witches always did gossip too much for their own good!

Mary-Alice: Just before you can finish him Ian does indeed shout for you to stop. He kicks away the demon's pistol and looks at the pitiful man with distaste. I think we should put a few questions to him first don't you think? Though I admire your enthusiasm! he chuckles with a glance at your guns. Since you've more than earned the right, I'll let you ask first milady he gives a teasing bow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Alice is a little stunned, "I don't care, it will just lie. I say we kill it now."

While she waits she reloads both weapons.

In the watch? Penny wondered. That actually wasn't a bad idea; she would look inside later. 'Well, I'm impressed. Your former master made a costly error in letting go two such enterprising fellows as yourselves...' she began, thinking of how to use and/or destroy these enterprising fellows. They were independent rogues, what little they knew wasn't likely to get back to Belial. There was no leak, except perhaps an old one from Mrs Bently; the demons had eavesdropped on their conversation, then somehow gotten ahead them back to town, whereupon they'd ransacked her hotel room. 'How would you like to work for someone more appreciative of your talents?' she inquired, leading him on. 'Someone who can make it very much worth your while?'


OOC: I suppose he's still being honest?
20:10, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+8. sense motive.

Not great, but I assume he's carrying hefty penalties:
20:23, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  bluff.

Mary-Alice: Ian blinks in surprise and then laughs. I suppose so, though usually if you pretend you're not going to kill them they are a little more forthcoming. I've never seen a demon beg though. We may actually make some headway with this one. What say you? We can probably spare this dog if he has good enough information right? he turns then and gives you a wink, his back to the demon who has looked suddenly hopeful at the prospect of living. It is extremely uncharacteristic behavior for a demon and part of you can't help but wonder what in the world is going on. Ian turns back to the man in question. Why do you want the widow? What are you doing here? The demon looks at you pleadingly.Y-you'll let me live? Ian rolls his eyes. I promise I won't kill you he pledges, though there are any manner of loopholes in such a statement. The demon stupidly does not see any of them and rushes on. You realize now what is so different about this foe. He's an idiot! Well, we overheard you all wanted her husband's pocketwatch and we figured the ring of solomon might be in there!

Penny: ooc: Lol, yeah he has all kind of penalties. I thought it would be fun to mess with the usual stereotypes about demons for a change.

He looks surprised and pleased at your compliment and straightens with pride, grinning from ear to ear. You have a feeling compliments are quite foreign to him. At your question he turns confused though and looks around before suddenly widening his eyes. Who....? Oh you mean you!! he exclaims. Why should I trust you? You're the enemy! he pauses though. And how would you make it worth my while?

Alice quirked a brow at Ian. She did not care at first but then she wondered, "What makes you fear death demon. I've never met one of your kind who did not laugh at the prospect of death, so what makes you such a coward?"

'Oh, you shouldn't trust me.' Penny answered pointedly. Trust should be the last thing on a demon's mind. 'After all, do you trust your fellow demons? No, of course you don't... Now, if you know anything of me or my family, you know we like to, ah, keep spoons in many pots.' The exact idiom escaped her, but it would this fellow too, so it hardly mattered. 'I'm only the enemy because Belial has made me the enemy.'

His asking about what was in it for him showed he wasn't entirely a fool, however. 'If you serve me, and Belial possesses me as he plans to do, then you would find yourself serving Prince Belial himself. But, if I were to beat Belial, then you would serve the one who beat a Prince of Hell. You would win either way. And until then, you can profit off whatever falls your way.'

Alice: He blinks in surprise and sits upright, leaning against the door frame, still safely confined in the circle. I wouldn't say coward he sniffed defensively. It's just well...hell has never been particularly kind to me or my brother. We're not very well liked by the others... he looks oddly embarrassed by the admission. They call us stupid, among other things. We have no desire to go back only to be bullied by them. At least here we can avoid them better.

Penny: He listens intently, eyes bulging at your apparently brilliant logic. Win either way...now that's something... he mumbles, furrowing his brow. What kind of profit? What exactly can you offer me? And my brother, he would have to be included too. We do everything together he adds quickly. It's odd to see such loyalty in a demon.

Penny hissed softly as if in irritation. 'Well, you drive a hard bargain, sir, but if he is half as intelligent as you, I'm sure it will be a good deal. Very well, I suppose I can accept the services of you and your brother on a two-for-one basis...'

She tried to think of what she could offer. What did demons even use for currency? What unearthly use could they have for money? It couldn't be only souls they bartered for. Damn him for getting curious, Penny might fret, but he was damned already. 'Why, triumph over your fellow demons, knowing you've outwitted them. If we slay a rival demon, you might seize their operations and treasures. But of course you require something more tangible, I understand. Thus I can offer a suitable payment in earthly currency for services rendered or information delivered, commensurate to the effort, scale, and importance of the task, to be negotiated on an individual basis.'

Penny was torn: here was a demon – two demons, most likely – who were dull-witted and ham-fisted yet pliable, competent, and offering a good ear on underworld activities. Just the tool she needed for her fight against Belial. But she was loathe to accept the services of demons; this pair had already possessed two innocents and murdered another. All demons had, of course. She had to wonder what this pair could possibly have done to be hurled into the pit. Doubtless they had been led astray by another. So it seemed a shame to slay him. Perhaps she could get Simon to preach to them, and see if even a damned soul could yet be saved.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Wed 14 Dec 2016.

Alice was frustrated now. "Enough of his lies. Let me shoot him, he is a demon."

Alice: Ian turns and fixes you with an impatient look. Will you wait? I'm not done interrogating him! He then turns and asks the man a few pointed questions. He answers eagerly, in foolish hope that it will save his life. Apparently he and his brother are not the most well liked among their kind, and with his dim witted ways it's clear to see why. He's not the most intelligent fellow. They overheard that Penny and the others were searching for a pocket watch and thought the ring of Solomon must be inside. Seems they were hoping to impress their peers with the discovery of so sought after an item. At last Ian seems satisfied with his answers and turns and gives you a slight nod to do what you want. The demon watches, completely terrified. It's quite pathetic.

Penny: The demon looks especially tempted by the idea of triumphing over his peers and you realize that is his greatest motivation though he seems pleased at the idea of making a few dollars on top of it. Judging by his attire he has lived a simple life in his meatsuit. He takes his hand off the handle of his gun, leaving it tucked inside his jacket. Alright. You've got yourself a deal Miss. Though this had better not be a double cross... he warns vaguely. What exactly do you want from me?

She stopped Ian, keeping him between her and the pathetic creature, "I was bluffing, at least at the time, hoping he would give up what he knew. Do you think he can be trusted and kept on a short leash?" She isn't exactly whispering, but speaking softly in hopes that demon might not catch everything she said.

'Let's not stand in the street any longer. We can't be seen together. Please, walk with me.' Penny suggested, continuing to stride down the street like a lady and a, well, not so much gentleman companion as a rough manservant. 'First, you have the advantage of me – do you have a name?'

'Now, please, tell me all you know of the Ring of Solomon and of Mrs Emma Bently.'

Alice: Ian frowns, eyes glancing back at the cowering man. Trust is a pretty strong word but I do think he might have a few uses. He opens his coat and pulls out a pair of handcuffs of all things, a smirk on his face. Like I said, used to be a copper. These are a particularly handy invention of mine He tosses them to you and you see a devil's trap neatly etched on the metal as well as a few other symbols you don't recognize. Keeps them mobile but helpless. Your call miss.

Penny: My name is Balen. And Mrs Bently is not well liked I can tell ya that. She betrayed the master, especially since they say she knows where the ring is. It's just about the only thing he fears and I figure that will put me and my brother on top once we get it. No one would dare laugh at us then! Heh, we might even use it against a few of them! Makes them your puppet see? You can order them to do whatever you want! Well, after it is activated of course.

Alice nodded, "Alright you...demon, hands behind your back." She cuffed him, and smiled at the ingenuity. "Well that is done, now what?"

'Ah, I've heard rumours of Balen the Cunning,' Penny observed. Of course, there was no Balen the Cunning, at least none she'd heard of, but it kept Balen the Foolish well buttered up.

So, Emma Bently's rejection and changing of sides was not some ruse to gain their confidence – she really was out of favour with Belial. That was good, it meant she was more dependable. At least a little bit, anyway. Penny was also glad to hear that Belial feared the Ring of Solomon. The power to command demons, to herd them back into Hell, and to end Belial's threat forever... And to talk to the animals of course. 'No, there will be no one laughing at you then... Do you know, it's also said to grant the power to talk to animals?' she mentioned, by way of distraction, 'Marvellous. How do you plan to activate it?'

Alice: Ian frowns, thinking. Well we can't leave him here. We've already made a mess for the widow we don't need her worrying about strange men either. I saw we clean up here as best we can and then sneak him to a hotel. I doubt the one you met him in is safe, there's coppers looking after him I'll wager. If we put a new trap on the floor for him he should be safe enough to leave, especially if we truss him up good. Then we should try to find Penny, make sure the other one didn't find her.

Penny: He looks pleased as punch at the monker you've gifted him though your question of how to activate it brings a frown to his face. Now that...I'm not sure. I was going to ask that Bently witch, see if she knew. She was the one who had plans for the ring in the first place. But it can talk to animals? Now that would be something...

ooc: Ok, so go ahead and both of you let me know your plans until you regroup.

Alice nodded, "Alright then." She looked at the demon, "You sit and do not move. Do not test me." She then went about cleaning as best she could. She was not good at this, but she did her best.

'You intrigue me, sir – what were Mrs Bently's plans for the Ring, do you know?' Penny wondered. If Emma had designs of her own, then she may yet betray them and try to seize the ring. Penny felt rather better about the precautions she'd taken.


OOC: I don't have anything else but to pump Balen for information. Penny will try to reunite with Alice and Ian, with her pet demon in tow. Balen's been useful enough I feel I should claim him as my contact, but I'll run it by the others first, in character.

Alice: You do the best you can but unfortunately bullet holes are bullet holes...when the widow returns she likely won't be pleased. Ian looks around until he finds some paper and a pen and scribbles a note of apology. You see with relief that he puts down a generous pile of bills that will more than cover the damages and then grabs the demon's sleeve and leads you out. Soon you find yourselves at the seediest hotel the town has to offer and he bids you watch the demon while he procures a room. It doesn't take long before you find yourselves marking yet another devil's trap on the grimy floor of a tiny hotel room. Well that should hold him, so long as he doens't have any buddies out there Ian sighs tiredly. Now we have to find where the blast Penny went. ooc; Go ahead and roll gather information/search

Penny: There were a lot of theories but no one ever did find out for sure, even after she was tortured. That woman has a strong will I tell ya. he shudders. ooc: Just waiting to see how long it takes them to meet up with you and we'll go on from there.

12:53, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 30 using 1d20+12. Gather Info.
12:53, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Search.

She shrugged, "One of us could stay and watch him while the other goes and finds errant Penny?"

Both: Fortunately Penny proves easy to find. A foreigner of her caliber is easily recalled and soon you find her not far from her hotel. What's particularly of note is that she is not alone. Alice recognizes the second demon at her side. Surprisingly he looks quite at ease and happy in her company. Penny, you see Ian and Alice as well, noting that Ian looks a mixture of curious and cautious of the man at your side. It's hard to say if he's jealous or just wary.

I assume you've completed all of your tasks? Ian approaches with a half frown.

Alice kept quiet and a wary eye on Penny's companion.

When she spied Ian and Alice approaching, Penny suggested to Balen 'A gentleman would offer to carry a lady's umbrella.' which she passed over when he said anything that might be construed as an offer to carry her umbrella. That umbrella, of course, had a devil's trap beneath the canopy.

'Yes, I have indeed, thank you.' Penny answered Ian, then commenced introductions 'Balen, these are my partners Mister Ian and Miss Alice – no full names, of course, you understand. Ian, Alice, this is Mister Balen the Cunning, a demon of some note and talent who'd made me a most compelling offer to supply us with information.' As if having the demon wrapped around her finger and under her devil's-trap umbrella wasn't evidence enough, Penny winked tellingly at Ian and Alice but, devious as she could be, she lacked subtlety.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Wed 01 Feb 2017.

Alice looked aghast at Penny. "A deal?"

A ordinary enough word, except where demons were concerned. Penny knew Alice referred to a crossroads pact or the like. Well, she had been standing at a crossroads... She understood Alice's fear and tried to reassure her. 'Employment. Mister Balen will keep his eyes and ears open and keep me informed of underworld affairs in exchange for suitable monetary and political compensation.'

Alice looked back and forth between Penny and the demon, "But not a pact, right?"

'No.' Penny answered quickly, but added wryly 'I don't deal in demon souls.'
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Wed 01 Feb 2017.

Alice nodded once, consoled that things are not amiss.

Ian looks surprised by the exchange but seems to trust that Penny knows what she's doing. You do have your way with people don't you? he mutters. How do you know you can trust him? He could turn on you in a second, or be using you to feed information to his superiors. We have a demon of our own by the way. Not quite sure what we're going to do with him. he shakes his head. Balen brightens at this.
What is his name? Is it Barik? he looks eager. Who's Barik?My brother! He was supposed to be going to that widow's place while I followed Miss Penny here he gestures. Oh I just know he'd be willing to deal with you too if you but spare him!

Alice's gun was suddenly in her hand, and pointed in the demon's face, "Take heed, demon, I will not hesitate to blow your darned head off if you so much as breath the wrong way, you understand me?"

Penny was glad to hear that Ian and Alice had captured the other demon, Balen's brother. Perhaps he would be the smarter one of the pair? 'Oh, yes, I did agree to hire the pair of you on a two-for-one basis.' she recalled for Ian's benefit.

She didn't wave Alice to put her gun down, but did step out of the firing line. 'Don't drop my umbrella now, there's a good man.' she advised kindly, then faced Balen with a more steely look in her eye. Between Alice's pistol and the devil's trap he might eventually notice, she had Balen quite literally under the gun. 'We have discussed your duties and fees, but now we really must talk of your conditions. First, when in my employ, you and your brother Barik will not harm or possess any humans whatsoever. Second, if you reveal any details of our arrangement or anything you learn to any one but me, I shall inform your fellow demons of how you betrayed them and in particular Prince Belial, and I imagine they shall then, ah, have words with you two about it. This is simply insurance, you understand, I really do wish we can have a long, healthy, and productive working relationship.' she ended, all sweetness and charm.


OOC: I already offered the carrot, so now the stick. :)

He looks at the gun warily and then back at Penny, licking his lips nervously and nodding. Of course, of course! If they found out about the deal we've made it would be our heads believe me. Between them and you lot, we are between something hard and something else hard! Isn't that how the saying goes...? he frowns, trying to remember. But how is Barik? I hope you've not hurt him!

ooc: Ok, go ahead and finish up here as long as you please and then we should move on to the seance. Let me know what you plan to do in the meantime too, especially with the brothers.

She put away her pistol and nodded her acceptance of this arrangement.

'Between a rock and a hard place, or between Scylla and Charybdis,' Penny supplied merrily. 'Or, if you prefer, between the devil... and me.' She ended, with steel in her eyes and in her voice.

She began fishing in her purse, saying to Balen 'Of course, you have already killed a man today, in addition to possessing two poor fellows. You must understand that I cannot let this go unanswered. Therefore, I shall be sending you and brother back to Hell and liberating your, how you put it, "meatsuits". But, rest, assured, I shall summon you or your brother when I have need of your services. Now, please, open wide and say "ah!"' Penny had produced her hexbag, tossed it under the umbrella, and immediately began muttering the words of the purgative spell, forcing Balen, or rather the man he possessed, to begin vomiting up black slime that was the material form of the demon. Soon he'd sunk away into the dirt and was gone.

Catching her umbrella before the man slumped over, unconscious or dead, Penny quickly retrieved her hexbag, then saw to him.


OOC: If the possessed man is alive, Penny will advise him to get out of San Jose for a while, because he's wanted for robbery. If he's dead, I guess we just get out of the area.

Next, we'll go to Barik and explain the terms of the deal, then deal with him the same way.

Otherwise, I'm ready to move onto the séance.

Alice didn't even know something like that was possible, she thought there was two choices: kill or exorcise. "What was that? Where can I get one? That was very posh! How did you do that?"

'Dēfīgere et Depurgāre, if I remember my Latin correctly: "to bind and purge". A quite handy bit of white-magic witchcraft. I learned of it through some scribblings of the seventeenth-century Scots hag Rowena, though I was only able to complete the recipe after my trip to the future and access to the Internet.' Penny showed Alice the hexbag, a small pouch inked with sigils and filled with obscure odds-and-ends. 'Mostly pure salt, poplar ash, and your typical magical fetishes. It purifies the body, binds the possessing demon to waste matter, and uses the body's own mechanisms to expel it. Unpleasant for the demon, but healthier for the victim...'

'Provided they are still alive of course.' Penny noted grimly, turning the man over and checking for signs of life in heartbeat and breathing.

Alice seemed confused, "Future? Inter-net? Is that like something you catch fish with?"

'Electric fish, perhaps. It is an international network of analytical engines communicating via telegraph in the year 2013.' Penny answered distractedly.

Alice's eyes looked like they might pop out of her head. "That sounds dangerous. I am glad I am here and not there."

You find the previously possessed man is somewhat worse for the wear but fortunately alive. When you repeat the process with the brother though, the result is a corpse unfortunately. They are both quite dismayed at having to go back to hell to say the least but you are confident you can smooth that over when the time comes to speak to them again.

Eventually it is time for the seance and you find yourselves again at the strange and exotic house. You knock for a few minutes but it does no good, the door remains unanswered. ooc: Roll a listen check please and then if you try to find another way in go ahead and roll a search/spot check too.

09:21, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  spot.
09:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Listen.
09:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  search.

Alice pondered and listened at the door, hoping to hear what might be going on. "If they are just asleep, remember I need a couple of hours. Tell her I am setting up equipment to debunk if this is a false seance. That way I can set up a good show, o.k.?"

'Mrs Winchester may balk at a new face in the team, after we already introduced ourselves. Therefore I shall introduce you as my assistant sceptic, alongside Mister Shaw. You were detained somehow this morning.'

At they waited and knocked at the door, Penny was prepared to be patient. 'It takes the servants a good few minutes to answer the door in this house.' But not too patient. As Alice listened at the door, Penny peered through nearby windows, then cast a keen eye over the front of the house, the entrance, the path behind, and the door itself. 'Perhaps they've already built over this entrance.' she tutted as she investigated.


OOC: Listen 10, Spot 25, Search 24
Find Clues: Search 20 if I come within 5 ft of a clue.
13:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 1d20+9. listen.
13:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 25 using 1d20+9. spot.
13:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+13. search.
13:25, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+13. find clues: search.

Alice looked at Penny like she was loosing her mind, "Built over? Who builds over their front door?"

Neither of you hear much but Penny does manage to find a side entrance fairly easily. Seeing Alice's confusion, Ian points out a door to her on the second story that seems to open into nothing but a nasty drop. The widow here is a bit off her head. Her house is like a labyrinth. A never ending bunch of madness really. She thinks it will keep vengeful spirits away. Even I think it's a bit much and I've seen an awful lot he shakes his head.

As you try the side door you find it unlocked, no doubt for easy access for the workmen. Indeed a seemingly endless hammering can be heard from the back of the place. You can't imagine living with such din. Should you enter you'll find yourselves in a study of sorts, though it is in a bit of disarray. Now inside, you can hear a man grumbling and swearing to himself from a few rooms over, catching something about being too flaming slow.

Alice nodded, "Well don't that beat all..."

Alice entered and upon hearing the grumbling man she shouldered her shotgun and slowly made her way toward the sound.

'Careful,' Penny warned Alice, 'One may become lost in here for hours without a guide.' She fished around inside her purse, regretting not purchasing a ball of string (the demon had interrupted her shopping expedition) and produced a piece of card with a thick wad of white thread wound around it. 'That should do, but my cross-stitch may suffer for it.' She tied one end to the doorknob, then ventured into the house, following the sound of the workman, and slowing unwinding the thread behind her. 'Remember the tale of Theseus in the Labyrinth?'

Alice nodded, "Yea, I remember something about a half man half bull who ate little girls. What does that have to do with..." Then it dawned on her, "Oh you are going to use that like bread crumbs."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Sat 18 Feb 2017.

'Yes, Mrs Winchester's housekeepers must work hard enough without having to sweep up breadcrumbs.' Penny answered, peering uncertainly through the halls ahead. 'Though I would not be surprised to find the Minotaur roaming these corridors.'

Should you wish to find the man you manage fairly after a few twists and turns. It is easy to see why one could become lost. There are no hallways, one room simply leads to another. A very poor design in Ian's opinion, who can't seem to wrap his head around the madness of the place.

After a few minutes you enter a room and startle a middle aged workman from the looks of him. He is apparently sneaking a drink from a flask and looks a mixture of guilty and alarmed at seeing you. Who the devil are you?! he demands, quickly stuffing his flask into his vest. Oh wait, you aren't the same folk who were bangin on the door just now? Sorry bout that, the housekeeper's gone missing. Oddest thing, that woman seemed like the most reliable old hen there ever was. Hm. So...thought you'd just let yourselves in eh? he arched a brow.

Alison had never been here before. She agreed with Ian, this place was just maddening. She was content to let others do the talking for now.

Gone missing? Very likely, the housekeeper was simply lost or trapped in some far distant drawing room, and that seemed bad enough, but Penny knew to fear the worst. Had it been Balen and Barik when they'd snooped around? Or was another foe on their tale. Stiffly, Penny answered the inquisitive workman. 'Forgive our intrusion, but we have prior business with Mrs Winchester. We met with her this morning and were to meet again this evening. We let ourselves in because of the very real possibility no one would hear our knocking or reach the door before nightfall.' She glanced behind her, wondering how far her thread would stretch. 'Are you able to direct us to Mrs Winchester?'


OOC: Do we know where Kate Piper and Emma Bently are? We were due to meet them here.

ooc: Nope, you don't know other than that they are hopefully around here somewhere :)

The man listens with a nod. Ah. Well that figures. She's only on the complete opposite side of the house he mutters. Alright, follow me As he leads the way he grumbles about that lazy Miss Adams shirking her work, clearly not happy to tromp about himself. A few times he has to pause and retrace his steps but at long last you are led to a drawing room near the seance area. The thread has most definitely run out.

When you arrive you find Mrs. Bentley and Kate both, sipping tea and waiting for your hostess. For some reason both of them seem slightly askew, as though their clothes are a bit rumpled and Emma's hair is out of place. A servant offers you tea as well, not really caring who you are, instead more concerned with her serving duties.

Who is this? Emma arches a suspicious brow at Alice.

ooc; roll a spot check please

09:44, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Spot check.

Alice arranged herself behind Penny. She took in the room, glancing around and trying to see if there are any tells that other "magicians" had been here before. She will let Penny introduce her, and not speak unless necessary.

When her white thread ran out, Penny sacrificed her dove grey, tying the two threads together and continuing on like Theseus in the Labyrinth. She was down salmon pink and sky blue and others as well by the time they found the drawing room.

Penny cast an observing eye over the room, worried to see Kate and Mrs Bently so distressed, a sure sign of a struggle or some exertion. What had they been through while they were gone?

She was briefly surprised by Emma's query – they'd already met outside Molly Michaels's house – but perhaps it was for the sake of the ruse. Mindful that Sarah Winchester could be listening in in this absurd house riddled with secret passages and spy-holes, Penny answered grandly 'A surprise, Ms Bently, a fellow investigator of the so-called supernatural. This is Miss Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner, one of our colleagues. Alice, this is Miss Kathryn Monrow, the fortune-teller, and Mrs Emma Bently, the notorious witch.'


OOC: Emma's already met Alice (post #74), so I just worked it in.
16:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+9. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Fri 24 Feb 2017.

Alice nodded and tipped her hat.

ooc: Crap! Well neither Kate nor Emma have been very involved for several weeks. It's pretty easy to slip through the cracks, sorry! Oh well, we'll just go with it. Thanks Penny.

The servant arches a brow at the exchange, keeping otherwise mute. She is certainly poky about her duties. Meanwhile both of you notice that Kate and Emma's shoes have traces of blood on them, though they've clearly tried to wipe them off. There's a touch of it on the witch's hem as well.

Pleased to meet you Emma nods, eyes flicking to the servant and back again, clearly wishing she'd quit the room. It's only a matter of time until Mrs. Winchester arrives and it's obvious she wants to speak with you alone. Before you can even begin to think of asking the woman to leave though Mrs. Winchester does indeed enter, still in her black mourning attire which likely seems very strange to Alice. Another investigator eh? My but you're skeptical the widow sniffs. I trust you're nearly ready? Anything you need to prepare for? I suppose you'll want to inspect the room or some such nonsense. Oh by the way, I don't suppose they've found Miss Adams? It's not like her to run off she frowns.

Alice nodded, "Yes, ma'am, if it is all right with you I would like to inspect the room, please."

Blood too? It had been a serious brawl then, and that meant there was another enemy in San José, not just Balen and Barik. Blast! This threatened everything. Penny wished she could get a chance to speak with Kate privately, but they were not to get the chance before Sarah Winchester returned. Penny caught herself, answering, 'Oh, yes, of course, I've love such nonsense... But what happened to dear Miss Adams?' she pushed, trying to get the story. Had it been something to do with Kate and Emma's misadventures? 'If this is some ghastly bit of theatre before the show...' she began warningly.


OOC: I'm so sorry! I lost my tabs and forgot all about this. In my defence, I had some heavy work and a bad cold I'm recovering from.

Mrs. Winchester nods at Alice, giving her permission to explore the room, which is adjacent to where you are currently having tea. You are in earshot for the most part, so you hear the continued conversation if you decide to take a look around. It's a small thing, simply made in shades of white and blue. You're actually surprised at how non-nefarious it is.

(see below)
http://www.ghostinmysuitcase.c...winchester/room1.jpg

http://travelchannel.sndimg.co....tccom.1280.853.jpeg

Meanwhile she answers Penny's question about Mrs. Adams. No, no I assure you this is not theater! she shakes her head, somewhat upset. This is not like her at all! She's worked for me for twenty years and never disappeared like this. I think we shall have to ask the spirits about her. I fear for her... she shudders dramatically.

ooc: Go ahead and respond if you like. I'm giving Kate a chance to put her two cents in. Also let me know your exact plans for the seance and we'll move to it soon.

What do I need to roll to set up a few small tricks to enhance the experience? It doesn't take much to make a table raise up a few inches, set the shade to roll up on command, and things of that sort.

Despite her current guise, the detective in Penny rose to the fore as an automatic reflex. She simply had to help, to question. 'Oh, let's not bother the spirits just yet. Where was she seen last? And at what time? ...Have you considered that she may simply be lost?' Penny tried catching Kate's eye for some kind of signal or explanation, but was yet to get the chance.


OOC: Penny will simply participate in the séance while keeping alert for both mundane and magical trickery. She will also make sure the fake pocket watch is used first.

ooc: Yeah, considering you knew this was going to happen I'm sure you'll have everything you need already. Go ahead and roll a sleight of hand/craft check if you have craft in anything to see how convincing you are.

Lost? Oh good heavens she knows this place even better than I do! And she hasn't been seen for hours, at least not by me. Emma, didn't you say you two spotted her earlier when you returned? Did she say anything? she looks at her friend with worry. Emma shakes her head and pats her hand. Just said she had a lot of things to do. Perhaps she went to town Sarah. No need to fret so soon, there's many a distraction in town you know.

ooc: I'll give Kate another day and then I'll move forward.

14:41, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Craft Mechanical.

14:40, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 16 using 1d20+12.  SLIGHT OF HAND.

Alice work hard with the time she had to create some convincing slight of hand tricks.

'Yes, quite.' Penny agreed, having encountered some distractions in town herself. She'd been watching Emma and Kate for some indication of if they knew what had befallen the housekeeper. Their dishevelled state and admission of having met her strongly implied they knew, and that it was not good. Blast. In any case, there was another player in this game, and Penny did not even know who they were, which frustrated her to no end.

Spying Alice planting her knickknacks (Penny wasn't sure why, since they were here as paranormal sceptics, but they could always explain it as a demonstration of the tricks of charlatans), Penny quickly caught Sarah's attention. 'Well, I spoke to Mrs Michaels and was able to obtain a small item of her husband's for this little exercise... Although, I must say, she is no admirer of yourself.'


OOC: Is Emma lying, or do Emma and Kate know the truth?
13:13, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+9. spot.
13:12, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+8. sense motive.

Kate smiled at Mrs. Winchester reassuringly. "I'm sure she is fine, she mentioned she was going to run some errands and I asked her to deliver a message. I was to do a reading this afternoon for a client and I wanted them to know I wasn't going to make it today." She caught Penny's eye hoping to have a chance to explain later.

OOC: Bluff 20

Emma and Kate's assurances seem to soothe Mrs. Winchester somewhat thankfully. Penny, though can tell something has happened with the pair. You're not quite sure if they're lying about the housekeeper or not. You're certain something is up though and Emma tries to catch your eye and give you a meaningful look. Meanwhile Mrs. Winchester nods at Penny's comment. Yes, I'm afraid she disapproves of my building schedule. I had no idea the poor man would overwork himself. It's not as though I didn't tell him to take a day or two off now and again she sighs. His wife never did understand the house. Hopefully he won't let his widow affect things when we summon him.

Alice continued working in the room to create her illusions.

'Oh, I don't think he shall.' Penny observed, reflecting more on Molly Michaels and wondering how best to aid the poor widow. 'She naturally blames the workload here for Cole's death. It must have taken quite a toll him; I understand he was very hard-working. Molly is a proud woman, and would not ask herself, of course...' she began to propose delicately. 'But some compensation would help her make ends meet without Cole. He was after all your foreman. I believe it would be quite appreciated – one widow to another...' she ended, reminding Sarah Winchester of the similarities between her and Molly Michaels: two widows, house-proud, and clinging to the memory of a deceased love. Fate and grief had set them against one another, but it did not have to be that way.


OOC: Damn dice roller.
15:52, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 5 using 1d20+3. diplomacy?

Sarah's face darkens at the suggestion. I gave her adequate for the time being. She's a smart woman, she'll get by. She'd bleed me dry if she had her way. No, her husband understood this place but she never did. We may be both widows but that is where our similarities end. She sits up archly, arthritic hands folded in her lap. I'm keen to try to reach out to the man if you're ready.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to start if you're all ready. Let me know what questions you want Emma to ask and all that jazz.

Alice is ready.

Penny was disappointed, but hardly surprised, at Sarah Winchester's response. But there was no benefit to arguing further. She'd tried, she'd done what she could. Her own conscience should be appeased, at least.

Returning to her act as cynical sceptic (well, it was hardly an act), she answered 'Oh, I'm quite ready to see a ghost. But let us first see if he actually turns up.' Penny produced a pocket watch – the forged pocket watch, that is – and passed it over to Emma Bently. 'Here you go. Let's see what you can make of this.'

She caught Alice's eye and gave a slight shake of her head, indicating she should hold off on her fakeries until she gave the signal. Penny wanted to see what would happen when nothing happened, as it were.


OOC: First, the fake watch, so no questions yet.

Alice nodded back to Penny, understanding what was required.

Candles are lit and seats given. Ian leans against the wall, comfortably watching the scene as an assistant and nothing more. Sarah seems happy to let him do so and you get the feeling he intimidates her a bit. She allows Emma to lead the seance, commenting on how wonderful the woman is at such things. Emma gently places the pocket watch before her, bids everyone at the table to take hands and then closes her eyes, concentrating. She mouths something to herself, though you can't hear the words. Some form of witchcraft no doubt though Sarah takes it in stride, looking downright excited. Mr. Cole, if you would please grace us with your presence? Give some kind of sign that you are here. There is no answer. In fact the silence is so loud you can hear the tick of the pocket watch on the table. Emma lets the silence stretch a bit and asks again. Nothing. Hm. Interesting. She turns to Penny. And you got this from his widow you say?

Penny closely watched all Emma's preparations, recognising the ritual of the séance for what it was, as theatre to dress up and disguise what was really going on: the tricks and fakeries of a charlatan, or the working of actual magic. And it was the actual magic she was really looking out for. Penny had noticed Emma's incantation, and wished she could make it out. This would be so much more reliable if she could perform the summoning herself. How many murders she could solve by simply interviewing the victim!

She sat in the circle and held hands with the women beside her, waiting and watching as the séance went ahead, and failed. It confirmed Emma needed the pocket watch after all, and that she wasn't about to make furniture move or ectoplasm appear. 'Oh? It seems Mister Cole is otherwise occupied.' she teased when Emma at last broke the silence and the séance. 'His widow definitely gave me his pocket watch.' she declared, which, while true, didn't answer the question. 'Perhaps you should trying calling him again, hmm?' Meanwhile, Penny gently tapped her finger against Alice's hand, hopefully indicating she should go ahead with her tricks. A demonstration of the charlatan's arts, that's what she would call it.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Fri 31 Mar 2017.

Alice understood. When/if the second effect was made she would be ready with her tricks. She could make the table rise several inches, blow out candles across the room, use her toes to ring little bells, and several other tricks to make the whole thing seem very genuine.

Emma's eyes widen almost imperceptibly at Penny's assurances but she goes back to her incantation, sounding just as confident the second time.

Upon Alice's theatrics, Sarah Winchester is indubitably enthralled, eyes wide and shining with wonder. She calls out to Cole. Cole! How are you my dear man!? Knock once for well twice for unwell!! Can you tell us where you put the ring for me?

After the theatrics came into play, Penny suddenly stiffened, her hands squeezing Alice's and Kate's. One might almost suspect it was shock at the supernatural display, if she weren't known to be made of more dignified stuff.  She considered calling an end to the charade, but waited to see if Alice had any more tricks up her sleeves first...

ooc: Alice is unavailable until next week, just fyi ;)

pm

OOC: Should I just halt the séance now then?


Although dark, Penny was closely watching Emma Bently as she attempted to continue the sham séance, even while distracted by its curious failure and her efforts to communicate with Penny with mind-magic (well, that was different). After their earlier conflicts, Penny felt a sense of spiteful glee at this opportunity to embarrass the witch. And of course she could tell Emma she was one of the threats she'd been guarding against.

Alice used a switch to make a hammer hit the floor two times. She indicates unwell assuming this is how Penny wants to play it.

Suddenly Penny spoke out in the darkness 'I think that's quite enough. Mister Shaw, the lights!'

As Ian turned up the lamps and opened the blinds, flooding the room with light and blinding the eyes after so long in the dark, Penny rose and strutted around the table, holding forth. 'Do forgive the surprise, Ms Winchester, but we wished to demonstrate the deceits commonly employed by the charlatans and con-artists who purport to be mediums, fortune-tellers, and spiritualists... Observe, an associate brought in at the last moment to surprise and disrupt preparations.' She indicated Alice, then went on to expose some – but by no means all – of the contraptions she'd rigged up. 'See this hammer? Connected to a simple apparatus operated by my associate here, so it might knock on the floor on cue. And below the table, little bells she simply rings with her shoes. Even if this watch: it's not the late Mister Cole's, but a cheap imitation I purchased in town. The real watch is still safely in my purse.'

Triumphant and smug, she faced Sarah Winchester, announcing 'These are just some of the tricks and frauds we must watch out for when dealing with mediums. I hope this demonstration encourages you to be more aware when the real show begins.'

Penny had realised she could have blamed all this on Emma Bently and ruined the wicked witch's standing, broken Sarah Winchester's trust in spiritualism, driven her safely out of the actual act of ghost summoning, and given Molly Michaels some vindication. But it also would have cost them the witch's vital assistance and gotten them all thrown out of the house they needed to search, as well as destroy a friendship and break a widow's spirit, and Penny simply didn't have it in her to do that.

Alice stood and took a little curtsy. She was happy to let Penny do the talking.

Sarah watches agape, her face turning angry and shocked as trick after trick is revealed. For a moment you fear she will storm out but Emma gives her a meaningful expression and she manages to get a hold of herself. Contrary to your belief, I was well aware of your charade she sniffs, doing her best to convince you of this. It's frankly a little sad. Her eyes indicate pure shock, as though deception has never entered her possibility of thought. No doubt the naive woman has been taken advantage of many times with such gullibility. I was just curious as to how far you would let it go. I've had enough seances performed here by now to know the real thing from a fraud. She sits up tall and straight, trying to look the part of her lie. Emma pats her hand warmly and you can tell that the friendship there is real if nothing else. Of course you knew my dear she smiles. These skeptics haven't seen a real seance to save their lives. How about we show them one eh? She speaks to her kindly, almost as though to a child though without the patronizing tone. Sarah takes heart in this and nods quickly, relief in her eyes. She can fool herself once more, believing her friend to be the genuine article, which thankfully she is. If you would hand me the real pocket watch? Emma holds out an expectant hand to Penny, her face disapproving towards the Brit. And why don't we do this all with the lights on? Take off your shoes everyone, and the tablecloth too. I'll prove there are no tricks this time.

Alice does as told, taking off her cowboy boots, which also makes her remove her large knife from the boot sheath.

'Oh, of course, I should have known we couldn't put one over on you.' Penny played along, perfectly aware they had done just that. At the least, she had shaken Sarah's confidence, and she would be more aware of tricksters in future. Furthermore, Emma seemed to be trustworthy; at least, she hadn't immediately stolen the false pocket watch and fled, and would be cautious about further tricks Penny had up her frilly sleeves.

'Our shoes? How rude.' Penny remarked, more amused than anything. She sat back at the now-bare table, and slipped her boots off her stockinged feet beneath the table (for privacy, since Mister Shaw was present). She retrieved the false pocket watch and at last yielded the genuine article up to Emma, watching her carefully – and with a hand on her garter-holstered pistol beneath the table, ready to shoot the witch if she proved treacherous.

Emma takes the watch, satisfaction on her face now that she has something she can work with. For a split second you do fear the possibility that she will betray you now that she has what she wants but she simply places it before her, folds her hands quietly in her lap and closes her eyes, muttering something you don't quite understand. She does this for a few minutes, clearly concentrating. At one point Ian coughs and she shushes him so nastily that it's hard not to laugh. Eventually the witch is satisfied though and a small smile lifts the corners of her lips as the lights flicker and blink. The room goes cold, the hair on the back of your neck and arms raise and something just feels off. The lights, still threatening to go out, reveal a sudden panic on Sarah's face. She's clearly never seen something this dramatic before. The lights finally do go out and you are pitched into complete blackness for roughly two seconds before they sputter back on. To your shock instantly you see a man standing behind Emma's chair. His dark brown skin is ashy and graying and he's covered in sweat. His entire frame is trembling; eyes wide, otherwise holding stone still and stiff. It is quite disconcerting even for you hunters but Sarah gives a shriek and leaps back from the table far faster than you thought a woman her age could. Emma does not turn around or move at all but she seems to be aware of the situation.

Calm down Sarah please. Now, someone needs to stand up and offer your hand to him. He will communicate through you. I suppose Sarah is too frightened, would one of you mind? I'm too busy keeping him here. He'd really rather not be.

Alice shook her head no. She tapped her revolver, indicating she would cover Penny if she decided to take the challenge.

Shocked, Penny felt a very real chill as the ghost appeared. She'd dealt with ghosts and hauntings before, every hunter had, but somehow hadn't expected such a vivid manifestation here in these controlled circumstances. Stiffening, her mouth dry, she swallowed and tried to speak. 'I—' But who would ask the questions? More than that, she was too disturbed by the notion of being used as a medium. 'Ian?' she began hesitantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Thu 13 Apr 2017.

Kate slid her chair back and stood up. "I'll do it," She kept her voice steady though her hand shook as she reached her hand out it the ghostly figure. She glanced at Penny with a "YIKES!" Look before she offered him her hand.

'Kate, no.' Penny whispered, trying to protect her friend and time-lost mother, but it was too late...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

ooc: Everyone's reactions made me crack up so bad btw. Great stuff!

When Penny turns to Ian his eyes go comically wide. He hesitates, is about to take the bullet so to speak, and then Kate volunteers. He tries to protest but it isn't exactly convincing. He is most definitely relieved...

Kate, as you take his hand you are surprised to find it solid, though it is cold and clammy. Ewwww...His distant gaze immediately snaps to your eyes, he stares at you intently as he starts to speak to you.

To everyone else you see his mouth moving rapidly but no words come out. It is...disconcerting, especially the way he is shaking and staring unblinking into Kate's face, a mere foot away or so.

Kate, you hear him as clearly as though he were alive. Let me go back! I want to go back! I won't stay here! You can't make me! He gets increasingly agitated.

Emma, still not looking behind her, says calmly, Be sure to let us know what the man is saying Kate. We can't hear him like you can. Ask your questions Miss Penny. Don't dawdle either. He won't stay long.

ooc: First off, sorry I screwed up the previous color for Emma's words in my other post. They should be dark blue, not yellow. Sigh. Second, for time's sake I'm going to assume that Kate is going to translate for him and so anything in italics he says you should be aware of too unless I say otherwise. Thanks!

Instead of watching the ghost and Kate, Alice watched the witch and those around her, suspicious of her motives.

Penny swallowed, finding her mouth dry, and tried to regain her composure. It was hard to bear the sight of Kate in the ghost's grip, serving as its medium. This whole matter seemed unnatural, and putting ghosts to rest was why she'd become a hunter. 'Please forgive us for calling you here, Mr Cole... Sarah Winchester asked you to hide something, a ring. Where is it?'

His eyes roll around as he shakes and twitches. It is the most disconcerting thing and it's difficult to concentrate on the questions as you listen. You've never seen a ghost act like this, but then you've never seen one summoned in quite this way either. You have a feeling Emma is more powerful than you realized.

Through Kate's translation, he says,

Under the house. Coal. Floorboards. She....p-p-p-p-p-poisoned m-m-me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is shaking so violently and as he mouths the words you can make them out even without Kate's translation. He is getting increasingly agitated, and his chest heaves with effort, sweat pouring down his skin. Considering he died of a heart attack, you wonder if its not related to his current state, the way he is acting, as though reliving the sensation he died of.

So rarely did Penny encounter a murder victim she could still question. 'Who? Who poisoned you?' she urged him. 'And where in this house?'

Alice continues NOT watching the ghost.

"Easy," Kate grasped the ghosts hand reassuringly  in both of hers now. "Focus, where did you hide it? Who poisoned you?"  She repeated Penny's questions with as calm a tone as she could muster standing so close to a dead man.

C-coal. Under the c-coal... he repeats, agitated. From across the room Sarah cowers, stammering, W-we keep a supply of coal, under the house. For f-fuel
Yes. Under the house. Then his eyes blaze. Adams. Find Adams!! With that the lights once again go out and a second later when they come back on he is gone. Sarah whimpers in the corner, terrified and Emma frowns and rubs her temples. Sarah dear? Why don't you go to the other room, rest yourself. I'm sure there is still some tea. Mr. Shaw will escort you. Ian crosses the room and takes the frail old woman who is grateful to leave, shaking like a leaf.

Well, that was illuminating. It looks like someone is going to get dirty shoveling coal Her tone makes it clear it won't be her. As for MIss Adams...well her body won't be a problem, but the demon inside her escaped before I could finish her off. She could be in anyone now she sighs. Her words explain much that was previously unsaid.

Alice shrugged, "If I can muck out a stall, I can shovel coal. Point me in the right direction."

Penny let out a sigh of long-held tension as the ghost of Cole Michaels vanished. They had what they needed, though she wished he'd stayed along enough to be questioned further. Penny also vaguely regretted not getting a chance to get a message for Molly, as much as she'd feigned disbelief.

She waited until Sarah had left and Emma had begun to hint at what had happened. 'And who is Miss Adams? I think its time we had the story.'

" we had a run in with Miss Adams," Kate confessed gesturing to the blood on her hem. "The demon put up quite a fight and unfortunately got away before we could finish it. Poor Miss Adams' body is stuffed in a closet."

Yes, and as much of a labyrinth as this place is, someone is bound to find it eventually. Poor Sarah. She's had a horrid day already Emma shakes her head, sounding genuinely worried for the older woman. Unfortunately that means the demon could be in anyone at the moment. I suggest certain precautions be made at the entrances of this coal nonsense perhaps. I will stand guard too. Unfortunately my back is not made for shoveling. Good thing you brought this strong looking oaf she gestures to Ian. Though I'm sure he won't mind you helping him dear she adds to Alice.

Hey! he protests.

ooc: Go ahead and finish up here, roll your general search/spot checks and let me know how long you plan to look for it. It could take hours. In fact, roll constitution checks too and name any precautions you want to take.

Alice went with Ian to shovel coal.

'Are you well? Did it hurt you?' Penny asked Kate first and urgently, worried for her friend and mother's health and well-being. When it seemed that she was, Penny sucked in her breath, disturbed by this development. 'We had our own run-ins with demons, but we were able to twist them to our purposes. Having a third demon involved and still loose complicates matters greatly. Yes, we must take additional precautions, as we can no longer trust that Belial's forces do not know we are here.'

'First, we must confirm that we ourselves are not possessed. Our tattoos will ward us, but they may be sabotaged by a small cut, so please, reveal them.' Penny went first, turning around and tugging down the back and shoulder of her dress to display the Celtic-style pentagram on her shoulder blade. It was unmarked.

'Emma, please ask Sarah to have her workmen draw devil's traps at all the entrances, hidden and open. Chalk will do for now. They should be used to sudden occult architectural whims by now.' Penny suggested. 'Oh, and please, tell her that the spirits demand a price for Mr Michaels's presence here tonight. His widow's own soul must be put at ease. She must make amends with Molly Michaels and treat with her fairly. On no account is she to mention his spirit was summoned; she must let on that he remains undisturbed in Heaven. Or, or something horrible will doubtless happen to the house.'

Penny took back Cole Michaels's pocket watch, secreting the genuine one about her person (though she'd relocate it later when alone) and keeping the forgery in her purse.


OOC: Constitution 3, Penny is best suited to a supervisory role. :)
General checks: Spot 19, Search 18.
Since we'll search as along as it takes, we'd have to take 20, so Search 28.

Find Clues: With this feat, Penny doesn't have to actively search, she may stumble upon it if she comes within 5 ft, and is entitled to a free Search check: Search 16 (wrong modifier in the roller).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Wed 03 May 2017.

ooc: For time's sake I rolled checks for Kate/Alice. Also, Alice do you have a tattoo?

A tattoo check reveals all is well, though when Ian pulls his shirt up to reveal his tattoo above his hip, Emma gasps unintentionally at his chiseled abs and then looks most amused about it. I'd forgotten what a good torso could look like she smirks. My own wretch of a husband never had muscles like those, even when he was young.

Ian looks laughably uncomfortable, not used to witches paying him such compliments and he puts his shirt back quickly once it's deemed he is safe.

At Penny's instructions Emma chuckles. Soft hearted thing aren't you? Very well, I'll have Sarah see the widow compensated. It will be easy to do I imagine, poor thing is probably still shaking, wherever she is. Well, I'm off to find her and pass along the orders. Watch your backs, the demon could be anywhere, if it was fool enough to stick around that is With that she quits the room.

Soon you find yourselves in the massive basement filled with coal. It spills out everywhere but the passageways are clear enough, just a series of paths with brick alcoves of coal on either side and a few rooms here and there for other purposes as well as a massive stove and boiler. It's messy, cramped and far too big for your liking.

Penny, to her credit, tries to help shovel but such manual labor is not the norm for her and she fatigues quickly. Emma doesn't even try, rejoining you after the devil's traps are inspected, making a face at the coal messing up the bottoms of her skirts.
Luckily Kate, Alice and especially Ian are up for the task of shoveling. Ian, overheated, starts to shed his shirt but a leer from Emma quickly changes his mind.

It is Penny and Ian who are able to spot some abnormalities and after three hours of hard messy, grimy work, you are able to uncover a loose brick underneath the black mess. Ian pulls it out to reveal a small box. Wiping his blackened hands on even dirtier pants, he gingerly opens it to reveal a ring. Simple, unadorned, the plainest band you've ever seen, clearly  meant for a man's finger. The hair on the backs of your necks stands up. Something feels...off. Not necessarily wrong but, off...

Alice showed her own tattoo on her forearm. She shoveled coal until She nearly dropped from exhaustion. Ian's discovery was a relief. When she saw the ring she shivered all over. "That thing gives me the creeps. Let's get outta here, okay?"

Penny, too, was left a little speechless by the sight of Ian raising his shirt, but she had had the good fortune to have seen him shirtless previously (albeit with the distraction of treating his bullet wound at the time). However, for her part, she was peculiarly disappointed not to see him shovel coal shirtless.

As Ian opened the box, Penny peered intently inside. The Ring of Solomon! It surely had to be. The power to command djinn, to control demons, to speak even to animals, it was even supposedly the basis for the devil's trap and its Seal of Solomon elements. 'It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing... Yet so precious...' she whispered, a delicate finger reaching longingly for the humble band.


OOC: Briefly checking the ring: does it seem genuine? What feels "off" and how?
Arcane Lore 28, Spot 11
Obscure Knowledge feat: 30

Exhausted Kate wiped her brow leaving a streak of coal. "I'm pretty sure we shouldn't put it on...or even touch it." Kate cautioned peering over Penny's shoulder. She was also anxious to get back above ground.

ooc: Ha! Lord of the rings reference! I love it! I feel like I have the first movie memorized. I was so obsessed with it when it came out.

Emma watches, pleasure lighting up her face. At last she whispers.

As Penny examines it, she remembers hearing something about the ring that tickles at her mind. Something about it being dangerous. Surely there must be a reason it was not used all the time?

In answer to Kate's comment, Emma sighs. I don't know how, but it will take its toll on the wearer. I know only rumor, legend, but there are many warnings of such. We only need it against Belial but I don't know if there is anything we need to do to use it or not. We have to study it though. We should know what we're getting into.

I suppose you think you want to do the research? Sorry woman, but you're not to be trusted. You got us what we needed, what's to keep us from locking you up now? he looks to the rest of you for your thoughts on the witch.

Penny pulled back her finger before she could grasp the ring. 'Though given by God to King Solomon, the Ring was once stolen by the demon king Asmodeus. Thereafter, it has been said to be tainted somehow, even dangerous. We must treat it as hazardous as any demon-made thing.' she explained warningly, with particular regard to warning off Emma Bently. Of course, the witch had already owned it for some time, and had surely already studied it.

She touched Ian's arm, interrupting his challenge to Emma. They really didn't need to antagonise the witch, here in the dungeons of her mad friend's labyrinthine house. 'Please, Ian, close it up and keep it close to your person...' She turned to the witch, speaking before she could get angry, 'Emma, I admit I mistrusted you after our earlier conflicts, but you have certainly come through for us now. We could not have found this without your aid. We shall take this back to the Men of Letters headquarters and study it with all resources we have. Miss Green will decide how best you can continue to aid us, and we can protect you.' It was a subtle reminder that Emma needed them for protection from Belial's retribution – again – so it would not be in her interests to turn on them now.

Alice added to Penny's rendition, "The ring only granted protection from demons, the Key was used to summon and bind them. The ring and key are not the same, though they are thought of as the same. The key was a set of instructions, spells I suppose, to bring a demon into this plane and bind it to a certain task. It is said the First Temple was built in seven days by bound demons. The Muslims add a bit more to this, and I blame them for confusing the Ring and the Key." She paused before mumbling, "Raise no more devils than you can put down."

Ian takes the box with the ring and slips it inside his vest pocket, eying Emma warily.

Meanwhile Emma listens to both women with a nod. Yes, I've heard of the key, and done some research on it. It may be troublesome to track down but I'm sure we'll find it now that the ring itself is found. I've kept it here for some time, in fear of Belial getting his wretched hands on it. He's forced me sooner than I'd like. There was always something unnatural about the thing. I've handled it a bit in my research but I got quite sick after prolonged exposure. I have a few theories on that but I'll wait and see what the men of letters research reveals. Keep in mind, you must be careful who you trust. Your little organization has been infiltrated before. she arches a brow.

ooc: I like the idea of the key adding to the ring's abilities and also explaining why you can't just go out right now and use it. It dovetails nicely to what I already had planned, so I'm going to go with that! Thanks Alice :)

Also, feel free to wrap up here and let me know the next plan. Last you heard the others were called away to New Orleans to see Victoria so as far as you know they are still there. If you aren't sure I'm happy/ready to lead you, I just want to give you the chance to get your own things done should you wish.

Alice nodded. "Glad that is done. I was thinking about putting on a little Wild West show to pick up some cash. Anyone who helps can have a share of the profits."

'Indeed.' Penny agreed to Alice's account, though she privately cursed the need to find this Key now too. Was there no end to this quest and the battle against Belial? 'But I plan to put down all our demons.' she vowed with stiff-upper-lip determination.

Reluctantly, she had to agree with Emma's recommendation. Belial's spies were everywhere, and could take anyone's face. 'Then let us keep this find a secret between us and Miss Green. The fewer people who are aware of this, the better.'

Alice's question threw her though. She was most definitely not a performer.


OOC: What's our exit plan anyway? A teleport back to New York, or a long train-ride? Are we expected to join the others in New Orleans at some point, or should we ignore the other thread? Can we go immediately or do we have time to kill?

Oh, do we need to track down the Miss Adams demon, who could still cause trouble for us?

ooc: You don't need to worry about the other thread, other than perhaps your characters will be curious as to how things are going and hope that they fare well.

As for Miss Adams, that depends on how much you care about Mrs. Winchester ;P

Ian looks surprised at Alice's suggestion. Wild West show eh? Well this is the place for it I suppose. I'm always keen to pick up money, though I don't know if my skills exactly match what you're looking for...what do you need from me?

Meanwhile Emma nods. Yes, secrecy is paramount. As it is the demon that was Miss Adams probably suspects we have it, or will when they see those devil traps. We could interrogate the staff, see if she's still here, or we could just lay more traps and leave instruction with Sarah should one of her servants get suddenly stuck in place. Hm...poor woman, she's been through a lot today. You probably should have been nicer to her she adds with irritation to Penny and Alice. I'm not sure how I feel about her seeing Cole that way. I hope I didn't make her worse she sighs.

Alice nodded to Ian. She looked carefully at Penny, letting her know with an expression she is not interested in Ian in any way other than platonic. "I need a place to put it on, someplace outdoors with seating is preferable. I could also use some help with advertisement, I was never good at that."

'You did embroil her in this affair,' Penny chided Emma, but not unkindly, with a gentle squeeze of her shoulder. She would respect the women's friendship, if not the witch's crimes. 'We only played the roles required of us by circumstance. But Sarah Winchester will endure as she always has. History has already shown this to Kate.'

While she was intrigued by Alice's proposal, she was not enthused. 'While a show sounds splendid, are you sure we quite need one? We have the ring and must return to New York as soon as practicably possible, before we draw any more unwanted attention here. Money is not our concern.' Thus said someone who never had to worry about money. 'Though admittedly I could enjoy a diversion from our hunting and battles.' she added wistfully, unable to remember the last time she'd rested or enjoyed a full's night sleep without her mind turning over the Belial case.


OOC: That isn't to say we shouldn't, only that Penny doesn't think it's a good idea. If Artemis can fit in, then let's go right ahead. :)

Penny will return to Molly Michael's house in the morning to return Cole's pocket watch.

"Wild west show?" Kate mused with a grin. "Technically our work is done now that we found what we're looking for..." ironically she looked to Penny almost as if asking permission. So far her visit to the past held very little in the way of fun it would be nice to do something non hunter related for once.

Ian grins at Alice's request for advertising. I've always had a big mouth, at least that's what Lily says. I'm sure I could round up some folk for ya he laughs.

Hearing all this Emma frowns. I suppose I don't care what you do as long as you're not forever about it. It would give me a chance to investigate Miss Adam's demon, see if it's still nearby. In truth summoning Cole that strongly took a bit out of me. I don't know if I'm quite ready to transport us back yet. We'll probably need a night's sleep first.

ooc: Let me know your plans for the next six hours or so. Penny, I will have the widow's response for you after this portion is complete ;)
 Basically you will discover that outside of the city is a large event field complete with wooden stands and the like that are used for events, carnivals, rodeos etc. It's about twenty minutes ride from the hotel and Ian is able to drum up a lot of advertising. It seems his good looks earn him quite a bit of sway when he wants them too and you'll have a good crowd.

Alice, be sure to let me know what type of equipment, if any, you'll need and some of the general things you want to do as well as rolling to see how you do.

She will need someone to narrate. She will put on three "displays":

Trick Riding - similar to what you might see at a circus or rodeo, things like mounting with a leap, mounting from one horse to another, no hands riding, standing in the saddle. This assumes a properly trained horse can be found, one of her preparations. Because of the danger involved this will likely be the finally.

Square Dancing - she will need a partner and likely will ask for audience participation. This will be a how to lesson as much as a performance. Musical accompaniment is required, so she will have to find a musician, another of her preparations. This will likely be first, as it will get the crowd excited and in the mood for the rest of the show.

Trick shooting - The bulk of the show will be her performing trick shots with both rifle and pistol. She will shoot at thrown decks of cards, pitting all four aces and leaving the other cards unharmed, shooting clay pots as great distance, shoot thrown glass bottles and tin cans etc...

IF Penny will help by hiring the horse and musician, Alice will pay her back and cut her in on the ticket sales. Tickets will have to be priced accordingly. Full stands should be enough to get us something to split. It could be fun too if everyone is willing to play along. Penny might at least want to come and watch as Alice is doing something very Male and doing it well. As part of her show Alice will mock Anne Oakley, who I think she would have a professional rivalry with. "Little Sure Shot" was known for cheating by using birdshot along with other short cuts. Alice does not use these shortcuts...

Once they'd completed their work at the Winchester House, Penny returned with the others to the hotel in San José. Given the lateness of the hour, they might have stayed the night, but they had won no favours from Sarah Winchester, and they might never find their way out again in the morning. Penny was glad to be gone; the place was strange, a haunted house just waiting for the ghosts to move in.

By now, it was quite late and they all seemed due for a rest, but Penny spent some time absorbed in research on the Ring of Solomon (which she'd discreetly reclaimed from Ian) and in quizzing Emma Bently over it on the ride back to the hotel. She was also curious about the ritual for summoning a spirit, whether anyone could do it or if they must be a dedicated witch. She made discreet plans to organise another summoning upon their return to New York and some measure of time and safety.

In the morning, as Alice began preparations for her wild west show, Penny didn't speak against it. She thought it unwise, but recognised how the others wished to see it, especially Kate. Penny had made noises about visiting the opera or a classical music concert in New York, but it was clear she was in the minority. Her vague attempt to interest Ian in this fell on his tone-deaf ears.

Instead, she remarked on the irony of holding a wild west show in the actual Wild West (such as it was now) and ponied up the money for, say, a pony and the rest. She wasn't really fussed about being paid back, and felt it impolite to discuss it. Penny had no capacity for entertainment, nor even narration, and even her gunslinging was less flashy, more of the coldly practical kind. Still, she could stand up and proclaim she'd seen the great Alice Conner perform in London, aided by her accent, having understood the vaudevillian custom of claiming everything had been seen in either London or Paris, to lend their quaint colonial entertainments some credibility, even if they'd never been outside the state.

Still, she quite enjoyed the performance and marvelled at Alice's horse stunts and trick shooting. Yet she spent a good deal of time watching the crowds and those loitering around. A show like this was bound to attract attention, especially from the wrong sort of person, namely the demon which had possessed Miss Adams. In fact, Penny had seen this show as a good opportunity to lure their unseen foe out of hiding.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Thu 25 May 2017.

Kate is happy to help with the Wild West show where needed, excited to be doing something not hunter related. She was sure to promise Penny a trip to the opera next time. It wasn't really her first choice of entertainment but it might be fun to give it a shot.

When Penny mentioned Opera, Alice began excitedly rattling off the names of her favorites in Italian. Her Italian isn't just fluid, she is speaking with the rapid pace of a native. Unmistakably she has spent many years in Italy, and loves Opera.

ooc: I rolled for Alice for time's sake for the show. Don't worry, it was a decent roll :)

When Penny asks Ian in private for the ring he will hesitantly give it over after saying, You may not think it, but I know you pretty well Penny. Your curiosity is a blessing and a curse. Make sure you don't get in over your head

The actual show goes quite well and even Emma joins in when needed, helping sell tickets and the like.

The folk marvel at Alice's skill, laughing at her rivalry with Annie Oakley and cheering animatedly. The square dance in particular earns a great deal of attention and Ian joins in to your amusement. You can tell he has no idea what he's doing but he's having a wonderful time of it.

The whole event passes happily and with little incident, though if the demon is there they aren't likely just to pop out in the middle of a crowd anyway. In the sea of smiling faces it's hard to tell if one of them is secretly sinister.

The hotel that night bustles with townsfolk eager to talk to Alice and ask her questions. The small city hasn't had excitement in quite some time it would seem. At last things wind down and you are able to retire to bed. Emma is confident she can travel you all back to New York come morning. Ian, still not trusting the plump older woman, declares he will keep watch on her and after a few hours have someone spell him. Then, pistol in hand, he goes to her room, shackling her hands behind her much to her irritation. You have your uses woman but I'm not stupid he informs her.

Tired after a full day you all drift off to sleep in your rooms.

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll listen checks please. Also do you each have your own rooms? Just trying to plan things.

Before Show -
Alice will converse with Penny on both Opera and Orchestra concerts, and it may be an odd juxtaposition. She comes across as an unrefined country girl, but she is obviously very cultured. Her accent for any language other than English is vaguely Italian, as if she learned Italian first and other languages from an Italian point of view. This coupled with her tattoo is a very big clue as to her backstory.


After the show

Alice takes time to speak to everyone who wants. She enjoys the attention, but also gives Penny a chance to look the people over from the side if she chooses. Once everyone leaves she will let Ian know she is available to spell him when he needs it.

10:57, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Listen check.

OOC: Sorry, babysitting day. No time for a big post, and toddlers have a way of eroding brainpower. I'll work on a proper summary tomorrow.

Listen, a measly 12.
23:14, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+9. listen.

I don't think we decided rooms, but looking at the mentions above, we seem to be in separate rooms. Unless you want to put us together, Penny & Kate say. Obviously Ian is alone, as is proper. :)

'I'm already in over my head, rather more than I would like,' Penny answered stiffly,  a little irritated that Ian thought she needed the warning. 'But I shall be careful.'

*

She spoke with Alice about music, but it was soon clear Penny was the opposite case: she enjoyed the music, attended concertos, and knew of well-known performers and pieces, but was no deep expert, especially on the Italian side. Alice could talk rings around her there. On the other hand, Penny wasn't unfamiliar with bawdy music halls either. Her investigations and hunts had taken her up and down London. Still, Penny was coming to understand there was more to Alice Conner than first seemed.


*

Overall, perhaps despite herself, Penny enjoyed the Wild West show. It was a good opportunity to forget about hunting and demons for a few hours. She was able to spend some time with Kate and experience a little mother–daughter bonding that both of them had been robbed of.

*

Penny wasn't sure Emma needed such rough treatment from Ian, but she understood the precaution didn't protest it. For her part, Penny tried to smooth things over so the witch didn't have too many ruffled feathers, and followed Ian in keeping an eye on her.

She found a good hiding place for the Ring of Solomon in case anyone, demon or witch, tried to steal while they were at the show or asleep.

Alice became absorbed in her conversation with Penny. She sang bits and pieces of The Barber of Seville and its English counter part Sweeny Todd. She is not a professional singer, but her voice is also not really bad. She is a much better dancer. It had been a while since she had spoken with someone who even had a hint of culture. She found Penny to be both interesting and a wonderful role model for a hunter.

While they were talking Alice let it slip that her birth Father was a Dutch Physician, a hematologist, which she explained was a new study devoted entirely to the blood and circulatory system. She does not give him name but indicated surreptitiously that Penny had probably heard of him. She is apparently trying to get out of the shadow of a famous parent.

ooc: Feel free to finish your conversation before responding to the following. Also, I rolled Kate's listen for time's sake.


Penny and Kate share a room and Alice has her own. Ian is pleased that she will spell him in a few hours but as the night progresses Alice and Kate both hear several loud thumps coming from Ian's room, then all is completely silent.

Speaking of European scientists, Penny spoke eagerly of her adventure with Professor Heinrich Hertz, the physicist who'd proved the existence of electromagnetic waves, and the lightning-wielding ghost of Luigi Galvani, the Italian scientist of a century earlier who'd discovered corpses could be made to twitch by inserting electrical currents into them. This shocking affair had led to the invention of the EMF meter for detecting the presence of ghosts through their electromagnatic fields. This she was happy to show Alice, as well as her hex-bag for purging possessing demons in place of exorcism.

*

Penny slept soundly, for one rare night. Just having the Ring of Solomon now, a potential defense against Belial, gave her some cause for relief and the chance to relax.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:54, Fri 26 May 2017.

Alice is now in the reverse position that Penny occupied with music and Opera. Her knowledge is limited but happy to talk to such a learned person. Penny showed her the hex bag, which she was skeptical about being from a Catholic background. Penny was enthusiastic, so Alice showed her the tattoo she bore on her Right inner forearm depicting St. Marcellus the Vampire Hunter. Then she opened her own Hunter's bag and took out a stake made of rose wood. "The only way take out a Vampire, stake them, decapitate them, burn the head and body separately."

'Oh, indeed,' Penny agreed with relish, 'Though any order works.' She was quite aware of the story – the true one, not that popularised in fiction after she'd told it to the author. She thought she recognised Alice's family connection, but if she wished to keep it quiet, Penny would not pry. After all, she too had a family she wished to keep quiet by adopting a pseudonym.

Alice steered the conversation toward men, which she normally did around other women. Gossiping about men was one of a woman's favored past times. She knew Penny had at least a little bit of a crush on Ian, and hoped to fan that with a bit of jealousy. Alice loved playing matchmaker. "Ya know that Ian fella, he ain't half bad once ya get to know him. And when he took his shirt off..." she fanned herself. "My...my, though I ain't his type. Actually from the way he fetches after you I would guess you are more his type. I think he likes the mystery of you. Men love mysterious woman and you my dear have that in spades. Mysterious and plump backside...I envy your rear girl, you should flaunt it more." She smirked at Penny, knowing it would bring a blush to a British Lady to talk so frankly, even when it was just two of them.

Alice was yawning, ready for a bed. She put her stake away, "I have enjoyed this, it has been an age since I got to let someone know about my love for culture and vampire killing." As she reached the door she paused, "I've found staking them first to be most gratifying, looking into their eyes as you send them to hell is priceless." So she had a long and wide mean streak as well.

"Thank you kindly Miss Penny." She took her leave.

--------

The commotion in the witch's room woke Alice up. She did not bother dressing, remaining in a long black night dress, but she did grab her gun belt and threw it over her shoulder as she left her own room. She gave one sharp rap at the Witch's room, "I'm coming in. If ya ain't decent, get decent!" She pulled one of her pistols and opened the door, with her foot if need be.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Fri 26 May 2017.

"Either they are moving furniture or something is happening in Ian's room..." Kate woke Penny with a shake before grabbing her gun and heading to the hall. Seeing Alice already there she took up position to cover the woman as she entered.

Penny's pale cheeks merely took on rosy shades as Alice tried to engage her in gossip and lewd talk, being shyer and less practised than most in such matters. She'd interviewed street-walking prostitutes about their trade in a clinical manner, but her own romantic affairs were a far different matter. 'Yes, um, well, quite, indeed, thank you.' she mumbled. But certainly Alice had given her some things to think about, but exactly how, she wasn't sure. She was most stunned to hear that Ian might be romantically interested in her, in addition to the growing realisation she was too. It all raised familiar warm feelings, feelings she had no opportunity to satisfy.

Off that matter, with relief, she answered, too formally, 'Yes, it was a most illuminating conversation, thank you. Perhaps we shall get the chance to speak more fully of vampires on a later date.'


*

Stirred awake by Kate, Penny sleepily arose, murmuring 'Oh, doctor...' before snapping into alertness and full wakefulness. Snatching up her gun, she hurried after Kate, sparing a moment for slippers and throwing a dressing gown over her frilly white pyjamas.


OOC: Women's pyjamas were introduced in 1886.

By now you are all gathered in the hall and find Ian's door open. The window to the room is likewise open and Emma is nowhere to be seen. You see Ian slumped on the floor, resisting a man who has one hand on his head and another around the hunter's throat. Ian's gun is a mere foot away but he is unable to reach it, instead suddenly going limp as the man's hands and eyes glow blue. The man himself is covered in tattoos on his arms and face and he turns to see you with a snarl of irritation. He gets up as if to move to the window, so incredibly fast you'll not have much opportunity to get a shot off...

ooc: Go ahead and roll an attack as well as a knowledge check

09:13, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Shot #2.

09:13, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 28 using 1d20+11.  Pistole Shot.

09:11, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  K: arcane.


Alice took two fast shots from the only weapon she had drawn.

'Ian!' Penny gasped, quickly levelled her gun rapidly firing at his attacker.


OOC:
Precise Shot: no penalty for shooting into melee
Point Blank Shot: +1/+1
Shot #1: attack 22, damage 8
Shot #2: attack 15, damage 6
22:08, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+9. attack, PBS+1, Precise Shot.
22:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 8 using 2d4+2. damage (PBS+1).
22:08, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 15 using 1d20+4. attack #2, PBS+1, Precise Shot.
22:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d4+2. damage #2 (PBS+1).

Knowledge (arcane lore) 11, no joy.
22:11, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+10. knowledge: arcane.

ooc: Waiting on Kate to post but since I probably won't have a chance to tomorrow feel free to add an attack Kate! If for some reason you get a crazy awesome hit I will edit the following post, but I don't want to leave you guys hanging all weekend.

You both manage to get a shot each into the thing but it is fast and leaps out the window. You do notice a trail of blue blood though, and if you hurry you can get one more shot off through the open window if you're a good enough aim. There doesn't seem to be anyone on the street below save the running man so there is no danger of hitting civilians.

Meanwhile Penny is too distracted to think properly on what the creature might be, but Alice seems to recall reading something about a creature that matches the description. It's the tattoos that tickle your memory.

"Its a Djinn, like Middle Eastern Vampires." She said as she went for the window to try another shot.

11:17, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Pistol Shot
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Thu 01 June 2017.

Dashing to the other window, Penny took another shot at the fleeing villain. 'Djinn?' she repeated, turning away from the window, 'I don't suppose it dwells in a lamp and will grant us three wishes?' she wondered bitterly.

She hurried back to Ian's side, desperate to see if he was well or if he had been harmed by the djinn somehow. 'It's bleeding, I can track it, but...' she began. But she didn't want to abandon Ian.


OOC: Attack 20 (assuming I'm still within 30 ft for Point Blank Shot), damage 8
15:18, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. attack, PBS+1.
15:19, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 8 using 2d4+2. damage.

Alice shook her head, "Nope they live in caves. No wish granting, only blood drinking. We could track him, but your friend needs help. He has to be the priority."

You both manage to wing the man again, which is good because it will just be that much more of a trail to follow.

Meanwhile Ian's pulse and vitals are strong but you cannot seem to wake him. He does have a blow to the his head from seemingly being struck with something or slammed into something but you doubt it is what's causing the unconsciousness.

Alice shook her head, "You won't be able to wake him. You have to go through some kind of ritual. I can't remember...something about entering his dreams. I am going to need to ask...uhhh...someone with more knowledge than I." She pointed at the vampire, "We can, however, follow him."

'Ian!' Penny shouted, hoping to rouse Ian from his unconsciousness, but to no avail. The blow to his head, as marked by a livid bruise, wasn't one likely to knock out a man out. It was whatever the djinn had done to him, a deep and unnatural sleep.

At Alice's urging, she leaned back and recalled 'Mrs Bently! She may know.' Penny rose and looked hurriedly around for the witch and surveying the room. Once the immediate threat and urgency was over, her analytical mind leapt into action. Whatever the djinn was after, it was no coincidence it had attacked the witch's room. But was it to rescue or to murder her? Was it too in Belial's employ? 'Mrs Bently! Emma!' she called out. She was actually worried for the witch, God help her.


OOC: Search with Find Clues, 14,
20:30, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+13. search.

Ian, unfortunately is unresponsive.

You do find some blood and see enough signs of a scuffle that it starts to look like Emma was not keen to leave, especially after finding a smear of blood on the window pane that does not match the blue blooded Djinn. If she was taken, she's probably not too far either.

ooc: Should you wish to track the Djinn, please roll spot checks to try and follow the blood trail, keeping in mind the longer you wait the further he gets away.

On kindle so no cut and paste. Total spot check= 25

As she deduced the sequence of events, Penny snapped 'She's been kidnapped. We have to get after them,' Realising, she glanced down at Ian's unconscious form, a deeply pained look on her face. She couldn't bear to leave him, but logically she knew the best way to help him. 'We can do nothing for him here until we get them back.'

Penny hurried downstairs and out of the hotel, scanning the street and cursing. 'Blast! I can't see it!' Blue blood might be incredibly distinct, but not in the dark of night, where it might as well be black.


OOC: So much for the Great Detective, maybe Alice should hunt? :)
19:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+9. spot.

Fortunately Alice's eyes are sharp and she catches the trail quickly. The djinn is losing enough blood that even when you lose the trail you find it again shortly after. After searching a while it eventually leads to a shack by a large creek. There is a light from within, the whole thing big enough for perhaps a bedroom and a living area but otherwise pretty small. It looks abandoned save for the light.

Alice was able to find and keep the trail. It would a bit, but ended at a shack with a light on inside. She looked at Penny, "One of us should go around back. Your call..."

'Do you know anything more about these djinn?' Penny had asked whilst on the trail of the djinn. She'd paid close attention to Alice's tracking techniques, trying to learn it for herself. 'Regrettably, I've not had the honour. Bar what you might find in Arabian Nights or the like.'

Regardless, the whole affair was giving her a nasty sense of déjà vu. Another dark night, only a couple of days ago, hunting the Double-Face as Lily tracked and Ian lay paralysed. That too had involved an abandoned building. The adventure had ended well for them, then, in the end. She could only hope they had the same fortune this time.

'It hardly looks big enough for a back entrance... Let's go together – I don't wish it to catch another of us alone.' she advocated caution.

Alison shook her head, "Only what I've told you, that they are the Arab's version of Vampires. I must assume they are susceptible to sunlight, stakes through the heart, beheading, etc." She nodded to the detective. "Don't worry Penny I've been in much worse positions than this."

At the shack she nodded, "Alright then, but let me go in first. I'm better with guns. Maybe get that knife you're carrin' ready for cuttin' it's head off after I knock it down?" If Penny agrees Alice will kick the door in and try to shoot the Djinn before it could get it's feet under it.

Penny shook her head. 'Lots of things drink blood. We shouldn't trust that what applies to vampires applies to djinn.' she cautioned, but added optimistically 'But destroying the heart and cutting off the head are certainly good places to start.'

She didn't think she was necessarily so bad at gun-play. Rather, Penny prided herself on being an all-rounded, as effective at range as she was at close-quarters. She checked her knife, but stood ready with pistol in one hand, cane in the other. 'After you.' she offered graciously.

The door is easily opened since it's half rotted anyway. As soon as you do so, everything happens at once. You see, to your surprise, Emma lying on the ground though thankfully she doesn't seem to have the handprint that Ian did, so perhaps she is more traditionally unconscious. You also see a man in his middle years bending over her as well as the Djinn. They both whirl around in surprise and the man's eyes go black. With the shack as small as it is, it will be difficult not to hit Emma without care...

ooc: Go ahead and roll a surprise round and then decide your course of action. Emma is within five feet of both of them, but on the ground. The room is about the size of an average living room.

Alice took three shots with the pistol she held in her right hand first at the demon and then the djinn if the demon falls.
rolls are 22, 10, &18.

Penny slipped in behind Alice and, as soon as she had a clear line of fire, let her pistol speak. Despite the risk of Mrs Bently's nearness, Penny aim was deadly accurate as she shot at the djinn, deafening report filling the small cabin room.

While Alice guarded the doorway with her thundering rifle, Penny sidled around the wall, trying to block any other exits. She did not intend to let the foe escape again. While Alice focused on the demon, she would do her best to dispatch the djinn.


OOC: Precise Shot: should avoid a -4 penalty or risk of hitting Emma
Point Blank Shot: +1 attack and damage
Surprise! Attack 27, damage 7 @ Djinn
15:26, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 27 using 1d20+9. attack, PBS+1, Precise Shot.
15:26, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 2d4+2. damage, PBS+1.

Round 1: (did you want a Round 1 action as well?)
Move around to an exit.
Attack: attack 29, rolled a 20, critical confirmation 12; damage 6, critical damage 8 @ Djinn
15:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 29 using 1d20+9. attack, PBS+1, Precise Shot.
15:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+9. critical?
15:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 2d4+2. damage, PBS+1.
15:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 8 using 2d4+2. critical damage?

ooc: For ease of reference, their AC's are 20 so you know when you hit

Each of you manages to hit your targets once, much to their surprise. More so when they realize your weapons can actually hurt them. The Djinn naturally is the worse of the two, considering you've already hit him a few times, but he is absurdly fast. He rushes Penny so quickly it's hard to react and grabs her, starting to grapple...

Meanwhile Alice's enemy is displeased with the turn of events and with a raised hand, flings her back as though by some unseen force, throwing her across the room...


ooc: Next round.

Ref 19
Attack 27, 19, 24 add +1 to each for Point Blank Shot

Alice emptied her revolver into her foe.

As the djinn rushed to grab her, Penny reacted fast – remembering it putting its hands to Ian's head and throat – and snatched its wrists to stop it laying its deadly touch on her, and to try to throw it off. She struggled gamely to hold it back...


OOC: Opposed Grapple check 15. I don't know if that's successful or not, hence my branching action.

Next Round:
Move: Exploit Weakness, rolled 13 vs DC 15, fail.

Standard: Attempt to escape grapple, 7, likely fail.
or:
Attack with cane, Combat Expertise -2, attack 23, damage 6 @ djinn

Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs djinn
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defence vs melee attacks
Combat Expertise: +2 dodge AC
For a total AC of 19 or 21 versus the djinn

Penny struggles wildly against the Djinn, who unfortunately is quite a bit better at grappling. As Alice hits the demon twice she notices the Djinn put his hand on Penny's face...things are not looking good for the poor woman...Meanwhile the demon is surprised at the success of the bullets, looking enraged and a little intimidated. He makes a fist and Alice can feel a squeezing around her heart as though someone is trying to crush it in their fist...

Meanwhile during all this you both see Emma's eyelashes flutter and she starts to stir awake...

09:40, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  fort save. Missed it by that much.

Alice drops the empty revolver and draws the other. Instead of shooting at her opponent, she shoots at penny's.

Add +1 to all rolls for Point Blank Shot
09:45, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  #3.

09:45, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 16 using 1d20+9.  #2.

09:45, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  #1 attack

PM

Alice, your heart feels heavy, laboring but you're able to ignore the massive pain and work through it. Two of your shots hit, but you have a feeling that's only because the Djinn is entangled with the Brit. He's usually far too fast for such leeway. He recoils in pain though, and turns, his hand slipping off of her face thankfully.

In the meantime Emma struggles to her hands and knees, looking around her wildly. The demon, furious, tightens his fist again, desperately trying to bring down Alice. You taste blood in your mouth...

Meanwhile Penny is trying to resist the Djinn's attempts and not doing a very good job of it. Her lids feel heavy and sleepy, the room spins, but suddenly his hand leaves your face and the moment of distraction temporarily frees your mind, though your body is still held fast. That was too close. At least Emma's awake now, that should count for something!

ooc: Ok Alice, another fort save please. Good luck! And Penny, you can try to get away again. Luckily if he tries another attempt on you he has to start over again.

08:50, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  #3.
08:49, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  #2.
08:49, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 25 using 1d20+9.  #1.
08:47, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Fort Save

Alice grinned like a maniac at the demon, realizing she was hurt less by the second attempt. She spat her blood in his face, and fired thrice more at the Djinn. If she could save Penny, even if she died, she would be welcomes into the bosom of God.

Penny shook off the djinn's beguiling assault – surely the same thing that had laid poor Ian low – and collected her wits. She'd never break the djinn's iron grip on her; she'd dropped gun and cane, but was not yet disarmed. Sparing a hand from fending off  the djinn, she reached into her purse and slipped free her blessed knife. With a desperate and most unladylike snarl, she slashed low at its belly.


OOC
Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs djinn
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defence vs melee attacks

Move: draw knife
Standard: attack 12, damage 4 @ djinn

The demon takes two strong hits from Alice's gun, and not liking this wild woman's proximity, flings a hand up and sends her flying backward again even as he wipes his face with fury....ooc: Another reflex please

Penny: Unfortunately the Djinn is too fast and he squirms out of the way. His hand tightens on you as he tries to pull you in closer, other hand raised to repeat his previous attempt, but suddenly he howls in pain, clutching at his eyes and thankfully releasing you. You see Emma, still on the floor, panting with effort and pain but there is satisfaction in her eyes. Don't let him get a hold of you again! I can't guarantee I can wake you up!

ooc: next round please

Straining her neck and limbs with every fibre of her being, Penny pulled back from the encroaching hand, her face a rictus of resistance. She was dreadfully close to falling prey to the djinn's curse, and she knew it. She hoped it would be quick, that her soul would find its way to a good place. But then she laughed, one short, sharp laugh of defiance, the tense look on her face a twisted smile. If then djinn slew her now, she would at least be denied to Belial. Or else Belial would raise her, and her death meant nothing. Did she really have to fear death?

Then she was free, though hardly safe. Realising Emma was conscious, Penny returned quickly 'And what of Ian? Can you wake him?' she demanded, slashing her enchanted knife in figures-of-eight at the djinn to fend it off. Some evenings spent learning knife-play on the streets of London were coming back to her now.  'And how do we kill this djinn?'

Speaking of... Suddenly, Penny switched her grip then thrust sharply forward, a potentially killing strike.


OOC:
Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs djinn
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defence vs melee attacks
Combat Expertise: -2 attack, +2 dodge AC
Total AC: 21 vs djinn

Standard: attack 24, rolled a 20, critical confirm 22
Damage 4, critical damage 7, total damage 11

12:43, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 21 using 1d20+11.  Ref save.

Alice managed to twist as she flew, ablating some of the damage. She rolled and took a knee as she reloaded both pistols so fast it hardly happened, and raised both.

Action is to reloaded two weapons, quick reload allows her to reload both in an action, but she has to take the action.

Maybe, I'm not sure Emma bit back in reply to Penny's question. One thing at a time! with that, seeing that for the moment the British woman is in order, she turns her talents to the demon, making a gesture that sends him flying back, particularly satisfying for Alice considering how often he's done it to her...It will only take a second for him to get back up but he should be easier to hit for the moment anyway.

Meanwhile Penny's blade hits the Djinn in the temple with her dagger and with a shriek of surprise it gives a shudder, twitching and falling limply as it's eyes roll open. Hm. I guess you kill it like that! Emma notes with amusement. Well done!

ooc: Next round, all that's left is the demon now.

Possessing an all-purpose enchanted weapon really cut down on all the bother and unreliability of preparing the correct ritual weapon to slay a given monster. Penny wrenched her knife out of the djinn's pierced skull, trying to ignore the unholy ichor clinging to the blade. Watching the body crumple to the ground, making sure it did not rise again, Penny quipped dryly 'I guess you really do make wishes come true.'

Only the demon remained; Penny watched it rise instead, coldly noting its injuries and the side it favoured, where it turned. Three. She tossed her knife in the air and caught it by the pommel, then drew it back over her shoulder, all in one fluid motion. Two. She threw the knife, hurtling end over end, across the room. One. The blade spun tip first at the demon...


OOC:
Dodge: +1 dodge AC vs demon
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defence vs melee attacks
Total AC: 19 vs djinn

Move: Exploit Weakness, rolled 16 vs DC 15, success, use Intelligence bonus on attacks versus demon
Standard: throw knife, attack 20 (corrected from roller), damage 3 @ demon
including Point Blank Shot.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Wed 05 July 2017.

Instead of a hail of gunfire Alice opted for a pair of well placed shots from a single weapon.

rolled 16 and 27 with PBS bonus.

ooc: Hahahaha! Funny Penny!

Between both of your efforts, the demon is in a bad way. Though he is not dead yet, he does fall unconscious, yours to finish or detain as you see fit. Emma stands, straightening her rumpled clothes and hair and looking most annoyed at the figure on the floor. That Djinn really took us by surprise she scowls. Blasted thing is fast. They were trying to find the ring, thought I would have it considering my involvement. Lucky thing I suppose since the mistake kept it from their hands. I must thank you both for rescuing me. I suppose you didn't have to now did you? she finishes with surprise as though realizing it as she's saying it.

Alice walked over and delivered a Coup de Gras shot to its head. She nodded to Penny, "You are dang good with that knife, girl. You can have my back any time." holstering her weapon she went on to Emma, "You, my dear witch, are being drafted. Ian is under the Djinn's spell and neither of us know how to break it. So now you are going back and are going to give it the old college try, we need Ian."

'Oh, I just know the proper placement of utensils.' Penny continued in a humorous vein, trying to keep the horror of bloody murder at bay. Alice's gunshot rather answered the question as to what to do with the demon. She crossed the room and yanked her knife from the demon's still-warm corpse, wiping the blood off on its shirt.

She took a moment to answer Emma, just as surprised as she was. True, they needed the witch's knowledge, both of Belial and the Ring of Solomon, and the possibility she might know how to free Ian of his curse. But, for all that they'd been deadly enemies, and she wouldn't shed a tear for her death, Penny would not easily let her be killed, again. They were not close, but she'd become accustomed to working with her. 'You're part of our team now, Emma.' she assured her, the warmest thing she could think to say. The admission could help keep her on their side too. 'And yes, we need you.'

Penny quickly searched the shack, looking for clues to as what the djinn and demon had been up to. It was an unholy partnership, as befitted Belial's minions. 'But why did they bring you back here? Do you know who they served?'


OOC: Searching for clues, Search 25. Sped up with Find Clues.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Wed 12 July 2017.

I believe they served Belial she answers, standing up the rest of the way and grabbing the wall for support. They are rabid for that ring. Thought I would have it considering my involvement in the whole blasted thing. As for Ian, well I know what should be done about him but I don't know if it can be.... she shakes her head. He's been trapped in a fantasy by the Djinn. It's why they are thought to grant wishes. They do, just only in the mind's eye of their victims. You'll need to go in and get him to kill himself in the dream. It's the only way to free him. If something else kills him in his mind, he's dead. Same for you I should warn you she adds. Typically an african sleepwalking concoction is used but I believe the Indians have something similar. We need to find them, get the supplies and then you two can go and try to rescue our wayward Scotsman. If you are up to the task of course. It has plenty of risks.

Alice nodded, "I'm game, let's get too it."

Penny rose from her inspection of the dirt on the demon's boots, grimly satisfied by the find. 'Well, I think we found poor Ms Adams's demon, at least. It possessed this unlucky vagrant, not too far from the Winchester House. Probably the easiest prey. Hopefully we have no more to worry about there.'

She listened carefully to what Emma proposed, worried for Ian's and her own safety in such a state, but not at all put off trying. She cared much for Ian, and would risk her life and sanity to find him. But what would they find in his dream? What would they find in hers? 'You shall find I'm more than up to the task.' Penny declared, stiff upper lip and all. 'I'll do it.'

Satisfied, Emma brushes herself off and you head back to the inn where Kate has been guarding the still unconscious man. Hm...I'll wager the nearest tribe is some days away. Perhaps a wagon or cart is in order. If we claim he has a fever it should keep questions to a minimum. You'll also need to find out which direction we should go to find our native helpers. Make sure you ask for a friendly tribe. I'm not going to beat off a horde of Indians for this. A pity that Lily woman isn't with us she sighs.

ooc; Ok, I'll give you time to gather supplies and get info. Let me know your plans for the next four days, most of which will be spent traveling. Also, roll your spot and listen checks too please.

'Days?!' Penny gasped, aghast. 'We can't wait days. Ian cannot wait days for a cure. Surely there is some other form of dream magic we could try...' She wracked her brains for possibilities, thinking naturally of her encounters with Queen Gwendolen, but whether those had been fevered fancy in desperate need for reassurance or something much more she might never know. She tried to recall what she knew of dream magic, oneiromancy, the ways of their Celtic ancestors, even certain drugs.

But, right now, with Ian lying stricken before her, she came up blank. She could think of nothing but the most direct and reliable means of aiding her friend. And one other: 'What about the djinn? Is there some way we can use it to put me in Ian's dream?'


OOC:
Listen 22, Spot 25

Can Penny think of an alternative? Apparently not today.
Knowledge (arcane lore) 13, Knowledge (behavioral science) 10, Craft (chemical) 14

Researching Indians:
Gather Information 22

very busy with hospital. short response to follow. Artemis please roll for me.

Alice nodded and went to fetch her things...and dress more appropriately.

Emma listens to Penny's protests with a frown. I know that some hunters have been working on a cure for this sort of thing but I don't think they've gotten the wrinkles straightened out yet. This is the best course I know. If you want to cure him sooner you'll have to hope their are Indians nearby willing to deal with us. At least I think he should keep considering he's out of danger from the Djinn itself. They feed on their comatose victims over time you see. However, he could waste away for want of water if we take too long...hm. Well, guess we'd better get started tonight. How about Alice and I gather supplies while you find our answers? We'll meet back at the hotel.

Fortunately Penny's efforts yield good results. There is a tribe some three days away but they have a small encampment that is usually much closer. You should reach it by the next night.

ooc: For time's sake I'm going to move you on. Hopefully that's ok.

You leave that night, Kate reporting that Ian is stable as she had stayed at the hotel with him. The day passes uneventfully save it's uncomfortable and slower going than you'd like. Emma directs you easily now that she knows where she's going and at last the sun goes down and you estimate you're within about twenty or thirty minutes of your destination. You're in the middle of nowhere. Mostly just plains all around and some thick trees and brush here and there. In the dark the eerie rustling of the tall grass is both peaceful and unnerving. The air feels charged, thick with something unsettling though you don't know what. This feeling continues for some time. Both Penny and Alice hear a faint, distant whistling sound. It rises and falls as though some ways off. Perhaps it is the natives. Emma seems not to notice it at first but does eventually and shrugs it off. After a few minutes it stops and that is that.

Suddenly, several yards off in the grass, Penny spots a familiar figure. It is a woman, standing stiff but waving her arms in a jerky, halting motion. She's trying to get your attention. Penny! she calls. Penny!! It is Lily.

On the journey, Penny had tended anxiously to Ian, pouring water and spooning liquefied foods into his mouth, just to keep him alive and healthy until he could be woken. He'd become a dear friend, and it pained her to see him stricken.

Hearing a cry, she looked up from her task, unnerved faintly by the plains at night. The rustling of the grass seemed like a constant whispering, and the land was so dry as to seem dead, and there was some other strange feeling she couldn't place. The weird whistling didn't help her nerves either. Oh, how she longed for the fresh green pastures of England. Even the desolate and dangerous moors of her beloved Devon had more life and greenery than the American plains.

Spying the figure, she strained to recognise a familiar face far out of her expected place. What was wrong with her? 'Lily?' Penny answered, more in surprise than greeting. 'I thought you were in New Orleans!'

Alice nodded, "As did I, how odd."

Lily doesn't move any closer or acknowledge the statement. She just keeps waving her arms in that stiff, almost puppet like motion, her voice sounds almost like a wail; thin and stretched. She continues to gesture. Penny! Penny! Something most definitely doesn't feel right.

Had she been less familiar with the dark horrors of the supernatural, she might fallen for it, but Penny had learned to look beyond appearances. Disturbed by his strange behaviour, Penny called a halt to the coach. 'Something's wrong...' she warned her companions. This really couldn't be Lily, even a poor shifter's imitation. She was put in mind of a scarecrow, or a fisherman's lure... Penny waved back in the same manner 'Lily! Lily!'


OOC: Knowledge check to ID it: Knowledge (arcane lore / theology): 24

Alice nudged "Friend of yours?" indicating Lily.

Waiting for the strange figure to respond, Penny answered absently 'Yes, another of the Men of Letters. An Indian, and a good woman, most of the time. But now, I'm not sure that's quite her...'

Alice nodded and pulled the scatter gun into her lap, ready for a fight if necessary.

As Penny waves back in kind, Lily stops. Stiff arms drop to her side and her head rolls back and to her shoulder, resting there unnaturally. She stares at you from her distance and though you can't see her well, there's something terrifying about the gaze. Gooseflesh covers your skin and the horses start to stamp and snort, the whites of their fear filled eyes rolling around frantically. Emma grips the reins, trying to gain control. What is that?! she growls, stress in her voice. Meanwhile the figure just stares, unmoving though you can tell its eyes are following you.

Penny: the more you watch and wrack your mind, the more you seem to recall reading about a monster known especially to natives...

Penny quickly began fetching her weapons and rifling through her belongings. 'Something Lily – the real Lily – mentioned in passing once, after the double-face... The Indians call it a skinwalker, which causes no end of confusion with the shifters we know...' She emptied the bullets from her revolver. 'It seems to have powers of witchcraft and mimicry or shapeshifting. So, as with werewolves and shifters and other things that change their skin, I surmise that silver might be effective against them.' she concluded, reloading her pistol with six silver bullets. 'Oh, and one more thing: beware of the dog.'

It being rare that a monster gave them time to prepare, Penny even exchanged her new Stetson for her trusty bowler hat.

Rising, Penny showed the skinwalker her pistol; she was far too British to attack first. 'What do you want?!' she demanded loudly, ready to shoot the thing if it answered poorly.

Alice set the scattergun aside. She feigned being a simple driver until Penny gave her the signal to fight.

In answer the false Lily merely drops her arms, noticing the pistol blankly. Then she steps back and melts into the shadows where you see her morph into a massive dog like shape, though you can't see it clearly and the features are...off. You also note that it stands on its hind legs. As it stands there, staring once more, your hearts start to beat faster, you break out into a sweat and an overwhelming feeling of dread threatens to engulf you...

ooc: Roll a will save please (DC 20) or become shaken.

Save18

'Damn.' That was all the answer Penny needed; this eerie feeling of dread was not the weather, but some kind of curse. With stiff upper lip, she resisted the skinwalker's baleful influence, then raised and fire her pistol – a sure shot, even in the darkness.


OOC:
Will save (with +2 Hunter bonus): 26, success
Initiative: 11
Dodge feat: +1 dodge Defense vs Skinwalker
Shooting the skinwalker: Point Blank Shot +1 attack, +1 damage if within 30 feet
Attack 29, rolled a 20, critical confirmation 11
Damage 7, critical damage 15 (or 6 and 13 if outside 30 feet)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

The bullet hits squarely but not critically and though it flinches slightly at the impact, the skinwalker meets your gaze coolly, stepping back and melting into the shadows. It disappears completely as it does so, but you still feel that intense fear and the sense of being watched does not dissipate. You hear a deep chuckle suddenly from beneath the wagon and should you look down you'll see Lily's form again peeking out mockingly from beneath it, smiling unnaturally wide up at you from the ground...

ooc: Roll a fort save or become paralyzed for one round, DC 20. Also for future reference, the AC is 22 for this creature so you know if you hit. Next round please.