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08:57, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Big Apple

Posted by Game MasterFor group 0
Game Master
GM, 5 posts
Stair Master
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 01:10
  • msg #1

The Big Apple

Modern Earth Gossamer World and home of Sam Malloy.
Sam Malloy
player, 2 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 04:59
  • msg #2

The Big Apple

Stumbling up the last flight of steps to his tiny apartment, his hands full of groceries from the neighborhood bodega.   He fumbled with his keys and opened up the door to the one bedroom Greenwich Village apartment that he shared with two other men.   It was a bit cramped, though Georgio and Solomon were happy sharing the bedroom, leaving Sam to sleep on the broken futon in the living room.   It wasn't a bad deal, since his lack of privacy and personal space translated into paying less rent.  Especially in a month like the last one, where two of his paying gigs fell through, one by the playwright fleeing the country with the payroll, and another one where the financial backer of a commercial was arrested during rehearsal for being a drug dealer.   New York City was a fun town that way.

He shut the door with his foot, and carried the grocery sacks to the kitchette, having to turn to the side since the bags held to his side made him too wide to fit into the small space.
"Sol??  Gee??"  He called out for his roommates, to warn them that he was home.   When you lived with other people with paper thin walls, it was important not to sneak up on people.  Especially since Solomon and Georgio had fallen in love and became a couple.   Sam honestly expected them to kick him out any day now so they could have the place to themselves.   Until then, though, he tried to make  himself useful by cooking dinner occasionally.  It was a cheap dinner, spaghetti and homemade garlic bread, but it might guilt them into letting him stay until he could actually earn more money in a week than a teen girl did who babysat once a week.

No answer from his roommates.  So he had the place to himself for a little while at least.  He was surprised that both guys were gone this early in the afternoon.  Solomon was a DJ and Georgio was a Club Kid.  Still, he couldn't complain about the privacy for a change.
He started dinner.
Game Master
GM, 6 posts
Stair Master
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 11:39
  • msg #3

The Big Apple

Georgio comes out, "Sol is out Sam. Hey food !"
He comes over to help out unload the groceries.

"Sorry, I was sleeping didn't hear you come in earlier. You get that commercial job, Same ?"
Sam Malloy
player, 4 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 20:47
  • msg #4

The Big Apple

Sam shrugged and smiled wryly
"Yes and no.  I got the part as "Insurance Salesman Number One", but during filming the owner of the company was arrested for insider trading.  When the police arrived , though, he made a run for it, for some reason, and while the cops were distracted, the producers divided up the petty cash amongst the crew before the cops could confiscate it as Evidence again.  So, it wasn't much, but it's food money for the week. "
Game Master
GM, 8 posts
Stair Master
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 20:55
  • msg #5

The Big Apple

Georgio,"I would say you never have any luck but I guess you have some."

He looked at the food,"Hey it's not ramen noodles score !"
Sam Malloy
player, 5 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 21:36
  • msg #6

The Big Apple

Sam chuckled
"Yes, today we eat like adults!  Tomorrow, it might be Ramen for breakfast, but tonight, my friend, we feast "
He started warming up the oven and stove
Game Master
GM, 9 posts
Stair Master
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 21:41
  • msg #7

The Big Apple

Georgio,"Need help cooking ? You know Im good at it."
Sam Malloy
player, 6 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 22:55
  • msg #8

The Big Apple

Sam chuckled
"Nah, i got it.  Let's save your talent for the next time we need you to make 'Salmon Risotto' out of tuna fish and Ramen."
Game Master
GM, 10 posts
Stair Master
Sat 26 Oct 2019
at 23:02
  • msg #9

The Big Apple

"Alright, Ill be playing the Dance, Dance, Revolution game just let me know when your done."
Sam Malloy
player, 7 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 00:53
  • msg #10

The Big Apple

Sam chuckled.   Georgio had trouble paying for food, but shelled out money for a game system.   Ah, well....That was life in The Village.
Sam finished up his preparation and sat down to wait for everything to be done
Game Master
GM, 11 posts
Stair Master
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 12:48
  • msg #11

The Big Apple

Soon catchy music drifted from the TV to the kitchen and the floor trembled a little as Georgio danced to the beat. The meal was cooked fairly quickly then there was a strange sound that eclipsed the sound of the music. It started low like a hum but got louder and louder sounding like the whole sky was ripping apart.

Georgio looked over, "Hey what the heck are you cooking ?"
Sam Malloy
player, 8 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 21:20
  • msg #12

The Big Apple

Sam looked around
"That's not me!; i thought it was you.  I was about tontell you to turn the music down so Mrs. McGillacutty downstairs wouldn't flip out again"

He went to look out a window
Game Master
GM, 13 posts
Stair Master
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 21:53
  • msg #13

The Big Apple

Flaming streaks cross the sky.
Sam Malloy
player, 9 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 22:24
  • msg #14

The Big Apple

Sam gasped
"Georgio!!!  It's a meteor shower or something!!!!"
At least he hoped it was. He'd just watched a post apocalyptic movie the other night, and was suddenly worried it was a nuclear attack or something
Game Master
GM, 16 posts
Stair Master
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 22:34
  • msg #15

The Big Apple

Georgio runs over,"During the day ? No way." he tried to see around Sam.

"Hey lets find where they land a show I watched said they can be valuable."
Sam Malloy
player, 10 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 22:50
  • msg #16

The Big Apple

Sam chuckled
"In New York?? Unless it lands in our laps, i doubt we'll get anywhere near it.  Still, it's free entertainment, i guess "
He led the way out into the city
Game Master
GM, 17 posts
Stair Master
Sun 27 Oct 2019
at 23:53
  • msg #17

The Big Apple

Four visible flaming trails streak the sky. One comes within a hundred feet of a building or so.

Georgio, "This wasnt online." he takes out his phone to film the flaming trails.

A lot of other people are looking up.
Sam Malloy
player, 11 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 00:45
  • msg #18

The Big Apple

Sam headed towards where the thing landed.    Part of him was screaming "Don't get involved!" and "Don't run TOWARDS a bomb, you idiot!!!", but he was just too curious
Game Master
GM, 19 posts
Stair Master
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 12:23
  • msg #19

The Big Apple

Watching and moving one of the streaks eventually hits a building Ba da boom and explodes out the other side of it. Whatever the object is it continues and luckily or not so luckily hits a road instead of more buildings. Leaving a long scar in the infrastructure and a crater.

The boom knocks both of you down and sets off every car alarm for blocks around.
Sam Malloy
player, 12 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 12:30
  • msg #20

The Big Apple

Sam is starting to have second thoughts, but decided that two meteor hits in the same spot was unlikely.   Or was that Lightning?
At any rate, he staggered to his feet and rushed to the site
Game Master
GM, 20 posts
Stair Master
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 12:35
  • msg #21

The Big Apple

There are turned over cars. Water spraying from now exposed pipes.
Climbing over things he sees the long line of destruction which goes deep into the infrastructure and in the distance he sees the meteor glowing.

The other meteors keep streaking through the air one hitting the water creating a blast of water and steam.
Sam Malloy
player, 13 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 12:43
  • msg #22

The Big Apple

Sam takes out his phone and taies pictures of the meteor, but doesn't get too close
Game Master
GM, 22 posts
Stair Master
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 13:17
  • msg #23

The Big Apple

Georgio, "Whoah looks too hot to touch."
He notices Sam taking pictures and takes out his phone and takes pictures too.

Like them a few others are out doing the same.
Sam Malloy
player, 14 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 13:18
  • msg #24

The Big Apple

Sam was thinking of holding his hand out to see if he felt warmer, but if it was glowing then he kept his distance
Game Master
GM, 24 posts
Stair Master
Mon 28 Oct 2019
at 16:19
  • msg #25

The Big Apple

Something odd was happening in the crater first it didn't look as deep or devastating as a meteor that size should have created. Perhaps coming in slower or losing a bit of it's force from the building. Second there is greenery around the meteor and plant life that wasn't there a moment ago.
Sam Malloy
player, 15 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 29 Oct 2019
at 00:07
  • msg #26

The Big Apple

Sam, too curious to stop himself, crept into thr frater for a closer look
Game Master
GM, 29 posts
Stair Master
Tue 29 Oct 2019
at 13:25
  • msg #27

The Big Apple

Sam feels very warm then light headed. Everything starts to swim around him and he starts to see spots. Then all goes black.

Later he wakes up at home and Georgio is there splashing some water on him.
Sam Malloy
player, 16 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 29 Oct 2019
at 22:12
  • msg #28

The Big Apple

He shook his head
"Crap!n I'm not some radioactive mutant, am i?"
Game Master
GM, 30 posts
Stair Master
Tue 29 Oct 2019
at 23:36
  • msg #29

The Big Apple

Georgio, "Uhmn maybe." he responds his face pale.
Sam Malloy
player, 17 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 30 Oct 2019
at 08:17
  • msg #30

The Big Apple

Sm became suddenly MUCH more awake.  He sat up and glared at his roommate
"What do you mean 'Maybe'?!??!   I have an audition for the Off-Off Broadway production of Death of a Salesman, the one using all mimes, in two days!  I can't afford to be a mutant!!!"
Game Master
GM, 31 posts
Stair Master
Wed 30 Oct 2019
at 14:39
  • msg #31

The Big Apple

Georgio stumbles back.

"Well. We were both hit by something from the meteor and..."
Sam Malloy
player, 18 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 30 Oct 2019
at 21:46
  • msg #32

The Big Apple

Sam almost rolled his eyes at his, as usual, melodramatic roommate.
"And...????"
Game Master
GM, 32 posts
Stair Master
Wed 30 Oct 2019
at 22:45
  • msg #33

The Big Apple

Georgio simply points at the bathroom and clears the way for Sam.
Sam Malloy
player, 19 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 03:19
  • msg #34

The Big Apple

Annoyed that his cowardly roommate didn't have the nerve to tell him about his third eye or whatever craziness he had now.
He staggered to the bathroom
Game Master
GM, 33 posts
Stair Master
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 07:50
  • msg #35

The Big Apple

PM
Sam Malloy
player, 20 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 09:28
  • msg #36

The Big Apple

Sam looked at the face in the mirror and was confused.  It sort of looked like him, but had green eyes instead of brown and a much larger nose and bigger ears.  He was horrified by the changes.
Then the changes changed.
Literally in front of his eyes, his eyes wemt from green to a deep blue, as well as increasing in size, almost like something from an anime.  And his nose shrunk to a cute and somewhat feminine button nose.  And his ears shrank and narrowed, until they were pointed like Mr. Spock.
He felt faint as he stared, and before he could process the changes, they started changing again.
His ears got smaller, but his mouth got larger, until it was almost circling his head. And his skin went from his normal pale caucasian to chalk white.

Everything went fuzzy, and he passed out again.
Game Master
GM, 34 posts
Stair Master
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 12:00
  • msg #37

The Big Apple

Much later....

Sam woke up on the pull out couch bed looking like himself again if he checked.
He felt very hungry as well.
Sam Malloy
player, 21 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 31 Oct 2019
at 12:14
  • msg #38

The Big Apple

Sam got up, looking around frantically for a mirror, and almost passed out again when he saw his normal face.  It was more or less attractive, mostly unremarkable and not very memorable, but it was his.
Hungry, he look3d around and saw the spaghetti.   Had he finished making it, or had someone else?  At the moment, he didn't care.  Feeling like he hadn't eaten for days, he began wolfing down pasta and garlic bread.
Game Master
GM, 42 posts
Stair Master
Fri 1 Nov 2019
at 14:03
  • msg #39

The Big Apple

Sam eats the whole thing and only when everything is empty, does he feel somewhat satisfied. The bowl has been licked clean.

The house is silent at the moment and Sam seems to have it to himself.
Sam Malloy
player, 22 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 2 Nov 2019
at 00:59
  • msg #40

The Big Apple

Sam was still hungry, which was weird.  Months on limited budgets and limited food had made his appetite fairly small.  But he looked through the cabinets until he ate two cans of peaches, three packages of Twinkies, a cold can of ravioli, and a box of crackers.  He was still a bit puckish, but felt guilty about eating so much.
He walked back to the bathroom, hoping that the previous few hours was just a nightmare.  He thought about how annoyed Georgio would be that Sam had eaten so much of their food, especially since it was his turn to buy more this week.  Sam wondered how he would explain his lapse to his roommate.
To his shock, Georgio was staring at him from the mirror.
Sam gasped in shock, and the man in the mirror did as well.  It was then that Sam realized that HE was now Georgio!


He stared in horrified wonder.  How had he become Georgio??  And if he were going to become either of his roommates, he's have chosen Solomon, since he was much better looking.
Then, in front of his wide eyes, the face in the mirror became Solomon.


Sam staggered back, almost falling into the small shower/bathtub.  What was happening to him!?!?  He hadn't changed into his roommate, he was...just changing into...what?...anything he thought of??
He gave a weak chuckle, thinking that if he could really become anyone he wanted, he'd be someone famous.  Like Angelina Jolie.
He concentrated for a moment, then was stunned to see the reflection change to the sexy super star.

He made some sexy faces, mesmerized by essentially having total control over the face of a celebrity.  He then glanced downward, and saw two large breasts pushing out his shirt.  He blushed a bit, not sure if these were the same size as Ms. Jolie's, or just Sam's fantasies come to life.
He looked at the mirror, still overwhelmed.
Game Master
GM, 43 posts
Stair Master
Sat 2 Nov 2019
at 01:42
  • msg #41

The Big Apple

Sam realizes its not just his apartment that is quiet but he doesn't hear the sounds of the city.
Sam Malloy
player, 23 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 2 Nov 2019
at 01:48
  • msg #42

The Big Apple

Sam blinked in stunned confusion when he realized that the normal cacophony of city noise in New York City, from car alarms, to traffic noise, to complaining neighbors, was just...gone.
He turned away, about to go to the window, but realized that he still looked like Angelina.  He turned to the mirror, and concentrated.
He realized, with some embarrassment, that he'd honestly forgotten what he looked like.   He was having trouble remembering what Sam Malloy's face looked like.  All the distractions, his fatigue, and worry, was too disorienting for him, and he couldn't concentrate.
Sighing in frustration, Sam didn't bother worrying about it, and walked away from the bathroom, still looking like Tomb Raider, and headed to the living room window.
Game Master
GM, 46 posts
Stair Master
Sat 2 Nov 2019
at 12:40
  • msg #43

The Big Apple

Outside he could see some accidents on the street yet no one was arguing or fighting. Everyone is looking up. It is night time yet even with the city lights it look darker then normal out. As Sam look up and down the street he sees many people looking up at the night sky. Cars, buses, taxi's stopped.

As Sam looks up he sees what they are looking at. There seem to be cracks ? in the sky way past the atmosphere out in pace. Dark cracks like the universe were some fragile eggshell. The darkness beyond the cracks is so black such a void that the night sky looks to positively glow in comparison. Where the cracks come across stars, nebulas, galaxies it swallows them in it's utter darkness.

Some bit of script from a movie he read for bubbles up unbidden from his memory.

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."

“The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of the infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.”

He was sure he was seeing something mankind was not meant to see, not meant to know. They all were. He could literally see people going mad, going insane. He could see the weakness in the universe the very song of entropy as everything was being torn like cheap tissue.

Then there was something else something moved beyond the cracks it was bright so blindingly bright it was like several universes of stars had condensed ? They were moving behind the crack. Yet he realized he was seeing ONE being and it was enraged.

Something else Sam realized were his eyes had changed without him trying. Trying to protect him from going blind.

Then something out there by one of the cracks exploded and a bright fragment hurtled like a shooting star. It was far closer to the city and as it shot through the sky it seemed to swerve.

As the world went mad Sam felt sort of calm and level headed.

The fragment swerved again and then it struck him in the chest. It was a bright piece of something and there was no entropy at all in it. That was the last thing he thought before the pain of it striking hit. Blood erupted from his chest and the pain overpowered him. Everything became black...
Sam Malloy
player, 24 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 2 Nov 2019
at 23:48
  • msg #44

The Big Apple

Sam/Angelina watched in horror and wonder as the sky seemed to rip apart, feeling almost as if he were watching it on television, or as if someone else were watching it.
Which, he realized, was sort of true.

Then the new meteor fell.  He watched where it was going, so he could go look at it again, trying to get clues to what was going on.
Then it hit him in his new chest.  Angelina's large bosom wasn't enough to soften the impact, and Sam fell back, blacking out.
Game Master
GM, 190 posts
Stair Master
Sun 22 Dec 2019
at 13:38
  • msg #45

The Big Apple

Opening the Door back to Sam's world it looks like the area is more under military control then it had been.
Sam Malloy
player, 164 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 01:17
  • msg #46

The Big Apple

Nervous about what they would find, Sam stepped through
Jack Wylde
player, 176 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 03:09
  • msg #47

The Big Apple

Jack followed Sam through, putting his heater away. "Are there any changes?"
Sam Malloy
player, 165 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 03:26
  • msg #48

The Big Apple

Sam shrugged, looking around
"The mai. hysteria seems to have died down a little.   The military seems to have stepped in, perhaps declaring martial law or something.   That means more law and order. but we also might get more interference from the military if we wander around "
Game Master
GM, 191 posts
Stair Master
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 11:14
  • msg #49

The Big Apple

To Sam it does look like that is the case.

The main streets seem to have military checking things out with drivers. There are even military dogs at this stop points. This is in addition to military patrols. Sam knows carrying weapons openly could be bad.
Sam Malloy
player, 166 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 12:07
  • msg #50

The Big Apple

Sam winced and looked at Jack
"I just remembered something.   When they have a National Emergency situation like this, it's usually forbidden for civilians like us to carry weapons.  If they catch us, they might, at the very least, take our weapons, but might even try to lock us up, thinking we're trying to rob people in the chaos "
Jack Wylde
player, 177 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 15:49
  • msg #51

The Big Apple

OOC: If the heater is a normal one from the weapons room, he will leave it in the Stairs. If it was shifted from his Pocket Watch, he would shift it back.
If Cap's weapon is fizzled out, he could leave it on the Stairs too. Ha!

Jack nodded. "Best to not attract attention and get in trouble with the authorities. Where should we go in your world?"
Game Master
GM, 192 posts
Stair Master
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 15:52
  • msg #52

The Big Apple

Cap leaves the weapon in the Grand Stair.

You check each other and no obvious weapons are visible. Perhaps the little blue disc on Sam's neck is odd but it could pass as jewelry easy enough.
Sam Malloy
player, 167 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 02:01
  • msg #53

The Big Apple

Sam winced and bit her lip in indecision
"Well, it depends on what we want here.  Grabbing weapons and supplies will be more difficult if the military has taken control of everything.   I don't have a lot of disposal income here, unfortunately "
Jack Wylde
player, 178 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 03:20
  • msg #54

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I wasn't thinking of getting anything here but information. You know what those creatures look like. My concern is that the Dwimmermalk could have attacked your world further and set more of those creatures loose here. Do you know of any resources are available to check on the status of your world to see if there is more damage like this? We need to prevent this world from being destroyed by the Dwimmermalk." He looked around at all the destruction.

"Something else crossed my mind, Cap mentored me to become a Warden. Is there anyone in this world who might have been a mentor for you, to become a Warden? If so, that person may be in danger and need help."
Sam Malloy
player, 168 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 03:49
  • msg #55

The Big Apple

Sam thought for a moment and nodded
"Well, there's an extensive news service here, with information from around the world.   People are as muddled as ever, but information technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since your time."
Then she frowned in confusion
"Someone here? A mentor for me being a Warden??  I'm not sure....i didn't even know what that was until i met you.  My roommate was changed like me, but we never had anyone who knew what was going on "
Game Master
GM, 193 posts
Stair Master
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 11:05
  • msg #56

The Big Apple

Daemon ~Did you still wish to rename me ? Also Cap and you Sam might wish to change your clothing as you have a bit of Jethro Horus blood on you from carrying him. Wait I can tap into the ancient signals I am sensing that you mentioned. Do you wish for me to give you news information ?~
Sam Malloy
player, 169 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 12:09
  • msg #57

The Big Apple

Sam pursed her lips
"Yeah....blood spattered clothing, no matter how fashionable, is a definite fashion faux pas.  But I haven't got any money on me for new clothes.    We could try to find my apartment, i suppose, but walking that far that probably defeats the purpose.  But a bit of the latest news would be very helpful, thank you!"

After a bit of thought, Sam shrugged
"For a name.....how about 'Puck'?  My favorite character from Shakespeare"
Game Master
GM, 194 posts
Stair Master
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 12:20
  • msg #58

The Big Apple

Dameon ~Puck, I like that changing name to Puck now.~

Puck brings up a selection of news feeds for Sam to pick from all the known ones as well as a few more Independant news sources.

Checking through them the attack on NYC as it is being called is considered a terrorist attack and has placed the whole world in a defcon two state. A place in South America seems to have been hit as well but away from any civilization. It is believed that whatever weapon was use on NYC was developed or tested in South America.

Martial Law is being enforced nationwide and tensions world wide are high. That gap where everyone acted like it wasn't there or like nothing had happened seems to have vanished or lessened.

There is a TON of speculation and conspiracy theories going on. Including Trump wiping out a democratic stronghold with some military super weapon. To an alien attack the government is covering up.
Sam Malloy
player, 170 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 13:13
  • msg #59

The Big Apple

Sam hoped the conspiracy theories continued to fester for a while longer.  The more time they could keep people in the dark about the Stairs, the better.  Sam shuddered to think about what the world governments would.do with that knowledge, or what theyd do to her if they discovered Sam's connections to it

She looked at Jack
"No one really and truly knows what is going on, though I'm sure you can imagine what people are thinking.    There's talk about a second attack location in South America, which people here are saying was a test run for the New York attack, but might actually be a second attack location.   Other than that, it's mostly a tightly controlled chaos around here "
Jack Wylde
player, 179 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 13:43
  • msg #60

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I suppose that's a good sign, or there would be a lot of reports of attacks. I don't think the Dwimmermalk would stop here. They would try to destroy this world and sever the connection to the Stairs. I'm at a loss to figure out where to go next. But we should try to expand our own army. And I suspect, the enemy will step up their next attack. I think they are just testing us, to see what they need to throw against us."

Jack didn't know how it would work or even if it would work, but he reached out his senses to see if he could detect other Wardens, like them. It was time they increased their numbers.
Game Master
GM, 195 posts
Stair Master
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 13:51
  • msg #61

The Big Apple

Jack being so new is just aware of Cap and Sam and only because Cap had told him about the mantle they all bare as Wardens. Perhaps if he saw someone while actively looking he could tell if they were a Warden. Extending his senses a bit like this would be tiring after a while he could tell.
Jack Wylde
player, 180 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 14:19
  • msg #62

The Big Apple

Jack shook his head. "Sorry, I was concentrating on trying to find others like us. I just don't know how to do it yet, if it is even possible... Any thoughts about what our next move should be? If we go wandering the stairs, we should expect problems and Cap may need a new weapon. Should we go back to get more weapons?"
Captain Knight
Tue 24 Dec 2019
at 14:22
  • msg #63

The Big Apple

"I think we should go back to the Stairs if things have stabilized here. We could seek out other Wardens, or resources."
Sam Malloy
player, 171 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 25 Dec 2019
at 02:33
  • msg #64

The Big Apple

"Perhaps we should find more easily concealable weapons?"
Jack Wylde
player, 181 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 25 Dec 2019
at 13:48
  • msg #65

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "Mine is easy enough, concealed as a stiletto. And you have Puck. Cap, what can we do to find you one? I'm all for heading back to the Stairs and search for Wardens."
Game Master
GM, 196 posts
Stair Master
Wed 25 Dec 2019
at 13:53
  • msg #66

The Big Apple

Cap, "I'll be alright, I have had a series of wins in the golden gloves and if need be I have you two to rely on."
Jack Wylde
player, 182 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 25 Dec 2019
at 17:08
  • msg #67

The Big Apple

Jack chuckled. "Sometimes it does comes down to a fist fight. Let's see if we can find someone out there." Jack stepped into the Stairs Hallway and tried it again, asking the Stairs where the nearest Warden might be (apart from us).
Game Master
GM, 197 posts
Stair Master
Wed 25 Dec 2019
at 17:27
  • msg #68

The Big Apple

Jack gets a feeling like a seventh sense like a string has been cast out that he can follow. It's a new feeling but he feels somewhat confident that it will lead him to what he seeks.

The Grand Stair is still dark with flickering light and it leads past the landing where his, and Sam's Doors are.
Game Master
GM, 198 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 01:27
  • msg #69

The Big Apple

Following the sensation leads them down and up flights of stairs. Larger open areas and narrow tunnels. At one point the stairs are completely dark.


Cap, "I have never experienced this area of the Grand Stair dark like this. Whatever happened must have been catastrophic. Definitely watch your step."  reaches out and runs his hand along the wall and testing the floor with his foot.
Jack Wylde
player, 183 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 01:56
  • msg #70

The Big Apple

Jack was careful on the Stairs. "It occurred to me earlier that we could use torches or lanterns, but it was a concern that we would stand out in the dark and attract dangers. Yet a flashlight would be handy to keep from falling off the stairs." He took out his stiletto and concentrated upon it to see if it would change to a flashlight.
Game Master
GM, 199 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 01:59
  • msg #71

The Big Apple

PM
Jack Wylde
player, 184 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 02:47
  • msg #72

The Big Apple

PM
Sam Malloy
player, 172 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 09:00
  • msg #73

The Big Apple

Sam shrugged.
"We could get night vision goggles, or something else technology wise to see in the dark.  That might help.  Though some of those powerful flashlights would at least make sure we could see well, even if others know we're here."
Game Master
GM, 200 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 13:08
  • msg #74

The Big Apple

Jack finds his Stiletto turn into a torch (Flashlight) for him.

While Sam finds Puck creates a high powered light for her to see as well.

Cap laughs, "Much better. The Stairs can be dangerous enough without stumbling about in the dark."
Jack Wylde
player, 185 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 13:47
  • msg #75

The Big Apple

Jack goes back to focusing on where the nearest Warden could be found, now that he can see the Stairs better. "We should be able to move a little faster now. We'll just have to be alert for anyone or anything we might attract."
Game Master
GM, 201 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 13:53
  • msg #76

The Big Apple

Shining the lights about they catch movement.

Up in a corner is a giant spider it's many eyes reflecting the light. It's legs reaching almost three feet across.

"I say, dear boy could you not flash that in my face."
Jack Wylde
player, 186 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 18:28
  • msg #77

The Big Apple

Jack was startled when it talked and moved the torch to shine elsewhere. "Sorry about that. We've recently been attacked on the Stairs and I thought you might be setting an ambush. My name is Jack. This is Sam and Cap. We are travelers on the Stairs."
Game Master
GM, 203 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 18:31
  • msg #78

The Big Apple

"Well, yes I do set ambushes but never for Wardens. Do you know what has happened ? Things are different." It skitters down from the ceiling to the floor.

"Is this the result of the war." It gestures around with one leg almost like an Italian with hand movements.
Jack Wylde
player, 187 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 18:59
  • msg #79

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I think so. The Dwimmermalk have sent their creatures to attack us and likely other Wardens. They are trying to destroy the Stairs and our worlds. We are looking for other Wardens to join forces with. All our worlds are in danger from the Dwimmermalk if we don't. What is your story?"
Game Master
GM, 204 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 19:08
  • msg #80

The Big Apple

"The wardens set me to guard the Stair. Monsters to eat and I am good at it. There have been more lately though."
Jack Wylde
player, 188 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 20:21
  • msg #81

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I'm sure you are good at it. Have you heard of any news from the Warden's in the area?"
Game Master
GM, 205 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 21:01
  • msg #82

The Big Apple

"No but I have seen Dwimmerlak about a month ago. Follow me I can point out the Door I saw them use."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:01, Thu 26 Dec 2019.
Jack Wylde
player, 189 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 21:31
  • msg #83

The Big Apple

Jack looked to his companions to see their reactions. He was curious about the other worlds that were targeted. And he wondered if one of the Wardens they were looking for, was in that world. "I'm definitely curious about it."
Game Master
GM, 206 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 21:36
  • msg #84

The Big Apple

It walks for about twenty minutes and points out a metal door. Gesturing with one leg.

"Warning though I feel something is wrong with the Door. I am no Warden though so you could probably tell more."
Jack Wylde
player, 190 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 23:48
  • msg #85

The Big Apple

Jack shrugged. "I'm still fairly new at this. I'll try. Cap, Sam, do you notice anything about the Door that's not Jake?" Jack gave it a shot to see if his senses told him anything useful.
Game Master
GM, 207 posts
Stair Master
Thu 26 Dec 2019
at 23:52
  • msg #86

The Big Apple

Jack feels the wrongness that the Spider mentioned.

When he gets very close he feels the door is broken.

Sam feels this too if he tries to sense this.

Cap says, "It's severed. The world beyond is no longer connected to the Stair or this Door at least. Which means we shouldn't try and open it."
Jack Wylde
player, 191 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 00:31
  • msg #87

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I sense it, too. It feels all hinky. It's just wrong. How does one go about severing a Door? Never mind, it feels wrong just thinking about it. Should we continue to search for Wardens?"
Sam Malloy
player, 173 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 02:37
  • msg #88

The Big Apple

Sam looked at the door with curious dread
"So...what happens if we go. in there?"
Game Master
GM, 208 posts
Stair Master
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 13:06
  • msg #89

The Big Apple

Cap, "Might not be able to open it at all, to getting sucked into shadow the void."
Game Master
GM, 209 posts
Stair Master
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 18:25
  • msg #90

The Big Apple

The Spider walks off perhaps back to his duties.
Jack Wylde
player, 192 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 21:40
  • msg #91

The Big Apple

Jack shook his head. "That doesn't sound good at all. Let's keep moving." He went back to focusing on the location of the nearest Warden.
Game Master
GM, 210 posts
Stair Master
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 21:48
  • msg #92

The Big Apple

Cap, "To answer your other question, skilled Lords and Ladies could sever Doors but never lightly. The arrangement of worlds and Doors is part of some grand design as Eidolon Masters would say and severing Doors tears holes in that design."

Jack feels the pull and soon finds the spider again who turns and hops on to the wall to make room for the Wardens.

With the lights you head off again into stairs which just seem to be under water or at least the walls seem to be transparent showing oceans of some kind on either side.

Off in the darkness is a bright light Jack thinks it similar to a locomotive headed their way.
Jack Wylde
player, 193 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 22:46
  • msg #93

The Big Apple

Jack called out, "I don't know what's heading our way, but we better find some place to take cover, if we don't want to get run over!"
Game Master
GM, 211 posts
Stair Master
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 22:47
  • msg #94

The Big Apple

Cap says, "Pick a Door, pick any Door. Be quick about it, and if it is locked move on to the next one. I think I know what that is."
Jack Wylde
player, 194 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 22:58
  • msg #95

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and went for the closest Door and tried to open it. If it was locked he quickly moved to the next Door until one opened. "Come on, Sam! Cap!"
Game Master
GM, 212 posts
Stair Master
Fri 27 Dec 2019
at 23:07
  • msg #96

The Big Apple

Two Doors later Jack opens a Door it is not flooded or wet on the other side.
The light down the hall seems to scuttle closer. What looks like a beautiful Tronlike glowing outline of a centipede but huge is down the way that still gives the impression of an oncoming locomotive.

(Just want to wait for Sam.)
Sam Malloy
player, 174 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 00:05
  • msg #97

The Big Apple

Sam followed the others quickly, not wanting to be left behind
Game Master
GM, 213 posts
Stair Master
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 00:10
  • msg #98

The Big Apple

The Giant Neon Glowing Centipede was about seventy feet away when Sam slipped into the Door.

Puck was screaming but only Sam could hear him. He quieted down once the Door was shut.

Looking around the three possibly four if you include Puck found themselves in a cathedral of some kind with high ceilings and strange clockwork gears high up somewhat hidden in shadow. It seemed to be night here or very dark. Candles providing light and of course the light of Jack's flashlight and once Puck was calm the light he could provide as well.
Jack Wylde
player, 195 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 03:58
  • msg #99

The Big Apple

Jack relaxed a bit after they got in and closed the Door. He took stock of their surroundings, he wasn't going to get off his guard though.

"Cap, what the hell 'was' that thing? I thought a train was heading our way, until I saw the legs."
Captain Knight
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 15:45
  • msg #100

The Big Apple

Cap wipes his brow, "That thing, a living legend. Alright I have never seen it before myself but I have heard about it. Powerful Lords spoke about it as something they saw about two thousand years ago. Remember how I said there is Eidolon and Umbra ?  That thing serves the Eidolon and when things are really bad it shows up to set things right. I forget it' name off hand. All I know is it doesn't care about things the way we do, it might ignore us and move around us or might utterly destroy us. I wasn't willing to take the chance. It does what it does and follows whatever orders the the Eidolon gives it without question. So if the Eidolon thinks were messing things up and need removal." He shrugs a bit.

"It is something known as an Annunaki, they look like that beings made of light and lines of energy. You might encounter lesser ones from time to time and as long as you just let them do their job they usually are no problem. Some are even on worlds not just the Grand Stair trying to direct worlds towards more orderly civilizations. Heck some folks even think they are angels but don't you make that mistake.  The Umbra has servants too. Usually they look like the living dead."
Jack Wylde
player, 196 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 19:36
  • msg #101

The Big Apple

Jack shook his head. "I think I'll make a point of avoiding the Annunaki in the future. I'm sure I've done things in my world that they wouldn't approve of. How long do you think it'll take before it's gone and we can move on?"
Game Master
GM, 214 posts
Stair Master
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 19:44
  • msg #102

The Big Apple

Cap, "Best to give it a day, just to be sure. If that thing is crawling about then the Grand Stair, are worse then I thought." He shakes his head.

Cap looks around, "Ok Religious sorts, mixed with engineers ?"
Sam Malloy
player, 175 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 29 Dec 2019
at 05:14
  • msg #103

The Big Apple

Sam was trying to gather her thoughts, so she could speak without sounding as terrified as she felt.
Trying to be deliberately casual, she smiled sheepishly
"So, i presume that there's no chance of this 'angel of death' helping us with the Dwimmermalk, then?"
Game Master
GM, 215 posts
Stair Master
Sun 29 Dec 2019
at 10:23
  • msg #104

The Big Apple

Puck ~NO ! Don't even go near that thing !~

Captain Knight, "You know, I am not sure. I suppose it could be possible at least one Lady of the Grand Stair said she could speak to them, but then again she was an Eidolon Master and so there was a kinship."
Jack Wylde
player, 197 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sun 29 Dec 2019
at 18:07
  • msg #105

The Big Apple

Jack shook his head. "I think I'll just avoid them in the future. With any luck, that thing will encounter some of the creatures the Dwimmermalk sends for us and deal with them for us." He tried to sense the Warden again and looked around. "I guess there are worse places to spend a day. I wonder what's outside this cathedral?"
Game Master
GM, 216 posts
Stair Master
Sun 29 Dec 2019
at 23:27
  • msg #106

The Big Apple

Cap, "Yes, that is a certainty. Whatever it may have done to us it wont spare doing to whatever the Dwimmerlak put out there. You know I am not a fan of spiders, but I do wish we could have helped that spider some Lord placed to help protect things. Maybe it won't head it's way." he shrugs a bit.
Sam Malloy
player, 176 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 02:27
  • msg #107

The Big Apple

Sam looked around, taking in her surroundings for the first time.
"So what kind of place is this?  It's still so strange to think about being in a whole other world. "
Game Master
GM, 217 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 11:46
  • msg #108

The Big Apple

Puck ~Won't know till we look around but I am not sensing high technology.~
Sam Malloy
player, 177 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 11:55
  • msg #109

The Big Apple

Sam winced but nodded
"Well.... in theory, less technology might make it easier to slip around unnoticed "
Jack Wylde
player, 198 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 15:50
  • msg #110

The Big Apple

Jack shrugged. "I guess we won't know until we look outside. We'll have to resume out search tomorrow for a Warden." He decided to do a mental search for a Warden here. It didn't seem likely that it would be in this world, but it was worth a shot.
Game Master
GM, 218 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 15:52
  • msg #111

The Big Apple

Jack senses something distantly.

Outside the cathedral is a large village of well kept residences and businesses.
Gas lamps glow at street corners.

Two moons hang in the sky and stars of blue hue twinkle in the heavens.
Sam Malloy
player, 178 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 15:59
  • msg #112

The Big Apple

Sam looked around
"It's getting dark, so that should help. "
Jack Wylde
player, 199 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 16:28
  • msg #113

The Big Apple

Jack looked around and tried to get a bearing on which way to go. "So, there may be a Warden in this world, but how far away, I haven't a clue. I wonder what they do to get around here? I don't see any taxis. And more importantly, what do we use for cash here?"
Sam Malloy
player, 179 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 16:30
  • msg #114

The Big Apple

"We can walk around a bit, watch some shopping, perhaps?"

Sam tries to "see" the world, looking for clues
Game Master
GM, 219 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 16:32
  • msg #115

The Big Apple

There don't seem to be any people on the streets. It looks to be night time.
Sam Malloy
player, 180 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 16:34
  • msg #116

The Big Apple

Sam tries to walk casually, keeping an eye out
Jack Wylde
player, 200 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 17:28
  • msg #117

The Big Apple

Jack found this troubling, no people out, even at night. He strained to listen for 'any' sounds. "This doesn't seem right. And if it's right for here, perhaps it's not good for us to be out and around."
Game Master
GM, 220 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 17:30
  • msg #118

The Big Apple

Distantly Jack hears the clopping of horse hooves on the cobblestones.
Jack Wylde
player, 201 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 17:57
  • msg #119

The Big Apple

Jack tilted his head. "I hear horse hooves in the distance. It reminds me of the old days with horse drawn carriages."
Game Master
GM, 221 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 17:59
  • msg #120

The Big Apple

Cap, "Let's get scarce, I think your right Jack. Maybe this place has a curfew."
Jack Wylde
player, 202 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 18:15
  • msg #121

The Big Apple

Jack looked for a place they could sneak into or hide. Perhaps a nearby shop that they might break into and observe the road from inside through a window. "Let's try one of these shops."
Game Master
GM, 222 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 18:17
  • msg #122

The Big Apple

Finding a closed shop is easy and jimmying the lock takes a bit longer then Jack is used to but it opens up. Looks like a pottery or ceramics shop.
Jack Wylde
player, 203 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 18:51
  • msg #123

The Big Apple

Jack leads the way in and said quietly. "There may be someone living here, so talk softly. Someone keep an eye open for the back room, in case someone comes out." He kept watching through the window, for the approaching horse. Or if anyone approaches.
Game Master
GM, 223 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 18:58
  • msg #124

The Big Apple

After about twenty minutes or so a horse and rider comes by.
The person on it is dressed in some kind of uniform. They have a lantern in one hand the other leading the horse.
Jack Wylde
player, 204 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 19:06
  • msg #125

The Big Apple

Jack shook his head and spoke quietly. "Looks like a uniformed night watch. It does appear we are under curfew. Our best bet is to hole up here for the night and stay out of sight, until we see anyone out in the morning. And I hope there's no one in the back. We could check, but I don't want to wake anyone, if they are there."
Game Master
GM, 224 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 19:09
  • msg #126

The Big Apple

Puck "I could check if you want I can be quiet."
Sam Malloy
player, 181 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 19:16
  • msg #127

The Big Apple

Sam nodded

"That works for me"
Jack Wylde
player, 205 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 19:18
  • msg #128

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "We don't want to hurt anyone. If they are asleep, it's best if they stay that way. I don't want them to get scared and sound an alarm. And we may need their assistance in the morning." Jack looked around to see if there was a phone. If there's a phone book, there might be some useful information to be found in it.
Game Master
GM, 225 posts
Stair Master
Mon 30 Dec 2019
at 19:29
  • msg #129

The Big Apple

Puck creates an energy body again and asks Sam to hand him the shiney blue disc.

"I can become a light frequency that isn't visible to most eyes and take a walk to see who might be about."
Sam Malloy
player, 182 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 03:24
  • msg #130

The Big Apple

Sam blinked in surprise, but nodded and handed the disk over
Game Master
GM, 226 posts
Stair Master
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 20:56
  • msg #131

The Big Apple

Puck vanished from sight BUT the disc was still visible and flipped up into the air like someone was flipping a coin then caught it.

It moved off like some small figure was carrying it. Several moments later it came back and puck appeared.

"There is a back work room and kiln, and upstairs there does appear to be a bedroom and other living quarters but they are all made up and no one is in the beds." He offers the disc back to Sam.
Sam Malloy
player, 183 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 22:43
  • msg #132

The Big Apple

Sam nodded and smiled
"Thank you, Puck.   i appreciate it. "
Game Master
GM, 227 posts
Stair Master
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 22:56
  • msg #133

The Big Apple

Puck takes a small bow.
Jack Wylde
player, 206 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 23:12
  • msg #134

The Big Apple

Jack grinned. "Thanks, that's good to know. We won't wake anyone at least, but we should be alert in case someone returns during the night. I'm curious about what's going on in this world. If anyone needs to sleep, we can take turns on watch. Oh, I wonder if there's a basement in this place?"
Game Master
GM, 228 posts
Stair Master
Tue 31 Dec 2019
at 23:15
  • msg #135

The Big Apple

Puck, "Oh, sorry I didn't look for basements."
Jack Wylde
player, 207 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 03:44
  • msg #136

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "If there's a basement, that might be where there's a workshop. There must be a kiln around here somewhere. And possibly a secret way in and out of the place. If I lived in this world, that's what I'd want here." He chuckled.
Sam Malloy
player, 184 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 09:45
  • msg #137

The Big Apple

Sam blinked in surprise, realizing that she wasn't tired.  As an actor, she was used to late nights, or even staying up all weekend, busy with two or three jobs a day (hopefully at least one involving acting).  However, this felt different.   It reminded her of the one ill-fated time her roommate talked Sam into trying Methamphetamines.   It was a seemingly endless burst of energy, which, of course, proved to be anything but.   This time, though, Sam hadn't partaken of anything more exotic than some old fashioned rum and a home cooked meal.   She hoped this feeling nevernwent away

Looking over at Jack, she smiled knowingly at his suggestion of an emergency exit.   Once a Bootlegger, Always a Bootlegger, eh?
"This is just a wild guess, but if the night is just beginning here, whichever workmen or church people live here might be coming home for the night.  I'm no expert, but gas lights might mean a world perhapsa few decades older than your
yours, and that means few people wandered around at night"

Jack Wylde
player, 208 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 16:10
  • msg #138

The Big Apple

Jack nodded, Jack looked around to see if there was a clock, to see what time it was. When that failed, he took a look at his pocket watch. "I agree, I grew up during the era of gas lights. People worked as long as they could before it got too hard on their eyes. Then they just went to bed. If nothing is in the basement, then the place is just empty. It 'is' troubling that there's no one on the streets, that just seems wrong."
Game Master
GM, 229 posts
Stair Master
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 16:13
  • msg #139

The Big Apple

Puck, "I was surprised to see beds all made up and no one in them, oh and Jack there is a kiln." He points to a door. "That way."
Jack Wylde
player, 209 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 16:27
  • msg #140

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and continued to speak softly. "Thanks. If anyone is here and working, that's where I'd expect to find them. Can you check it, discreetly, to see if anyone is in there? Opening the door would alert anyone on the other side."
Game Master
GM, 230 posts
Stair Master
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 16:29
  • msg #141

The Big Apple

Puck "No one was in there when I checked I could scout it out again, just need my disc again."
Sam Malloy
player, 185 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 04:11
  • msg #142

The Big Apple

Sam shrugged
"I can go with Puck this time.   i can be very sneaky when i want to be"
Game Master
GM, 231 posts
Stair Master
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:01
  • msg #143

The Big Apple

Puck nods and heads back opening the door and looking around the back work room.

Sam sees a work room. A spinning wheel, a kiln, and a glazer. As well as several works of art already on rack around the back room. Puck's own body providing light.

Puck looks around like Jack had suggested and is surprised getting Sam's attention and showing him a secret door. Under a rug.
Sam Malloy
player, 186 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:07
  • msg #144

The Big Apple

Sam, letting curiosity get the better of her, pulls the rug away to open the door
Game Master
GM, 232 posts
Stair Master
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:10
  • msg #145

The Big Apple

Sam gets a feeling the door would be heavy but finds it easy to lift and open.

There is a ladder leading down into darkness.
Sam Malloy
player, 187 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:22
  • msg #146

The Big Apple

Sam was about to descend when common sense reared its ugly head.
"Let's tell Jack about this before we blunder into anyone"

Putting thr door and rug back, she headed back to report her findings
Jack Wylde
player, 210 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:37
  • msg #147

The Big Apple

Jack turned from the front window to see Sam return. "Find anything interesting back there?"
Game Master
GM, 233 posts
Stair Master
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 12:51
  • msg #148

The Big Apple

Puck, "Found a secret door and a ladder."
Jack Wylde
player, 211 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 13:20
  • msg #149

The Big Apple

Jack grinned. "Excellent. Should we check it out? There may be some underground speakeasy in this place."
Sam Malloy
player, 188 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 03:06
  • msg #150

The Big Apple

Sam nodded with a smile
"Sounds good.    Follow me."
She headed back, leading the way down the ladder
Jack Wylde
player, 212 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 03:22
  • msg #151

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and followed along. He stayed alert as they went down the ladder.
Game Master
GM, 234 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 12:10
  • msg #152

The Big Apple

Down the ladder Jack didn't find a speak easy.

They did find preserved food and what looked like a map of the city.
To Jack's trained eye this did seem to look like a smugglers den or a resistance location. There were some emergency beds that were just mats with blankets. He even saw what looked like weapons in a corner.
Sam Malloy
player, 189 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 12:41
  • msg #153

The Big Apple

Sam looked at the map, trying to decipher key locations, especially those of allies of the "basement people" and their enemies (including any presumed high value targets)
Game Master
GM, 235 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 12:56
  • msg #154

The Big Apple

Sam found that now that she was trying to think along those lines this reminded her of a bit part she had in a movie.

She was able to put the piece together and gather more information then she would normally think possible. While exact details elude her she is able to get a general feel for things. There was some kind of occupation taking place right now.
Jack Wylde
player, 213 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 13:12
  • msg #155

The Big Apple

Jack rubbed his chin. "What have we stumbled onto? A nest of smugglers or resistance fighters? From the appearance outside, it looks like a police state. And the shop keeper seems to be working against whatever it is." Jack looked further, hoping to find news clippings or records books. "I was hoping to find some news clippings and photos to get a handle on what these people are fighting or who these people are."
Game Master
GM, 236 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 13:23
  • msg #156

The Big Apple

Jack finds absolutely no news clippings or papers at all. The world seems technologically quite capable of having a news service though.
Jack Wylde
player, 214 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 13:52
  • msg #157

The Big Apple

Jack looks around the outer confines of the basement, looking for a secret door before giving up. "The only other thing that would be helpful here, is finding a hidden tunnel to other basements. The shop keeper must be somewhere."
Game Master
GM, 237 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 13:54
  • msg #158

The Big Apple

Jack is able to find such a thing it's a small crawlway and Jack has a feeling there might be some booby traps in such tight confines.

It is well hidden and he would have missed it if he wasn't actively looking for such a thing.
Jack Wylde
player, 215 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 14:47
  • msg #159

The Big Apple

Jack was careful as he checked out the crawlway. He even got his flashlight out to check it thoroughly. "Sam, Cap will need to know where we are. He may want to go along, wherever this leads. I'm checking for traps and it's slow work. These people knew their craft."
Sam Malloy
player, 190 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 15:38
  • msg #160

The Big Apple

Sam looked up from the map and nodded
"Yes, this definitely reminds me of old movies of Nazi occupied France, and the headquarters of the French Resistance.   I wonder if we can help them?  Though i suppose we need to figure out who the good guys even are.  I mean, we could be in Germany where the French have taken over Nazi Germany, in which case we would actually want to help the occupiers.  Which is a weird feeling."

She stood ready, nearby the entrance to the crawlspace
"If there's anything I can do, please let me know "
Game Master
GM, 238 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 15:42
  • msg #161

The Big Apple

Jack finds a trigger which looks like it would cause the entrance of the tunnel to collapse. He can avoid it as he moves deeper in. It is certainly something to point out to the others.

At another point there is a loose thin stone moving it he finds what look like shotgun like shells resting on nails. Putting pressure on that stone would have set them off.
Jack Wylde
player, 216 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 21:24
  • msg #162

The Big Apple

Jack growled. "These people are deadly serious. I've found two traps so far. One that would cause the tunnel entrance to collapse. The other has rigged shotgun shells, moving a stone would cause them to fire. Deadly in such a narrow passageway. I'm still looking for more."
Game Master
GM, 239 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 21:25
  • msg #163

The Big Apple

As Jack moves further the tunnel splits going two different ways also a shaft goes up.
Jack Wylde
player, 217 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 21:34
  • msg #164

The Big Apple

Jack called back. "Just got tricky. The tunnel split two ways and one goes up. I'm guessing the one going up leads to someone else's building. I'm trying to use more light to see if I can tell if one tunnel has more activity, due to lack of dust. Checking..." He shines more light on the split to see if there is any indication which was more used.
Game Master
GM, 240 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 21:43
  • msg #165

The Big Apple

Checking it looks like though there is dust down here both directions don't seem overly dusty though one has the scuff marks of more shoes/boots.
Jack Wylde
player, 218 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 21:52
  • msg #166

The Big Apple

Jack called back. "Bingo. One tunnel has more scuff marks. I'm going to scratch marks into the floor to show which way we are going at the intersection. Is Cap coming along? Whoever follows, please be careful and watch those traps."
Game Master
GM, 241 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 22:06
  • msg #167

The Big Apple

Cap is back inn the room with Sam unless Jack asked him to come with.
Jack Wylde
player, 219 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 22:42
  • msg #168

The Big Apple

Jack called back. "Sit tight. When I get somewhere, I'll use an Icon to pull you both through." He kept going, following the path with more scuff marks, alert for more traps.
Game Master
GM, 242 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 22:43
  • msg #169

The Big Apple

Jack hears some voices after moving for a bit down the tunnel.

The voices are quiet and it's hard to make anything out but he does hear the talking.
Jack Wylde
player, 220 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 22:50
  • msg #170

The Big Apple

Jack inches closer, as quietly as possible, until he can hear them better.
Game Master
GM, 243 posts
Stair Master
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #171

The Big Apple

Jack finds another trap but evading it he does get close enough to hear.

It seems to be a group talking about the Cardinal and his latest atrocities against the rightful Queen. (Currently it just seems to be a gripe session)

He hears that a princes is being held hostage and the priests have been claiming more and more land.
Jack Wylde
player, 221 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Fri 3 Jan 2020
at 23:23
  • msg #172

The Big Apple

Jack activates his pocket watch quietly. He whispers. "Sam... don't talk. Listen. There's a meeting and I may need you both to pull me through quickly. Stand by..."
Sam Malloy
player, 191 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 7 Jan 2020
at 15:48
  • msg #173

The Big Apple

Sam stands by, nervous but alert
Game Master
GM, 244 posts
Stair Master
Tue 7 Jan 2020
at 15:57
  • msg #174

The Big Apple

Jack is able to hear more snippets of conversation.

There is some sort of rescue effort being planned to save the princess. He can make out some of the plan which sounds like it might work, at least as far as he knows.
Jack Wylde
player, 222 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 8 Jan 2020
at 17:55
  • msg #175

The Big Apple

Jack spoke very softly. "Apparently, we've stumbled upon a real pickle. A Cardinal seems to be causing trouble and committing atrocities against the rightful Queen. These people are discussing a plan to rescue their Princess. We can either get involved or back out of it. This group may think we are spies and decide to kill us, just as well as accept our help. Thoughts? And quietly. They may hear us talk."
Sam Malloy
player, 192 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 8 Jan 2020
at 18:27
  • msg #176

The Big Apple

Sam winced and bit her lip in thought
"Years of living in the big city has taught me not to get involved with other people's problems, but i suppose if we're going to be fighting bad guys, i know i could use the practice.   But I'd like to know more about who's who, and who's the worse person"
Jack Wylde
player, 223 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 8 Jan 2020
at 21:34
  • msg #177

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and continued quietly. "I agree. Before we jump into helping, we need to know more. It's hard to know how we can even help. I'll keep listening and wait, I can't see anyone in there. If the meeting breaks up and they start moving through the tunnels, I'll be exposed."
Sam Malloy
player, 193 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 00:41
  • msg #178

The Big Apple

"Well, i can pull you out if you need me to.   Maybe we need to scout out the other side as well"
Jack Wylde
player, 224 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 03:31
  • msg #179

The Big Apple

Jack nodded, continuing to be as silent as possible. He had no idea how much longer the meeting would go on. "I'll listen a bit longer, be ready to pull me through any second. I'd rather the merchant return to discover a group of burglars in his shop, than to be dragged into a stronghold of a bunch of fanatics."
Game Master
GM, 245 posts
Stair Master
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 12:57
  • msg #180

The Big Apple

Jack hears like things are wrapping up. Or at least the planning is more quiet.
Jack Wylde
player, 225 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 15:05
  • msg #181

The Big Apple

Jack said softly. "Pull me through. They may be here soon."
Sam Malloy
player, 194 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 17:14
  • msg #182

The Big Apple

Still a bit mystified by the concept, Sam reached out to grab Jack and pull him to her
Game Master
GM, 246 posts
Stair Master
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 17:16
  • msg #183

The Big Apple

POP

Just like that Jack is back in Sam's arms.
Sam Malloy
player, 195 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 17:17
  • msg #184

The Big Apple

Blushing, Sam quickly set Jack down
Jack Wylde
player, 226 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 17:55
  • msg #185

The Big Apple

Jack straightened out and stood up. "Thanks! I believe they were breaking up their meeting, it was getting too quiet. If so, it's just a matter of time before they all make their way back to their homes. If the merchant comes back through the tunnels, we'll know when he gets back. I guess the question is how we should greet him. I think we should wait in the other room and wait until he's in and closes up the door. I wouldn't want him skittering back to the others in the tunnels and sounding an alarm."

"That is, assuming we are planning to offer to help. Or do we want to leave and investigate elsewhere? I don't relish the idea of being captured by the Cardinal and his men. And we don't know which side the night watchman worked for. So many questions still unanswered. We don't know who the good guys are yet."

Sam Malloy
player, 196 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 20:25
  • msg #186

The Big Apple

Sam bit her lip in thought and shrugged
"According to kost most movies I've seen, the police force usually works for the Powers That  Be.  Or will maintain the status quo as best they can.  But we can talk to the merchant and try to get the proverbial lay of the land.  Maybe we can pretend that we want to set up a shop here.  Selling something he doesn't, of course, and get his opinion on whether we should.  If the government is hostile, he might let us know, in vague terms, of course. "
Jack Wylde
player, 227 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 22:32
  • msg #187

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "That sounds like a good plan. If he gets hostile about our presence, we will simply leave. And tell him that if we encounter the town guard, we'll tell the guard that we held up here. We'll find out quickly if he wants to get involved with the town guard. Perhaps he will be more free with information about what's going on, if he wants to stay out of trouble."

"I wouldn't mention knowing about the tunnel system or anything about his meeting, unless it is absolutely necessary. That could make us too dangerous to be allowed to live, by either side."

Game Master
GM, 247 posts
Stair Master
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 22:34
  • msg #188

The Big Apple

Cap, "One of an infinity of worlds, noble of you wanting to help though."
Jack Wylde
player, 228 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 22:40
  • msg #189

The Big Apple

Jack chuckled. "You know me, Cap. I'm always a sucker for a dame in distress."
Game Master
GM, 248 posts
Stair Master
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 22:44
  • msg #190

The Big Apple

Cap smirks, "Well you did mention a kidnapped Princess. Could mean a nice world to come back to if you help out. Alright Im in."
Sam Malloy
player, 197 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 23:13
  • msg #191

The Big Apple

Sam smiled sheepishly
"And thisnis good practice with these new magic powers.  If we can use them here to help.some Princess Rando, then we can use them against real important bad guys.    It's like playing a sport.   You want to get good against the amateur teams before taking on professionals "
She almost used  a video game analogy, but suspected that it would be lost on the old fashioned men.
Jack Wylde
player, 229 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 9 Jan 2020
at 23:41
  • msg #192

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "Let's see if there is a way we can help. The worst that can happen is they refuse our help and drive us out on a rail. We could also get some practice using our skills in staying alive. It's probably not a good idea to go back on the Stairs yet." He chuckled.

"Let's close the outer door to the room and we'll wait, so we don't surprise him coming out of the tunnel. I brought a deck of cards if we need a way to pass the time."
Sam Malloy
player, 198 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Fri 10 Jan 2020
at 12:14
  • msg #193

The Big Apple

Sam nodded and joined Jack and Cap outside the merchant area.
Game Master
GM, 249 posts
Stair Master
Wed 15 Jan 2020
at 15:41
  • msg #194

The Big Apple

It took some time till they heard some sounds coming from the back room.
The door to the back room opened and some middle aged people came out followed by a sleepy child.

Seeing you lot stops them in their tracks their eyes growing large in the darkness.
Sam Malloy
player, 199 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 16 Jan 2020
at 01:17
  • msg #195

The Big Apple

Putting forth her best "Angelina Jolie-esque" charm, Sam smiled sweetly
"Good evening, everyone.   How are you doing tonight? "
Game Master
GM, 250 posts
Stair Master
Thu 16 Jan 2020
at 01:31
  • msg #196

The Big Apple

The man steps in front of the woman and child, "Who are you people what are you doing here !?" His voice tight.
Jack Wylde
player, 230 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 16 Jan 2020
at 03:14
  • msg #197

The Big Apple

Jack gave his most charming smile. "Hello. Please do not be alarmed. We are travelers and came to your town quite by accident. We decided to avoid the town guard and take shelter in this establishment. We thought it was an empty building, much like all the others we've seen. My name is Jack. This is Sam and Ted, my companions." Jack used the shortened version of Cap's given name, Theodore.

"We don't want to be an imposition or abuse your hospitality. We will leave straight away. As travelers, we are sincerely curious about your town and would like to know more about it before we move on. You see, we are interested in opening businesses wherever we go. It's good to know what businesses are needed. May we stay and talk? I promise we mean no trouble for anyone here." He tried his best to look charming and harmless.
Game Master
GM, 251 posts
Stair Master
Sat 18 Jan 2020
at 14:40
  • msg #198

The Big Apple

The man looks you over it's a hard look that softens a bit as he looks at Sam.
"If you speak truly, then you have come at a very bad time friends and I advise you stay till the shop opens. Your clothes certainly speak of your foreign nature still to enter a mans dwelling uninvited is an act of aggression. Soften that if you will for me."
Jack Wylde
player, 231 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 01:33
  • msg #199

The Big Apple

Jack lowered his head in embarrassment. "You got me, sir. No, I can't soften it for you. In our home, I was once a soldier in a war. In a strange land with no allies, one had to find cover wherever possible, to stay hidden and stay alive. To save as many lives as possible and reduce the chances of harming others. We have no intention of harming the town guard and no intention of harming anyone else."

"We had no intention to enter someone's home, a shop seemed to be the safest place. We didn't know it was your residence, sir. By morning, we would have left and hopefully not have disturbed anyone. We apologize for the intrusion."

"You see, our home is currently under attack and we have held the invasion off for now. So, we left home and are now going wherever we may be needed, to help others. Others may be under attack in the future and that is our current task. We simply continue our journey, to offer help when needed. If there was something we could offer, to pay you for you hospitality..."


Jack let it hang there. He knew that any currency he had would be worthless here. He hoped to gain more information about this place and was trying to be as honest to them as he could.
Sam Malloy
player, 200 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #200

The Big Apple

Sam stepped forward a half step, trying to look more like a helpless damsel in distress than an aggressive soldier.    She worked to remember Angelina's last dramatic performance, trying to channel a lost and scared and helpless woman, fearful for her life.
"Please, sir....we mean no harm.  We are traveling from a terrible conflict, and cannot return without deadly consequences.   We only want to hide from the savage and cruel world....just for a little while...please."
She looked at.the man, her big eyes filling with unshed tears, a technique taught to her by one of the best out of work actors/ acting coaches in New York City
Game Master
GM, 252 posts
Stair Master
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 13:00
  • msg #201

The Big Apple

The man looked to Jack like he was ready to run them out on a rail till Sam stepped forward with the water works.

"I will put some tea on, I would at least like to hear your story about this conflict. I have not heard of any open wars though news has been sporadic of late."

The man soon brought you to a table and set tea before them ready to listen to them.
Jack Wylde
player, 232 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 16:11
  • msg #202

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and took a seat. He was hoping to be able to explain things without referencing the Stairs and other worlds. "Thank you, sir. I hope our tale won't be boring. I hope it will make some sense, but I'm still trying to figure things out myself, so it may sound all too strange and fantastic. My home is a very distant coastal land of Florida, in a city named Miami. Our humble abode overlooks the ocean. We are likely the first travelers to make it this far from home."

"Our lands were recently attacked by an evil group called the Dwimmermalk. They try to destroy all that they touch and they spread their corruption everywhere they go. Some areas we've visited, have already been destroyed. We can only hope that they don't find their way out this far. We were thankful that your town seems untouched by their evil. I'd like to think that the evil they spread is easily seen by all, but perhaps some of their actions may be more subtle. Have you witnessed any taint of evil recently?"
He didn't know if his tale made any sense to the shop keeper.
Game Master
GM, 253 posts
Stair Master
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 16:47
  • msg #203

The Big Apple

"I definitely don't know of what you speak. There is a taint of evil in these lands though. The Church and the Crown are at war. It is a subtle war to be sure. I have never seen one of these Dwimm Dwimmer things you speak of."
Jack Wylde
player, 233 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 17:04
  • msg #204

The Big Apple

Jack sighed. "Conflicts between Church and State occur back home occasionally too, and gets pretty messy. What has happened here to cause people to remain inside and what form has the evil taken?"
Game Master
GM, 254 posts
Stair Master
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 17:27
  • msg #205

The Big Apple

"Ah I don't know if I should speak of it should you be an agent, peoples heads could be on the block. Let's just say that the church has been seizing more land, and more power a divine mandate. The Queen has been seeding power to the church though there are reasons for this that  are dark and evil indeed." He grumbles.

"An inquisition is in place and foreigner I wouldn't advertise lest your neck go on the block as well."
Jack Wylde
player, 234 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 18:32
  • msg #206

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and looked to his companions for their thoughts. He still hadn't tried the tea. "We don't want to put anyone in danger on our account, sir. Perhaps we should continue our journey before we get anyone here in trouble. And I don't want to see anyone harmed, if we had to defend ourselves from the authorities. Sam, Ted, should we head back and see if the Annunaki has moved on? I don't want to put this family in danger."
Sam Malloy
player, 201 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #207

The Big Apple

Sam bit her lip in indecision but nodded
"Yes, these seem like nice people, and i don't want to put them in danger. "
Game Master
GM, 255 posts
Stair Master
Sun 19 Jan 2020
at 23:49
  • msg #208

The Big Apple

"In that case I will let you out when the shop opens. Avoid the guard the church is in charge of this town and you will be inspected it's just what will happen. You must have avoided them or they would have collected the divine tax from you."
Sam Malloy
player, 202 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 00:43
  • msg #209

The Big Apple

Sam winced, looking worried
'How much is this 'divine tax'?"
Game Master
GM, 256 posts
Stair Master
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 00:45
  • msg #210

The Big Apple

The man shrugs, "Unlike the crowns tax, divine tax varies so I cannot say what they will ask of you."
Jack Wylde
player, 235 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 20:03
  • msg #211

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. He remembered where the Door was, so they should be able to reach it quickly before getting too much attention. At least, that was his goal. Leave there and get through the Door. "Thank you, sir. We intend to avoid the guard. Do you have a door where we could leave and no one see us leaving? Then, no one would see that we came from here, I would hate for you to be hassled by inquiries about us. We don't want you to get into trouble for harboring foreigners. And if we somehow get caught, which I doubt could happen, we will never reveal that we were here."

Jack was still wondering which world was nearby that had a Warden. He thought that this world needed a Warden, someone that could bring some sense of freedom and optimism to the world.
Game Master
GM, 257 posts
Stair Master
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 20:27
  • msg #212

The Big Apple

"You wish to leave now then ? At night ?"
Jack Wylde
player, 236 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 21:13
  • msg #213

The Big Apple

Jack considered it. "It may be best, under cover of darkness, at a time when neighbors may not notice what's going on outside. We should be able to avoid the town guard. It might be best to observe their passing, so that we could move between the rounds. That would give us enough time to get away unnoticed. Is there a window where we could observe the guard going through his rounds?"
Game Master
GM, 258 posts
Stair Master
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 21:15
  • msg #214

The Big Apple

"Where you were you could see the lanterns they carry. Wait for them to pass and if your quiet you will have plenty of time."
Jack Wylde
player, 237 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Mon 20 Jan 2020
at 21:30
  • msg #215

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "Thank you, that sounds best. We'll depart after the guard passes again. I want to thank you for your hospitality. Please keep your family safe and I hope there will be peace and freedom in your lands. I am sure that one day it will happen."
Sam Malloy
player, 203 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #216

The Big Apple

Sam nodded and smiled sincerely
"Good.luck to you all. I hope your troubles end soon"
Game Master
GM, 259 posts
Stair Master
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 12:59
  • msg #217

The Big Apple

As you slip out into the night you are left with a feeling of relief almost.
The air is cool and it is very quiet except for the sound of horse hooves receding.
Jack Wylde
player, 238 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 13:07
  • msg #218

The Big Apple

Jack spoke quietly as they quickly headed for the Door. "Let's get to the Door before we are spotted." He was certain that their host was watching them from the window.
Puck
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 13:35
  • msg #219

The Big Apple

"Well, we could make the cardinal sick, or the queen, cancer is always a possibility."
Sam Malloy
player, 204 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 22:19
  • msg #220

The Big Apple

Sam made a horrified face
"Cancer!?!?  Oh my god!!!  I don't want to give someone cancer!!!"
Then she blinked in confusion
"Wait.....i can seriously give someone cancer!?!?"
Puck
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 23:18
  • msg #221

The Big Apple

"Yeah the boss didn't like that either, but you can do that."
Sam Malloy
player, 205 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 23:40
  • msg #222

The Big Apple

Sam winced
'I could never give someone cancer, but....maybe a bad cold or something? "
Jack Wylde
player, 239 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 23:44
  • msg #223

The Big Apple

Jack motioned them to be quieter as they quickly moved along. "We don't want to get anyone's attention before we get out of here. It's been my experience that getting rid of one person that is in charge, doesn't guarantee that things will improve. The replacements could be worse. And that doesn't rescue the Princess. I've heard of rare cases of this thing you call 'cancer', and if it is anything like I think you mean, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I've seen people wasting away from the flu and other diseases, it's horrible. We just had a Spanish flu pandemic and it killed millions around the world. I wouldn't recommend that here either. We might cause an untold number of deaths here."

"There has to be a better way of correcting their problems. Perhaps when we get more Warden allies, we could return and correct the problems here."
Jack was certain they were very close to the Door now.
Sam Malloy
player, 206 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 00:39
  • msg #224

The Big Apple

Sam nodded, though somewhat glumly.  As a New Yorker, she was used to not getting involved with "other people's problems", though she always liked to think that it was because as an out of work actor, she'd had no power or time or resources to do any good.
Now, though, she suddenly had magic powers, and apparently all the time in the world.  All the time in many worlds, in fact.
(No money yet, but one thing at a time)
And it was disappointing to walk away this time, when someone needed help.
Game Master
GM, 261 posts
Stair Master
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 00:43
  • msg #225

The Big Apple

Jack finds the door and Puck apologizes to him not wanting to bring bad memories back.

Captain Knight opens the door and a glow can be seen by the others. He closes the Door.
"It is still passing."
Sam Malloy
player, 207 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 00:56
  • msg #226

The Big Apple

Sam wracked her brain for movies she'd seen where people need to hide from authorities

Their options:
Hide in the sewers?  Eww!!! Disgusting!
Pose as traveling circus performers or an acting troupe?  Possible, but there were too many unknowns.
Break into another building to hide out?  Still too dangerous

"Maybe we should try to sneak out into the country side....if they even have one here.  I'm presuming that the authorities will be less concentrated there, and perhaps we can find some farmers or an old lady widow we can stay with in exchange for chores or something?"
Sam had spent many summers on a farm, and the thought of going back to one was depressing to someone who'd spent the last 5 years trying to be a New York sophisticate.
Better than hiding in the sewers, though
Jack Wylde
player, 240 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:26
  • msg #227

The Big Apple

"Aw nuts!" Jack said when they closed the door.

Jack looked around to assess the situation, trying to find a quick and easy way out of the town, not certain how long until the town guard would return from his rounds. "I'm all for disappearing into the countryside, if there was a smooth way of getting out of here. We still have to avoid the town guard. And when everyone wakes up we will be surrounded by people who see us as foreigners. I'd hate to be on the run and get mauled and killed by a mob. I don't like the idea of having to shoot my way past everyone. I'd almost rather take my chances with the Annunaki. Unless there's a way to disguise our clothes and appearances to blend in..."
Sam Malloy
player, 208 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:32
  • msg #228

The Big Apple

Sam smiled brightly
"Well, if you're looking for disguises, I'm your man....um...girl.  I'm very experienced with costumes, makeup, and new personas.  I just need to find what local fashion is."
Puck
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:33
  • msg #229

The Big Apple

"Wait I remembered something you can do Sam so we wont get caught and we should be able to get out of town. Some kind of maze thing that my Mistress learned when in the labyrinth. The umbra can be used to confuse paths, roads, minds so that we can not be found."
Sam Malloy
player, 209 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:36
  • msg #230

The Big Apple

Sam's big brown eyes got even bigger as she listened
"Wow!  Soet of like a 'mental smoke screen' or something, right? "
Puck
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:40
  • msg #231

The Big Apple

"Yes, it is a fairly straightforward use of umbra, though we didn't know about it till we walked the labyrinth and avoided that cow headed fellow."
Jack Wylde
player, 241 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:46
  • msg #232

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "The only people we've seen are our Host and his family. That is the only style we have to go on so far, until people start roaming the street. Confusing the path behind us, may come in handy. Do we wait until people wake up or do we try to leave town now?"
Sam Malloy
player, 210 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 01:58
  • msg #233

The Big Apple

Sam really wanted to ask about "that cow headed fellow", but suspected it was conversational quicksand.
"We can try to sneak out now, and try to hide if it looks too difficult "
Game Master
GM, 262 posts
Stair Master
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:00
  • msg #234

The Big Apple

With Jack the expert smuggler and Captain Jack a pulp hero the group is easily able to slip out of town into the farmlands outside.
Sam Malloy
player, 211 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:03
  • msg #235

The Big Apple

Sam also has experience ducking and avoiding people, especially annoyed landlords and student loan collectors
Jack Wylde
player, 242 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:22
  • msg #236

The Big Apple

Jack looked around for a smallish farm. He thought they could pass a couple days doing farm work and fitting in until the Annunaki leaves. "A small farm may be best. We can see if they need help on the farm. We can work for a place to stay until the coast clears, we can sleep in a barn if we must. Does anyone have a better idea, because I'd love to hear it."
Game Master
GM, 264 posts
Stair Master
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:26
  • msg #237

The Big Apple

Cap, "As long as we stay relatively close to the Door we should be fine."
Jack Wylde
player, 243 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:43
  • msg #238

The Big Apple

Jack nodded and gave a nervous grin. "I like that idea... A lot."
Sam Malloy
player, 213 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 02:53
  • msg #239

The Big Apple

Sam nodded
"I'd prefer posing as a pampered socialite rather than a farm hand, but as long as it's temporary I'm game"
Jack Wylde
player, 244 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 03:05
  • msg #240

The Big Apple

Jack chuckled. "I think that can be arranged, when we get back to Miami. I promise. For now, we need to hide and blend in. How can we disguise ourselves here? If Cap and I can manage clothes like our host wore, that would be a start."
Sam Malloy
player, 214 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 03:17
  • msg #241

The Big Apple

Sam shrugged sheepishly
"Ive been in several plays set in a similar time, and i flirted a lot with the costume department, to inspire good fitting clothes.   I learned a lot, to be honest "
Jack Wylde
player, 245 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Wed 22 Jan 2020
at 03:27
  • msg #242

The Big Apple

Jack nodded. "I'd hate to resort to stealing clothes off a clothes line, but that might be an option. Although there won't be any clothes hanging on a line at night. And if there were, they would be dew soaked. I thought your little gadget might be able to change our clothes."

OOC: How drastic is the difference in the clothes they wear from the family they just left? Also, Jack's ring can Mold Gossamer Reality, which I can guess means to change clothes. But how aware is Jack of this? Did Cap inform him of this before?
Sam Malloy
player, 215 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:07
  • msg #243

The Big Apple

Sam, while considering themselves an honest person, was friends with many poor and starving artists that needed to cheat the system a bit to make ends meet.
"We should be able to find an unlocked window or something, where we can 'borrow' a shirt or a cloak or some such.   Perhaps we should head to the rooftops, to try to get a 'lay of the land'."
Game Master
GM, 265 posts
Stair Master
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:09
  • msg #244

The Big Apple

Your clothing is more then a bit off you would need to mold your clothes a bit to match though out here on drying lines you will see more examples of what people of the country wear.
Sam Malloy
player, 216 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:16
  • msg #245

The Big Apple

OOC:  Is "molding" something I can do or just Jack?
Can the Umbra make clothes more primitive ?
Game Master
GM, 266 posts
Stair Master
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:19
  • msg #246

The Big Apple

Yes it certainly can (About the umbra)
Also Umbra or Eidolon is like having Conjuration.
Jack can mold due to some unique items of his.
Sam Malloy
player, 217 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:25
  • msg #247

The Big Apple

Sam will try to lead them to the rooftops, and used her magic to change her clothes into something more in line with the times.
Game Master
GM, 267 posts
Stair Master
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:28
  • msg #248

The Big Apple

Puck, "Wait you mean me ? Im kind of more personal assistant and weapons platform as well as stage production."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Thu 06 Feb 2020.
Sam Malloy
player, 218 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:31
  • msg #249

The Big Apple



Sam smiled
"I'm still new at this, so whatever I need to do, please let me know. I'm not used to having magic powers."
Game Master
GM, 268 posts
Stair Master
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:34
  • msg #250

The Big Apple

Puck explained what to do pulling up files and tossing corrupted ones *such was the nature of Umbra*

Soon they stood in period clothing and it took some time but there was a background music to go with it but Puck stopped that once he realizes he was playing it.
Sam Malloy
player, 219 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:47
  • msg #251

The Big Apple

Sam grinned playfully.
"Don't worry, Puck.  I'm a theater nerd, so I don't mind a sound track in my life, as long as it doesn't alert any guards."
Jack Wylde
player, 246 posts
Jack "Tarquin" Wylde
Pulp Gumshoe
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:52
  • msg #252

The Big Apple

Jack looked at the results. "Nice work... We might be able to pass for locals." He looked around to see where a nearby farm would be, so they could make their way there. "Does that look promising?"
Game Master
GM, 269 posts
Stair Master
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:52
  • msg #253

The Big Apple

Puck, "My previous Mistress loved music it was a very big part of her life so I occasionally slip up. I realize were trying to be stealthy."
Sam Malloy
player, 220 posts
Out of work actor
Looking for a break
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 01:55
  • msg #254

The Big Apple

Sam chuckled, smiling at Puck.
"Never apologize for helping to make the moment more dramatic and theatrical.  It's what I live for.  Especially now that my life as an actor has been...well...upstaged, if you'll pardon the pun."

She looked around, seeing the farms in the distance that Jack had spotted.
"We can certainly try.   Worse case scenario, they'll be less hostile and organized if they don't like us"
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