Rome is a far cry from where you've been lately, and even though it's certainly not New York, it feels a great deal more at home than Africa or the desert has been. For one, there are things like hansom cabs, restaurants, coffee, pastries. Yes. You definitely feel as though you picked the right choice coming to Rome.

The spring morning is bright and warm, the people around you are bustling and busy, heedless to your rag tag group, save for Lily who they gawk at openly. She is every inch a Native woman, after all, and Rome does not see many such people. She seems irritated by the attention, giving menacing looks from time to time just to get them to move along.

Meanwhile, Ian seems to be having the time of his life. He's never been to Italy and he's forever pointing at everything with a big goofy grin on his face.

The plan is to take two days to complete your task and then Emma will be coming to get you, since Loki still refuses to get directly involved with his powers. The most he seems to be willing to do is conjure sweets and other things, though even he's loathe to do that much, instead buying practically every pastry he can get his hands on. I'm good, but I'm not actual Italian baker good, he says with his mouth full. These people know their way around a zeppole!

Soon you get yourselves situated at a very fine inn that seems at least three hundred years old, judging by architecture, and you end up at a rooftop cafe that overlooks the city. Loki has been here before, it seems, and he quickly points out exactly what should be ordered and why. At last you manage to get him to focus and he wipes the crumbs off his lap as he heaves a satisfied sigh. Alright, so remember, I'm not supposed to actually tell you anything. But you could guess and save us the trouble of playing hot and cold again. I mean, this place is huge. No way. So....if you were an important religious artifact in Rome, where do you think you would be? Hm? He smiles, as though the answer were obvious, taking a sip of espresso with a wink.


ooc; Feel free to roll knowledge checks, both religious and anything else that would remotely fit. If you get a 13 or more you can feel free to google as desired and utilize that information.

Since arriving in Rome, Penny had became rather distracted, looking around at the beautiful sights of the ancient city (while she'd toured and hunted through France and Germany some years ago, she hadn't come further south than northern Italy) and stealing more glances at Ian and the others, but saying little. It had been almost dizzying to go from Palestine to Ethiopia to Rome in the space of a day, and she found she missed the experience of proper travel via train, ship, or coach that let one adapt and anticipate, as well as recuperate, and she regretted not getting to see the famous rock-cut churches of Lalibela. But they had no time to spare, the quest drove them ever onwards. And the stress of it, from the weariness of constant fighting and research to the dread of Belial, was wearing her down. Yet Penny found herself with ever more reserves of perseverance. She simply must press on. She had no other option.

From gazing out over the Roman skyline and finishing her zeppole, Penny touched a napkin to her lips and at last replied Loki. An obvious answer, maybe, but under Sherlock's tutelage Penny had learned to think beyond the obvious. 'The obvious place would be the Vatican: it is holy ground and well defended by men of the church, the Swiss Guard, and others, and it has many other holy relics our scroll would be overlooked beside and no end of ancient buildings in which to conceal them. Few, if any, demons could have infiltrated it. The early Templars would have had the access, authority, and money to establish a vault. On the other hand, they were headquartered in Jerusalem, not Rome, and so any space they used here must have been granted by the Pope or Cardinals of the day.'

'But, the Vatican is a large district with many buildings, and Rome has no shortage of other churches and ancient structures outside the Vatican's walls. And they all have libraries with scrolls. So, on those terms, finding our particular scroll would be like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.'

Penny sipped her espresso, pondering her next words, then went on 'I do know we seek Rossal, one of the other nine founding Templars for whom history does not record a fate, while the others will find either Geoffroi Bisol or Gondamar of Portugal. Rossal's name suggests him to be a Norman knight of Shropshire or Lancashire, so at least we shall find an Englishman.'

She looked quizzically to Loki, finishing 'Now, perhaps you could give us a clue?'


OOC: Knowledge (History) 23, Knowledge (Theology & Philosophy) 20
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Sun 28 Mar 2021.

Alice could not help but think of her father, her real one, here in Rome. It was where the majority of the time she had spent with him had occurred. She knew the streets and many of the vendor, tipping her hat when she caught their eye. She kept quiet and kept her coat drawn over her weapons.

Wow. You really like to overthink, don't you? Loki shakes his head with a look of amusement. He takes a huge bite of his pastry, talking with his mouth full. Look, I can't give you hints, remember? So if you have to search this whole city, I guess I'll have to waddle around with you and hope you don't take too long. Even as he talks, you notice he holds up his index and middle finger, spread apart in the shape of a V....So you should really consider all the possibilities, all the options, before you make a decision.

Lily shakes her head at this, turning to Penny with a faint look of amusement. My vote is on Vatican. Too bad that doesn't narrow it down much. Unless...can you do that hot and cold thing again? she turns to Loki. He smiles, mouth still full, and simply winks. Well there you go. But something tells me we won't have free reign of the place. Any ideas how we can get away with this? Sneaking is one thing, but inevitably, someone will probably see us... she turns and gives Ian a wicked grin. You're still on about Jersey? he scoffs at the native. That was once. Once! And that wasn't my fault. It was a bleeding glass warehouse! What did you think was gonna happen? Lily laughs, facing the rest of you again. Regardless, we need to be ready in case someone spots us. Probably shouldn't go roughing up priests and the like if we can avoid it too. So a good lie is in order I'd say. I'm open to suggestions...

'Over-think?' Penny queried with upraised eyebrow, seemingly not understanding. There was no such thing! But she didn't miss the sign Loki made with his hand, but assumed he didn't mean to flash her the notorious two-fingered salute. So, the Vatican then. She wouldn't get more than that, but considered it quite likely that if she took too long or struggled to much then Loki would doubtless get impatient and hurry them along, yet Penny wouldn't rely on that or drag her heels.

She made a wry smile at the banter between Ian and Lily, wishing all their adventures could be so amusing after all was said and done. 'Not so fast. We need to know where we must rob the scroll from first. I propose we visit the Vatican archives and libraries and there research the history of the Knights Templar, find which properties they owned or had access to in Rome, within the present borders of the Vatican. They were legendarily wealthy, so there may be many. But this shall be time-consuming and we shall almost certainly be watched, by not only the church, but aslo the allies of Belial.' Penny laid our her typically careful plan.

She looked to Loki, figuring he might know and at least answer some questions tangential to the task at end. 'So, was it true what the inquisitors said, that the Templars engaged in blasphemy or idolatry, or even worship of a demon called Baphomet – or even Islam's Mahomet, Muhammad, of which the name seems to be a corruption? Or was it all just politically motivated lies to be rid of them and erase the French debt?' It wasn't only for idle curiosity that she asked; knowing if the Templars had been corrupted by demons would tell her if they were walking into a trap.

Alice spoke up, but she is clearly distracted. "There is supposedly a vault in the catacombs beneath the Vatican. The Black Vault, where things to dangerous to destroy are kept. This seems about that, too dangerous to destroy."

Penny looked across the table to Alice with interest in her eyes. Could it be that easy? 'Oh? Where did you hear of this? If there is such a thing, it should be the first place we consider.'

Alice is still only half in the conversation, so she simply stated his name. "Abraham Van Helsing."

At Penny's question, Loki, having just taken an enormous bite of pastry, speaks with his mouth full. Both. The answer is both. Some templars were good and some definitely sucked. Most of the Templars were in the dark about what was really going on. Too bad.
Then, at Alice's suggestion of the black vault, a cheeky grin crosses Loki's face and he gives the woman a playful wink as though to say, "exactly." He says nothing though, merely pours an obscene amount of sugar into his coffee.

At Alice's mention of Van Helsing, Lily leans forward in surprise. Wait. You've met him? In person? What's he like!? Her face glows with excitement.

Penny's face fell with worry with Loki's revelation about the Templars. To have such a holy order truly become corrupted, if only in a small but significant part, did not bode well for others like the Men of Letters. 'Then their secrets could have been betrayed too. We shall have to be wary still.'

Penny also looked toward Alice with keen interest as she name-dropped the great Abraham van Helsing – her father, she recalled, from one hot-tempered declaration to Emma and Tabitha. An illustrious heritage indeed, but they'd not had the chance to talk about it at the time. Although she was more concerned with this Black Vault right now, they had the time and they could all do with a good story.

Alice's voice is bitter at the words she speaks, "He is a jerk. He cheats at cards and women." That is the extent of the conversation.

ooc: Sorry, I should have moved this along sooner than I did. For some reason I thought I was waiting on someone, so my apologies.

IC: Breakfast is finished fairly quickly, now that you have a fair game plan. Loki brushes the crumbs off his shirt, talking business. Alright. I can "hot and cold" you to where we need to be. Your job is going to be to figure out what to do if you run into someone. Anyone here good at lying? Or taking out priests without killing them? Because you're probably going to need to do one or the other... he trails off with a shrug.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to move things along to the actual vault and skip ahead. Start thinking of your strats or a good story in case you're caught. If you come up with it in advance I'll give you bonuses to your bluff. Also, please roll spots/listens, move silently and hides so I have them at the ready. Then we'll move on to the vault.

'As underhanded and possibly blasphemous as that may be,' Penny started after a sip of her espresso and looking coolly across the table at Loki, 'I have some skill in both departments and may come up with something, or knock out someone, if we must.' She sighed as she lowered her cup, musing 'If only Father Simon were here, he could negotiate our through the church hierarchy far better than us.'


OOC: I don't have plan, I'll wait to see what the situation at the vault is like.
Rolls using my levelled-up skills:
Listen 26, Spot 15, Hide 26 (corrected from roller), Move Silently 11

Mary smiled, "I'm good at lying but not good at taking out without killing. Maybe I should take the lead in the lies and Penny in the clobbering of priests. Who is Father Simon?"

Penny sipped her espresso whilst pondering what to say. So much had happened in recent weeks that her time working with Father Simon seemed like years ago now. Yet she recalled the better moments rather than the times they'd butted heads. 'A priest and a member of the Men of Letters. He worked with us early on in this quest. We had our differences of opinion, but he's a good and wise man.'

Alice nodded in thought. "A priest would be good to have around."

Lily falls silent at mention of Father Simon, her eyes tight yet she says nothing.

Soon you find yourselves playing a rather unenthusiastic game of hot and cold until you at last end up outside of the Papal Palace. Rather than enter, however, Loki guides you to a small, run down shack stuffed at the end of an alley. The shack itself is empty, little more than a half standing room with rotting wood, but Loki gestures you inside and bids you to dig, materializing shovels while happily "supervising." It takes a bit of doing, but you are able unearth an extremely old looking, copper door, now tinged green with age. As you look down you see darkness and a rather unstable looking ladder leading down. Loki goes first, volunteering to make sure its safe and though it creaks awfully, it holds. At the bottom he materializes a strange looking item he informs you is a flashlight, and you follow suit, ending up in a dusty chamber with marble floors and an inordinate amount of cobwebs in the corners. Loki leads the way, making a face at the state of the place. This place has secrets so old that nobody remembers them but people like me. Handy, am I right? he winks. Now, this is where we'll run into people, I'm betting. We need the archives because that's where we'll access the way to the other knight. I doubt anyone alive remembers that either, but that's the whole reason this place was built where it was, to be on top of that and protect the portion of the scroll. I know where to go but staying unnoticed will be...difficult.

You travel through the dark hallway, eventually ending up at a stone wall, blocking any further progress. Loki merely runs his hand along, feeling for a catch and the wall slides away, revealing a massive room with endless corridors of shelves. You can soon hear voices of men at work inside. Murmurs in Italian to each other, mostly just talking of categorizing and the like. It seems as though there are only about four or so, at least from the sounds of them. Unfortunately, before you can formulate any kind of a plan, Lily accidentally bumps her elbow into a shelf and a massive dusty tome falls off with a thud. The Italian voices stop and Loki, eyes wide says, Hide! Easier said than done, of course, and though most of you are able to scramble to and fro behind shelves and the like, Ian is not fast enough. Two of the men, robed in priest attire, rush towards him, looking more than a little stunned at his presence. A slew of Italian leaves their mouths and he just grins helplessly, unable to understand them. Uh...just looking for the bathroom? We could leave him behind, let him distract them while we go to the knight? I mean, they probably won't kill him Loki shrugs, whispering to Penny and Alice with a look of mischief in his dark eyes.

Alice rolled her eyes at Loki and decided that he was half right. Ian can be a good distraction. She would take advantage of that by sneaking up behind them. Her plan is to use her pistol butts to try and knock the priests out before they can raise an alarm.

10:15, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  #3.

10:15, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  #2.

10:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  damage #1.

10:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  #3.

10:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Strike #2.

10:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 27 using 1d20+10.  strike #1.

10:12, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Move SIlently.

She went for three strikes, using paired weapons to get the third attack. She hopes to KO the priests, so she will hit three of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Mon 10 May 2021.

'"People like you?"' Penny echoed quizzically, following Loki through the passage, peering curiously ahead at what the electric light revealed. 'Norse gods, you mean?' She could've gone on probing, but left it there – secrets were secrets for a reason. Instead, she changed the topic, knowing the salacious should distract Loki. 'A thousand years ago, the priests here kept concubines, which may explain some of these secret passages...'

In the archives, Penny lunged to stop Lily and catch the book, but without success. Reacting faster, she ducked into hiding, before fearfully realising Ian hadn't made it. She frantically tried to think of some ruse she could use to rescue Ian and maintain secrecy, but most ran up against the simple fact that she did not speak Italian. Drat! She nodded to Loki; as much as it pained her, it was a good plan: subtle, clever, minimising risk...

And then Alice went ahead and did the complete opposite.

Sighing, Penny followed suit, dashing out and swinging left and right with her cane, trying to knock two priests over the head and knock them out, safely and without committing some kind of sin by beating up a priest.


OOC: Using Nonlethal Force
#1: cane attack 16, nonlethal damage 7
#2: cane attack 17, nonlethal damage 7
Defensive Martial Arts: +1 dodge Defense vs melee attacks
Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs nearest priest
Agile Riposte: If the target of Dodge makes a melee attack against Penny and misses, then Penny may make an immediate melee AoO against the target. Once a round.

At Penny's words of "people like you," Loki's eyes flick to hers sharply, and a long, knowing moment passes between you for a split second before the mirth in his eyes is suddenly returned by the sight of Alice's sudden actions. Well, that's fun.


Somehow, Alice manages to sneak up on one and strike with the butt of her gun. He staggers in pain but doesn't completely black out. Before the second priest can react, the gun finds his skull too. Ian, by now, actually yelps in surprise. His eyes are so wide it's comical.

A third priest tries to help but Alice's strike immediately drops him to the ground. By now, Penny comes in and finishes off the two guards that were half felled by Alice's initial blows. Lily promptly finishes the fourth priest with a large wince on her face. If we ever see him again, not one word to Father Simon about this, alright everyone? she wags a finger at you all. Ian, just stares down at the still, robed men, and shakes his head. We're all going to hell I tell you. Straight to hell.

The sound of Loki's laughter interrupts the man and he looks far too amused. Wow. That was just...wow. Well, you should probably tie them up, or we're going to have a lot of trouble when we get out of the passage.

He waits while Lily expertly does so, the woman knows her way around a rope. You definitely
feel a twinge of guilt, seeing them lying there, though, to her credit, she tries to make them comfortable.

Soon, Loki has gone to the stone wall and placed his fingers in such a way that it slides open, revealing stone steps going into darkness. He shines his flashlight, going down with a sigh. You know what?, I know there's traps. But we're in a hurry. I guess I'll just go first. He says with a sigh. With that, he simply tromps off in front. The ensuing half hour is excruciating to watch. The poor man is sliced, stabbed, impaled, every combo you could think of, and he bears it all with a grunt and a minor look of annoyance. Either he really is a Norse God, or something extremely powerful. When at last the corridor ends, you find double doors, brilliant red, covered in keys hanging off small hooks, each one different, ornate, and beautiful. Loki frowns, stares, and swears. Well, this is new.

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll search/knowledge/spot/anything you think would help. Also, please roll a listen too.

Alice went to the door and did her best to understand it.

08:19, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Listen.

08:18, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  K:Theology.

08:18, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Spot.

08:17, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  K:Arcane.

As soon as the priests were felled, Penny crouched to check their pulses and breathing, to ensure none had taken a serious head injury from either the floor or their weapons. Walloping a man unconscious was such delicate business. She rolled them into recovery positions and rose to check on her own team. She gave Lily a relieved, teasing smile. 'Only to make confession and beg forgiveness.' And she stood by Ian and touched his shoulder in reassurance, adding 'Oh, we have a lot more stops to make before that happens.' She helped Lily with the ropes, and reasoned that they couldn't hide the bodies any better than where they were right now.

She followed after Loki, wincing as he set off each and every one of the traps. He might be an immortal, supernatural being able to survive all such injuries, yet somehow that just made it so much more horrific. 'Do forgive me for not joining you.' Penny said apologetically. 'But thank you, so much.'

Finally at the keys, Penny raised her eyebrow as she remarked to Loki 'Really? Not even in your Indiana Jones? Now, let's see...' Penny gazed curiously over the keys, tapping her lips in thought while wondering at each one's purpose, examining them for dust or the marks of use, their design and history. It seemed a puzzle based on observation and deduction and it intrigued the detective greatly. She explained her thought processes as she worked through them. 'It seems likely that only one of these keys fits the door, while all the others fail or trigger an alarm or yet another trap. The issue is to identify which. Is there a clue in its design, or it merely a secret known only to a keeper? Or is all this but a red herring, distracting from the real means of entry?' Ducking, Penny peered into the keyhole; after all, it was more "key" to this than the many keys.


OOC: So many skill checks! Search 21 (free check to find a clue), Spot 28, Craft (mechanical) 18, Knowledge (theology & philosophy) 27, Disable Device 30, Listen 30

ooc: Dang! That IS a lot of checks! Lol

ic: Alice doesn't come up with much, but her knowledge of arcane lore does help enough that you recognize symbols of alchemy on the end of each key, which Penny also recognizes. Besides that, Penny notices a little transcription around the edges of the door itself, repeating the same phrase over and over in latin. Should you need to translate, you can always equip your glasses to do so. It reads, "Heart of gold, mind of silver, only the poisoned wilds of man can enter here. One, two, three, and four."

Meanwhile, you both can hear something from the other side of the door. Laughing. Wild, muffled, laughing.

ooc: Ok, so since you both recognize the symbols, here is a link to alchemy symbols to see if you can figure out the puzzle. Not the most complex thing in the world....

https://blog.prepscholar.com/alchemy-symbols

Perching the spectacles upon her pert nose, Penny peered at the inscription. As the letters swam and shifted before her gaze, she read out the message. '"Heart of gold, mind of silver, only the poisoned wilds of man can enter here. One, two, three, and four." Then it repeats, all the way around.' Rising, she assessed the clue. 'The rhyme and meter are better in Latin, of course, but that should be it... It refers to the alchemical symbols on the keys, of course. Gold represents heart, and silver the mind, but they may just be red herrings. The "poisoned wilds of man" is more obtuse, but it can only be antimony, which is alleged to represent the wild element of human nature. Look for the antimony key!' Penny concluded with satisfaction, before clarifying exactly which that was. 'The one with an empty circle surmounted by a cross.'

Yet something still bothered her, causing Penny's brow to furrow in concentration. 'But the numbers, I still do not see their purpose. Do we need four keys, do we need to turn the one key four times? Or is just another red herring to complete the meter?'

At last, Penny sighed, pinching her nose as she removed the spectacles. 'Perhaps I'm just over-thinking this, as I tend to do. Let us try the antimony key, and then see what's so funny.'


OOC: Sorry, I was distracted by other things. And I couldn't work it out! It was either too complex or not complex enough for me. :) I got "poisoned wilds of man" is antimony, so we probably need that key, but the rest I can't be sure on.

Alice said, "No I don't think so. Ain't you ever been to a square dance. The caller says 'One' pause 'Two' pause 'Three' pause 'Four' so maybe the pauses are important?"

Penny frowned, thinking over what Alice suggested and how this might apply here. 'Do you mean we might have to count to four?' she clarified. 'It's possible. I shall try it first.'

Alice shook her head, "No I am saying it is a song. You have to sing it."

Ian frowns at the puzzle. I only sing when I'm drunk so...someone else can have at it if they want. He chuckles. Meanwhile Loki just gives a non-caring shrug. You all wanna turn this into Hamilton, be my guest. Sing away. He conjures himself a chair and sits on it, a plate of cookies appearing in his hand, which he gestures are up for grabs to any who wishes, of course. Too bad you can't just ask the lunatic on the other side of that door, he shakes his head, mouth full of cookie.

ooc: Feel free to roll knowledge or intelligence checks if so desired to get clues!

Penny shrugged, and then did just that! 'Hello?! Can you hear us?!' she asked, rapping on the door and raising her voice, just loud enough to be heard on the opposite side, and not all through the catacombs.

She blushed, "Maybe not."

07:59, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Intelligence.
"I am smartieness!"

At first Penny's knocking yields absolute silence. The singing stops and all falls dead quiet on the other side. Then, alarmingly, there is pounding on the other side of the door. Desperate, wild, pounding. Is someone there?! A ragged voice can barely be heard. Are you in my head? Have my thoughts gotten out again? Let me OUT!!!! The word "out" is said with emphasis as he seems to ram himself at the door. You feel somewhat alarmed by this reaction, as with the heavy door such an action would be quite harmful, yet you can hear him running at it again and again, heedless to the damage it is doubtless causing him.

Amazed by this strange reaction and wanting to calm the speaker, Penny moved closer to the door, then backed away just as it resounded with the shocking thud, before it could slam into her too. 'Please— please stop! Calm yourself, sir!' Penny called between impacts, hoping to make him see sense. Who was this man? Another undying knight? How long had he been locked behind this door? Archambaud had had the luxury of eternal sleep. She couldn't imagine what a millennia conscious and trapped alone in a small chamber entirely separated from the world could do to a mind. 'We are working on it! Please tell us your name! Who are you?'

Alice backed away from the door and drew her pistol. She looked around to make sure the ruckus  wasn't drawing more attention.

Name? The voice wants to know my name? You hear him mutter in half bewilderment to himself. They haven't asked me that one before. Oh but what could it be? What is my name? There is silence a moment, and then, with excitement, I can't remember but it starts with an A! Is that enough? Is that enough to open the door? Oh! Oh! I can give you the answer to the riddle! Sort of. There's a mon and sun and a circle with a cross and uh...geese? Is it geese? No....swans! That's it! Don't know about the order though...

At this, Loki puts his hand on his face and shakes his head. Wow. Leave it to an old fart to just blurt out the secret door code to strangers. Don't let him near any Nigerian prince emails... He mutters.

Swans? Penny might well have been capable of solving two riddles at once, but preferred to have this man half-sane and sensible before she opened the door and unleashed him on the group. So she settled for trying to work out this name. But, starts with an A? Assuming he was a Knight Templar, of the nine founding knights, only four were lost from the historical record, she'd already met Archambaud de St. Amand, and the remaining three names... did not start with A. Then again, not even their given names had been recorded. 'Three doves and a copper spoon.' Penny announced, recalling Archambaud's jest and feeling as if she was joining the madman in speakind absurdities. 'Archambaud de St. Amand says he sends three doves and a copper spoon. Does that mean anything to you?' she asked hopefully, because it still did not mean anything to her.

The madman listens, and there is a long silence. Then, to your alarm, he starts to cry. Archambaud....why have you all left me to rot? Why did no one come? The crying continues. Meanwhile, Loki looks uncomfortable. Geez. Awkward. he makes a face. He turns to Penny then. Look, when you're ready I can probably give you a hint about the key thing. I mean, he pretty much gave it away, not me. It's not reeeeeally cheating at this point, he says with a tinge of doubt. With that, he gestures at the correct keys, looking unsure of himself.

By now, the man on the other side is lost in his own sobs. If you wish to enter, you may do so. If you do, you'll find a thin old man huddled in a ball on the other side of the door. His hair, beard and fingernails are long and unruly. He's wearing red robes, much like Archambaud was, but his are tattered and stained. The room itself is fairly large, with high ceilings and stone walls. In the center of the room are the remnants of a glass case and chair, just as you've seen before, but broken and shattered. The walls themselves are scratched, spidery crude handwriting that is little more than the ramblings of a madman.

Whereas Penny had been somewhat mystified by the puzzle before, the madman behind the door had supplied the missing clue. 'I have it now, thank you.' Penny said gratefully to Loki, 'Though I do appreciate the confirmation. In alchemy, swans represent arsenic, to which the "poisoned" part of the riddle refers. I missed that before. The count to four must mean all four keys are required. Gold, silver, arsenic, and antimony, in that order... I hope.'

In the end, with one permutation of keys or another, they had the door open and the sight inside revealed. But Penny did not immediately step inside, being wary of another water trap or the like, and especially of the man inside. But the smashed glass suggested the immortal had already escaped his long sleep, disarming the trap before ever setting it off. But death by drowning may have been a mercy to what this man had endured over centuries. 'Careful, the room may not still be trapped, but this fellow needs no sudden movements on our part.' she whispered a warning.

Then she announced softly 'Hello, sir. The door is open now, and we are quite real, as you can see.' The scanned the debris for the scroll case, but feared he may be holding tight to it still. This could be even harder than persuading Archambaud.

Loki looks relieved that Penny's figured out the clues, which, indeed she has. Clearly he is walking a fine line with helping you, one that even he is wary of.

How do I know that?! He suddenly snaps at Penny's assurances you all are real. Ian steps closer to Penny, protectively. You figments always say you're real! Liars! Every one of you! LIARS!!! He staggers to his feet, lurching towards you. Ian smoothly steps in front then, but before he can react, the man stops, staring behind the Scot's shoulders. But....but none of them have opened the door before... he breathes, anger melting. He moves around Ian, eyes filled with wonder as he trance-like drifts to the now open doorway. He looks like he's seen the most beautiful thing in the world, and even runs his weathered hands on the door frame like he's seeing a long lost friend. There is a beat of silence at this moment of awe, and then, suddenly, the old man is running down the corridor with far greater speed than someone his age or condition has the right to.

ooc: Roll a constitution check to see if you can outrun him. Also, if you like you can roll a spot check to see if you did notice any evidence of a trap in the room too.

As the crazed man ran past her Alice attempted to catch his ankle with her foot to send him sprawling.

05:07, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 14 using 1d20+8.  AoO trip.
Trip attacks are vs. Touch AC.

Wondering how she could possibly prove she was real, and if it might not have been better to say she wasn't, Penny was taken aback by the vehemence of the old man's denials. But she was thankful for Ian's leaping to her defence. She was content to let the old man rediscover the world outside, right up until he took off on a headlong flight into it. 'No, please stop, sir!' she called, before giving chase. 'It's not safe!'


OOC:
16:30, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+10. Spot.
16:30, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Constitution.

The trip works and the old man goes sprawling, hard. He lays there on the stone floor, gasping in shock and then, his shoulders begin to shake and a strange sound comes out of him. It takes you a moment to realize the wheezing, lilting sound is laughter. It starts as a chuckle and erupts into cackles as he just lies there, laughing. This guy is creeeeep-y. Loki says with distaste. Think we should just...? he makes a throat slitting sound and a gesture. Ian looks at him in horror and the trickster quickly explains himself. What? It's an act of mercy! I mean, this guy is nuts as a jar of skippy. We'd be doing him a favor. Mental health care in your day and age is pretty brutal. Hearing this, the old man gets excited. Yes! Yes! Kill me! Release me from my torment! Do what I've been too cowardly to do! Loki gestures triumphantly then, as if to say, "see?!"

We can't kill someone for being mad, Ian scolds both men with a glower. He might get un-mad, you never know. A start would be getting him out of this horrid place.


Meanwhile, Penny, you do notice a lever in a similar location as the first tomb you went to with the water trap. Something tells you it's the same situation.

If looks alone could kill a god and make him shut up, then Penny shot one at Loki for his crass and callous remark. He seemed intent on evaporating the good will he had just earned, but then, tricksters rarely set out to be liked. She returned her attention to the crazed old man, crouching down and urging him 'No, please, stop that. You were brave not to take that escape. You don't want all that waiting to have been a waste, do you? And there's a whole wide world out that there you'll want to see. The modern city of Rome, the New World of America, the southern continent of Australia, the great oceans, the, the moors of Devon.' she ended, grasping for good examples and starting to feel homesick herself. But she hoped to counter the man's despair by reviving the exhilaration of freedom he'd shown earlier, just without haring off into danger. 'Let us help you, let us show you them.'

Alice went over and began to hogtie the crazy man.

08:30, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Use Rope.

Seeing what Alice was doing, Penny raised a hand to halt her. 'Alice, please wait. This man has been bound more than long enough. I would not see him bound one more minute if we can help it.' she asked, hoping she could get through to him first. If Alice tied him up, then he might never trust them.

Alice nodded and backed away without tieing crazy man up. She kept a hand on a revolver, just in case.

The mixture of Penny's words and kindness and Alice's obedience in not tying him up seems to affect the man. He laughs, uncontrollably, then his laughter turns to sobs as he lies there on the floor in a heap. Lily and Ian exchange sympathetic looks, neither quite knowing how to react to this. Loki just looks uncomfortable, clearly not liking the man's display of emotion. At last he stops, wiping his face and sitting upright. Living, or dying, either is better than this tomb. Do with me what you will. I have no allegiance to anyone or anything. Not anymore. I take it you're here for this? he pulls out a scroll from the tattered rags he wears. If you are deserving, I'm happy to give it to you. If you are demons, I have not the strength or mind to stop you.

Penny could not possibly imagine the endless despair and deepest depression this man must have faced, trapped within such a small bare chamber for centuries, alone but for his personal demons, with no hope of escape or release or any interruption to the monotony and madness. He had not slept like Archambaud, something had gone awry and he had been conscious and aware the entire time. Yet he had not gone wholly insane, he had not tried to take his own life, if he even could. There was some incredible about this man. Penny gently laid a hand on the scroll, not wanting to risk losing it, as she said 'Take heart, sir knight. We are not demons nor monsters, just men and women like yourself,' Naturally, she discounted Loki, who was not a mortal man and also officially not here and not helping them. 'In our own struggle against them. We need this to banish a prince of Hell. Archambaud de St. Amand sent us here. Your long vigil is at an end, and, sir, I must say I do not see you as defeated and broken. I stand in awe of your strength of character, your courage and mental endurance, and your patience. Few others could have done what you did. Though you have suffered and lost, it is true, you have persisted against impossible odds, and you have succeeded. Please, cherish that knowledge.' She shifted her hand to his hand, understanding it was the first friendly human contact he'd had in all that time. She needed to coax this man back to his humanity. 'Do you remember your name?'

Alice nudged Penny, "We should get moving."

Your words have a profound effect on the man. He squeezes your offered hand warmly, gently, looking at it in wonder for this is indeed the first human touch he's felt in centuries, save for Alice's trip, of course. At last, he gives a small nod, gathering strength, his eyes starting to focus and clear, though it seems to be taking all of his effort. Andre he says thickly. Andre de Montbard. That was my name. Is. My name. He corrects himself.

As he speaks, you hear approaching footsteps from down a corridor. A lot of them. They will be upon you soon. Loki turns his head sharply, his eyes narrowing. Those are not the footfalls of priests, he warns. Sounds like we have some nasties coming our way. Watch that scroll, he nods to Penny.

ooc: Ok, you have about three or 4 rounds before they get there. There is another corridor you can try to escape down, but you'll have to roll a move silently to see if you can keep them from hearing where you've gone. Also you would need to roll constitution checks to see if you can outpace them. Penny, you may keep your constitution roll from before if you wish since you didn't use it. Up to you. Or, you can stay and try to fight or trigger traps or all sorts of variations.

Alice asked, "Penny?" Penny was the brains of their partnership and Alice  waited for her to give a plan to follow.

'Andre de Montbard,' Penny repeated for his benefit, and her own recollection of Templar history after recent research. She'd been expecting one of the obscure, forgotten founding knights, like Archambaud, Geoffroi, or Rossal, but not him. 'Of Hochadel in Burgundy? Fifth Grand Master of the Knights Templar. History records that you died in Jerusalem.' she was saying as she came aware of the approaching footsteps.

Taking the scroll and giving it to Alice, Penny hastily worked through their limited options. Close the door and creep away? The enemy knew they were here, as they always did; they would not waste time with the keys and code. Loki had triggered all the traps; they were no longer effective. But for one. Reaching into the chamber, Penny hooked her cane on the lever that hat taunted poor Andre all these centuries.  'Run! The side corridor!' she urged the group, waiting until they were far enough away before she yanked the lever, turned and ran from the expected deluge!


OOC: Betting on another water trap, Penny will set it off for a distraction and then run down the side corridor.

Alice put the scroll away and nodded at Penny's idea. "No heroics ya hear me?" then she motioned for the others to follow except Loki, "What say you watch this for posterity sake?"

Andre starts to answer Penny, but cuts himself off as the situation takes a turn. Seeing Penny's intentions, the old man starts ushering the rest of you towards the side corridor, Penny only seconds behind. The trap works beautifully. Water gushes out with alarming force, sweeping the corridor the footsteps were coming from. Over the the rushing sound of water, you can hear cries of alarm as you race down the new path. Loki takes the back, keeping look out for any dangers while Andre, surprisingly spry, leads the front. Much like his counterpart Archambaud did before, he bids you to step where he steps so as to avoid traps. You remember all these but barely remember your own name? Ian pants in surprise as he barely avoids triggering a trap. I'm the one who told them where to build them! Andre calls back. Impress- Ian's compliment is cut short by a startled curse from Lily just as a spear shoots out from the wall and grazes her side. You seem to have forgotten that one old man! she snarls angrily. He gives her an apologetic look, but continues on. Fortunately, the rest of the way goes smoothly. The water seems to have done its work, though your head start won't last much longer. You can hear footfalls in the distance once again. By then, however, Andre already has reached his destination. He stops so suddenly that it's difficult not to slam into him, and places his hand on a wall, pushing in and sliding it open. He looks delighted with himself that he's remembered it. He ushers you through, the wall closing behind you, and to your surprise you find yourselves in what seems to be a bedroom, an ornate, carved wooden bed in front of you, simple yet elegant furnishings about you, but thankfully empty. Breathing hard, Andre plops on the bed, laying on his back and laughing. My brain is rotten but there's still a clean spot or two!

Alice looked this way and that as the wall closed behind them. "Where are we old man? I'm done with games. You said you were leading us out not to some bedroom."

Having been taking up the rear and chasing after the others as they negotiated each trap, whether before or after it was triggered, Penny was the last one through the secret door. It slammed shut behind her, and she hurriedly checked she'd not caught her coat in it. 'This is out.' she said breathlessly to Alice. 'Because we can't go back the way we came. But it would help to know whose bedroom, and where. Someone has been changing the sheets regularly in the last several centuries.'

We're somewhere in the east wing Andre shakes his head. This wasn't a bedroom in my day though, he shakes his head.

Meanwhile, Lily crosses the room, eagerly approaching a window, which is made of intricate stained glass that opens out like a pair of doors. She looks down and whistles. Three stories I'd say. Well, I'm game, what about the rest of you? She's already half ready to crawl out as it is. Ian's eyes go wide and he looks at the woman uncertainly. THREE stories you say?

ooc: Ok, you can either sneak through the palace or climb out the window. I'll need move silently and hide moves either way and a climb if you go that route.

Seeing Lily ready to climb out the window, Penny was already shaking her head and remarking 'You might be game, Lily, but I think I would struggle even with a rope. Without one...? It's too far and too exposed, and there are too many of us. I think we should try our luck with the stairs.'

Alice nodded at Penny's explanation and instead of verbal agreement she simply moved to the stairs. She went first.

13:24, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Hide.

13:24, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

With Alice's assent, Penny followed straight behind her, moving carefully as she went. She also found it easier to creep quietly than it was to hide in the long, largely unobstructed corridors of the Papal Palace. She prayed to God that all the priests were away praying to God and not wandering the halls at this hour.


OOC:
16:39, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  hide.
16:39, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  move silently.

Lily looks disappointed that no one else is game to try the window with her, but Loki gives her a sympathetic pat on the head and a grin of amusement.

Everyone creeps down the wide corridors fairly well, but, of course, it's quite difficult to hide. It doesn't take long before you're spotted. A group of priests, about twelve or so, spot you immediately and make a beeline right for you. With your rag tag little group, it's quite obvious you don't belong. One of them starts gesturing and snapping at you in Italian, likely something to the effect of demanding what you're doing in this part of the palace. Before you can think to answer though, you spot a familiar face. Father Simon. Lily gasps in shock, then throws her head back and laughs with delight, completely unable to contain herself.

Simon moved up among his collogues, grinning and moving to Lily with his hands out. "Lily, Bellissima." He turned back to the gaggle of priests, [Italian] "Please be calm, my friends, these are some of my guests. Their presence here should be kept quiet, no one wants any trouble with the Papal Guards."

Alice leaned over to Penny and whispered, "This guy says he knows you?"

At the outstretch of his hands, Lily leaps into Simon's arms, giving him a hug so enthusiastic he's forced to take a step back to keep from falling over. The other priests look on in shock, but quickly nod in agreement, clearly trusting Simon's judgement. One of them, still speaking in Italian, tells Simon to take his time and they'd reconvene with him later, and the group, still curious, wanders off. Meanwhile, Loki is looking at Simon with a frown, most unsure of what he's seeing, though of course one can only speculate as to why.

ooc: gosh it's nice to see Simon again! ;P

For her part, Penny just stared, barely able to register the familiar face so far out of the expected context. What was Father Simon doing here? Not knowing Italian, she could only guess. Had the Men of Letters sent him? How did they know they were here, unless Emma or Crimwall had sent a message to New York... In the end, she had to give up her speculations, and accept that, in the Vatican, she should not be too surprised to find a priest.

'Father Simon!' Penny exclaimed, with relief and joy, but with urgent concern soon following. 'It is good to see you! But I fear we have no time to catch up, and that we have brought trouble here. Our enemy are in the basement, a trifle drenched but still dangerous. You may want to call back your fellows.'

Simon smiled and nodded, "Penny. Good to see you as well. Enemies you say?"

He turned and called back to the priests. [Italian]"We have a problem. There are those below who wish us harm. I will get my friends out, if you would please go and fetch the guards. You will want to stay, as this will likely be your first real world test of what I have taught you. Good luck, hold them as long as you can. This is bigger than us, and we must do what we have prepared to do."

Then back to the others, "Come with me, I know a secret way out. They will hold, they are all exorcists." In training he thought, "Fill me in while we are running." He turned and headed for the exit he knew about.

But Penny was not so easily reassured, for she knew the real threat they faced downstairs. 'The enemy are more than mere demons." she warned Simon. 'We last fought the witch goddess Hecate, and she sent the walking dead and blood magic against us. God knows what she shall think of next.' But as much as she wanted to join the priests in the fight against evil, she understood they must get away with the scroll and the secret of Solomon. Hurrying away with him, she quickly updated Simon on their quest; 'We are gathering the pieces of the Ring and Key of Solomon. But Belial's agents have been behind us at every step of the way.'

Simon coughed, not from being unwell, but from the sheer audacity of the statement. "I don't know if I'm impressed or terrified. Penny I've missed you, without you around I've been going out of my mind with tedium."

'Really? Tedium sounds quite appealing to me.' Penny replied with an ironic smile for her old friend, and sometime verbal sparring partner. 'I would have gone out of my mind already, if not for everything with which I must occupy it. Oh, forgive my manners, this is André de Montbard, Grand Master and founder of the Knights Templar, and this one we shall call Loki, the Norse god of mischief and, as they will say hundred years hence, trolling. He is here strictly as an observer.' Penny made hasty but necessary introductions. She smiled as how it must sound to Simon. 'You find me in as unusual company as ever.'

Simon laughed at Penny's remark. "Actually you would probably enjoy it here greatly. There are libraries of all sorts, people who are very learned to talk with, and occasionally a mystery to solve. You would be quit at home here. If you wish I can show you around, after we deal with the demon problem."

He gawks at both Montbard and Loki. When he recovered he turned back to Penny, "Unusual company indeed."

But Penny looked uncomfortable at Simon's offer. She had grown too accustomed to not thinking overmuch about the future, except the future Belial had planned for her, and to not making plans except those that thwarted the demon prince and his allies. A vacation at the Vatican seemed too much to hope for. And now she worried Simon might make mention of his former feelings for her and their earlier quarrels, something she simply could not handle right now, while her courting with Ian was on hold. Fighting demons was so much easier than affairs of the heart. 'Let us see if there is an after, first.' she deferred stiffly.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:14, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

It doesn't take long to exit the building, thanks to Simon's authority and expertise. It's a massive relief not to worry about the scores of priests, workers and other such authority as you simply clip past them without a care. Soon enough you are safely out of the building, but you know your safety is still in jeopardy if you're not careful. The enemy knows you're in the city, after all.

Loki makes the suggestion that you steer clear of the palace, since that's where they're likely to look, instead mentioning the most "charming" restaurant on the north side of the city. As luck has it, Simon has been there too, and is likely inclined to agree about the quality of the food. Andre, hearing this, shakes his head and starts to laugh uncontrollably, a reminder that his mind is not quite where it should be. Just this morning I imagined drowning myself for the thousandth time, and now look at me. I must be dreaming. That's what this is. A dream. I pray I never wake.

ooc: Ok, you have some options. You can let Simon's team handle the folks downstairs and just worry about getting away and lying low in order to keep the scroll safe, or you can do something more aggressive, whatever you wish. The plan is that Emma is going to meet you in the city center the next afternoon to escort you back to New York, the idea being that they will have obtained their scroll in Africa. That would put all the scrolls in your possession and at that point you'll have Victoria help you activate it at headquarters.

So, what are your plans between now and the next afternoon? It's been some time since Simon was in play so a couple questions regarding him. Was his previous relationship with Lily well known or was it more on the down low? Would it be something Penny picked up on now? Also, Penny, in the near future, if Ian is to have a side conversation with you, would you prefer it to be in private messages so that it doesn't bog down this thread? Or do you want me to make an actual separate thread for such things so that curious people can keep up with stuff? Lastly, in regard to Alice, is she still going aggressively for Cromwell? Just making plans for when you get back to New York ;P

Penny smiled at André's elation, just glad they could save one person while they were able and satisfied to have this smooth and pain-free victory. This quest need not all be fighting and killing and suffering, it was about saving people from torment too. Today, just one man from a personal hell. Tomorrow, the whole world from Hell itself. 'Believe it, André.' she promised him with a smile, before her eyes sought out Ian thoughtfully.


OOC: As much as Penny would want to assist the priests in fighting the baddies , she knows it's better to get the scroll well away from the baddies and to safety, reasoning the best way to win a fight is not to have it. She'll share all the known information she can to aid them, then head to the restaurant, and maybe change her clothes after dungeon-crawling along the way. :)

As for plans, I have nothing specific in mind, but maybe Penny can have some time alone with Ian? I'd like to move them along. :) I'm happy to play it out in the open here, or as you think best.

My memory is that they did nit try to hide anything. Up to Penny to say if she picks up on it.

I thought Alice and Crimwell were a done deal, no?

ooc: Yes! Alice and Crimwell are definitely a done deal. Just reminding myself, so thanks! And that's what I thought about Lily and Simon too, so yay!

I was going to move you both to the character conversations thread for a bit, but then realized that's redundant and silly because you're the only 2 people in this thread anyway and it shouldn't muck anything up. So, moving on!

ic:

It doesn't take long for Emma to meet up with you all the next day. It seems she's already deposited the others in New York so she comes alone to meet you. Soon you find yourselves in the Men of Letters headquarters, and it feels like an eternity since you've been in the underground halls and tunnels of the place. It feels good to be there, especially for Simon who has been away for some time. Alice, of course, has never been, and she finds an excited Crimwell showing her absolutely EVERYTHING. Especially his room of artifacts. He is very passionate about archaeology and thrusts you at everything like a boy showing off his marble collection.

Meanwhile, Lily and Simon have catching up of their own to do, and Lily is practically glued to the man's side upon returning, asking how he's been, catching him up on everything. Loki stills hangs around, though he insists it is in a supervisory fashion, but something tells you he's there because of Lily. You have suspicions on that score, but if the woman shares them, she hides it well.

Soon enough you all get quite a meeting with Victoria, going over what has transpired and what will happen next. She has all the components for the seal to be activated now, but she needs a few days to make it happen, which gives you all a much needed rest. Especially important since it's only a couple weeks before the solstice.

The first day back goes smoothly enough. It's the only free time you've had in some while and you're just happy to have hot baths, warm meals and no one trying to kill you.

Later that night, as the hour is nearing ten, a young man timidly approaches Alice as she's playing cards with Crimwell:

Alice: He asks you to follow him, and, should you do so, you'll find yourself being led to a study of sorts. It's a fair sized room, lots of bookshelves and books, plush, dark furniture and cozily lit by electric lamp, as most of this place is. Standing by one of the shelves, a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other, is a familiar figure. Your father. The boy, gestures awkwardly as though to say, "have at it!" and makes himself scarce. Your father looks down at you with steely eyes, face gruff. So you are here, just like I heard. You need to get out of here, child. This fight isn't for you.

Penny:

It's nearing ten at night, and you're just starting to be tired enough to put down your book and go to bed, when you hear a knock at your door. Ian. I wanted to go by my flat, see if it's still standing. I know it's late, but...care to keep me company? He gives a half smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. For some reason he looks uncomfortable, distracted. Should you decide to go with him, you exit the headquarters and start walking down the dark street. It rained recently, the dark pavement reflecting the moonlight in the puddles. It's really not that far, he explains as you walk. No need for a cab. Besides, I've missed these streets. He closes his eyes for a moment, breathing it in. Indeed, the streets of New York are a dramatic change from all the scenery you've experienced of late, and there is something strongly nostalgic about being back. But then, for Ian, it's been nearly a decade, in his mind's eye anyway, since he's been home. That Djinn skewed his sense of time immeasurably. You walk some more, and he's unusually quiet, the nervous distraction growing as you go until at last, he stops, turning towards you. Penny, I think you should leave. It's not safe here, not until this is all over. We're too close to the solstice. He wants you and...I can't let him take you. He's referring to Belial, of course, and his plans for you. His voice is thick and heavy as he talks. And I know you're going to argue, he puts a hand on your shoulder as though already expecting it. And I know you're brave and strong and you want to see this through, but...I can't. I just can't lose you.

After the meeting with Victoria, Penny had spent the rest of her day in research, planning, and preparations for confronting Belial. However, there was very little she could actually do to that end until the Seal of Solomon was ready, and she much preferred using the time to simply stop and rest, to read and think, and to savour what time she had left. The fate that awaited her, the idea that Belial would use her somehow to make his escape from Hell, was too terrible to dwell on. So, thus far she had buried herself in the fight against the demon prince, in studying the Seal and the Ring and the Key, in studying the demons and monsters that served him, in absolutely anything else. So she had given little thought to the future, or to her own feelings. But now, she had nothing to distract her, nothing to stop the fears and feelings creeping back to her.

So, that evening, Penny seized on Ian's request and agreed readily to accompany him. She walked close by his side, not actually holding to his arm, though it might appear that way to onlookers. She enjoyed the cool, damp night air, the quiet that amplified the noises of the city, the lights that seemed brighter in the dark of night. Her senses seemed to expand to fill the whole world, and make her a part of it. 'It reminds me of London.' she agreed. 'It is a pity we had no time to walk around Rome like this and take in the sights. It's such a romantic city.' Penny bit her lip shyly, correcting quickly "I mean, literally – it was built by Romans.'

Penny was patient while Ian seemed lost in his thoughts and memories, both real and implanted by the Djinn. She could guess what he might be thinking about, and she was content to let him have his time. But she was puzzled at his words. Leave? Leave where, and where to? 'And you know there's nowhere I can go, nowhere I can hide or run. Our enemy is everywhere, always one step behind us. And if I try to abandon the fight, and abandon you to it, then I will not have the bravery and strength I need to fight them. We give each other that strength, that courage. We are better together.' she declared, but wondered whether she meant the team, or just the two of them.

Simon fished into a pocket. "Lily I went home. My mother had her mother's ring. She gave it to me for you. If you will have me and this life, then I want to be your husband." As he said this he took a knee. It was all he had to give her.

Alice knew the voice, a man she had been familiar with only as an adult. Her father stood by the book. His words would have sent her into a rage were she not out of anger for him. All that was left now was indifference. "And why is that, Abraham? You think now you can be a father?" She sneered. "You have no moral authority in my life. You have nothing left in my life." She went on, "You are a stranger who left us."

Penny: Ian listens and gives a dry, mirthless smile. There you go, making bloody sense like you always bloody do, he growls. You're surprised at the frustration on his face. But even so, there has to be a way to keep you safe! We could bury you in the depths of the tunnels. Put every ward imaginable, put guards, til this is all over! He can't get you then, can he? He sounds like he's half trying to convince himself, along with you. Even as the words are out he clearly is doubting the efficacy. But then I know you. You'd wriggle out somehow anyway knowing you, he arches a dark brow at you accusingly. You always were too smart for the rest of us, he sighs. By now, as you walk, you find yourselves at a brick building with metal fire escapes going some three stories up. He makes no move to go inside, however, still lost in conversation with you. Penny. What if...what if you don't live through this? Doesn't that worry you? Don't you want to live? His voice is quiet.

Simon: Lily gapes down at you, one one knee as you are, and she doesn't answer. Simply tackles you the rest of the way to the floor in the most enthusiastic embrace you've ever seen. She nearly knocks the wind out of you but you forgive her as she's laughing with pure joy. Yes you fool! Yes! She sits then, brushing her wild black hair from her face, green eyes shining. Now the real question is, when? Before we die, perhaps? Or do you want to play the optimist and pray we survive all this madness?

Alice: Van Helsing's eyes tighten at your words, but his face stays calm, not surprised by this reaction. It's...complicated Alice. But also, not. I will be the first to admit I should have done things differently. I regret my decisions every day, especially when it comes to you, my dear. But it's a little late for me to beg your forgiveness. You wouldn't give it to me anyway, you have too much of me in you, and our blood does not forget. But that doesn't matter. You need to leave because if not, you're going to die. We're all probably going to die. But you can hole up somewhere, find a way to survive. Will you defy me for the sake of disobedience? Or will you listen to logic?

Simon answered Lily happily, "I don't want to wait another moment. If there is someone here who can perform the ceremony then I will take you there and get married to you."

Alice crossed her arms at her chest. "I don't do this because of you. The world does not revolve around you. I do this because my best friend is going into this and I will not let her go alone. If I die, I die with my friend. Logic means nothing. My friend, Penny is the bravest person I've ever met. She is willing to face this, and I will face it with her." She all but dared him to try and talk her out of it.

Throughout it all, Penny remained quiet, her lips pressed tightly together for fear that if she opened them, all the wrong words would come spilling out. As it was, she grew irritated, her pride pricked by the idea that Ian would think she needed protection, that she should be left out of the fight. She wished he would just shut up, so she could think and answer and try to say what she really wanted to say. He was right about one thing, though: she was too smart, but too smart for her own good. She could think her way out of everything.

'Of course I want to live!' she finally snapped, before catching herself and softening her tone, even as she implored passionately 'But what life is that, buried in a prison of stone and magic? And how long must I wait for? Days or months, or years, or lifetimes? To go mad like poor André? That is not living.'

Penny stepped back a pace, away from Ian and making herself metaphorically vulnerable. She spread her arms wide and raised her voice to the world. 'And yes, I could die! I could've died to a vampire or the Ripper, or I could die of cholera or be hit by a hansom cab tomorrow. I have never been one to shut myself away in a manor and avoid risk. That's the way it has always been, for hunters, for humans. We cannot avoid life for fear of death.' Her voice faltered and grew fainter now, as she came to a conclusion that seemed inescapable, with her words and heart racing ahead of her thoughts 'And we cannot... avoid love... for fear of—' What?

In one motion, Penny stepped forward and clapped her hands on Ian's cheeks, rose up on her toes, and kissed him on the lips. It was long and intense and with the growing realisation of what she was doing and moreover that she didn't actually know how. But nonetheless it felt wonderful. Clumsily, shyly, Penny parted and brushed her hands down over Ian's stubbled jaw. 'I want to live and love with you.' she admitted, murmuring, looking downward and biting her lip. 'And I cannot face death or demons without having known either.'

Penny: The moment your lips touch his, Ian responds. His arms go around your waist and tighten and suddenly your feet are dangling off the ground as he lifts you up and kisses you so deeply that you're dizzy by the time he puts you back down. He doesn't take his hands off you, instead they rest on each side of your waist, as though to keep you from running off. He stares down at you, his face bewildered and still mixed with anxiety for you, but eyes shining with hope at the same time. Penny. I should have told you this long ago, but, the guilt was too much. he shakes his head. Cora. My family. I loved them. Even if I'd known it was all a lie, I might have stayed there with them anyway except...except for you. You're the only one I loved enough to turn my back on all of that. I should have told you then, the moment I got out, that it was you. It was always you. But, it was too raw. I felt such loss, such guilt, for my family. I loved Cora. In life, and in dream. But, never like my feelings for you. Never. I would have told you, I wanted to tell you, tonight. But, little devil you are, you beat me to it, he chuckles suddenly and he pulls you a little closer. I want to build a life with you. Whether it's til the apocalypse or til we're old and gray. I'm just so sorry I waited this long to tell you.

Alice: Your father listens, his face grave. If I thought it would do any good, I'd have killed your friend. She's the key to all of this. Belial can't do what he needs without her blood. But, I know he'd only find a way to bring her back. Death is a lot of things, but rarely permanent, he sighs. Besides, you despise me enough already, daughter. Just know this, I will protect you as best I can. With my very life. You are my blood, and though I haven't shown it very well all these years, that does mean something to me.

Simon: Lily laughs, slipping the ring on her finger to admire it. Oh there's no shortage of candidates here. The only problem will be my dress. I'm not getting married without a dress, she wags a finger at him. Might be the only time you see me in one! ooc: It's about 10:00 p.m. so you can get married that night or wait til the next day and have your friends there, etc. Just let me know how you prefer it ;P I can honestly say this will be the first marriage in one of my games!

Simon thought a moment, "I think it would be better to have others there. Especially our friends."

Penny was glad of Ian's arms around her waist; if not for them, she might indeed have run off, to hide from him, and from herself, for feeling so desperately embarrassed and anxious at what she had dared. And, more than that, Penny was just glad of Ian's arms around her waist, so warm and strong. She slipped her hand down past his collar and rested her palm upon his chest, distantly and curiously enjoying this new sensation of touch. 'I'm sorry I waited this long to try.' she admitted with a small happy sob. 'I knew what you felt. I respected it. But I feared you would go on being a gentlemen, and I a proper lady and shy, and we would both wait too long... And I could no go on with such regret.' Trying to settle her fluttering heart, Penny closed her eyes, thinking that Kate, her friend and mother might approve, as well as the ghosts of the Darkmoor household, and onward back to Queen Gwendoline. She was not one to be meek. 'Shall we go on to your flat? It is somewhat cold out here.'

Alice turned to leave the room but stopped. "If you so much as looked at her or any of my other friends awkwardly and I'll introduce you to a hail of lead." Alice moved for the door.

Alice: Your father smirks at the threat. Still the same old Alice, I see. Well, threaten me all you like, my dear. I will leave your friends be, but I am going to be making efforts towards your safety, whether you wish it or not. Might as well try to do some good by you before we all meet our ends. With that he gives a polite nod and strides out of the room.

Simon: Lily nods in agreement. We need to go tell Victoria! She can help arrange things. I'm sure we can have it all ready by tomorrow night. All I care about is my dress and our friends. Though...you probably would like it in a church, yes? she points out. I'm sure that can be arranged easily enough. Oh, what about food? Do you care what kind of cake we have? Flowers? Oh there's a bit more to prepare than I realized. But then, what is delegating for? she laughs wickedly.

Soon you find yourselves back inside headquarters, and if you allow it, Lily will excitedly tell Victoria the news, eager to begin preparations. As you do so, however, Loki strolls by with a look of unhappy curiosity. Couldn't help but overhear, he says with forced lightness, though you can't fathom how he DID overhear, You plan on marrying little Lily, eh? It's said almost accusingly.

Penny: Ian laughs at your words, a wicked look in his warm eyes. If you're worried about me being too much of a gentleman, pushing to go to my flat would cure me of it, he chuckles. Then, he looks startled, smile falling as he takes a step back from you. I'm joking, of course! Don't worry about that! I know you're not like that, too proper, and that's good! Nice and respectable, nothing wrong with that! Impressive even! I was only uh...uh...Well how about I just shut my fool mouth now and we can go, eh? By now his face is red and he looks so laughably flustered it's hard to keep a straight face. The reaction is not natural on him, for the man usually is very smooth with women. There's something satisfying about having him be so upended by you.

It doesn't take long to enter his flat, after walking up some narrow stairs to the third floor. The apartment itself is small, but tidier than you expected. It's just one decent sized room with a fireplace, a table and dresser, a double bed (not surprising for him), and a worn, well loved sofa that has seen better days. As you enter, you notice that again he looks uncomfortable. Didn't really think this one through, did I? he laughs weakly. You're not gonna want to be with a man who lives in a dusty old shoebox like this.

Alice gave one last grim comment, "Just stay out of the way, Abraham."

Simon couldn't remember the strange man's name. He knew it had been some old Norse thing, but for the life of him he couldn't remember. He cocked his head curiously, "What business is it of yours?" Simon subtly shifted his feet into a more defensive stance in case this went badly. He put hands in pockets, threading his fingers through the blessed knuckle dusters he always carried.

Once Ian had looked away, Penny's face, once frozen in an effort to keep from smiling in delight at his own embarrassment, slid shortly into one of an irritated pout. A proper lady! She no longer wanted to be proper. What had being proper and correct and doing things the standard way ever gotten her, but being unhappy and alone? She had not escaped from under her father's thumb and received an education, she had not become a hunter and a detective, she had not fought killers and vampires and demons, by doing what was expected of her. She had not received a kiss from Ian by waiting and being meek either. She'd seen the future, she was a child of it. The traditional courtship rituals would all be old-fashioned in a few decades, meaningless in a few more, and finally ridiculous a century hence. People loved and showed themselves, not shamelessly but without shame.

Penny fell behind a pace, and furtively undid the top few buttons of her blouse, just as she had seen Alice do on the train. She was feeling warm, after all.

Inside his apartment, she looked around appraisingly; ever the detective, Penny was seeking some clue to Ian's character, but it was too spartan to tell her much. She had not known what to expect. She should like to be in her well-appointed apartment in London, or out on the Devon moor under the sky. But this seemed nice and cosy, comfortable, and safe. 'My room at the New York Hotel is grand, but... cold. It's not a home like this. This is you. And I would like to be with a man who wants to live like I saw in your dream.' she said softly. But she hesitated, wondering if she'd said too much. There was a difference between taking control of her fate and charging blindly with it. Her mouth felt parched. 'Do you have anything to drink?'

ooc: Oh my gosh I forgot about Simon's brass knuckles! He's just so freaking cool!

ic: Lily sees the interaction and her expression flattens, giving the man a look of disapproval before turning to you with a sigh. You may as well know, Simon, I had a long talk with him in Italy, right before we came back. Apparently he's...my father, She shakes her head. Loki gives a small nod at this, still looking you down. Glad you finally accepted it my dear, he pats her shoulder, though his eyes never leave yours. I never said I accepted it! she snaps. It just is what it is, I'm not happy about it! He shakes his head, finally turning towards her. You know why I kept it secret, even now, we really shouldn't be talking about it in front of- he starts to gesture at you but she interrupts. He's going to be my husband! Fine, fine, he puts his hands up, surrendering. Alright, my soon to be son in law, he addresses you again, drily. I assume a priest can at least keep a secret, right? You know what Lily is. What that means. If the wrong people found out about her, we'd both be in for it.

Penny: Ian listens with surprise, and you think for a second you almost catch his eyes dart across your open blouse, but it was so fast you can't be sure. It's your face he's looking at, however, when he breaks into a relieved smile. You'd, like that? All I've ever wanted was a cozy little place to call home. Like the one I grew up in back in Scotland. Whatever makes you happy though, that will make me happy too. As he talks he goes to a cabinet and pulls out a bottle of brandy and two glasses, giving you a wink. I always have something to drink, he chuckles, pouring you one and handing it to you. You know, stuck in that Djinn's world, I got pretty good at carpentry, believe it or not. Eight years of honing the things my father taught me. Bet I could still do it now, even make a living off it, when the time comes, he adds with a shrug. He blushes suddenly. But then I may be jumping the gun, eh? You may decide after one week with me you can't stand the sight of me anymore! he laughs.

Penny put out her hand to take the glass, her fingers brushing lingeringly against Ian's hand, curiously sensing the contrast of rough skin with her own soft. She received the brandy gratefully, swirled the glass and peered into its amber depths in her introspection, and took too great a sip. She'd hoped it might settle her nerves and quickening heart, yet it only added to the warm flush she felt. So she followed it up with another.

'But I already quite like the sight of you, Ian.' Penny admitted with a soft shy smile, and maybe the brandy was working after all. But she did not want to make plans, not for jobs and not for homes or live together. For her, the future may as well not exist after the confrontation with Belial, for if they failed, then, for her and for Ian and everyone, there was no future. It would only hurt Ian more. No, tonight, Penny's plans were much more immediate. She had just a sip of brandy this time. 'But are you sure? You might only have dreamt that you are good at carpentry. You could actually be terrible at it.' she pointed out in gentle teasing, giggling a little. Somehow, she'd drifted closer to Ian. 'Is there anything else you perhaps feel pretty good at?'

Ian chuckles at your carpentry comment, but his eyes go wide at your last question. There is one particular activity I'm told I excel at... he shakes his head, a roguish half smile on his handsome face. Haven't had a complaint yet, his smile broadens. He's suddenly closer to you as well, looking down at you with what could only be called a twinkle in his eye, though he makes no other move.

Simon did not know what to say. He thought carefully before speaking. "So you are aware of what you are Lily?"

'So long as you did not simply dream that too.' Penny continued more distantly, though she felt very much like she was in a dream herself. A wonderful and thrilling dream, the kind that stirred her some nights. Without thinking, she touched a finger to Ian's strong chest and traced across his pectoral, as if to confirm that he was solid, that this was real. He was very solid, and this was very real. Her eyes dipped down, her breath caught in her throat. It was strange; she thought she'd be more anxious and afraid than this, yet she felt surprisingly confident, but for a curious mix of feelings: wanting despite her shyness, warmth while she shivered, strength though her legs felt like jelly. She knew she should be more concerned about social conventions of class and propriety, with her a noble-born Englishwoman and him a low-born Scotsman, yet all she could think of was Penny and Ian and this moment. This moment had some inevitable, inescapable, since she'd agreed to step out with, since they'd met.

Suddenly draining her brandy until she swooned, and then tensing, drawing herself up to a full height that was still less than Ian's, Penny tried to take control, as if confronting a monster though the only monster was her own fears. 'Ian.' she began, surprising herself as she said softly 'I, I would like to make love with you. I have not done it before, only heard stories and read about it in books, and I should like to try.' Was that the sort of thing lovers said? Damn it, she didn't know. But she left unspoken the defiant thought at the back of her mind, that Belial might soon seize her body and use it in some unspeakable way, and before that happened she would willingly give herself to Ian for a glorious purpose. She did not want to think of Belial tonight. 'Will you do that with me?' she ended with a hopeful air, aware it might be too soon or he might still hold a torch for his dream of Cora.

Simon: At your question, Lily gives a slow nod. Yes. Though I still can't quite believe it. She gives Loki a glance. It explains so much though. So many questions I've had all these years. Can...Can you handle this, Simon? Being married to a nephilim? Loki, though you highly doubt that's his real name considering what he must obviously be, nods at her question. She'll be a handful you know. And you'll have the likes of me to deal with if you make her unhappy, he warns, his eyes suddenly glowing white.

Penny: Ian looks stunned, absolutely floored, before putting both hands on your shoulders. My darling woman, I can think of nothing in this world I would love more, but...are you certain? If you're ready, truly ready, I would be honored. He runs one hand up to rest on the back of your neck, tilting your face towards his. He laughs then, Though if you knew how much I wanted to just fling you over my shoulder and toss you on that bed, you'd be impressed with my self control.

Now that she had said it, now that it was out in the open and so real and imminent, Penny felt a powerful relief, soon replaced by a greater certainty, a greater want. 'Have you ever known me to be uncertain about anything?' she said with a musical laugh. Her mind was full of the night's adventures to follow, so many things to try and discover. Much of the old Penny returned them, proud and forthright, and unwilling to put up with such nonsense. 'I am glad to hear it. Because, my dear Ian,' she began, her blue eyes bright, an excited smile on her face, as she laid both hands on his chest and not taking them off. Not deliberately but inevitably, they had being drifting ever closer to the bed. 'I have seen the future, I am a daughter of it. Women have the vote and sexual liberation. If you try anything so crass, I can walk out that door and you shall be disappointed. But I, on the other hand,' Penny rose up on her toes, almost close enough to kiss, but by now, the bed was behind him, the side bumping Ian's calves, and Penny only had to give him a little push...

Ian toppled and fell backwards onto the bed, and since he was holding her, Penny went with him, laughing gleefully all the way, enveloping him in her dress and strawberry-blonde hair. Giggling, she lay atop him, marvelling at the delightful proximity of their bodies, the intriguing shape of Ian beneath so many layers. She wanted to touch and explore more of him. She ran her fingers through Ian's hair and her eyes darted around his face, taking in his dark eyes, his jaw, his lips. 'Well, I think you'd better kiss me now.' she murmured. But her amorous intentions ran up against practical considerations: clothes. Her dress, petticoats, and chemise seemed very much in the way. She'd heard simply lowering one's trousers and hitching up one's skirts was the proper thing, but Penny desired a full lesson in anatomy. 'And then help me out of my clothes. I suddenly find myself wearing rather too many of them...'

OOC: I had to think of the Penny-est way of doing this. But poor Ian, Penny's going to be bit of a domme. :D
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

Simon is NOT intimidated in the least by Loki. He doesn't even blink at the change the man undergoes. He answers them both, "I have known for some time of Lily's lineage. I have been courting here for more than a year, and," he shifted his focus to Lily, "I was told that revealing this to you would be detrimental, thus I refrained. If I did not think I could handle being your husband, I simply would not have asked."

ooc: Lol! That's a hilarious thought!

ic: Ian is taken by surprise by Penny's forthrightness, but happily takes it as the permission he needs to proceed. You find he's quite adept at helping you with all your womanly trappings and as the night goes on, he's more than adept at everything else too. He eases any fears or discomforts and by the time morning breaks and you're sleeping in each other's arms, you are quite possibly happier than you've ever been.

You both sleep far later than intended, the hour nearly eleven by the time you stir and notice the dusty clock on the mantle.

Simon:
Loki listens, a hint of a smile on his lips. Unshakable thing, aren't you? he muses. Good. You might just make this work after all. Meanwhile, Lily breaks into her beaming, dimpled smile. Well then, I consider you thoroughly warned. Guess there's no more reasons to delay then. What do you think about tomorrow evening? Do you need help finding a church and all that? I still need a dress, and cake of course. What kind of cake do you like? She starts listing off necessary preparations, growing excited. Loki interrupts. I can conjure up anything you need. If you want to find an actual church, fine by me, but leave the rest to me. Just tell me what you want and it's done, he snaps his fingers with a wink.

ooc: Ok, so this is the calm before the storm. A chance to give your characters time to rest, enjoy each other, culminate relationships, all that jazz. The wedding is the next evening, barring any objections from Simon. Crimwall and Alice will, of course, be invited, along with Penny and Ian and several of the other NPC's. Simon, let me know if you have any requests as to what type of ceremony, decor, cake, attire, etc. Penny, let me know what your plans are that day with Ian.

Once I know preferences, I will be posting a description of the wedding and then summarizing things for about 12 days or so. The apocalypse is due in 14 days...so think hard about what your characters will do to ready themselves, that means Alice too! The endgame nears...

Penny awoke with a weary yet contented sigh, finding Ian's strong arms enclosed about her. His chest to her back, their scandalously bare bodies fitted neatly together. With him, she felt safe and warm and wonderful, and never wanted to leave or let this experience end. Indeed, she had already awoken after dawn and claimed Ian for another romp that had consumed much of the morning, just as the last had gone deep into the night. Penny found Ian to be a perfect gentleman and a considerate lover, taking the lead when required and surrendering it to her when she desired—and the Baroness could certainly take command. Penny was a quick study, inventive, passionate, and unashamed to try to something new. For Penny, this had been a night of many firsts.

She peered blearily across the well-lit room at the clock on the mantle, but the numbers and the positions of the hands seemed meaningless. Comprehending them would mean knowing the hour was late, being forced to rise from the tangled sheets, and facing reality once again. Penny did not want to do that. Sensing Ian stirring behind her, she laid her hand on his and interlaced their fingers in a bond. 'Mmm, good day, Ian.' she purred at last, then rolled around to face him, pressed close together. Penny touched his chin and fixed him with a playful, amorous smile. 'If you have recovered enough, I should like to do that again.'

They should get married in the Men of Letters chapel;
Simon only has priest garb, Lily gets to pick her dress;
Everuone else shouod wear "Sunday Best;"
Simon likes Vanilla cake. Nothing too fancy;
Ceremony itself can be a simple exchange of vows.
Additional questions?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:40, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

Penny: Ian laughs at your request, dark eyes twinkling. Looks like I've created a monster, he teases with a wink. You're going to wear me out if you keep up this pace! With that though, he pulls the blanket over you both and proceeds to fulfill your request with enthusiasm.

The rest of the morning is spent in lazy pleasure and laughter. A heavenly time and a much needed moment of calm. It's been forever since you've been this happy. Perhaps you never have, until now.

Eventually, a messenger from headquarters informs you of Simon and Lily's unexpected wedding, your presence requested for that evening. It is both a shock, and yet not. After all, considering the likely death and destruction that lies ahead, it is no wonder you're not the only ones trying to squeeze in a bit of happiness while you can.

Everyone: The wedding takes place in a small chapel within the men of letters headquarters, complete with a chaplain to perform the ceremony. The place is packed, for Lily had many friends and apparently they are all eager to support the woman, most of all Ian and Victoria. Loki is there, dressed in a fine black suit and looking dapper and also pleased with himself for his part in the preparations. The decor, which consists of garlands and fountains of white and pink roses, adorn the place. Candles are everywhere too, and the bride is absolutely stunning in a white gown the style of which you've never seen before, yet is undeniably gorgeous. Later, Loki informs you it was made by someone named, "Vera Wang," whoever that may be. Surprisingly, Loki gives away the bride, though this raises a lot of questioning looks. Penny, of course, surmises why this would be, though nothing is said officially on the matter.

The ceremony itself is simple, though lovely and sincere. As the couple are pronounced "man and wife," Lily laughs in absolute delight before kissing her new husband. From there, the guests move to the large main hall, where chairs and tables have been waved into existence by Loki once more. The food and punch are incredible, though Simon's request for a simple vanilla cake is respected. Even so, it tastes amazing, but then the trickster always did conjure a good pastry. There is music and dancing, merriment and laughter. Even Crimwall gets into the good mood, dancing with Alice as much as she'll put up with. Ian likewise dances with Penny, and he's quite good at it, though poor Crimwall is far less adept than the Scotsman. The poor dear tries, though, and he seems not to care that he has two left feet, instead just happy to be with Alice as much as possible. Emma even dances here and there, helping herself to the cake and punch and watching the scene with amusement.

The entire night is truly a magical time, that much more poignant for the upcoming battle looming before you. One last time to enjoy yourselves before preparations must be made. As happy as everyone is, there is a tightness in faces, a fear lurking behind otherwise twinkling eyes. Will this be the last dance for some? The last time friends gather together before the world ends? Or loved ones perish in the line of duty? Such dark questions lurk in the shadows of the happy evening. Some drink a little more than they otherwise would. Or dance when they would rather have watched. Some hold one another a little closer, or chatter on to each other, loathe to call it a night, no matter that their lids are heavy. As though this is the one last time anyone will ever be happy again.

ooc: Ok, giving you a chance to expand on what your characters think and do during the wedding. This is your last calm. Once again, let me know any preparations or activities you want to do during the next twelve days, don't forget Alice too.

At the surprise wedding of Simon and Lily that evening, Penny wore a nice sky-blue dress, with matching purse and hat, a handsome Scotsman on her arm, and a smile. She felt peculiarly blissful, yet fretful that others might detect some sign of change in her, of her wantonness. Certainly, her big silly smile, the closeness with which she clung to Ian all night, the weary look of extensive strenuous activity and little sleep and being animated solely by strong tea and excitement were clear indicators. But perhaps only a detective like her and experienced women like Alice could tell. By the social mores, Penny supposed she should be ashamed, yet she found she was not, she was happy and proud and wanting to proclaim her love for Ian to the world. But she did not. This night, after all, was for Simon and Lily to proclaim theirs. And all eyes were on them.

It was a beautiful ceremony, and Penny watched it with misty eyes and shared happiness. She was pleased they found each other and hoped their love would live on and one. It raised a few ideas of her own, but although she glanced thoughtfully toward Ian a few times, it remained only an idle notion. Penny was not ready for marriage, not when she was not guaranteed more than twelve days of life. She wanted only to enjoy the highlights: conversation, dancing, and sex, and good times together with those she loved. And hunting monsters.

ooc: Penny brought up a good question as to what the plan is to take on Belial since the solstice is coming.

We know the location of Belial's ceremony to free him is going to be in Central Park. He's been building something there for weeks, the place heavily guarded by all manner of demons and the like. You've had some encounters there with him already, I do believe, and were unable to fully see what the man has there in terms of numbers, structures, weapons etc. Just that he's been building up for the solstice. There have been scouts from the men of letters who have gleaned some information. Hecate has been spotted there frequently, and it would seem that the portion of the park that he is using has been magically sealed from passerby, so as not to arouse attention. The men of letters have ways around this, of course, but it is just another component to be aware of upon entry.

Knowing that Penny is crucial to the plot to actually open Belial's cage, the theory is he will try to find some way to take her, or that he expects her to be there when the time comes one way or another. She's being heavily guarded, of course, but the feeling that Belial is two steps ahead permeates everyone's thoughts. So there is some stress there for sure. Right now the biggest plan is to have a showdown a few days before the solstice in order to try to upheave Belial before the crucial day comes. The ring of Solomon is being activated through the efforts of Emma and Victoria, and it will be ready soon to put to use on the day of. There is some discussion about who should wield the thing, the thought being that perhaps Penny should do it since she's the one most in danger and the most likely to be faced with Belial himself when the time comes.

Meanwhile, dozens of other chapters of the men of letters have been congregating in the city, all ready to help when the attack comes. It's going to be an all out battle between Belial's forces and everyone else but the end goal is to put Belial down in his current form, before he can fully be unleashed from his cage and gain enough power to start the apocalypse, which will be granted to him through the power of the solstice.

I'm sure there are a few minor details I will bring up soon. I just need to peruse the threads again (8 freaking years of them!) to refresh my memory. But you get the general idea. Just know the main reason things have been held off this long is because of the ring and seal of Solomon not being ready until now. It's a complicated item and it requires work to know how to use it, activate it, find it, etc.

Twelve days go by.

Lily and Simon enjoy their time together, full well knowing their marriage could be short lived if the end comes in so soon a time.

Ian and Penny likewise make use of their time. In all the best ways possible.

Meanwhile, Victoria has been gathering forces. Sister chapters of the men of letters have been congregating, ready to amass for a concentrated strike on central park. It's very much like gathering soldiers to go to war, because that's exactly what this is. With so many of them, and so many unfamiliar faces, the idea is that red arm bands will be worn to help differentiate between friend and foe. It's an imperfect solution, but one that will have to do.

Anytime Penny goes out, Victoria has taken to having a small group tail her in order to protect her. Any protests are ignored, and Ian is supportive of this, since he likewise fears for your safety. Luckily, when you're in his flat you're given privacy as they are kept outside and there are enough protective seals throughout his home that you aren't too worried about any unexpected entries.

Emma has been working with Victoria to prepare the ring of Solomon. The seal is taking work to activate, but they are finally close. One more day should have it at the ready, just in time to take to battle, though the feeling is, of course, that it's a shame it won't be ready to test fully beforehand. Emma and Victoria both are pushing for Penny to wear the ring, but there are a few heads of other chapters who disagree strenuously with this decision, clearly not as open minded about a woman in power (especially not coming from Victoria), and much of her time is spent putting out political fires.

Alice spends a great deal of time with Crimwell, who is busily readying his arcane comrades to participate in the battle too. He's nervous, and frightened, though he does his best to hide it. Alice can tell, though, that he's not used to this sort of thing and though he's bravely facing his duties anyway, it's hard on him.

Now, only two days away from the attack, nerves are high. The base is crammed with so many new faces from the other chapters. It's not the most pleasant place to be and all of you find frequent excuses to be out just to get some elbow room and a breath of fresh air.

Penny: It is early enough to still be dark, but you wake for some reason, squinting through the blackness that is Ian's room in his flat. He lays pressed against your back, arms wrapped around you as always and breathing deeply, sound asleep. You stare off into the shadows, head fuzzy and eyes blurred as you try to think why you are awake. Something...woke you up? A...noise? You strain to see, but for some reason only an inky blackness surrounds the bed. There's something unnatural about it. An otherworldly quality, somehow, and you try to see the door, the window, anything to indicate you are still in Ian's flat. The darkness spreads, as far as the eye can see and it is literally just you, the bed, Ian, and nothing. And then you hear it again. The reason you woke up. Penny, my dear, a familiar voice calls softly, though you see no one. I think it's high time you joined me, my dear. Belial.

Alice: It's early in the morning, but you're awake anyway. You can't sleep. Apparently, neither can Crimwell. You find him at his desk, quietly working on something by candlelight. You stir and he turns to look at you apologetically. I hope I didn't wake you, dear. He winces. You see he has something on the table. A plate, from the looks of it. It has a handful of bullets of all things, and there's something else there. A red liquid. Blood? You see then, that his left hand is dripping onto the plate where a deep cut drips onto the white china.

Naturally, Penny had protested to Victoria, both about her protection detail and about all the additional people at the Men of Letters headquarters. They were in themselves a security risk, she argued: with so many strangers with unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar habits, the enemy did not even need to be shapeshifters to infiltrate the organisation again. Penny had scoffed at the idea to use simple red armbands, arguing they were easy to fake or steal from slain agents, and proposed instead to use pass-phrases that changed daily and tattooed markings concealed beneath the clothes. It was all a theatre though. What could they really do to stop Belial? This late in, Penny still had few ideas and fewer options.

Amongst the hectic work and preparations, Penny found herself just trying to enjoy her last days of life and liberty. She mostly spent her days and her nights with Ian, focusing on their courtship, all back to front from the proper way of doing things, but so much more enjoyable for it. It was funny, she thought, that she should be so happy when so close to death, and so happy only because she was.

As Penny awoke, or seemed to, at least, and got a sense of her surroundings and heard the insidious voice of Belial, she found she was not afraid, thanks to the warmth and safety of Ian behind her. Reasoning she must be dreaming, Penny surreptitiously pressed her fingers against the headboard—if they sank through, she could begin lucid dreaming and control his dream.

'I think it's high time you went back in your box, Belial.' Penny replied, in a cool and confident voice. It had been so long since they'd last met, at her home in Devon in 1863, and he'd only used his agents against her since then. She supposed he did not care to speak with her and toy with her when he did not have the need, so if he was communicating now, then he must be ready to take her. Was this it, then? Was he striking early to beat Victoria's preparations? A chill of fear crept over her, but Penny found she was glad to finally get this over with and end it. 'What do you want?'

Seeing the grizzly scene Alice called for help. She did not scream incoherantly, but instead called for help.

Penny: I've come to take you, of course, his voice comes calmly. Meanwhile, you try to put your fingers through the headboard but it is no use. This does not bode well. Why do you think I've not tried to take you before now? I've had my hook in you from the very beginning. Your own blood makes you weak to me. Your lineage has sworn fealty to me from the very beginning. It won't let you disobey me now. As he talks, a doorway forms in the darkness. Come to me, child. We have preparations, you and I. ooc: Roll 2 will saves please, DC 25. If you succeed, you can fight the urge to walk through the door. If not, you'll start headed that way, even though mentally you still have your free will, it's just your body that seems to be disobeying you. In order to actually make it through the door, you'll need to fail your will save twice. If you make it either time, you'll break his hold.

Alice: Seeing your reaction, Crimwell stands quickly, crossing the room to stop you with a wince. No, no, it's quite alright! he assures you. I did this for you! Look, he points to the bullets. Six bullets, see? Just for you. From my own blood. They will instantly kill all save the most powerful beings within a single shot. I doubt they'd take down Hecate or Belial, but they will hurt them a great deal. And any other problem you encounter will be done away with in a single hit. I only wish I could give you more it's just...the price for these is very steep, he gives a weak smile. You can tell that there's more to the statement than that, but he's trying to gloss over it.

She screamed for help again. She took off her belt...tourniquet, she needed one. She wrapped the belt around his arm above the elbow. She tightened it as much as she could. She jerked it and punched a hole in the belt for the tine. "Listen to me, Crim, listen carefully. I need you more than those bullets. Now you must live and you must not stop me from getting you help."

'I swore no fealty, I am not bound by blood.' Penny declared, drawing back the sheet and sitting up to show her defiance of Belial. 'And you interrupted my lineage.' Realising that this was no dream, this was quite real, Penny twisted back to wake up Ian— No, she didn't, she turned toward the voice and the door. Yes, best not wake Ian just yet, better to learn what she could first. Then she felt a cold hard floor on the soles of her bare feet, as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Yes, she could feign obedience, go along with this a little to learn what Belial wanted, what forces lay in wait. She rose from the bed, her long white nightgown falling around her, and took a step toward the door. No. Yes, she could take a few more steps... No! Yes. No! Ian!

Those thoughts were not her own, those were insidious whispers in the side of her mind. Penny shouted furious refusals, try to cry out, struggled futilely to move in any other way, yet it was no use, some foul force had control over her body and she moved inexorably away from the bed, away from Ian, and toward the door, toward Belial. No!


OOC: Will saves 21 and 19, both failed. :(
16:55, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+11.  Will save 2.
16:55, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+11.  Will save 1.

Alice: Crim sits heavily in the chair as you tend to his wounds. Judging by his blood loss, it is half involuntary and he looks rather pale. Ah, well...perhaps I did cut a bit deep, he admits almost sheepishly. Well worth it though, my dear. I'll live too. Just maybe not as long as I otherwise would. Only six years less, though. In the big scheme of things, that's no so bad, is it? He gives a weak smile. Fortunately the tourniquet seems to be helping, and a moment later a woman enters, having heard your plea for help. Seeing the situation, she mumbles something about getting a doctor and rushes off again. Now, you must promise not to lose these bullets, eh? He continues, good naturedly. He looks on the verge of passing out.

Penny: Belial chuckles at your words. No. I perfected your lineage. Your blood is mine, your body is mine, and soon your soul will be too. As you head towards the door, you somehow are able to look back at Ian. He still sleeps, but it is fitful and restless, as though he's trying to wake up but cannot. Belial's voice holds amusement as he speaks, Look at him squirm. He's trying so hard to wake up. I think I'll save myself a future hassle though, shall I? With that last question, suddenly Ian stiffens. His eyes fly open and every muscle goes rigid. A strangled sound comes from his throat and then, with a horrific noise, dozens of loud cracks sound at once, bones snapping, reminding you awfully of when Josephine's body was so horribly broken weeks before. Ian, however, is more than broken. Blood spurts out his ears, his eyes and nose, even his lips part as the red liquid runs from between them. He lays there, unable to move, crimson seeping all over the white sheets, as he trembles and chokes, drowning and gasping in his own blood, still paralyzed in place. And then you're through the door, feet still moving of their own volition, no matter how you're screaming inside.

The door closes behind you, you find yourself in a white room, floor to ceiling, all made of marble, windowless, door-less, for it has disappeared. A single chair sits in the middle. Finally, you are in control of your body once more, as you collapse in an exhausted heap on the floor.

Belial had allowed her to look back, of course, not to taunt her and certainly not in kindness, but to force her to be a mute and helpless witness to what he did to Ian. Realising this and where his cruel words inevitably led, a feeling of utter dread came over Penny. No! she tried to scream, but it was only inside her own head. She hoped in vain that Ian would somehow hear her thoughts and awaken, that Belial might hear and somehow be persuaded from his course. Ian, wake up! Ian! Belial, please, you don't have to do his, I'll go—

Then it happened. Penny couldn't look away, couldn't close her eyes, couldn't go to him, couldn't save him. She could only scream and sob and despair, and struggle to move without effect, as the love of her life was brutally broken and killed before her eyes. If not for the paralysing magic, she might collapsed to her knees.

But instead her treacherous legs turned and carried her away, putting the grisly scene out of her sight but never ever out of her mind. Released from the spell, dropped on the floor, she barely registered the white room around her. Penny was still screaming and weeping in her thoughts, and cursing the very being of Belial.

Alice promised, "I won't loose them. You have to STEY AWAKE!" She shouted at him to keep him awake. He had to stay awake.

Alice: Crim obeys, though it clearly takes effort. It's alright my dear. I'll be alright, he assures you, though he sways as he speaks. Fortunately, the woman was quick in bringing the doctor and soon Crim is being cared for, a tourniquet and pressure finally stop the bleeding. The whole time Crim's eyes flutter as though threatening to fall asleep but you manage to keep him with you until he's successfully stabilized and the doctor deems him fit to rest. It's a great relief, to say the least, but needless to say you won't be resting much that night after such a scare. Later the next morning, when he is awake again, Crim sits up in his bed, looking a bit sheepish. I hope I didn't alarm you. I just...wanted to help.

Penny:
As you lay there, sobbing, you become aware of a person standing behind you. When you turn, you see Belial, looking mildly amused. Oh, I almost feel bad, he chuckles. Really though, he'd have died just as quickly in your precious little attack you have planned. Even with Solomon's ring, it doesn't matter. You don't have it, and all I need is you. Let our armies battle it out. When the time comes, we'll have a private party all our own, and it shall be delightful. His wicked smile spreads.

After a while, when her sobs grew hoarse and her chest ached, it felt to Penny as though she would have no tears left to shed. And yet she did, again and again, and she always would. Ian, Ian, how could it be Ian? Why had she been so foolish as to let herself love him, so close to the end. It should've been her! Finally, sensing the loathsome presence behind her, Penny bit back any further sobs and wiped the tears from her wet cheeks, though she could not hide her reddened eyes and cracked voice. But now, even now, she would show the stiff upper lip of an Englishwoman.

Wearily, Penny rose to her feet and turned her hate-filled eyes on Belial. 'But they don't need me.' she promised him bitterly, 'They will destroy you, Worthless One.'

Alice was feeling relief and anger all at once. "You cut off your damnded hand! Crim you cut off your hand for some bullets. I could slap you. Bullets, six bullets, and you don't get a hand any more. I need you, you lunk, I ain't about to lookin for another man. Further more if these bullets ain't gonna kill Beliel." She growled in frustration. "You are more important than some bullets. Next time you get a damned fool idea like that, ask me if it is a good one before you go about it." Then she kissed him because he was still alive.

Penny: Belial smirks at that. I don't think you're exactly in a position to be confident. He says with mocking softness. But whatever you need to keep yourself entertained, I suppose. Now, I have things to do. I'll see you in a couple days, eh? he arches a brow. With that, he leaves you in the empty room, walking through the door which disappears behind him.

The room itself is barren and empty, save the chair, which is high backed, wooden and uncomfortable. It's an impossible room, clearly made of unnatural means. Time seems to stand still here, every second ticking away feels like minutes. And there seems to be absolutely no escape. Still dressed in your nightclothes, you don't even have your usual garb to comfort you.

Alice: Crim looks sheepish, kissing you back. Oh don't you worry. We have ways of fixing my hand. It was worth it. Every bit. He assures you. I'd even sacrifice the other one, but I'm afraid you'd actually kill me if I did, he laughs.

The rest of the morning passes better for you. His hand is cared for and you are told that in time it will be made whole again, which brings you great relief. Unfortunately, his life will be six years the shorter for his little trick, a year for each bullet, but he was clearly aware of that sacrifice.

Eventually you leave him to rest, particularly when Victoria summons you. She looks worried and in a rush, for she's still busy making last second preparations. Ian and Penny were supposed to meet with me twenty minutes ago. I've not heard back from my security either. Do you think you could take Emma and Lily to Ian's apartment and see if things are alright? I have a bad feeling... Her black eyes are filled with worry.

Should you accept the assignment, you find yourself in a cab with the other two ladies, both looking as on edge as you feel. As you near the building, the feeling worsens. There should be twelve men posted here. The best that the men of letters has to offer. Lily bolts out the door first, even before the carriage has stopped, rushing through the back entrance and up the stairs, two at a time. You're not far behind her, though poor Emma struggles to catch up.

Ian's door is locked but that doesn't stop Lily. Without a thought she kicks it in, the wood splintering from the force of her kick. Likely her angelic blood had something to do with that. As she runs in, she stops dead in her tracks and a wail of pure heartbreak slips from the native's lips. Penny is nowhere to be seen, and Ian lies in his bed, eyes closed and blood absolutely everywhere.

With his parting shot echoing in her ears, Penny watched Belial go, her blue eyes narrowed and driving daggers at the demon prince's back, and at the wall that was left behind. If he thought her broken, or powerless, or defeated, then he was sorely mistaken. She, Penny Dreadful, would fight to the bitter bloody end to have her victory and her revenge. For Ian.

But still, her state was a dire one. Wasting no more time – she could mourn in the proper way later – Penny cast her eyes about her prison cell, assessing every last thing she had to work with. A chair, her nightclothes, four bare walls without door or windows. Her intellect, her cunning, her spirit and determination. So she set to examining the minutest details, from the make of the chair and where it could have come from, to faint markings on the walls to the dust on the floor, especially near where the door had been, and estimated the dimensions of the room. She treated it as a crime scene, with herself the victim. She had questions to answer – such as how as the air got in, for one. She wanted to work out what this room might have been used for before, where she might be, what magic there was, how she might escape.

But, perhaps, she just need to keep her mind occupied and distracted, not focused on her fate, not picturing her last sight of Ian.

Either way, she had the time.


OOC: Searching for clues, useful information, anything really. How big is the room? How does air get in, what is the light source, and what's hanging from the ceiling?

Search 24, or Take 20 for 36.
16:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 24 using 1d20+16. search.
Investigate 21, or Take 20 for 39
19:05, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+19.  Investigate.
(updated my rolls after my level up)

Alice was dumbstuck by the scene. As was her normal she did not panic, instead she reached into a pocket and took out what was left of the healing vial. He carefully made her way to him and opened his mouth, pouring the rest of it into him.

For reference there are 39 drops left, each healing 10 HP
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

Penny: As you explore, the hours drag on and on. In spite of your grief, you feel hungry, thirsty. Belial doesn't seem to care about your physical needs, however. He's left you with literally nothing but the chair. The room itself seems to be impossible. It is well lit, but there is no source of it that you can tell. It simply is. Likewise, there is no ventilation or source of air that you can find. Nothing but the small, windowless, door-less room not much bigger than a typical bedroom. The chair, even, is unremarkable. It looks new, smooth and well made, in spite of its simplicity. You decide you may not be somewhere real. At least not in the traditional sense. Much like Loki conjures up his sweets, this room could have been similarly created. How does one fight pure supernatural power such as this?

Despite this conclusion, you still try. You go about the room, endlessly poking and prodding, scrutinizing, hoping for some weakness, some point that could be exploited. But no. Belial is clearly right to be so confident in his hold on you. You feel so incredibly helpless, frustrated, grieved and frantic that it's an effort to hold yourself together. Especially as time ticks on, getting you ever closer to your seemingly inevitable fate. And then...something happens. One of the smooth, white walls suddenly seems to glow as bright red markings appear as though by themselves. A sigil of some kind, being drawn as though by invisible hands. And then, a door appears, deep red with a gold knob. Belial, no doubt. You ready yourself, having expected him to make an appearance for a while now. But no. As the door opens, it is not Belial you see. Rather, two figures. One, dressed all in black, with dark, wispy hair and a scruffy beard. Crowley? Beside him is a woman, somewhat on the short side. Her hair is cut in a shaggy layered bob. She wears black, form fitting jeans with rugged looking ankle boots. A light black denim jacket with worn holes and tears fits comfortably over what you recognize as a light pink T-shirt. It has a drawing of an owl across the front, with the word, "Whom," on it, a play on words, clearly. The woman has a pack slung across her back and in her hands is a rather nasty looking shotgun. Immediately you recognize her. Kate.

ooc: Here's the shirt! Just imagine it in light pink.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1...allery-1-4&frs=1


Alice:

At first, nothing happens. It takes about thirty long seconds for any kind of reaction, and in that time you feel certain that you're too late, that he's already dead. Lily seems to share this worry, for she kneels next to the bed, tears running down her face. Then, Ian's body jolts, his back arching as every muscle contracts violently. His eyes shoot open and his head tilts back as he lies there in what looks to be a very painful spasm. Then, finally, he gives a ragged gasp, struggling to breathe as though he's forgotten how. It takes some minutes for him to breathe normally and at last, with your and Lily's help, you get him to a seated position as he sits there, trembling. It's clear that your healing elixir has had quite the effect, and that he was very close to death indeed. "P-Penny," He manages to gasp. B-Belial t-took her!

“Girl!”” Kate spotted Panny and flashed a grin. “Who am I here to shoot?” Despite her words she slung the shotgun over her shoulder and opened her arms for a hug.

It had already been late in the night, and in fact early in the morning, when she'd been taken, but Penny stubbornly ignored her tiredness, her hunger and thirst, her grief and the sick feeling in her stomach, to search desperately for some means of escape.

She was by now certain that the room was fake, whether created by magic or wholly hallucinatory. It was too plain and lacking imperfections, and then there was the mystery of the air, light, and door. She considered if she was caught in a dream-world such as a djinn might make, as Ian had been trapped in, but discounted it, for she felt the passage of time and this was no fantasy she could wake herself up from. Not even when she stabbed her leg with a broken bit of chair.

Oh yes, one of the first things she'd done had been to swing that mocking wooden chair against the wall, kick it apart and smash it up. It was a satisfying release of rage and frustration, and when she was done, she had some useful pieces of wood of assorted lengths she could use for various purposes, from improvised singlestick clubs to thrusting daggers, to smaller shivs, both scattered obviously about the room and concealed in secret within her nightgown. That she tore strips off, twisted together for strength, tied to bits of wood, and formed a crude garrotte. Reality or a dream, when they came for her, Penny intended to turn the white room red and black with demon blood. And, when all else failed, she was confident she could cut her own carotid artery.

Penny was furiously grinding her sticks against the marble wall as if she could chisel her way out, or at least sharpen them, when the door manifested again. In a moment, Penny scrambled across the room, pressed her back to the wall, clutched two sticks tightly in her blistered hands, and waited to ambush whoever or whatever came through. She turned and lunged—



And hesitated. No. This wasn't right. Why was she here? It didn't make sense. It was impossible. And with Crowley, the crossroad demon? A flash of hope faded swiftly to wariness in Penny's red eyes. She stayed in her fighting stance, two pointed sticks raised in her defence. 'We are past petty tricks, Belial.' she spat.


OOC: Spot 21, Sense Motive 14

Kate dropped her arms and kept her distance. “Whatever’s going on here is mucking up my timeline in the future. I doubt there’s anything I can say right now to make you trust me. I hardly believe I’m here myself! But we’re getting you out of this room whether you believe me or not. So you can drop your pointy sticks, I’m not fighting you.”
As proof Kate dropped the shotgun and kicked it towards Penny.

Her exhausted mind tried to process the problem, for logic was her only tool when her feelings were as tattered as her nightgown. Having been accused, possibly exposed, an impostor would either drop their act or else redouble their efforts to convince her, not this. And why? She was a prisoner, at Belial's mercy, of which he had none. He hadn't tried this before, so why start now? If torture and torment and toying with her mind were his desire, then he couldn't started hours ago.

Eventually, Penny was forced to realise what her heart was already yelling at her – that this was indeed Kate Piper, her friend, fellow hunter, her mother, by some twist of the timeline. But how? Slowly, warily, Penny lowered her arms, but did not drop her pair of sticks. 'Kate?' she said hoarsely, recognition gleaming in her tired blue eyes. Penny stumbled forward a few paces; she only wanted to join her, touch her to see if she was real, but her arms wrapped around her and she buried her face in her shoulder, and wept, with relief and with fresh grief.

At last, wrenching herself from her sobs, Penny stuttered 'B-but how are you here? Where are we?'

Alice looked around, and found Lily. "Lily can you go fetch your husband? I think we're gonna need him." Then she gave Ian smile, "Rest, we will get this sorted and bring Penny back to ya." Then she went to the door and began shouting the alarm. It was time to marshal the troops. She wasn't going to let her friend go through this alone.

Penny & Kate: Penny sees Crowley roll his eyes, clearly a bit uncomfortable with the display of emotion. He answers for Kate. You're in an outer dimension of sorts, he says simply. One created by Belial. If you know what you're doing and have the right components, it's not so hard a spell to master, though I may have had a little help figuring this one out. He admits with distaste. It's a prison, pure and simple. And one we're here to get you out of. You notice he looks antsy to leave already.

Alice: Lily is gone in a flash, leaving you with Ian who manages to stand, shakily. His entire body trembles, strangely enough, and you are surprised how weak he still seems to be, given how much of that bottle you used on him. He immediately starts dressing, pulling on his clothes in a rush as he speaks. I don't know where she is. There was a door. A bloody door, just appeared in the room. She walked through it, Belial made her. And then, gone, he shakes his head. We need someone who can trace it. You think Crim could do it?

Penny gave a narrowed gaze to Crowley. Despite his past assistance, she could not trust a demon in any circumstance, much less this one, but she could hardly afford not to now. Kate had evidently already decided to accept his alliance, and Penny could trust Kate without hesitation or doubt. 'Alright. How do we get out of here?' she asked directly. She had so many others questions and concerns, but they all they had to wait before their immediate issue.

Kate held Penny close anger burning in her chest. The woman was a mess and while she didn’t know all that she’d been through it was clear Penny was stretched pretty thin. Originally it was supposed to be a quick in and out mission but now seeing the state of her friend, daughter (it still felt weird) Kate was beginning to get the itch to kill something.

“Crowley should be able to get us out the same way we got in. Are you the only one here?”

Alice shook her head, "Crim is indisposed. Cut off his own hand to make some stupid bullets. Men." Even though she seemed exasperated she is also clearly touched by the lengths he went to for her. "You seem weak still, you okay partner?"

At Kate's question, Penny could not help glancing around the small, bare chamber, devoid of anyone else. 'Of course I am.' she answered with a weary, wry smile as she found her hunter's humour again. 'The only one I've seen is Belial. And I have no wish to see him again. Were there any guards?' Still clutching her broken chair legs, clad only in ripped nightgown and pride, Penny walked with them toward the portal into her personal prison, being determined to leave.

Penny/Kate: Crowley gives a dry smile at Penny's comment of not wishing to see Belial again, even as he starts to draw the sigil on the wall with what appears to be red chalk. Lucky for us, two of your little friends have thoroughly ruined Belial's day, so we might even have a bit before he notices you missing, he says as he draws. Really threw a wrench in the whole, stealing children's souls for weapons plan, which I could have told you was too risky, he added, knowingly. Humans are far too attached to their wretched offspring. People tend to notice when hundreds of the beggars go missing. Good thing that went south, though. We'd all be thoroughly screwed otherwise. You do seem to recall hearing of the stealing of souls and Belial's plans for use of them, though that task had fallen to other hunters. To Colin, actually, if memory served. This is the first you've heard of him in weeks, and you can't help but wonder how the Irishman has been faring.

By now, the seal is finished and the portal opens once more, revealing the parlor of a beautiful house on the other side. You step through, and the portal closes behind you, leaving the three of you in sudden peace and tranquility, the sounds of clinking dishes coming from down the hall, likely the kitchen. It's so suddenly different from the prison you've been in for the last 30 hours, that it takes a moment to adjust. You're suddenly keenly aware of how hungry, tired and exhausted you are.

Alice:
Ian listens with alarm at the news of Crim. What the bloody-! he cuts himself off to shake his head. I hope the bullets are bloody worth it, he grumbles. The fool could have died. He stands then, still shaky but looking a bit steadier as he talks. Yes, I'll be alright. I think if you two had been a few minutes later, those drops wouldn't have worked. I'm feeling stronger by the second, don't you worry, he assures you, though his eyes still flash with worry of his own. I just hope Penny...No. Belial wouldn't kill her. He's had too many opportunities. We just need to get her back before the solstice. Come. If Crim is out of commission, maybe Emma will help. She likes Penny, but then again, who doesn't? he adds with a half smile.

He grabs his coat, rushing out as best as his weak limbs allow, though he does seem to gather strength as he goes along. He starts back towards the headquarters with you, and along the way you run into Simon and Lily, both looking relieved to see Ian upright. Ian informs them of the plan to get Emma and soon you are all in the warehouse, heading down the ladder to the tunnels to find Emma. The place is bustling, filled with hunters and men of letters, all looking triumphant for some reason. There is drinking, clapping on the back, cheers. It all feels quite out of place, considering Penny is gone. Ian frowns. What's going on? he demands the nearest fellow, who's holding a bottle in his hand, a grin on his face. He turns to Ian in surprise, then his grin widens. Ian, my good man! Did you hear? That Irishman, Colin, was it? He and Amelia did it! They freed the souls Belial's been collecting. His army's not half so powerful without them! We have a chance, a real chance! At this, another hunter nods, adding, Aye, but the poor lad lost his life. He shakes his head, speaking in a thick accent. But leave it to a fellow Irishman to get things done right! To Colin! He raises his bottle. "To Colin!" Everyone around you seconds. Naturally, you have no idea who Colin was, but Lily, Simon and Ian's expressions tell you it was someone they knew well and this is sad news indeed. Ian's face darkens, and he pushes through the still cheering crowd with the rest of you following, at last stopping in Victoria's office. Lily, meanwhile, leaves to find Emma, intending to meet you there.

As you enter the office, you Victoria, sitting across from a young woman you've never met. She's beautiful, with pale blonde hair, alabaster skin and deep blue eyes. She's clearly been crying, and she looks a mess. Her long hair is wild about her shoulders, her once fine clothes are covered in dried blood and she looks like she hasn't slept in a while. Both women turn to look at you all upon entering, falling silent. Ian stops in his tracks, at a loss of what to say for a moment before turning to introduce you. Amelia Kirk, this is Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner. I'm...sorry for your loss, he adds sincerely. Colin was a good man. But...we need your help.

'They succeeded?' Penny queried automatically, not so much doubting Crowley as wanting to be certain. But the news did not bring her joy, not when children had already suffered and died, and it did not bring relief and hope in such a dire and desperate situation. But it did perhaps lessen her despair, to know they might yet defeat Belial, even without her, even without Ian.

She stepped through the portal, but the house on the other side seemed no less unreal, for all its pleasantness and normalcy in contrast to the bleak and impossible cell she'd been in, for being another translocation today. Where was she now? It hardly mattered. There'd been no fight out of there, no demons to unleash her frustration and anger upon. Now she was thirsty, hungry, tired, and aching, but above all grief-stricken.

Abruptly, Penny collapsed onto Kate's shoulder and at last released what she'd been holding in. 'Oh, Ian.' she sobbed, body wracked and cheeks wet, the fresh pain gnawing at her mind and soul. 'He killed Ian. I loved him, and he killed him.'

Alice gave a nod and assessed the woman. "We can't daudle. We got ta get ta Penny. I ain't leavin my best friend to face some super demon alone."

Simon is a bit less callus. He moved over and knelt in front of the woman, and taking her hands if she will allow. "I'm Father Simon Cole, of the Eastern Church. Grief counselling is something I have experience with. Right now, though, we have a friend who is in jeopardy. If she succumbs, then it will be all the world that suffers. You're man was a hero and he died a hero. Honor that legacy now and help us, we need you."

Kate held Penny tightly though she’s clearly surprised by the declaration of love for Ian. That was something new! She felt the pangs of loss, partly for the passing of a friend and partly for Penny who had lost much more than a friend.

“I’m sorry Penny, you’ve been through more than your fair share of pain. Let’s get you cleaned up and have some food brought up.” Kate led her daughter towards the stairs catching Crowley’s eye as they passed. “If you can have them send up a tray.”

Once upstairs Kate directed Penny to a small sitting room that was attached to a much larger bedroom. A cheery fire crackled in the hearth and she plunked the girl down in an overstuffed chair near the fireplace. “I’m afraid Crowley isn’t going to give us a lot of time to griev,.” she confessed, passing Penny a handkerchief.  “But I think I’ve bought us a moment or two so we can get you cleaned up and put back together,” She winced at the words, knowing that Penny would probably never be completely “back together” again.

“Tell me what you need and I will make sure you have it. Even if that’s Belial’s head on a platter.” She flashes a wicked grin.

Simon/Alice: Amelia wipes her eyes, giving a shaky nod but she runs her fingers through her hair, trying to straighten it as best she can, sitting taller in her chair. Her countenance changes. She's proper, strong, refined, even if her fingers tremble as they twist her hair into a bun. You're right. He'd never forgive me if I fell apart now, she says softly. Not after everything he did. She clears her throat, speaking firmer, as she turns to face you all. Give me a minute to pull myself together. I'll want to get this...blood off me, she says the word stiffly and you wonder whose blood it is. And I'll need some things. I'll make you a list, Victoria. Most of all, I'll need something of this woman's, to track her with. Any item will do, though the more significant the better. This isn't a solitary job either. I'll need two more witches besides myself, she adds, giving a gesture to Victoria. The stronger the better, which means you have to be one of them, she informs the other woman. Victoria nods, and with that, Amelia stands to leave, though as she passes Father Simon, she gives him a small, grateful smile. If we live through this, I may take you up on your counseling services, Father. Thank you. With that, she's through the door. With her gone, Victoria gives a sad nod. Amelia Kirk is the best we have, save for her father who is away currently. If anyone can help us find Penny, she can. She's suffered an awful shock though. She brought back Colin's body just a few hours ago. You'll need to keep her focused. Meanwhile, I'll track down Emma, prepare her to help with the ritual. What I need from you is to find something of Penny's. I imagine Ian will want to lead that little mission... she says with a knowing look at the man, and his eyebrows go up a little in surprise, no doubt not expecting her to know of his relationship with the woman.

ooc: Ok, so the ritual will take a bit of time to prep. Like, a whole day. Other than helping Ian find the items (which are back at his flat), how will your two characters spend their time? There's not long til the final battle, so there's lots of preparations to make on top of the hunt for Penny. Let me know any little details you want to take care of.

Kate/Penny: You manage to find clothes that fit Penny, even stylish ones at that, and a bath if she wishes it. It also doesn't take long before a tray of food is brought. Tea, soup, bread, pudding and, surprisingly, a bottle of scotch. That screams of Crowley's thinking, of course. Penny, you note that the time is roughly 11 in the morning, though how many days have passed is the real question. You'd estimate roughly a little over a day, though it felt like longer.
ooc: Feel free to converse and catch up with each other! This is one of your last chances before the last battle.

Simon spends the extra time in prayer to recover spent caastings.

Alice will spend her time tending Crim.

At last, Penny bit back her sobs and allowed Kate to lead her to a private room and to a comfortable chair, which she dropped wearily into. Taking the proffered handkerchief, she wiped dry her reddened eyes. She still felt so raw, hollowed and filled with pain. But having Kate, her mother and friend, back at her side was welcome, making her think she could get through this. She could not think what she might do were she alone. 'Thank you.' she murmured, but did not move to clean up any further. She was in no hurry. She added bitterly. 'But I would like to take Belial's head personally.'

She needed to change the topic, away from Belial, away from Ian. But there was precious little in her life right now that did not revolve around the demon prince. She turned to Kate and asked, almost pleading, 'Kate, what you doing back here? You were returned to your own time, were you not? You were away, safe, free from all this. How did you come to join Crowley and find me in that place?' She just needed to know the whole story, to understand what was going on. But knowing Kate was safe had been reassuring, making her believe at least one of them could be free. That she was not was disconcerting.

When the food came, Penny picked at it like a bird, without much appetite but only a need to refuel, though she did drink deeply of the scotch.

“You guys were losing. And it was reflected in my timeline.” Kate replied honestly. She dug into her pocket and produced a small package wrapped in plastic. Penny might remember the treat from her visit to the future as a candy bar. She plunked it in the tray, hoping to encourage her daughter to eat.
“It was really bad. Apocalypse bad. I knew something must be terribly wrong here but I couldn’t find a way back to you. Then I bumped into Crowley and it wasn’t difficult to convince him to help me. I’m still a little nervous about that….”
While Crowley had been helpful she wasn’t looking forward to when he came calling on her to return the favor. This is if they survived all this…

Munching on some bread dipped in soup, Penny frowned at Kate's hints of a future changed for the worst. It was that bad? The deaths of herself and others, and a fresh king installed in Hell, did not seem at the least to alter things greatly. Demons would always do dark and vile deeds, no matter who led them. But this suggested there was so much more at stake.

Then she looked sharply up Kate, full of alarm. 'What do you mean? He didn't try to strike a deal, did he? It's better to appeal to a demon's self-interest than to bargain with them.'

Kate flashed a grin. "Let's just say I owe him a favor..." She knew that owing a demon, especially one such as Crowley a favor wasn't ideal. But that was her problem, not Penny's.
"Don't worry about it, that's tomorrow Kate's problem."

'But you're tomorrow Kate.' Penny pointed out, puzzled by Kate's idiom as usual but knowing that, as she'd come from the future, as she was in effect from "tomorrow". But Penny shook her head, not wanting to get into trans-temporal grammar right now, though she still needed to talk, about anything but what had happened to Ian. She reached out to clasp Kate's hand, saying softly 'In any case, I am most glad to have you back, Kate... We did not get the opportunity to talk much last time, about, ah, the possibility of your baby being... me.' It was difficult to even articulate, even now: the revelation had come as such a shock, and it still seemed impossible that she should have a mother from the future, of roughly her own age, and that their relationship had changed from one of friendship to mother and daughter. How could a lifetime of such bonding be achieved now?

“No we really didn’t get to talk about it much at all.” She has a slightly haunted look at the memory of her time spent in captivity with the baby. With Penny. It still boggled her mind, but the bond she felt towards her once friend now daughter was undeniable. “I definitely think we could both benefit from some family counseling after this,” Kate squeezed Penny’s hand back with a grin.
“Just know that not a day has gone by where I haven’t thought of you. Wished we could talk. And now that we’re actually here together…I don’t know what to say! Her eyes were misty with un-shed tears but she managed to keep the smile on her lips.

Penny was not certain what this family counselling was, nor how they could possibly explain this situation, yet she understood the sentiment. And she understood Kate's longing and loss, better than she thought she would, for she had felt it too, all her life. Penny spoke hesitantly, screwing her hands through her nightgown in her anxiousness. 'Yes. I... All my life, I wondered what I would say to you, what would I ask you. If you were proud of me... And now the words seem too small and trite, they cannot begin to cover... such a huge gap in our lives. But I guess we must start somewhere.' She faced Kate with a hopeful half-smile, though it did not quite meet her reddened eyes. 'How have you been, Mother?'

"Oh God," Kate snorted "Mother, I'm never going to get used to that." Penny was her daughter so she would allow it, even though it was super weird to hear.

"I've been...okay?" She's asking herself the question more than Penny. It had been a rough time adjusting to her old timeline. She threw herself into hunting, and when she wasn't doing that she was usually drinking and watching re-runs on her television.
"I have missed you so much. I'd be lying if I told you it hasn't been a struggle. We were robbed Penny." bitterness crept into her voice. "But what's done is done, there's no purpose dwelling on what could have been. After all, who knows what tomorrow will bring us. I can assure you that no mother is prouder than I am of her daughter."

'Kate, then.' Penny concluded with a small smile at Kate's discomfort, for it had felt just as strange to say as it must have been to hear. She might as well call a perfect stranger or dear friend the same, and it would feel just as strange, having not grown up as her child. Maybe one day they could say 'daughter' and 'mother' and it would have meaning, but today they were still Penny and Kate, friends.

She frowned, her mouth a tight, sad line as she struggled to find her feelings and keep them contained. For Kate, it had only been quite recent, the pain was surely still fresh and the emotional wound raw. For Penny, it had been a whole lifetime, an absence of something she could only ever guess at. Yet she felt this growing warmth of connection now. 'Thank you. And I never been so proud of an ancestor as now.' she said steadily. She went on more softly as she remembered, casting her mind back to the moors of Devon. 'I looked for you, you know, while growing up. Father, or whomever he really was now, refused to ever speak of my mother. I suppose now I know why. But then, I presumed my mother had died in childbirth, and he had grown hard and resentful in his grief. Yet I needed to know who you were, where I came from. So I searched the house for photographs and letters, I asked the staff, the farmers, and people in the village. I consulted church and county records for some clue. I credit it with making me become a detective. And I learned to perform séances to find your ghost. I talked to fairies and nature spirits and other things, and though they could say little, they hinted at your courage and my destiny. It set me on the path to becoming a hunter.' She leaned forward as she confided something she was only just discovering now. 'So, you see, all that I am I still owe to you.'

Simon/Alice: Amelia's promise of tracking Penny down is fulfilled. It takes a lengthy ritual, the three witches meeting in Victoria's office for hours, but at last the exhausted women emerge, looking tired but triumphant. She's in town, Belial didn't take her far, Amelia informs you with a hint of a smile. I have an address. Though, who knows what traps the demon has for you there. This is not the time to skimp on hunters, she shakes her head. Victoria nods at this. Nor shall we. You stay, Amelia. You've done enough. I will go, and twelve of our best, along with Alice, Ian, and Lily, if that suits you? she arches a brow at you all. Emma lifts a hand then, her usually perfect hair a bit messy from the long tiring ordeal the witches have been through. I'm coming too. Don't ask me why, but I've grown fond of the Brit these last weeks. Might as well do what I can for her. Victoria nods and with that, you depart, since preparations were made during the ritual already.

Ian takes point as you all arrive on the quiet street on the outskirts of the city. It's daylight now, not ideal, but with the solstice so close you don't have time to wait for cover of darkness. The twelve hunters take different points of the house, a rambling, massive thing that looks well kept and well to do. They stay back a ways, so as not to alert anyone and, from what you can see, there are several guards on the wrap around porch, sitting and trying to act natural but failing quite miserably.

ooc: Alice: Roll spot, move silently, hide please.

08:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 29 using 1d20+10.  Hide.
08:14, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+10.  Mv sileny.
08:13, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 30 using 1d20+10.  Spot
Nat 20 on spot!

Alice: ooc: Wow! Nice!
ic: You manage to keep a low profile. It helps that there are lots of buildings and brick walls in the neighborhood to keep you covered. You scan the area, having a particularly good vantage where you are. The guards look on decent alert but are clearly distracted with mild conversation with each other and the like. Obviously they don't expect you and are likely there for precautionary measures at best. There are two entrances and they look well guarded, but what draws your eyes most is the window in the upper level. You see a familiar figure through it. Penny. She's talking to a woman with short, dark hair that you don't recognize, and she's dressed rather strangely. Both women look completely at ease, not the look of prisoners. They appear to be deep in conversation and talking about something important. This is not what you expected. Penny does not look like a damsel in distress. Something feels strangely comforting about this. You had expected to be coming to the rescue, fighting against Belial's men or even Belial himself, but it almost seems as though a rescue is unnecessary, at least judging by the way the two women are acting. What is going on? Who are these people?

Penny/Kate: Roll spot checks please. Kate, I know you're a bit busy lately so I am rolling yours for you!

OOC: I got a pretty good roll. :)
16:47, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30 using 1d20+14.  Spot.

Ooc: hahahahaha! For some reason knowing the way you two perfectly see each other cracks me up so much! I can just imagine this slow, awkward wave...

Looking up at Penny there is confusion written on her face. She pulled her gun, pointed at it and looked questioningly.

After some time speaking with Kate, Penny had risen and wandered around the room without real purpose. She was finding an urge to stretch her legs, to move and act, to do something against Belial and so distract herself from Ian's death. She could hardly sleep, not with the potential of nightmares of for Belial to disturb her again, and she couldn't wallow in grief all day, and most of all she couldn't afford to. All that had happened had showed her his victory was so much nearer, and so much more certain, than it had been before.

Idly, Penny glanced out the window, wondering where and indeed when this house was, and feeling a remote fear the enemy might find them here. That was when she saw the figure outside. Alice? She almost didn't recognise her, she didn't expect her to be here. With gun in hand and creeping about, she didn't appear to be here as a friendly house guest either. So Penny stared back with the same blank confusion, and finally shook her head slowly, hoping to convey the sense she was in no danger.

Penny turned away from the window. She was sure she could trust Kate, but Crowley? 'Kate? Does anyone know we are here? The Men of Letters maybe?'


OOC: Sorry, I was sick and forgot this.

“No. It was a pretty last minute decision. I didn’t have time to alert anyone. Why?” Kate noted Penny’s glance out the window and her hand slid to her weapon that was still holstered under her jacket.

'Because one of them is outside now.' Penny answered. She raised a hand to signal Alice to halt and wait, and went on to Kate. 'Is it safe for her to approach? I wouldn't want some guard or household staff member to get the wrong idea about her.' Down below, Alice would surely see Penny speaking to someone else in the room with her.

ooc: Hahahahahaha! Holding up the gun like that, seriously cracks me up!

ic: Before Kate can answer, the door opens rather suddenly, an irritable looking Crowley on the other end. Who called the calvary? he growls. My men spotted some fools trying to sneak up on the house. I don't think they're Belial's, could be your precious men of letters. You'd better tell me fast, or I can't be held responsible for what happens to them... he warns.

'Yes, they're Men of Letters!' Penny cried, cutting off Crowley before he either carry out his threat or carry on any longer. She still didn't trust the demon, and quite rightly, so she felt uncomfortably like she was betraying her side now. Ian's loss and Belial's kidnapping had left her much too shaken, and she still felt like a prisoner in this house. 'The one outside the window is, anyway. I've signalled her to wait where she is. We'll go meet her there. Come on, Kate, I think you'll like Alice.' She started striding boldly toward the door, hoping no one tried to stop her...


OOC: Penny will go to meet Alice if she can.

Alice nodded and put away her gun. She gave a whistle, wanting the others to come to her.

Crowley immediately turns on his heels to call off his men and thankfully does nothing to stop Penny. Instead, she and Kate end up on the quiet street, coming face to face with about a dozen or so men of letters, on top of a few stragglers, namely Alice, Lily, and, to Penny's shock, a very concerned looking Ian. Alive, well, and rushing to you like he hasn't seen you in fifty years.

Meanwhile, Lily gives a whoop of joy at seeing Kate. Kate, is that really you?! she laughs happily.

Penny hurried down the stairs and out of the house, not at all eagerly but definitely urgently. She still half-expected a trap, possessing demons or shifters in disguise as the Men of Letters she had come to know and trust, and even to fear she was still in Belial's box and merely imagining all of this as part of mental torments. And even if it was all real, how could she face them? She'd gotten Ian killed.

Yet, as she laid her eyes upon them, Penny scanned the brave band, seeking Ian's face as if he might appear, alive and well and telling her it had all been a nightmare or a lie. But no, it couldn't be. She had to face the truth. Then she saw him, the last on the scene. She narrowed her eyes in scrutiny; he seemed a stranger, a mere look-alike, for it was hard to dismiss her disbelief and shake from her memory her final vision of his face contorted in terrible pain.

But it was him. Ian. Alive and well.

'Ian?' Penny questioned in utter puzzlement, even as they fell into each other's arms, holding tightly enough to never be separated again. It looked like him, it felt like him, smelled and sounded like him. 'Ian!' Penny gasped, buried her face in his shoulder to hide her tears. 'I thought—' she choked; she couldn't say any more. 'Oh, Ian.' was all she could manage, being just so thankful he was alive.

Alice stayed back, but couldn't help a grin at her handywork. When Penny did look her way she reached into her shirt pocket and took out the now empty bottle of jealing juice. She grinned and gave a wink but otherwise stayed out of the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Tue 05 Apr 2022.

Kate clapped Lily on the shoulder with a grin. But their reunion is interrupted when Penny spots Ian. “Thank God,” she muttered watching her daughter and Ian with a soft smile.

Ian hugs Penny back so hard it nearly takes the wind out of her, lifting her up so that her feet dangle off the ground. At last he puts her down, grinning from ear to ear as he kisses her forehead. I'm still not convinced I wasn't dead, he shakes his head, turning to Alice. But she pulled me back to life, thank God. I'm just amazed you're alright. But then, with Kate involved, I guess that solves that! he turns to give Kate a hug too. By now, Crowley has emerged from the house, watching the scene with a look of distaste. Ugh....so much bloody affection, he mutters. Get it all in while you can. It's about time to stop an apocalypse so you're not going to get another chance. Lily turns to Crowley with a look of distrust. I don't know who this is, but already I want to punch him. You have a very punchable face, she points out to the man. He looks a bit threatened by this, and takes a step back, and you wonder if perhaps he knows that the woman is a Nephilim, otherwise he surely wouldn't be so intimidated. Uh...I'd rather you didn't. He says nervously. Then he turns to the rest of you. Alright, you'd better go check in with your precious men of letters. I am bringing over what men of my own I can manage. We'll be ready to meet at Central Park, when the time comes. You just tell your people not to kill us, eh? You're going to need every helping hand you can get, demon or not. Oh, and Kate, I didn't forget those...items we talked about. They'll be ready and waiting for you at the front lines. He then nods at Lily. Oh, and we'll have lots and lots of hellhounds, so you may want to protect yourself ahead of time, or they're going to head straight for you, he says with a quirk of amusement. She glares at him and he takes yet another step back.

ooc: Ok, finish up here and we're going to skip ahead to the final battle! Make any preparations, any last minute interactions, etc. You have about 8 hours before it's time. Penny will be given the ring of Solomon and some instructions on how it works, I'll be giving those to you in the next post. I'll also have a few more goodies for all of you then too, but let me know if there's anything in particular you need/want before the end.

At last releasing Ian, albeit with great reluctance and still with her hands on his shoulders, Penny glanced wonderingly across to Alice and spied the used phial she produced by way of answer. 'Oh, of course.' Penny breathed, wishing she had realised earlier, if only to have spared herself one more moment's grief. 'Thank you, Alice.' she said softly and thankfully.

But other needs and revelations stole her attention from her reunion, and Penny eyed Crowley with concern. 'Men? You mean demons.' she uttered with flat distaste for the idea. 'Crowley, I do not doubt that you have reasons of your own to oppose Belial, but can you rely on these minions of yours? Forgive me, but demons are far from the most loyal and trustworthy beings. It will take but one to throw in his lot with Belial, give away our plans and turn on us at a critical juncture, and the whole plan will be ruined.' she pointed out, and not unreasonably she thought. An unspoken part of her concern was not only the demons, but Crowley himself. Why was he involved? What did he get out of this. She felt like she'd already missed out on too much, like this plan was bigger than she could grasp. Who had approved this alliance? Where was Victoria? 'The hellhounds, however, shall be quite appreciated.' Oh yes, she could expect loyalty from the former black dogs of the moor.

Alice gave a bemused shrugg. "You're my best friend Penny. You never have to thank me, and you are welcome."

Crowley listens to Penny's concerns with a look of bemusement. Oh I know too well what a squirrely lot demons can be. Don't have much choice though, do I? Besides, you underestimate my kind. Belial is a rule with an iron fist sort of leader. I'm more of a pizza party and scotch leader. I'm a much better king of hell than that sorry sod, and my men know it. But you're right. Can't be too careful. He nods. Still, don't have a lot of choice. We'll have to roll the dice and hope no one feels like betraying us. Next I see you will be go time anyway, and at that point betrayal isn't going to make a whole lot of difference. Just, make sure YOU wear the ring of Solomon. It's the only thing that's going to keep you remotely safe from Belial now.

Penny levelled a long and interrogating gaze at Crowley and his defence of using demons. She couldn't deny their numbers and strength would be useful, though it galled her to ally herself with such evil, even to defeat a much greater evil. But, as the old proverb said, needs must when the devil drives. Quite literally, in this case. 'It will take but one demon to decide he might get a better deal under Belial or that he prefers Belial's old-time tyranny and damnation to upset our plans. So watch them, and be wary. We shall be too.'

'And do not fear: when the time is right, I will be wearing the Ring of Solomon.' she said firmly. It brought something to mind, and Penny went on 'Reputedly, it gives the power to command and control demons, djinn, and spirits, and talk to the animals. I should not like to first attempt the former at a vital moment and find it does not work quite as told in the legends. So, would you like to be my first test subject, Mister Crowley?'

Alice grinned, "Yea, make him think he is a chicken." She laughed and waited  for Penny to play the hypnotist.

Crowley listens to Penny's request and, to your amusement, he looks aghast. Me?! I'm not gonna be your bloody guinea pig! he sputters. I don't exactly trust you any more than you trust me, pet. But, I'll throw a man or two your way, if you like. Good idea about testing it. Not like you'll get a second chance if you can't figure it out beforehand. He muses.

ooc: If you like you can head back to headquarters and he'll provide a couple of lackeys to experiment with. Victoria will happily agree that Penny should take point with the ring, considering how close Belial already came to claiming her. Penny-the ring will work like so:

You must make a concentration check to use the ring.
For regular demons, it will be a DC of 15. For high level demons like Crowley and even Hectate (though not technically a demon), the DC to affect them would be 20. Successful will saves on the part of the demons will negate the attempt and they will be exempt from another attempt for 3 rounds, though you can try with another demon every round. The DC for low level demons to fight off your mind control will be 20. For high level demons, the DC is 15.

If you are able to make a concentration check of 20 or more, you can actually target 2 regular demons at once. High level, of course, is still only one at a time. If you ever get a natural 19-20 on your roll, they do not get to roll a will save unless it's Belial himself, and even then he will have major disadvantages.

A successful controlling attempt means the following:

Regular demons: You can make them turn against other low level demons or other such low level enemies and they will fight for you. However, they will not do self harm and they will not attack their masters. They will, however, run from them if you direct them to. Low level demon control will last the entire rest of the day. You only need to get them once and they're yours.

High level demons: If you are successful, they will be under your command for 5 rounds. They will attack lower and equal level demons for you, but will not harm themselves. So you can pit them against each other nicely. If you (Penny) attack them, then your control will be broken. They will see you as an enemy again.

Belial: Your concentration DC is 22 with him, but his will save is also 22, to negate it. If you get him under your control, you have him for 3 rounds, same rules of no self harm and no attacking him yourself.

So to recap:
Regular demons: concentration check of 15. If you get 20 or higher, you can target 2 demons at once. They must get will save dc 20. Once you have them, they're yours.

High level demons: DC 20. Nat 19-20 roll means they get no will save. Their will save must be 20 to shake off your attempt. You get them for 5 rounds.

Belial: Concentration DC 22. His will save is also 22. If you get a nat 19-20 he still gets a will save, but the DC is 28. You get him for 3 rounds.

Phew! I'm actually going to put this on a notice of its own so we can both reference it easier. Let me know if anything is confusing!

If Penny had the Ring of Solomon with her right now, she would've slipped it on then and there and tried it out. So it was just as well, for Crowley's sake, that she did not. 'Thank you, that shall be most appreciated. Have two of your men meet us, oh, in Times Square tomorrow at 9 a.m. I am certain we can trust each other in such a public setting.' Meaning neither was likely to kill the other, nor try to steal the ring. But Penny was not about to take two demons back to Men of Letters headquarters, no matter what control she might have over them.

Alice nodded, "Uhhh yea what she said."

Time square is bustling, the perfect place. The demons meet as ordered, and to your surprise, you see Crowley has actually accompanied them. He insists he's only curious and that you're not to try anything funny. He actually keeps quite a distance too, perhaps hoping it will help.

Your experiments prove to be most fruitful.

First, you notice, upon slipping on the ring, that there is an aura about the demons. You can see how much they differ from the humans in the square. Humans give off a green aura, faint, light, but there. Demons radiate blackness, Crowley, however, radiates red. You get a feeling this has to do with the difference in their strength and power. It could be a quick way to determine the biggest threats on the battlefield.

You also notice that the ring doesn't just command blind obedience. The demons fight against it. Your part in things comes more naturally than you expected. The ring, warm on your finger, you feel it directing your energy. Still, it requires a great deal of focus to penetrate your subject's will. After a bit of practice, you find it easier and easier to do so for the lower demons. You also test their willingness to obey. You can get them to do simple things, even act like chickens as Alice had suggested, and, to your delight, you can get them to fight each other. They will not harm themselves, however, and your hold on them is temporary.

Eventually, seeing your progress, Crowley gives a sigh and approaches. Don't make me regret this but...you'd better see what you can do with me. Belial won't be easy to control. You may want to practice on someone better than tweedle dee and tweedle dumb here. But no chicken! Do not embarrass me! he adds with a snap.

In the end, you're grateful for Crowley's help as it greatly establishes what you can do with the ring. It's a lot harder to bend his will, and you can tell he's fighting you the entire time. It's...disconcerting. The ring will be an immense advantage, but it isn't going to be easy. This battle really will be a battle. And it's going to be a bloody one.


ooc: Ok, it's the morning of the solstice. The plan is to attack that night. This is your very last chance to do anything at all before go-time, people.

That fine morning in Times Square, Penny arrived quite prepared, with a pencil, a notepad, and a detailed testing plan worthy of any Oxford-educated scientist.  She'd first put on the ring the previous night, of course, and had marvelled at the warm tingling feeling it gave her, a feeling of magic and power. One of its little-known, often-overlooked powers was the ability to speak to animals, though the rats and pigeons of New York City were poor conversationalists and the horses little better. Cats had proved the most stimulating sources of conversation, at least when she finally found one who would listen to her.

The different hues of the auras intrigued her, and Penny wondered what colour angels like Castiel and fallen angels like Belial would display, and nephilim like Lily for that matter. She would find out later, in any case.

Following her testing plan, Penny had taken her pet demons through the paces, from simple acts like raising their arms, walking here and there, and of course acting like a chickens and taking swings at each other. So far, so good. But she was aware she was only dealing with minor demons, comparatively easy to control. And exerting her will took such effort it was tiring. So Crowley at last deciding to join in was a welcome way to test her limits. 'I promise I shall not make you act like a chicken, Mister Crowley.' Penny said, quite specifically, and then ultimately had him sing "God Save the Queen" instead. Penny laughed in wicked delight at his show of patriotism.

Oh yes, she could do so much with this small thing. Not just speak to cats and dogs and other animals, but command demons, genies, and spirits. The Ring of Solomon would be a vital weapon in the war. She could use it to capture and destroy the monsters, prevent them from ever killing again, even put them to work in more productive areas, by serving her bidding. The world could be a better, safer place, with her at its head. Queen Penelope the Dreadful had a nice ring to it...

She shook her head, tore her eyes away from the gleaming ring, and clenching her fist. She was reminded of the historian Lord Acton's wise words four years back, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." No wonder the Ring, Key, and Seal of Solomon all had to be divided and hidden, and must be hidden again.

Once Penny is done with her “testing” on Crowley Kate pulls the demon aside for a quick private conversation. Presumably to insure he had acquired the equipment she had asked for. “Remember when everything is said and done all items from the future are to be returned or destroyed.” She adds before parting ways with the demon.

Returning to Penny she claps her shoulder in an attempt to be lighthearted. “Please know that as your mother I fully believe in you and support your plan…but as your friend…are you sure you can handle this?” Kate’s concern is written plainly across her face. “I will never forgive myself if something terrible happens. I don’t suppose you would appease your old mum by taking a trip out of town?” She grinned at her joke but it didn’t chase the shadows of worry from her eyes.

But Penny was quiet, not really having an answer she could give Kate. For once in her life, she did not have a plan, she was not certain in her path, she did not have any idea what would happen. It had all been decided already for her, by Victoria and Emma and others. All she could do was play her part, like a soldier in an army or a cog in a machine. And she just wanted this to be over with. 'To the seaside with Ian, maybe?' Penny proposed with a hint of a wry smile. But she shook her head, suddenly serious. 'There's nowhere I can go where Belial won't find me and hurt those around me, again... I'm certain I can handle this. I can, because I must. There is no other choice.' she said, trying to sound resolute, though she felt so fragile inside.

Alice would have chosen to sleep in on her last day on Earth. Penny wasn't for that and honestly she knew Penny was correct. She got a lot of strange looks on the square in front of the Time's building. She would tip her hat to those who passed by, "Hey Penny, make him strip naked and run around. These yokles will hardly notice.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:32, Fri 03 June 2022.

'There's only one man I'd want to see—' Penny had begun carelessly, then realised what she was saying and broke off, pressing her smiling lips shut and blushing as red as a cherry. Of course, Ian would know she was not so shy in private, and while hinting scandalously at affairs was acceptable in private conversation with female friends, what Kate might call 'girl talk', Penny was still new to that.  'And, well, I hardly need a ring for that.' she added softly and coyly.

'In any case, I think we have taken up enough of Mister Crowley's time and dignity.' Penny announced, more loudly so the demons could hear. 'I release you from your bonds. We'll meet again at five o'clock to commence the attack.'

Ian laughs wickedly at Penny's words, always quick to spot any suggestive humor, all the more so if it references him.

Soon, the lot of you depart for headquarters, making any last minute preparations before the final battle. Ian sticks to Penny like glue, looking nervous and yet trying to lighten the mood in true Ian fashion. He will, however, give Kate and Penny plenty of time to catch up too, full well knowing the mother must be just as terrified for her daughter as he is.

Meanwhile, Crimwell naps with Alice, looking stronger now that he's been properly tended to, wound wise. And the small lull before the end is downright lovely.

When everything is in place Simon will cast the following:
Consecrate

Spells

Call Lightning - Curse Water
Call Lightning
Evocation [Electricity]

Level: Drd 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: One or more 30-ft.-long vertical lines of lightning
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes
Immediately upon completion of the spell, and once per round thereafter, you may call down a 5-foot-wide, 30-foot-long, vertical bolt of lightning that deals 3d6 points of electricity damage. The bolt of lightning flashes down in a vertical stroke at whatever target point you choose within the spell’s range (measured from your position at the time). Any creature in the target square or in the path of the bolt is affected.

You need not call a bolt of lightning immediately; other actions, even spellcasting, can be performed. However, each round after the first you may use a standard action (concentrating on the spell) to call a bolt. You may call a total number of bolts equal to your caster level (maximum 10 bolts).

If you are outdoors and in a stormy area—a rain shower, clouds and wind, hot and cloudy conditions, or even a tornado (including a whirlwind formed by a djinni or an air elemental of at least Large size)—each bolt deals 3d10 points of electricity damage instead of 3d6.

This spell functions indoors or underground but not underwater.

Call Lightning Storm
Evocation [Electricity]

Level: Drd 5
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
This spell functions like call lightning, except that each bolt deals 5d6 points of electricity damage (or 5d10 if created outdoors in a stormy area), and you may call a maximum of 15 bolts.

Calm Animals
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Animal 1, Drd 1, Rgr 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: Animals within 30 ft. of each other
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell soothes and quiets animals, rendering them docile and harmless. Only ordinary animals (those with Intelligence scores of 1 or 2) can be affected by this spell. All the subjects must be of the same kind, and no two may be more than 30 feet apart. The maximum number of Hit Dice of animals you can affect is equal to 2d4 + caster level. A dire animal or an animal trained to attack or guard is allowed a saving throw; other animals are not.

The affected creatures remain where they are and do not attack or flee. They are not helpless and defend themselves normally if attacked. Any threat breaks the spell on the threatened creatures.

Calm Emotions
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 2, Clr 2, Law 2
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: Creatures in a 20-ft.-radius spread
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell calms agitated creatures. You have no control over the affected creatures, but calm emotions can stop raging creatures from fighting or joyous ones from reveling. Creatures so affected cannot take violent actions (although they can defend themselves) or do anything destructive. Any aggressive action against or damage dealt to a calmed creature immediately breaks the spell on all calmed creatures.

This spell automatically suppresses (but does not dispel) any morale bonuses granted by spells such as bless, good hope, and rage, as well as negating a bard’s ability to inspire courage or a barbarian’s rage ability. It also suppresses any fear effects and removes the confused condition from all targets. While the spell lasts, a suppressed spell or effect has no effect. When the calm emotions spell ends, the original spell or effect takes hold of the creature again, provided that its duration has not expired in the meantime.

Cat’s Grace
Transmutation

Level: Brd 2, Drd 2, Rgr 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The transmuted creature becomes more graceful, agile, and coordinated. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity, adding the usual benefits to AC, Reflex saves, and other uses of the Dexterity modifier.

Material Component: A pinch of cat fur.

Cat’s Grace, Mass
Transmutation

Level: Brd 6, Drd 6, Sor/Wiz 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like cat’s grace, except that it affects multiple creatures.

Cause Fear
Necromancy [Fear, Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 1, Clr 1, Death 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature with 5 or fewer HD
Duration: 1d4 rounds or 1 round; see text
Saving Throw: Will partial
Spell Resistance: Yes
The affected creature becomes frightened. If the subject succeeds on a Will save, it is shaken for 1 round. Creatures with 6 or more Hit Dice are immune to this effect.

Cause fear counters and dispels remove fear.

Chain Lightning
Evocation [Electricity]

Level: Air 6, Sor/Wiz 6
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Targets: One primary target, plus one secondary target/level (each of which must be within 30 ft. of the primary target)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell creates an electrical discharge that begins as a single stroke commencing from your fingertips. Unlike lightning bolt, chain lightning strikes one object or creature initially, then arcs to other targets.

The bolt deals 1d6 points of electricity damage per caster level (maximum 20d6) to the primary target. After it strikes, lightning can arc to a number of secondary targets equal to your caster level (maximum 20). The secondary bolts each strike one target and deal half as much damage as the primary one did (rounded down).

Each target can attempt a Reflex saving throw for half damage. You choose secondary targets as you like, but they must all be within 30 feet of the primary target, and no target can be struck more than once. You can choose to affect fewer secondary targets than the maximum.

Focus: A bit of fur; a piece of amber, glass, or a crystal rod; plus one silver pin for each of your caster levels.

Changestaff
Transmutation

Level: Drd 7
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Touch
Target: Your touched staff
Duration: 1 hour/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
You change a specially prepared quarterstaff into a Huge treantlike creature, about 24 feet tall. When you plant the end of the staff in the ground and speak a special command to conclude the casting of the spell, your staff turns into a creature that looks and fights just like a treant. The staff-treant defends you and obeys any spoken commands. However, it is by no means a true treant; it cannot converse with actual treants or control trees. If the staff-treant is reduced to 0 or fewer hit points, it crumbles to powder and the staff is destroyed. Otherwise, the staff returns to its normal form when the spell duration expires (or when the spell is dismissed), and it can be used as the focus for another casting of the spell. The staff-treant is always at full strength when created, despite any wounds it may have incurred the last time it appeared.

Focus: The quarterstaff, which must be specially prepared. The staff must be a sound limb cut from an ash, oak, or yew, then cured, shaped, carved, and polished (a process requiring twenty-eight days).

You cannot adventure or engage in other strenuous activity during the shaping and carving of the staff.

Chaos Hammer
Evocation [Chaotic]

Level: Chaos 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: 20-ft.-radius burst
Duration: Instantaneous (1d6 rounds); see text
Saving Throw: Will partial; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
You unleash chaotic power to smite your enemies. The power takes the form of a multicolored explosion of leaping, ricocheting energy. Only lawful and neutral (not chaotic) creatures are harmed by the spell.

The spell deals 1d8 points of damage per two caster levels (maximum 5d8) to lawful creatures (or 1d6 points of damage per caster level, maximum 10d6, to lawful outsiders) and slows them for 1d6 rounds.

In addition, it takes a –2 penalty to AC, attack rolls, damage rolls, and Reflex saves (see the slow spell). A successful Will save reduces the damage by half and negates the slow effect.

The spell deals only half damage against creatures who are neither lawful nor chaotic, and they are not slowed. Such a creature can reduce the damage by half again (down to one-quarter) with a successful Will save.

Charm Animal
Enchantment (Charm) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1
Target: One animal
This spell functions like charm person, except that it affects a creature of the animal type.

Charm Monster
Enchantment (Charm) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 4
Target: One living creature
Duration: One day/level
This spell functions like charm person, except that the effect is not restricted by creature type or size.

Charm Monster, Mass
Enchantment (Charm) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 6, Sor/Wiz 8
Components: V
Targets: One or more creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration: One day/level
This spell functions like charm monster, except that mass charm monster affects a number of creatures whose combined HD do not exceed twice your level, or at least one creature regardless of HD. If there are more potential targets than you can affect, you choose them one at a time until you choose a creature with too many HD.

Charm Person
Enchantment (Charm) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One humanoid creature
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
This charm makes a humanoid creature regard you as its trusted friend and ally (treat the target’s attitude as friendly). If the creature is currently being threatened or attacked by you or your allies, however, it receives a +5 bonus on its saving throw.

The spell does not enable you to control the charmed person as if it were an automaton, but it perceives your words and actions in the most favorable way. You can try to give the subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn’t ordinarily do. (Retries are not allowed.) An affected creature never obeys suicidal or obviously harmful orders, but it might be convinced that something very dangerous is worth doing. Any act by you or your apparent allies that threatens the charmed person breaks the spell. You must speak the person’s language to communicate your commands, or else be good at pantomiming.

Chill Metal
Transmutation [Cold]

Level: Drd 2
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: Metal equipment of one creature per two levels, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart; or 25 lb. of metal/level, none of which can be more than 30 ft. away from any of the rest
Duration: 7 rounds
Saving Throw: Will negates (object)
Spell Resistance: Yes (object)
Chill metal makes metal extremely cold. Unattended, nonmagical metal gets no saving throw. Magical metal is allowed a saving throw against the spell. An item in a creature’s possession uses the creature’s saving throw bonus unless its own is higher.

A creature takes cold damage if its equipment is chilled. It takes full damage if its armor is affected or if it is holding, touching, wearing, or carrying metal weighing one-fifth of its weight. The creature takes minimum damage (1 point or 2 points; see the table) if it’s not wearing metal armor and the metal that it’s carrying weighs less than one-fifth of its weight.

On the first round of the spell, the metal becomes chilly and uncomfortable to touch but deals no damage. The same effect also occurs on the last round of the spell’s duration. During the second (and also the next-to-last) round, icy coldness causes pain and damage. In the third, fourth, and fifth rounds, the metal is freezing cold, causing more damage, as shown on the table below.

Round Metal
Temperature Damage
1 Cold None
2 Icy 1d4 points
3–5 Freezing 2d4 points
6 Icy 1d4 points
7 Cold None
Any heat intense enough to damage the creature negates cold damage from the spell (and vice versa) on a point-for-point basis. Underwater, chill metal deals no damage, but ice immediately forms around the affected metal, making it more buoyant.

Chill metal counters and dispels heat metal.

Chill Touch
Necromancy

Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Targets: Creature or creatures touched (up to one/level)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial or Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
A touch from your hand, which glows with blue energy, disrupts the life force of living creatures. Each touch channels negative energy that deals 1d6 points of damage. The touched creature also takes 1 point of Strength damage unless it makes a successful Fortitude saving throw. You can use this melee touch attack up to one time per level.

An undead creature you touch takes no damage of either sort, but it must make a successful Will saving throw or flee as if panicked for 1d4 rounds +1 round per caster level.

Circle of Death
Necromancy [Death]

Level: Sor/Wiz 6
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: Several living creatures within a 40-ft.-radius burst
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
A circle of death snuffs out the life force of living creatures, killing them instantly.

The spell slays 1d4 HD worth of living creatures per caster level (maximum 20d4). Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first; among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the burst’s point of origin are affected first. No creature of 9 or more HD can be affected, and Hit Dice that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted.

Material Component: The powder of a crushed black pearl with a minimum value of 500 gp.

Clairaudience/Clairvoyance
Divination (Scrying)

Level: Brd 3, Knowledge 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Effect: Magical sensor
Duration: 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Clairaudience/clairvoyance creates an invisible magical sensor at a specific location that enables you to hear or see (your choice) almost as if you were there. You don’t need line of sight or line of effect, but the locale must be known—a place familiar to you or an obvious one. Once you have selected the locale, the sensor doesn’t move, but you can rotate it in all directions to view the area as desired. Unlike other scrying spells, this spell does not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through it. If the chosen locale is magically dark, you see nothing. If it is naturally pitch black, you can see in a 10- foot radius around the center of the spell’s effect. Clairaudience/clairvoyance functions only on the plane of existence you are currently occupying.

Arcane Focus: A small horn (for hearing) or a glass eye (for seeing).

Clenched Fist
Evocation [Force]

Level: Sor/Wiz 8, Strength 8
Components: V, S, F/DF
This spell functions like interposing hand, except that the hand can interpose itself, push, or strike one opponent that you select. The floating hand can move as far as 60 feet and can attack in the same round. Since this hand is directed by you, its ability to notice or attack invisible or concealed creatures is no better than yours.

The hand attacks once per round, and its attack bonus equals your caster level + your Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma modifier (for a wizard, cleric, or sorcerer, respectively), +11 for the hand’s Strength score (33), –1 for being Large. The hand deals 1d8+11 points of damage on each attack, and any creature struck must make a Fortitude save (against this spell’s save DC) or be stunned for 1 round. Directing the spell to a new target is a move action.

The clenched fist can also interpose itself as interposing hand does, or it can bull rush an opponent as forceful hand does, but at a +15 bonus on the Strength check.

Clerics who cast this spell name it for their deities.

Arcane Focus: A leather glove.

Cloak of Chaos
Abjuration [Chaotic]

Level: Chaos 8, Clr 8
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 20 ft.
Targets: One creature/level in a 20-ft.-radius burst centered on you
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)
A random pattern of color surrounds the subjects, protecting them from attacks, granting them resistance to spells cast by lawful creatures, and causing lawful creatures that strike the subjects to become confused. This abjuration has four effects.

First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from law, the benefit of this spell applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by lawful creatures.

Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against lawful spells and spells cast by lawful creatures.

Third, the abjuration blocks possession and mental influence, just as protection from law does.

Finally, if a lawful creature succeeds on a melee attack against a warded creature, the offending attacker is confused for 1 round (Will save negates, as with the confusion spell, but against the save DC of cloak of chaos).

Focus: A tiny reliquary containing some sacred relic, such as a scrap of parchment from a chaotic text. The reliquary costs at least 500 gp.

Clone
Necromancy

Level: Sor/Wiz 8
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: 0 ft.
Effect: One clone
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell makes an inert duplicate of a creature. If the original individual has been slain, its soul immediately transfers to the clone, creating a replacement (provided that the soul is free and willing to return). The original’s physical remains, should they still exist, become inert and cannot thereafter be restored to life. If the original creature has reached the end of its natural life span (that is, it has died of natural causes), any cloning attempt fails.

To create the duplicate, you must have a piece of flesh (not hair, nails, scales, or the like) with a volume of at least 1 cubic inch that was taken from the original creature’s living body. The piece of flesh need not be fresh, but it must be kept from rotting. Once the spell is cast, the duplicate must be grown in a laboratory for 2d4 months.

When the clone is completed, the original’s soul enters it immediately, if that creature is already dead. The clone is physically identical with the original and possesses the same personality and memories as the original. In other respects, treat the clone as if it were the original character raised from the dead, including the loss of one level or 2 points of Constitution (if the original was a 1st-level character). If this Constitution adjustment would give the clone a Constitution score of 0, the spell fails. If the original creature has lost levels since the flesh sample was taken and died at a lower level than the clone would otherwise be, the clone is one level below the level at which the original died.

The spell duplicates only the original’s body and mind, not its equipment.

A duplicate can be grown while the original still lives, or when the original soul is unavailable, but the resulting body is merely a soulless bit of inert flesh, which rots if not preserved.

Material Component: The piece of flesh and various laboratory supplies (cost 1,000 gp).

Focus: Special laboratory equipment (cost 500 gp).

Cloudkill
Conjuration (Creation)

Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: Cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial; see text
Spell Resistance: No
This spell generates a bank of fog, similar to a fog cloud, except that its vapors are yellowish green and poisonous. These vapors automatically kill any living creature with 3 or fewer HD (no save). A living creature with 4 to 6 HD is slain unless it succeeds on a Fortitude save (in which case it takes 1d4 points of Constitution damage on your turn each round while in the cloud).

A living creature with 6 or more HD takes 1d4 points of Constitution damage on your turn each round while in the cloud (a successful Fortitude save halves this damage). Holding one’s breath doesn’t help, but creatures immune to poison are unaffected by the spell.

Unlike a fog cloud, the cloudkill moves away from you at 10 feet per round, rolling along the surface of the ground.

Figure out the cloud’s new spread each round based on its new point of origin, which is 10 feet farther away from the point of origin where you cast the spell.

Because the vapors are heavier than air, they sink to the lowest level of the land, even pouring down den or sinkhole openings. It cannot penetrate liquids, nor can it be cast underwater.

Color Spray
Illusion (Pattern) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 15 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped burst
Duration: Instantaneous; see text
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from your hand, causing creatures to become stunned, perhaps also blinded, and possibly knocking them unconscious.

Each creature within the cone is affected according to its Hit Dice.

2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)

3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.

5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.

Sightless creatures are not affected by color spray.

Material Component: A pinch each of powder or sand that is colored red, yellow, and blue.

Command
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Language-Dependent, Mind-Affecting]

Level: Clr 1
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature
Duration: 1 round
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
You give the subject a single command, which it obeys to the best of its ability at its earliest opportunity. You may select from the following options.

Approach: On its turn, the subject moves toward you as quickly and directly as possible for 1 round. The creature may do nothing but move during its turn, and it provokes attacks of opportunity for this movement as normal.

Drop: On its turn, the subject drops whatever it is holding. It can’t pick up any dropped item until its next turn.

Fall: On its turn, the subject falls to the ground and remains prone for 1 round. It may act normally while prone but takes any appropriate penalties.

Flee: On its turn, the subject moves away from you as quickly as possible for 1 round. It may do nothing but move during its turn, and it provokes attacks of opportunity for this movement as normal.

Halt: The subject stands in place for 1 round. It may not take any actions but is not considered helpless.

If the subject can’t carry out your command on its next turn, the spell automatically fails.

Command, Greater
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Language-Dependent, Mind-Affecting]

Level: Clr 5
Targets: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration: 1 round/level
This spell functions like command, except that up to one creature per level may be affected, and the activities continue beyond 1 round. At the start of each commanded creature’s action after the first, it gets another Will save to attempt to break free from the spell. Each creature must receive the same command.

Command Plants
Transmutation

Level: Drd 4, Plant 4, Rgr 3
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: Up to 2 HD/level of plant creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration: One day/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell allows you some degree of control over one or more plant creatures. Affected plant creatures can understand you, and they perceive your words and actions in the most favorable way (treat their attitude as friendly). They will not attack you while the spell lasts. You can try to give a subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn’t ordinarily do. (Retries are not allowed.) A commanded plant never obeys suicidal or obviously harmful orders, but it might be convinced that something very dangerous is worth doing.

You can affect a number of plant creatures whose combined level or HD do not exceed twice your level.

Command Undead
Necromancy

Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: One undead creature
Duration: One day/level
Saving Throw: Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell allows you some degree of control over an undead creature. Assuming the subject is intelligent, it perceives your words and actions in the most favorable way (treat its attitude as friendly). It will not attack you while the spell lasts. You can try to give the subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn’t ordinarily do. (Retries are not allowed.) An intelligent commanded undead never obeys suicidal or obviously harmful orders, but it might be convinced that something very dangerous is worth doing.

A nonintelligent undead creature gets no saving throw against this spell. When you control a mindless being, you can communicate only basic commands, such as “come here,” “go there,” “fight,” “stand still,” and so on. Nonintelligent undead won’t resist suicidal or obviously harmful orders.

Any act by you or your apparent allies that threatens the commanded undead (regardless of its Intelligence) breaks the spell.

Your commands are not telepathic. The undead creature must be able to hear you.

Material Component: A shred of raw meat and a splinter of bone.

Commune
Divination

Level: Clr 5
Components: V, S, M, DF, XP
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round/level
You contact your deity—or agents thereof —and ask questions that can be answered by a simple yes or no. (A cleric of no particular deity contacts a philosophically allied deity.) You are allowed one such question per caster level. The answers given are correct within the limits of the entity’s knowledge. “Unclear” is a legitimate answer, because powerful beings of the Outer Planes are not necessarily omniscient. In cases where a one-word answer would be misleading or contrary to the deity’s interests, a short phrase (five words or less) may be given as an answer instead.

The spell, at best, provides information to aid character decisions. The entities contacted structure their answers to further their own purposes. If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends.

Material Component: Holy (or unholy) water and incense.

XP Cost: 100 XP.

Commune with Nature
Divination

Level: Animal 5, Drd 5, Rgr 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
You become one with nature, attaining knowledge of the surrounding territory. You instantly gain knowledge of as many as three facts from among the following subjects: the ground or terrain, plants, minerals, bodies of water, people, general animal population, presence of woodland creatures, presence of powerful unnatural creatures, or even the general state of the natural setting.

In outdoor settings, the spell operates in a radius of 1 mile per caster level. In natural underground settings—caves, caverns, and the like—the radius is limited to 100 feet per caster level. The spell does not function where nature has been replaced by construction or settlement, such as in dungeons and towns.

Comprehend Languages
Divination

Level: Brd 1, Clr 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 10 min./level
You can understand the spoken words of creatures or read otherwise incomprehensible written messages. In either case, you must touch the creature or the writing. The ability to read does not necessarily impart insight into the material, merely its literal meaning. The spell enables you to understand or read an unknown language, not speak or write it.

Written material can be read at the rate of one page (250 words) per minute. Magical writing cannot be read, though the spell reveals that it is magical. This spell can be foiled by certain warding magic (such as the secret page and illusory script spells). It does not decipher codes or reveal messages concealed in otherwise normal text.

Comprehend languages can be made permanent with a permanency spell.

Arcane Material Component: A pinch of soot and a few grains of salt.

Cone of Cold
Evocation [Cold]

Level: Sor/Wiz 5, Water 6
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped burst
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes
Cone of cold creates an area of extreme cold, originating at your hand and extending outward in a cone. It drains heat, dealing 1d6 points of cold damage per caster level (maximum 15d6).

Arcane Material Component: A very small crystal or glass cone.

Confusion
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 4, Trickery 4
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Targets: All creatures in a 15-ft. radius burst
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell causes the targets to become confused, making them unable to independently determine what they will do.

Roll on the following table at the beginning of each subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.

d% Behavior
01–10 Attack caster with melee or ranged weapons (or close with caster if attack is not possible).
11–20 Act normally.
21–50 Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–70 Flee away from caster at top possible speed.
71–100 Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused character who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused character. Any confused character who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused character will not make attacks of opportunity against any creature that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).

Arcane Material Component: A set of three nut shells.

Confusion, Lesser
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Brd 1
Components: V, S, DF
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature
Duration: 1 round
This spell causes a single creature to become confused for 1 round. See the confusion spell, above, to determine the exact effect on the subject.

Consecrate
Evocation [Good]

Level: Clr 2
Components: V, S, M, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Area: 20-ft.-radius emanation
Duration: 2 hours/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell blesses an area with positive energy. Each Charisma check made to turn undead within this area gains a +3 sacred bonus. Every undead creature entering a consecrated area suffers minor disruption, giving it a –1 penalty on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves. Undead cannot be created within or summoned into a consecrated area.

If the consecrated area contains an altar, shrine, or other permanent fixture dedicated to your deity, pantheon, or aligned higher power, the modifiers given above are doubled (+6 sacred bonus on turning checks, –2 penalties for undead in the area). You cannot consecrate an area with a similar fixture of a deity other than your own patron.

If the area does contain an altar, shrine, or other permanent fixture of a deity, pantheon, or higher power other than your patron, the consecrate spell instead curses the area, cutting off its connection with the associated deity or power. This secondary function, if used, does not also grant the bonuses and penalties relating to undead, as given above.

Consecrate counters and dispels desecrate.

Material Component: A vial of holy water and 25 gp worth (5 pounds) of silver dust, all of which must be sprinkled around the area affected

Magic Circle
Magic Circle. 10-foot-radius area grants +2 bonus to
Defense and saves, counters mind control, and hedges
out summoned and conjured creatures of specified allegiance.
This will include Penny and Alice

Summon Vivilator
Summon Vivilor V. Summons a 5th-level vivilor to fight for you.