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06:49, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone.

Posted by ArtemisFor group 0
Artemis
GM, 2087 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2019
at 14:06
  • msg #1

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

The rest of the night in the barn passes uneventfully. It is chilly and damp and unpleasant but you've all been through worse. Come morning Tabitha and Emma work together, drawing sigils and conversing with each other in preparation. Then, at last they mutter an incantation and the wall forms a portal leading to New York. As you step through you find yourselves in a back alley, thankfully deserted seeing as how the sight of you would no doubt cause commotion. It's in the seedier part of town, but early morning as it is, it's not too dangerous. Ian recognizes it immediately and a broad grin crosses his face. I know where we are! he slaps the alley wall fondly. We're near sixth street, corner of Harking. I've had many a fight in these alleys you know. Hey, there's a cafe not far, makes incredible coffee. They'll even add a bit of Irish to it if you know what I mean, he winks. Anyone else hungry? I'm buying! He looks ecstatic to be home, but perhaps, considering his experience with the Djinn and all, it is comforting to him to be back where he belongs.

Should you take him up on his offer to eat you'll find the food remarkably good for such a hole in the wall establishment. He talks with great cheer, going on about endless stories and exploits, just tickled pink to be back. Then it's time to face the music and you head back to headquarters.

Tabitha is blindfolded, so that she can't discern the location of the warehouse, but once you're inside the cloth comes off. To Alice, who's never been there, the building is pretty unremarkable. It's dusty, massive, and looks abandoned, save for two men seated on crates, smoking cigarettes. Seeing you enter, they immediately stand and you realize that, as common as they look, these men are dangerous. There's something about the way they move, the alertness, the poise in their muscles. But they relax seeing Ian, who gives them a broad smile and a wave. Jenkins, Adler! You still alive? Woulda thought a vamp would have sucked you dry by now! Ian laughs. They exchange pleasant banter a moment before revealing a hatch underneath some floorboards with a ladder leading down. Of course to Penny this is all familiar stuff but no doubt Alice finds it surprising.

Soon you find yourselves walking through the brick lined tunnels, each fitted with electric lights lining the walls. Every fifteen feet or so there are devil's traps lining the floor, in white paint, each immaculate. Around you people are bustling about, dozens of them, all pleased to see Ian and he just as happy to see them.

Eventually, after turns and twists, you end up in a large study with books and books lining the shelved walls. Mostly on the occult, history, things of that nature. Tabitha is transfixed, exclaiming over them, Emma too actually, and it is several minutes later that Victoria enters the room, blinking at the witches in mild surprise. Alice, you are no doubt a bit stunned to see a black woman, dressed impeccably, to be seemingly in position of power. She looks at you all and gives a hint of a smile. So. You're back. And you brought company I see? she arches a curious brow at Tabitha and Alice.

Just then, before anyone can utter a word, Lily bursts through the door behind her and with a whoop of happiness, runs at Ian and tackles him in a massive hug. I knew you were alright! I knew it! she laughs. He returns her affection, mussing her hair. Was there ever a doubt? Of course! You can barely put your pants on in the morning without finding some sort of trouble, she teases. Then, seeing Penny, she does the same thing, wrapping her in a rough and enthusiastic hug. Penny! Spotting Alice she gives her a friendly nod of greeting.
Penny Dreadful
player, 1314 posts
HP 56/98
Def 17/15/17+1+1
Mon 14 Oct 2019
at 12:40
  • msg #2

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

It was with immeasurable relief that Penny returned to New York, amidst the grubby streets, bustling crowds, and tall buildings, and all the intriguing clues and crimes they had to offer. It was the closest place that she knew of to London, her adopted home and hunting ground after her beloved Devonshire, far from the hot and dusty deserts. She would enjoy this while she could, before they had to go off again, and even further away.

It was with a fond smile that Penny watched Ian delight in being back himself. He knew New York as well as she did London, it seemed. It was good to see him so happy and carefree again, after what he'd lost in the djinn's dreams. She listened intently to his tales, her heart warming again to him.

Penny was equally glad to be back inside the Men of Letters headquarters, surrounded by its wards and watchers. It represented safety and security, and a chance to finally relax her guard. Well, a little, anyway, keeping the recent demon infiltration in mind. It was good to place busy again, with fresh devil's traps.

She greeted Victoria with a pleased smile; the negress had done very well in her leadership, and gave the lie to her father's sneering of the negro race. 'Indeed, we have developed a habit of collecting witches.' she jested, but gave her a concerned look indicating they should talk on this privately later. 'And it's good to see you and the Women of Letters again.'

Then she was surprised by Lily's explosive entrance, stiffening like the reserved Englishwoman she was. 'And you, Lily.'


OOC: I don't think Emma has been to the MoL HQ either, only the safehouse. So she should be blindfolded too, with appropriate excuses that it's nothing personal. ;)
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 343 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Mon 14 Oct 2019
at 13:34
  • msg #3

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice was struck dumb time ad again. First with their sudden appearance in New York, something that made her head swim a bit. Second with Ian’s sudden change of personality. It was indeed good to seem him feeling himself again. Third, with being granted entrance into the Men of Letters headquarters which was itself awe inspiring. Forth when Victoria appeared and she was a woman of African descent. Fifth when Lily emerged, a Native American woman! This place was like the stewpot America always promised it would be. Alice didn’t know what to make of it. When instroductions were being afforded she showed her Hunter’s mark (the tattoo of a St. Marcellus Patron of Vampire Hunters medallion which was as likely to give away her pedigree as announce her allegiance) and said quietly, ”Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner, Alice to my friends.” Although she did not mention her father, it was Abraham Van Helsing who used this particular mark to distinguish his small band among the larger Hunter’s groups. Anyone who has met his would see the similarities, though she takes after her mother more than Abraham. Although she seemed nervous, being underground always reminded her of Vampires not safety from them, she sticks her thumbs in her gunbelt to keep them from straying too far toward her actual weapons.

It has been a long time, so o refresh everyone’s memory:

https://www.springfieldnewssun...tkcrCBQ4mEwYQVTrSeN/

St. Marcellus is an actual Saint, credited with killing an actual Vampire.

Artemis
GM, 2091 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2019
at 23:15
  • msg #4

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

ooc: Okie dokie, I think you're right. Double blindfolds it is! :)

Victoria does indeed seem to notice Alice's mark, her dark eyes narrowing thoughtfully. I recognize that...Van Helsing's mark is it not? You must be part of his group I'd wager? If so, my friends were lucky indeed to have run across you, she notes, impressed. Welcome Miss Conner. Anything you need, just ask.

ooc: Ok, so I don't want to make you guys full on re-explain everything to a couple of npc's so feel free to let me know how much you tell.


The witches are sent to a secure chamber so that you can speak freely now.
In return you learn that Father Simon is in Europe on business from the church and it's been weeks since anyone's heard from him. You also learn that Jo is out and about hunting a particular demon and that Lily has been left behind as it would seem he has some unknown power over her that is as yet being figured out. The demons have been hard at work, experimenting with melding human and demon blood to create soldiers. Fortunately such work is in its infancy so it's unclear how far they've progressed. Also, Castiel is here, having been called by Victoria to aid in another matter. He's very weakened though and has not the strength to return to his time yet. Yes. Things have been busy here.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 344 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Wed 16 Oct 2019
at 21:24
  • msg #5

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice nodded to Victoria, ”I traveled with da...Doctor Van Helsing for nearly a decade. After I lost my baby and my husband. Very long story. Maybe one day I’ll tell it over a bottle of whiskey.”
Penny Dreadful
player, 1316 posts
HP 56/98
Def 17/15/17+1+1
Tue 22 Oct 2019
at 12:39
  • msg #6

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Penny listened to Victoria's news with mounting concern: demons with new powers, humans carrying their foul blood? Belial and his minions had not been resting while they were away. But she hadn't expected them to be. Penny thanked Victoria, and took heart in the knowledge that Castiel was close by, and that Father Simon was doing well and on church business.

In return, Penny filled Victoria in on their adventures since they'd left, in San Jose and Portland, the information she'd not been able to include in her letters and in those she'd not had a chance to send. She had little to keep from Victoria, but the recent shapeshifter infiltration made Penny circumspect before she divulged everything immediately. She updated her on their plans to travel to the Holy Land in search of the Key of Solomon.

And she explained the situation of the two witches they now had in train. '...They profess to be willing to help, and have shown no sign of treachery yet,' she conceded, 'But I fear they are only aiding us out of necessity. Emma because Belial abandoned her and she has no other allies, Tabitha because our visit ruined her life in Portland. We promised her protection, but now she wishes to aid us in Palestine. Both are witches sworn to Hecate, and she is allied to Belial. So they are both a benefit and a risk to us.' Penny outlined their dilemma, with a glance to Alice who was much more certain in her beliefs. 'I am unsure how to handle them. I am sympathetic, but wary. Can we trust them? What safeguards can we place?' She recalled Victoria's strange mesmeric powers, and asked 'Are you able to confirm their loyalties somehow?'


OOC: Sorry, I got caught up in a lot of work, and then was so tired after it I had a hard time catching up and responding here.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:13, Wed 23 Oct 2019.
Artemis
GM, 2095 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2019
at 16:31
  • msg #7

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

ooc: No worries! Take as long as you need. I'm getting over a cold so I was happy for the delay honestly ;P

Victoria listens to the dilemma with concern. I wish it were that easy. If I had a way to test loyalty I'd have a much smoother time of things. But your worries are valid. Hm. Well let's think on this shall we? The usefulness of Tabitha comes at her skills in history. Well she's not the only one here with such skills. I can send you someone even better I'd wager. Most of the men of letters are scholars and they'd jump at a chance to go to Palestine. Emma, however, has her own uses. She's quite powerful. It could be a hindrance should she turn on you, but who would she turn to? I fear Tabitha's loyalties slightly more than Emma's. My suggestion is to take but one. Then they can't scheme against you. That is, if you're comfortable taking Emma at all. Has she proven useful? At this question Ian speaks up. I can't say that I trust her one hundred percent but...she did help me with a problem, he finishes carefully. Lily gives him a questioning look but he does not elaborate. You realize he's no doubt speaking of his Djinn incident. Do what you want though. he adds quietly. The native woman pipes up again at that. Well I'm free if you want an extra pair of hands. I've been through some unpleasantness myself and would like a change of scene. At this Victoria arches a brow. You're certain you're in a condition to go? Yes. she says firmly. Castiel thinks only the demons here pose a threat to me. If he's right I may as well not waste my time. Besides, he's an angel. He probably knows what he's talking about.... she shrugs.

Naturally such guarded talk makes you curious but Lily seems to want to keep things to herself judging by the way she's speaking.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 345 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Tue 22 Oct 2019
at 17:44
  • msg #8

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice just shrugged at Penny, ”You know my vote.”
Penny Dreadful
player, 1317 posts
HP 56/98
Def 17/15/17+1+1
Wed 23 Oct 2019
at 12:22
  • msg #9

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Penny regarded the Indian woman with both curiosity and sympathy. What had they missed here while they'd been away? A demon with power over a nephilim, and especially over Lily herself, was a matter of serious concern. Yet, in any case, it seemed to be a done matter for now, or rather, a matter she had no time or opportunity to delve into. Regardless, Lily was compromised in New York, and so would be of far more benefit in the Holy Land, and she was a steady and reliable ally. 'Indeed he does. We would be only too glad to have you with us, Lily.' Penny answered fondly.

'As for the witches...' Penny mused, her thoughts settling into place now Victoria had given her view and she'd found much to agree with, 'Emma has proved her usefulness time and again, aiding us even when she had no need to, when it would behove her to keep quiet on what she knows.' She glanced understandingly to Ian. 'Without her, we could not have obtained the Ring of Solomon, nor had a lead on the Key. Moreover, she has good reason to hate and fear Belial. And, I believe, she has softened much in her feelings toward us.'

'But Tabitha is an unknown quantity. She speaks Arabic and is knowledgeable on the Key and Seal of Solomon, but as you say, not indispensably so. Nor does she have practical field experience for the hazardous situation we are going into. She seems guileless and studious, but has no real reason to continue to aid us. She may well resent us for dragging her away from her quiet life at the lighthouse. And I cannot entirely forget the incident of the Mayan knife that provoked Magda so. Even if Tabitha does not harbour ill will now, she may be easily swayed later at some crucial juncture, which at this stage we cannot afford.'

'And the two witches, former friends and former foes, have quickly forgotten their feud. They may remember their argument decide to fight each other, or they may remember their friendship and ally against us.'
Penny finished outlining each aspect of the problem.

'So, I am inclined to retain Emma's services in this expedition, and besides, we need her magic to make it possible. Tabitha I would like to leave here in New York in a safe place of your choosing, and kept busy and distracted with some matter of research, perhaps on the Ring and Key, or on the demon problem. This is what we agreed initially, we can say it plays to her strengths, and at a later date we can reassess her talents and cooperativeness.'
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 346 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 18:00
  • msg #10

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alison spoke up, “Just playin devil’s advocate, if I were Emma and working for Heckatee and in turn Baliel I would be doing exactly this, hiding in plain sight. I would be helpful as can be to keep in our good graces and when the time was right, I’d squash all of us. This, getting the key, would be where I would make my move. Are you sure Penny? If you aren’t then we should consider some stronger form of persuasion.  The Brits got a spell...aborguration? Something like that. They can use it on a place or an item. Anybody here got that spell? Maybe can put it on something like a choker? That way she only uses magic where and when we want it.”

She nodded at Victoria, ”I’m guessing you might have somethin like that, ma’am?”
Artemis
GM, 2096 posts
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 18:35
  • msg #11

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Victoria frowns at Alice's suggestion, thinking hard. Hm...now that's an idea. As much as I think it would be in Emma's wisdom to truly work with us, I can't take unnecessary chances. I'll do a bit of research, I think I may be able to come up with something. Yes. Give me a little time and I'll see what I can do, she says with growing enthusiasm. And yes Penny, I believe leaving Tabitha here is the right course. There's plenty of busy work I can provide that will also be a good indicator of her loyalties. She will be a prisoner of course, but a prisoner with benefits. I don't think we'll have any problems with her so long as she doesn't get the idea of leaving into her head. But I'm willing to bet she knew that would be the case when she came here, she adds.

Now, Victoria continues, We should discuss the matter of who I send with you. I have a few people in mind but, some of them can be a bit...trying. She glances at Lily guiltily for some reason before continuing. My best choice in regard to the region you're going and the culture therein would be Professor Crimwall. He's excessively well read and he's decent in terms of the craft, not to mention-"

Oh NO! Lily interrupts with a cry of dismay. Not Crusty Crimwall! Anyone but him!! At this Ian starts laughing, to which the Indian gives him a glare but he only laughs the harder. He's boring Penny. So long winded! It's enough to make you want to shove a butter knife in your ear! He just won't stop talking! And he's always eating saltines! I don't know why, but he's obsessed with them! Cracker crumbs everywhere! They're always in his mustache, it's revolting. Please Victoria, please! she turns in supplication. The black woman stifles a smile of her own.

He's the best Lily. You know that. His...quirks are a small price to pay I should think considering the stakes. I'll have a word with him about his talking though, will that do? From the looks of Lily's face it will not but she has little choice. "That leads me to my next suggestion. Now, I'm not fond of him myself, but Peter is one of our top hunters. He's amazing, the things he's survived, she shakes her head in admiration. I'll admit, his personality can be a bit...off putting, but-"

Off putting!? It's Ian's turn to interrupt and you're surprised at how angry he looks. The man's a pig! A chauvenist, womanizing fiend! You'd put him in the midst of them?! he gestures to Lily and you two.

They can handle themselves I'm sure, Victoria sniffs.

Handle is one thing but you'd have to cut off his...er-head to keep him from ogling with it, he quickly changes the anatomy mid-sentence with a wince towards Penny. I liked the company of women in my day but he makes me look like Father Simon! Lily smirks at this.

In your day? You telling me you gave up chasing skirts in the last month? she arches a bemused brow. Rather than laugh back though, he goes quiet, face falling.

Things are a bit different now Lil. is all he says, but then you recall he's lived eight years without any womanizing in HIS mind. Sensing something wrong, Victoria gives him a careful, curious look before turning to the two of you.

I admit your new party would be less than ideal but in terms of skills they are the best I have to offer at the moment. Tell me though, do you require more? I can probably part with one more or so but if you're satisfied with a little extra brain and brawn I should think you well equipped.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Mon 28 Oct 2019.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 347 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 19:29
  • msg #12

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice actually smiled whistfuly at the thought of this Chromwell fellow. He reminded her amazingly of her own husband. Crumbs in his mustache could be handled, a little grooming, which might lead to a little kissing and...she blushed. She came out of her trance, ”I actually think this Crimwell fellow sounds interesting.” She looked around, ”What? I am attracted to smart men, everyone has their own type.” She is even unconsciously twirling her hair and her hips sway ever so slightly. “So if you want to send him, just introduce me, I’m sure with an audience like me he’ll leave everyone else alone.” She hoped he would find her interesting, he sounded very stimulating...
Penny Dreadful
player, 1318 posts
HP 56/98
Def 17/15/17+1+1
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 12:38
  • msg #13

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

'Emma was tortured to death, and had her head cut off, before or after.' Penny had informed Alice grimly. 'There was no guarantee we would find her body or resurrect her. So, if is she false, then she has an astounding commitment to the cause. But witches are not known for being self-sacrificing.' she concluded, but had to concede the need to be careful. 'Regardless, I am inclined to, ah, trust but verify.' She heard that old Russian proverb on the television in 2013, and found it quite apt now.

She listened thoughtfully as Victoria outlined the two agents she had available, smiling with amusement at Lily's protests about Crimwell and looking shyly at Alice's suggestions, and pursing her lips in discomfort at Ian's description of this Peter and what it revealed about Ian's sad experience. 'We cannot be picky about our agents. If they are all that is available, we must make use of them.' Penny decided. 'We can take Crimwell and leave the crackers at home, and if Peter plays up, I shall be only too happy to explain women's suffrage to him... And I think that number will do. We have enough for chaperones, and too large a group will attract ever greater attention.'
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 348 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 13:15
  • msg #14

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice’s face became a wide grin. She actually spoke Russian and understood the proverb. ”Doveryai, no proveryai” she said, ”literally trust and verify but a better translation is ‘Verify then comes Trust’  and I can appreciate your quoting it here. Yes, I can get behind that as a plan. Honestly I did not know about her decapitation and the other things. She is tied to Hecate by her magic, but her yearning for revenge might make her a strange bedfellow motivated by being the enemy of our enemy. Alright then I think you and I are of one mind on this now.” She put out her hand to Penny, indicating her willingness to go along completely with plan.

Nodding she turned to Victoria, ”Now, how about you introduce me to Professor Chrimwell.” Her grin is excited, she actually is attracted to exactly this kind of man. She loves listening to a man who is both informed and willing to convey his knowledge. The rest would be something she could do for him, which excited her equally. Helping a man become all he could be was a central part of her own character.
Penny Dreadful
player, 1319 posts
HP 56/98
Def 17/15/17+1+1
Fri 1 Nov 2019
at 09:01
  • msg #15

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

'Indeed.' Penny agreed, and held out her hand to shake Alice's. The detective's grip was likely delicate compared to the gunslinger's, but not without its own steel.

But she had to intercede before Alice went off to court or corrupt poor Crimwell. 'First, Alice...' she began hesitantly, 'There is one more thing we must discuss... When we interrogated Magda, you mentioned to her we were looking for the Key of Solomon, did you not? That may have been a, a misstep.' she said gravely. 'Magda's master – Hecate or Belial – may learn from her soul that we seek it, that we believe she had some knowledge of it or something in her possession that may aid us. Now our enemies may be forewarned of our quest.'
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 349 posts
HP 111/57
Pretty but boy's clothes
Fri 1 Nov 2019
at 11:03
  • msg #16

Chapter 11: Sand and Stone

Alice nodded, "You are correct. I was hoping she might have had it. I will be mindful from now on."
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