Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 8
The Tainted Past
The Flaming One
So, France it is then....
The Flaming One
Sara returns to her book, managing to get a call in to a univesity contact to express mail her some documents for her research (no fax, no computers makes research slow....)
Matthew Hammer
<stupid, backwards french kniggits>
The Flaming One
Meanwhile, Dina attempts to pick up a bike in town. The best she can do is to by a used moped from some French twinky, being a small town and all.
The Flaming One
Night comes and goes. A new day dawns on creation. Or something like that.
The Flaming One
Matt: Make me another of those int+linguistics rolls.
The Flaming One
Both: Tell me whachya doin.
Matthew Hammer
Four successes
Sara is concentrating on her book
Dina O'Shire
<i actually wanted dina to do a few things back in town, but if she's back at the site she's gonna go talk to george about william>
Dina O'Shire
<also gonna try and track down sara and corner her into talking>
The Flaming One
What were those things: if they were small, I can tell you teh results (or you could do it in the morning...the town is right there...)
The Flaming One
Sara: Damn girl, you baaddd.... I'll give you the scivvy soon...
Matthew Hammer
<Sara is still avoiding Dina, hiding out as it were>
The Flaming One
Well, unless you found a new place, Sara's room is still in the same place.
Dina O'Shire
<get her autopsy film developed, head into a local bar and pickup some rumors, look for that mystery girl some more, find a church in town and inquire about the abbey, find a historical society or library to do some research, and track down the fortean times office number>
Matthew Hammer
<She was taking her work elsewhere to not be disturbed, remember>
The Flaming One
Dina: 1) Done, will be ready in the morning. 2) What type of rumors (roll a charisma + streetwise roll for me, diff 6), 3) You don't see her anywhere, but unless you're going door to door, that's difficult, 4) I did say small town...., 5) Its in the magazine you got.
The Flaming One
Sara: You anxiously wait the express delivery. Meanwhile, you continue to build your list of names and places to assist in the translation. You think things are coming together quickly, but the ambiquity of translation makes some bits tricky.
Dina O'Shire
<chr+strwise = 1 botch total... crap, the dice are as sick as i am...>
Matthew Hammer
(Ha Ha, I stole your luck.)
Dina O'Shire
<looking for rumours about the dig, the site, and the area in general- plus any sort of 'secret spocieties' operating in the area>
The Flaming One
Dina: As you enter the bar the previous night, you notice that a soccer game is one. Must be a big one. Unfortunately, France just lost. Roll me a general Stamina+Brawl, diff 7.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: please ignore my horrible typing tonight- i am very sick>
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Okay, that's comedy...
Dina O'Shire
<sta+brwl = 1, 8, 1... another fucking botch! i'm this '-' close to just going to bed! ;( >
Dina O'Shire
<ps- that really is comedy!!!>
The Flaming One
Dina: In the ensuing brawl, you manage to break something, you think. Some lout snapped your arm! Take two levels of lethal damage. You'll be in the hospital in the morning.....
Dina O'Shire
<damn it all... okay...>
The Flaming One
Sara: Finally, your package arrives. Its been a quiet day so far; perhaps Dina is otherwise occupied. You quickly find some of the passages you were looking for, and get to work.
The Flaming One
Dina: George visits you in the hospital. He asks if you are fine, and brings you some flowers.
The Flaming One
Sara: Are you recording your translation (besides the notes of names and places?)
Dina O'Shire
<awwww... how sweet!> thank'ee kindly, good friend o' mine! an' aye, i'll be alright... damn froggy bloke 'urt me jus' a bit, 'e did! an' 'ow are things o'er a' tha site a-goin' without little ol' me?
Matthew Hammer
I have copious notes on dialectical variations and the like, but nothing that would comprimise a complete translation
The Flaming One
Dina: George takes a seat. "The sonar work is progressing. He have a general idea on the underground layout now, and think we have found a very large subterranean area that would match a crypt-like structure. We might be digging as soon as tommorow or the next day."
The Flaming One
Sara: Okay. The documents you have allow you to translate a good portion of the text, but not all of it makes sense quite yet. For example, you cannot find the location of this "Nitkowo" place anywhere on the maps you have. Secondly, it appears a good portion of the text is meaningly babble. Like the author was mad at the time.
The Flaming One
Sara: *meaningless* babble.
Matthew Hammer
Who had attracted his ire?
Dina O'Shire
well tha sure sounds good... i 'ope i can be there for tha'! only if ol' kitty-pants 'adn'ta been so penny-pinchin' wit' me supplies, i wouldnae 'ave 'ad ta come ta town in tha first place ta get me autopsy film developed! <looking at george in askance> tha nurses 'ere didnae 'appen ta tell ye when they'd be a-releasin' me did they? damn froggies won't tell me a thing a' all!
Matthew Hammer
Sara's going to keep polishing her translation. Anything jucy?
The Flaming One
Sara: Not angry mad. Insane mad, though there may be elements of that too. Something happened to the author (what it is not clear; some sort of attack?) that started the descent into madness. The bulk of the text seems to contain these rantings. Sanity, or at least, clarity returns slowly as the text progresses.
The Flaming One
George: "I didn't check, Dina. Today, maybe?"
Matthew Hammer
(Poor me, I mean Mateush, I mean Mateusz)
The Flaming One
Sara: There seems to have been another event; the text implies a ritual of some kind, but it doesn't seem to be the phrases usually associated with religious ritual. This seems to have been right before the author left the area.
The Flaming One
Sara: It is difficult to establish the chronology as there are not dates given in narrative.
Matthew Hammer
The actual incantation is included?!?
Dina O'Shire
<blows her bangs up in frustration> aye- i be 'opin' so... buh come ta think on it.. <she looks at george slyly> there be somfing i was a-wantin' ta talk ta ye abou' on tha side anyways... iff'n, tha is, ye donnae mind spillin' tha chant a bit be'ind un o' yer buds backs there, aye?
The Flaming One
Sara: Not what I meant. It describes that a ritual-like event occured, but does not describe the details.
Matthew Hammer
Oh, okay.
The Flaming One
Dina: George raises his eybrows. "What is that, Dina?"
Matthew Hammer
[private]I'll be right back
The Flaming One
Matt's on a brb, so I' waiting for them, sorry....
The Flaming One
occ: Justin, Monika says she loves you (platonically) for the room title. ;)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I do what I can to please.
Dina O'Shire
nah tha' this be doin' anyfing wit' that an' all, buh... <she winks at him> 'ow do ye feel abou' tha' character william, tha un tha was 'elpin' ye an' kitty-pants out wit' tha sonar yesterday?
The Flaming One
George: "William? Okay guy, I guess. He's only a third year student. He doesn't seem very involved, or interested in the field, though. I don' t think he knows what he wants to do you, though."
The Flaming One
George: "Why, Dina?"
Matthew Hammer
[private]I'm back
"Those Klingon food packs were giving me a sour stomach."
Dina O'Shire
<she smiles a bit on 'interested in the field'> aye, well... i 'appened ta come upon 'im tha other day an' 'e seemed rather 'interested' in, uh, ye americans say it 'playing tha field', aye? ye be knowin' wha i mean... william was 'avin' a clandestine meetin' wit' some suspicious 'ussy from tha town nearby 'ere! wha' ye think on tha'!?!
Matthew Hammer
A.) Does this ritual seem to be the cause of the 'twisting' of the valley?
B.) Can I work out events prior too, and leading up to the maddness?
The Flaming One
George wrinkles his forehead. "Well, uh, I don't think there is anything wrong with William, uhm, approaching the locals. This isn't a top secret project, you know."
The Flaming One
Sara: 1) You study those passages closer. Since they seem close together textually, you assume they would be related. The notes discuss some threat, but is vauge on the details (almost purposely so). However, somethis tugs at you. It mentions another book, a Bible of sort, but says it had some sort of importance. If it was in the crypt that was mentioned later, perhaps it could shed more light on the subject.
Matthew Hammer
The crypt where he was buried, or some other crypt?
The Flaming One
Sara: B) The beginning of the text is clearer. It appears the author came to the town as the leader of some sort of monastery. There was some disturbance in the nearby town that the author and the local priest was concerned about. Then the "madness" of the text started. You assume some traumatic event occured over the object of consternation.
The Flaming One
Sara: There was a mention of the tomb and an extra crypt. As you didn't find anything else in the tomb, you assume the crypt.
Dina O'Shire
<frowns a bit> aye, i know it, buh ye've gah'ta see 'ow there be more a-goin' on 'ere than be meetin' tha eye! wha wit' all these creepin' abouts and tabloid stories and tha damned twisted deader... i donnae mind telling ye i've tha beejeezus scared outta me! <she looks pleadingly at george> an' i know i' be seemin' liken ta i'm the'un thass bein' all suspiscious-like, so ye've gah'ta see tha i'm jus' a-tryin' ta clear me own good name 'ere! ken ye 'elp me out 'ere, friend?
Matthew Hammer
Sara will keep working on the early madness parts, in the hopes that there is something buried in the rantings about what happened to him.
The Flaming One
Dina: George seems like he wants to pat you on the hand reasuringly. "I think the break in has been clearly explained by the magazine, Dina. I know it may have startled you, but I don't think anyone blames you, okay? Why don't you get some rest, hmm?"
The Flaming One
Sara: You settle into work...
The Flaming One
Sara: After some time, the French Guide finds you . With him is Dr. Kittemer.
Matthew Hammer
<distractedly>"Um, yes?"
Dina O'Shire
<she smiles at him warmly> aye, aye... thankee again fer yer kindness... seems ta be yer tha only 'un round-abouts that'll e'en be talkin' ta me, much less carin' bout me... <she casts her eyes down and looks sad>
The Flaming One
Kittemer: "Ms. Brin, we have completed the sonar survey of the surrounding area. There appears to be another larger chamber connected to your site, as we suspected. We may started digging tommorrow. Do you want to be there, or notified of what we find later?"
Dina O'Shire
<before george leaves> oh, buh one more thing...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]8:00, o Flaming 1
The Flaming One
Dina: George smiles and gets up a bit awkwardly. "Well, I'll be seeing you."
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Got it. We did start a little late... 15-to a half, I think.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Just giving you the 411
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Flaming 1
The Flaming One
Dina: George stops just before the door. "Yes?"
Matthew Hammer
"I would certainly like to be there when you start, what time are you starting?"
The Flaming One
Kittemer: "We are conducting a few tests, but if they turn out successful, tommorow afternoon, most likely."
Dina O'Shire
<she looks a bit embarrassed, biting her lip, but continues> jus' ta ease me poor nerves, iff'n ye could inquire ta william a bit- 'bout 'is mistress er wha'nah - see wha 'e's gah'ta say about i'? tha girl jus' didnae seem right ta me...
The Flaming One
Dina; George looks a bit confused. "Okay.... I guess I can do that Dina, but it'll seem a little strange..."
Matthew Hammer
"I'd appreciate it if someone could come and get me."
The Flaming One
Kittemer: "Very well. Consider it done."
The Flaming One
....
Dina O'Shire
well, ye certainly don' 'afta, ye know... jus' a favor ta me, is all- nah a biggie er nuthing... jus be keepin' yer ears an'na eyes open is all an' donnae be a-feared o' rattlin' yer bonebox ta me abou' i'... i'd still like ta take some soft marshes out by tha fire wit' ye sometime... <she smiles weakly>
Dina O'Shire
brb
Matthew Hammer
"Thanks"
The Flaming One
Sara: Kittemer nods and leaves.
Matthew Hammer
Ahhh, interleaved signal processing.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: okay i'm back and boy do i feel better!>
The Flaming One
Dina: George smiles weakly and leaves.
Dina O'Shire
<i suppose at this point dina will try to wave down a nurse and find out when she can leave!>
The Flaming One
Dina: After George leaves, a nurse informs you that you can leave.
The Flaming One
Sara: If you area still reading, more power to you.
The Flaming One
What your plan, Dina?
Jamey Minnis
[private]I want to make a quick food run - it a problem if I'm gone for 15 minutes or so? Pizza just wasn't enough.
Dina O'Shire
<dina gathers her belongings and heads out to her new moped, gonna head back to the dig site>
Matthew Hammer
She's working away, and looking forward to what tomorrow's excavation might turn up.
The Flaming One
[private to Jamey Minnis] No, not a problem. If I need you, I'll just kill you off.
Dina O'Shire
<btw, what was wrong with her and were the hospital doctors able to fix any of the wound levels?>
Jamey Minnis
[private]no surprise there. I'll let ya know when I'm back.
The Flaming One
Dina: Done. You pick up the film on the way. The doctors helped a little. YOu now have one bashing and on lethal damage (you you're in pain).
Dina O'Shire
<okay- gonna head back to her tent and work a little life magick to fix herself up>
The Flaming One
Roll, please (diff 6)
Dina O'Shire
<btw, how do foci help with magick? dina always uses her foci... what is the mechanic for them?>
Dina O'Shire
<arete- 3, 6, 9... two successes>
The Flaming One
You still need them in my world. Unless they are unique foci (like Damon's box), their just required tools...
The Flaming One
Dina: You slather a whole lotta blood all over yourself. The warmth is comforting. You feel the wound knitting itself, Soon, you are healed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
barbarian...
Dina O'Shire
hey- that's pagan to you buster!
Penny Gronbeck
hey, at least it's blood... pagans use a lot of different bodily fluids....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
bloody savages.
The Flaming One
K, Dina? Going to do anything else quickly, cuz I'm going to segue otherwise....
Dina O'Shire
<laying back on her cot, relaxing> aye... wha' a freakin' day! now ta check on these photos o' mine...
Dina O'Shire
<was gonna compare the photos she developed to the ones in the paper, but we can do that over email>
The Flaming One
Dina: Photos. Lots of them. Icky blobby thing from dreams you don't want to remember. Your photos are not the same as the ones in the magazine.
Dina O'Shire
<i promise i'll email you this week! i have a lot to send- more journal stuff and some random questions...>
Darkness and Light
The Flaming One
Okay, seque then... We'll do Portland this time.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Excellent.
Penny Gronbeck
ooh, that's us.
Matthew Hammer
"I am become death, destroyer of worlds."
The Flaming One
When did you destroy my world, Matt?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Wanna be Euthanatos...
Matthew Hammer
_Worlds_ not necessarily this one yet . . .
Matthew Hammer
Justin: Whose to say I'm not.
The Flaming One
But I like my little world...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We can smell our own.
Dina O'Shire
[private]awesome... can't wait 'til next week... 'til then, toodle-oo...
The Flaming One
Anyway, Justin was having fun with his butler (who is sick and will not be very active [but I can play him in a pinch] and Ivy was skating home.
Matthew Hammer
When I, and my three mounted brethren, ride once more, thou shall all know me!
The Flaming One
ooc: So when are we going for a ride, Matt?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Note to self... destroy Matt.
Penny Gronbeck
Uh, while we're off topic, next thursday is bad for me.
The Flaming One
And why is that, deary?
Penny Gronbeck
um... lesbian reasons....
The Flaming One
Damn those secrete lesbian meetings!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Got a... hot date!?!
The Flaming One
Why does Jamey always get dumped w/ everyone else....
Matthew Hammer
SEE! DEATH! HAHAHHAAHAHAA
The Flaming One
Ah well, he'll be back...
Penny Gronbeck
Yeah, right.... I got stood up by my ex yesterday.... no, it's something I promised I'd do with a friend before I moved, and there's not a lot of time before I move anymore.
Matthew Hammer
TJ: Why should I ride with you, you are neither Jet, Mike or a Gordita.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Okay, so in Portland, what happens?
The Flaming One
ooc: See, Matt's hallucinating again. Penny: What's good then.
Penny Gronbeck
tues or wed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Dammit!
The Flaming One
Damon: Well, Ivy's skating back. She'll be there any moment now (whenever she shows up...)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will knock. Just in case the uncle is still there.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Coleman's gonna get the door... his job, after all.
The Flaming One
Coleman does his job.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy looks at Coleman, confused.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Is that Ivy, Coleman?"
The Flaming One
Colman nods and makes room for her to come in.
Penny Gronbeck
"Yeah, it's me." Ivy enters, takes off her skates, and digs the roadkill out for Sam.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"How was the comic... what's that?"
Penny Gronbeck
"I think it was a squirrel. And no comics."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ah... um. Yes."
Penny Gronbeck
"I found out where the store is, though."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh... okay. Why no comics? There's something every week you get."
Penny Gronbeck
"Oh yeah, and how they're moving..." she stops, remembering Coleman.
Penny Gronbeck
"Cause I'm broke."
Jamey Minnis
well, then. It seems that our lovely T1 connection still likes to disconnect me...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh. Well then, we'll go later, after we've investigated further."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nods. "I found some stuff out."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Shall we?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nods, getting up to find her shoes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon patiently waits.
Penny Gronbeck
She returns with them, looking a little confused.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Something wrong?
The Flaming One
ooc: How much wraiths would a wraith-chuck chuck if a wraith chuck could chuck wraiths?
Penny Gronbeck
"I didn't leave them there."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Wraithchuck: the Surreal. New from White Wolf.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ah, I expect Coleman straightened up."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nods. "Let's go."
The Flaming One
Coleman nods.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We go...
The Flaming One
Where go you.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Coleman, lock the door on your way out."
Penny Gronbeck
Comics!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I dunno. The next place on the ... comics. Girl has spoken.
The Flaming One
Its a comic store. Called "Bizzaro World." A hole in the wall place.
Penny Gronbeck
Excellent... Ivy browses comics.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon waits while Ivy gets her comics.
The Flaming One
Lots of them. Some of them in cardboard boxes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He tries not to look at the big busted women on comic covers.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy ignores those. She's heading for new releases.
The Flaming One
They're closer to the front.
Penny Gronbeck
TJ: What's the date?
The Flaming One
Its a weds, ... July 5.
Penny Gronbeck
She'll pick up about 3 titles.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pays.
The Flaming One
Done and done.
Penny Gronbeck
She'll check for promotional movie tickets, also.
The Flaming One
Its a hole in the wall, not tickets today.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
...must...fight...evil...
Penny Gronbeck
okay. We'll head out, then.
The Flaming One
Where to, mon ami?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Yes!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
The next place on the list, of course.
Penny Gronbeck
"I already checked there."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Huh? When?"
Penny Gronbeck
"When you were with your uncle. I found out how they're moving the bodies."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh yes," Damon looks down. "Sorry about that. How are they moving them?"
Penny Gronbeck
"In big plastic barrels, they're down in the warehouse part of Portland Health."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Where are they taking them?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Hmm. Did you check out the warehouse?"
Penny Gronbeck
"Yeah, most of it's real medical stuff. Sam got a stethoscope."
Penny Gronbeck
"The barrels were the only thing really out of place."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Hmm. Strange. Was there a cargo manifest?"
Penny Gronbeck
"Wouldn't that have been in the offices? I didn't check there."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"There should be one somewhere. Shall we go back and look?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs. "Sure."
The Flaming One
Its rush hour now. Bus will be a little slower this time.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We call a cab (from a company if necessary) to drop us two blocks away from the warehouse.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy didn't take the bus last time.
The Flaming One
I know, but I was saying it would be slower *this* time than usual.
Penny Gronbeck
okay... I misread you. Sorry.
The Flaming One
You call a cab (some maniac from Canada) and are dropped off. Low industry area, as previously described.
Penny Gronbeck
Wait - it's about 5?
The Flaming One
Yup.
Penny Gronbeck
"We should wait a little, until after people leave."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sure. What do you want to do?"
Penny Gronbeck
"Whatever, just we shouldn't go in when everyone's leaving."
The Flaming One
brb
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We look for a place to sit and chat.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Something bothering you?"
The Flaming One
YOu find a little spot of manicured grass in front of another warehouse.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shakes her head. "I'm fine."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sorry about earlier. The hiding. There will be a time when you won't have to."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy smiles. "It's not a big deal... I was thinking about crawling out the window like Spiderman. How was lunch?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Lousy. All I could think about was you."
Penny Gronbeck
"Poor Squee." Ivy smiles. "I'd rather hide from your family than deal with them."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Me too. And don't call me that."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We wait till six or seven or so...
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will take them back to where she got in before.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon checks things out... what's the Umbra look like?
The Flaming One
As you approach, you notice that the lights are still on.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Interesting.
Penny Gronbeck
Are there cars here?
The Flaming One
There is one care still in the lot.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon tries to remember the plate.
The Flaming One
The umbra appears normal in this area: a wan reflection of the original.
The Flaming One
Damon: YOu think you have it committed for now.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon approaches, but he'd like to be sneaky about it.
The Flaming One
Damon: The car, or the building?
Penny Gronbeck
"Sam? Go through the window again?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
The building.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sebastian, would you please find out what is going on in that office?"
The Flaming One
As you both sneak towars the back, the bird flies into the open window. There is no apparent sign of Sebastian going on his way.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Is he in the box?
The Flaming One
Damon: The box does not have the "warmth" it would, so you assume he's on his way.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I can see him... Medium, remember? :)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy is not sneaking. She is acting normal, and will encourage Damon to act normal also.
The Flaming One
After a moment, there is a banging on the other side of the door.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Fine. Damon acts "normal." He roundly detests it.
Penny Gronbeck
Hey, it's not like she tries to make him wear colors, it's jus
Penny Gronbeck
t that being inconspicuous is good.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy opens the door.
The Flaming One
Sam is there, waiting for you. "Squak."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon loathes that bird...
Penny Gronbeck
"Thanks, Sam." She'll go in.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon follows.
Penny Gronbeck
Oh, like your invisible friend is so comforting....
The Flaming One
Damon: After a moment, you see Sebastian returning.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
At least he's quiet.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon whispers, " what's going on?"
The Flaming One
Sebastion nodes back at the office. "Security guard. He's watching some re-run of Friends."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ah. Ivy, there's a guard upstairs. Can you put him to sleep?"
Penny Gronbeck
TJ: can I?
The Flaming One
From here: Nope. He's not upstairs, its in the front, BTW.
Penny Gronbeck
well then, as long as we're quiet... "Not from here."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will look around for cameras.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Unfortunate. Let's be quiet, then."
Penny Gronbeck
She nods.
The Flaming One
Ivy: YOu don't see any. Perhaps there isn't anything extremely valuable here.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We look about, trying to find the office... lemme guess - where the guard is?
Penny Gronbeck
Who would want to steal medical supplies, right?
The Flaming One
Damon: That's pretty much what you suspected.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Grr... "Can you put him out from this range?" (in other words, line of sight)
The Flaming One
From here, you can't see him. But if you could (and you can justify it in el comic book paradigm), yes.
The Flaming One
The office door is closed, you'd have to sneak in.
Penny Gronbeck
It's a telepathic power, like Xavier has.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
If she had sleep gas...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Xavier can do that.
Penny Gronbeck
Okay, she'll start sneaking.
Penny Gronbeck
I take it this isn't one of those glass-walled type offices?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon stays put.
The Flaming One
Okay, lets to a Dex+Stealth roll diff 7 for the door.
Penny Gronbeck
am I being graceful?
The Flaming One
No, not walled glass. It appears to be separate (a small office area in the front, separated from the larger warehouse in back).
The Flaming One
I wouldn't say you're trying to be, no.
Penny Gronbeck
that's 3, then.
The Flaming One
Testing your weight, you silently open the doorway. There is a small hall. There is one door and a doorway on the other end. From there, you can hear the sound of a TV.
Penny Gronbeck
she'll walk lightly.
The Flaming One
You can see the front room now. YOu suspect it is also the front enterance. A uniformed man is sitting watching a small tube.
Penny Gronbeck
what's the difficulty on making him fall asleep?
The Flaming One
Hmmm... Thats a life 3 affect, but a little tricky. Its diff 6 (coincidental), but I'm going to need 3 successes not to slip up (life 3 is a bludgeon, not a scapel at that level).
Penny Gronbeck
okay, she'll spend willpower on this.
The Flaming One
Roll then.
Penny Gronbeck
10 and 8.
The Flaming One
The other die was not good, I assume?
Penny Gronbeck
5 and 2 on the others.
The Flaming One
Okay. You concentrate, trying to emulate Xavier's trick. After a moment, the guard's eyes start to flutter. In a moment, he is snoring heavily.
Penny Gronbeck
He should get more exercise.... she'll go back and find Damon.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We go into the office... search h
Justin Robinson-Prickett
it. Search it.
The Flaming One
The front office has a current manifest for todays deliveries and a few other records. Nothing from the morgue today.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Hmm... Go through the other records.
The Flaming One
Some records for the past few days. There was a drop off of some barrels on Monday. The source is listed, but is some sort of numerical code.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Is there a computer present?
The Flaming One
Yes. Its on the same desk as the TV>
Justin Robinson-Prickett
IS somebody logged in?
The Flaming One
It seems so.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, I'm gonna try to search for this number.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And it seems to me that computers are just a collection of patterns, right? So I'll work backwards from there (Entropy 2)
The Flaming One
Hmmm... A beginner's luck like effect? No computer, eh?
Penny Gronbeck
Are other deliveries coded?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
More or less, yeah.
The Flaming One
Most of them are.
The Flaming One
Do it justin.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Diff?
The Flaming One
Oh, banging on the keyboard is coincidental, so 5, before foci modifiers.
Penny Gronbeck
How many of the other codes match the barrel codes?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
4 successes.
The Flaming One
Ivy: The records only go back three days. Monday is the only one with the same code.
Penny Gronbeck
so other stuff isn't going to the same places as the barrels?
The Flaming One
Damon concentrates on the screen while fiddling with the screen. After a moment, his fingers, almost moving theselves, type a few things. A list of codes and addressess pop's up.
The Flaming One
Ivy: That seems correct.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Are these addresses familiar?
The Flaming One
The address for your code is another warehouse. This one belongs to Technogenesis.
Jamey Minnis
BRB
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Those bastards... should have known the cases were connected.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon takes a piece of paper and writes down the address. And the plate from outside.
Penny Gronbeck
they pretty much had to be....
The Flaming One
Done.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ready to go?"
Jamey Minnis
right...
Penny Gronbeck
"Yeah. Can we eat? I haven't today."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Unless you want to eat the guard, that'll have to wait."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We go. And eat. Not the guard.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pays.
The Flaming One
Okay. Done and done.
Matthew Hammer
I gotta head to bed. Good night all. Happy gaming.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
g'night!
Penny Gronbeck
Night Matt.
The Flaming One
Night Matt. See you later!
Jamey Minnis
g'night!
The Flaming One
By Jamey! ;)
Jamey Minnis
Hey!
Jamey Minnis
I'm still here!
The Flaming One
Just wait, you'll go....
Jamey Minnis
or was that because we are seguing? ; >
The Flaming One
Not quite yet, but soon... but Matt will probably take somone w/ him....
The Flaming One
Bam.
The Flaming One
Like clockwork.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That was kinda funny.
Penny Gronbeck
Maybe if you hadn't said bye to Jamey....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He just ICQed me.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
So me and Ivy are on our way to eat...
The Flaming One
We'll wait...
Penny Gronbeck
not the guard.
The Flaming One
Anyway, you eat.
The Flaming One
What next, or anything special at dinner?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And we go to check out the Technogenesis warehouse.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will eat a lot of vegetables, and no meat.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon watches Ivy eat... makes sure to order something she'll have to suck on.
Jamey Minnis
hey!
Jamey Minnis
this is getting inconvenient...
The Flaming One
Jamey! ;)
Penny Gronbeck
Maybe he should have clams....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
This is oh so wrong.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He has clams.
Jamey Minnis
I have clams?
The Flaming One
Okay, enough innuendo...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, there's NEVER enough.
Jamey Minnis
If there were those sorts of clams around right now, I wouldn't be online... ; > (much as I love you, TJ!)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Anyway, the warehouse.
The Flaming One
Kay.... the warehouse.
The Flaming One
The warehouse is in another light industry area of town, but this one is a little more run down. The buildings look more secure as well for th at reason.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, we're gonna case the joint.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon ponders taking up smoking.
Penny Gronbeck
We're going to act normal.
The Flaming One
The address is a boxy warehouse of a few floors. Lights are on. There is barbed wiring all around the front gate, which is closed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Locked?
The Flaming One
There are a few homeless folks down the street, but no one else.
The Flaming One
The gate is locked. Appears to be electrically activiated.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Any visible security personnel?
The Flaming One
Not from the front. It is dark, though.
Penny Gronbeck
Can I open the gate without setting off alarms?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Not yet, Ivy..."
The Flaming One
Ivy: Unsure. You don't know how everything is connected.
Penny Gronbeck
"I know, I'm just thinking."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
How many homeless?
The Flaming One
Two.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon approaches them.
The Flaming One
They look at you as you approach. One of them seems almost to be sizing you up.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
When Damon is within speaking distance, he stops.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy smiles at them.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Good evening, indigents. I want to know about that warehouse there."
The Flaming One
They look at you, but not friendly. One of them. "Its a building. You figure it out."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon reaches into his pocket and produces a 20. "Nothing interesting?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shakes her head. "No stories?"
The Flaming One
They look at the bill. The other seems to warm up a little. "Interesting? Like what?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Like trucks. People. What kinds of things go in and out?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy rolls her eyes. "Don't bullshit me. Interesting."
The Flaming One
"Trucks. People. They go in. They go out. Got logos on them. Can't read, so can't tell you what they say."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Can you describe the logos?"
The Flaming One
"Yeah. One of them is some sort of tree with a green circle. The other is some word, probably."
The Flaming One
Green tree is Portland Health.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"When did the green tree truck show up?"
The Flaming One
"We saw it here a few days ago. Monday?" The other nods. Still surly, though.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"How often does that one show up?"
The Flaming One
They think for a moment. "Don't remember too much. Not a lot recently."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Very well." Damon hands the man a 20. "There's another one for you if you watch this building until I return."
The Flaming One
The surly one looks at you cooly, but takes the 20. The other one nods.
Jamey Minnis
uh, hello?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon turns and walks away.
Jamey Minnis
my screen went blank...
The Flaming One
Yeah, Jamey. Everything fine here....
The Flaming One
YOu can see us, right?
Jamey Minnis
it all just appeared after Justin typed.
Jamey Minnis
weird.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will go with him. "You have a plan?"
The Flaming One
Mmmm.. packet delay.
Jamey Minnis
no, because the whole window went white... bizarre.
The Flaming One
Anway, I think we'll segue now, though... any final thoughts, you two?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"One is forming. We'll get the report, then we go in. Let's check Cassandra's other addresses."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That's all for me.
Penny Gronbeck
"The only other one left is the house."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Then that's the next stop,"
The Enemy Within
The Flaming One
Very well then. Back in Eagle Lake... Logan is bleeding, but slowly (very slowly :) recovering. There is a dead... man? ... and a lot of overturned earth.
Jamey Minnis
I was thinking logan is doing a good hamburger imitation, myself.
The Flaming One
Well, My Runs with Pocket Protectors?
Jamey Minnis
I'm examining the dead 'man'
Jamey Minnis
checking his pockets, examinging the body, ...
The Flaming One
It used to have an arm and a neck. Their elsewhere not. There is a set of keys, a box of shells, and a wallet.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Okay, Chief, that's just nasty."
Jamey Minnis
"yes."
The Flaming One
The wallet id's the guy as one Gary Todds. 18. Lives locally, you think.
Jamey Minnis
Demeter was checking the perimiter.
Penny Gronbeck
She still is.
The Flaming One
Demeter doesn't find anything except a boat that wasn't there before.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George needs a drink.
The Flaming One
None nearby.
Penny Gronbeck
She'll come back, examining her nails.
Jamey Minnis
Does runs have a clue of what he is?
Jamey Minnis
other than wyrm infested...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Find anything in your nails?"
The Flaming One
Dead, Jamey. Very dead. Could be a bane-infested human?
Penny Gronbeck
"Funny, George."
Jamey Minnis
lovely.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Yeah, I should get me a talk show..."
Penny Gronbeck
"Just for that I won't tell you about the huge slimy thing slithering up behind you."
Jamey Minnis
Runs motions the werewolves close.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Very funny."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
When her back is turned, he checks.
Jamey Minnis
"This is the smell of the taint. Learn it well."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Smells like old toast to me."
Jamey Minnis
"You did well, George. Your bravery will be remembered."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Yeah, I hide like nobody's business."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"You wanna get outta here?"
Jamey Minnis
"Do you know where his home is?" <pointing to the address on his DL>
The Flaming One
You do. What would be called a suburbia, if this podunk town had one.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George squints at it. "Yeah, I can probably find that. Got a Thomas Guide and everything."
Jamey Minnis
"Excellent. We should go there tonight. Before others do."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Let's load this canucklehead in the back." George motions to Logan.
Jamey Minnis
"There was a trash pile out back?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Uh... yeah. This whole place is a trash pile, Chief."
The Flaming One
....
Jamey Minnis
[private]do I need to cleanse the dead guy to keep him dead or anything like that?
The Flaming One
[private to Jamey Minnis] Dead is usually dead. Could burn it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
...
Penny Gronbeck
..
The Flaming One
.
Jamey Minnis
We should burn the body.
Jamey Minnis
cute. very cute.
Jamey Minnis
there appears to be the occasional lag here.
The Flaming One
(<-*---^--^--^ (Pac man eating a power-power pellet w/ ghosts)
Penny Gronbeck
"So the whole area can smell like that? Okay."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sure. You mean the guy, not Logan, right?"
Jamey Minnis
"Right. We bring Logan with us. He will heal."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Yeah, okay. You gonna summon some fire spirits? 'Cause all my gas jugs are empty."
Jamey Minnis
Runs smiles...
Jamey Minnis
Are there any old palates around here?
The Flaming One
Its an abandoned packing factory, what'dya think?
Jamey Minnis
right. Great. Runs builds / directs the building of a nice pyre out back.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
If only it were an abandoned fire factory.
The Flaming One
Done.
Jamey Minnis
Runs would then like to try to summon a fire spirit to him.
Jamey Minnis
and burn the fuck out of the body.
The Flaming One
Runs chants for a bit. Suddenly, a giant pillar of flame errupts from the pire, eagerly feeding of the corpse. There is a sickening smell of burning flesh...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George goes outside, taking the canuck with him.
Jamey Minnis
We get in the truck and head to the guy's house.
Jamey Minnis
Gary.
The Flaming One
Gary lived in a small, one story house in the not-run-down-but-not-well-off part of town. Lots of other houses built close together. Some of them have broken down boats out front. These houses are not too far from the water.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, then, time for the next crime of the day...
Jamey Minnis
Runs is going to walk right up to the front door.
Jamey Minnis
did Gary have keys with him?
The Flaming One
The house has a small metal fence. Gary did not have keys on him.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George checks under the mat.
Jamey Minnis
Runs tries the door.
The Flaming One
As you open the front gate, you hear a barking from inside the house.
Jamey Minnis
Heh.
Jamey Minnis
a dog.
Jamey Minnis
that was OOC...
The Flaming One
One of the lights comes on from inside the house.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Didn't live alone. Damn."
Jamey Minnis
Runs closes the gate and backs off.
The Flaming One
You see the curtains in the front window part a bit, and a poorly lit head look out. It seems to regard you a moment before disappearing.
Jamey Minnis
"Let's get in the truck and pretend to drive away. Demeter and I will sneak back in.
The Flaming One
That the plan?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sounds good Chief."
Penny Gronbeck
"We will? Uh. Okay."
Jamey Minnis
"Unless you think you can't handle the dog. We'll lay in wait for a while."
Penny Gronbeck
"I can handle the dog."
Jamey Minnis
"Let whoever go back to sleep first."
The Flaming One
You drive off a bit and wait about half an hour.
The Flaming One
Will you return the same way, but walking?
Jamey Minnis
I was planning on sneaking back pretty quickly and finding places to hide near the house to watch what happens.
Jamey Minnis
Then going in to the house when it has been quiet for a while, sneaking over the fence, through the back, whatever...
The Flaming One
Roll me dex+stealth.
Jamey Minnis
6,7,9,9
Jamey Minnis
I'd go to lupus if I thought that it wouldn't attract too much attention here...
The Flaming One
K. The light stays on for a bit. They head looks out again, but only for a moment. The light then goes out again. [Its dark, you don't think anyone will see you]
Jamey Minnis
Great, I want to lay in wait in lupus.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter will wait in lupus also.
The Flaming One
You and Demeter wait for some time. After you think it is clear, you jump the fence and approach. Another Dex+Stealth roll, please.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George has himself a nap.
Jamey Minnis
3,4,7,9,9,0
The Flaming One
You sneak up to the house, seamingly keeping the occupants unawares.
Jamey Minnis
I think I got all of teddy's successes
Jamey Minnis
I'd like to look for a way in - doggy door, open window, ...
The Flaming One
You look around the house. No open windows. No doggy doors. May not be a bad neighborhood, but its not *that* small of a town.
Penny Gronbeck
plus we've been scaring the resident...
Jamey Minnis
you can hope...
Jamey Minnis
Runs is so out of his element...
Penny Gronbeck
well, we haven't been reassuring it.
The Flaming One
You pace.
Jamey Minnis
Runs is going to approach the back door, if there is one.
The Flaming One
There is.
Jamey Minnis
He's going to shift to Crinos.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter will go up to hispo.
The Flaming One
Sure, that's reassuring. Anyway.
Penny Gronbeck
Hey, I never said I was going for reassuring.
Jamey Minnis
He's going to try to open the door.
The Flaming One
Lemma guess: bang, tear, rip? Tha'ts all Crinos is good for.
Jamey Minnis
First, he'd like to try for a scent here...
Jamey Minnis
people, animals, magic, wyrm, you know, the usual.
Jamey Minnis
Then, try to open the door. Preferably breaking the lock, but breaking down the door if necessary.
The Flaming One
You take a big wiff. There is the smell of people all over this place, and of an animal. A dog. YOu don't seem to smell the others.
Jamey Minnis
Hmmm...
Jamey Minnis
Parents' house?
The Flaming One
Crinos isn't for finesse. You'd have to break down the door (plus, you don't see the lock).
Jamey Minnis
Is there a basement?
Penny Gronbeck
where's the dog?
Jamey Minnis
inside, earlier.
The Flaming One
No basement from what you can see.
Jamey Minnis
Is there a place for a boat here?
Jamey Minnis
Or, is there a boat here?
The Flaming One
You could bring one. But there doesn't appear to be one here or recently.
Jamey Minnis
is there a nearby harbor?
Jamey Minnis
or boat launch?
The Flaming One
The lake is not too far off.
Jamey Minnis
or does runs konw?
The Flaming One
Not sure about harbor or launch.
Jamey Minnis
Runs pauses, about to break the door down...
Jamey Minnis
... appearing to suddenly start thinking about something.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will shift back down to lupus.
Jamey Minnis
He will speak softly to Demeter: "I can smell no taint here. I think this is the wrong place."
Penny Gronbeck
also sotto voce: "Then let's go,"
Jamey Minnis
He will slip away, heading toward the lake.
Jamey Minnis
"follow."
Penny Gronbeck
she follows.
The Flaming One
There appears to be a collection of boats here.
The Flaming One
Gack.
Penny Gronbeck
yay!
The Flaming One
Grrr....
Jamey Minnis
yer my hero!
Jamey Minnis
can I go earlier next time so that someone else has these problems? ; >
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Earthlink booted me, m'man. Sorry.
The Flaming One
Hah. Sigh.
The Flaming One
Anyway.... boats.
Jamey Minnis
yep.
Jamey Minnis
the plan was to scout the edge of the lake near here.
The Flaming One
Well, that's what you found. A bunch of boats. Looks like a dock of some sort.
Jamey Minnis
any empty spots for boats?
The Flaming One
A few.
Jamey Minnis
Can I smell Gary around here?
The Flaming One
Per+Primal Urge, diff 7
Jamey Minnis
1 success.
The Flaming One
There is a similarity. He has been here before, you think. But you cannot tell exactly when.
Jamey Minnis
We have a nice big reflective surface. I'd like to step sideways.
Jamey Minnis
"I will check the spirit world."
The Flaming One
You concentrate. Make the roll.
The Flaming One
Diff 7 around here.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter nods, looks around, smells stuff.
Jamey Minnis
1,4,7,7
The Flaming One
Demeter: Water. Fish. Gas. Cigs.
Jamey Minnis
1 success. you roll current gnosis, right? not max.
The Flaming One
That's what I believe. You're pushing... its slow. Roll again (you need 3).
Jamey Minnis
3,4,5,7
Jamey Minnis
4,6,7,9
The Flaming One
You slip through.
The Flaming One
The lake is more brilliant on this side, brighly light by a moon overhead. The light barely glances of the suggestions of the boats, though.
Jamey Minnis
Any sign of taint here?
The Flaming One
No.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to head toward Gary's house.
Jamey Minnis
how far is it?
The Flaming One
Its about 5 minutes.
Jamey Minnis
cool.
Jamey Minnis
what does it look like there?
The Flaming One
You make it through. Again, the light is bright, the buildings less so. No obvious taint from outside, though.
Jamey Minnis
Can I get in the house?
The Flaming One
There is a suggestion of the house here. YOu think you can get in.
Jamey Minnis
Jamey is singularly unfamiliar with the spirit world...
Jamey Minnis
I'd like to try.
Jamey Minnis
Taint would be easier to see here?
The Flaming One
You attempt to get into the house. It is unfamiliar, and not home to the likes of you, but you manage. There is an eery half-light. Vauge suggestions of funiture that fades in and out. IF there was a taint, you might see it. So far, nothing.
The Flaming One
You explore the house?
Jamey Minnis
I'd like to make a quick search of the house this way.
Jamey Minnis
yep.
Jamey Minnis
we seem to lag sometimes...
The Flaming One
You eventually come to a room that seems a bit darker then the others. You can see some dark spiritlings clinging to the shadows of this room. There is a taint of something here.
Jamey Minnis
the next question - is there a mirror in the house?
The Flaming One
Ever hear of a bathroom?
Jamey Minnis
is there a mirror in that room? can I sense anything else here?
The Flaming One
There is no mirror in that dark room. Again, there is the ephemeral half-impressions of funiture, but they fade into and out of side to much to be solid.
Jamey Minnis
is there a mirror near that room?
The Flaming One
Bathroom next door.
Jamey Minnis
this is such a bad plan...
The Flaming One
Yes, yes it is.
Jamey Minnis
I'd like to shift back in to the bathroom. Wait - can I tell if someone is in the bathroom?
Jamey Minnis
uh, TJ?
The Flaming One
It is hard to "peek" into the other side from here (just the same the other way).
Jamey Minnis
OOC: Yep. I know. The gift that lets me do that is on the list of things to spend XP on...
The Flaming One
Are you going to do what I think?
Jamey Minnis
you have a better idea?
Jamey Minnis
actually, is this an exterior room?
The Flaming One
What do you mean?
Jamey Minnis
is this a room that would likely have a window and could I find it in the physical world?
The Flaming One
Yes, it does have a window.
Jamey Minnis
excellent.
Jamey Minnis
I have a theoretical question.
The Flaming One
Shoot.
Jamey Minnis
If someone were to hold a mirror up to the window, could I step sideways into the room there?
The Flaming One
(gotta wrap this up....)
The Flaming One
You step where you currently stand, if my interpretation.
The Flaming One
The mirror is just a focus.
Jamey Minnis
excellent. that was what I thought.
Jamey Minnis
A plan develops.
The Flaming One
Well, shall we do it next time?
Jamey Minnis
sure.
The Flaming One
Coolio. Sory for the crashes. Will discuss new time over the next week. Everyone sleep well and thanks for coming!
Even Death must die.
