The rest of the train ride is fairly uneventful, though it was quite a mess getting the authorities to buy your story. Fortunately they do, and though Jaffers' end is untimely, the rail line is quick to cover it up. Mrs. Turning calms down nicely after Abigail's departure, but from time to time she still says odd things, and once during an otherwise pleasant chat, her eyes glaze over and she turns to Ian and says, I'm so very sorry you lost your wife and children Mr. Shaw. I'm sure you miss them. He quickly excuses himself at this and for days he says very little, avoiding the old woman completely. Fortunately she doesn't stay aboard much longer, her stop is before yours, and she departs with her grateful niece.

Meanwhile Delapore is showing a shy interest in Alice, being less gruff than usual with her and even engaging in conversation from time to time. It's clear he's terrified of women, but Alice has softened him a bit. His stop is also before yours, and he actually gives you the name of the post office in town should you ever wish to "correspond," as he puts it. Surprising indeed.

At last you make it to Maine. It's beautiful and green with trees and blue skies and the ocean just in the distance. Under other circumstances you would enjoy yourself, but you have much to do. Emma claims her contacts are in the city of Portland, and you can only hope she leads you as well as she has so far. In many ways the woman has changed. Softened, even become chatty and friendly, though she avoids talking to Alice, no doubt not forgetting your past encounters. She is clearly fond of Penny though, and is often asking her if she's interested in doing needlepoint, or asking for details about English society and what it all entails.

Finally you reach the train station, which is bustling this time of day, 11:08 a.m. Emma suggests you book a hotel and then see about calling on her friends. They won't be happy to see you I should confess. They aren't the most savory folk. But, if anyone is up to the task, I'm sure you are! she beams with a smile.

ooc: Ok, let me know your plans before you head out. I'll also need search checks and gather information while I'm at it so I can be ready ahead of time. Thanks!

OOC Waiting for Penny to take the lead.

On the remainder of the train journey, Penny gave Ian both time and space, understanding his need for peace and privacy after both the djinn fantasy and the tragic story of Jaffers and Abigail. She'd certainly abandoned her efforts at courtship, now viewing it as a foolish impulse in imitation of Alice's ways.

Instead, she made small talk with Emma, speaking of England and finding a shared hobby (well, another shared hobby if one included the supernatural) in needlepoint. Penny showed off her cross-stitch, and explained how to stitch a devil's trap and conceal it in a larger work.

She also displayed a few of her souvenir spoons from around Europe. They were common in Europe but still unknown, and even a little bit weird, in the United States, necessitating Penny pinching spoons from hotels and the train's dining car. (Indeed, her asking around for souvenir spoons would help prompt the creation of the first American souvenir spoons, with the George Washington spoon from Washington D.C. in 1890 and the Salem Witch spoon from Salem in 1891.) Such fine spoons were often made of sterling silver, and Penny related a story of how she'd once slain a werewolf with a silver souvenir spoon of Bedburg, Prussia.

Maine, with its pleasant greenery and trees, was much more to Penny's liking than the dry, dusty, deserts of the West. She disembarked from the carriage with relief, glad to be free of the endless rocking and rattling of the train, though she felt dizzy to be standing on still land once more.

'Well, I appreciate your confidence, Emma, but perhaps you should first tell us who, or what, these friends of yours are. With forewarning, we might avoid an unfriendly reception.'

Alice does not rebuff her new suitor, even promising to write him. Otherwise she just watches out for her friends. She is sad that Penny seems to have given up on Ian, but she has not given up on them. She will find a way to get them together...

In any case she is ready for war. She listens to Penny, waiting for a plan.

Emma nods at Penny's question. It would be my old coven. Witches aplenty and none would be happy to have hunters in their midst. They are no lovers of Belial, but that might only take us so far. It's been a while since I've seen them, I don't know how strong our old ties really are. We may be able to divide and conquer, question one at a time, or perhaps your scheming little mind can come up with something appropriate? I'll need to make inquiries but last I heard they were meeting in the woods outside the city, every full moon of course. But I may be able to find one or two of them before that.

As she speaks it occurs to you this would be a good opportunity for her to betray you. A coven of witches would be a terrible thing to confront! But something about the woman does not imply manipulation. Penny, at least, is starting to believe in the woman.

Believe and trust her Penny might – but only to a point. Even if Emma Bently spoke truly and did not plan to betray them, they could not depend on any one of the others not to do the same. Nor could they depend on Emma not to feel emboldened by her allies or feel some greater loyalty to her own coven than the new band of hunters. They would need to proceed very carefully.

Then Penny recalled something from the very start of the investigation, the original reason John Westbrook had brought her into the case – the Hand of Baal, the cult of which Emma Bently had been a member, before it had been subverted by Belial to his own ends, it seemed. Then an early clue: Emma had also been a devotee of Hecate, goddess of witchcraft. A witch could not serve three masters – no wonder she'd been torn in twain.

'In the woods, you say? Well, it's been quite a while since I danced skyclad under the full moon, I must say.' Penny began airily, probably in jest. Probably. 'But whom do they hold love for, if not Belial? Is it Baal, or Hecate?' She might as well as be upfront with her knowledge and concerns now, to avoid surprises later and learn what she could ahead of time.

Alice was content to listen to the conversation. This was outside her specialty and therefore she opted for silence rather than proving her ignorance.

I've always thrown my cap in with whoever suited my purposes for the most part, but a witch's heart, ALL witches' hearts, belong to Hecate. The problem, however, is we fear she is being deceived by Belial. He claims he will share his power with her and whether she believes him or not, he is the more powerful of the two of them. She should never have sided with him in the first place, loyal or not. She's in for it now. I, have wisely decided the best option is to gather any and all against Belial that I can, whether that be the hand of Baal or followers of Hecate or even hunters and men of letters. Unfortunately, some are too blinded by their previous allegiances to see the benefits of the greater goal. My old coven were stubborn back in my days with them. I can't imagine they've improved any. Emma frowns.

Penny quickly understood that those assembled allies included herself and the other hunters and Men of Letters. However, it seemed quite an exaggeration to say Emma had gathered them, instead of them stitching her head back on her body and extracting her assistance. Regardless of how, the outcome was the same and it proved Emma's true loyalties, to some disappointment of Penny's.

'Indeed. Perhaps we should meet just one of these witches, the most reasonable and open-minded, one you can trust. That could save us an argument.' And a battle, if it came to it. 'But what do they have to do with the Key of Solomon?'

Alice spoke up, "I'm gonna suggest you meet someplace public. I'll sit back with my Winchester and pop off any of em that tries anything hincky."

Emma regards Penny's question. My coven has long been avid researchers. Indeed you may even consider that our primary interest. We've discovered things lost for centuries, methods and spells and secrets the world has forgotten. It's what drew the coven together in the first place, our mutual interest in research. They have always been fairly hands off in other aspects, content for the most part to study. That's why I left. I felt we were wasting our lives reading about things instead of doing them. I...craved more power, more prestige than the rest of them. When I left thirty odd years ago, I said some rather...impolite things. Not all of them will be happy to see me she sighs. I do have one friend, or at least she was...that I think won't be too unhappy to see me. She was also the wisest of them all so if anyone knows anything it will be her. When I left they were studying the seal of Solomon, I'm sure they must have something by now eh?

Research their primary interest might be, but the magical secrets they researched could be dark and foul indeed. And Penny knew from painful experience—her own once withered legs facing Emma herself—that the witches would not hesitate to use them if they felt threatened, or merely inconvenienced.

'Surely they must,' Penny agreed, but Emma's earlier admission made her curious. She asked, less in suspicion and more in concern, 'But what are your thoughts on the pursuit of power and prestige now?' Now she'd been tortured and decapitated by Belial for her troubles was the unspoken remainder of the sentence.

Alice didn't bother trying to add to the discussion again.

Emma looks slightly startled at the question, no doubt realizing exactly what Penny is alluding to. I still have my ambitions. Society would have women such as I be kept down and in our place, and my...pursuits have felt like the only way to counter that. That said, I know more than most the dangers that line the path to power. I think perhaps I shall tread more carefully next time. Though honestly, at this point I'd settle for the world not ending. Worried about my motives are you? she gives a small smile of amusement.

Alice joined in here. "I'm not worried at all. You and I have reached an understanding. As long as you work with us, I won't have to put you down."  Alice said this with a hopeful intonation. She really does not want to kill Emma at this point.

Emma had said the right words: enough womanly independence and railing against society to appeal to the suffragist in her; enough contrition and honesty to sound cowed and cooperative, but not so much as to seem false. It might even be true. 'I believe you'd think less of me if I didn't.' Penny answered with a wry smile, deftly sidestepping the question.

'Well. Let us find a room at a hotel first before we contemplate any more such matters.'

Emma looks surprised and then incredibly relieved at Alice's words. You get the feeling the woman makes her nervous and to have an outright declaration of peace is clearly something she's pleased to hear.

I have no intentions of giving you a reason to change your mind she assures her with a nod. Now, let's find accommodations shall we? There is a lovely little hotel on the edge of town that should do nicely. Do you like lobster? It's legendary around here, you really must try some she chatters, already starting down the street in search of a cab. Ian follows behind. Lobster is nothing but a giant sea bug. No thank you! Just give me a whiskey and something with real meat and I'll be fine. He is once again trying to be his old self, shaking off his somber mood along with the train.

You find the hotel easily, but then Emma is an excellent guide. She happily points out buildings and streets as the cab goes by, the excited queen returning to her kingdom. Clearly she loved her home once, and indeed it is a very pretty place with white washed buildings and the roar of the ocean intermingled with the cries of gulls to tickle your ears.

The hotel itself is called The Grey Gull, and is on the smaller side but it has plenty of vacancy at present. Two rooms are procured, a large one for the women and of course Ian gets his own. The innkeep, an old weathered man, squints at Emma for a while before finally getting the guts up to ask if she is who he thinks she is. With a laugh she confirms it, but her face tightens as she asks, Tell me...is Tabitha still around? Ayeh. She's still up at the lighthouse, ornerier than ever too. Doesn't know you're back eh? Uh...not yet no. If we could keep it that way for now? He smiles at the request. Course! Just...be careful if you see her. She's gotten a bit touched over the years. Isn't quite herself sometimes ya know? I think it's from bein alone so much. Alone? Emma blinks in surprise. Yeah. After you left that little women's group of yours kinda fell apart, least judgin by the icy looks the lot of them gave each other. Some kinda feud it sounded like. I dunno, half the women in town hate the other half, but I hear that's normal eh? he laughs at his own joke. Anyway, she keeps herself locked up in that lighthouse like a princess in a tower, well exceptin when she needs flour or somethin, heh, heh. Doesn't have a friend in the world anymore, not that I've seen anyway. Maybe she'll be happy to see you after all eh? She gives a polite smile at this and thanks him for the information but you can tell she's upset. Ian exchanges a wary look with Penny, curious and yet too wise to ask. He knows his way around women well.

Well. Who's hungry? Emma stands up straight, her society smile back in place.

Alice laughed, "I'm with Ian. Lobsters are just cockroaches underwater."

At one ooint in history, Lobster were fed to prisoners exclusively because they were "not fit for consumption by decent people."

'Pshaw! Where's your sense of adventure?' Penny chided Ian and Alice with an eager laugh, forgetting of course that their sense of adventure was adequately exercised in the hunting of the supernatural. 'I'll try anything once. Even peasant fare like lobster!'

She enjoyed Emma's tour of the town, learning what she could of its history and culture, from the mundane to the magical. Just the same, she listened attentively to Emma's conversation with the hotelier, carefully noting the situation between the local witches and wondering if this Tabitha was the one Emma wished to meet. If she didn't leave her lighthouse, then it would be difficult to meet in neutral territory.

She caught Ian's look, but also Emma's tense and upset expression, and her vain effort to hide it. Now was not the time to pry. She would let Emma calm down and contemplate the news first before inquiring. 'Enough to eat a giant sea bug!' she agreed.


OOC: Yep, even right here in Maine maybe 50 years before 1890. Weird. :D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobster#As_food
This message was last edited by the player at 08:44, Sat 15 Sept 2018.

ooc: Oh I forgot about the lobster thing! How funny!

Ian is very pleased at Alice's agreement in regard to lobster, and as you all sit down to an early supper, he very much declines to try it, looking at it in horror when it finally does arrive for both Emma and Penny. See! Look at it! What kind of bloody creature is that? He gestures with his fork in disgust. And you have to crack open its claws? Shouldn't they do that for you? Ugggg he shudders, taking a long drink of whiskey and happily going back to his steak. Cows. Chickens. That's food.

Emma rolls her eyes at him and asks Penny what she thinks, looking amusingly hopeful. It would seem that your refined opinion matters to her, but then the woman had come from a simple upbringing and knowing what you do about her ambitions in society, it would make sense she'd want the upper crust to agree with her on such matters. Fortunately you do find the lobster delightful. It has a natural sweetness enhanced by the contrast of the melted butter. It's actually quite magnificent. At least everyone agrees on the matter of dessert, which is a seven layer chocolate cake with creme filling.

As the dining starts to wind down, Emma gives a little sigh and gets down to business, being careful of how she speaks considering you are in public. As you may have surmised, Tabitha was my contact I had hoped to enlist. It would seem things fell apart more than I realized after I left. I...don't know what happened. But Tabitha is still our best option. We could always try the direct approach I suppose. There's no telling how she'll react...or if you have any brilliant ideas she shakes her head.

Alice clinked her glass against Ian's, "Preach on, brother Ian, preach on!"

She is still eating cake when Emma brought things back to business. She tossed a look at Penny, hoping the other woman still had ideas. Alice had given to Penny being their DeFacto leader, now was the time for her to step up.

With her fork, Penny tapped the hard shell of the lobster with a sense of trepidation not seen since the last time she'd gone hunting. This was a fearsome monster of a different kind. 'I must admit, I am somewhat at a loss as to how to get the meat out.' Following Emma's lead, Penny tucked a napkin into her collar then set to work dismantling – for there was no other word for it – her meal. It turned out to involve a surprising amount of work, in wrenching off claws and tail, cracking the shells open with the nutcracker-like tool, and scooping out the flesh, whilst avoiding running juices and splattering bits. At more than one point, Penny regretted not ordering something easier. Still, she persevered, enduring the ordeal with a stiff upper lip and avoiding any indignity with the aplomb of the truly dignified. She ate as she went, making appreciative noises, and was left licking her fingers, which seemed the only reasonable etiquette. 'Mmm, that took quite a bit of time and effort, but it was well worth it. Truly delicious! I daresay the French will steal it soon enough.' she said merrily. She'd not missed Emma's hopeful look, realising she'd desired her approval and validation. Fortunately, Penny was certainly willing to try anything and escape the strictures of high society, as much as Emma sought a way into them.

After washing up, which was quite a necessity, Penny returned to enjoy her dessert. She scooped a piece onto her fork and ate it as she listened carefully when Emma finally broached the subject of the witch Tabitha. 'Perhaps you could first tell us about this Tabitha.' Penny began gently when she'd finished. 'Who is she, what does she do? How was your relationship with her?' She was applying her interviewing skills to the matter, hoping to learn more and, by jogging Emma's memory, help her come up with something.

Emma frowns at the question, thinking how best to respond. Tabitha's family founded this city long ago. Well, helped to found it but the way she talks you'd think they created the fool place out of thin air. Anyway, she comes from proud, stubborn stock. We've been friends since we were girls and for all her stubbornness, I was always the leader. I'm a great deal more ambitious than she. When we joined our...women's group, she says carefully, that was my doing as well. She was reluctant at first to enter into such a thing, but I convinced her. I always convinced her of everything. She took to it well though. Better than myself in some aspects actually, and we were content for many years simply to research, to grow in knowledge as it were. Now, keep in mind for all her spirit and talents, Tabitha has always been awkward socially. She does not do well with others and it takes a patient person to draw her out and keep her there. She never bonded with our...society like I did. She liked the work, but the others were not so big of a draw for her. She liked things her own way, always was very spoiled. At any rate, when I had that falling out with everyone as I've already mentioned, it was Tabitha who took it the worst. At first she begged me not to go. I've always been the only one who could stomach her moods. She had no real friend other than I, and I think she feared my leaving. I told her she could come with me, but she refused. She wanted to stay where she felt comfortable, safe. Like I said, no ambition. Her pleas turned to an argument. Words were exchanged. She said I was wasting my life and that I would never amount to anything. That I would come crawling back here and if I left she'd never take me back. No one would. I told her that she was a coward. A useless waste of a woman who lived off her family's charity because no man would have her and that when I left it would be SHE who would wither and fail. That without my ambition she was nothing and would return to nothing. I admit...I was overly harsh. But I was twenty two, bear that in mind. The young don't think on consequence. I left and never looked back. And now.... she sighs, looking tired. Apparently I was more right than I imagined. That lighthouse was a place we used to play at as girls. Her family owns it. I can't think of why she would choose to live there! I think her solitary nature has consumed her with my absence. I think this will be very  bad indeed.

Alice's biting sarcasm returned in force, "Hey that's just fantastic. Surely there is no possible other way to go about this but to poke the hornet's next of a mentally deranged womam with magical powers."

Sitting back, eating her cake but watching Emma, Penny was more contemplative than Alice. 'So, she only joined and continued in the group because of her friendship with you. Then you left. I suppose she feels you abandoned her.' she summarised, but without judgement. She could certainly emphasise with this Tabitha and understood her social awkwardness and ties to the land, perhaps like herself in earlier years. Betrayed by her one friend, of course Tabitha would withdraw and seek loneliness. Fortunately, if Tabitha no longer had connections to the broken cover, then they wouldn't have to worry about the other witches.

Now, to get the Seal of Solomon, they needed these two women to reconcile. 'Would it be so bad if you did "come crawling back"? It isn't too late to make amends, to resume your friendship.' If witches didn't have a tendency to hold lifelong murderous grudges, that is.

Emma's eyes sharpen at the suggestion of crawling back. She is a proud woman after all, and clearly in spite of her guilt at Tabitha's state, she has not let go of that. She chose to stay here. It's not my fault she decided to rot away alone! she snaps. Then, she pauses and sighs. How infuriating! I just want to climb up that stupid lighthouse and wring her neck! Perhaps that's what I'll do instead. Someone should tell her what an idiot she's been! Oh I could just scream! Alright, I'll make a social call, but I'll not beg for forgiveness if that's what you're expecting! She'd just love that! Always thought she was better than me because of her stupid money. she glowers furiously. Ian watches the scene with a face of calm, but the corners of his lips twitch. Yes, he's definitely used to women. I'd say we should be on hand for this little reunion, in case it gets out of control. Any suggestions as to that? It seems like a private affair that we'd need a very good reason to be at, unless of course you want to go the sneaky route? he shrugs, glancing to Penny for her thoughts.

Alice looked at Emma, “Sorry Emma, I’m with her. Grovel, you made this mess if this is what unmarked it then you’ll crawl on your damned belly or I’ll put a bullet in your head and do it for you, capice?” She drew the weapon, spun it on her finger, and reholstered it so fast it almost didn’t happen,

Startled by Alice's response, Penny raised a warding hand to her. 'At ease, Alice, please. Drawing weapons at the dinner table is frightfully poor manners in some circles.' She did agree with Alice's sentiment, if not her threat, of course, but knew that getting Emma's back up would get them nowhere.

Still, the ability for a witch to hold a grudge seemed undiminished here. Perhaps if they met face to face, their hostility might fade away, but that seemed a faint hope. If not, well, Penny had no wish to be present at a magic-armed argument between two feuding witches. She might work on Emma's ill feeling, but it would take time. For now, she could change the topic. 'So, Tabitha lives in a lighthouse? How novel. Is she the official lighthouse keeper, then, or is it no longer in service? What do you know about it?' Penny inquired, deciding to approach the issue of Tabitha obliquely.

'That innkeep said Tabitha leaves the lighthouse for supplies. It shouldn't be too hard for us to arrange a chance encounter in the street or at the store, if we can learn her schedule. It will be harder for her to refuse, and no crawling back will be required.' she proposed for Emma's benefit. 'Furthermore, the streets must be neutral territory: having the public nearby should cool any warm welcome from Tabitha, and we won't have to contend with any defences in the lighthouse.'


OOC: Sorry, I was busy and worn out.

At least in Sherlock Holmes stories, "warm" was a term for a hostile for meetings or language.

Emma is surprised by Alice's sudden threat, and then her face sinks into the meanest scowl you've seen in some time from her. She's clearly furious with the woman but the public setting saves her from more of a reaction. Poor manners indeed. she sniffs in reply to Penny's words. Miss Dreadful here has a delightful way of making me forget we are enemies. You, however Miss Conner, always find ways to remind me with a vengeance. A lesson I'm not apt to forget if you keep waving that in my face. She then listens to the rest of Penny's plan with a stiff nod, pure anger shining in her eyes. The lighthouse has not been in use for some years. I doubt that's changed. As for your idea Miss Dreadful, that will be adequate to my liking. However, if you can't keep this upstart in line, I cannot promise my patience will last. I have been more than cooperative with the whole lot of you. I even helped save Mr. Shaw from that djinn if you recall. I've proven my intentions and have not once tried to escape, though I've had more opportunities to than you've realized. I think my cooperation should warrant at least a shred of respect. I assure you, you would not like it if I decided to be difficult. And don't you dare whip that thing out again you hear me!? she adds with a quiet snarl to Alice.

Alice smirked, ”Neither of you can take joke.” She grumbled a bit but kept her mouth shut otherwise.

Penny grew discomforted as she found herself caught once again between the feuding Alice and Emma. Did they really have to do this again? Oh, to be hunting alone again, or with one steadfast and dependable man like Ian at her side. 'A drawn gun is hardly a joke, Alice.' she chided, wondering at the American obsession with firearms. 'I think we should speak privately later.' It wouldn't do to argue and potentially shame her in front of Emma, and risk escalating the feud and picking a side. Perhaps she could better cool Alice's mood when they were apart.

Looking to Emma, she attempted to placate her. 'And yes, you've been very helpful and reliable, Emma, and I am grateful, even if I am not always able to express it while I dwell on the case. For saving Ian, I have forgiven you for the spells cast on me in our fight.'

'Now, let us enjoy this delightful chocolate cake.'

At Alice's remark, Emma looks exasperated, perhaps even more livid at this comment then the rest of it. It is hard not to laugh at the facial expression she makes.

Penny's words do help though, but when she mentions the spells the woman had cast she blinks in surprise. Oh! You know I'd nearly forgotten about that! It seems so long ago. Hm. Well, glad that no permanent harm was done considering our present circumstances. I suppose we'll just be even and forget the whole thing. She can't quite bring herself to apologize but you can tell she's feeling awkward about it. It's quite a subdual from her previous mood as she finishes her chocolate cake. Ian just watches, eating and trying to avoid any and all notice, not eager to make things worse.

Fortunately as dinner winds to a close, things are fairly calm by the end and eventually Emma brings up the matter at hand as coffee and tea are brought for those who wish it.

I suppose you are right about finding out her schedule. I'll pop over to the innkeep and make inquiries. He knows my history with her, he won't be surprised I'm asking. She sighs, standing up and brushing the crumbs off her lap. She soon does just that and returns a few minutes later. We're in luck! She is expected at market tomorrow. The real question is what role are you all going to play? She may wish to help us or she may have darker schemes, I have no way of knowing. The truth is risky but it could be worth taking.

Penny sipped at her tea at she contemplated the matter of meeting Tabitha. Not knowing how she would take to Emma Bently after all these years made it something of a sticky wicket. 'Indeed. Perhaps Alice, Ian, and I should introduce ourselves to Tabitha first. We can be discreet, observe her current situation and mood, and carefully broach the matter of our connection to you. If she seems amenable, we can arrange a meeting. Would this work for you?' she turned back to Emma.

Alice just listened. She knew the only way to avoid a fight was her way but they seemed set

Extremely tolerable! Emma brightens. It would seem she half expected you to make her crawl on her belly after all and relief floods her face. Alright, some suggestions. Don't be overly plucky. She hates that. She likes decorum and propriety. She was born a snob you know, I'm sure it hasn't rubbed off her yet. If you try to be too conniving she'll see right through you. She's sharp. She always had a weakness for handsome men, so Mr. Shaw could be an asset here. He blinks at this and a roguish grin spreads from ear to ear. Oh don't get airs boy she rolls her eyes. Tabitha wouldn't know what to do with you anyway. She's always been a horror at the opposite sex, but she's always been susceptible to such people and it may keep her off her guard enough to make her agreeable. Just don't overdo it. Keep your flirting minimal, she's not stupid and she'll know if you're trying to butter her up. In the meantime, any other questions you have for me?

ooc: Let me know your plans for the rest of that night and any other questions you have.

Alice shook her head. "I think what Emma is getting at here is better to leave Alice out of this. I don't mind being lookout."

'An admirable suggestion.' Penny said of Alice's roundabout proposal. 'There are other witches of this coven in town of whom we must beware, and they might interfere... Emma, what can you tell us of the others, just so we can be forewarned if they do appear?'


OOC: I don't have any particular plans, bar the usual security precautions at the hotel (devil's traps and such).

Well, the other women are...interesting. I always fancied myself the leader so who knows who has taken the reins now, if anyone even has. There was Magda Petrovich, her parents were immigrants from Russia. She was a bit boring to be honest. More of a bookworm and history nut than a witch. She was always stubborn though. If she wasn't interested in something nothing in the world could change that but she could be coerced with bribes and such. Then there's Sandrine Nichols. She was very full of herself. Went through men like water too, but she was clever. She liked to pit people against each other for sport, see how much she could manipulate them. She liked being in control of things but never could handle the responsibility that came with leadership. Mostly she was a conniving backstabbing little slut. The last of us was Rebecca Smith. She was never as talented as I, but she wasn't far off and we both knew it. She wanted the be the leader, and now that I'm gone she probably is. She's the coldest, most ruthless, unfeeling thing you'll ever lay eyes on. If I hadn't been as strong as I was, I think she would have done more to take me down. She has the most reason to hate me. Other than Tabitha of course. she adds.

Listening to her descriptions of the witches, Penny found herself almost relieved that Emma Bently should be the one she'd had to deal with, first in opposition and then in alliance. If one of the other witches had come out on top, say Ms Nichols or Ms Smith, one more ruthless, more manipulative, more selfish, she might not be aiding them now, might not even have fallen out of Belial's favour. Penny could only hope the coven had broken up and dispersed, and wouldn't be an issue here. But things rarely went swimmingly, did they? 'Indeed.' Penny agreed thoughtfully, deep in her contemplations.

Sipping from her cup, Penny found she'd almost finished her tea, and looked around the table. 'I believe that will do us for one night. Does anyone have anything else to discuss, or shall we retire for the evening?'

Alice shook her head. She was ready to get this over with.

The evening passes quietly enough. Emma knits, her face tense as she's likely worried about what the next day holds. Ian retires to his room with a steady cheerfulness, something he's doing better at these days. You're not sure if it's an act or if he's really improving, but either way it's better than watching him brood.

The next morning you all eat a hasty breakfast and are soon on your way, scoping out the marketplace which seems to be buzzing already. There are flower girls and peddlers, bakers and fruit stands, even hand crafted jewelry and tools. Above all though there's fish. Lots of fish. Ian makes a face. Now, she tends to get her groceries filled every week. Most patrons have standing orders for her and they'll be getting them ready now. She does like pretty things though so she's known to browse the jewelry and flower stands. Decide where you want to bump into her and I'll make myself scarce Emma declares, already looking around nervously and making good on her words as soon as you're done with her.

Indeed it doesn't take long for Tabitha to show. Emma's given you a likely description and before long a sour faced middle aged woman with a frizz of poorly tamed brown hair scowls at the sunny street around her. She's thin and hard looking and most folk avoid her gaze as she meanders towards the fruit stand.

ooc: Alice, if you're going to be lookout be sure to have a general spot check at the ready. Penny, you may want to do the same with diplomacy or bluff, whatever the case may be.

Alice will find a place within her rifle’s range and take up an over watch. She will prefer to be high and hidden if possible.

'We would be obviously visitors here in Maine, and thus staying at a hotel or with friends, so we're unlikely to be buying our own groceries. Especially fish.' Penny had reasoned to Emma, applying the sort of logical deduction she would apply to a suspect to fix her own ruse. 'We'll meet her near the jewellery and flower stalls.'

So Penny lingered there, idly inspecting the pretty things with Ian in tow like a patient suitor. She'd never quite managed to see the appeal in such trinkets herself, unless they granted some supernatural warding. Or were spoons. But the greatest part of her attention was on the woman who fitted Tabitha's description. While Tabitha was distracted looking at fruit, Penny scrutinised her, trying to learn what she could about before they met, untainted by Emma's recollections and recriminations. On the face of it, she was a bitter and ill-tempered old spinster, but what did that hide?


OOC: Trying to get a good look at her first.
19:51, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23,23,13 using d20+17,d20+8,d20+9. Sherlock Scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Penny can tell a few things from looking at her. First, she's definitely grumpy looking but there is a wariness and slight uncertainty to her movements that betrays more than mere temper. She's uncomfortable out in the world. You feel like this is probably the extent of her socialization, such as it is. She seems eager to get her business done, handing the vendors a list to make her purchases that much quicker and decrease interaction. The fact that she likes trinkets though, and to look at such pretty things belies her love of beauty, great enough to make her linger out in the world of people, where she clearly doesn't want to be. Perhaps it's leftover from her days of wealth growing up. Her attire is also expensive and up to date, despite the haggardness of the rest of her. Yes, perhaps pretty things are all she truly has now.

It doesn't take long for her purchases to be complete and she does indeed wander to the trinkets with the slightest of smiles on her lips.


Alice: You do find a rooftop nearby that has easy access. No one seems to notice you at the moment. You can easily keep an eye on Emma, who is still a ways off watching events herself, and also Penny and Ian.

Discreetly observing Tabitha as she approached, Penny recalled all that Emma had told them about her, and assembled it into a carefully calibrated approach. No tricks that would irritate her, a discreet and polite introductio Or so she hoped. She murmured to Ian, 'Here she is, let's go introduce ourselves with a little conversation. Follow my lead, and be charming. And find me something... pretty.'

With Ian in tow like a patient suitor following his intended around a jewellery story, and not unreasonably, Penny began browsing through the jewellery stands, intending to bump into Tabitha as Ian found her something, and thus strike up a conversation.

Alice keeps her watch on her comrades splitting her attention as best she can.

I'm always charming aren't I? Ian returns with a wink, and soon he slips into his role with his usual ease, immediately playing the part of a dutiful suitor. It doesn't take long for Tabitha to make her way over to the jewelry stand, the faintest of smiles on her lips as she examines the wares. Ian takes out a particularly gaudy piece and dangles it in front of you, near enough for her to see, a wide grin across his handsome face. What about this one? It's got some nice flash to it eh? Am I right Miss? he gestures to the nearby Tabitha. That seems pretty don't you think? She blinks in surprise at his sudden attention, but the man makes it feel completely natural and she doesn't seem to suspect him. If anything, she looks flattered that he called her Miss, but then Emma did say she had a soft spot for handsome men. Uh...I tend to prefer something more...understated she mumbles, slightly flustered. It's the most pleasant you've seen her expression so far. He looks at the piece, then back at Tabitha and frowns. Hm. You may be right. Could be TOO flashy. Good thinkin. With that he turns back to the racks, a look of concentration on his face as though he's on the hunt for the perfect piece. He's clearly giving you a bit of space to work your way in.

Even Penny could tell the necklace was hideously overdone, and had a small sense of dread she might have to wear it. When Ian turned away from Tabitha, Penny took her chance and sidled close to her. 'Good morning, ma'am. Please forgive the interruption, but my friend offered to buy me a souvenir, and now I simply have to ensure he makes the right choice. You know men like him, I imagine.' she said with a wry smile, playing to Tabitha's interests and pride. 'I agree with you about that thing. You look to be a woman of taste, and doubtless know the area. Can you recommend something that really speaks of Portland and Maine?'

Tabitha looks a bit startled at being addressed with such friendliness. You have a feeling that her prickly nature tends to be returned to her, and she's almost unsure how to answer. She settles on pleased that someone would trust her taste and she gestures to the stand with an expert hand. This stand is actually comprised of several artists, many who sell throughout the east coast so I would suggest selecting one from a local artist. Hemms, Litner or Monroe. All are good but I like Hemms the best. He's very tasteful in his designs and they won't go out of fashion. Here, she points to a particular rack. These are Hemms. They are on the more...expensive side, but you look like that isn't a problem for you. You're lucky to have found a friend so eager to give you gifts Miss...? she arches an expectant eyebrow. Her manners are well bred and though you've seen her a grump all throughout her shopping, her good breeding is obviously kicking in.

'Dreadful.' Penny completed. 'I know – it's a terrible name, isn't it?' she added, with a merry grin at her small jest. She'd taken a risk giving her Hunter's nom de guerre, she knew, but Emma had advised it better to be deceitful with Tabitha. Rather than spin lies she'd see through, and later have to explain away when they got down to business, Penny decided to be upfront with her. If Tabitha already knew the name, then Penny might learn what threat awaited them in Maine. 'Penelope Dreadful, that is, pleased to meet you, madam.'

She arches a brow at your words. Yes, that certainly is a unique name Miss. Dreadful. Mine is less...entertaining. I am Tabitha Sinclair. What, pray tell, brings you and your gentleman friend so far north? The polite question is a bit awkwardly executed. It's as if she's drawing on her upbringing to find the right words and when she does they are stiff and insincere sounding. You have a feeling she wouldn't have bothered saying them at all if it weren't for the fact you're nearly positive she recognizes your name. The way her muscles stiffened ever so slightly, the polite mask barely slipping from her face only to be put back that much more firmly. Yes. She knows who you are.

Indeed she did, but how? Unfortunately, Tabitha was far too reserved to let slip how she recognised her name or why she had this reaction, but Penny would proceed more carefully from now on. Mindful of how Emma had warned not to be too plucky or conniving, Penny quickly abandoned the pretence that this was a chance encounter. 'Ah, there I must admit to a slight deception, madam – we came to Portland looking for you, in fact, or one of your associates, but you were recommended as most talented, honourable, and reliable. We wish to consult on some matters regarding the craft.' She meant 'witchcraft', of course, but felt it unseemly to discuss in the street.

Tabitha is quite surprised by your bluntness and, good breeding or not, she is unable to return the society face to her expression. Not. Here. she says stiffly, looking completely unsure what to do with this information. I've heard of you too Miss Dreadful. I'm surprised you have the gall to approach someone like me. But I'm nothing if not curious. Meet me at my lighthouse in an hour. Any local can give you directions if you need them. If I don't like what you have to say....reputation or not, I'm not afraid of you and your pretty escort. So don't think to try anything.

With that she sweeps past, making her way quickly to her carriage without a backward glance but there is a tenseness to her walk that belies her nerves.

Should you let her continue on her way, a few moments later Emma gestures from around the corner for you to join her, demanding to know how it went.

Alice: You see the carriage start to move away from the city center and your friends start to gather again. Seems like trouble is averted for the moment.

Relieved Alice returned to her friends.

Unfortunately, Tabitha didn't give Penny a chance to respond before she stalked away, only to watch her leave. 'Did you hear that, Ian? She thinks you're pretty.' she remarked flippantly as she watched Tabitha walk away and climb into her carriage, always seeking more clues.

Then, very soon, Penny and Ian were back with Alice and Emma. 'I tried for openness and honesty, but fear I may have come on too strongly. Her reaction was distinctly frosty. However, I expect there was no way that encounter could have gone completely well. Regardless, we have a meeting in her lighthouse in one hour. I would've preferred neutral territory like a tea-house or restaurant, but it will have to do.'

Alice gave a remark aimed at Emma but not directly, "There is one way, but pride goeth before the fall. So we're meeting on her turf, how do you want to play it? Should Emma and I wait back or join in force? Either is fine with me."

'At this stage, Emma's presence would only agitate Tabitha.' Penny warned. 'We must broach the issue of her involvement exceedingly carefully... As for you, Alice, you may come if if you think it best, but I fear introducing a third person make her suspicious, and I would appreciate having you as back-up outside.' An unspoken reason for was having Alice keep an eye on Emma, while one against was leaving Alice and Emma alone together. Penny wished Kate was still here; not only would they had more of a chance to get to know one another, but a fifth member of this team would serve to balance things nicely. 'Which do you wish?''

ooc: Alice, let us know which you choose at your nearest convenience and then you can post accordingly. Also let me know if you have any preparations to make since you have an hour beforehand. Feel free to finish up the conversation too before moving on.

IC:

Ian laughs at Penny's 'pretty' comment. Well she's not wrong is she? he winks.

Once you've rejoined the others, Emma listens with a frown. Well this is good news and bad. She must still be somewhat involved in matters if she's heard of you. That means she's either still on speaking terms with the coven or has contacts of her own. She can't be too much of a hermit if she's still getting news. That's good. If she spent the last two decades painting pots or stitching embroidery we'd have no need of her. That said, if she knows who you are she has opinions about it. This could well be a trap you know. But I always was the stronger of us. I'll be just outside if you need help. She may be just curious enough to hear you out.

An hour later you find yourselves outside the lighthouse. There are plenty of trees and shrubbery to hide behind, even in the early afternoon sun, however once they are inside your usefulness will be limited. Emma informs you she has ways of listening in though, and that makes you feel better considering you have no idea how prepared Tabitha really is for you. Should you knock, Tabitha answers the door herself, showing you in with caution and yet maintaining her good breeding.

ooc: I'll need a hide check from Alice if she's going to stay outside with Emma. Feel free to lead the conversation Penny, once you're ready.

Alice indicated she would stay with a Emma.

Hide = 12
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Tue 13 Nov 2018.

So, Emma admitted she had "ways" of listening in on their conversation. Now what, exactly, had she also been listening in on? The possibility that Emma Bently may have been eavesdropping on their every conversation since the start chilled Penny to the marrow. She couldn't recall saying anything particularly against the witch in private or in confidence, but couldn't be so sure about the others. No matter, she'd just have to let it slide for now.

With Ian at her side, she went to the door and knocked, and exchanged polite greetings and pleasantries. 'Good morning again, and thank you very much for letting us meet you. I must say, what splendid weather this is.'

Tabitha smirks in amusement in spite of herself as she lets you in and shuts the door. The little lighthouse is surprisingly nice inside. The ground floor has been made into a parlor of sorts with plush furnishings and expensive rugs. The spiral staircase winds up to more intriguing places that you'll simply have to forgo for the time being. But you're certain you see ornamental chimes and tapestries hanging about that are most definitely not from around here.

I thought of preparing tea to offer you, Brit that you are, but we both know you probably wouldn't accept it, nor should you under the circumstances Miss. Dreadful. I've heard a great deal of you and the men of letters. I'm not really in the game these days, but my old companions have plenty of orders regarding what they should do with you. Tell me, why should I not turn you over to them myself? You must know who and what I am. She arches a brow and crosses her ankles neatly. Ian laughs at her words, the sound echoing in the high towered ceiling. To the point. Good. Never know when you society folk are gonna jaw for years. Nice place you have here too. Looks like you've left more than your old companions behind I'd say. Don't like people do you? he arches a fine brow. You know him just well enough to recognize he's underplaying his usually blatant charm. This, naturally, just makes him more charming.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:23, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

Ian's timely chatter was part of the reason they worked so well together. It gave Penny plenty of time to take in the parlour and consider Tabitha's words and her own response. First, she could excuse the attempted intimidation as simply the etiquette of this kind of meeting. Second, the parlour confirmed Tabitha was the kind of person to live comfortably, but alone. 'I do know who and what you are, and I believe you are a woman of honour. I trust you will deal with us fairly. By the same token, I will inform you we have allies waiting outside, if anything were to go awry.' Penny explained, adopting an honest and respectful approach, as Emma had said Tabitha preferred proper behaviour. 'I am a detective, not a hunter. If there is no crime, I have no concern. Your craft does not disturb me; rather, it is on that which I wish to consult you.'
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

Alice breathed relief as hey went unnoticed. She gave a thumbs up to Emma and whispered, ”You found a wonderful hiding place. You are turning out to be very useful.”

Tabitha looks intrigued, settling back a bit more comfortably, though you can tell she's still wary nonetheless. Considering my general allegiance is to Hecate, I'm surprised you trust me enough to ask for my help. The names of you and your companions have been spread far and wide, even in my poky little lighthouse. That said, the general orders are to keep you alive for the time being, so that is in your favor. Besides, I am admittedly more interested in my own pursuits than getting embroiled in current affairs. It's a real mess out there. Don't expect me to go out of my way for you though. I don't do that for anyone. Not anymore. Now, tell me what it is you want and why on earth I should give it to you?

Alice: Emma looks surprised and warily pleased at the compliment. Well so far she's being agreeable it sounds like. Tabitha has always been a grump but she's a curious one.

Alison listened but could not hear, ”You can hear them? Damn I thought I had ears like wolf.”
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Thu 22 Nov 2018.

She wished Tabitha had offered tea; Penny would've accepted just for the sake of politeness, and it always felt right to sip tea during negotiations such as these. It provided useful opportunities to pause and consider one's words more carefully. The orders, no doubt from Hecate, that she should not be killed confirmed what Belial himself had said, and show nothing had changed on that front. Unfortunately, it meant he still had designs upon her.

'Since I myself am the one and only worshipper of Domnu of the Dark Earth – she's underground, you might not have heard of her – I can hardly fault anyone for following Hecate. Glass houses and all that. My conflict is with Prince Belial and his minions. I have no wish to add those of Hecate... However, I would note that her alliance with the demons is quite ill-advised. Prince Belial is a deceiver, and will not willingly share power with the Witch Queen. I heard this from a former agent of his. If he succeeds, you may find yourself beholden to Belial and his foul demands, not to your own pursuits.' Penny was holding back on mentioning the Seal of Solomon, not wanting to give her aim too soon, wanting instead to ensure Tabitha would aid them first.

Tabitha listens, a bit surprised at your mention of Domnu. She's clearly heard of her. Ian looks all the more surprised though. He clearly has not.

Admittedly there are many of us who question Hecate's decision to throw her lot in with Belial. Some of us suspect she has her own designs for him. Others fear she's fallen in love with him. There's no real way to be certain, she doesn't see fit to communicate with her followers. She merely expects obedience. Most of us trust her and I'm inclined to myself but then...it's men that I do not trust. Especially you pretty ones, she adds with a nod to Ian who breaks into a wide grin. I'm as trustworthy as a vicar! It's not my fault God gave me a decent face and a chest of granite! I'm not about to complain though. He laughs. Tabitha looks amused and allows herself a small smile, obviously charmed. Now, you've told me your concerns. They are nothing I've not heard before or pondered on already. What do you want? She turns squarely back to Penny for this.

Alice: Emma opens her mouth to comment, frowns, then closes it again, determining it's best not to speak. She listens once more, concentrating and for a long while all is still. Then, for lack of anything better to do, you glance about. You see the carriage before you hear it. It's far enough away that you don't think it has seen you, but it's clearly approaching the lighthouse. This is not good.

Alice nudged Emma, and motioned for her to follow, ”We got company coming.”

'Pretty men have their uses, when they're obedient.' Penny remarked with a mischievous look toward Ian.

But she got to the point. 'The Seal of Solomon.' she answered directly, yet remained coy about Emma Bently being the source, for fearing of raising Tabitha's ire before she got any information out of her. But that question would inevitably be asked. 'A former colleague of yours mentioned to me that your cabal was studying the Seal, and expected you might have a solid lead to it now. At least, we hoped to consult you for your expertise. We believe the Seal might help us... rein in Belial.'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Wed 28 Nov 2018.

As soon as the words are out of your mouth, Tabitha's eyes narrow. I hope you're not referring to Emma. she scowls. Most of the community knows the bridges she's burned. She's very good at that sort of thing. There's a price on her head you know. I'm not surprised about it either. She always was infuriating. The scowl deepens. As for the seal, the rest of my former coven is still searching for it. They even pester me about it from time to time. But I send them on their way. I may, or may not have run across some snippet about it here or there, but you've yet to give me a good enough reason to help you. Especially if you are mingling with my old rival. she arches a brow, waiting for you to admit as much.

Alice:
Emma scowls, muttering to herself, clearly concentrating on hearing inside. Oh this isn't good. She knows I'm back. Blast! She then turns in surprise. Finally hearing you. Now who could that be...? she frowns, taking care to hide all the better. In all likelihood it's just someone delivering apples or something, but that's an awfully fine carriage...I don't like this. Should we get them out or take our chances? she shrugs helplessly. Meanwhile the carriage grows ever closer.

Alice thought  for a moment, ”I could try and hey jack the carriage, you know pretend to rob em?”

Blast, the cabal had found nothing on the Seal, though Tabitha was teasing her with some snippets of lore that might or might not bear fruit. If not, this entire journey and exposing their presence and plans to the Portland cabal had been a waste. If she was to get anything, she needed to resolve this ridiculous feud now. 'I am well aware there is a price on Emma Bently's head.' she began slowly, too aware that she was pushing an angry witch and had no idea what her reaction would be. 'Belial had it cut off and delivered to me in a hatbox.'  Penny desperately hoped there was still love between them, that this sad news would be just the thing to clear the animosity between them. Before she revealed she was still alive, of course.

Penny: Tabitha's eyes widen slightly at your words, but only slightly. A hatbox eh? Well...that's tidy at least. Hm. Her words are light and flippant but you notice her hands clench her skirts fiercely and she sits so stiff and tense that you firmly believe she's a great deal more affected then she'd like you to realize. Any idea where the rest of her is? She asks the question as though she were asking the price of a new pair of gloves. Still, you see past her tone. Ian, however, for all his reading of females, misses the signs. Weren't you two friends? Don't you care at all? Are all this witches this heartless? There's a woman in you somewhere isn't there? He looks genuinely disappointed in her and this seems to shake her. Why should I care for what happens to her? she snaps, looking shocked at his words and trying to recover. She's the one who left ME! She abandoned me to this place. She knew I couldn't leave but she called me a coward, gutless. Friend? How are those the words of a friend!? Why should I shed a tear over someone like that!? She's standing now, face contorted with fury. She turns her rage to you then. And if YOU knew of our supposed friendship, how could you tell me like that? A hatbox? That's how you tell me?! How dare you. Both of you!

Alice: Emma looks stricken at your suggestion. You do like to jump the gun don't you?! she gasps. Though it may come to that. Perhaps you could go try to delay them at least. Ask for directions or say your hurt your leg or something. If it's just a delivery person then well and good, let them make their delivery. If it looks like anyone else though... well I leave it to your discretion to delay them how you see fit. I'll watch from here and make sure you're alright. ooc: If you decide to go that route be sure to make the appropriate bluff or intimidate rolls...

Alice nodded and ran out to intercept the carriage. She runs at it waving her arms, ”Bandits! In th woods. They have Tabitha, you must go after them! Please you must hurry...”

Bluff roll = 21
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

Having planned for a response much like this, Penny maintained her cool composure, waiting a few breaths before answering. 'Because, Ms Sinclair, I needed to gauge your true feelings for your old friend. Would you be callous and spiteful, or forgiving and grief-stricken? And I suspect that, beneath your bluster and cynicism, you do still care greatly for Emma, just as she still cares for you, though you are both too proud to admit it and cast aside this dusty old argument.' Penny had adopted, not so much a dominant role in the conversation, but a firm and leading one. From what Emma had described, and what she'd observed, Tabitha was stubborn yet passive, and thus might be led easily once she'd been given a sufficient push, just as Emma must have once done. If Penny had had the time, she might have formulated it in terms of Newton's principle of inertia. She realised the same applied to Emma herself, and hoped she was still listening; this would be easier now she couldn't argue back. 'Now, won't you please sit and let me tell you what happened to your friend?'

Penny: She looks angry at your words but at least the heat of her temper has started to cool. She betrayed me. I should be happy she's dead! But....even our falling out cannot completely erase years of friendship. We were close as sisters once... she finally heaves a sigh and sits, hands folded in her lap but the fingers still are clenched tightly. I'm so angry at her! All these years, wasted! I knew her ambition would do her in! I told her so! Arrrrg. I could rant away all day. Tell me what happened so I can be rid of you. I'm in no mood for company now.

Alice: The carriage slides to a halt, the driver looking most annoyed until he hears your words. The inhabitants apparently have heard you too, one woman in particular leaning out the window. She looks to be about Emma's age, with a well preserved beauty in spite of her years. Tabitha? Bandits you say? She looks more irritated at the interruption than concerned for the woman. Anthony, take Deacon and go. We'll wait here she instructs the driver who jumps down with a nod and starts heading towards the woods. Another man exits the carriage and runs off after him, leaving you alone with the woman, who regards you coolly. Well aren't you a pretty young thing she muses, looking displeased about that for some reason. Now, tell me exactly what happened and when. And how do you know Tabitha? She mostly fraternizes with food vendors or jewelers. You don't look like either. You get the feeling she believes your story, but she clearly has questions. Glancing about, Emma is still hidden from view. Hopefully if things get hairy she'll help you. There's something about this woman that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Alice decided to be as honest as possible. ”I’m Alice. We came here...about an hour ago? I’m not sure. I was hired to guard some people Tabitha wanted to meet. I was watching from outside when the bandits came, no more than a few minutes ago. One of them got the drop on me,” here she rubs the back of her head, implying she was conked back there, “when I came too I saw them dragging her kicking and screaming. I tried to give chase but, I guess I was dizzy and just fell down again. Then I heard your carriage and ran out here hoping for help, and thank GOD I found you.”

The best lies are the ones that are mostly truth.

Penny waited for Tabitha to sit and calm before she went on. 'Your lives simply moved in different directions, that is all, and such a split can be most painful. Neither of you should mistake this pain as being deliberately inflicted. Merely a product of life.' she told her gently, hoping to nudge them toward burying the hatchet. 'Believe me, Tabitha, I do know. Someone very close and dear to me recently came into my life, then suddenly was forced to leave again. It still hurts.' She sidelong to Ian; she was referring to Kate, of course, but her words could apply to either of them, given recent events.

'And you will tell me what you know of the Seal of Solomon before we depart?' she dared to bargain.

Penny: Tabitha seems to soften a bit, though there is still flint in her eyes. Ian gives you a look in return, a grim nod of acknowledgement at your words. He seems to recognize them for Kate's departure rather than his own, or he's good at hiding his reaction. At your request, Tabitha gives a thoughtful frown. If I'm going to tell you anything, and I'm still not sure I'm going to do that, it should not be here. Some of my old coven were supposed to stop by today, no doubt to ask the same thing. They usually do, but my knowledge is my own and I do not admit to it freely. And squarely on the fence as I am, I'm not about to pick a side so easily. I want protection. I'm not going to deliver our upper hand to the enemy without some form of assurances. If they could take down Emma, I would be easy for them. Besides that, I have another price. I want to leave. Somewhere no one can track me. I'm sick of being thrust in the middle of things just because neither side knows how to study properly. It's always us studious type who must be hounded by the desperate and lazy.

Alice: The woman looks startled at your words, her eyes narrowing in suspicion and concern, though it is not directed at you. What people? Who would she have need of meeting with and where are they now? I must know at once! Clearly she doesn't like the idea of Tabitha meeting with people she doesn't know. She stiffens suddenly, realizing she's reacted more than she meant to and she visibly calms. Forgive me, but...we're a bit wary of strangers round these parts. Especially with Tabitha. She's vulnerable see, a bit touched in the head from being alone too much. We've been trying to get her to leave her little lighthouse for years now. Too isolated, she's better off with friends. Clearly I was right to fear for her. I only hope we can get her back safely. Would you like to join the search with us? The more eyes the better? she's the epitome of polite worry now.

Alice rubbed her head. She answers as vaguely as possible, ”Foriegners, French maybe. They sound funny when they speak. It had something to do with jewelry...picking an engagement gift.” At that she got a worried look, ”I really should go check on my own people. Make sure they ain’t...you know...” She slashed across her throat.

She made her way back, careful to walk a little drunk in case she is observed. <small>”Emma if you are listening I’ve bought us a little time, but it won’t hold up long.”

The coven were coming here, today? Dash it all, why did Tabitha have to go and double-book herself> Penny suppressed outward signs of her alarm, but grew tense instead. Tabitha had gone from wanting nothing from them to wanting a lot, something Penny had to admit to herself they could not possibly provide. The Men of Letters had hardly been able to protect and hide themselves recently, and surely not honestly promise it to another. In any case, their services were not Penny's to give. First, she would keep her talking, try to learn more. 'Indeed. But I understood that this lighthouse, Portland, and Maine were your dear home. And quite splendid they are, too. I imagine you've made this lighthouse a veritable fortress of physical and magical defences. You would not leave them for Emma, you would not leave them all these years. Surely you would not leave over this trifle?'
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 20 Dec 2018.

Penny: If I help you, my little 'sanctuary' won't do me any good. I do have certain protections in place, but anything can be broken down one way or another. If Belial or his followers find out I even gave you a scrap of help, the things they would do to me....Even Hecate herself would punish me, no matter that I do it to help her! She's blinded I fear...No. It's not safe for me here. Unless I capture you myself, I cannot stay here. Even letting you live would be enough to put a price on my head if anyone found out. Figure out how to help me or you get nothing. she crosses her arms. Ian frowns at this, finally commenting. Well...I'd have to clear it with headquarters, but there may be something we could work out. Of course getting you back in one piece is a trick too, and you might not like some of the people you'd have to deal with... Well you'll have to figure that all out. It's either that or I kill you both. I really have no other options.

Alice: You can feel the woman's suspicious eyes on you, as though wondering if she should let you go. Your lies must have been convincing enough though for she directs the carriage down the path towards the wood, though she looks back often until finally disappearing from sight. Emma nods at your words. We're lucky. If she'd seen me this would have all gone to hell. We have no time to waste. Knock on the door, barge in if you can, and get those two out of there! We can try again when it's safer but we have to leave. Now! ooc: If you try the door you do find you can enter so feel free to do so and address Penny.

Alice just barged right in, ”LEAVE NOW! Don’t argue, leave.”

Penny was pondering whether to make the deal or interrogate Tabitha further, when suddenly Alice burst in, interrupting everything. She jumped to her feet, exclaiming 'What in the world—?' She looked warily to Tabitha, fearing betrayal, but saw no sign of hostility there, only as much alarm as she no doubt displayed herself.

'Miss Sinclair, my apologies, but it seems we must excuse ourselves. Perhaps we can continue this later?' she began, scooping up her hat.

They're here aren't they? she asks knowingly to Alice. Without waiting for an answer she frantically ushers you out. They'll kill us all I tell you! Did they see you? Go! Go! She's literally pushing Ian out the door.
We'll meet later. At the tea house, there's only one in town. This evening if I can. Now go!

Should you do so you rush out to find Emma, still hidden and gesturing for you to follow her to a path down to the beach. We've got to go. The coven is here! Down, down to the beach, now! She lifts her skirts and scurries down the bank like a plump mother hen, clucking at you to follow.

It's quite a jaunt back to town and it's irritating to have to walk in the burdensome sand. It's tiring and gets everywhere but she insists the main roads are too dangerous. Well, what happened? she demands as she huffs along. Is she still angry at me?

Penny hastened out of the lighthouse after Ian and Alice, regretting that their meeting was cut so short and in such tense conditions. But at least she wasn't forced to make a deal with Tabitha on the spot, and Tabitha's desperation to get them out of the way, unseen by the other witches, showed she had no intention of slaying them. But informing the coven and betraying them later, while preserving her own safety, was still very much on the table.

She slogged through the sand with little complaint, being used to the mud and bogs of Dartmoor. She was more amazed that the beach was sand, not the small pebbles that covered most of Britain's beaches.

She was about to answer Emma and tell her what happened, when she recalled Emma's plan to eavesdrop earlier, and changed course. 'I thought you said you "have ways of listening in" – I presume with clairaudience or some such. Surely you heard what passed between us?' It was a discreet test, to determine the extent of Emma's power and to see if she could spin a different tale for her.

As they left Alice just moved, herding her friends out as fast as possible. Once far enough away she was relieved. “My ruse won’t work twice. Now they know my face as well...witches,” she stopped herself before cursing them all, for Emma’s sake.

Emma listens to Penny with impatience. I WAS listening. I heard a great deal of your conversation, but when the carriage came by I had to stop. Witches who are advanced enough can sense when someone is nearby using their power. It's difficult to hide, though of course it can be done, but I didn't want to risk failing just to listen in a little more. I had to be ready to keep them at bay. We're all just lucky that Alice here is so good at deceit. It won't take long I'm sure before they realize she lied. Tabitha may be in trouble if she's not quick enough with her tongue she sighs. Perhaps it would be better not to venture too far. But if she's not in trouble we may place her in it if we're spotted. What a mess.

Alice shrugged...”Honestly, one more dead witch isn’t really a bad thing.”

'That isn't helpful, Alice.' Penny chided her as she considered the situation and how to answer Emma.

'Tabitha arranged a new meeting at the tea house this evening. We might continue our negotiations then, provided Tabitha has not given us up to her fellows or they've not pressured her.' she informed the others. 'She is willing to tell us what she knows, but only on the condition the Men of Letters provide protection and hide her away against whatever backlash she might receive. However, we were yet to settle a deal before we were interrupted by the arrival of the other witches.'

With alarm, she recalled the likely reason the other witches had come. 'Oh! Tabitha expected the other witches had come to ask about Solomon's Seal or Key. Emma, do you still have the power to eavesdrop on their conversation?' she asked the witch urgently. It could provide some knowledge or forewarning.

Emma arches a brow at Alice's comment but decides against starting an argument. Instead she goes back to Penny's words and as they finish, gives a thoughtful frown. Well, I could try. I'm perfectly capable but we'd have to double back. Get a little closer. The problem is how well I can concentrate and how wary they are. If they're really on edge about another witch spying on them, they'll be hard to get through. Still, they have no reason to think I'm alive yet. It could be worth the risk...

'Yes, it could be...' Penny agreed, knowing whatever information they gleaned could either aid their quest or give them forewarning about the witches, but also realising they were only half the team. 'Alice, you saw them – do you think it worthwhile? And Ian, what do you say?'

Alice shrugged. "I really think they'll kill her."

Hearing Alice's words, Emma pales but doesn't look surprised. You know I fear you're right. If Tabitha can't lie convincingly enough they'll not be light with her, I know that much. It may be worth the risk. She's the only lead we've got.

At this Ian nods. Well there's your answer there Penny. Do we really have a choice? He sighs then. Witches. Why'd it have to be witches? They give me the willies. I heard they can make your teeth fall out. Just like a nightmare. Mean little curs. he mutters. Emma looks amused at this but turns to Penny expectantly.

ooc: Ok, if you guys decide to double back you'll have to approach the lighthouse within 100 yards or so for her eavesdropping to work. You'll want to roll hides please. Spots as well.

It seemed they were all in agreement. 'Very well, let us return to the lighthouse forthwith.' Penny declared decisively, turning around and beginning to hurry back. She made sure to keep to places of concealment and look ahead for the witches' watchers.


OOC: Hide 22, Spot 23

When you return to the lighthouse you see the carriage is still there, but it appears to be empty save the driver, everyone else inside with Tabitha apparently. Emma looks relieved, taking it as a sign Tabitha is alive for the moment. Penny finds a particularly good hiding place but Alice is having more difficulty. Fortunately the driver is engrossed in kicking about a rock, clearly bored as he waits for his masters.

Alright, they're questioning her it sounds like... Emma frowns, concentrating hard. They don't seem to believe something she said. She sounds nervous. Oh Tabitha always was a bad liar! She looks worried for her friend. They're asking about the seal. Seems like they do that a lot. Hm.... she is quiet again, listening. Then she swears savagely. They've sensed me! Run you fools! Run!

Right then the driver's head whips around to look for you, as though alerted telepathically. The door to the tower bursts open and a handful of people start rushing out.

ooc: You can either try to run and roll a dexterity check to see how fast and balanced you are in the brush and sand, or you can stay and fight. Either way please roll a fort save.

In her place of concealment, Penny was torn on whether to run, keep hiding, or to fight. To surprise this cabal of witches who stood against them was surely an opportunity they should not pass up. Yet she had not even a suspicion of their villainy and she would not be so gauche as to draw first blood, especially on Tabitha Sinclair's doorstep while she was trying to negotiate information from her. She could hide, but she would not withstand a concentrated search.

Penny rose and dashed away as swiftly as she could, though perhaps more swiftly than she should on such loose sand and brush.


OOC: Fortitude 22, Dexterity 13

Alice ran to the lighthouse rather than away.

Everything is a mess. Fortunately whatever the witch tried to do to you failed, though you could feel your bodies stiffen and freeze for a moment, as they clearly had tried to hold you in place. Then Penny was headed down the dune, stumbling and nearly falling in her haste. Emma joins you, albeit slower, looking back in concern. I'm not especially worried about the nit's fate, but Alice has elected to stay and fight it seems... she pants. You also see Ian at the top of the hill, looking back at you and then at the lighthouse where Alice has apparently gone, and then with a visual look of frustration he goes tearing off after her.

ooc: It will take you a round to get back up but you should be able to see what's happening minus about five seconds worth should you decide to rejoin them.

Alice: Whatever they tried to do isn't working luckily, and you're free to rush the lighthouse if you wish. There are two men and one woman, the trio from before of course. Tabitha seems to still be inside at the moment. The men start running towards you, the woman staying at a safe distance. Meanwhile you notice Ian right at your heels. You chose the aggressive tactic I see he grunts, whipping out his revolver. The pair of men divide, trying to get on either side of you.

ooc: They 'll be on you within a round. Feel free to shoot as you please in the meantime.

In a most unladylike fashion and amidst flapping skirts, Penny scrambled back to her feet in the sand. She looked around, and saw Ian make his choice. She could hardly fault him for his chivalry, but cursed their misfortune in being separated and her responsibility for this plan. 'And Ian too. Blast! We must go back; we might surprise the witches' men.' Penny produced her revolver and hastened back, looking for a defensive position.

Alice felt adrenaline touch her system. She could see exactly what she should do, and just before she got between the two men, she dropped and rolled, popping up on the other side she took two shots with her Winchester at the witch.

24, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 26 using 1d20+11.  Confirm Crit.
13:23, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  #2.
13:23, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 1d20+11.  Shoot the Witch #1.
13:21, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+10.  Tumble Between Dudes.

I got a confirmed CRIT! YES!
What do I do with the extra +12 damage from being a hunter, does that double too? If so I think I just killed her SWEET!

Alice is able to tumble through the men, firing her winchester at the woman who is so taken by surprise that she can do nothing as one of the shots catches her square in the chest. She gasps in shock, stumbling back and clutching at her wound in fury and outright fear. Emma sees this and laughs. I never thought I'd be proud of that brutish woman, but that was a thing of beauty!

Meanwhile though, the men close in just as the woman takes cover behind part of the lighthouse, screeching orders at them. Nicely done! Ian grunts to Alice as he fires at one of the men, catching him across the leg. Your time of triumph is being challenged though, as one of them lifts his hand and telekinetically hurls Alice backwards, the other turning his attention to Ian by tackling him, the pair wrestling and the demon clearly winning. It's a mess but that's never stopped you before.

Meanwhile, Penny should you wish, you could take cover by a shed off to the side, or run to the lighthouse itself. You could also have a clear shot at the demon who attacked Alice, but obviously the one grappling with Ian is risky at best, and the witch has tucked herself away...

ooc: Ok. I'll put a little diagram in a second. Alice, roll a reflex to see if you can dodge the stumps and rocks he throws you into, dc 18. If you succeed you take half damage, otherwise you take 18. If you get below a 10 you also drop your gun, but a 10 or above means you keep it. Both of you also please roll a will save. The witch is up to some tricks...





                                 lighthouse/witch

                            shed
                    Penny/Emma         D1


                                   Alice     D2/Ian

Alice felt it had been one of those rare one in a million shots, the kind reputations are built on. It struck the witch and for a moment, just a single moment, Alice thought she had killed her. That moment passed and she realized she had hit her just above heart, not killing her. She swore under her breath as she realized she had not killed the woman. The next moment she felt herself being flung and watched the with scramble around behind the lighthouse.

She shook off being tossed about and she lined up another shot on the witch.
12:29, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  #2.
12:29, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 25 using 1d20+11.  Conf Crit.
12:28, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Shot #1.

Holy Crap 2 in a row! Thank you dice roller.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

'Blast! Demons!' Penny swore as battle was joined and the black-eyed fiends revealed their powers in brutal fashion. Swiftly, Penny surveyed the field of battle, making tactics, choosing targets. Alice seemed to have the switch pinned down and wounded, though her magic was still a threat. One demon was overpowering Ian, but at least it was distracted. But the other demon was a free menace, and had to be dispatched before anything else. Penny raised her pistol, aimed once, and fired twice. She might lack Alice's incredible talent and deadly aim, not to mention her rifle, but Penny showed she nothing to be sneezed at either.


OOC: Will 13, +2 if the Hunter bonus vs Fear applies

Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Demon #1
Shoot D1:
#1: attack 26, damage 11 (corrected from dice-roller);
#2: attack 25, damage 9
attack +1 and damage +1 if within 30 ft

ooc: Dang! That's awesome! Just wait until someday someone rolls two natural 20's in a row. That's a quick kill in my book, well more like an automatic -9 hit points. Unfortunately Colin had to face the consequences of that recently when I got that roll against him...oops.

Penny's two shots hit true and the demon is both surprised and enraged, whirling around to turn his attention to you. At this point though, both of you are suddenly exhausted. So tired that it's all you can do not to drop right there! Alice is able to shake off the feeling, and move to a position where the witch is not protected, firing twice, hitting once in the stomach and once in the leg. With a gasp she sinks to her knees, holding her wounds and crawling for cover completely. She's now out of sight, but you know she won't get far. She's clearly almost done. Meanwhile her spell has the intended effect on poor Penny, who finds herself stumbling to the ground and falling asleep right there on the grass. Emma, furious, tries to come to her aid but the demon flings her back and she lands in a heap. During all this the other demon turns his attention to Alice, lifting her off the ground telekinetically and trying to immobilize her. We need to wake Penny! Emma screams, and Ian rushes forward, shaking the Englishwoman with enthusiasm. No time for a nap silly!

ooc: Penny you will actually wake up next round but you lose your turn waking up. You can still speak and such though.
As for you Alice, you'll need to roll a Fortitude save of 18 or you'll be pinned in place and can't move, though you can speak. You can retry every round if you fail, otherwise you're good ;)

I rolled a 9 on Fort Save

Alice feels herself getting slammed against a wall. She realized Penny was hurt and tried to keep their attention on her. ”Is that all you bitches got? I just put your witch in her grave and this is all you got? Pathetic!”

Suddenly, Penny found herself yawning uncontrollably and quite unable to keep her eyes open. Every time they fluttered closed, she blacked out, lost time, clearly falling in and out of sleep. She struggled gamely against it, but had not the energy, and nor could she concentrate to figure a way out of it. Tea! She needed tea! But then she stumbled and slumped onto the grass. It would be good to just rest, for once...

'Oh, Ian...' She awoke to find Ian shaking her, momentarily dreaming of something very different and not at all unappealing. She tried to be cross and failed. 'I'm not napping, just resting my eyes.' she yawned, then closed her eyes again and rolled over.

Bloody- Ian bites off the rest of the curse, physically lifting Penny off the ground by gripping her waist and actually putting her on her feet, not letting go of her. Penny, you're jolted awake by this and finally you're able to stay that way. You are a bit surprised by just how strong the man really is. He just picked you up like a doll. It is....nice. Stay awake this time! he orders, looking about for the other demon. His hands never leave your waist. Emma's shout rips your attention away though. Help Alice! she orders, glaring at the demon nearest you. He starts coughing up blood, grabbing his stomach in agony. Meanwhile poor Alice is getting quite roughed up. Pinned in place helplessly, the demon begins to punch her squarely in the jaw. Demons are a lot stronger than humans so it is not pleasant. She struggles to move, still pinned.

ooc: Ok here's the new map: Hopefully I got all this right....Next round! Penny you're back to normal for the time being, the witch is just outta there, presumably behind the lighthouse but you don't know for sure. Alice is still stuck but go ahead and roll another fort. If you fail again you'll still be paralyzed this round but Penny has a chance of disrupting the demon's concentration so you still might be able to get loose either way in a round or two.

                     witch
                  lighthouse
        shed

            Penny/Ian


             Emma   Demon      Demon/Alice

Fort Save 18! Yes

With quick draw she pulled one of her pistols puts it at his face and pulls the trigger twice.

Suddenly upright and fully awake again, Penny blinked her eyes and shook her head furiously. 'I'm awake!' she snapped irritably, mostly at herself, shaking Ian off. She glanced, quickly working out what she'd missed, and fired her pistol at the demons to get them away from Alice and Emma.


OOC:
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs middle Demon
#1: attack 20, damage 10
#2: attack 14, damage 6
Attack +1 and damage +1 if within 30 ft. I'll shoot at the one attacking Alice, unless she drops it or I do, and switch to the other demon. Both damage rolls are corrected from the dice-roller, as I keep getting it wrong. :\

Both Penny and Alice hit the demon once a piece and he snarls in rage, hurling Alice in Penny's direction with his telekinetic force. She goes flying but misses the Englishwoman thankfully, though she hits the ground hard. Meanwhile he turns his attention to Penny and with a mean little grin, he snaps his fingers at you and you feel your body start to cramp and seize with pain...

During all this Ian and Emma battle the other demon, their hands quite busy at the moment.

Suddenly Penny's body was wracked with excruciating agonies and cramps. She cried out in pain and shock. Knowing the hateful source of it, Penny took aim with her pistol, scrutinising the demon for some sign of weakness. But the torture was too distracting; it was all she could do just to keep her gun arm up. She squeezed off another shot at the fiend before she lost her chance, hoping her hand did not shake too much.


OOC: Fortitude 11
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs middle Demon
Exploit Weakness: move, rolled 10 vs DC 15, fail.
Attack 15, damage 5
Attack +1 and damage +1 if within 30 ft
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

11:15, Yesterday: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Ref Save.

Alice recovers with downright grace from being thrown, actually able to roll through the motion and pop up on her feet with ease. She's really in her element today! Even the demon looks surprised, deciding he'd best turn his attention on her. Angry, he lunges into a full charge, slamming his body towards Alice with a look of determination. As he nears he throws what would be a devastating punch, but Alice sidesteps it easily. It just appears to be her day!

Penny, though, is not so lucky. Her shot barely misses and her pain is excruciating. She tries desperately to fight off the awful cramps while at the same time trying to figure out the best course of action.

By now Ian is being flung away by his demon just as Alice had been, though he lands hard and stumbles to his feet. Emma is bleeding from a gash on her forehead but is quite focused on her foe. Things are a bit of a mess but you definitely feel you have the advantage now that Alice took out that witch.

ooc: Ok next round! Alice, your guy is close so you can do whatever you want. He'll basically be point blank if you want to do that too. Keep this in mind Penny, that if you miss him you might hit Alice. Also Penny, same rules apply as last round in regard to rolling your save and such but this time the DC is 13 because he's distracted and having difficulty keeping things going. Good luck guys!

If you have precise shot, there is never a chance of hitting a friendly.

At last, with characteristically British stiff upper lip, Penny clamped down on her feelings of cramps and pains, and seemed to shake the demon curse off. '"I am the master of my fate, sir. I am the captain of my soul."' she quoted, using the snatch of verse to bolster her own spirits.

Unfortunately, with the demon brawling directly with Alice, she dared not risk a shot. Thus, she lowered her gun and raised her cane, and rushed into the fray. But the wracking pains were not done with her yet – as she went to swing, her arm spasmed painfully. 'Ah!' Penny yelled, in surprise and anger at herself.


OOC: Fortitude 20, success
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Demon
Charge in and use my cane, attack 7, rolled a 1.
I decided to mix it up and do something different, with zero success. :(

Alice took mental inventory of her remaining rounds, and in one smooth move she holstered one and drew he other, pointed and fired twice. Her hands moved in quick practiced motions, muscle memory and deadeye aim taking over.

08:31, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 2d8+3.  Damage 2.
08:30, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+3.  Damage 1.
08:30, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Shot 2.
08:29, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+12.  Pistol Shot 1.
PBS Added already to all

ooc: Hahahaha! I'd say Alice took all the good rolls. Poor Penny ;)

Penny nearly drops her cane in her attempt to swing, needless to say it's frustrating...Fortunately Alice's shots aim true and the demon staggers, realizing now that things aren't looking well. The witch is nowhere to be seen, the other demon is looking even worse than he is and Alice has bloodlust in her eye. With a snarl of fury the demon flings Alice back once more and completely books it, running as fast as he can!

ooc: Alice, you know the drill with the reflex save. Roll refex, dc 18 to try to lessen the blow from being thrown. If you succeed you get 9 damage, otherwise you take 18. Also if you roll less than 10 you drop your gun and will have to take the time to pick it up next round. If you keep your gun though feel free to take a shot at him as he's escaping. Same with you Penny. Or, there's the one still being dealt with by Ian and Emma, though you're not too worried about him as he's looking pretty bad.

'Blast!' Penny cursed as the demon hurled Alice again and tried to flee. Instantly, she lashed her cane at its back, then unloaded her pistol at it, hoping the ache throwing off her aim was balanced by the demon's reckless haste to escape.


OOC:
Do I get an AoO with the cane versus the demon? If so, attack 17, damage 4.
Next, shoot it, inc. Point Blank Shot +1/+1:
1: attack 11, damage 7
2: attack 17, damage 10

Alice tumbled, stood, and fired twice.

06:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 2d8+3.  Damage 2.

06:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 2d8+3.  damage 1.

06:35, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Shot 2.

06:35, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 27 using 1d20+11.  Alice Shot 1.

Penny barely manages to nick the demon once but Alice's shots hit squarely and the demon goes down in a bleeding heap as though dead.

Meanwhile Emma and Ian finally finish off theirs too, though Ian is looking a bit worse for the wear. In spite of the fact that he's bleeding out his ears and is covered in bruises, a massive grin splits his face. My word Alice! You were in rare form today! Well done! Hahahaha! If we can find a pub in this hoity toity place the first round is on me!

Emma grudgingly gives a nod at this. Indeed. If you hadn't taken out Rebecca so quickly I fear that would have gone very differently. Where is she? We must see if she's still alive! And Tabitha too.

ooc: Go ahead and roll search/ spot please.

Alice walked slowly to the Demon’s body and pulled the other pistol, which had only a single round left in it. When she reached the body, she knelt with her knee in it’s back. She leaned in close and whispered, ”Tell them Alice Conners Van Helsing sent you, mother fucker.” with that she delivered a coup-de-gras.

Note: Coup-de-Gras do not need to be rolled for and are automatically a Crit. If there is anything left of it, she will unload the other weapon (two more shots/coup-de-gras)

Once that is done she begins walking in the direction of the witch she shot earlier. She sings as she walks,
”She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes...
She’ll be comin round the mountain when she comes...
She’ll be shootin six big bullets from each hand...
She’ll be shootin six big bullets from each hand...
She’ll be shootin six big bullets, she’ll be shootin six big bullets,
She’ll be shootin six big magic fuckin bullets  from each hand.”

Normally she reloads by simply replacing an empty chamber with a loaded one and with her hands this is almost faster than the eye can follow, but now she is taking her time, loading one round at a time from her pockets. She is taunting the witch, but yea...she is having fun too. She nodded to Emma, ”I got a hallow leg.”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Thu 07 Mar 2019.

With a powerful feeling of relief at the demons being gunned down, Penny shook out her limbs to clear the aches and spasms. 'Yes, a most palpable hit.' she agreed quickly.

She was about to also ask as to the fate of the witch, when Alice gave her answer, of a sort. Penny muttered an unladylike curse; had the woman gone mad? Limping frantically after her, Penny called back to Emma 'Do you have a pressing reason to keep Ms Smith alive? Because she won't be for long.' Penny had no desire to keep the witch alive herself, but didn't want to offend Emma by executing an old acquaintance, nor to lose a potential useful source of information.

Emma watches Alice in shock as she goes hunting for the witch. Blood thirsty little minx eh? she shakes her head.

As you search for the missing witch though, you come up short for she's nowhere to be seen! This is surprising considering how wounded she was, though she was semi-mobile last you saw of her. It doesn't quite add up.

Meanwhile Tabitha emerges from the lighthouse looking disheveled and nervous. Seeing the two dead demons though fills her with relief and for a moment her face registers happiness but then she sees Emma and it quickly morphs into immeasurable surprise. EMMA!? she nearly shrieks. Then she rounds on Penny, pointing accusingly. Liar! You said she was dead!

ooc: Alice, go ahead and roll a spot please to see if you can track the other witch. Penny, you're welcome to do the same.

Penny was about go tracking after Rebecca – a woman so wounded should surely leave an obvious blood trail – when Tabitha arrived on the scene. And discovered Emma, alive and well. Splendid. That was all she needed: three witches, one escaped, two on the verge of a feud. 'I never lied to you, madam.' Penny insisted quickly, interposing herself. 'I just didn't get the chance to tell you the full story. Ms Bently was dead. Past tense. Now, as you can see, she is not... We brought her back to life on the instructions of an angel of Heaven. Death himself gave me a briefcase containing her soul. We retrieved her body from a lake and reattached her head. A Voodoo priestess restored her to life.' she hastily summarised, already aware of how strange and grotesque it might sound, even to a witch. 'Truly. Now do you see why I wished to tell the story slowly?'


OOC: Spot 12, Diplomacy 9
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

Alice continued humming while looking for the witch.

ooc: Hahaha! I'd forgotten how messed up all that stuff was! How funny!

No! You manipulated me and you know it! Tabitha rounds on Penny. You note that Ian steps in between you protectively, for she looks practically ready to hit you. Emma breaks in then, rolling her eyes.

You always were temperamental weren't you Tab? she sighs. Tabitha turns livid at this. ME!? How dare you! You would come here after all this time just because you need something. That's all you've ever done Emma, is use people! And now you've gone and lost Rebecca! Do you know the hell she'll rain down on all our heads after attacking her like that!? You've all ruined everything!

The two proceed to squabble after that and once he's convinced Penny is out of danger, Ian goes looking for the missing Rebecca with Alice. Unfortunately all of your attempts (Penny included) turn up nothing but a blood trail that abruptly ends. You suspect she must have escaped with her powers somehow but the other two witches are too busy fighting to put in their two cents. It unfortunately shows no sign of stopping as Tabitha blames Emma for making trouble and being selfish and Emma accuses her old friend of being nothing but a coward too afraid to get her hands dirty. It's almost funny how these two middle aged women are screeching back and forth like children.

Alice had enough squabbling. She got right up close to them and fired her weapon into the air. ”Listen up you two dumb witches. My name is Alice Conner VAN HELSING, as in Abraham Van Helsing is my daddy. If you two think your hotshit, you ain’t never gone up against ancient vampires, and I have. You two don’t scare me none, but I damned well better scare you. I don’t care what your problems are with each other, you will stop this bickering or so help I’ll start shooting and I won’t stop until one of us is dead, comprende? Now you two figure out how I can find your friend, cuz she is all but dead and I only need to kill ONE witch today.”

13:57, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Intimidate.
Hopefully this does not reflect the full weight of what she has revieled and done.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Tue 19 Mar 2019.

'I never!' Penny denied hotly, though, yes, it was exactly what she'd been doing.

Then the two witches and former friends resumed their bitter argument like the years they'd been apart had been nothing. Penny opened her mouth to interject a few times, but could hardly get a word in between them. At last, she fell silent, wondering defeatedly if it might be better to just let them have it out until both were spent and ready to listen. The delicate approach of subtlety and meditation had quite clearly already failed.

Instead, as Alice soon demonstrated, just knocking some heads together might be just what was needed. Penny waited, to see if they would even survive the witches' reaction. A daughter of Abraham Van Helsing? Intriguing, but it was the furthest thing from her mind right now. 'Yes, this argument is absurd. We must work together.' she added in support of Alice.


OOC: Aid Another, giving Alice a +2 to Intimidate
10:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 26 using 1d20+7. intimidate.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

Emma, rather used to Alice's antics by now, simply falls into a silent glare but Tabitha is definitely more shaken, especially at the name Van Helsing. Daughter you say? How intriguing. But perhaps our spat can wait until we have more privacy. Come. Let us find Rebecca. she says with politeness, already moving about and peering at the ground.

She mutters something, concentrating and soon after she brightens, pointing down the hill. Looks like she's made herself invisible! I see her! She's stumbling away but she's not going very fast. Shall we?

With that she takes off at a trot, Emma at her heels and Ian beside them, gun drawn. Should you follow it doesn't take long before you catch up to her, though of course you still can't see the woman. Emma, however, reveals her with a few words in latin and suddenly the bloodied woman pops into view. She's pale, covered in blood and barely able to stand. She actually looks completely terrified, and you're surprised at how frightened she looks. Please! Let me live! I can be of use to you! she half sobs. Emma looks near aghast and shakes her head. Well, you've certainly put the fear of god in her Alice. she says drily.

Alice gave a self assured smile as she opened the pistol and dropped a round in to fill it. She spun it on her finger and dropped it back backwards into her holster. She said nothing as they walked and though she saw nothing she was poised. When the witch appeared she quick drew and used lightening shot to put two rounds in her heart and one in her head. It is very fast , hardly time to see the gun as it seemed to appear in her hand and then disappear back to her holster. Basically the witch says, “Plea...” before three more holes appear in her.

10:23, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 7 using 2d8+3.  Crit Damage.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 2d8+3.  Damage 3.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+3.  Damage 2.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+3.  Damage 1.
10:21, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 14 using 1d20+9.  Confirm Crit.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Shot 3.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Shot 2.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Shot one.

Another Crit! Knock on wood I don’t use them all up here.

Alice said, ”Now I met my quota.” She went back to singing that same song and walking toward the lighthouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Thu 21 Mar 2019.

Sighing, relieved the feud was at least postponed, though not resolved, Penny followed after Tabitha. Although she couldn't see Rebecca herself, Penny did her best to track her on the ground, picking up the tracks after the blood trail ended. At times like this, she wished she'd taken those lessons on tracking and big-game hunting from Allan.

Then, no sooner had they exposed and cornered their quarry, then Alice had gunned her down. For some time, Penny was speechless, not horrified at the killing, but surprised at the sheer speed and suddeness of it, and the brutality. Oh, she could see the cold practicality of Alice's actions; give the witch a moment, and she'd cast a spell to turn the tables on the. But really, to murder her in the middle of parley. It just wasn't cricket.

'Yes, quite.' Penny decided dryly. She went to inspect the body – no question as to the case of death – and began checking Rebecca's pockets and possessions before the blood spread over them.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

Tabitha gasps and her hands fly to her mouth in horror as she gapes at the dead witch and then back at Alice. B-But she said she'd help us...she gave up! she stammers. Tabitha may be a witch, and she may not be the best person, but you can tell she's clearly never seen such violence, such brutality, and she looks about to be very nearly sick. Emma, however, has led a much harder life, and she scowls down at the body and then back at Alice's retreating figure. She's wary of the woman, but not afraid. Perhaps her past has been ugly enough that she has bigger things to fear. Well so much for questioning her. she sighs and shakes her head. What a mess. Tabitha, why don't you go back to the lighthouse and freshen up. Pack a bag while you're at it. You're not coming back.

Penny, as you investigate her pockets you find a pocket watch with a swirled pattern inlaid in gold. Inside is the picture of a small boy, faded and worn but obviously important to her. You also find a wallet with money (twenty dollars worth), and a small notebook with addresses and dates and such. It looks like it's for social purposes but further inspection will be needed to determine if anything holds value.

ooc: Let me know your plans and such. If you have any questions in particular for Tabitha or if you want to book it while the going is good and hide out somewhere, etc. Then I'll move things along.

Leaving the purse, Penny pocketed the notebook for later analysis. She was surprised to find no tools of the witch's craft such as hex-bags, but reflected Rebecca had not come here to curse or trap anybody. In that case, they were lucky to have caught her by surprise. A prepared witch was far more dangerous.

Finally, she picked up the lady's pocket watch, inspected it carefully, then opened it. The image of a boy smiling at her chilled her to the bone. 'Did Rebecca have a child?' she asked carefully of Emma and Tabitha, fearing a far more tragic loss.


OOC: I'll have a few questions, but I don't mind moving away from the scene of the crime. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

Alice will busy herself searching the Witch’s carriage (the witch she just killed) and then packing it with things from the lighthouse. Speed was a necessity and unfortunately they would need to leave behind a few things.

Emma shakes her head to Penny's question just as Tabitha nods yes. Emma looks stunned. What?! A lot has transpired since you were away, Tabitha sniffs. She had the boy in secret of course, she's not married. He's about eleven now. She keeps him secret, for obvious reasons. I don't think he realizes exactly...what she is... she looks at the body awkwardly.

Penny sighed; there'd been nothing for it, Rebecca had attacked them, and they had defended themselves. Alice had murdered her in cold blood. And a child had been left an orphan. Maybe it had been Rebecca's motherly instinct to survive to care for her son that had, at the very end, led her to beg for her life. Maybe it was mere self-preservation. They would never know.

She prayed to God that the boy would remain safe and well cared for without Rebecca, and would inherit none of her evil, nor suffer for lack of a mother. Penny knew too well the heartbreak; she'd lost hers twice. Penny carefully returned the pocket watch to Rebecca's body, made sure the scene did not look too interfered with to the untrained eye, and backed. 'I think we should leave this place.' she said softly, even guiltily. 'Back to the lighthouse. We must leave soon, there shall be repercussions to this.'

Ian looks pained upon hearing about the boy. No doubt he's thinking of his own two sons, or rather the sons that used to be. His face is grave and pinched.

Everyone seems eager enough to leave though and you're able to help Tabitha pack quickly, taking the wagon, which enables her to bring some heavier items such as books and a chest of clothes. She says little, save to glare at Emma and look fearfully at Alice, obviously unsure what to think of this witch killer.

Emma, knowing the area best, ends up driving the wagon, using Tabitha's grudging directions to take you to a lovely house along the coastline roughly five miles outside of town. In spite of the fact that it's well cared for, it looks to have been empty for some time. When you go inside there are yellowing sheets over all the furniture and though it seems to have been dusted from time to time, there are several spots that have been missed.

This was my uncle's house, back when he lived. Tabitha explains, rummaging around to find lantern oil as the day is starting to wane. It should be safe enough. Only a few people know of it and they are not connected to any...well unsavories I should say, she blushes realizing she could technically count as one. Now, there are rooms enough for all and there is a lovely little cafe not far from here we can dine at. But we should probably discuss...plans.

I'd say so Tabitha. Emma arches a brow. Do you know where the seal is or not?
Tabitha looks annoyed at the bluntness of her old friend but answers nonetheless. I think I know how to find it....I have half a manuscript that references its last known location. It may or may not still be there but it's the only lead we have.
Where?
That I...don't know. But Magda has the other piece. She doens't know I have the first one and without it she has no idea of its significance. I've been trying to find a way to get it from her without her suspecting anything. But I feel it has the location of the seal. It has to!


ooc: Here's a link to the house. It's about 10 years too new but it's what I imagine it looks like :)

https://natureasneighbors.com/...he-leadbetter-house/

Brooding on recent events, the people involved, and what might result, Penny made the furtive journey in silence. Then, when they arrived at the big red farmhouse, she hastened to scout around, inside and out, confirming it was indeed unoccupied and had not been disturbed in some time.

She was disappointed to hear that Tabitha's clue to the Seal of Solomon was so vague and uncertain, yet she was not surprised. She hadn't expected it to be easy, else it would've been found already. Fortunately, according to Emma at least, Magda Petrovich was a bookish type, not the worst of them, and she might be bought. But at what price? 'First, Tabitha, what is this manuscript? Please, tell me you brought it with you.' Penny urged hopefully; if it had been left in the lighthouse and they had to go back for it...

Alice had recovered a few items from the coach of the witch. She got Penny’s attention and showed her a nice pistol, some hex bags, a beautiful crushed velvet cloak, $30. ”I think you should have these things. I’m good with my guns, they were bless by the Holy Father. The Hex bag things give me the willies. The cloak would really look better on you than on me. And the money...well I’m sure I owe you this much and more so yea, here you have it. OK?”

Alice realized that to someone like Penny $30 was nothing, but it wasn’t the amount rather the gesture that counted. She hoped Penny would get that...sometimes the woman was not as socially adept as others.

But Penny just stared, first in bewilderment and then in alarm. 'You took these from Rebecca's coach? But this is stolen property!' she exclaimed, aghast. Immediately, her mind turned to criminal matters, finding her and her companions inconveniently on the wrong side of the law. 'Oh, at least it gives a motive to the murders of Rebecca Smith and her coachmen, the constabulary may conclude it was highwaymen. But if we are seen with these and they are identified, then we shall be wanted as murderers.' she fretted.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Sat 06 Apr 2019.

Alice shrugged, ”Yea, whatever they belong to you now so do what you want with ‘em.”

'Thank you...' Penny said slowly, wondering what exactly was the polite way to destroy stolen property received as a gift.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Fri 12 Apr 2019.

Ian looks amused at the exchange, grinning and shaking his head. I suppose I see why you're worried Penny, but for hunters we just call it wages. We're doin all this for free ya know, a hunter's got to make enough to scrounge up a drink now and then! Though you do whatever you think is best. You're cut of finer cloth than the likes of us! he laughs.

The witches watch the conversation with less mirth, no doubt wondering if one day hunters would pick their bodies clean too. Tabitha, still uncertain how to react, answers Penny's earlier question. The scroll is ancient Egyptian actually. Taken from a tomb of a noble with connections to the Jews. It references the seal, amongst other things, but half of the scroll is with Magda, or at least I hope it still is. The woman is obsessed with history though, I'd be highly surprised if she doesn't still have it. She has a house on the other edge of town. Normally I wouldn't be too worried but if she knows anything about Rebecca by now she'll be readier for us than I'd like. she sighs.

Alice thought a moment, ”You know the only thing among those that could possibly be identified as 100% hers is the pistol. You could easily hide that among your effects for later use?” She nodded at Ian, ”Spainiards call it Guerrilla or Little warfare. Take the weapons and supplies of your enemy and use them against him. Penny remember that this woman is our enemy, in league with Lucipher’s minions. We are at war for we ‘fight not against flesh and blood but against Pricipalities of the Air,’ and at God’s command we are to dispatch those who are in league with the enemy. There is no sin here.”

'Yes, of course, I understand,' replied Penny, 'But I also know how the police will see it, and I just don't like being caught with stolen goods after an apparent murder... Well, we might find some purpose for these things.' she concluded, and was glad for the change of topic.

'Yes, it shall be difficult to trick her out of it now... First, I'd like to examine your half of the scroll, and see what it is we're looking for. Do you have it with you?' she asked of Tabitha. 'I'd be curious to know the era. Solomon's time, the Twenty-First Dynasty? Under the Persian Empire, or Ptolemaic rule?'

Ian takes the pistol if Penny wishes, looking amused at the disagreement and more than happy to have another weapon. You worry too much Penny. I know from experience, most detectives are nowhere near so good as you. If keeping this little trinket causes trouble later, I'll be the one to pay the consequences. Though I don't think anything would surprise me more! he chuckles. Eh, maybe I'll just hock it when we get outside of town. If you end up being right I'll never hear the end of it!


Then, Tabitha answers Penny's question, pulling a wooden tube out of her luggage which houses the scroll.

Yes, Solomon's time, the 21st dynasty. That's why I give it such credence. Uh I'm sure you know not to handle it with bare skin....right? She hands it over with hesitation, no doubt fearing for such a precious asset, but as she sees how careful the Englishwoman is, she visibly relaxes. The scroll itself is extremely worn but visible enough to make out the writing at least. Ian leans over Penny's shoulder, fascinated for about five seconds before determining he has absolutely no idea what he's looking at. As I've said, we'll have to get the other half of the scroll as soon as possible. I'm not entirely sure where she keeps it though so...a little duress may be necessary... she gives Alice an uncomfortable glance, no doubt thinking of her little murder spree.

Alice winked at the witch, knowing she would kill this woman when the time came.

Penny pulled on a pair of white cotton gloves and produced tweezers from her evidence kit. Thus equipped, she very carefully unfurled and examined the scroll, filled with trepidation and excitement at seeing something that dated back thousands of years and carried such monumental importance. Such opportunities very rarely came to one. 'Extraordinary!' she breathed, entirely focused on the scroll. She pored over the heiroglyphs, though the little images meant nothing to her – she only knew Ancient Greek and Latin. She did understand the significance of the star though – the Seal of Solomon, the ancient basis of the devil's trap. And the heiroglyphs within the cartouche surely stood for King Solomon's name.

'Have you translated this half?' she asked of Tabitha. It might be too much to hope that the vital clue was contained in this half alone, yet she had to be sure.

Alice looked at the scroll over Penny’s shoulder. She shrugged as she had no clue what it said.

Yes, of course Tabitha nods to Penny's question about translation. It speaks of where the treasures of Solomon are kept. Naturally I don't actually have that part she sighs. Magda must not understand the significance of what she has, or she'd have done something about it. She probably only has a general location or something, without understanding why. I've kept it secret from her, I don't like her knowing more than she already does. I've expressed interest in the scroll in the past but she guards her knowledge jealously. She's even worse than me. she makes a face.

So, how do you want to do this then? Ian pipes up. You brainy types just tell me where to go and who to shoot. In the meantime I'm gonna go see if there's a drink to be had in this place, he laughs.

Alice nodded, ”Yea I’m with Ian. My vote, we just kill the witch and take her shit, but I know some people are squimish so...yea.” Alice followed Ian to get a drink. She hoped she could talk to him about Penny and what happened to him when he was under the djinn’s power.

Alice: You follow Ian to the kitchen, which is fairly barren but you do manage to find a dusty bottle of whiskey that is half full. He finds a couple glasses and slides you a half full one. Nice shooting back at the light house. Where'd you learn to do that? He takes a swallow and smiles. Good stuff.

'I'd much rather avoid another fight, if we can help it.' Penny said in response to both Ian and Alice as they departed. Mostly, she did not wish to be a brigand about this. There was a great gulf between buying or stealing what they needed, and deliberately murdering for it. If they were to fight evil, they must hold themselves to a higher standard, else evil had already scored its first victory.

'Emma, you said Magda is a scholar more than a witch, a stubborn sort, but she can be bought... How amenable would she be to supporting our cause, or to trading the scroll for something of greater apparent value?'

Alice sat across the table from Ian, making sure that she was not too close so that Ian would get the wrong idea. She was here as a friend only. She took the glass and sipped from it. She chuckled, ”I’ve been shooting like that since I met you, and you just now ask? Men...” She made a motion with the glass, ”Europe, actually, more specifically Austria.”

She wondered if there would be more small talk. ”Listen, I’ve tried to reach Penny about this, but she is...well Penny.” She raised an eyebrow, ”You two belong together. She knows it, at least some part of her does. I know that you feel that as well. I think Penny is too prim and proper to know how to...well throw herself at a man. She is going to need you take the bull by the horns and just ... well ask her on a proper outing. British women are, you know, British. She wil want a chaperone. A picnic in a nice park with sunshine and flowers that is probably what she has in mind. I saw a painting once. Anyway, I will volunteer to chaperone this outing, and I will keep a proper distance.” She looked hard at him, ”I know what you had to give up to come with us. You did that for her. She knows that but she is just...well Penny. Don’t let her go. I know about this, I was married once...years ago. He died. Soon after that a friend of mine, a dear friend wanted me to consider an outing with him and I knew I should have. I did not and he never asked again. It did not matter that I regretted this or that I was still mourning the loss of my husband. I should have. I did not. Do not make my mistake.”

Penny:
Tabitha frowns at the question. She's loyal to her cause unfortunately, Belial she shakes her head. She sees Belial as the victor so she will stay on his side. Especially since he has made her many promises of knowledge and power, but then the man is full of such things. It is possible, however, that she would trade. But only if she had no idea why we wanted her half of the scroll. I'm fairly certain it is mostly a map or location but she of course has no idea what to. If she had any idea it was regarding the seal...she'd never give it up. If you can come up with a convincing enough reason I would conceivably want such a thing, we may be able to trade for it. I do have a few things she's longed for.

Alice:

He looks stunned at your words, and then finishes his drink in a long swallow. This again he mutters, halfway through your words, but he listens, albeit with clear discomfort. At the end he sighs, scrubbing a hand through his hair. Look, Alice, he sighs. It's been only a few weeks. I know everything happened quickly for you both, but for me...Eight years Alice. I was there for eight years. I had a family, a life. Every night I dream of them. Every child we pass reminds me of my own. The ones that never existed. Do you have any idea how hard that is? And Penny. Penny is special. I have always...felt for her. I'd be lying if I said I didn't now, even after everything, which of course just makes me feel guilty, he chuckles bitterly. How can a man who had a wife only three weeks ago care for another woman? That brings me a whole new set of problems. What you say makes sense, and I'm sorry for your loss. I had no idea you were married. You must have pain of your own. But surely...surely you understand why I'm not ready? I just need a little more time. Time not to see my family's face every time I close my eyes. But Alice, you should at least be comforted, that I very much mean to pursue Penny. She's special. I've been with enough women to know. I'll get off my ass soon enough. Just...when I'm ready. And if she'll even have me. It's hard to tell with her.

ooc:  Holy mackeral! I was looking back on old posts and the stuff with Ian happened a year and a half ago! It's only been a few weeks since then in the game, but holy crap! I suppose that's the problem with play by posts!

Alice looked distant or a moment or three and answered Ian. She is exposed now and very very vulnerable. ”I was pregnant. Once. The baby...died before she was born. I had to carry her to term. I had to ... give birth ... to something that wasn’t even alive. Believe me I understand where you are coming from. Why do you think I hate witches so much? Anything that would willingly sacrifice it’s own offspring...” There are tears on her face now. ”...I’m sorry. Very few people know that about me, I’d like to keep it that way. My point is this. We could die tomorrow. She could die tomorrow or tonight. If she dies you will lose forever any opportunity. That is far worse than having for any small time and losing someone. Think about that, Ian.” She stood to leave but kissed him on the cheek. ”You and Penny are both my friends. I want what is best for you. That is why I am being a buttinsky. Thanks for the whiskey.”

Ian looks shocked at your revelation and he gives you such a sympathetic look, one you didn't expect a man to be capable of. But in his own way he's lost children. It's not the same, but somehow it's close enough. I'm so sorry Alice. So very sorry, he says quietly. Your secret is safe with me. And you're right. We could die. We probably WILL die, it is our lot. I will think over what you've said. I will. But, please don't tell Penny any of this. I think it would make her uncomfortable. And when I am ready, I want to be the one to tell her.

Entirely unaware that Ian and Alice spoke about her, Penny turned the matter of the map over in her mind, relationships and personal feelings far from her mind when the fate of the world was at stake. She considered some scheme involving forgery, and still might, but if the copy was noticed it would risk tipping their hand to Belial. Besides, they had no reason to trade a copy of Tabitha's document, and time enough to study and copy Magda's would mean they'd have no need to do so at all. Ultimately, all they needed was to just look at the scroll, didn't they? 'I see.' Penny said; she'd learned from Holmes little tricks like this that made her sound like she was already planning something, when in fact she was still trying to work it all out. 'Let's go back. How do you know Magda has this half of the scroll? Have you seen it or do you know where it is kept?'

Penny: I've not seen its contents, but I was there when she got the shipment from Egypt. It was her pride and joy. She held up half of a scroll, looking at it in fury. She cannot stand when history is abused. The markings on the back, matched mine. I was hoping she would get upset and deem it unworthy to keep but she treasures every speck of knowledge she can get her hands on. I do have theories as to where it might be kept. She has a library, a very impressive one, and she keeps it well in order. If you had time you could probably find it, but that's the problem isn't it? Time. Also, we witches tend to ward that which is important to us. You'd need at least one of us to help you with that, she gestures to Emma. A distraction may prove useful, if you can keep her attention long enough. It would give us time to search anyway, but she has no love for society. You'd have to find something properly fascinating to tempt her with.

Penny reflected she'd like to take a good long look through Magda's library herself, purely for its own merits, if it was as good they said. But alas, she had too little opportunity for study and reading these days. It was as Tabitha said: the problem was one of time. 'Perhaps we might keep her distracted with scintillating discussion while others search. Some intriguing source of knowledge...' she mused, wheels starting to turn in her mind, but, to mix her metaphors, also playing her cards close to her chest, largely because she had little of value in her hand.

She turned her attention back to the matter of the scroll, studying Tabitha's portion  through a magnifying class, especially where it had parted from must be Magda's half. Had it been torn deliberately or fallen apart with age, had it separated in the distant past or relatively recently. 'Please tell me all you know about this scroll. Where did you obtain it? What is its provenance? How did it come to split?' With her tweezers and gloves, she carefully turned it over so she could examine the markings on the back that Tabitha had referred to.


OOC:
20:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 32 using 1d20+18. Investigate.
20:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 14 using 1d20+10. Knowledge (religion).
20:51, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+10. Decipher script.

Tabitha listens to your questions thoughtfully. It came that way. Torn I mean. I obtained my half after sending a representative of mine to Egypt to collect some artifacts for me. You'd be amazed at the prices you can get for some things! The more desperate locals find whatever ancient odds and ends they can, useless junk to them most of the time, but they know how we scholars leap on them. Apparently my agent was able to get a handsome price for the scroll, pointing out all the damage and the like. You can get some priceless things through haggling. Poor simpletons usually have no idea the true value of their artifacts. Most of them don't read current egyptian let alone ancient! But yes, I imagine Magda did something similar, though she actually goes abroad herself most of the time. It seems luck or fate had a hand in both of us finding the matches. Hm. Indeed as you study the scroll you see it looks deliberately torn. Perhaps someone in the past wanted to keep the two components separate for a reason. The quality is very good, the papyrus is fine, expensive even, and the inking of the hieroglyphs immaculate. Someone important or wealthy or both commissioned this work.

As for distracting her...I unfortunately have an idea. Tabitha sighs. I have some pieces she doesn't know I have. Pieces she would probably drool over! You could take them to her under the pretense of wanting to sell them. But if this happens I want them back you hear me! I'm not a charity!

Alice joined the conversation. ”I say we just pop her. One less witch.” As she says this she licks the paper she is using to roll a cigarette and lights it with a match. She also makes 100% sure she is locking eyes with Tabitha. She is trying to intimidate the witch into just giving them the things.

I rolled an 11 to intimidate
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Thu 09 May 2019.

Penny gazed coolly at Alice, replying frostily 'We are not bandits, Alice. There is a difference between buying or even stealing what we need, and purposefully going out and murdering for it, between defending ourselves from Rebecca's wrath and killing her in cold blood.' It was clear she was speaking not just about future events, but those that took place earlier that day. 'Such a sin taints the soul and gives the demons their foothold. If we are to fight evil, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, else evil has already scored its first victory.'

Ian gives a nod at Penny's speech, though he looks a bit edgy and uncomfortable for some reason. Well spoken. I'm afraid some of us old hands get a bit jaded over the years. It's hard to keep one's soul in this line of work. We're lucky to have the likes of you to keep what's left of our humanity intact. He says it with a grin but you feel like he's only half joking and the smile doesn't quite touch his eyes. We do it Penny's way. No killing unless we need to. Never liked killing women anyway, witches or not. he shakes his head.

Meanwhile Tabitha is still warily looking at Alice, as though one would stare down a dog you thought was going to bite you. She is a little comforted by Penny's words though, and gets back to business. Alright. Miss Dreadful here will be the one to address Magda. You seem to know enough about archeology and history to satisfy the charade, and naturally Emma and I must not be seen. I suggest you take one of your two hunters with you for trouble, but we'll need someone to help us look in the library. Make your choice and ready your story. The item in question will be a gold and jade wrought knife that is reputed to have been used in ancient Mayan sacrifice. She's lately been obsessing over Mayan artifacts and isn't coming up with much. I have a book on the subject if you want to brush up before you address her.

ooc: Ok, winding down here and getting ready to actually make the move on Magda. Let me know any preparations you wish to make etc and what the final plan is.

Just FYI I suck at research

As they seemed to accept this, Penny breathed out slowly and shallowly, releasing much held tension. Standing between two hunters and two witches, themselves feuding with each other, she seemed to need a steely nerve and a firm hand to keep them working together, and keep them from each other's throats. Oh, for this matter to be done and to return to dear Devonshire.

'A capital plan, Tabitha! I shall have that knife and the book, and commence my research at once.' she agreed, with more Holmseian ebullience than she really felt.

*

When she had the book, Penny settled in for a good long while of research and examining the curious Mayan knife and its wickedly sharp obsidian blade. How many sacrifices had it made to those blood-thirsty gods? She shuddered to wonder. Decapitations, disembowelings, carving out hearts, and even more bizarre and shocking rites were hinted at in the pages and the disturbing glyphs. Penny quickly put together a story of being an amateur enthusiast of the central American cultures, who'd purchased the knife and wished to identify and value it, and thus wished to consult a local expert recommended to her, Magda Petrovich.

And, during this, she thought carefully over Tabitha's proposal, comparing their options and arrangements. She'd rather have Emma or Tabitha with her to make the introduction – it was just good manners – but Emma's sudden return to Portland would raise suspicion and only Tabitha had glimpsed the scroll and knew her way around Magda's collection. She'd preferred to have one person as back-up in case the meeting with Magda went poorly. She'd rather split Emma and Tabitha up to prevent bickering. She needed to guard against either of them getting the idea to take the scroll for her own and potentially betraying them. And she'd rather not leave Alice alone with either of them. She was reminded of the old puzzle of the wolf, the goat, and the cabbage.

'Alice, do you wish to accompany me when I speak with Magda? Or would you rather aid in the search?'


OOC: Sorry, I was busy and kept missing a chance to respond here. I hope I wasn't holding things up.

Alice nodded, ”Sure, sounds like fun. I am pretty good with people so ... yea. I won’t even kill her, unless it is necessary.”

'Splendid!' Penny agreed, relieved. Now, she could have Emma, Tabitha, and Ian search for the scroll, Emma could watch Tabitha, Tabitha could watch Emma, and Ian could watch the pair of them. 'Only if it is absolutely necessary.' she stressed.

ooc: Ok! I'm going to assume everyone is ready to move on. Feel free to let me know if you had any particular preparations you wanted to throw in.

I'm skipping ahead slightly so we can skip formalities etc and just get right into it. If that's not great for you let me know and we'll backtrack. Please make bluff checks and diplomacy too if you wish and feel free to look around, all that jazz.


IC: It is roughly 7:40pm when you arrive at Magda's home, a splendid little estate on the edge of town that shows she clearly has money, but then how else could she afford her expensive little hobby? Ian wishes you both luck with a wink before heading around to the back with the witches. Hopefully he'll be able to handle himself, but he always did have a way with women, no matter their age. Your bigger concern is if Magda will take the bait. As you introduce yourselves though, the maid who answers raises a brow and invites you in. She informs you she can't promise anything but she's certain her mistress will be interested and off she goes to find her, leaving you both in the parlor. It is beautifully furnished with several cases displaying various artifacts. Some are African, some Egyptian, one even looks Scandinavian, but there are clearly Mayan pieces here and there as well. These must be the things she's especially proud of, to display them in the parlor like this.

After about eight minutes alone, the door opens to reveal a woman in her fifties with greying blond hair tucked up into a loose bun. She is pretty for her age, but her face is lined with deep wrinkles and you see why as she squints at you curiously, an expression she no doubt makes often. Forgive me, but once I heard the word Mayan, I completely stopped paying attention to what Greta was saying. Please, I am Mrs. Petrovich. I hear you have an artifact to show me? Would you like tea? Her accent is thickly Russian and slightly hard to understand at first. She's offered you tea but you have a feeling it's only to be polite as she's already looking at you intently, no doubt trying to catch a glimpse of the knife.

OOC: I apologise if this arrangement leaves the most exciting part to the NPCs.
I rolled a pair of checks in case you need them, and got double 1s! D:
21:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Diplomacy.
21:47, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Bluff.

In case there's a useful clue to stumble across, Search 20.
21:51, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+14. Find Clues: Search.

Because we have a plan, I'll use my Plan talent for the first time. Starting with a +2 bonus.
22:06, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+9. Plan: Smart level + Int bonus.

*

Penny used the wait to look around the parlour, using the opportunity to examine the intriguing artefacts put proudly on display and discreetly determine what this house revealed about Magda and her secrets.

She turned around from the Mayan display case as Magda Petrovich entered behind her. 'Good evening, madam. Thank you for agreeing to see me. And yes, I should love some tea.' She read Magda's eagerness to see the Mayan knife, but knew that as soon as she showed it, there would be a time limit on the conversation. She needed to keep her talking as long as possible to give Ian, Emma, and Tabitha a chance to find the Egyptian scroll. She pointed back to the cabinet, remarking 'I must say, this is quite a beautiful jade pendant. Quality jadeite, skilfully carved. From the early classic period, is it not?' She was wrong, on purpose, figuring it was closer to the mid- or even late classic periods, but it would give Magda an opportunity to correct her and expound on her current favourite subject.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_use_in_Mesoamerica

Hearing the Russian accent, Alice easily slipped into speaking that langauge,  [Russian] ”Perhaps my friend is being presumptuous? We are here to see if you would like to buy, or perhaps trade for, the Mayan Dagger. It isn’t Olmec, but Olmec items are so rarely found.”

11:27, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Bluff (Same question).
11:27, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 30 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy (Do I get a bonus for speaking her language?).
Maybe I should always do the talking? =-P
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Thu 23 May 2019.

ooc: Nicely done Alice! And Yes Penny, the plan roll does help. Nice to know after 5+ years you finally get to use it!

Magda listens to Penny with a look of amusement and the slightest trace of derision. She clearly thinks you beneath her and is trying to be polite about it. Late classic period actually. She corrects bluntly. She then proceeds to gesture to her maid who scuttles off no doubt to bring the tea in. As Alice proceeds to speak to the woman in her native tongue, she shows the slightest hint of surprise. I don't run into many in these parts that know Russian. Where did you learn it? And as for the dagger, I would need to see it to verify its authenticity. And I do not trade. What good is a priceless artifact to me if I have to lose another to acquire it? I will consider purchasing it, if it is everything you say it is. In the meantime perhaps we'd best return to English for your friend's sake. she finishes with a smile that indicates she's a bit sad to do so. In English, she nods to Penny, trying to include her in the conversation. She's polite it seems, though her tone lacks warmth to it that she had a moment before with Alice. Tell me, how did you procure the dagger? I like to know the history of items I consider purchasing. Just then the door opens and the maid enters with a silver tray of tea and cakes.

Alice smiled as well. “Extensive travel.” She said in Russian. Then returning to English, “Penny here is a Noblewoman from England. I am her travel companion, body guard, and translator.” She nodded to Penny, “My companion is less interested in monetary value as historical. Perhaps you have something you see little value in, but might be of historical significance?”

As Magda corrected her and she and Alice spoke in what must be Russian, Penny pursed her lips, realising she'd lost all control over the course of the conversation. Thankfully, Alice seemed to have impressed her, proving as effective at this as in gunslinging, more than Penny had estimated in her planning. She regretted not learning more modern languages in her European tour.

At least the interlude gave her some time to consider the witch herself in context of the surroundings. A Mrs but no housewife, likely widowed at a young age. No family at all to speak of, it seemed, judging by the lack of portraits. Estranged, scorned, or had they all died early on? Yet the library, of English and Russian tomes, predated Magda significantly. A father collection, remembered through his collection?

'I purchased the knife from a trader in California.' Well, she'd recently been in California, and had the tan to show for it. It was best to keep a lie close to the truth. 'Obviously, it was brought up from Mexico, or while California was still Mexico. I was told it was found in the northern Yucatán, by tomb raiders, I shouldn't doubt. Naturally, with such uncertain provenance, I was hoping an expert of your calibre could say more about it.'

Magda pours the tea herself, waving her maid away and passing you each a cup and saucer, gesturing to the cakes should you wish any. She turns to Alice with a frown at her suggestion. Hm...Perhaps there are a few bits and pieces I could part with, but they are not very rare so I doubt you'd be interested. You'd be wiser to accept money. Money is how I accumulated all this in the first place, she gestures to the room with pride. Though my father's collection gave me an unfair advantage perhaps. Still, I'm pleased just to see this, even if you won't sell it to me. May I see i? she waits expectantly. Should you allow her to examine it she'll put on a pair of spectacles she keeps in her breast pocket, squinting hard, thus showing where her frown lines have come from. Well you came to the right person. I think...yes...I think this was ceremonial rather than functional. Mind you they often performed sacrifices with jade, but the condition of this one is too fine. See how sharp the edges still are? How delicate? Not to mention here, see this groove? There was probably a gemstone here at one time. Pity it's been lost, she shakes her head. Besides all that, perforators and votive axes were the more common tools for sacrifices, not daggers. This had to be for some kind of ceremony, religious of course. It's more decorative than anything, and so detailed... Hm. Her frown deepens. How much would you accept for it? Assuming it can be bought?

Alice laughed, [Russian] ”Oh you don’t know Mistress Penny. She loves old things and would probably trade it to you for an old map or half a book. She is just in love with the mystery of it all. If you had something like that and talked it up properly, she would jump at it and you would both be happy.”

Penny let Magda scrutinise the knife, and she sipped her tea and nibbled her cake while she waited. When Magda reported her findings, Penny listened with genuine interested. 'Oh, yes, of course.' she agreed on the condition of the blade. 'I suppose whoever first found and sold it plucked the gem out themselves. More profit in them apart than together.' she tutted in archaeological mourning.

Wondering just what Alice was telling Magda, Penny answered 'Ah, no, it's not for sale, I'm afraid. I only just purchased it recently, and am in no hurry to part from it so soon.' Tabitha had made it very clear she wanted the item returned, even if she herself had mooted the idea of proposing to sell for the ruse. Penny wasn't about to risk her ire, or any more of it.

While wondering just how Ian, Emma, and Tabitha were getting on in the search for the scroll, Penny knew she needed to keep Magda talking 'May I ask, who was your father? What did he collect?'

Magda arches a disappointed brow at Penny's refusal to sell, but is fortunately distracted by the question of her father and her face smooths quickly. Ah yes. My father was a professor and something of an archeologist. He taught at the university in St Petersburg. He knew more than anyone else of course, he was brilliant, my father. She smiles with pride. He was always taking the family on excavations. Showing me how to identify this and that. We even went to Egypt a time or two! Though he had to scrimp and save to take us. Professors are never paid enough you know. His specialty was ancient Sumerian and Greek, but he loved everything. She takes a long drink of her tea and suddenly her face is serious, down to business. Are you sure I can't convince you to sell the knife? I have many items I would consider trading... There is something unsettling about her expression, though it looks normal enough. This is a woman who is used to getting her way. You feel ever so slightly...threatened somehow, though you have no idea why you should feel so considering she's been nothing but polite. Still...

Alice felt it, it was subtle but it was there. A threat. She sat back a little, her face going flat. She pressed the tips of her fingers on each hand against each other, her eyes taking the witch in. She looked at Penny and when they had eye contact she made her eyes flick to the door, quickly but perceptibly.

17:12, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 26 using 1d20+8.  Bluff - Send Secret Message.
Time to GO.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Wed 12 June 2019.

At Magda's abrupt change in demeanour, Penny made sure to finish her cake, unable to politely reply whilst her mouth was still full and she took in Alice's subtle warning. Magda had earlier declared she never traded her pieces, and now she seemed quite willing, which was too quick a turn around for Penny's comfort. She tried to think of how to extricate herself and Alice, and whether Ian, Emma, and Tabitha had had enough time to locate the scroll and escape themselves. 'Alas, I wished to show it to some scholar friends in England before I parted with it. Perhaps I might mail it back in a few years...' Penny began, taking back the jade blade before it happened to get left behind.

She lifted her teacup to see that it was still mostly full and still hot and glanced curiously at Magda 'I hope we haven't kept you too long, Ms. Petrovich?' she began as a prelude to parting company. Politely, of course.

Magda smiles at Penny's precursor to leaving and shakes her head. Oh you've not kept me at all. There's nothing more important to me than looking over such precious artifacts as your own. A few years you say? What a pity, but I suppose I have no choice but to be patient until you pass by this way again! In the meantime, you've been so kind as to allow me to enjoy your artifact. Would you care to view a few more of mine? I have some wonderful things in my library I'm certain would interest you both. It's rare around these parts that I meet a fellow collector you know. The smile widens.

Alice laced her fingers together and looked at Penny over the top of her hands. She made the same eye motions...

But the Englishwoman was too polite to beat a too-hasty escape, and perhaps too polite for her own good. More practically, she did not wish for Magda to return to her library too soon, and potentially catch the others red-handed. She needed to keep the witch here, in her sight, as she manoeuvred with good manners back to the front door. 'Alas, the hour is getting rather late, and I have a dinner appointment in town, with a, ah, gentleman friend, so I must not stay long... But, if you really do insist, perhaps you weould be so kind as to introduce us to the rest of the delightful contents of that cabinet?' Penny rose from the table and approached the display of Mayan artefacts. 'It would be quite remiss of me to leave such a true scholar without learning a little more of what I can only dabble in.' When time and space needed filling with words, Penny could certainly supply them.

ooc: I don't know why but imagining Alice's facial expressions is hilarious for some reason!

IC: Magda looks pleased at your interest and she eagerly crosses to the cabinet and begins to point things out, sparing you no detail at all as she tells you of each artifact and its history. It's actually quite interesting, but in spite of that you both start to feel strangely sleepy. It's getting hard to stay upright in fact.

ooc: Fort saves please! DC 17 or down you go....mwahahahahahahaha!!

16:51, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Fort Save.

Alice falls asleep snoring lightly...

Penny stifled a yawn. She would not normally get so tired at such a fascinating topic, yet the hour was getting late, and she recalled, however dimly, that she really needed to be leaving. Surely Ian, Emma, and Tabitha had enough time to find the scroll. 'Well, thank you, Magda, for such an illuminating discussion. It was quite educational, and I shall be glad to refer you to my colleagues. But, ah, we really must be going now. Alice?' She raised her voice sharply to rouse her "bodyguard". It did not seem like her to nod off and fail to keep alert.


OOC:
11:35, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+6. fortitude.

Alice does not wake up, and Magda's polite expression fades away into a puzzled frown and mutters to herself in Russian, looking at you with scrutiny. Well, she looks very tired, give her a few minutes I suppose. In the meantime, I think it best you and I have a...blunt conversation. Her lips tighten and she straightens up as though about to begin a lecture. I will do whatever it takes to procure that piece from you. It is rare to find such an artifact in such good condition and since I have a particular interest in that era, I cannot let it leave when it would be so perfect for my collection. Name your price. If you still refuse, however, I will be most put out. You get the feeling you are in more trouble than you thought. Alice isn't waking up, and with how drowsy you are, she's clearly at work with something. Every instinct tells you she's on the very edge of doing something...unpleasant.

Blast! Tabitha's decoy treasure was too good, and Magda was willing to fight for it. The Mayan dagger meant nothing to Penny, yet if she sold it off, Tabitha would cease to be cooperative. Meanwhile, Magda had becoming distinctly threatening and this sleepiness that had overcome them was not natural. It seemed they were going to be drawn into conflict regardless of Penny's best efforts to avoid it. Maybe Alice had been right, but Penny really didn't want to have that conversation.

'As special as that, is it?' Penny wondered, turning the dagger over in her hand, incidentally putting its point toward the avaricious witch. 'How about you let me... think on it over night and I'll contact you again tomorrow with my decision and perhaps a price?' She'd almost said "let me sleep on it", but had a feeling Magda would be too happy to oblige.


OOC: Diplomacy 23
Ready attack: stick her with the knife if she does anything aggressive

I don't think you quite understand, she shakes her head with a small smile. I cannot let you leave with that dagger. You seem pleasant, the both of you, and I've tried to be polite. This is the last time I do that. You will leave the dagger and accept my sum, whatever that may be, or I will be forced to make things difficult for you. I have ways of doing that. Ways you couldn't possibly imagine. Now, perhaps you'd better take the deal.

ooc: Haha! It's only because of your good diplomacy she doesn't outright attack yet! And Alice, you can make another save, dc 17 to see if you wake up.

Alice is still in dream land.

09:42, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Fort sv.

'Madam, are you threatening me?' Penny demanded indignantly, with all the outrage and shock of a society lady. 'This is appalling and crass behaviour. All of Portland and the academic world shall hear about this!' She was trying to keep both Magda and herself still talking long enough for (a) her to think of some way out of this or (b) Alice to wake up and blow the witch's brains out. Well, the latter wasn't happening, and she'd never live it down if it did. 'Hmph! Well, name your price then, if you must insist.'

Then, mid-answer, Penny would stab Magda with the Mayan knife, and hopefully surprise her. But not before she heard how much it was worth. She was curious now.


OOC:
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Magda
Initiative 15
Using the Mayan knife, full attack
#1: attack 14, damage 5
#2: attack 19, damage 5

She does indeed start to name her price but is interrupted by your attack, managing to dodge the first swing only to be taken by the second. It slashes her across the collarbone and she recoils in shock for a moment, clearly not used to being so vulnerable. She's obviously underestimated you.

You'll pay for that she growls, and raises her hand in the air, a scowl on her face.

ooc: Ok, roll a fort save DC 17, otherwise you take 14 damage as you feel like your internal organs are being squeezed. Alice, since there is commotion around you, you may try to make another save to wake up. For future reference, the witch's DC is 16. Good luck!

With a stiff upper lip and the barest grunt, Penny withstood the gut-wrenching spell. 'Pay? Madam, I told you, I have no interest in doing business!' she retorted, slashing for the witch once again. 'But what is this knife worth to you? Surely not your very life!'

Unfortunately, the knife was not worth a lot to Penny either, certainly not as a weapon. She needed a better weapon, namely Alice. 'Alice! Rouse yourself!' she shouted.


OOC: Fortitude 24, success
Do I get an Attack of Opportunity because she cast a spell? If so, attack 21, damage 5 (corrected from roller)
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Magda
Move: Exploit Weakness 20 vs DC 15, success, add Int to attack rolls
Plan bonus was +2 last round (included), now +1
Standard: knife attack 18, damage 5

ooc: For time's sake I rolled for Alice to see if she wakes up. She does. You're welcome ;P
12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Artemis rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Rolling for Alice to wak up.

Penny's shouts work and Alice groggily comes to, seeing the two women openly fighting. What a mess!

Meanwhile Penny's two attacks succeed, though not nearly enough to do much good. Still, it is satisfying to draw blood. In the meantime the witch responds with an inhuman scream of rage. It is loud. Incredibly loud. So loud in fact that your ears start to ring and threaten to go deaf...

ooc: Ok, you can roll a reflex save dc 18. You take 18 damage and go deaf for 8 rounds but if you succeed the save you manage to bring your hands to your ears in time and negate the deafness. Damage would be half too, meaning you'd take 9 instead of 18. Penny, you did get an Aoo for the witch's first spell, thanks for reminding me, but this one seemed to happen so unexpectedly you think that it is not a traditional spell at all, at least not cast the same way, so no Aoo for this. Next round please :)

Unable to react in time as the witch suddenly screamed like a banshee, Penny winced as her head rang and blood leaked from her ears. Then, mercifully, the noise was abruptly silenced. Then she realised with horror it was because she was completely deaf. 'You fiend!' Penny bellowed, but couldn't even hear herself.

Switching to a sabre grip, she slashed the witch again, left and right. The blade might be good for carving out hearts from bound sacrifices, but it was not terribly effective in a knife fight, not even in the hands of one trained on the streets of the East End. But she needed to keep harassing the witch, in the hopes of catching her in the midst of her next spell, and couldn't go for her gun or fetch her cane from the umbrella stand.


OOC: Reflex 21
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Magda
Plan bonus ended
Using the Mayan knife, full attack
#1: attack 20, damage 3
#2: attack 21, damage 4

With the commotion Alice woke. She drew and fired her weapon twice, hitting the witch in the head both times.

11:02, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Conf Crit.
11:02, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  Attack 2.
11:00, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 27 using 1d20+12.  Conf Crit.
11:00, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 32 using 1d20+12.  Revolver attack.
10:58, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Initiative.
10:58, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Fort save.

Do I even need to roll damage?

ooc: Golly Moses! How do you keep doing that Alice?! Hahahahahaha! I bet Penny is glad you woke up!

IC: As Penny's blade makes minimal contact with the witch, she's suddenly surprised when a spurt of blood blooms from the side of the woman's head. Penny can't hear a thing of course, so it takes a moment to figure out just what has happened. Magda is not dead, but she falls down in a heap, clutching at her head with abject terror. She seems to be moaning and sobbing something, but again, you can't make out what. Blood seeps from her hands, still pressed against the side of her skull, and she lays completely and utterly still as though in shock. Then you whirl around and see her. Alice. Her gun still outstretched from what no doubt was some very impressive shooting.



Alice: You graze the witch's skull with two bullets. Enough to scare the living daylights out of her and bring her down instantly, but not quite enough to kill her yet. If she keeps bleeding the way she is though, it's a real possibility. It's startling how quickly she stops her attack, instead sobbing and mumbling in Russian. Please! I'll stop! Take anything you want! Take it all! Please, please don't kill me! You're actually a bit taken aback. This woman, who is so superior, so obsessed with worldly things, is seemingly willing to give it all up for her life. You have a feeling terror is not an emotion she is well acquainted with. It does not suit her.

Alice pointed her weapon at the witch’s forehead, and thumbed back the hammer. ”Anything you wanna know, Penny?”

Still stunned by the surprise victory, and still lost in deafened silence, Penny just stared, unable to understand what Magda was saying, even if she could hear her. She didn't even know Alice had spoken, but was grateful she was awake again and was such a superb shooter. 'I can't hear you!' she said, too loudly, pointing at her ears.

Alice sighed and turned back to the witch, ”We don’t want any of your foul black magic, we want information. Tell us what you know about Solomon’s Key, and be quick my trigger finger is itchy.”

The witch looks surprised at the question, but her face quickly calms, no doubt realizing the situation. I don't know where it is. If I did I would have obtained it already. You're not the only ones looking for it though. My master has men everywhere, hunting for it. All I know is there is supposed to be coordinates written somewhere, a scroll or papyrus no doubt considering the time period she frowns in thought, her archeologist brain working in spite of the gun pointed at her. Why do you think I travel so much? I've obtained much in doing so, and some things even allude to the key, but as yet nothing outright tells me where it is, or even hints for that matter. she shakes her head.

'What are you talking about?' Penny asked loudly, her ears still deafened by the banshee-like scream. 'I can't hear anything!'


OOC: Can I read lips? d20 Modern doesn't give a check for it, but D&D suggests a Spot DC 15.
14:59, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Spot - read lips?
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/spot.htm

ooc: I'll say that Penny can read her lips enough to get the gist of what she's talking about. Basically that she doesn't know where the key is but has been looking for it, etc.

Meanwhile, while you're at it, please roll a listen check Alice. Sorry Penny ;P Though you'll be able to hear again in about two rounds.

08:59, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Listen...not one of my best buuut.

Glass shatters suddenly, the display case in front of Alice breaking. Even Penny notices, and you both whip around to see the maid from before, holding a gun out towards Alice, looking shaky and terrified but determined to save her mistress. Thieves! Get out of here now! Leave her alone! she trembles.

ooc: Penny, you would be able to read just enough of her lips, not to mention her body language, to suspect she thinks you mere thieves. You can also tell she has absolutely no idea what she's doing.

Penny struggled to understand what the witch was saying, reading her lips and seeing maybe one word in five clearly pronounced in Magda's accent. It wasn't until she got the word "key" that she could fill in the blanks, and she felt a sense of great dread at what Alice might have given away.

Which was interrupted when glass exploded in front of her. At first, she thought Alice had fired again, but in looking around she saw the maid with a gun. She dare not do anything more now, and risk involving an innocent. 'Girl, your mistress tried to rob us!' Penny shouted. 'We will leave now. You should consider seeking a new position.' She waved to Alice, indicating she should follow, as Penny tried to sidle around the room, away from the gun-wielding maid and toward the exit. If only every great house could have such valiant help.

As Penny was speaking, Alice was aready moving. She used her foot to push the witch prone. She said, ”Tell them Alice sent you.”. She delivered a Coup-de-Gras to the back of the witch’s skull. She spun her gun around backwards and dropped it into her holster, and at the same time drew her second weapon and aimed it at the maid.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

The maid screams as her mistress falls down dead. Murderer!! she accuses. She's incredibly panicked looking, which makes you think that's why she shoots at Alice so suddenly, even with Alice's gun pointed at her, as though she didn't know what else to do. She's able to get two shots off. One goes wide and the other, amazingly hits, grazing her side. It is...unexpected, for the woman clearly has never held a gun before.

Penny, you naturally don't hear any of this but the accusation is clear enough judging by her face and you see Alice flinch enough to realize she's been shot. You also get the impression this woman may be entirely innocent of anything but being a loyal servant.

'Damn and blast!' Penny spat as an already terrible situation worsened considerably. She couldn't hear a thing, but she knew Alice had said far too much about the Key of Solomon; now, she couldn't even be sure if killing the witch was preferable or not. Who would Magda talk to her in whatever dark afterlife she went to?

Hastily, Penny stuffed the Aztec knife into her purse, then interjected herself between Alice and the maid before one or the other was shot again. 'Listen to me. Your mistress was a villain, a robber, and a genuine witch. Surely you must have known this in your soul.' she said levelly, focused on the frightened maid. 'Surely you have seen the signs. Perhaps you have heard strange sounds in the house, maybe even screams. Or there are rooms she forbade you to enter. Strange and disturbing artefacts in her possession. Visitors you've seen to arrive but never leave.' As she spoke, she steadily approached the frightened maid, trying to get in arm's reach.


OOC: Diplomacy 22, +5 if you think the Hunter bonus applies
20:30, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+3. diplomacy.

The maid, still trembling, points the gun at Penny, but her words jar her and she listens, transfixed and uncertain. W-What are you talking about? That's impossible! she whimpers. Penny of course, doesn't hear her, but you can read the word impossible on her lips. Her eyes though, seem to be uncertain and it's enough to keep her from pulling the trigger again. For now...


ooc: Ok Penny! Go ahead and roll to try to disarm her!

Alice flinched at the wound. She is pleasantly surprised at Penny’s ability to deal with the distraught maid. She will hold her weapon pointed at the main until the maid lowers her weapon.

While she'd kept the panicked maid listening, even if she hadn't been believed, Penny had advanced ever closer, until she was within arm's reach, until the barrel of the pistol was barely a foot away from her heart. A bad position to be in, perhaps. Penny could tell the girl was untrained with the gun, had never even held one before, and her grip was loose and improper. But fear sped her reflexes, made her hands twitchy. It could go off with the slightest surprise.

'We don't want to hurt you.' Penny said calmly, glancing slightly behind her to confirm Alice's position, that she would not be in the line of fire again. Then suddenly she spun back and slapped the maid's arms, one hand batting the gun to the side so it wouldn't hit anyone, the other catching the hot pistol to twist it deftly out of her hand...


OOC: Exploit Weakness, 22 vs DC 15, success, add Int to attack rolls versus Maid
Improved Disarm: no AoO
Attempt Disarm of ranged weapon, attack roll 21
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Sat 17 Aug 2019.

The maid gives a little shriek of surprise as Penny successfully disarms her. Then, realizing she is very much in deep water, the terrified woman frantically backs up, sobbing. P-Please don't kill me! Please! She's nearly in hysterics, particularly afraid of Alice, though her eyes dart back and forth from her to Penny. Finally, blessedly by now Penny's hearing is starting to return. Relief floods you as you faintly hear the woman's sobs.

Meanwhile, a door across the room bursts open. Ian enters, gun drawn. Is everyone alright!? I heard gunshots! His eyes go to Penny first before checking to see if Alice is alright.

Alice nodded, ”Great timing, as usual Ian. Dead witch. Terrified housekeeper.” This is her way f summarizing the situation.

With the pistol in her practised hand now, Penny backed away from the maid lest she attempt to grab for it in the same way, though it was clear she lacked the courage or the wit now. Although she couldn't discern what she was pleading, she could guess it well enough. Regardless, Penny kept her covered with the gun just so she wouldn't run off.

Then Penny shook her head as her hearing returned, sounds at first seeming muffled and distant, and then much too loud in her unused ears. 'Not so loud.' she hissed to Ian, glancing toward him with a welcome, relieved expression. She was pleased the mission was still, and moreover that he was safe.

'Magda attacked us.' Penny insisted; since it was she who had called for a non-violent approach, and had ended the evening with a bloody dagger and a pistol in her hand, she felt some clarification was in order. 'She tried to steal the Mayan knife. Did you... get what you came for?'

Ian looks a tad bewildered at Penny's request for a quieter tone, and comically whispers thereafter, trying to accommodate her. I leave you two alone for ten minutes... he shakes his head bemusedly. And no. We haven't found it yet. I think they're closing in though, but they've made a real mess of the place. If I were the bookish type I'd be traumatized. As it is Tabitha is close to conniptions but Emma is taking the more aggressive tactic. Now, what do you intend to do about this little mess? he gestures to Magda's body and the still terrified maid. He turns to the latter, speaking kindly and pulling out a badge from his vest pocket. It's alright Miss. I'm with the Pinkertons. Your employer was a very naughty girl I'm afraid. Now, we have to sort out matters and get this all straightened out and then I'll happily tell you everything. In the meantime love, are there anymore servants about who will need calming? Can't have anyone else misunderstanding the situation now can we? His voice is gentle and kind and though she is still upset she seems to soften somewhat. Ian always did have a way with women. Pinkertons? Really? And yes. There are four more of us. If they've heard the gunshots it's only a matter of time before they... she starts sobbing, looking at Magda's body again. She's under investigation? Did you really need to kill her? Ian moves forward and puts an arm around her shoulder, glancing at the two of you warningly, no doubt worried about her statement of the other servants...

Alice wondered the same thing. Penny would know what to do so she would just follow Penny’s lead.

'Oh, speak up, man.' Penny then ordered irritably as Ian began to whisper, now too near the threshold of her abused ears. Listening to the news, she tried to think So, if Tabitha and Emma hadn't located the scroll, what then had been the point of this exercise? She needed to join the search herself, and hopefully seize the scroll herself – no need or time for making copies or leaving forgeries now.

After hearing from the maid and Ian, Penny gazed over the dead body of Magda Petrovich and then looked to Alice. She had no good answer the maid, and feared to wonder which was worse: Magda alive or Magda dead, with the knowledge of what they'd come here for. She still didn't know, but said sadly 'I'm rather afraid we did. We fought only to defend ourselves against her assaults, and the wounds she received were mortal ones, I fear.'

Opening the barrel, she tipped the remaining bullets out of the pistol into her purse, then wiped the gun down with her handkerchief. The science of fingerprint identification was still a very new one; Doctor Henry Faulds's proposal to Scotland Yard may have been dismissed, but Penny had listened, and it may yet be unheard of in the Americas, but she would not take chances.

'Ian, if you deal with the remaining staff, we can rescue Emma and Tabitha.'
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

Alice nodded in agreement at Penny’s plan.

Ian nods, already putting a comforting arm around the maid's trembling shoulders. He always did have an easing presence and the man knew how to use it. Just in time too as two men rush in, looking ready to strike anything that moves. Ian immediately holds up  his badge again, launching into his story as he nonchalantly waves you both off.

You head deeper into the house, intuition more than anything helping you find your way. It isn't difficult to find the library, though it is apparently locked from the inside, no doubt Emma and Tabitha attempting to buy themselves more time. A simple whisper for admittance gains you entrance though and you enter to find a completely splendid room. Shelves line the walls and glass cases on stands dot various corners, each with some precious artifact or another peaking out from within. Unfortunately, the place is a mess. Emma even now is tossing things into piles haphazardly, squinting at mounds of papers in front of her as she rifles through them with wild abandon. Tabitha looks ready to scream, scolding the other witch to be careful even as she tries to search herself, head constantly whipping back around to glower at the woman. No wonder they didn't find it yet. Seeing the mess, Magda is no doubt rolling around in her soon to be grave.

ooc: Ok, so there's a lot of interesting stuff here but how much you run across will depend on how well your searches go. So roll, write your intentions and best of luck to you!

Alice did not want to add to the chaos, so she stood in the door and tried to spot the artifact in question. She also looked for anything interesting in the way of weapons or things that would help them on their current quest.

08:48, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  K: Arcane.
08:48, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Spot.

'Well,' Penny began icily as she surveyed the disorganised chaos that had once been Magda's library, 'I had wished the search performed with absolute carefulness and discretion, but it hardly matters now, does it? Magda Petrovich is rather too dead to worry about the state of her library now.'

She began mucking in, scanning the shelves and the heaps and sifting through the documents with the same careful eye she applied to bloody crime scenes. Which this was roughly equivalent to in her eyes.


OOC: Oh yeah, natural 20!
15:36, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 34 using 1d20+14. search.
15:40, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+14. Find Clues: Search.

Tabitha pales hearing that Magda is dead, and you suspect she's still somewhat afraid of you considering how easily her old companions seem to be dropping. Emma, however, looks pleased and perhaps a tad bit proud of all things.

The search is...fast. Penny, within one minute of searching, finds a linen lined box of scroll pieces, obviously artifacts that are not complete, and within moments recognizes the other half of the scroll. It's laughably easy for her and both witch's faces turn red at the sight, embarrassed.

Meanwhile, the rest of the place holds interesting things. Both of you find guns, Alice a shot gun and Penny a small handgun, each worked with runes of some kind. Alice also finds a mysterious flat vial about the size of a half dollar, and a very old looking copper cuff.

Penny, finds some round spectacles with lavender lenses and a pretty blue ring that somehow draws you to it.

Emma and Tabitha both help you examine your finds. Before you can get to the matter of the scroll's contents though, the door bursts open and Ian enters, looking nervous. I got most of them to buy it, but we'd better get out of here now. There's a nosy old coot who won't take me at my word, badge or not. You find everything I hope? He keeps looking behind him as though expecting someone to burst in. I think we'd better go out the window or somethin. Going back through there may be a bit risky. Something about that old fellow I really really don't like...

ooc: Ok, since you're in a hurry I'll describe your goodies to you later. In the meantime you'll have to decide if you go out the front or the back and how quiet you think you can be etc.

'Yes, we've got it.' Penny answered Ian, quickly stuffing the scroll and other finds in her purse for later examination. The witch's artefacts seemed important somehow, and it wasn't like Magda would miss them, nor that their alleged crimes could get any worse. But she had the scroll, the key to the Key of Solomon, that was the main thing. Maybe they could at last win a victory against Belial? 'Very well, let's make haste, out the window.' She crossed to the window and tried to fling it open dramatically, before attempting to climb out. 'No offence, but it is time for us to be long gone from Portland and Maine, I think.'

Alice nodded to Ian and Penny. She would help Penny ou the window if necessary and then out herself.

You hurry along in the darkness, and as you leave you can see the house is a scuttle with lights on in the windows and people moving around inside. Yes. It definitely is time to leave Portland.

You rush back to Tabitha's summer house and pack up your supplies. There's no time to study the artifacts properly nor do much of anything but cram the wagon haphazardly and leave as quickly as you possibly can. Emma asks Alice to drive the horses while Ian leads on horseback so he can scout ahead. To make matters worse, it starts to rain. Hard.

By the time you find anything resembling shelter, you're all soaked to the skin. There's an old barn you can barely make out through the rain and the dark and Emma shouts in the din, pointing to it. Finally you manage to enter the musty place, which drips heavily from various leaks here and there but it's a great deal drier than it was outside. At least it looks abandoned too, so theoretically no one is going to bother you.

Emma bids Ian start gathering whatever he can for a fire and soon the witch has one crackling away, after having squinted at it to start it. Meanwhile Tabitha frets over the artifacts, which thankfully have been kept dry in her packs.

Well that was fun. Ian sighs, looking tired and drenched. What now ladies?

'Now... now I suppose we have a good, well-earned rest.' Penny answered Ian wearily once they were settled in the barn. It was a far cry from the hotel, and Penny was glad she'd thought to retrieve all her things and had travelled light anyway. It had been a desperate flight from Magda's house and then Tabitha's, and Penny did not like to consider she might be wanted in Maine as an accessory to the robberies and murders of two local wealthy heiresses. It just wasn't seemly. 'In the morning, we can try to get transportation down to New York.'

'Until then, we can begin to examine our ill-gotten gains. Which reminds me...' Fishing in her purse, she pulled out the Mayan knife, and looked to Tabitha. 'Tabitha, when you gave me this knife, were you aware that Magda would try to kill us for it?' she asked, her words carrying an edge of challenge to them. She wanted to know if the witch had tried to betray them.

Arriving at the barn Alice went to one of the horse stalls to strip and wring out her cloths. She found an old blanket and wrapped herself in it to come to the fire. She sat and warmed herself. She was thinking about things other that what they had gotten. The witch’s face when she had killed her kept coming to mind. Had she acted rashly or harshly? Could some other solution have been found? What about the things they stole? Was it wrong to take them or right because she would use them for good and not evil? There were enough questions to keep her up late as she let the fire hypnotize her.

Tabitha looks horrified at the accusation. Of course not! why would I want that? You lot are keeping me safe! Besides, I had no idea she'd gotten THAT rabid over her obsession with artifacts. I'm sorry that happened, but it worked out well for us don't you think? One less enemy to worry about right? she speaks rushed and nervous, as though terrified you won't believe her. Emma fixes her with a long, scrutinizing look. You and I have been friends a long time Emma. Don't test that friendship. If I find out you're lying, I'll take you down myself. These people and I may not be allied on everything, but they ARE my allies, and I owe them much. Be careful Tabitha.

I'm not lying! I swear it! she practically babbles. She continues like this a few minutes before Emma shushes her and proceeds to look through the artifacts you purloined, bidding her companion to help her determine their abilities. It turns out they have some very valuable qualities...

As this goes on, Ian quietly walks to the somber Alice and hands her a bottle of scotch. I know that look. Not sure exactly what's causing it but I have a few ideas. He then puts some more wood on the smoking fire, the wood burning fitfully considering some of it is soggy.

ooc: Ok, while I'm thinking about it, through the efforts of Tabitha and Emma, you'll determine you obtain the following goodies, many of which are also of historical note and value.

Alice: Every 4 rounds your new shotgun gives you a +5 to attack and damage rolls. The vial is a healing vial. One drop on your tongue heals 10 hp, though keep in mind the amount is limited so it only works 40 times. Not bad still. The copper cuff heats up when demons are close by.

Penny, your spectacles allow you a +4 to spot checks, to see things/people otherwise invisible, and also enable you to decipher other languages, even ancient ones. Handy eh? You also find a blue stoned ring that, when you shake another's hand or touch them with the gem, forces them to tell you the truth for three minutes, though very powerful beings can resist this. You also get a gun with the same benefits of Alice's.

'Yes, quite.' Penny agreed stiffly with Tabitha's insistence of innocence. One less enemy indeed – Magda was dead, another member of the cabal was eliminated. Had Tabitha set them up to be rid of them, or to be rid of Magda? Catching herself, Penny tried to halt her train of thought; she'd had too many surprises, too many betrayals and ambushes to be trustful, to not see all the possibilities. But it was not wise to be too suspicious either, to drive away allies like Tabitha. Besides, no one so cunning could babble so terribly in her defence. Abandoning her scrutiny and interrogating stare, Penny nodded to Tabitha. 'Forgive me, please, but I had to be sure. From this point on, we must be exceedingly careful. But I do believe and trust you, Tabitha.' she tried to reassure her. She returned the Mayan knife as a token of it.

She marvelled over the finds – true, magical artefacts, items of power. They should be quite useful as they proceeded. Moreover, the abilities they imparted were well-aligned with her own skills and profession, and useful for the quest ahead. Had God or some friendly power caused them to fall into their possession?


OOC:
17:00, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+10. sense motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 20 Sept 2019.

At Penny's proclamation of trust, Alice humphed and said, "About as far as I can toss you."

Should you decide to use the spectacles on the now completed scroll, you will be pleased to find the words transform before your eyes into English, though the translation is a bit rough. It basically reads, "The caves of Qumran hold many truths. Copper shines brighter than the purest gold."

The only reason you can tell that this is regarding the key is the hieroglyphic depiction of two women kneeling before it. It's very brief but it is a location.

ooc: Ok, if you like you guys can roll knowledge checks to see if you know where the heck Qumran is etc. Let me know if you fill in Tabitha on stuff as she'll have something to say on the matter. She's looking at Penny eagerly as it is.
Also, let me know if you have any plans the rest of that night and such as well as any plans for preparations. I'm almost done here but not quite.

Alice was getting a feel for the new shotgun. It was light, and fit well against her shoulder. It seemed to have been made for a woman, like her own custom stock on the shotgun she owned. The action on the lever was smooth, in fact she wanted badly to take it out for some target practice, but she elected to stay there with the others. As Penny looked at her glasses Alice said, ”Dang it girl, will you just read it to us? We wanna know as bad as you.”

14:35, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  K:Theology.
14:35, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  K:Streetwise.
14:35, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  K:Arcane.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Thu 19 Sept 2019.

Amazed by the magical translation, Penny raised and lowered the enchanted spectacles several times, watching the hieroglyphics twist into letters and back again. 'This is quite incredible.' she said to the others, quite aware she was holding them in suspense. 'The hieroglyphics have been transformed into our Latin alphabet, and into English words even. We shall hardly need Champollion's translation and the Rosetta Stone now.' She looked around for other texts to translate, wondering aloud 'I wonder what it would do with letters that are already English, or codes, idioms, or subtle variations in meaning... Oh, alright.' she relented, as she heard Alice's insistence and saw Tabitha's eager expression. She didn't need the glasses to translate either of those.

She looked again at the scroll, confirming her reading of the message, before whispering '"The caves of Qumran hold many truths. Gold shines brighter than the purest copper."' A small deception, but she didn't know who might be listening in.


OOC: I don't know what Knowledge skill covers geography, but I already know about the Dead Sea Scrolls. ;)
21:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Knowledge: History.
21:11, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: Arcane Lore.
21:12, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 28 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: Theology & Philosophy.

Purest copper? Is copper particularly pure? What an odd saying. It must be some sort of clue, Tabitha frowns, looking fascinated already. And Qumran you say? That's a ways away for certain! Never have cared for the desert, but that's where all the interesting things seem to be I'm afraid. still, I can't think it would be very important. But then it must be, I suppose, if the scroll mentioned it. I've never heard of any caves though... she sighs, shaking her head.

Ian listens to all of this with growing apprehension. Desert? Did you say desert? He clearly does not relish the idea of going. Emma tightens her lips at this. I don't care for it myself. The heat never agreed with me. But I suppose you think we should go...? Right Penny? There's a hint of hope in her voice of course that says she wants you to say no.

'It makes sense. Pure copper is a pinkish orange, but gold is always brighter.' Penny insisted to Tabitha before she questioned it too much. The truth could wait until she had her hands on the copper herself. While the witches went for the gold.

'And it is in the desert,' Penny began, 'Because it is where all the Peoples of the Book began. Something about the desert, the air, and the heat, perhaps, or maybe it the sense of vastness and openness, that makes one closer to God... Qumran is in Palestine, close to the Dead Sea, outside Jerusalem itself. It's a site of some interest in archaeology circles. The noted French archaeologist Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau excavated some tombs there, oh, fifteen years ago or so. I remember reading of it, but I don't recall anything about caves... There is some risk from the Bedouin tribes in the area, but regardless of heat or raids, we must go. It is where the Key of Solomon lies, and we have come too far and have too much need to hesitate now.' she said resolutely.

Alice nodded along. “We’ll need canteens, dark clothes, and y’all will need wide brim hats.” She went on, “In that part of the world people speak French and Arabic. Do any of you?”

'I speak French,' Penny confirmed, and tapped her new spectacles, 'And with these, I can read Arabic and the rest, at least.' It wasn't perfect, but it should be enough to get by, at least among the higher classes.

'But more to the point, we'll need passage to the Middle East. It will take us a week at least to cross the Atlantic via steamship. Unless we may use magic again?' she mused, looking to Emma in query. Her magic had gotten them from New York to California, but to go from America to the Middle East might be an order of magnitude more difficult.

I don't speak anything but English and a smattering of latin, Ian shakes his head. Exorcisms you know, he adds with a grin. Emma too frowns at the question. I speak a bit of French and the like but Arabic? A hearty no from me I'm afraid.

Tabitha speaks up then. It's a bit rudimentary but I have passable Arabic. Of course, I'm not sure...am I coming with you? There is hope in her voice but also worry. Emma considers the question but falls silent, deferring to Penny. It's surprising how mellow the woman has become considering your beginnings with her but it's clear she respects the Englishwoman.

At the question of travel, Emma gives a slow nod. I think I can get you there. Just...not all at once. It's not a question of power mind you, rather practice. I'll have better luck if I skip us along a bit rather than try to fling us all the way there. I could do New York next and then I think... she pauses, I think I could manage Morocco after that. I'd need a few hours to study it. I've been there once, so that helps. From there I can skip us closer a great deal easier but if I do it wrong we'll end up in the middle of the Atlantic ocean...

Alice nodded, ”Well I think time is of the essence. Honestly I don’t think we need two witches, but ultimately I’m here to support Penny so whatever she says I’ll support.”

Heh. Why am I not surprised that you would want to eliminate a witch? Emma gives a dry chuckle. But you're right about time. We'll rest up and I think I can get us to New York come morning. From there we'll take a day, get supplies, that sort of thing. Unless anyone has objections?

ooc: Ready to move you along soon. So finish up here and let me know in general what you want to do in New York. I assume you're going to headquarters to fill in Victoria and such? If not, let me know. Also think about what supplies you might want. Keeping in mind of course that Alice has never been to the men of letters place etc.

Oh yes, lets go to the MoL HQ. This will be loads of fun!
Ammo
Medical supplies
Food
Clothes so that we at least don’t draw too much attention in the Mid East

'Perhaps we might find a translator once we are in Palestine, or another member of the Men of Letters may assist us. Jerusalem is under the Ottoman Empire, so Turkish may also be useful when dealing with the authorities.' Penny had proposed on the matter of languages. 'Certainly, we may need a guide and bodyguards to reach Qumran itself. Four western women travelling with one gentleman may be... a target.' she considered with worry.

Alice's sniping at the witches and Emma's reply gave Penny time to actually contemplate the situation. Two witches would be very useful for their magic. Two witches would also be very dangerous should they decide to turn on them. While they were feuding, Penny could trust Emma and Tabitha to watch and guard against each other, but that feud had faded rather quickly with time, as it would with those who'd once been friends. They certainly seemed amiable now, with each other and with herself and Ian, if not Alice for obvious reasons, but was it all an act? 'Tabitha, we would welcome your aid, but I wouldn't force you to come. Of us all, you shouldn't be suspected of involvement in... recent events. You may return to your lighthouse, tell the police some story, and resume a life of peace and quiet.' But could she really do such a thing now?

'No, that's a fine plan. We'll return to New York, check in with Miss Green and share information and plans, and get whatever aid and assistance we can. I expect the opposition from Belial shall only grow much worse as we near our goal.' she warned, the others as much as herself.


OOC: Sorry, I missed this! That all works for me. Maybe we could get some more MoL NPCs to back us up? We're three of us to two witches, and I want to un-even those odds a bit. ;)

Ian nods at Penny's suggestions. We have plenty of stuffed shirts that can babble just about any language you want. They'll be so excited to actually be going somewhere, I tell you now, it's going to get annoying, he made a face. Increasing our numbers isn't a bad idea though. If Belial gets wise to what we're doing somehow, we're going to need reinforcements.

Meanwhile Tabitha frowns at Penny's words. Well, in theory you have a point but honestly I don't want to take the risk. There are too many links that would make me suspicious in my fellow witches' demise. And I thought part of the deal would be that my help would put me under protection? I can't defend myself all alone! Besides, I'm rather curious about this golden scroll. That is...if you'll have me? she winces hopefully.

Alice shook her head and sneered but bite her tongue. Two witches was two too many in her opinion. She huffed and looked at both of them, ”You sleep apart, and if I even think that you two are planning anything behind our backs, I’ll kill both of you. Believe it.”

'Indeed.' Penny agreed, one word covering a multitude of worries, that Alice would make good on her threat, that she would turn the witches against them, and that dead or enraged witches would be far more trouble than cooperative ones. 'But, I hasten to add, you have given us no reason to doubt you. And yes, that was our arrangement.'

'However, it is not up to us alone. I shall put in a good word with Miss Green, and she may be able to provide a Men of Letters safehouse for you, should you require it.'

Tabitha swallows hard at Alice's threat, turning pale. Emma, however, seems unaffected, no doubt very used to such things by now. Well, if you'd rather I didn't come, I understand... Tabitha licks her lips nervously. I only thought, with my knowledge of history and the like, that I could help? Otherwise, I'd be happy to take up terms with this Miss Green person, she adds quickly.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to start up a new chapter now. Go ahead and finish up here should you need to. So is Tabitha coming officially or not? Either way is totally cool :)

I think she is coming. I’m good unless Penny needs something.

OOC: Sure, if you want to keep playing her, and if she doesn't turn on us. :)