Chapter 1.4 --- Stranger on the Siberian Express --- Nov.10th, 1908

 The Team finds Marseilles to be every bit as beautiful as they'd heard. The lights of the city bring the warm feeling of civilization back when they come into view later on the 6th day of the voyage to Siberia at sundown on the Mediterranean. The passenger train departs at midnight from the town center. You have four hours until then. The ship is tied down and mooring secured with the help of local dockworkers. The port was large and harbored over a dozen large vessels so it had made maneuvering...difficult and time consuming.

 The Mauretania had already spoken with the Port Authority a messenger stated, so someone would be down shortly to take care of business with the Neustria, they'd verified that the team of rescuers boarded the Neustria but found no evidence of foul play, and only three survivors, severely malnourished. The Cabin boy had relayed a maddening series of events, full of superstition and bewilderment. He was far too unsettled to useful as a trustworthy source. Any of you who have a good story could volunteer to file an account of what happened when you find the Port Authority. The Captain of the Mauretania could only verify so much.

 Nathaniel therefore had business to attend to either to give a statement to the authority or deal with the empty statue, not only that but these super-hooligans were headed for Siberia on some kind of expedition!

 The money you all have is supposed to serve as cover but also to outfit you as needed along the way, therefore you have shopping to do if you'd like in one of the richest ports in Europe. Your gear has been sent to the train yard to await loading. Accommodations along the waterfront are cheap however and not well examined by the nosy 'force publique' of the city.

 Everyone has options at this point or stay put on the Neustria until Midnight. Looking out though, there are many things to see here.

 There is rather large fish market along the waterfront as well as several closed markets further into the city. New multistory bureaucratic buildings had recently been created in the city center to house businesses, factories and tenement buildings. Large churches and forts adorned with gothic architecture dotted the city's notable skyline. There is a large park that borders an equally impressive keep on the hillside and flanked by a gigantic church, the Notre-Dame de la Gard.

OOC: Everyone choose something to bide your time with. Also, if you haven't yet done so, pick out your gear for the trip. Please edit your list on the Preparations threads to be exactly what you have!

Asar gathers all of those that are in the group or fought aboard the Neustria. He congratulates them on a successful journey and that he has something for them.

"In freeing and returning The Weapon," he refuses to use it's actual name, "to Tiamat she has granted us a boon."

He hands each of them a sapphire looking gem the size of his rather largish thumb nail. Those that were there for the fight might recognize them as having been in the bowl of water that Asar drank from.

"She asks that we not outright destroy natural monsters, but subdue them should their activities and ours be at odds. When the time is right you will know what to do with the gem. Each of us now have one."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

Angok had never been truly comfortable on board the ships, and when they had docked in Marseilles he was happy to get back on dry land as soon as possible. But given his rather exotic appearance, he'd had to wait until nightfall before he could venture out into the city. He was dressed in jeans, well-worn work boots, and a simple grey t-shirt with his navy-blue pea coat pulled over and wore a wide-brimmed hat to try and hide his features as much as possible. As he'd exited the boat, he pulled the collar of his coat up, more to conceal his face rather than protect him from the cold.

He didn't really have much of a plan; he didn't think he needed any more supplies, and he really didn't want to risk any direct interactions that might be cause for concern. Rather he just decided to wander, and was quickly drawn to the large domed building on a nearby hillside. Without much thought he headed out in that direction, fascinated by the amount of effort it must have taken to build such a structure.

Nic was feeling more like himself, for the first time in a while. He still felt...almost disappointment...about the weapon being returned to the fish people, but he hadn't really been in a good position to argue about it. Besides, he had a sneaking suspicion it might not have been healthy for him to have it in his possession long term.

He gathered just as he was about to head out when Asar called them together. He frowned lightly as he listened to where the gems had come from. Payment for the weapon, among other things, he thought to himself.

Nevertheless, after only a small hesitation, he took the offered sapphire. He examined it a moment and then carefully secreted it away from prying eyes or hands. He made a noncommittal noise at the 'ban' upon them before walking away. He didn't hunt or kill for sport regardless.

He ambled through a few places that were open for shopping as well, but didn't feel he had missed much in his initial equipment supply request. He caught a few of the good sights of the city, starting with the Palais du Pharo. Then the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure - He walked around it a bit and stared at for a while. It was beautiful. Though religion and religious locations weren't really his thing, he could still appreciate beautiful architecture.

He stopped for a bit to try some Bouillabaisse and wine. It wasn't his first time in France, but he always found himself passing through to somewhere else. One day he promised himself he'd actually stay for a bit and see more of the country.

James takes the sapphire, holding it up to the light to inspect it, then looks back at Asar.  I'm not up to date on my mythology, he says, show no discernible accent in his voice, or maybe to many to pin down any one individually.  Who exactly is Tiamat?

Nate takes the gem and holds it up, as though studying it (which is exactly what he's doing). He frowns.

"Are you sure you want to give me one? We all just met, I'm not officially a part of your group. I'm not even sure where you are all headed from here."

“Asar, you are probably the only one who is even close to having a clear understanding of what we encountered.” Arthur said as he accepted one of the gems and placed it in his watch pocket. “But if you say we may need these items in the future, then I will easily take your word for it.”

”Haven’t you heard?”Art turned to ask Nathaniel jokingly. “We are going to Siberia. Dress warmly.” Letting go of the jest, Art added, “We are to investigate an anomaly there and our unique qualities could be of dire need. Yours as well.”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

 You take in much of the marvelous sites from certain concealment, but occasionally must rely on your hat and duster to hide your true nature. It was during once such moment that Angok could see a small group of four, perhaps two couples taking a stroll on the cobbled street, that was almost entirely clear of traffic at this hour. They seemed to be enjoying it and seemed playful with one another.

OOC: If you're interested in continuing to observe from a distance let me know in your private thread. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:47, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

 Nicholas found some refreshment and stretching of his legs quite nice and cathartic after the ordeal he'd seen and been through onboard the Neustria. The scenery was good and the townfolk seemed pleasant enough. It was looking towards the future of their endeavor that seemed to give Nic some unease. Nevertheless, he felt some semblance of comfort in the fact that normal things were still happening in the world.

 As Nic leaves the wine bar, feeling sated for the moment, he sees a man clad in black with rather obtrusive top hat. The man seems to be be questioning people he comes across. He doesn't seem too forceful about it but he is questioning everyone, some wave him off but he seems insistent.

OOC: Depending on what you decide, you can hop into your private thread. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

To the group that cares to stay through the explanation to Phoenix.

"Long ago, an amount of time I am not exactly sure of but lets say over 5000 years ago, there were a race of beings who are what you might call primordial gods. Tiamat, the glistening one, was the god of what you would call salt water and chaos. Abzû was the primordial god of fresh water. From them all things came into being, eventually even myself. As in all things, nothing stays the same. The youngest of the gods were, rambunctious and often obnoxious in some respects to the elder gods. Things came to a head and people joined with Tiamat on one side and the champion of the other side was Marduk, even though he was at the time one of the younger gods.

Battles waged on between the two mountains that were their bases and I lead forces for Marduk, one of the only of my generation who thought that order and safety were paramount concerns. However, I had been fooled by Marduk who had told of a method of stealing the power or powers of any god of whom he could slay. The weapon we found was forged for him by a god of the dead, who of course was profiting as it were from the war, to help Marduk do that slaying.

I found out to late and in my pride I tried to talk Marduk down, but he was to drunk on his new found powers and used the life of my brother against me. In the end I survived the short fight, but was trapped in the Earth as I tried to free my brother. A little less than 2 years ago something happened or didn't happen any longer and I was released from my Earthen prison much diminished. I found some archeologists from Briton on an expedition, help them translate some odd clay tablets, learned their language and went back with them to Briton as an expert in Antiquities.

Nathaniel, I think it would be a very good idea for you and anybody else that has exhibited supernatural powers to continue with us. There is more than we have been told that is going on in Siberia and I think we are the only ones that will have a chance at dealing with it and maybe even save the world."

Asar describes their mission for those that don't know it.

Phoenix looks thoughtful for a few moments.  Okay, so, there's three things I'm gettin' here from ya story.  One, Tiamat, Apsu, Enlil, Marduk, an' all them other gods was real.  Two, Marduk did not use Tiamat's spilt-in-half body ta create the Earth and the Heavens.
His Bronx accent is coming out fairly heavy as he speaks.  An' last, but far from least, Three.  You been around since before ancient Sumeria, and you ran around wit' these people.  His arms move in a gesture like he is inviting, tryin to draw out the information from Asar.  Next, ya gonna tell us that King Gilgamesh an' Enkidu were real, too?  Whad aboud Ahura Mazda an' Ahriman?

Asar raises an eyebrow at Phoenix, "I was encapsulated before even Tiamat was defeated. I am somewhat familiar with some of the legends, having read much, but the god-like beings that you have named were most likely a different culture's names for the surviving god-like beings of my time. Gilgamesh was after even that and is almost everything that has survived for modern people to unearth. Even the Enūma Eliš uncovered a half century ago is only about 3000 years old and thus more than 2000 years removed from the events it describes. The language it was written in is similar to my native language, enough that I could clear up some passages. Please remember I am remembering things from over 5000 years ago. At the best of times memory is a fickle thing, let alone over multiple millennia ago.

As for Marduk, almost everything I have read and learned about in the modern age is fabrication or embellishment. He was not a primordial like Tiamet or even a greater god. He may have stolen enough powers to do amazing and nearly incomprehensible things, but his was not the ability create or even shape entire worlds....not when I knew him."

"Where did you acquire these gems?" Sam asked as he held up the sapphire handed to him. "They are not natural sapphires. Their molecular composition suggests artificial construction but I am unaware of any technology capable of this level of complex manufacture. Are you certain they are safe to possess and carry around in public spaces? There is an energy signature within the molecular bonds that seems designed to emit a field of some form of energy that I cannot identify."

He paused his inquiry to listen to Asar's response to James' questions. The answers oddly made think of his own past. His own origin. There was no direct parallel but he had enough data to extrapolate and project comparisons. To perhaps lend some credibility to the possibility that Asar's account might be an accurate recording of events. Minus the reference to individuals as gods. Likely just lifeforms of different and more capable stock.

"I would not dismiss his account of history so readily," Sam interjected to James regarding Asar's tales. "I have exactly sixty-three years, four months, and thirteen days of memory and in that time I have suffered zero depreciation to my mental and physical capabilities. Additionally, while there is damage to my memory center effecting accurate calculation, the size allotted to it compared to identifiable used and available space allows me to extrapolate that I may be capable of holding ten thousand years of memories. So, it would not surprise me that someone could exist for such a period of time."

Sam's tone was perfectly frank and matter-of-fact. As if there was nothing strange or out of the ordinary with what he'd said. Of course, it was not a conversation he would have with civilians. Not civilians he had not developed a comfortable relationship with, by their standards. These were not civilians, though.

^{Moved from the Neustria thread:}

Sorry, he says, his Bronx accent fading away to be almost imperceptible.  I grew up in the Bronx.  Italian and Irish.  Spent a lot of time in libraries and museums to avoid getting into trouble.  I'm no expert, and I'm more familiar with ancient Greco-Roman, and ancient Greek mythology.  I really don't know much about Sumerian, there wasn't much to be found.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Fri 20 Nov 2020.

While Hiram had stayed to listen to Asar and gladly taken one of the gems for safe keeping, he'd quickly found himself going glassy Eyed at their continued discussion. Marduk and Tiamat? gods? 5000 years? It was All a lot to take in, much less believe. And while Hiram was not uneducated, a lax hebrew though he may be,  his studies had focused on the torah and the dead sea scrolls.
So while he tried to follow the conversation, world up ending as it was, he found his focus landing on the food he'd gottenn from the ship restaurant. The cheese and steak wa the only thing he hadn't tried yet, and while he didn't have much Hope perhaps this would be different.
Of course, it wasn't. It was just as bland and tasteless as anything Else, he observed with a sigh.
He glanced out at the city, with a vague Hope. He'd heard that was known for it's food. Perhaps here he could find something worth eating.

 Ms.Sanderson was almost completely motionless for the entire explanation. Then at the end, she turns with a bit of a wild eyed expression, "and why shouldn't we believe that he's the real deal? A cosmic being, did none of you see the fishman?"

 "Well I did. Though it goes against my grain, I will take him at his word. He's not lied to us yet, I'd be able to hear it if he did. Though he still hasn't told us what just happened with the, did he mention Atlantis?"

As everyone is getting ready to head out into Paris, Nathanial brings up a scrap of paper with some writing on it.

"Say now, everyone, a moment please?" He held out the papers he found. "I wound up on this little jaunt because I was tracing the movement and sale of an occult relic. A statue. The statue, if you get me. And I think that I have the address where it was going to be delivered upon arrival."

He looked around at the group.

"The person hired to move it was a pretty rough customer. A mercenary and a soldier. So I don't know what's waiting for me there. Would, uh, would anyone... like to come and have a look with me?"

Asar gives Ms. Sanderson a brief smile and a nod.

"I don't know about Cosmic. I certainly never made it out into space, even when I was at the top of my form. I would need a staircase to run there unless I figured out how to run on air I suppose. The mortal children of Tiamat, the Atlanteans, I am happy to see survived. Marduk having won, I had all but expected them to have been hunted down and wiped out. They guard what is left of Tiamat and having that weapon gives them a certain gravitas while doing so. It helps that as a people they are pragmatic and unless a great champion arises from them the weapon will never be used for them nor will they suffer some great catastrophe if it used accidentally. Until I am significantly more like my old self, if that is even possible, I would not have used it except in the most dire of circumstances."

Asar listens to Nathaniel and nods.

"I am interested in following up that lead Nathaniel. As for the gems, they are a gift of Tiamat. If you do not want it and the minor restriction that having it brings, then return it to me and I will hold it in your stead."

"That does not address my concerns regarding the gems. They were artificially constructed but I am unaware of technology capable of such complex molecular manufacturing. Additionally, they were designed to emit a form of energy I cannot identify in a field of unknown scope and size. Can you be certain it is safe to carry them in public? I am not concerned for myself as far as maintaining possession of the gem. I am considerably more durable than a human. I also passively generate a field that prevents a considerable amount of harmful energy transmission to my body. My concern is for any innocent civilians in proximity should the energy matrix within the gems activate. Without sufficient knowledge of the form of energy or how to engage the gems properties I am worried collateral damage in proximity to the gems and those carrying them," Sam further explained in an even and calm tone.

"I am certain about only what I have told you about the gems. However, I highly doubt they are dangerous to anyone in our group or civilians at large. As for technology, this term you use for how to manipulate the material world, I am unaware of any such that could make such gems. That being said they formed out of water that was in a magic looking bowl, so perhaps magic is the answer?"

Asar doesn't appear to have any further answers.

"Perhaps some manner of chemical engineering then," Sam mused evenly, seemingly dismissing the idea of magic. "If you are confident they are safe to be carried in public, I will accept your assertion. With minor precautions in place."

Without warning, Sam lifted up his shirt and his undershirt. Beneath them was not the skin of a man but a metal framework and plating. There was no sign of anything organic beneath his clothes whatsoever actually. No skin, no muscle, no tissue, no organs. Metal and hydraulics and gears and tubing and wires. Sam delicately pried at one of the smaller panels lower in his abdomen until it pulled open and he slid the gem inside then resealed the panel and lowered the shirts, tucking them back into his pants.

"Do you anticipate further potential danger to civilians from individuals involved in the previously planned receipt of the statue Nathaniel? If so, I will accompany you," he said matter-of-factly as he turned his attention to Nathaniel.

I would think that an advanced enough s ience would appear to be magic to us, Phoenix says as he pockets the gem.  I just hope heat doesn't ruin it.
He turns to Nathaniel.  I could go, too.  I'm pretty good at blocking escape roots, whether it's to keepnthem from getting away, or so that we can.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

“Excuse me, Sam.” Arthur said as his jaw dropped. “Are you wearing some form of mechanical device?”

"Negative, Arthur. I am not in possession of a mechanical device. I am a mechanical, inorganic lifeform," Sam clarified as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

In truth, he didn't fully understand it himself. His body and the parts that comprised his mind were significantly more advanced than any technology he had observed in the sixty-three years of his active memory. The man he'd met when he first activated in his memory assured him they had not constructed Sam but then where else might he have come from? One of many secrets lost to the parts of his circuitry beyond his ability to repair.

"I have been fully functional in my present form since June 27th, 1845 at 3:47 PM local time in Illinois. Minus minor modifications to facilitate the ability to camouflage my nature from civilians," he added.

Asar looks at Geo in a-new.

"Most impressive. A living golem as it were. Geo, do you consider yourself conscious?"

Nathaniel smiles at Geo, Asar, and Phoenix. "Thank you, thank you all. I appreciate the offers of assistance, and accept. My studies have, heretofore, been quite solitary in nature. Fruitful, but also isolating. It is good to be among companions once again."

He presents the paper with the address. "This is, I believe, a warehouse of some sort. So any sort of thing may be waiting inside. Perhaps a cautious approach is best?"

"Can your magics make us all invisible or cover us in shadows Nathaniel? Otherwise lifting everyone to the roof should not be all that much of a problem or a strain. I am sure it will be easier to gain entrance unnoticed that way. We should be off for we have a train to catch all to soon."

Asar smiles at the group.

Hiram had goen steadily more glass eyed as revelations were casually made around him. gods and immortals were one thing, he'd always held some belief that there was more in the world than man understood, what with being a religious student, but a mechanical man? it took some extra brain power to process that fact.

He did snap back to attention briefly at Asar's mention of a golem. Hiram felt the shadow of his father rise up in him, eager to correct the man about the topic.
"Actually since there seems to be neither clay or hebrew words to breathe life into him, I cannot say that Golem is a fitting term for the mechanical sir... Not that I can say I have a better term..." He piped up, ending in a mutter as he regretted admonishing Asar.
"A-at any rate, if we going to investigate a place, I might be able to help. I may be able to hear or smell something at the warehouse to forewarn us."

 From outside, you all hear the sound of someone clomping about with heavy boots on the deck outside, a French voice calls out in English, "Hello, anyone here? Port Authority here to talk to whoever is running this thing... Hello?"

Asar opens the door and is about to leave when he turns his head and says to the two of them, "Looks like we get to hand things over to the authorities. See you topside if you want."

He heads up and greets the 'someone' in a British accented English. He tries not to look intimidating, but it is hard when one is large and muscular to the point of looking like an ancient greek hero.

"Good day to you. I am Asar Uludu. My companions and I were aboard Mauretania when we found this ship adrift with a hostile force aboard. Having defeated that force, we have repaired it and sailed to it's home nation to hand it over to the proper authorities for it's return to it's owners. Can you help us with this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

 The man blinks, "yessir! We can help."

 Moments later documents are signed, Asar's caligraphical signature and appropriate post date placed onto the notary. The man also signs it as a representative of the port authority and the deed is done. He whistles over the side of the ship and several harbor security begin boarding the vessel. The man thanked Asar thoroughly, attempting to shake his hand vigorously, but unable to move the big man's arm, until Asar remembered this colloquialism of present day. Each of you get a pat on the back as the man begins spreading the word.

It is only a half hour until the train departs and all of your Mauretania gear will have been moved to the train yard for loading by now. The train leaves at twelve midnight!

OOC: Everyone gets a +10 to their popularity.

 Go ahead and feel free to post your boarding when you're ready.

In reply to Asar Uludu (msg # 27):

Nathaniel thinks a moment. He took this magic business pretty seriously, and wasn't one for flippant answers.

"I've only performed the act a handful of time, but I believe I can weave us a shadow to cover our movements. And I can also, possibly, cover the moon with clouds if it is bright. That should be enough so long as we aren't being actively observed."

When the time comes to board the train, Nathaniel sees about whether there are any higher-class accommodations available. An entire car, if possible, for him and his new friends. If he'd had some time, he'd have been able to arrange for several private cars. But now he would do what he could.

Asar, Nathaniel, and companions sneak out into the night to take a look at that warehouse. Once there, Asar will try his Telekinesis to unlock side door bolt locks or get everybody onto the roof and gain entrance through a window. When light is needed he provides it.

"What are we looking for Nate,", he whispers.

 OOC: Assuming everyone boards eventually and the next stop being Paris, everyone has a chance to disembark to stretch for a four hour layover. So post your presence in the thread to explain your choice to stay or go. Those who stay can interact in the train station if you like.

Warehouse district, Paris, France

 The warehouse appears to be in solid shape but quite old, it appears to be made from wood and rough hewn stone packed with mortar. The front door is lit only by the moon. Lanterns move around the streets, some police foot patrols or the odd drunkard is the majority of the traffic at this early hour of 4:30 am.

 Asar helps people get to the roof after trying to use his telekinesis unsuccessfully to unbolt the door, he forgot that seeing his target would make this much easier. The window on the roof is easy enough to jimmy however and the team drops into an office area that adjoins the main body of the warehouse. There are four desks against each wall and some filing cabinets. There's two doors, one going north and the other east and presumably into the warehouse. No sound can be heard at the moment other than the sound of your own breathing. The air feels dusty like no one's been here in a while.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:44, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

Preferring not to use his powers if he can avoid it, Phoenix had armed himself with his Colt m1892/1903 New Army revolver in its leather appearing holster and a pouch containing four speedloaders on his belt, while a shoulder holster hold his issued Colt m1900 semi-automatic and four spare magazines.
Having prepared himself to climb a ladder or a wall to get up to the roof, finding himself suddenly there is a little disorienting at first.  But then he considers that he flies often enough under his own power.  He follows the others inside and down below, keeping his eyes peeled for any problems that may show up.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Nate, in the office, looks around.

"I'm not sure exactly what we're looking for. The statue in the hold of the Neustria, I was following its sale, and I traced it to this warehouse, where the buyer was supposed to meet with the man I was following. That man turned out to be a pretty hardened mercenary."

He pauses.

"I'm hoping we might speak with the buyer to find out what he knew about the statue, if anything, and what he wanted with it."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Ace stood around looking like the innocent American and keeping watch. If anyone happened along asking the wrong questions, he would try to distract them long enough for his partners to vacate the premises. It would be easy enough to weave a tale of lost tourists trying to find their way back to the train depot.

In reply to Nathaniel Roivas (msg # 36):

Then perhaps hanging around an office is not going to get us that information, Phoenix says.  Unless you want to search for a bill of sale.  Where would you meet with someone for a clandestine sale in a warehouse like this?

18:07, Today: Phoenix rolled 46 using 1d100.  Gd Reason, +1 CS Detective/Espionage.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

OOC: Phoenix can tell from the layout he's seen from the outside that the main body of the warehouse is probably where you want to go. You could also see if there is any other items here. Otherwise it'd be in the back of the warehouse away from prying eyes but with the cargo for a clean swap.

 Ace waits outside and finds few crossing down the quiet street. The odd foot patrol seems to be the most likely scenario as you've seen a few walking down adjoining streets. The moon is beginning to go down now, though day is still at least a few hours away, so it's getting rather darker out than before.

 Those in the office are seeing that the room is basically been unused for maybe years but at least six months based on the amount of dust here. The floor looks relatively clean aside from a few cigarette butts and waste can. The filing cabinets yield few clues except some kingdom none of you had heard of before this. The Kingdom of Latveria owned this warehouse, which most of you will gather from prior cursory dealings with diplomatic affairs, makes this land the ownership of said kingdom, much like an Embassy might.

 From further within the dark warehouse you hear the crack of a whip and a man's voice cry out in pain.

As the whip cracks Asar's head whips around to identify the sound.

"Looks like there is somebody that could use a hero, but probably a good idea to have the living flame thrower in reserve unless you want to confront 'them' as a pair."

He leaves the decision to Phoenix as to what strategy to take and heads off to find out what is going on. He intentionally does not stomp, but he wants to get to a position to see what is going on quickly. He doesn't go at full speed, only fast enough that Phoenix would have to sprint to keep up with him.

At the sound of the cracking whip, Phoenix turns to directionalize the sound.  I think we have a clue to what's goin' on, he says.
At Asar's suggestion they go investigate, Phoenix smiles.  Right with ya, Buddy.  He follows the big man out of the office and down the hall.

Having not been a part of the warehouse planning session, Angok was left unawares when the group went off on their mission. As a result, he was left to his own devices while the others did their investigating. With his head lowered and his collar pulled up high, he exited the train and quickly looked for an alley where he could hide his clothes. He then shifts his form to that of an innocuous cat and starts to wander around the platform, looking for anyone or anything that might be interesting, especially if they happen to resemble the gentlemen he'd seen in Marseilles.

"Wait," Nathaniel says as his companions prepare to leave the office, "Wait, please, my friends. Before we go. I know an incantation that may offer some assistance. It helps me to know things that I could not otherwise learn. It is not without its dangers, however."

Nate's hands moved in complicated gestures and he whispered a number of thick guttural phrases. His eyes turn completely black and thin wisps of black mist drift from his pores.

Inside his head, he is connecting to everything that the Darkforce Dimension touches. Which is basically everything. And he is dipping his awareness into that flood of knowledge and trying to pull out this one singe thing.

It is very difficult. And taxing.

OOC:
Using Cosmic Awareness to get a glimpse of what we're walking into.
93! Red FEAT.

OOC: Let's roll for Initiative, except for Angok and Luminary at this point.

 Outside, Ace sees a pack of stray dogs moving up the road at a high gallop, towards him or past him he hoped. Though he was certain their barking would attract unwanted attention if they didn't give it up soon...

 If the Asar and James pause long enough to allow Nathaniel to do his thing, they would see his eyes begin to glow with a black flame coronating a purple shine dazzling in his irises like amethysts. Suddenly he encompasses the warehouse, knows everything in it. His conscious mind has to sift through the noise, navigate the meaningless details, finally he has to intend a target of some type. This appeared easy on the outset, as he sought to trace the sound and makes sense of what his awareness encompassed, however as he sought it difficulty began to mount as the crack of the whip was becoming indistinguishable to other noises reverberating though his unnatural omnipresent vantage point. However it was just when he thought he'd lose that sound that he homed in on another related sound vibration, a whisper with a thick Eastern European accent, "you failed and allowed da cargo to be seized?"

 Using this as an anchor, Nathaniel pulls back a bit to take in the full vista of the scene he'd localized in it's entirety. It's the warehouse main floor. A single candle lights the area, but Nathaniel can see it all. Cargo boxes filled the large building and this nook was a perfect place to sit in waiting without being seen from the outside and away from any windows. No light escaped the area and the two men at odds in it's center. The one kneeling looks no better than Nathaniel himself and perhaps even a bit worse, all skin and bones. It is the mercenary sent with the statue. He'd survived the Neustria curse too!

 The man standing over him was a large and imposing man, a mane of black hair covered both his head, mustache and beard down to his clavicle. He looked and seemed, cruel and mean, yet somehow well pressed and regal. Indeed the insignia inside his long coat read Latverian Guard. His voice rumbled out quietly, "The King will be very displeased, yet, perhaps your endurance has given you a new opportunity to redeem yourself. I sense we are soon discovered..."

OOC: I'm assuming Nathan is relaying this to the others in the office for the sake of brevity once again.

*****

 Angok walked through the busy train depot for half an hour, sampling a bit of this and that, mostly delicious scents and aromas from the cafe's but also from the bakery and pastry shoppes as they began to wake up, but occasionally someone left something sugary as they made their way through the station too. On some levels it was also very chaotic in a way that the Hollow man had rarely witnessed with the teeming masses of human bodies that had begun to fill the station before long.

 Just as he had begun to think about finding his clothes and dragging them back to the train, Angok found a young man hobbling along on an amputated foot. He was loosely following a group of young street kids who had careened ahead of him. They surrounded a businessman headed for a train concourse and began to rifled through his pockets as they ran by, the man obviously felt harassed and began to get salty, swatting at them. The young boy drew a knife from his crutch and actually hissed under his breathe at the grownup he was heading towards.

Straining to maintain his focus and his sense of self, Nathaniel's face breaks out in a sheen of sweat. He forces his awareness to stay in the warehouse, on the scene before him, even as the semi-sentient nature of the Darkforce tempts him away, lures him with other pictures and scenes. What really happened to your sister? Which of your relatives has tried to have you committed to steal your fortune? What horrid beings plot your demise? Who has betrayed you? Who has lied to you? How close are you, really, to madness?

But he gritted his teeth and tried to extend his senses to get a better view of the warehouse and surrounding area.

Does the Latvian have any guards or soldiers with him?

Is there an obvious vehicle that he came in, or that he will leave in?

Does the Latvian have any weapons?

Do either of these men have any 'special' talents that aren't immediately apparent?

He related what he saw to the others, in short sentences, his voice showing the strain of effort.


OOC:
Initiative: 77
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

"Interesting, but I think we need to find certain things out....which means we must confront them."

He heads off to do just that.

14:25, Today: Secret Roll: Asar Uludu rolled 110 using 1d100+16.  Inish.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

With a nod of agreement, Phoenix follows the bigger man, pulling the Colt Army revolver from his holster and holding it at the ready.

21:44, Today: Phoenix rolled 96 using 1d100+16.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

 Ms.S waited as Nathaniel read the tea leaves so to speak and uttered strange occultic phrases, if he was in any danger she'd try to cover it while Asar and Phoenix moved to meet the culprits...
 OOC: Assuming that Asar and Phoenix are sticking to the main points of their original posts(moving quietly to try and get the drop) with the addition of Phoenix readying an action.

 Asar and Phoenix rush ahead having heard what they needed in the moment, but that was done. Now was the time to act. The purposely try not to create a lot of noise, and in that regard they are successful. The stairs down to the main floor of the warehouse were rickety but still held even against the weight of Asar's large frame, though they create a small creak on the last step. The pair navigate the dusty interior of the warehouse, much of cargo looked like goods from the west. They moved quickly if not exactly as hushed as they'd hoped and not at their full speeds.

 The pair could see the hint of a glowing candle and hear a >womp< sound ahead and round the corner to see the young man, bare chested and on all fours in pain two slashed whip marks on his back openly bleeding. The skinny unshaven man speaks in quiet but gravelly Italian, "è andato. Non ho la forza per combatterti. Voglio solo tornare a casa. Solo lui non me lo permette. Just, let me go."

OOC: Roll me some sweet Intuition rolls if you want to continue to search. Roll me some detection rolls if you want to use them instead and for good measure roll me two more black box d100 roll checks each of you. *_*

 Ace sees the dogs pause and turn around yelping, running from some unseen force within the warehouse he'd guess. Sometimes the spark of electricity or high frequencies had this effect on dogs extraordinary hearing...

 Angok sees this little station drama begin to unfold. The little street kid continued his slow but steady pace towards the scene where the kids were harassing the businessman and one manages to lift his pocketbook out and wave it around, dancing just beyond his reach. Somewhere further off, a whistle sounds as the commotion begins to draw attention.

OOC: Order of initiative next round: Asar, Enemy, Phoenix, Nate, Ms.S, Ace, (At the train station: Angok, Geo,Luminary)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:17, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

Without even a thought about it, Phoenix switches to his thermographic vision.  He turns in a circle to scan the area for heat signatures.  He has the revolver held pointed down in both hands, ready to bring up to fire it.

16:20, Today: Phoenix rolled 46 using 1d100.  Black box roll.

16:20, Today: Phoenix rolled 71 using 1d100.  Black box roll.

16:20, Today: Phoenix rolled 84 using 1d100.  Exc16 Intuition for Perception.

Asar looks around using his own skills of observation. Some are keener than others. The man on the ground is almost forgotten, but Asar looks that man over anyways to be thorough.

"Stay where you are please."

17:09, Today: Asar Uludu rolled 100 using 1d100.  Intuition. RED
17:09, Today: Asar Uludu rolled 9 using 1d100.  Detect Powers. WHITE
17:09, Today: Asar Uludu rolled 86 using 1d100.  Black Box 1. Unknown
17:09, Today: Asar Uludu rolled 1 using 1d100.  Black Box 2. Unknown
WOW, a 100 and a 1 in the same group of rolls!!!!!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

OOC: We'll keep initiative from last round for next round. Please continue initiative rolls as well, until we wrap up this segment.

 Aside from the man, the area is devoid of anything interesting. The candle and the man were the only heat signatures that Phoenix could detect however, Asar's powers could detect a spattering of residual energies from the departure of the bedraggled man's boss through some sort of rift. Not enough to get much of anything else from, however it did leave the distinct tang of metal in the air. The shadows concealed nothing else that the pair could see. Asar quickly scans the rafters and the adjoining rows to the nook and saw nothing, he was quite certain.

 The man however was beginning to look different now however and it quickly became alarming to Asar. Asar could tell a power was being used but was at a total loss as to what it could be, it was some kind of power like his, but it put out no energy or, rather, it was their own familiar energies beginning to flow from the fellow.

 Asar looks gobsmacked for a moment and disturbed, could this somehow be him?

 He stands up, and a glowing field begins to wrap around the trio. Both of you catch sight of the glow of sparks from within his mouth as though he's chewed on a telegraph line before swallowing something and finally he reaches out towards both of you as his physique begins changing before your very eyes. He was becoming physically like the imposing Asar...

 Phoenix has just enough time to pull the trigger before the transformation would be complete and he does so now, knowing he might not get many more options. He shoots and he hits, penetrating into a deep recess of his quickly barrel chested frame. He coughs hard when it hits center mass, probably a lung. "Why couldn't you all just leave me alone," Looks up at Phoenix, and his eyes begin to roll back into his head and he drops. Veins were pulsing wildly all across his exposed skin, strange to say the least and it marked him as alive but, at least for now, unconscious.

 One problem seems to be that the field doesn't seem to come down though. A quick test appears that it's some kind of force field, not unlike Ace's.

OOC: Order of initiative next round: Asar, Enemy, Phoenix, Nate, Ms.S, Ace, (At the train station: Angok, Geo,Luminary)

Nathaniel, for the moment finished communing with the darkness eternal that lies beneath the world of life and light, enter the warehouse just in time to see Phoenix shoot the man down, but the force field stay up.

"Let me try something..."

He summons the energies he usually uses to manipulate Darkforce, but uses it instead on the force field, trying turn one section into a solid mass, that could then be removed.

OOC:
I have no idea if this will work, since a force field is already solid. But if I use Energy Solidification on it, could I make a chunk that we could then knock down?

Initiative: 42
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

OOC: I'm working off the assumption that energy solidifications can mean more than one thing, so let's let the dice decide if it's possible. Coin toss: Heads = It can, Tails = It can't.

Arbiter rolled 2 using 1d2.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:23, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

UPDATE!

 Nathaniel tried to train the darkforce to absorb the shield and solidify it, but it felt like something was interfering with the transformation he was attempting. As he tried his darkforce spread across the field a number of times like black syrup being poured over ice. However as he tried to puzzle out how to get out is that the little creature, the denizen from the abyss was still in Nathaniel's jacket pocket, it furiously trying to get out to see what was happening or whatever it sought. He had become quite the little nuisance, but now he seemed determined to get out and was practically breaking the button holding it closed inside his coat.

 Inside the shield things were starting to look bleak for Asar, Phoenix and the skinny mercenary. The shield slowly began to shrink at a rate of about a foot every few seconds. They had about ten (turns) before they were gonna be crushed. It seemed that the kid was so pumped that even unconscious he couldn't let go immediately, was that the result of whatever he swallowed?

 In a last ditch effort to see if she could lend her own talents, Ms.S begins an Eastern martial arts kata, evidently building up to a massive strike perhaps at a guess.

****

 Ace saw lanterns heading up the street towards the warehouse. It was a police patrol, two stocky men began to move up the street in the darkness. It was a cloudy morning so far though even the moon wouldn't help them too much. However Ace could see perfectly with a keen eye for details, such as the billy clubs they carried, and the fact that they were already wet, your first thought was blood...

OOC: Here's a little more to help out!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

Asar had seemed stunned by what his senses were telling him. However, the danger that his friends were in took him out of it. Mentally, he immediately put up Force-field inside of the forcefield that was collapsing to at least slow it down. Then, because he knew modern cities were often built on old cities he went down to one knee and punched the floor. He was hoping the warehouse had a basement, but if not, he was hoping that the various sewer systems that modern and old cities had went below the warehouse on it's way out to the harbor. If he could break through to it, they would have an escape, even if the forcefield failed.

Phoenix, thinking to damage the field, but not thinking about the effects of burning off the oxygen in the field, ignites and places his hand upon the field in an attempt to cause it to fail.

As incredible as it seemed, Nate had almost forgotten that had a small, apparently sentient, extradimensional creature living in his coat pocket.

Once the little guy started wanting out, he reached in and took it out, honestly curious as to what it was going to do. He held it up to the force field.

"Do you have any idea?" he whispered to it, "There's cookies in it for you."

He kept an protective Invocation ready. Just in case.

UPDATE!

 Asar quickly attempts to solve the issue by using his massive fists to drive straight into the foundation of the dirt flooring of the place and then into it's foundation. Which quickly gave way beneath his feet. Not swayed in the slightest he kept it up. Amazingly his arms were completely untouched during the endeavor. It wouldn't take him long to reach a sewer or any other abandon level of the city at this rate. However he frowned when he reached the bottom of the spherical shield, and although for some reason it wasn't moving the stone or dirt, he felt the bounce-back when his fists touched the rapidly receding bubble. It appeared to be malleable to a degree but even using his monstrous strength was unable to break the field.

 Phoenix began to use his powers to see if he could burn his way through the field, perhaps by damaging it enough he might unlock a way out of the field. Asar did not notice as the oxygen in the field began to thin after a few seconds and Phoenix hadn't noticed that Asar had upped his own field to prevent them from being smooshed.

 Asar did begin to notice one thing, and that was his field was holding against the pushback of the first field as though evenly matched.

 Nathaniel held aloft the little shelled black squiddy to the field and noticed something interesting. It's little tentacles began to swirl in a strange pattern before the force bubble. It began to emit a humming sound not totally unpleasant, and as it did so the field began to swirl with an iridecent wash of colors. Then with a popping sound, the first field fell as everyone locked eyes with the strange little creature, and all that remained was Asar's second field that had prevented it from crushing them. Finally the thing stopped and as if exhausted and full, began a slow arduous climb back to Nathaniel's pocket, perhaps a little drunkenly.

OOC: I'm imagining the mogwai humming song from Gremlins. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:08, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Nathaniel has seen a lot of stranger things. Been a lot of strange places. Had a lot of strange being tempt him with ultimate power for his eternal soul. But this was a first.

After he got hold of himself, he helped the little guy back into his pocket and tossed a bit of hardtack in after him. "Good work, little guy," he said, "That's some good, good work."

"Excellent work. I don't know how much longer my field would have lasted given the lack of breathable air. I think that this being is the one who was actually doing the whipping. He sent the person being whipped and any assistants away with some kind of power or magic. Look for other clues in the context of this warehouse being used as a staging area for the king of some minor country."

He goes over and feels the neck, for a pulse, of the being that is on the ground bleeding out. While he does this he takes a much more detailed 'feeling' of what exactly the power that was being used actually was. He specifically wants to know if this is somehow Marduk or a reincarnation of some kind.

 Asar bends to the man who was seeming to deflate before them, Asar sees power, and it's flavor is unique so far in his experience. The strength, the fire generation and energy body which he'd yet to utilize, the force field, it seemed to be a fusion of many powers. Then he realized, the power was a form of power mimicry, but went even further to include physical strengths as well. Though that power, like Asar's primary source of power, was somehow unseen except through deduction, a macro-power if you will, passive after a fashion. Maybe he could directly control which powers he got, but it seemed a rather random sampling from those individuals nearby.

 It seemed like this power could fit Marduke's profile, but he wouldn't go down as easily as this one. It didn't seem likely.
 The bubble now falls and Phoenix's fire flares up a bit. The man he'd shot lay on the ground, at the moment completely stunned, his eyes rolled back and he seemed to begin to deflate in size and mass. Though he did not seem to be dying. Even his bullet wound did not seem to be overly productive, though he did seem to be sucking air with his chest wound. (He rolled a one on his save so he's down for a while but he's clearly both no threat and yet clearly gonna survive.)

As the oxygen inside the bubble is being used up by his flames, they begin to dim, and Phoenix begins to feel a bit breathless.  Damn.  Something he had not considered, though he should have.
When the bubble falls, and his flames flare up again, he disperses them to appear human once more.
He steps over to where Asar is looking over the guy he had shot.  He sees that he is going to survive, and he nods his head at the man's resilience.  So, what's this guy's deal?

"It seems that he reflexively copies some or all of the powers and physical characteristics of those near him. A most dangerous person to have around me, specifically. He could be a great asset if he were on the side of light, but I do not think that he is. I would suggest we take him to the authorities on charges of assault, but we are on private property and I a sure there would be issues later. Perhaps Nathaniel could place a post-hypnotic suggestion to fight for truth, justice, and the Western Cultural way?"

He places some of the mans own clothing onto the mans wound and holds pressure to it.

"It is to bad that I lack some of the mental arts I possessed so long ago."

I could stop his bleeding, but it would hurt.  Probably wake him up, James, the Phoenix, says as he holds up a closed fist, with a flaming finger index finger pointing up.  But then, we might be able to question him.

In reply to Asar Uludu (msg # 63):

Nathaniel frowned and looked uncomfortable for a moment. "I'm not great with sarcasm, so I'm not sure if that was in jest, but I can do... things... along those lines. Temporarily at least."

He didn't like talking about this sort of thing. Revealing you can magically control minds had a bad habit of souring relationships.

 The man on the ground was now going through a bit of a coughing fit, he almost appeared as he had on the boat with Geo, when he was saved from the frogmen. He had been turned loose amongst the people of the Mauretania without Nathaniel having seen him helpless in the ship's hastily converted hospital-saloon, where Roach and Phoenix had been lain to recover. Nathaniel recalls that the guard had been one of the first to leave the dwindling group of survivors. He hadn't in his experience remembered the man to be one of such abilities.

 It seemed more likely that Nathaniel had witnessed some kind of...power pill, being swallowed swiftly by the man after his master had left. Nathaniel recalled these events with clarity, his power had shown him much and perhaps it was just taking a moment to sink in, he had many answers already.

 Asar managed to cover the hole in the man's chest enough to stop the bleeding, but his lung was sucking air and perhaps filling with blood. He currently seemed no longer able to even lift a briefcase, his mass had decreased to that of a normal man and then his muscle mass disappeared along with it. He looked emaciated like the other survivors onboard the Neustria. The mass wouldn't come back for a time, they'd been too starved of food. So this was Grant August.

 He moans and his eyes start to flutter a bit, it seemed he was coming awake.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:10, Wed 23 Dec 2020.

He's comin' to?  Good.  He can answer some questions, Phoenix says.  Then we need ta get outta here before we cause an international incident.  We have no authority or jurisdiction here like we did in international wayers.  As it is, we may be too late.

"Well, if we are going to save him, getting him to our allies would be essential. At this point he looks like he has been starved half to death, like that kid on the ship. What happened to this guy?

Hey guy, we are trying to save you, but we need to know who your boss is and what happened to you so we don't mess you up any more."

Asar is really wishing he would have made the effort to copy that healing ability earlier.

UPDATE!

 The man stammers out a withering laugh as he explains his situation with a voice that sounds like his lungs are full of rice crispy's, "I uh, I'm a contractor for a king, I was told to escort the statue and...and...on the Neustria, to Paris. The man contracted me and told me what to do, he was very specific, but I failed. You found the statue didn't you, and stopped it somehow....you all. You destroyed me...and saved me," he says as he shakes a bony finger at the four interrogators.

 The man has a froth of blood at the corners of his mouth and it begins to seem apparent what his injury was in combination with his bloody chest. "I failed...again, to stop you now...it was a fluke. I was changing, and you shot me before I could complete the change..."

OOC: Feel free to begin your questions, he'll respond to certain things better than others so try everything. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:31, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

It was either shoot you, or burn you to a crisp, Phoenix says as he kneels next to the man.  What were you turning into?

Nathaniel was glad the guy was talking. Of all the off-putting things he could do, controlling minds was one of the offing-est-puttingest.

But then, everything the guy said just begged another dozen questions. "Destroy you how? Save you how?"

Asar keeps pressure on the man's wounds and then picks him up. The only real medical help he knows about is at the train station.

"Lets get him to the train station."

He heads out with the man, questions and all.

James steps in front of Asar.  I can stop his bleeding, he says, by cauterizing his wound.  Did you see if there is an exit wound?

UPDATE! OOC: I like that image too!

 The quartet asked questions as Asar walked, carrying the man down the aisle in the warehouse. The man winces as Asar picks him up, and a fresh blood stain swells across the man's thin shirt. As they all look they see no damage mirroring the first on his back, no exit, though his whip wounds were still fresh and Asar could feel wetness on his hands. He responds in order, every few moments stopping to wheeze or cough, "I was changing into all of you, the best parts of all of you. That's what the >cough!<, yellow ones do..."

 He points at Nathaniel, "your gang saved me from the ship and the activation of the statue! Your friend the metal man did it." His face transforms into a deep scowl, "my contract ended tonight I'm afraid and so I'm destroyed even if I live. I could neither stop the curse of the statue, nor could I deal with you all...," he laughs a hollow laugh that ends in a coughing fit and a whimper.

 Ms.S swept ahead for traps or anything that could help their situation leaving the interrogation to the men for now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:13, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

"Well it seems that the curse is over and the contents dealt with. You said that is what the yellow one does, are there others, and what do they do? Who is this king you were contracted to? Why would this king want the statue or it's contents?"

He continues to carry the man in one arm and use the other to apply pressure.

You said something about a king.  Was he here?  Was that who whipped you?
This brings a whole new element to what could already turn into an international incident if a king was directly present and involved.

Nate is well confused.

"Yellow ones? What yellow ones?"

He was hoping the man's answers to all their questions would shed some light on all this.

UPDATE!

 The man reached some kind of climactic coughing fit but when he regained his voice, the sound was foamy and fraught with obstructive liquids. "Yes, there are other pills. I only know about the red one and the yellow one. The blue one gives one the ability to see and hear long distances..."

 "The man who whipped me was my only contractor, he calls himself the Guardsman" he rasps, "he apparently represents the King of Latveria. King Vladimir Fortunov. He is collecting ancient artifacts of ...occultic origins."

OOC: Sorry this'll be a short one but hopefully answer some questions. Let's try to wrap things up shortly, so if you are holding any further questions, now's the time.

The one-handed man gives a soft sigh.  Something tells me that this is only the first time the Guardsman will cross our path.

"Agreed. Look ahead, there is our destination. Let us see if our friend can help with our wound and at least get it properly dressed till more professional help can arrive."

Asar continues on, not even breathing heavily, as he is nearly running with the man in his arms. A slip of a man, but a man none the less.

Nathaniel frowned. "We may have to take a trip to Latveria."

Update!

 The foursome leave the warehouse behind quickly carrying the man the short distance to the train station. The station itself is just beginning to wake up and a few people make their way to and fro as they clamber to the ticket lines or to shuffle their luggage into the porter's queue. The station manager sees you rushing your new charge into the station in he runs to meet you calling out in French, "to the physician this way!"

 Minutes later they've delivered the man into the station physician's care. The physician seems hesitant because of the man's situation and he seems to eye the four of you suspiciously. However he gives the man a fighting chance to live no doubt due to your diligence.

 The train itself is a whopper, long and it seems filled with travelers now. The front and back of the train seem to be mostly cargo and boxcars. While the rest is divided into coach, second class and first class cars. There are several cars that include observation cars. Your car is number 18, you have your own car to yourselves so far. The itinerary posted inside each car schedules out the next three days to St. Petersburg.

****

<CONTINUED from Side thread...>

 Back on the train, Nicholas was met with some well to do nonsense. The waiter confronted him with a wary, "Excuse me sir, may I help you?"

OOC: Everyone can begin posting on the train. Either in the car or making your way through it as Nicholas is, at least mention where you are on the train so we can keep track and it doesn't turn into an amorphous bubble of "train".

At this point everyone should mark down 500 karma for individual gains.

Nic hadn't ever been on anything this big before. He'd been on trains, sure, but nothing like this. This whole trip was a lot of firsts - but he couldn't afford to let his guard down. It was a lot of train to search.

The dining car made his stomach remind him that he was hungry but he pushed that off for the moment - a difficult feat with all the people eating and drinking, the swirl of aromas fluttering around. He should have looked more thoroughly in that car but he pushed himself to move quickly before he succumbed to the siren call - though the very odd gentleman with his striking female companions nearly gave him pause. He made a mental note to find out who that was.

Nic was then approached by a waiter in the next car. He pulled up short, hesitated and then smiled slightly. "I hope I haven't disturbed anyone. I'm merely passing through this car." He then paused. "Actually, may I ask what you are currently serving here?"

The conversation, though likely to be brief, gave him a small window to look around the car.

Huzzah Update!

 The waiter nods curtly and proffers a menu, "you'll find many amenities available on this trek for those that are first class passengers. I could offer to show you the way back to the second class dining car if you prefer monsieur? The carriages further up are reserved for sleeping passengers so there's really no point in continuing."

 Around there are only a few other people in the car, an older woman sporting a mink coat and rather fancy hat sat sipping tea and the eastern European man who ate toast and sipped on espresso shots, in addition to a gentleman who appeared British to Nic's trained eyes, with his neatly manicured mustache pointing at a right angle to his frowning mouth.

OOC: Nic has an opportunity to see a bit more with a yellow result on your intuition if you like.

******

OOC: To All who are on the train. Please tell me where you want to be at. Most of the trip could be spent within your compartments on the number 18 car(yours), it is first class accommodations and very nicely split into four compartments, but not as lavish as you might expect. The time period is the golden age of rail, but ultimately not that comfortable, you're just treated well compared to the rabble.

The first and last four cars look to be reserved for cargo and boxcars respectively. The other 17 are a mix of classes with the central portion seemingly reserved for coach and second class passengers while the forward and rear reserved for first class. A quick assessment would reveal several cars related to dining and an observation car.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:32, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

"There you are!" Sil arrived, breathless, at the observatory car. The contrast of her too-rosy cheeks to her general paleness showed her recovery was a work in progress. Wiping her brow with a handkerchief, she sat down across from Mrs. S, and she rested her gloved hands on the lap of a cerulean travel skirt, the kind with a neat column of buttons.

"They were very bossy at the Hotel-Dieu. When my fever broke, it was everything I could do to make it out. They called it a miracle that I was up and walking. I was sure I would miss the train."

Her English remained lamentably American. English was a chore with all its consonants and painful glottal stops. She had dreamed through her fever in (broken) Atlantian.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

Ms. S sat with her eyes closed, focusing on her sonar, letting it reach out through the train to find anything unusual. When Sil sat across from her she did not open her eyes but did speak softly. "I am sure you will be fine. Some people are just heartier than others." With her umbrella laid across her lap and hands folded, she hardly moved. She was so still she might have been taken for a mannequin had it not been for the slightly perceptible rise and fall of her chest with her breathing.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:32, Mon 18 Jan 2021.

Sil watched Mrs. S for a couple more minutes. She had no desire to interfere with someone who was concentrating. She watched a pair of unruly children, followed a harried matron, burst in, then leave, as if impatient to confirm there was nothing to see at this hour.

Given her claustrophobia, she felt uncomfortable in the inner cars, but at last she felt well enough and secure enough in Mrs. S's safety to rise and move to the dining car.

--> Dining Car

Intro post

As it happened, Rose was just arriving at the first-class dining car herself. She'd left her parasol and coat in her private compartment, leaving her in an expensive, well-tailored green dress with an unusual range of motion for its style. Unlike some of the other passengers, she'd had a pleasantly uneventful trip. The only hitch to it was that she didn't have much time to disembark and play tourist at each stop, with the train doggedly making its way toward Siberia. Still, despite the sights and the culture she left behind in each city and country, she had a feeling she would enjoy herself the most at her destination.

She'd been enjoying the view out the window of her compartment between periods of catching up on her reading, but it wasn't like she had a reason to miss a nice meal. Once she arrived at the dining, it was unsurprising that she was shown to an empty table. She had letters from family doctors affirming her good health and ability to travel, but her appearance hinted just enough at serious illness to keep people at a distance. She was used to it, and didn't let it affect her mood as she looked over the day's menu.

Intro Post Dining Car

Freddy sat alone, it had almost become custom since starting out on this trip.  It wasn't that he didn't welcome company, but many people were intimidated by the sheer size of him.  Given more credence as he carried himself as someone who knew how to take care of themselves.

In front of him laid meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a good glass of wine to wash them down with.  He watched the people around, almost as if he were looking for someone to talk to.

Intro Post Dining Car

Davin paused right outside the door to the dining car and took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly as he simply......reached out for a moment. Then his eyes snapped open and he entered the car, taking off his hat as he did so, he scanned the room with his eyes. Speaking softly to the waiter, he moved down the dining car and came to a stop a few feet away from the table that Rose sat at. Ms., I was wondering if I might sit with you for diner?" Davin holds his hat against his chest and bows slightly as he speaks.

Phoenix sits quietly in the dining car, a awaiting the others, a half-eaten meal and a cold cup of tea sitting with him as he reads copies of newspapers from New York, London, and Washington DC.  He had spent several hours at the British consulate, debriefing with an attache from the Bureau, regarding the events upon the Nuestria, the submarine following them, and at the warehouse and the present Latvian search for occult artifacts.
As Sil and Ms S arrive, he waves them over.
His eyes scan over Rose and Shark for what seems like the twentieth or thirtieth time, and the newly entered Davin Mandic, as he reaches for his long untouched tea.  His hand seems to grow a bit flushed, appearing almost sunburnt for a few moments.  Then, water vapor (not steam, because steam is actually invisible) can be seen to waft up from the now hot beverage before he takes a sip.  Have either of you ladies seen that new fella, Nick, yet today?  He has traded his normal New York accent for the Irish brogue of Lord James Darby, his cover identity, as he stands when they approach.  He moves to assist each with her chair, acting the part of a properly mannered member of a noble family with little chance if inheriting the family title.

Though Rose's eyes were hidden behind smoked-glass lenses, it was still clear from the turn of her head that she looked up at Davin when he addressed her. When he finished, she gave him a sociable smile. "Of course, company would be welcome. Please, have a seat." Company was also kind of mandatory, the dining car being what it was, but even apart from that Rose was interested in meeting strangers in the course of her trip. It wasn't something she usually got to do very often.

Since the train was in motion, and so were the dining staff, she waited until he was seated and out of the way before speaking again. Taking note of his goggles, she said "Do you perhaps have especially sensitive eyes as well? Ah, but I should introduce first - I'm Rose, Rose Blankenship." She offered him a gloved hand. In a more formal situation she would need to curtsy and all that instead, but while she'd been raised to know how to do such things, she didn't really want to go through a whole vacation standing on ceremony. Otherwise she probably would have needed a chaperone on top of her other preparations.

Seating himself at her invitation, Davin took her hand and leaned forward to take her hand gently and then brushed his lips against her covered knuckles. The gesture seemed automatic and natural - a habit long ingrained. Releasing her hand he straightened, "Davin, Davin Mandic. It is a pleasure to make your acquittance." Davin reached up to touch the mesh sides of his glasses. Lowering his hand he smiles, "I was born with eyes that seem to disturb others. My mother told me that I inherited my father's eyes." Davin reaches up and takes off his glasses - revealing his eyes. Black sclera and silver irises that were the more vivid for the blackness surrounding them. "They do not seem to be any more sensitive then others, but still I have found it easier to simply wear glasses and avoid questions." Davin studies her eyes behind the glasses she wore for a few moments before he put his own back on. "Are you going to St. Petersburg? Or perhaps beyond?"

Rose hadn't been sure whether the man would shake her hand or kiss it, but the kiss - and his obvious ease with it - suggested a proper upbringing on his side as well. "The pleasure is all mine," she said with a smile. She was at once surprised, and clearly intrigued, when Davin showed her his eyes. She clearly focused on them until his goggles were back on, making for a pretty direct meeting of their gazes, then said "How very interesting! I can see where they would prompt questions, but I'll spare you that. My own eyes are unusual as well, actually, though it's not something I generally show either." She tapped the side frame of her glasses, but didn't actually go to remove them. "They're red, you see... part of my condition. Which isn't contagious, I assure you," she added with a smile. "But people don't always take my word for it, so I keep the glasses on in public settings." It was unusual for her to even discuss them, but how often did she run into other people with such a similar issue? It only seemed fair to at least admit to sharing it, even if she didn't think it wise to reveal them in a dining car.

She settled slightly back in her seat. "I'll be going beyond, to vacation in Irkutsk. It's known as 'the Paris of Siberia,' I'm hoping it lives up to the name." Not that Rose would really have a very good basis of comparison, barely having spent more than a stopover there. She had some strange ideas about what constituted a European vacation. "Is St. Petersburg your destination, Mr. Mandic?"

Update! 7am November 11, 1908
 (OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you, there can be multiple spots)



Ms.Sanderson works at closing off her other senses and minimizing what she can’t block out. She steadies her breathing and reaches out with her trained sensitive ears and stretches it to the limit…

 The train’s myriad sounds are mostly a combination of human sounds, whispers, talking, laughing, crying and shouting in various places on the train. The highest level of precision she was capable of was just beyond her grasp in this environment however because of the squealing of metal on metal, the grating sounds of the wheels, engines, carts, doors and the tinkling of glasses, waiter bells, and porcelain cups. The lady continues however and begins to sort out some of the tangle of sounds, picking them at random for their uniqueness.

 The engineer let’s some steam through the whistle to moderate the pressures within the engine boiler, which hurts for a moment, then hears him saying to the conductor in the engine that he, “wants some of that brandy with my breakfast.”

 Phoenix’s voice speaks from two cars further in asking Sil if either of you had seen Nic. Several others in that area seemed to be having polite conversations as well.

 One of the forward sleeping car compartments has someone sneaking through it, rifling through various luggage and personal belongings from the sounds the contents of those bags make, it seems they are in one of those first class cars.

 Another man in first class is laying down to sleep at 7am, the really strange part however is his caged pet is a large squeaky creature, using something very akin to her own senses…Details here are sketchy since the interior is covered in linens and the curtains are drawn. The sounds of the creature however are all too familiar.

 Beyond that, there were several animals across the train. One car appears to be a circus or zoo car, transporting animals, but she digs even deeper into the stream of sounds...

 Finally, she hears the silence of a heartbeat stopping and the deafening sound of a knife sliding free of a body in a lavatory four cars down-train. The attacker is a stubbly heavy set man who brushes his face too often with his long coat sleeves.

*OOC to Ms.Sanderson: If you want to focus on any one thing, just let me know. You can also use your sonar while you are moving, FYI.

The Dining Car: Nic, Rose, Davin, Freddy, Sil and Pheonix:
*You’re all in the same car currently

  The First Class Dining cars are nicely dressed and most have a small serving bar with a chef and one garçon to wait on the people within the car. There are around sixteen tables in each with a small space to eat on for each seat. Almost all the surfaces have a bit of a lip on them in case of sliding glasses and tea cups. Electric lamps are furnished throughout the train but are turned off during the day. Each table has a few amenities including cloth napkins and silverware, switched out in the third class dining for tin utensils. Carts of goodies headed and flanked the car as you entered.

 One of the men sitting in this dining car, looks up when you enter, he looks to be eastern european descent with wire-rimmed spectacles and ate toast and jam with a tiny cup of espresso as he writes in an accounting book as he watched while the garçon seems to be giving a rather rough looking man(Nic) a hard time, explaining that he should be heading back not further forwards into First Class. Around there are only a few other people in the car, an older woman sporting a mink coat and rather fancy hat sat sipping tea looking every bit like Dame Judi Dench, in addition to a gentleman who appeared to be upper stratus Englishman, with his neatly manicured mustache pointing at a right angle to his frowning mouth to accent his thick and high brows. One other man seems out of place, Freddy, a huge tower of a man who keeps glancing around a bit nervously.

Sil had come upon Phoenix as he was reading some of the popular papers. Nic locks eyes with Sil for a moment looking for some desperate help as the waiter was trying to push Nic back into the next car. “Sir, you’ll have to go back if you can’t produce your ticket, as I said, this is First Class.”

Rose and Phoenix reflexively notice one another as well. Both of them notice that the other is using some kind of power to heat or cool their surroundings respectively. It would only be difficult to notice if you didn’t have the ability to see heat.

Davin glanced out the window to see the train begin to pull away from the Paris station and also just in time to see a man in dark glasses and a cossack hat with the flaps down and looking right at him as he came to halt at the edge of the train yard walkway appearing to have missed his train...
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:38, Wed 20 Jan 2021.

Ms.S focused all her attention on the killer, the knife wielder. He is heavy set. What else can she discover?

In reply to Ms. Sanderson (msg # 96):

 The heavy set man, moans a bit as he picks up most of the man's weight catching him before he fell. Some quick insights regarding the accent contained within the sound the man makes as Ms.Sanderson brings up her memories of British Intelligence training and digs deep. This man was from the Balkans, probably around Romania. He had not only a knife in hand but a weird larger piece of metal on his back.

Phoenix's Set



Sil gave Phoenix a smile, then made for the rescue.

"It's quite alright, " she announced, calmly coming alongside the waiter. "He is here at my invitation." Her voice did not leave it up to any question, as she found people took questions as an invitation to argue.

"Nic, " she said, assuming she prevailed upon the gatekeeper, "You better order something at my treat to smooth things over. Is it my imagination or do you look ravenous?" She'd guide him over to Phoenix's table.

Did they have croissants as well as espresso?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Wed 20 Jan 2021.

Seeing, that Nic has, in fact arrived, and been detained, Phoenix stands and joins Sil in inviting him to the table.  Garcon, he says in his light brogue, this gentleman shall be seated at my table for the duration of the trip.  Merci.
He turns to hold out a chair for Sil, playing the gentleman.  Have you seen Ms Sanderson yet?  I have the strangest feeling of deja vu right now, and I'm not sure why.
As he sits back down, he looks at Rose for a moment longer than appropriate.  There seems to be a flash of light, of flame perhaps, in his eyes.  As he sits back down, his gaze turns to his companions.
Things are getting strange.  It's like events are changing, altering from what I remember.  Like I remember bits and pieces of two different versions of events that have happened recently.  He looks at Sil.  I could have sworn just moments ago, I was asking you and Ms Sanderson if either of you had seen Nick.  Suddenly, it is you and Nick I see, and am wondering if either of you had seen the one now missing.
He nod his head at each of the three unusual arrivals, the large man, the gothic man, and the pale womam.  I know those three.  The Bureau had tasked me with attempting to recruit each of them, but I was unable to establish contact with any of them.  Now, here they are.

S got to her feet and walked as quickly as decorum would allow to the dining car, where she had felt and heard the others. It was a short sprint and upon arriving she made her way to Phoenix and Sil. Looking at the new people she nodded, "Pardon, I need these two." Pulling them aside she whispered, "There has been a murder. A Romanian man, heavy set, carrying a strange piece of metal on his back. The vibrations feel wrong for any metal I've contacted before. We must make haste..." She then scurried to catch up to the killer.

Yes, I would like to keep track of the murderer with sonar while the above occurs.

Davin smiled gently at the mention of red eyes, nodding his head slightly as she speaks. The training lurching into motion draws his attention away from Rose for a few moments and he stares out the window a slight frown gathering between his brows before his attention snaps back towards Rose, "St. Petersburg? No, I have much further to travel. My destination is Vladivostok. At least for now. Still, I am on no fixed schedule and am....." Davin trails off and turns to frown at the gathering of people in the middle of the room and the woman who entered and is already leaving the room. Davin leans in closer and whispers, "It seems there are things afoot, Ms. Blankenship. A murder may have been committed."

Rose was distracted at the same time as Davin, though for different reasons. Behind her dark glasses, she moved her eyes to the... something she'd caught, coming from a trim man further down the dining car. What on earth could that mean? Had she been followed? At it was slightly reassuring that she knew who it wasn't. That group sending someone to kill her with heat or fire would be literally sacrilegious, but that didn't mean she was safe by any stretch of the imagination. Someone using something - magic? - to heat the dining car with her in it would be an absurd coincidence, and probably marked the beginning of an attack.

"Vladivostok? My, that is far," Rose said. The words were distracted and automatic as she mentally mapped out a quick withdrawal. It wasn't like she could go far on a moving train, but her compartment would be more private and perhaps more defensible. She was visibly startled out of her thoughts when Davin whispered to her, though. "Wh... What?" she verbally flailed for a second as she suddenly had to manage two urgent trains of thought at once. If the man a few tables down was a threat, then what exactly did that make Davin? She had no idea, so for now she opted to just play along. Her manner was clearly more cautious and guarded as her voice dropped to a whisper as well, and her attention was somewhat divided trying to keep a wary eye on the other man. "A murder? Who's been killed? By whom?"

Davin frowned thoughtfully, "I have no idea. The lady who just came in and left -" He nods in the direction that the mysterious lady had left, " - certainly believes that a murder has been committed." Davin straightens slightly, "I do believe she is on her way to try to capture the killer." Davin turns his head to stare around the dining car at all of the other passengers thoughtfully, "I confess I am not quite sure what to do in this situation, Ms. Blankenship."

Freddy can't keep his eyes off of where the women went.  His interest was drawn mainly because they were new entrants into the car.  He thought about asking to join them, but thought that may be rude.

Instead he decided to order a round of beer for the table and see if that leads to him being invited over.

Damn, Phoenix says in exxasperation.  It seems we canna just stick to one mission at a time.  You realize this is best left to railway security, don't you, now.
He stands, showing the shoulder holstered handgun under his stiff jacket for a moment, and the distinctive lack of a left hand at the end of the sleeve.  He turns to look at Rose, Davin Mandic, and Shark, with a small, but sly, smile.  Any of you know how to speak French or Russian?  Something tells me we may need a translator.  Or, some other skill one of you three may possess.  Come along.

Update! 7:15am November 11, 1908
 (OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Dining Car: Davin, Rose, Freddy, Phoenix, Sil, Nic
  The whirlwind that is Ms.S came and went before most of them could even properly react. However that didn’t stop eyebrows from rising across the first class cafe area. Davin and Rose came to their feet as Davin gained some insight into what was up. The others also gained interest but were less decided about what to do.

 The Waiter was dumbfounded by this upstart of a woman, Sil, and he promptly turned his back as he bit his pouty lip with an actual ‘guffaw’ sound, “well then, I assume you’ll insist on breakfast for him then Miss?”

  At Phoenix’s commanding tone however, the man nods curtly. “Yessir.”

  Nic graciously and subtly takes a seat by Phoenix with a thanks.

(If the take on chauvinism of the turn of the century really turns anyone off, just let me know. It’s not really necessary except for flavoring the decades.)

  The other people in the car are taking interest in the goings on as well.

Ms.Sanderson, on the way:
  The dining cars are full of people eating breakfast and beyond that are the primary few cars related to coach class. They are smelly and messy to be sure, but even more so, they are crowded with people’s things in the center aisle as well as their feet sticking into the way. With some doing you manage to make your way through the crowd.

  Ahead however, you sense the large man exit the lou heading back towards the back cars as he straightens his outfit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:42, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

Davin's ears must have been incredibly sharp to pick up on a conversation at that distance - Rose hadn't heard it at all. Still, she had no reason to doubt him, so long as he didn't show signs of trying to pull her into danger himself. "To capture the killer - herself?" she repeated incredulously. "If she thinks a man has been killed, it seems to me that we should tell the train staff. At the very least, they should know if a woman is making up something so frightful on a train in earshot of others, don't you think?"

The chauvinism bounced off of Sil. She had experienced it often, and no longer found it surprising.

Sil had accepted the seat and was enjoying images of delicious food - she was starving.

"I've felt a change like that before," she confided, ""when traveling between worlds. I will tell you another time."

She whispered these confidences so quietly that only Phoenix could hear them. Thoughts:  Flash of an odd metallic arch among ruins, the sound of a growl - visualized as a stream of dark clouds floating past peripheral vision, trees losing their leaves, rivers damming up, bones everywhere, seasons passing in a swirling vortex, an old rock shaft, an entrance into light, a still and rocky terrain, an old manuscript drawing of the grim reaper.

After Mrs. S arrived:

She stood and joined Phoenix. "I am fluent in Russian. We had better hurry."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:12, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

S did not waist time, the moved quickly through coach, calling out her apologies as she went. She went after the man, and will engage him directly. She will begin with attempting to hook his neck (grapple) and slam him into the wall, using the umbrella as a fulcrum to give her more umph in her attack.

I have so forgotten how to role for this game. HELP!

Davin watched the man and woman head after the woman who had seemed to witness a murder and frowned, "It seems not by herself. All three of them are going to investigate this murder. I have no wish to draw you into any danger, Ms. Blankenship. Yet, I feel the need to accompany them and see what this situation it about. I quite understand if you wish to stay here. Should you choose to do so, I will hopefully return presently and have a good story to tell." Davin rises to his feet and bows slightly to Rose.

OOC: Davin begins to track down Ms. Sanderson and her target. Though Davin doesn't know what the target looks so has to ID him from either her thoughts or his own thinking about the murder.

Nic had been more annoyed than worried by the waiter but hadn't wanted to make a big scene or anything, so was glad of the intervention of his allies. He smiled at Sil and gave a nod to Phoenix. He sidestepped the waiter, resisting the urge to swat the back of the man's head, and said, "Thanks."

Then things got...confusing. And they were then following after Ms. Sanderson who was...following after a murderer? Who had just committed said murder? His eyebrows were very high and his eyes were a little wide as he followed after. He murmured, "Well...to be fair, I have somethings to talk to you all about when we have privacy. This may be related but I don't know."

He shook his head on the language question.

Freddy saw the people are rushing out of the car, and figured they made need some muscle.  He quickly got up and followed the table.

Shark rolled 39 using 1d100 ((39)).
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Mon 25 Jan 2021.

Rose's eyes widened behind her glasses. Davin found out about a possible murder, with a crowd of people taking matters into their own hands, and... decided to just join in? What was this, a dime novel?

"...Right, well," she said slowly after Davin excused himself. She was trying to think through an unexpected and very strange situation, having no practical experience in such things. "I'll just alert the staff then." She doubted that the waitstaff would be very well equipped to deal with such things, so she looked around for a conductor or porter to flag down as she stood up, though if none were apparent than anyone in uniform would do in an emergency like this.

"Probably the better of the two ideas we have had." Davin puts his hat back on and tips it at Rose, "I will return and tell you how this all turns out." Adjusting his glasses, Davin strides out of the dining car, following the strange thoughts of the woman who had seemingly witnessed a murder.

Update! 7:16am November 11, 1908
 (OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Ms.S, Sil, Phoenix, Davin, Luminary, and Freddy

Ms.S raced ahead to try to catch the murderer directly, yet as she used her sonar abilities to keep tabs on the man she was following, he stands between cars outside for a moment as she gets through the car before the murder location, the sounds of the cold winter wind quite helping to inhibit her ability to detect exactly what was transpiring. However as she listened, what she was able to detect was the man beginning to shed weight, clothing and more. He was becoming lean and solid, more proper attire for a gentleman, longer hair and the metal that was in his back had become metal forearm guards beneath his suit coat sleeves.

 He turned as if having sensed her coming and as she opened the door, he came back into the car as well and smiled at her as he took off his hat to set down on the conductor’s stool, then suddenly began taking evasive action, to shift back and forth with each step as be bound towards her, and his knife suddenly spitting out extra metal to become a sword in hand. He’s attempting to get in close for melee action, and you manage to notice his bluish skin as well. Your keen observation of the man gives you some clues that he’s an accomplished fighter himself, and almost certainly trained in assassin’s ways. There are no regular seats in this car, A hallway and some compartments for passengers as the snowy landscape passes by through the large windows on one side of the hall. In Romanian he cursed at her, “Meddlesome, I hate all who stand in my way, but you are not my target. I’ve already dealt with my target. You do not have to die, you can run now and I will let you.”
(OOC: Ms.S go ahead and make your rolls now.)

 A car away, Sil and Phoenix lead the way after Ms.Sanderson and they pass through an observation car and two dining cars, the last one they see Ms.S fairly diving through on the other end of the car. This is coach and it’s incredibly sweaty feeling, and packed with seats of people in various stages of shedding of their overcoats and overshoes, legs and luggage sprawled between the aisles. Slowly but surely the team makes it’s way through the car to see Ms.S about to engage with an attacker.

 Snow is falling steadily and the wind whips between the cars as they cross towards the next car where Ms.S is. Sil easily translates the assassin’s words even through the glass, it’s roots are latin with added cyrillic, so for her, it becomes a snap. Phoenix notices the man’s sword looks like one of those scimitars from the middle east.

 Troublingly, everyone notices that Ms.S will have no room to fight if you all climb into the car with her and she’ll be pushed towards the man.

 Davin hears minds of all kinds as they press forward, some at peace or even asleep, but others full of intent, both bad and good. There were many children in the coach car and tons of people. Ahead he can feel a mind not ready to give up it’s life, three of them. Ms.S, and her attacker, his mind either obfuscated somehow or too dim to sense properly. The third was the man who’d been killed, whose mind was not yet fully ready to be peeled away from it’s body, despite his stopped heart and failed body, in his experience this state could not exist for long.

 Nic sees through the car, to the other side of Ms.S’s car outside and there stands someone with dark glasses and a black overcoat, and a tall hat. When he sees you looking, he turns to enter the other car. As the man turns Nic thinks he sees a silver pin on his lapel depicting a symbolic sun low on the horizon.

 Freddy troublingly notices the Waiter brushing himself off as everyone passes by. He gives Freddy a side-eyed look as the gargantuan passes by the bar, the waiter grabs the tea kettle and tea service tray and smirks at him with the corner of his mouth without quite looking at him. Under his breath he mutters smugly, “do you belong with those guys fella?”

 Rose watches the bunch of them clamber out, looking around she sees three other people eating breakfast, sipping tea and coffee. Reading morning papers is what two are doing, one a proper businessman, another looked to be an heiress dressed in mink. One spectacled man appears to be writing in a ledger book and sipping espresso shots.The waiter finds Rose and offers some tea to warm up her cup as he’s making rounds. A pair of men enter then, and find a seat. One appears to be a draftsman or architect, with a scroll of papers that he begins to roll out before the other who could’ve been a smartly dressed mechanic maybe or a German engineer perhaps. Rose isn’t wholly one hundred percent certain, but she’d heard many European dialects in her schooling. Either way, they appeared to be pouring over some kind of schematic. The waiter comes to take their orders quietly.

OOC: I’d like to have everyone roll me 1d100 + Intuition score. The highest number starts the initiative order. Anyone staying out of the car with the battle is exempt unless you join the fray.

Speaking over the cold, winter wind, Sil translates the man's words for all to hear:

"He says he has no quarrel with her and to get out of his way."

Mrs. S's attention cannot be allowed to waver from the deadly man before her, particularly when the train creates uncertain footing. "This may be her battle to fight." She re-scans the compartment to check for anything that may offer one or the other an advantage.

Davin slows slightly and reaches out to the fading mind, *You have little time left. Your heart has stopped and no one can save you now. If you would seek revenge or justice for our death, now is the time to tell my why you were killed. Quickly now is your last chance.*

OOC: 62 For Intuition Roll.

Stepping out into the cold, heat begins to rise around Phoenix and flames appear around his flesh and beneath his stiff clothing.  He launches himself into the air, aiming to land on the other side of the car occupied by Ms S and the assassin.
The flames then extinguish and he draws his revolver before opening the door.
Would you mind putting down the blade, he requests calmly as he cocks the hammer, before I feel the deep-seated urge to shoot you?
That is not the proper way to introduce yourself to a lady.

21:31, Today: Phoenix rolled 31 using 1d100+16.  Intuition + Initiative.

21:41, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 22 using 1d100.  Slam - Pull Punches.
21:40, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 25 using 1d100.  Grapple.
21:40, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 85 using 1d100+36.  Initiative bonus from Danger Sense


S responded in Romanian. "I will neither move nor be killed today."

Rose was already standing up to find someone when the waiter came by, and she quickly raised a hand to get his attention. "Hold on," she said, her voice soft but urgent. "The man that was just here with me - he said that he overheard the group up there talking about a murder on the train, apparently seriously. They left in that direction, and he went to investigate himself."

Update! 7:17am November 11, 1908
 (OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Ms.S, Sil, Phoenix, Davin, Luminary, and Freddy

 Davin sees the wispy mind clinging only a bit to the dying flesh, like ephemeral cloth or cobweb, swaying in an invisible draft, almost ready to let go. It does respond though, and in the process unlinks a bit more from the body. He’s hiding in the water closet. Voices can be heard but words not made out. The pulsing heartbeat in his ears. A heavy set man breaks into the lou, his massive weight seems even difficult for the man to manage, but he does so. He yells at the man to give him all his effects. He fumbles and gives him all his personal jewelry, cufflinks, necklace, wrist chain; the pocket watch was especially painful for him to give up. He’s deeply afraid and can only think of raising an alarm with security. He’s shocked to see the man put many of them on as he gives them over. He looks carefully into his eyes, looking deeply, the way Davin might if he were looking for something specifically, and he can feel the man searching his mind. The attacker’s probe bumps into his identity--an Italian inventor and member of the Order of the Rosy Cross, his name, Guglielmo Marconi. Heading towards Siberia. Satisfied, the attacker then takes out his bowie knife, a long wicked thing meant for fighting and utility, and begins to slide it into the man’s rib cage to his heart. The man is completely shocked, perhaps even slightly mesmerized and unable to do a thing to help himself. The heavy man raises a beef steak hand to the man’s face and says in a calm and baritone voice in a Romanian dialect that Davin can grasp, “Sleep--now.”

 Even unconscious, the man’s memories continue, subconscious awareness still giving some peripheral notion of what was happening. He was being set up on the lou and leaned to one side to create a sense of some mugging gone bad, something believable but easily lost in the shuffle. The heavier man says as much as he sets the body of this man into position. His voice sounds distorted through the seemingly cotton filled ears of the victim and sends a shiver up your spine.

 Ms.S sees as the man tries to evade the hook of her parasol, just barely before Ms.S snaps it around his neck. The man’s steely eyes narrow cruelly as she slams him into the wall. As he hits the wall, he separates as if he’d been seen in a mirror, an entirely new attacker jumped out towards Phoenix. The first was still hooked around the neck by Ms.S, currently on his knees, looking a bit stunned for the moment, presiding over a dented wooden wall. His hands come up to knock it away, but he seems out of it slowed.  The second one though stands and faces Phoenix, bringing his duplicated sword to guard, eyeing him warily, Phoenix also notes his slightly bluish skin. He leans towards Phoenix and hisses, “fire was my birthright as well soldier, yet my curse to only obey the word of my Master prevents me from allowing you all to see me and live.”

 Nic can see into the next car from his point of view by Sil, but he wasn’t sure what else there was to see. However he could hear something very eerie, a song of a sort. He gets a shiver that isn't related to the cold French Alps climate. The feeling seems to be primarily emanating from within, but he could feel he was channeling the girl again. The sliver again...

 Then Sil unconsciously points to the side door, which could be opened to the outside, normally meant for boarding the train. Perhaps that was the leg up Ms.S might need to get rid of the attacker. Otherwise, the being might be too intelligent to fall for an illusion for more than a moment...However, psychologically speaking, he seemed over confident and perhaps a bit too sure of his ability to take on Ms.Sanderson. Also, the way he looks reminds her of some fairy story she'd once seen literature on...

 Freddy felt a kid of no more than eight tug on his sleeve, and when Freddy looked down the kid yips in surprise and runs back through the crowded coach car. In Freddy’s coat pocket though is a rolled up piece of paper. Unable to do much from here, he reaches into the pocket to grab the rolled up paper. As he unrolls it he sees it’s like an invitation to the twenty fourth car, wherein a couple bouts would take place tonight at 7 o’clock and go on for as long as they are able. You are invited to participate or spectate. Talk to Red when you arrive.

Rose in the Cafe Car
 She had to fairly shake the waiter before he would pay her mind but the smell of his breath gives her some idea of why he was being so mean. Realization suddenly dawned on him, “Oh, Oui!” And he runs to the door. There he grabs a rope attached to a bell and he begins rattling it loudly, “Guards!” The other guests all seemed to be growing alarmed or annoyed as well, everyone stopping what they were doing and giving all their attention to the waiter to see what he was on about.

 Everyone can hear the alarm bells as each porter and wait staff seemed to be spreading alarm. Rose sees figures in the forward car from the Cafe car, making their way back, apparently train security.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:58, Wed 27 Jan 2021.

A tinge of sadness passes through Freddy as he remembers his boxing days.  Days long gone because of his new found abilities.  He vows to look them over though, maybe give some of the boxers tips on how to get better.  Freddy wasn't a champion, but he wasn't a slouch either.

Ms. Sanderson used her umbrella with a deft kind of precision, like a fencer but with flair. She swung the hook around so that it was under the man's chin and used a knee in his back for leverage. She choked him, not giving him an opportunity to recover.

12:49, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 68 using 1d100.  Use prior grapple to choke. Pulling Punches - No Killing.

"The side door!" Sil shouts, raising her hands.

Sil calculates a few variables and throws her aid behind Mrs. S. Glowing light siphons off her fingertips and streaks toward the first assailant! Already disoriented and pressed sorely by Mrs. S, he may be too slow to evade her attack. If she succeeds, he will be handcuffed in manacles made of solid energy itself!



16:52, Today: Sil Silan rolled 86 using 1d100 ((86)). Initiative.
16:45, Today: Sil Silan rolled 95 using 1d100 ((95)). RED FEAT!
Energy Solidification at Excellent Rank.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Wed 27 Jan 2021.

There was so much more to learn, but the man's mind was fading quickly and one thing he had learned was to never be in contact with someone at the last moment. Some doors were meant to be passed through alone. *May the Night embrace you.* With that thought, Davin severed contact with the man. Blinking his eyes, Davin stalled outside of the car where the fight was going on a dim red glow or perhaps just a reflection from some source of light around his fingertips.

Rose had gone on this trip partly to have an adventure, but her intentions didn't stretch so far as to get personally involved in a possible murder and get in the way of the authorities. So she remained in her seat, watched the ensuing bustle of the train security, and waited to see what would happen.

Nic saw that he was going to have trouble helping Ms. S. The car would be too cramped with her, the man she was fighting, and then Phoenix....made a...very splashy entrance to the far side of the car.

Honestly, that's probably what drew his eyes. He saw the flash of silver, the lapel pin. His eyes narrowed. He hesitated a moment. Then he stepped outside of the car and tried to climb up and over the car where the fighting was happening.

Could he have just waited? Possibly. Was it cold as hell outside? Very much so. Was this idiotic? Almost certainly. Did that stop him? No.

1:23, Today: Luminary rolled 48 using 1d100+26.  Initiative (just in case).

Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?  Phoenix responds with the cryptic question as he shrugs his shoulders and pulls the trigger upon the suddenly appearing second swordsman.


03:34, Today: Phoenix rolled 10 using 1d100.  Ex16 Agility + 1CS guns=Rm26.
Well, that roll sucked....

Update! 7:18 am November 11, 1908
 (OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Ms.S, Sil, Phoenix, Davin, Luminary, and Freddy

 Sanderson batted the first attacker’s hand away from her cane hold and rehooked him with the ease of someone who’d been doing this exact move all her life. She put her knee on the back of his neck and pulled the cane towards her, she could hear him make an >urk!< sound. However, as she put action to thought, Sil’s particular gifts spun streams of light into the car, to form bands around his hands, and then were pulled back with a jerk towards one another, binding them tightly together like manacles for as long as she wished. His face quickly spun from annoyance to painful breathless anger. He began to stand up, regaining traction with his footing and quickly coming out of Ms.S’s quick stun. If she had had some goal for dealing with him, it would have to be enacted soon, as she could feel his strength was beyond her own.

 Phoenix’s shot goes wide, just behind Ms.S and he silently curses that he could’ve hurt one of his own teammates. However, this second attacker takes the opportunity to strike Ms.S as he spins around to slice at her. He hits hard but his blade only delivers a superficial cut to her cheek, her body intensely trained and conditioned to withstand strikes of this nature, and so she simply suffers the consequences of getting her head slammed into rather than lopped off. She seems to recover quickly but for the next few seconds, she’s out of it.
(OOC: rolled End Save for Ms.S, suffered a stun from the 2nd attacker’s strike, 1 round.)

 Sil watched as her light manacles worked their magic, and he was bound tightly. One idea that came to mind was that theoretically, she should still be able to control her illusion even after she’d solidified it. Things were getting heated though, and it looked like the tables were about to be turned on Ms.S even though she’d bound the first attacker.

Freddy saw things starting to get heated over the heads of the two remaining young people in front of him, he’s not exactly sure what to do but it looked like the attacker was pretty well muscled, quick, and tough. Phoenix or Ms.S might be in for it in a moment. If this guy was a real cold-blooded killer, he might be more than a match but he didn’t know any of these folks all that well. Behind him, Freddy could also see the train security forces moving through the dining cars two cars away now. They’d probably make it to this spot within the next thirty seconds or so. He’d been in enough underground matches to know that these guys would be just as likely to throw them all off the train as the killer if things didn’t look proper.

 Cutting contact with the escaping astral presence, Davin began to call upon his ancient lineage and he felt the power rise up within him, like heartburn as it hummed at the edges of his perception like a machined precision instrument. He could feel the absence of the minds of the attackers and therefore spots of blankness could be sensed and therefore targetted, he reasoned.

 Nic began climbing up and over the car. The cold wind whipped at him as he watched the outside world around them. Currently, he saw lights from sleepy mountain villages, cliffs, and rocky highlands rolling by as they pierced into the heart of the French Alps. The morning sunlight felt good but that was all that did. As he makes his way back on his hands and knees, he tried his best to keep a good grip on the roofing, but a gust of snow throws off his concentration and he feels himself slip a bit and begin to slide back towards the other side’s train car entry point.
(OOC: Please make me an agility roll on your next turn!)

Rose in the Dining Car
 Rose stands aside as the trainline police rush by. She didn’t wish to tangle with them and really wanted no part in the murder fiasco. She kept to her seat and eyed the reactions of the others in the train car. The Waiter grimaced and told them to follow the sounds of screaming most likely. The train authorities raced off Then, when he thought the focus was off of him, he went back to his teapot and rubbed it slightly, saying something under his breath. The others in the car seemed to be interested but ultimately began to talk amongst themselves. The older woman in the mink coat clapped a hand on her mouth as if aghast at the goings-on. The spectacled middleaged man that had been pouring over his ledger book looked back at the pencil mustached businessman and began to say something conversationally, “I’ve never been on a train where there was violence, is this common?” The mustached man shrugged noncommittally and goes back to reading his paper. The pair of men looking at their schematics paused to follow the authorities with their eyes, watching to see what chaos might ensue like young men often did.
(OOC: Can you roll me an intuition check? 1d100 using your Intuition rank on the table.)

Nic winced at the cold, eyes narrowing down to slits to keep the cold from affecting his sight too much (or freezing his eyeballs). The wind tried to toss him or push him and he let out a growl as he grimaced and scrambled not to lose his purchase...or his forward momentum! This was very dangerous and he felt like he might have to put in extra effort.

Rose was still concerned about the goings-on on the train; the presence of some sort of pyromancer and an alleged murder seemed like far more than a possible coincidence, and she wondered if the train security was up for the job. Still, it seemed like she might be safer in a crowd of witnesses than back in her cabin, so she opted to stick around and keep a careful eye out. Fortunately it didn't look at all out of place, under the circumstances.

She took note of the waiter, and wondered what to make of it. Maybe he secretly kept his booze in there, judging from his breath. It probably wasn't worth worrying much about with everything else going on.

05:58, Today: Rose rolled 44 using 1d100. Intuition. So, with Good Intuition, that would be White?

Davin glancing quickly through the melee and guided more by the absence of thoughts thrusts out his left hand intent on turning the second attacker from a problem to an ornament.

OOC:  Davin Mandic rolled 30. Crystallization EX(20) at Target 2. White Result.

Freddy attempts to push his way towards the killer.  His intentions are to gauge the killer's strength and give himself as a likely target until the train security gets there.

If he makes it there, he'll begin by during a simple bump against the guy, using half strength to see if it knocks him down or not.

Shark rolled 56 using 1d100 ((56))
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Sun 31 Jan 2021.

Sil shuffled out of Shark's way while never letting her gaze leave Mrs. S, who was now in great peril!

This time, she uttered a soft word she'd seen in a book, then fought it into an invisible sonic barrier of force around Mrs. S with a slow rotation of her hands and her whole being was caught up in it. Everything else around her dimmed into a blur, and only Mrs. S was visible to her as she focused her being on making this work. Sweat broke out all over her body.

Yet it sprang into being.

Safe, safe, safe the barrier sang in soft Romanian.

OOC: Energy Solidification at Excellent Rank Body Armor.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Sun 31 Jan 2021.

James reholsters the pistol, even as flames begin to burn across his skin.  He brings up his left arm, fiery hand pointing at the swordsman.  A jet of flame lances out at the sword in an attempt to make it burning hot, and force its holder to let go.

18:17, Today: Phoenix rolled 72 using 1d100.  Ex16 Agility fire generation, Ex16 damage. Yellow Feat.

Update! 7:19 am November 11, 1908

(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Ms.S, Sil, Phoenix, Davin, Luminary, and Freddy

 The second attacker was suitably shocked as he is partially crystallized as well as receiving a ray of fiery plasma at his sword, which begins to heat up to white-hot in a matter of moments. He goes to drop the sword and it shatters into crystalline pieces still attached to his hand, which also shatters. He confusedly looks at his stump of an arm and backs into Sil’s sonic barrier which promptly shatters him as well, but rather than crystal, he shatters into a swathe of sand like a dry sandcastle that has met an ocean wind.

 The first attacker stands and does a jump over his hands to get his hands in front of him and then his own sword jumps into his hands and he goes to strike Ms.S and his sword again shatters across the sonic armor. He looks around just in time to see Freddy check him, and it sends him reeling. He seems to understand that he’s now completely outgunned and outmaneuvered, and so rather than get up, he suddenly drops, his body becoming inanimate sand as well. A swirl of animated sandy grit however that seems to escape the car and heads forward through the adjoining car, past Sil and Davin.

 Shouts of security begin to penetrate the scene as three train authorities begin moving through the next forward car as well. Soon to reach Sil and Davin.

 Rose watches the rearward door anxiously and then sees a cloud of steam or something seem to handily stream into the car but abruptly funneling into that Waiter’s teapot. Something odd tingles at her senses, magic must be at play.

(OOC: Ok, short update but feel free to describe how you want to deal with the authorities! I'll roll based on your ideas to see if they buy it. Is there anything else you'd all like to take from the scene before it's closed off to you?)

"You won't believe this officers, but there were just two people here.  Both turned to sand when confronted, and scooted that way."  to emphasize his statement, Freddy will point the way the sand went.

S was very confused. First she heard a sound that seemed to come from her and echo back to her that she certainly wasn't making. Then the two attackers seemed to vaporize into sand? The first one's sand seemed to move of it's own accord and thus she followed it, hoping that this madness would be explained or at least concluded. As she made her way back into the train the way she had come she went at a normal pace. She knew the train cops were coming her way, her opinion of them on slightly less that that of Bobbies from back home. She will attempt to pass by them without acknowledging them, a very British way to bluff to be certain, but a bluff all the same. Her posture and face said "bored." She hoped it was enough to get her past the goon squade.

Obviously, Sil turns off the sound armor as soon as it's apparent the assailants have fled; but never would she have imagined it would do that to someone. It scares her a little to be capable of something so destructive.

Now that the adrenaline is wearing off, she's also light-headed - it's been only a few hours since her hospital stay.  Unfortunately, Shark and the police are that way. Sil leans against the wall and waits wearily.

Goodness, but this was getting more and more bizarre. More magic, on top of everything else? It was starting to feel like one of those mystery novels in which everyone was out to get the hero. Odd, too, that no one else seemed to notice steam acting on a teapot in a reverse of its usual course. Perhaps the waiter took refuge in the sheer ridiculousness of it - even if she had a mind to, she could hardly call him out without making herself look insane.

It didn't seem safe to just leave things as they were, though, so now that the walkway was clear she stood up and walked over to him. "What an unusual teapot," she said conversationally, as though she'd picked up on its steam-collecting properties only as a minor novelty. "How does it work?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:28, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

Davin the closest to the security turns to face them with a worried frown. "Yes, here! My friend Guglielmo Marconi was supposed to meet me in the dining car, but he was late so I was going to check on him when I met a man wearing his watch! It was very personal to him, so I attempted to find out why this man was wearing it and he attacked me and then ran away. I am very concerned for Mr. Marconi! I think something has happened to him."

Update! 7:20 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Ms.S, Sil, Phoenix, Davin, Luminary, and Freddy

 Nic manages to guide his slide back to the ledge overhang between the cars. Carefully but quickly he climbs down and manages to catch a glimpse of the man he’d seen earlier at the back of the next car, opening the door now, moving at a nonchalant pace. Nic chides himself for not moving quicker, he would lose him if he didn’t act quickly, as he makes ready to move into the next car to pursue however, he can see something out of place on the car’s coupling mechanism. Upon a quick initiated inspection, Nic can tell it’s something with a fuse and a long barrel. He’d have to make a choice to abandon this device if he wanted to go after the man in black smoky glasses.

 ****

Just behind Nic was Pheonix who’d managed to help to take out the murderer, however temporarily. Beyond him was Ms.S who moved to take off after the swirl, unfortunately, she’d be hard-pressed to get past the mass of people quickly crowding between her and the next car in a nonchalant way. Sil is next, with a foot inside the doorway, quickly collecting herself, then Davin who seems ready to say something when Freddy pipes up. To the train authority officer’s credit, he tries his best, “Pardon Sir, I’m not sure I understand you, there appear to be many people here, but you say they fled which way?”

 Davin steps up to explain the man was Guglielmo Marconi, and that he was due to meet him, saw a man wearing his pocket watch, and went to investigate. Behind the two guards, the Conductor adjusts his thin spectacles with a furrowed brow, “Oh no, not Marconi, is he here? What did the man look like? We saw no one walking forward...”

The second train guard raises an eyebrow at Ms.Sanderson as she sought to squeeze by the congregation nearly succeeding in her bluff, “Excuse me miss, it looks like your cheek is bleeding? Do you need assistance?”

****

Rose couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes flicked towards her when she spoke, it made her feel a little uneasy. Apparently, no one else had seen the misty swirl of steam enter the car, either too distracted or, and this seemed more likely, they couldn’t see these things as she could.

The waiter looked a little strange, sweating a bit and his furtive eyes really seemed to be searching for a way out of the car in a way,  his face twists from annoyance to a kind of erratic glee forming in his eyes, “It’s a family heirloom, passed down from my great-grandfather. It brings me such luck, would you like to see how it works? First, it’s gotta be hot...”

Now closer to the man, Rose notices blisters on the man’s fingers that had to be extremely painful.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Nic was a bit torn but only for a second. He slammed the door to the car where Phoenix was, eyes wide with a bit of adrenaline and more than a tinge of fear. He made a sharp pointing gesture with his arm and his index finger down at the coupling right below him. He yelled out, "BOMB!"

Then he turned around and briskly pushed in to the next car - his allies might think he was being a coward or didn't care about any one else's lives. He could correct that later possibly. As a soldier, he had been trained to prioritize. He'd also learned about delegation, though mostly being on the shorted end of that stick. Phoenix was better equipped, he thought, to handle an explosive device than Nic was. He really hoped he made the right choice.

He headed after the man with haste.

S took a handkercheif from her sleeve and dabbed her cheek. "Indeed, an astute observation. You are to be commended. I am on my way to the powder room to handle it, post haste."

Phoenix takes a step back as the swordsman turns into sand and vanishes, followed by the original who wafts away on an imaginary wind.  He stops and takes a step back, the fire fading away quickly before security shows up.  He is prepared to say something to the security agents, but then Nic mentions a bomb.
He moves to the coupling and looks closely at the device indicated.

Davin points further down the train, "He went that way, and I think you should start looking for Mr. Marconi. I am very worri-" Davin turns at the yell. "Excuse me." Davin rushes towards the end of the car and the coupling.

Well this was certainly worrisome. Rose wasn't sure how to approach a situation like this. "There's no need to demonstrate, it looks like it's too hot for me - or you, your hands look injured," she replied. She took a half-step back in case the man intended to throw the contents of the teapot at her, and kept a watchful eye on him. "An explanation will suffice, thank you."

Update! 7:20 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Pursuit: Luminary

 Nic tosses open the door to continue his chase through to the next car. Ahead he sees the man with the smokey goggles close the carriage door to the end of the car, he’d barely missed a beat in his own chase. Beyond the window and between the cars, the man turns to see Nic’s approach almost unconcerned. He does quickly tap some kind of device where a wristwatch might be kept. After he does so, he appears to jump off the train while between the cars…

*****
The Scene of Crime: Freddy, Phoenix, Sil, Davin

 The train authorities quickly follow Davin to Phoenix’s position at Nicholas’ mention of a bomb with brows arching into a crazy adrenaline-filled rise. It was precisely the distraction Ms.Sanderson needed to continue her own pursuit, and she quickly hurries after the swirl of grit. At her top speeds, she’ll be two cars ahead before these train authority clowns can turn around.

 Davin comes across Phoenix while he’s examining something attached to the coupling between the rearward cars and this car. To get a good look at it, Phoenix crouches and finally lays across the walkway to be able to see the device clearly and take in its full destructive potential.

 It appears that the device is creatively attached to the coupling with twine and had two traceable wires that lead to each of the adjacent cars. There is a long tube-like barrel on the device and there appeared to be a small electrical box attached to the fuse that did appear to be attached to dynamite. It appears to be a relatively ingenious design that is designed to focus the blast to the sides of the car and into the coupling mechanism. It would accomplish two tasks at once, in the mountains they were heading into it could start an avalanche, and then destroying the coupling without destroying the cars so much. Phoenix isn’t sure but it looks like it could be burned off but the bundle of dynamite might still destroy the next car if it falls onto the tracks. Then there’s the matter of the wires.

 Davin and Phoenix quickly trace the wires, first goes to the lou, where the body was supposedly detected by Ms.S. The second wire goes into canisters in the next several cars possibly since it looks like the wire continues to run through the car going back down the train. The train officers and conductor are suitably distraught, none offer anything constructive, the conductor furrows his brow seriously and looks at James, “can you do anything about it, or do I need to call ahead to Frankfurt immediately?”

 Meanwhile, Sil and Freddy were off the hook for the moment as the authorities rushed by, freeing them to continue unbound. Ms.Sanderson was chasing the bit of sandy grit that had remained animated forward through the cars, as Nic had continued pursuit…

*****

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson and Rose

 The waiter was sweating profusely and didn’t even seem to notice the blisters remark, he looked a bit panicked or about to have some kind of mental break. Rose watched as he began to roll his cart towards the next forward car, just as Ms.S barged into the car and ready for action huffing. Both of the women saw as the waiter’s eyes almost bulged out when Ms.Sanderson came into the car in her state. Rose could see him sizzle his hand on the side of the teapot and a cloud of steam rose out of the teapot once again.

 Suddenly a figure appears from the steaming mist, behind him coincidentally the door opens and shuts quickly. It’s a neat trick that neither Rose nor Ms.Sanderson falls for but no one else in the car seems to pay the figure’s appearance any mind. He’s a man dressed in a business suit with dark sun-baked skin and black hair, he looked very Arabian if one had to place an origin but he was dressed very western. He nods towards both Rose and Ms.S with a grin, begins to walk nonchalantly towards the closest target, the woman in the mink coat, the lady who appeared to be an heiress. This newly appeared armed man began to pull out a long knife, meanwhile, the waiter rushes out of the car towards the next one forward.

What Rose just witnessed reminded her of something she’d seen mention of when she was being tutored. It looked very much like the spirits called Djinn, a being able to take any shape its master desired and unable to do anything apart from its master’s wishes...

Rose had no idea what this waiter might get up to of his own devices, but she wound up having even bigger concerns when he seemed to summon a Djinn - one that his target couldn't even seem to perceive. But even if she couldn't see him, she could see the waiter, which might help Rose to get the woman to look out for her own survival.

"Madam, run! That waiter is after you!" she shouted, even as she raised her hands to try to conjure a freezing cloud over the djinn in an effort to stop him in his tracks. She sure hoped the new arrival could do something too, but knowing nothing about her, maybe the best she could hope for was not being thrown in jail herself by the end of this trip.

08:20, Today: Rose rolled 84 using 1d100.  Rm Cold Generation on the Djinn. Yellow!

At first, Sil had felt quite unable to move from bracing herself against the wall, but a panicked shout of "BOMB" woke her to action. Looking pale, Sil finally forced herself to assist Davin and Phoenix--perhaps catching them as they (if they) came back to the coupling. "I'm not feeling great, " she admitted, "I'm too shaky to do much work, but perhaps I can be of assistance on some of the mechanics?"

She ignored the panicked officers; that they might all die in the next couple minutes and her lack of energy narrow her focus crisply into neat mental calculations and mechanical theories.

OOC:
11:18, Today: Sil Silan rolled 85 using 1d100.  Reason Roll. (YELLOW FEAT)
EDITED: Fixing errors.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

Davin looks up at the woman and shifts to the side so that she can get a better look. "Do you recognize those symbols?" Davin points towards the canisters that the explosive device is connected too. "I can make the device go inert, but need to know if that is likely to cause anything else it is connected to, to react."

OOC: I hate this dice roller.
Davin Mandic rolled 20 using 1d100.  What could cause it to Trigger.
Davin Mandic rolled 15 using 1d100.  Recognize Symbol on Canisters.

I might be able to burn the detonator off the device on the coupling, Phoenix advises. However, there is a chance that it will go off.

Nic blinked in surprise a few times. "jumpin’ jahosafat!"

Then he hurried forward towards where the man had seemingly disappeared at. Though he tried to keep it to a more 'casual in a hurry' sort of movement rather than something overt. The last thing he needed was another snooty waiter busybody getting in his way.

He went to step outside and see....what could be seen, if anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Sun 07 Feb 2021.

Freddy returns to his chambers to await the time of the boxing match.  He doesn't know if it's frowned upon by the security or not, given the nature of how he received his note, but it would be prudent to stay quiet about it.

He retires with a, "If you'll excuse me, I'd like some time to be alone with my thoughts.  You seem like interesting though, maybe we could get to know each other over breakfast tomorrow?"

There were two of them, one made of sand and the other with...a tea pot? Well he must be British. She spun her umbrella to bring the Eight Inch Ferrules to bear. She made a half hearted attempt at stabbing the sand fellow, but really the follow through kick to the waiter was her main objective. If she could render one of the assailants the other would be easier to handle.

07:59, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 81 using 1d100.  Follow through kick to tea pot man Pull Punches.

07:58, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 1 using 1d100.  Attack sand man full power stab.

07:58, Today: Ms. Sanderson rolled 47 using 1d100+30.  initiative.

Update! 7:22 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

Between Two Cars: Luminary

  The porters in this car seem to take Nicholas’s movements in stride, much less confrontational than the other waiter. He quickly made his way to the exit of the car to follow the man’s jump. From outside he saw they appeared to be over a bridge across a ravine. As he opened the doors he saw something really amazing. He saw something like a bird in the sky, no it was a rocket, with a man attached to it! It had already begun to peel away from the train’s direction of travel. High in the mountains however Nic wondered where he was going. He was certain though, that it wouldn’t be the last time he saw these guys harassing them.

*****
Exiting the Insanity, Entering a new mystery: Freddy

 Freddy decides this is a bit too much for him, and he begins making his way towards his bunk. Moving towards the back of the train he passes the disaster in progress and continues back, shimmying by the contingent that was attempting to diffuse the bomb. A bit further on he comes across Nicholas as he was watching something in the sky. After this, the next few cars on the train were coach cars and beyond that, they were sleeper cars with first-class accommodations. One of which was his. When he opens the door to his chamber, there is one of his old pugilist posters laying on the seat.:

 Probably one of the porters left it there, probably wanting an autograph, but it’s left there along with a nice bottle of red wine the wax seal marking it as an 1847 vintage from Monaco, the tag on it reads, “Please Enjoy Mr.Hansfield, Respectfully, Mr.Husam”. Otherwise, you find your things just as you left them.

(OOC: Let me know if you'd like to kick off a side thread.)
*****
The Scene of Crime: Phoenix, Sil, Davin, Train Guards and the Conductor

 Phoenix seems certain he can burn off the device without it going off, but unsure if he could grab it at the same time. Davin is having some difficulty remembering the Earthly equivalent of the periodic table and thus is unable to deduce the nature of the canisters at the moment and the dangerous potential already had him beginning to break into a sweat as he wonders about the triggers. Though Sil peeks at the set-up and sees the way they were attempting to shape the charge so it wasn’t simply full-on destruction but more controlled to accomplish a task. She also sees the wires, and within a few moments has performed some mental calculus to arrive at what she feels is the logical conclusion.

 Snipping the wire from where the body could be located should prevent the trigger from being activated, however, the need to examine the body in the water-closet seemed prudent to make certain there was in fact a trigger there. Thus far no one has opened the door to the lou though to examine a trigger there or the body of the victim. Then perhaps a coordinated effort could be made to cut both wires leading to the explosive simultaneously and thereby eliminating the triggering mechanism from the equation, even if the trigger was from further down the train. Sil doesn’t think it likely there would be two triggers but one could never be too careful.

*****

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson and Rose

 Both women sprang into action, Rose calls out the elderly woman, and the woman responds in kind but as she tries to flee from her sitting position she falls towards the aisle and sprays the contents of her handbag across the floor. Ms.Sanderson steps lightly between the detritus on the ground and nimbly swipes at the woman’s assailant which keeps him back from carrying out his murderous task just as Rose releases her icy cloud at the attacker. The effect is nearly instant as he seems to freeze in a chilling position entirely on one side and most of the other, that entire corner of the car is suddenly frosted white around him. He waves his unfrozen hand to try to grab onto anything nearby but is there is nothing within reach. His unfrozen eye becomes quickly fixed on Rose's every move...

 A step away Sanderson leaps towards the waiter, just as the door was beginning to close between the cars. She narrowly succeeds in sliding between the opening to land a hard kick against the waiter’s fleeing back. The effect sends him sprawling and he bounces off of the door to the next car. He moves like a clumsy civilian however and so she quickly catches on the waiter’s uniform as he is splayed out, nearly going over the side of the walkway between cars.

 He emits a muffled cry as he almost loses his precious teapot. “Please don’t let me go!”

Ms. S held the man firmly in her grasp. She had no intention of letting him go, but he didn't know that. She stuck the umbrella beside him, "Teapot, NOW. I don't know how long I can just hold you."

Nic looked around quickly and then suddenly stopped as he spied..."is he....FLYING??" He stood there, mouth agape, eyes wide, for a moment, watching where they...FLEW...off to.

He blinked a few times and looked down. The wheels started turning. "flying...outside of a plane..."

He shook his head, shelving the thoughts and ideas for the moment. Then he walked back towards the previous between-cars spot that had the bomb there to see if his help was needed.

Rose didn't want to hurt anyone, mythological beings included. She'd acted in haste to save that woman, but she hoped she wouldn't need a coup de grace. "Please withdraw somewhere safer madam, there are only so many train officers aboard and at least one can't be trusted," she said, before refocusing on the djinn. Her hands were still up, though more as a warning gesture since she didn't literally shoot cold out of them. "As for you sir... I don't know your business or even if you're doing it willingly. I do know that I have the upper hand and don't wish to strike with it, so I would ask you to just calm down for now." She hoped that other stranger was handling things with the teapot, because this didn't seem like the kind of standoff she could just walk away from to investigate elsewhere.

Sil explains with urgency that they must inspect the room of the murder scene at once and why.

"It is an ingenious setup, created by one with great cunning and a knowledge of scientific principles. It shows that the crime was not one of passion but of careful and methodical planning, and the target particularly chosen. I fear we will learn only more and more how clever the killer has been. And yet you cannot barge into the water closet, officers; if there is a tripwire, the safety of the train and its passengers is at stake, " she emphasizes to the train police.  "You must hold back your enthusiasm for catching the culprit and inspect carefully. And Officer... Ivanov, is it?  You have a clear voice. You must help coordinate the exact moment we simultaneously cut the wires."

What I am about to do is going to be dangerous, Phoenix says.  Considering the weather, the dynamite is not likely to be sweating much, but burning off the detonator could still set off the bomb.  I might be able to minimize the blast, however.

Davin darted his hand out and shook his head, "No. I have a better way. It will buy us time." Davin carefully touched the wire that ran from the bomb to the canisters.

OOC: Davin Mandic rolled 72 using 1d100. Yellow Feat Crystallization.

We don't k ow how much time we have, Phoenix says.  The detonator has a plunger set against the coupling.  The bumps we have come across in the tracks so far have been small enough not to set it off, but one of significant force will push the plunger and blow the bomb.  It's likely the strength required to push it is set for a specific point along the tracks, making it a timer of sorts.

Update! 7:21 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson and Rose

 The Djinn is still focused on Rose as she cautioned everyone to keep moving. To Rose’s eye, it did not seem to be in pain or real anger so much as waiting and watching; perhaps it was a murderous creature, or maybe it was simply forced into servitude tossing aside concern for itself in the stead of its master. Every few seconds that passed, however, Rose could detect a pulse of reddish glow from beneath the frozen layers of the creature’s wardrobe and skin, and a bit of steam rise from its nostrils.

 The rest of the car’s occupants were huddled against the door to the observation car next down the train. Few things could disturb such morally upstanding people as these but it seemed that a frozen djinn that was trying to kill was one of them. The two engineers, the accountant, the businessman, and finally the heiress had already grabbed their important possessions or were in the process.

 The waiter in Ms. S’s clutches seemed to be whimpering profusely but eventually hung the teapot on the end of the parasol’s cane hook. None of his former smugness was apparent now at all, and no shame,  “It’s not my fault, they made me do it, all of it. The spirit carried it out...”

*****
The Scene of Crime: Luminary, Phoenix, Sil, Davin, Train Guards, and the Conductor

 The situation near the explosive was equally intense Nic could see. He had noticed the line of two canisters within the cabin attached by wires to the very explosive that the bunch was agonizing over. He arrives just in time to see Davin lightly grab hold of the wireline leading back from the coupling, From the point that Davin touched, red-black crystals flowed from the point of contact. Faster than the eye could follow the wave of red-black crystal engulfed the wire, the canisters, the bomb, and continued onward until everything connected to the bomb was of the same material.


 It seemed that the situation was neutralized, at least for a time from what Davin had mentioned. It did not seem likely that it would move from this spot however and could crack in half at the coupling if the train entered a curve. However, as of now, it seemed better than exploding.

 From the direction of the lou, Officer Ivanov and the conductor called to Sil, “Madamoiselle, the water-closet is filled with a crystal material! What should we do?”

 Officer Rene is attempting to prevent people from entering the car and into a dangerous situation. However, the door to one of the compartments inside the car adjacent to the scene of the murder opens and a man with a bad bout of bedhead emerges to demand what’s going on. The conductor attempts to lead him back into his cubicle.

*****
Entering a new mystery: Freddy
OOC: -Exit to Freddy’s Day, will try to set something up with the next 24 hours.

Phoenix turns to Davin.  Will that casing hold if the bombs go off?  Or will it turn into shrapnel?. He looks back at the encased bomb, then back at Davin.  The woman, in the sunglasses, that you were talking to in the dining car, I could use her help.

Ms. S pulled the waiter to his feet and shoved him back into the dining car. "Tell me how to call the Djinn off." She pushed him into a chair, "And don't get up or else I may decided to test the strength of the glass in these windows...with your face."

Davin stood up after he made sure everything had turned to crystal, The bomb will not go off. The bomb is not encased, it is crystal...for now." Taking out his pocketwatch he shows it to Phoenix, "We have until the long hand reaches the eight before it revert to it's previous form. So, disconnect the bomb from the wires and contain the canisters before they turn back. Do be careful if you crack the crystals when they turn back the object will still be damaged."  Davin's eyes went out of focus as he reached out to Rose.  "It seems Ms. Blankenship has problems of her own. If you would clear this up." Davin nodded towards the bomb and canisters before he began to move at speed back towards the dining room. "I will go and retrieve her."

For now, short of trying to finish off the djinn, there wasn't much Rose could do but continue the standoff. She was hoping it wouldn't come to that, but she had the distinct sense he was trying to break free in his own way despite her warning. If the other woman was gone too long, Rose might have to take some kind of action, but for now she just continued watching and waiting in case she had to make another move.

Nic came hurrying back, arriving at the coupling, his face a mixture of awe and annoyance. He looked down at the bomb...and stopped...blinking several times in very wide-eyed surprise. "Uh..." He frowned. "Uhh..."

He glanced up at Phoenix, "What...happened...to the bomb?" He scratched his chin. "An'...whaddya we do with it now? Is that permanent?"

Sil raised her voice to respond:

"Officer Ivanov, please secure the site for now. I am sending a man who can help you shortly."

Sil bent down and examined the crystals.  "A gentleman turned them into this substance. Fascinating, " she told Nick.  "If I explain how to handle the crystals in the water closet, will you handle them?  Try to figure out why the man was targeted by supernatural forces before the police force you out. It cannot be a coincidence."

After giving Nic instructions on how to disable the bomb on the other end, she focused on cutting the wires on her end.

Update! 7:22 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson, Rose, and Davin

 The waiter says shakily after the waiter recovers from being unceremoniously shoved to the floor of the dining car, he licked his lips cautiously raising his hands in supplication, “I have to call it off with the Teapot...I swear Madam, I won’t do anything with it. He can’t move.”

 The Djinn watched what was transpiring around it, and a low guttural growl seemed to emit from its frozen throat. The fingers on its other hand seemed to be loosening up as well. As Rose watched she could see it trying its best to fight her powers, warming up slowly as she’d noticed before yet now she could feel its warmth beginning to come through the outer shell of frosty ice…

 Just as all this was transpiring Davin knocks on the door to get the crowd to disperse enough for him to get into the car. They do slowly as he seemed purposeful and had seemed to see something of this coming. Meanwhile, the accountant slipped past Davin as he came in, fearing for his life.

*****
The Scene of Crime: Luminary, Phoenix, Sil, Train Guards, and the Conductor

 Phoenix watched as they began to try to cut the wires. Sil took a few test chops and realized the crystalline matrix was much tougher than what the thin wire would suggest but took only a few swings to chop through anyway. No explosion…so far it seemed to have worked. Phoenix realized that if they hit the bump now, the dynamite plunger might just shatter, and then the thing would be diffused for the moment regardless.

 However, Sil’s assessment also seemed the best way to prevent other secondary explosions as well, no signal would generally mean no explosion, so long as the explosives were handled carefully after they reverted to normal matter. Meanwhile, Nic realized Sil was right, there had to be a reason why this man was targeted and they had to find out why. It was too much of a coincidence that they were on a train with supernatural occurrences like this. Of course, Nic had an idea of why the man might’ve been murdered but he didn’t know that for certain. The guards would also take over as soon as they’d begun to finish taking care of the bomb itself or at the very least they’d demand to see some paper credentials, credentials they couldn’t give.

 The guard, God bless his heart, was pretty much eating up what Sil was saying given how out of their depth he was, “yes, ma’am. I’ll keep anyone from meddling. Please, go back in your compartment as the Conductor says, we’ll take care of everything.”

 The Conductor too, helped where he thought he could, though it was very clearly evident how nervous he was and how much trust he was placing in the team. He knocked on each of the four doors after that and began explaining the situation as best he could and to sit tight and gather their bags.

*****
(OOC: Ok, so after we cut the second wire we should be free for a few turns to talk about how to get the bomb off the train and search for some clues to the mystery surrounding this setup and murder. I’m gonna say that the conductor will wait until 7:30 before attempting to lock down the area and seeking your credentials and passports.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:47, Mon 15 Feb 2021.

Phoenix looks over the crystallized bomb.  He reaches out with his flaming right hand and attempts to remove and destroy the detonator.


02:35, Today: Phoenix rolled 76 using 1d100.  Ex16 A +1 CS Law Enforcement:   Destroy detonator. Yellow Feat.

02:28, Today: Phoenix rolled 77 using 1d100.  Gd8 R +1 CS Law Enforcement:  Remove detonator.  Yellow Feat.

S lay the pot beside him, and quickly flipped her umbrella so that the sharp edge was poised under his chin. "Believe me when I say that if you utter any words other than those necessary to call off the creature, I will remove your tongue from below. Understand? Now," The tip pressed beneath his jaw, in the soft place were no bone protected. The point was just poised to break his skin, but had not yet. "If it attacks me, then I am sure I will slip and drive this all the way through your skull. Proceed."

Davin had a frown on his face as he followed the thoughts of those dealing with the bomb even as he walked into the dining car. "Ms. Blankenship, I see you have found the murderer on your own. If we could deal with this situation quickly, we have a developing situation a few cars back." Assessing the situation Davin half raised his hand waiting to see how t his all played out.

OOC: Davin is going to see if either Ms. Sanderson or Ms. Blankenship has it under control. Only if the Djinn looks to be getting out or combative will he wrap the djinn in Dark Crimson energy. Energy Solidification - Davin Mandic rolled 59 using 1d100. Energy shackles around whole forearms.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

Rose had never been in a situation close to this before, but she did know a smidgen of philosophy that might be applicable here, such as the ethics of action against inaction. Would she do nothing and risk everyone's death, or would she act and risk the djinn's instead? What tipped the scale was that she did warn him not to try anything - though she still hoped she could keep from hurting anybody.

"I asked you to stay put," she said quietly, before trying to will the frost back over the aggressive figure. She didn't try to pierce or overwhelm him with that cold, only to reinforce the "cage" he'd already been in and was now breaking out of.

17:39, Today: Rose rolled 17 using 1d100.  Fn Cold Generation on the djinn (but pulling punch). White result.

Sil decides the bomb is being handled and soon. This leaves precious time. Sil turns away from the interior, as she has no convenient skirt pockets to hide her activity. When she turns back around, she is holding a few papers; she hands them to Nic. "One of us must investigate. I have no idea what the police use, but I saw plenty of these in Marseilles! Congratulations on receiving your medical license, doctor. It may help if they question you, but only so far. Try to get out before they get suspicious. I will concentrate on maintaining the illusion until you are back to safety."

Update! 7:23 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson, Rose, and Davin

  Rose watched as she reinforced the frosty outer layers with more crystallized water molecules, and without intending to, her power nearly covers him like a snowman before she can put a stop to it. Everyone in the car could feel the moisture being sucked out of the air. Rose could still detect the Djinn under the new layers, snow-covered though it didn’t seem more stuck than before. She can see his free eye still though and it seems a little less menacing now. Perhaps a bit more resigned to its fate if nothing else.

 Davin watched warily as the Djinn locked its eye with his for a second as it surveyed its surroundings.

 Ms.S however only saw this happening peripherally, her focus remained on the muling waiter. He sneered at her nervously, and slowly put his hand to the seemingly perpetually hot teapot. A sizzling sound could be heard as he spoke to the Djinn in a tone of command, “return to captivity and cease your attack.”

 At that moment, the Djinn shattered into a mixture of sand and steam as it seemed to >POOF!<, much to everyone’s surprise. A little trailer of steam shot back into the teapot and the sand seemed to dissipate as it fell to the ground, which the waiter promptly dropped and it skittered across the floor with a clang.

*****
The Scene of Crime: Luminary, Phoenix, Sil, Train Guards, and the Conductor

 Phoenix reached out after carefully working out where the detonator might be and reached out his flaming hand. There is resistance at first but the crystalline substance that the bomb had been converted into seemed to be completely inert, and non-reactive, as his hand pushed into the transformed thin iron casing and then through the rod and wiring within. It quickly becomes a melted mess, the crystal seemed to flow freely after a few moments of continuously applied pressure as he consciously controlled the heat to rise around his hand. Within a few moments it was only being held to the train by some twine, and Phoenix had to consider how best to grab hold of it before it fell out of its securing loops and knots.

 Meanwhile, Sil supplied illusionary paperwork to Nic as she gave him an idea of what they should do. As they made for the water-closet, the Conductor met them, a blanched look on his face. He stopped them short and they proffered their paperwork, and he seemed to investigate them holding his spectacles at a short distance from his face. He finally nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Carry on then, but let’s be discreet shall we?”

 They opened the door and heard a click, as they bumped into the crystalline matrix of the wire and its attached secondary detonator beneath the man, though if they hadn’t known about the wire ahead of time, it certainly would’ve been difficult to spot. Mr.Marconi was propped up on the toilet, fully clothed of course, and actually looked quite good for a dead man. His outfit was quite modern and his suit was nicely pressed, but he didn’t seem to have any of the accouterments or jewelry on him. Sil immediately thought of this as a setup for authorities to think it was a mugging gone too far, at first glance, rather than something as intricate and well planned as the bomber would’ve been. Despite all that, it would’ve had to be set-up almost immediately after they left the station. Davin was correct as well, his wallet had some cheques made out to Mr.Marconi and a document of birth and Italian citizenship.
(OOC: Both Sil and Nic can roll for intuition while Phoenix can roll agility to keep a hold on the device or make a grab roll.)

*****
(OOC: Besides the bomb and the murder scene, there is only one other element to this rolling disaster and that’s the canisters. If anyone wants to examine one of those, it’s a yellow reason feat. I'll wrap all this up as soon as we've got as much as we can from the scene.)

Sil examines Mr. Marconi. Yes, it looks like a dead body. Doing what dead bodies do, which is not move. She looks around uneasily. Hopefully Nic will make sense of this.

Intuition - Blue Feat.

S smiled sweetly, "Why thank you, you get to keep your tongue. Use it to tell me whom you are working for, why these targets, and how do I control the Djinn?"

Davin gestures and his signature red-black energy wraps around the teapot and raises it on a pillar to rest near Sanderson, "Quite impressive the both of you." Pulling out his pocketwatch he glances at it to judge the time he has left before his crystals return to their normal state. Clicking it shut, he nods his head. We have a situation in the back that might be helped by Ms. Blankenship's skills. If you are confident that you have everything in hand, Ms.......?"

OOC:
20:51, Today: Davin Mandic rolled 64 using 1d100. Energy Solidification.
20:51, Today: Davin Mandic rolled 88 using 1d100. Reason to Identify Canisters.
Also even as he walks back towards the canister and bombs, Davin will be reading the Waiter's mind.

Oops was Rose's main thought when she accidentally snowed in the djinn instead of actually slowing his escape. Well, this was one of many reasons she tried to avoid doing out of the ordinary under stress, or around witnesses. In fact, she was supposed to be on vacation!

Fortunately - though surprisingly - for her, the woman from before returned with the waiter, and managed to force him to discorporate the djinn entirely. She barely had time to register her startlement before Davin returned, though, apparently in need of her for what she could only assume was some other emergency. "Wha...?" was all she could manage initially, as she looked between Sanderson and the waiter on one side and Davin on the other. What sort of "teams" were even in play in this bizarre situation? She raised her hands slightly in a confused gesture that didn't really convey much, other than perhaps uninvolvement. "What more sorts of situations could I help with? I don't want anyone to get hurt, but I'm just a passenger."

Davin glanced back the way he came, "A few canisters that might need some containment, an explosive device, possibly a dead body that might need to be preserved." As he speaks Davin holds up a finger for each.

Rose gave Davin a long, slow blink, then looked again between him and the woman that had handled the waiter. This was getting more surreal by the moment. "An explosive device? Shouldn't we be moving away from that? And evacuating the train?" Handling a djinn was one thing, albeit a really weird thing, but Rose was no chemical engineer. She supposed she could freeze something like that, but - once again lacking that chemical engineering degree - for all she knew that would just set it off.

Davin nods his head, "We have time. Nothing should happen in the next few minutes, and by the time they explosive is active again we should have it either far enough away from the train or otherwise contained there will be little danger."

Phoenix rolls for grab:

Today: Arbiter, on behalf of Phoenix, rolled 119 using 1d100+40.  Grab the device.

 Phoenix grabs the device just in time as it came unraveled from its loose moorings. The crystalline explosive was heavier slightly than its normal counterpart but he hefted it carefully back to stability.

Nic watched tensely as the now-crystallized bomb was worked on. It was nervous work, for him at least. He was glad it wasn't him having to to do it, honestly. He had steady hands usually but he wasn't sure he would want to test that. Then Phoenix began to...melt it?

He shook his head as he went with Sil and they reached the conductor and the...scene. Nic looked the body over with a keen eye - almost as if he'd done this sort of thing before. He suddenly frowned as he saw something. He reached behind the toilet and gingerly picked something up, which he then turned and held up to be seen - a piece of jewelry. A chain with a simple ornament on it, in the shape of a masonic pyramid with an eye.

He quietly told Sil, "I...may know a few things about what's going on. Possibly. I'm not certain. This is all...so...bizarre." He shook his head. "We should gather together so I don't have to go through it twice."

"Probably better to wait for a debriefing with everyone, " Sil agreed with Nic.  "I need to lie down. Will you grant me your arm on our way back to the observatory?"  She looked around, a studious look. "Once we are away, I can recreate a replica of this scene exactly as I've seen it, and everyone can take a look. It won't be the same as being present, but it'll have to do."

(OOC: Feel free to make assumptions if I've overlooked something.)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Sun 21 Feb 2021.

Nic looked over at Sil as he pocketed the jewelry for the moment. He opened his mouth to ask a question, a light frown touching his face, but then thought better of it. He gave the tiniest start to a shrug and then nodded. "Of course."

He offered his arm to her in as gentlemanly a fashion as he could muster.

Rose had no idea how Davin could be so certain, but considering he'd detected one murder already, and there was at least one murderer aboard, presumably he had some kind of justification for what he was saying. Rose, for her part, was mostly overwhelmed. "Right, well... Lead on then sir," she said as she moved toward his doorway, though the words didn't carry much certainty to them.

Update! 7:24 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson, Rose, and Davin

The teapot cleverly rises up to the grabbing height of Ms.Sanderson on a cushion of black energy with flickering red flames with then it rapidly solidified as a pedestal for Ms.S to pluck the teapot from without moving conveniently.

  As Rose and Davin talked, the waiter begins to sob while spilling the tea to Ms.Sanderson. “I was paid a large sum of money to use the Djinn here. They said if I didn’t they would kill my sister’s family. I..uh, they wanted to use some chemical on some of the train passengers, but they also wanted to kill Mr.Marconi,” he continues as tears began to mingle in his trimly waxed mustache, “the man who paid me was from Great Brittain, I haven’t seen him since yesterday in Paris. He never gave a name but his female companion called him Nathaniel. Please you have to believe me, if he thinks I failed he’ll kill my family. He seemed the murderous type.”

 Rose and Davin saw people begin to calm down around them, several filing through the doorways to the adjacent cars. The two engineers carefully picked their way around Ms.S and the waiter, so long as she didn’t look at them. Giving her a wide berth in the process. She was a scary sight to anyone watching, and amazing.

 Davin’s own insights revealed nothing of the waiter’s thoughts that seemed out of line with what he was saying. The man’s thoughts strayed towards a man marked by a red diamond shape on his forehead, not unlike a playing card suit. The man he met with and had given him money did threaten his family, he had dark hair and strange blood-red eyes, the waiter thinks it’s some kind of disease. His companion is named Amanda, she’s pretty. The only image the waiter makes out on this other man’s clothing is the name of a hospital called Ravencroft on his breast pocket.

 The pair begin to move back down the line and meet the guard and several people arguing with him. They seem even more put out because the guard allows Davin and Rose to pass with a nod.

*****
The Scene of Crime: Luminary, Phoenix, Sil, Train Guards, and the Conductor

 Phoenix is careful not to drop the crystal bomb, who knows how it would turn out if it shattered. The metal reacts to Phoenix’s flaming touch as well, manipulatable on some small level beyond just slipping through his hands. He caught it responding when he willed it not to drip onto the surface of the deck. It might’ve been a strange coincidence but it seemed too close to the feeling he had when commanding flame itself. In any event, he now had the bomb, what to do with it?

 Phoenix looks around and sees that he’s alone for the moment. With the Conductor distracted already and busy trying to get help with moving the body out of the water closet, he might not have another opportunity to dispose of the device with no issues.

 Sil and Nic had seen as much as they were likely to, as the Conductor came and asked if it would take much longer, he’s got a lot of guests and obviously can’t keep them in their bunks. It comes out in a torrent as you can each tell he’s feeling exasperated and about to blow a gasket. “What shall I do with the …body?!”

 With that, it appears they are freed to head back to regroup.

*****
(OOC: Besides the bomb and the murder scene, there is only one other element to this rolling disaster and that’s the canisters. If anyone wants to examine one of those, it’s a yellow reason feat.)

"Label the room with a sign that it is closed for cleaning, " Sil suggests to the conductor. "When you arrive at the next stop, work with the station authorities to transfer the body."

She is not sure how to handle his emotions for him; she retreats to rationality.

OOC:  11:18, Today: Sil Silan rolled 76 using 1d100.  Reason roll. (Yellow Feat). For the containers?

Holding the crystalline bomb in his hand, he flings it as far away from the train as he can, hoping for it to land somewhere it can detonate without damage the train, hurting anyone, or causing an avalanche or a landslide.

Davin glances at the waiter and nods his head at Ms. Sanderson, "I am going to escort Ms. Blankenship back, but once the situation is resolved I might have some helpful information for you."

Davin escorts Ms. Blankenship back towards the bomb explaining as he goes, "I was asked to get you, because it seems at least one of the other passengers were aware of your unusual skills. You might wish to inquire about that. Now, while the...device is inert for now, it was also connected to canisters containing a chemical I am unfamiliar with. They are also currently inert, but in a few minutes they will return to their previous state. So, a certain amount of haste is called for. Any help you can offer will I think be greatly appreciated."

Rose nodded to the guard in return as she passed him. It was at least reassuring that if this was all some kind of elaborate, bizarre setup, there were witnesses and more mundane security around. She made as much haste as she reasonably could, under the circumstances. "I suppose I'll need to, that's... concerning," she replied to Davin and his explanation that others knew about her. That settled it, she was going home at the first possible opportunity and vacation be darned. "I'm no engineer, chemical or otherwise, so I hope this person has a very clear idea and instructions as to how I might be able to help."

S nodded at the man who made a pedestal for the pot. Such a flaunting of abilities, he must be connected or some kind of nobleman. Regardless the nod was all he got.

The waitor got her full attention. Marconi? The radio man? That was who was killed? At least she knew why.

A lot about Waitor didnt make sense. "He threatened you and paid you? A bit of overkill yes?"

Update! 7:24 am November 11, 1908
(OOC: Just look for your character to know what applies to you)

The Teapot: Ms.Sanderson and The Waiter

 The waiter blubbered a confused few syllables but says nothing further, he just looks deeply unsettled. He either doesn’t know why he’s been both hired and threatened or knows and won’t say. His heartbeat says he’s about to pop though, he’s probably scared enough to pee his pants. Chances are good that he willingly went along with it for the money but was also threatened if he didn’t complete the assassination. There is an unmistakable feeling of low-level danger from the teapot itself, that is detectable, but it also tingles the fingers and feels only warm to the touch, if she dares to pick it up…

 Though her attention is on the waiter and the teapot to some degree, she notes the shuffling steps of one of the guards and one of the dining car occupants heading this way and likely to burst into the car in the next few moments.

*****
The Observation Car: Luminary and Sil

 Once away from the scene, one of the train guards rushes forward past them with someone from the dining car everyone had been with a few minutes earlier when they’d been eating their morning breakfast. The pair race past and Sil and Nic soon have this view almost to themselves, only three others watched the scenery roll by in the car. They quickly find a small booth seating space mostly out of the way of the customary traffic.

 Nic feels a now familiar vibration as he could hear some of that tinny noise again in his head, once they get into the quiet of the Observation car. It sounded like a faraway voice of a girl. Though he can't quite make out specific words right now. He felt like, if he worked hard enough, he could maybe understand it better...

*****
The Scene of Crime: Phoenix, Rose, Davin, Train Guards, and the Conductor

 Phoenix throws the bomb, as hard as he can, and manages a good distance over the edge of the mountain they were currently tracing around. He didn’t know if it would be enough distance but he hoped it would explode only after the train was further ahead at the very least.

 Just a moment later the pair of Davin and Rose appeared, having been given the ok by the single train guard, as they witnessed the second guard pass them by, rushing towards Ms.Sanderson’s location. The guard was following the accountant Rose had seen earlier in the dining car, and he locked eyes with Davin and Rose before hurrying by apparently noting their presence on the way. They both emerge from the car in most question, however, standing next to Phoenix just after he tosses the crystalized device. A moment later, a sudden and unexpected yet perhaps insubstantial explosion erupts from the hillside downhill. At first, there is an eerie silence, then, snow appeared to be rolling down the mountain peak towards the train in what feels like slow motion but accompanied by a low rumble. It seemed like it might miss the train but inevitably block future trains this way until after it could be dug out...

*****
(OOC: So Davin, and everyone, I usually play pretty close to the rulebook with powers but sometimes it’s interesting when someone has one thing just a little different to give it character. They shouldn’t come into play often and to me should be based on the power itself. Like Phoenix noticing he could have access to controlling molten metals. In this case, I’ve given Davin’s power a variability based on his crystalization result. Anyway, that’s what I was using to determine if the bomb would explode when shattered. Food for thought, if you like or dislike these let me know and we’ll keep playing and maybe explore something else...)

S used her Umbrella's hook to pick up the teapot as she stood. "I hope you've enough to hire a good lawyer. You will need one." She did not even look but did say to the approaching guard, "This is the fellow responsible."

Davin glances out the windows of the train expression slightly absent. A strange wincing sigh escapes him as the explosion happens, but his face becomes calm again almost immediately. As the teapot is picked up the structure holding it dissolves - if Sanderson's timing is correct before the guard even enters the room.

"Now, we have a few moments before the canisters become active again and possibly releases whatever is stored in them. Considering what they were connected to, nothing good in my opinion.

As Davin and Rose arrive, Phoenix turns to open the door back into the car.  He gives them both a smile and extend his right hand for an introductory handshake.  Ah, Ms Rose Blankenship.  It's nice to finally meet you.  I am agent Phoenix, of the Bureau of Investigation.  We are a multinational investigation and intelligence agency that works with national agencies and police departments around the world to capture international fugitives and to detect and quantify unusual occurances.
He nods at Davin.  I was assigned to locate and to try recruit both of you, because of your special... skills, for the very investigation my team is on.  I have to give you credit.  Until our meeting here, you both had been very difficult to locate.
He smiles again.  There are canisters of a dangerous substance located in the lavatory here, and in another location.  If you could please use your talent to neutralize them until we can determine what they are and how to properly dispose of them,that would be greatly appreciated and likely rewarded.  Especially if you choose to assist us with our current investigation.
Suddenly,intense heat begins to emanate from him, though it seems to be somewhat hindered by his rather starched suit and shirt.  Then his face and head catch on fire.  If you will excuse me, it appears I am needed to clear the tracks behind us of snow.
With that, he turns and launches himself into the air, flying back to where the avalanche had covered the tracks.  There he begins to use his jets of flame to melt the snow he had inadvertantly dropped into the path of other trains.
Afterwards, he will fly back to the train to rejoin the others.

Rose had figured she was likely to bump into the heated gentleman again, and kept her guard up when it did indeed come to pass after a brief rush through the train. She wasn't expecting him to be - or at least claim to be - some kind of government agent, but she did cautiously shake his hand. "That seems like quite a coincidence," she said, half observing and half questioning. She would have asked about the canisters next, but instead she exclaimed "Good heavens!" and jumped backwards when the man lit on fire with little warning and flew off.

She looked around slightly wildly as she tried to recollect herself, then gave Davin a confused look. "Mr. Mandic... Not to be contrary, but has anyone here actually said they know what's in these canisters and how it should be dealt with? Some chemicals react to freezing, or thawing - dynamite for example." Judging from the explosion she'd just heard, dynamite didn't seem like it was out of the question.

Sil looks off into the distance long and hard.

Finally, she turns to Nic. "I cannot help but feel like someone playing a puzzle game, and only holding one piece. Someone went to too much trouble with the canisters, leaving a highly dangerous and exotic preparation. The very structure is likely to be a calling card, which suggests a proud and intelligence criminal. To determine more, we will need to stop and do experiments at a proper laboratory, yet this delay may have been their very motive! Surely, there are simpler ways to dispose of a body on a moving train... who then was the target?"

Nic had walked along with Sil, 'escorting' her like a gentleman, at least for a while. His mind had still been on what he knew, what he suspected and what he'd seen. He tried to collect his thoughts for eventually divulging it all to this allies once they gathered together again.

He turned slightly to watch as people raced past and out of the current car they were in. Just as he was about to open his mouth to say something to Sil, he heard...or maybe 'felt'...something, a voice, or maybe it wasn't a voice really. He slowly looked around, his eyes narrow slightly. But it sounded far away and not in the car with them.

After they sat down, he closed his eyes to focus but Sil was talking to him. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "There is a bigger...puzzle, or something, at work, I agree. I'm happy to tell what I know once we are all together again, though it's....fragmented at best, and definitely strange."

He frowned slightly. "Now, I apologize, but I need to...try something and focus." Then he closed his eyes once more and concentrated on the voice, on the feeling, trying to see what it wanted him to know.

(OOC: Those who are ready can meet up in the Wrap-up conversation.)

Update! 7:25 am November 11, 1908

Ms.Sanderson:

 The guard comes in and tips his hat at you, "thank you kindly miss. We'd been somewhat detained at the scene." He quickly takes the waiter into custody. "Perhaps they should start being a bit more selective with the help..."

Phoenix:

 James quickly determines the best way to eliminate the snow-covered tracks and then loses no time to execute the maneuver. He follows the tracks back and is thankful there was no sleet or freezing rain in the forecast.

 Davin and Rose:

 The Conductor comes into the space between the cars scratching his head, "Where'd that fellow go with the stiff coat? Anyway, do you think those canisters are safe to move? I think my man has the murderer upfront."

 It's no joke to the Conductor who seems to be having a very bad day. His whole face is a sheen of sweat and his normally welcoming face is trying very hard to maintain his composure.

Luminary:

 Reaching into the place where the faraway sound in his mind, he tried to pry it loose, to bring it forward. Finally, he was rewarded with the feeling he'd flipped a switch, and locked in on the radio frequency. A young female voice responded, ">>..Hello, who is this?.. Is this you? Nic?..<<"

Sil:

 As Nic seems preoccupied with his meditation for the moment, she doesn't see the harm in taking care of herself for a while now. Things seemed to have settled down and so she could enjoy the scenery and regain some of that constitution if she so chose.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:03, Mon 01 Mar 2021.

Nic strained to keep himself calm, to dampen down any surprise reactions, and keep the state he was in. He didn't want to get startled and break the tenuous connection now that he'd finally established it. Or...opened himself up to it? He wasn't sure what 'it' was still.

He...concentrated and 'thought' at the voice, Uh...hello? This is Nic. He hesitated but then kept going, Who's this?

Sil pulled her legs in and turned on her side, huddled against her seat. Her eyes remained open but unseeing as she lost consciousness and fell into a deep, restorative sleep. She breathed softly, weary beyond seeing the world, and at long last her regenerative powers returned. In sleep, she changed. Her blood vessels grew more efficient, her bones grew denser, her cardiovascular system became heightened, as her body adapted to the recent trauma of a magical curse.

For Sil Silan did not respond as a human would to magic.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Sun 28 Feb 2021.

Update! 7:26 am November 11, 1908
(If you are still trying to figure out what to write, check the previous update. If nothing else is necessary to actually RP out, then hop into the conversation thread. I'll be tallying up karma for this little endeavor after we get everyone into the wrap-up conversation thread.)

 Sil Silan:

 You feel much better after the recent foray with the magical assault and that cursed ship. The extra time for some R & R helps to get you back on your feet feeling rejuvenated. The rest of the morning passes uneventfully.
(OOC: I read you on the expenditure of karma for raising your endurance! Feel free to update your stats accordingly!)

 Nic:

 Nic attempts to reach out with his mind, to cast out his awareness and his words. He's almost ready to give up when he hears what sounds like a muffled cry. >>>...Nic, from the boat? They told me you'd all died...Thought I was going crazy when I could still hear you sometimes...Listen, these people are trying to follow you...and something's happened...it's weird but there's someone else they are trying to fight off...Sorry, I don't know how long I can keep up a charade, I'm Helen, and I'm so sorry to meet like this...so strangely it must seem...<<<

S nodded at the security man, and used her sonar to keep track of him and the waitor. She then went to join her collogues.

"I believe you should not be needed unless something untoward happens, Ms. Blankenship. Better to have you on hand and not be needed then be needed and not be on hand." Davin tenses at the mention of recruitment and actively begins to pay attention to the man's mind - and then trying to use anything he might hear from that to find the others of his 'team'. "I am of little note. A researcher and scientist. I quite understand why you would seek to recruit, Ms. Blankenship though."

Davin had been surprised at the explosion caused by the bomb and so decided to keep a careful watch on the canisters and their unknown contents until he was certain nothing unforeseen was going to happen.

When that was done, he politely asked to look at any of the stolen items of Mr. Marconi that might have been recovered.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

Nic is almost startled out of his meditative state when the voice finally responded, he had almost given up hope that there would be an answer at all. He sometimes wondered about his sanity but tried not to think about it.

He 'thought' back at the voice. You thought YOU were crazy...Wait - the boat? With the statue? He shoved that aside for the moment. Helen who? Who are you? WHERE are you? How are we talking?

By the time he returns to the train, James lands outside the dining car to see the resolution of things from that end, and finds everyone is taking the time to relax or even converse about the events amongst themselves, while Ms S handles things with security and the perpetrator, when he enquires of their whereabouts from a steward.  He decides to find out the particulars from her later, instead choosing to check on the others.
First he stops to check on Sil.  Seeing her strange, almost comatose state, he gently checks for her pulse at her carotid artery, nodding slightly when he finds it, slow but indicating there is still life within her.
Next, he checks on Nic.  He does not get close enough to startle the man, just enough to check that he seems okay.  In his own travels, he had learned a bit about meditation and had used it to help him control his powers.  He then turns to the duo he had left back in car where the body had been left in the lavatory and booby-traps set.
He enters from the end opposite where he had left, and he asks a question.
 Has anyone figured out anything about those canisters yet?

"I think a researcher and scientist could be more useful to international police than an ingenue," Rose said after Davin spoke, half joking and half intentionally disingenuous. "But all right, I'll try to keep an eye on things, to the extent I can." She wasn't sure if she would seem sane pointing out where Phoenix had gone, so she paused to think about it until he thankfully returned anyways. Rose made sure to keep a safe distance from him. "I haven't made any progress with them, at least. No idea what they are."

He gives Rose a small smile.  Fear not, Ms Blankenship.  I have my abilities under control.  I will not burn you, not even by accident.
I was actually pleased to see you aboard, he says.  The reason I asked your assistance was simple.  I am not a scientist, but I did learn in basic chemistry classes in school that extreme cold can slow down, or even stop, some chemical reactions.  Things, like dynamite, react less volatilely when frozen.  I also know that structurse begin to crumble when exposed to rapidly changing temperature conditions
He looks each of them in the eyes.  I am authorized to extend an offer of freelance employment to anyone I seem may be useful to our investigation.  The pay is quite generous, as well as food, travel, lodgings, medical expenses, etc.
If you agree, I guarantee you will see things you have never seen before.
If not, you can not speak of any of the situations you encountered on this train with anyone.  Ever.  I have not been told what the consequences of any discussions about anything or anyone you have seen on this trip, but I have been told that they are "quite... severe."
He pauses to let them mull what he said over a few moments.  No need to decide right at this moment.  I will be here for lunch, and supper both, or, you may come to our private car, to discuss matters and make your decision known.  But, I have to say, that while our investigation is dangerous in some ways, it will certainly be enlightening.

Update! 7:26 am November 11, 1908
(If you are still trying to figure out what to write, check the previous update. If nothing else is necessary to actually RP out, then hop into the conversation thread. I'll be tallying up karma for this little endeavor after we get everyone into the wrap-up conversation thread.)

Davin, Phoenix & Rose:

 The conductor nods to Davin's request and takes the trio to the front of the train. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter, it will be some hours yet before we get to Berlin."

 He gets to his office and unwraps the stolen effects supposedly taken from the waiter. Among them was a simple pocket watch of brass inscribed with his initials on the inside cover, a foldable pocket knife, a strange-looking ring with an ornate gold design, and a key with a number on it. The conductor also mentions that the key looks like Marconi's room key for this train, he's also insistent about keeping the canisters until they can be turned over to authorities in Berlin.
(OOC: If anyone wants to try to take any items into custody, you'll have to give me a popularity check of green or better(+1cs modifier: he likes you guys). Debate the finer points of investigation(Reason check at -1cs mod.: he doesn't like being grilled) If you want to pocket one item without being seen at the appropriate moment, agility check.)

Nic:

 Nic hears her reply across the airwaves in the eerie phonographic sound. >>>I'm a person, like you. I'm from Indiana of all places. I was traveling to meet relatives in Irkusk when it happened. I've also got one of those things in my head. That's how we're talking right now. I've learned to use the...the...sliver. I used to think it was shrapnel, it's not. I was out for three weeks after the explosion...came to with...abilities...<<<

"Good to know, thank you," Rose said to Phoenix on the subject of his abilities. "As for my own talents... I'll keep that in mind, but I wouldn't want to do further harm by using them uncertainly, if it can be helped."

His proposal sounded intriguing at first, but as it essentially gave way to a threat, her view of the situation shifted quite a lot. She frowned. "I see," she said. "Then it seems I'll need to talk things over with my lawyer when I return home. I intend to make that trip as soon as possible, so hopefully it won't be a long wait to give a more formal reply. Relatively speaking, at least - over supper is obviously out of the question."

Once they were given at least something of the run of the conductor's office, she looked around before giving the conductor a friendly smile. "Would you mind if I examined that ring? Perhaps I'll recognize the jeweler's mark - one never knows." She actually wondered if she might find some occult touch on it, but either way it seemed like she could find out with a fairly quick once-over.

Davin asks to examine every item in their possession though he pays particular attention to the watch - even going so far to attempt to partially disassemble it to view the workings of the watch. "I think this was what he most wanted to keep. I wonder if it was something of value or simply his attachment to it that made him feel the loss of it so keenly." Davin glances up at the offer of employment. "I can if necessary acquire my own food, travel swifter then most, have little need for lodgings, I would not trust a chirurgeon of this land to treat me for a scraped knee. So, the only lure is to see something that I have not seen before. That might tempt me, at least for a time. We have time enough to discuss it, unless you plan on leaving the train soon."

Ms Blankenship, you seem to have spent a great deal of your life lately avoiding your family, Phoenix says.
The Bureau offers many perks with employment.  Travel to interesting and exotic places.  Meeting new and interesting people.  Investigating anomalous situations.  Why, just the other day, we were involved in fighting strange frog-like men while assisting an Atlantean sorceror stop an ancient and evil artifact from taking over the oceans to destroy the world.  Until then,most of us thought that Atlantis was only a myth.  Amd, then, this happened.  Not a very dull job.
When she asks about the ring, he smiles.  And you even have an expertise that is useful to the situation at hand.
Plus, as we are headed for Siberia, your abilities may prove quite useful.
He turns to Davin.  Ah, useful abilities indeed.  Especially if you are able to extend them to encompass the rest if a team.  We never go on investigations alone.  It is always good to have others who can support and assist you, who bring skills and abilities to the table that you do not possess.

Nic frowned, still with his eyes closed, as he listened deeply. It was...strange, like hearing but not quite, a weird...quality to it as well. His frown deepened. Indiana?? he thought to himself.

He shook the thoughts away and focused once more as her words kept flowing. His blood went ice cold and his face paled. He...wasn't the only one. And...they could...communicate with one another?

"Um. Okay. Yes. The sliver. Are there...others...as well? I...I admit I didn't even think to...try and communicate."

He stopped himself before he said anything about the abilities he had. He didn't know this person. They could be a spy. Or he could be paranoid. He let out a small sigh.

Update! 7:27 am November 11, 1908
(If you are still trying to figure out what to write, check the previous update. If nothing else is necessary to RP out, then hop into the conversation thread. I'll be tallying up karma for this little endeavor after we get everyone into the wrap-up conversation thread.)

Davin, Phoenix & Rose:

 The Conductor humors her and hands the ring to Rose, he’d already heard and seen too many strange things today to say no. This was the sanest thing he could think of doing right now. The Conductor added, “he was riding alone on the trip, he was heading to St.Petersburg, apparently to head further east.”

 Rose’s keen examination of the ring yielded many interesting things. The jewel appeared to be a very tiny rose-colored lightbulb with tiny golden fingers held it in place, and the body of the ring seemed to be tiny coiled gold wire set very finely together, by a rather expert hand it appeared. The design appeared to outline the three points of a triangle and the tiny bulb appeared to be a partially lidded eye in the center. There appeared to be no controls per se, no way to turn it on, nothing stuck out as a knob or switch of any kind. Very interesting nonetheless. There was something about it, apart from the strange mechanism itself, she seemed to feel a tiny power within it, thrumming energy but almost undetectable and definitely magical.

 Davin began to disassemble the watch partially to see what that might uncover and was rewarded with a tiny scrap of paper within the outer casing of the watch. Davin pulled it close to his face so he could read the small English calligraphic writing:
 Isotope 8 could be the answer to our resource issues. - HH  “don’t let the illusion stop you!” PS: I’ll be in St.Petersburg by tomorrow. Meet me at the Hotel Astoria.

(OOC: Offer still stands -- If anyone wants to try to take any items into custody, you'll have to give me a popularity check of green or better(+1cs modifier: he likes you guys). Debate the finer points of investigation(Reason check at -1cs mod.: he doesn't like being grilled) If you want to pocket one item without being seen at the appropriate moment, agility check. )

Nic:

 The voice of Helen sounded tinny and occasionally accompanied by a strange echo, she sounded relieved though to talk to someone. >>>> Nic, I don’t know how many, but there are a few others I’ve communicated with. Not all good guys. The guy that helped me is a German doctor named Arnim Zola, he’s also got one in his head. They have me locked up till they need me. I was in a fancy sub before, but they’ve got me in some kind of blimp now. They’ve been forcing me to keep tabs on your team’s movement. I’m sorry… >sob<...I’m sorry...I haven’t told them anything about you talking to me though...<<<

Rose's smile quickly faded into sadness as Davin spoke about the man's attachment to his watch. Having not seen the man himself, it was easy to forget that these were a dead person's personal effects. That, in turn, gave way to puzzlement when Phoenix spoke about her distance from her family. Was he implying there was something more than physical distance there? "I'm on vacation, Agent Phoenix," she said plainly to him, clearly unsure of how to read his comment.

She thanked the conductor and then began her brief examination, and indeed the ring certainly proved interesting. The lidded eye was one of the most famous symbols in the occult, and even beyond that she could sense a more tangible pulse of magic within it. "This is definitely a significant item, Agent, though I'm not sure yet exactly how," she said to him in an undertone. "Maybe even dangerous to leave unattended."

OOC: It wouldn't really cross Rose's mind to try to take custody of it herself, she figures Phoenix would if anything as the agent here :)

Carefully examining the piece of paper for a moment he folds it back up and then re-examines the watch for a few moments before he nods to himself satisfied and puts the watch back together. "Thank you for letting me examine it. Agent." Davin holds out his hand to carefully hand Phoenix the slip of paper.

He was curious enough to let his mind slip into Phoenix's to see what the other man made of the note.

ay we take the ring as evidence?  My agency is going to want some proof of what happened here, he requests of the conductor. He looks down at the ring to see if he recognizes the symbol.
He then takes the offered piece of paper.  He makes sure it is properly folded before pocketting it without looking   I will check this out when we are under less stress and worry.

19:57, Today: Secret Roll: Phoenix rolled 26 using 1d100.  Gd Reason, +1 CS Detective/Espionage.

19:57, Today: Phoenix rolled 42 using 1d100.  Gd Popularity. 
Neither roll seems to be much help.

Nic frowned a bit more. The words kept flowing from the woman and the more she spoke, the more his brow furrowed and his lips pressed together. The fact there wasn't just one other person with a sliver like him, but were many others was...disturbing. Especially since they could apparently communicate...and spy on each other.

"What?? Damnit!" He paused and grudgingly said, "...thanks for letting me know. Be well."

He restrained a growl and then tried to focus on severing not only the mental communication but trying to see if he could...somehow shield his sliver from others, shroud it.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Update! 7:28 am November 11, 1908


Davin, Phoenix & Rose:

 The Conductor responds with a scrunched face, "no one has shown me any papers regarding any agency yet. So I'm not inclined to give it up to just anybody. You understand, it's improper. I appreciate what you've done to help, but these effects should go to his family and the authorities..."

(OOC: Final option, offer a bribe, however, if you don't make it high enough he'll kick you out, or try to take you into custody. Which won't be pretty!)

######

Nic:

 The voice of Helen began to echo and distort more as he began to clench down on the connection. >>>> Nic, I didn't want to do it, but they threa...<<<

 Nic feels the connection seem to slip away as if it were a flame being snuffed out by suffocation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Now that Rose had recognized the occult symbology involved here, she hated to just see the ring slip from her reach entirely if it might be relevant. "Excuse me, Mr. Conductor," she said politely. "I can definitely understand your concern, in fact I don't much care for handling a murder victim's effects, but knowing jewelry like I do... could you please take a closer look at this ring?" She held it up between the two of them. "It doesn't have a proper jewel as such, but it's so intricate. I'm worried it could be some other kind of item in disguise, maybe even some sort of key to unlock or activate the traps on board. With assassins already on board your train, I'd feel safer with someone keeping it safe on their own person rather than the obvious storage place, here." She gestured around the compartment. "Agent Phoenix seems capable. I could even do it myself, to attract less attention."

It wasn't like she was trying to fast-talk the man, this item being some kind of activator actually seemed to her to be a real possibility. It would just probably operate by magic rather than mechanics.

OOC: Hopefully Rose can make her own separate popularity roll :)
01:25, Today: Rose rolled 79 using 1d100.  Popularity. I'm not sure how rolling it works so I'm not sure as to the result.

As Rose goes into her spiel about the possible uses of the ring, Phoenix retrieves his identification papers, his real ones as opposed to his cover.  Monsieur, I am an Investigator with the multi-national Bureau of Investigation, just passing through on my way to another assignment.  Will that do?

 UPDATE! 7:29 am November 11, 1908

 The conductor looks at Phoenix and Rose with a sly side-look obviously suspecting some foul play, "Let me see, I see you've dotted your i's and crossed your t's. I don't recognize your agency but I suppose it's good enough to markdown for my superiors. A strange worthless ring might go unnoticed anyway, it's just a bit of metal and glass right?"

 After he marks down the info on Jame's paperwork, he mentions the penalties for lying on your paperwork in several countries.

OOC: The conductor lets Rose keep the ring.

Nic was a little shaken. And more than a little angry. And violated. He also felt like a naïve idiot. He hadn't suspected a thing. He would never have dreamed of others with slivers, being able to connect with them. Or using them to spy on them. He pushed down the sick feeling, pushed away the thought wandering how long he'd been spied on, what they had managed to see and hear.

He wanted to punch something or let out a frustrated scream, but took in a deep breath, held it, then let it out slowly. He repeated that, still with his eyes closed, several times. All the while he kept trying to mentally 'layer' the shroud of darkness, of fog, around the sliver, around him.

He would have to be more careful. While he didn't wish any ill upon the Helen person, he didn't know her. He didn't know where she was, who had threatened her and what they would do if she couldn't connect with him anymore. But that wasn't his problem right then. That was a problem for later on.

He went to go find the Ms. S and Phoenix, asking Sil to come along.

He shrugs.  While not well-known outside of international affairs, The Bureau actually works with national and local law enforcement agencies, acting as a liaison between different countries, and conducting investigations into matters that effect multiple nations.  We are kind of like an international police agency.  I am actually undercover on another assignment, and had no knowledge of Mr Marconi's presence here, or the threat against his life.
See what I did there?  Inter(national) Pol(ice).

OOC: Nice!

The conductor shrugs noncommittally, but smiles cheerfully, "You've either put a lot of time into crafting this elaborate forgery and backstory, or you are telling the truth. I'll leave it to my superiors to decide. We'll check in when we reach Berlin this afternoon."

Phoenix chuckles softly.  I assure you that I have not the knack for story telling  of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Charles Dickens, or Edgar Allen Poe.
He holds up his left arm to show the healed but still raw stump where his hand used to be.  I have already suffered loss on this trip, so, believe me when I tell you that my story is  no fabrication.