Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori [IC]

[Penril]

Rhowan

(1d6)[1]

((Lose this much Sanity))

[Dustfinger]

Chester

Good sir, now slowly get on the ground, we'll bring you to a hospital to get that hand checked out.

Spoiler

Show

Spot (1d20+1)[16]

[Diakos]

Rhowan

"GIRL! Put 'im down n' git t' th' corner NOW! Or I'lll drop ye where ye stand!"
I take careful aim for her thigh, ready to drop her to the floor should she get any ideas.
"AH SED' NOW! Try t' get near meh' or th' door, an' I SWEAR I'll take yer damned head off ah' will!"

((Though likely ineffective against someone wielding shadowy tentacles, I take it a Intimidate roll'd be appropriate?))
((Intimidate: [roll]1d20+1[Roll]))

[Penril]

Chester

The man does what he is told, and ways down on the wet pavement. In the street you notice that the knife he threw is broken, leaving the blade with a jagged edge. You can't be sure if the blade could make the wounds you saw in the other man, but it seems more than likely.

Rhowan

((could you roll your Intimidate check again please, matey))

[Diakos]

Rhowan

((Ok, trying again))
((Intimidate: (1d20+1)[10]))

[Dustfinger]

Chester

Good sir, now don't make any sudden movements.

Chester takes out his handcuffs and tries to cuff the man, but if he makes a threatening move he'll hit him in the back of the the head to try to knock him out.

What were you doing here. Also why do you have that knife and gun?

Spoiler

Show

To hit him if he moves (1d20-1)[1]

((Sorry that should be -3 not -1. Not that either would hit, but still.))

[Lepre_Khan]

Mr. Langston

Spoiler

Show

Let's just assume that for the next 5 rounds, unless something happens, Langston is heading outside. Hurrying, but not running.

[Penril]

Rhowan

To your surprise, at your command, Valerie yelps as though suddenly scared and rushes towards the corner where she stands cowering and looking at her feet "S-Sorry ..." you here the voices say "Didn't mean it ..."

The tentacles vanish back into the floor and the man drops to his hands and knees, gasping for breath. He casts around and grabs the talisman and gets shakily to his feet. "You've had your revenge now, can't you just leave us be? Give me back Valerie, please. Go and rest"

At his words, the darkness wanes from Valerie’s eyes and the power within her recedes, and she sinks to the floor, leaving her as the weak shell you met before. The man sighs in relief and sits next to her, comforting her. "Thank you" he says to you. I couldn't have done this without your aid; I am in your debt. Valerie too looks up from her inner musings and smiles briefly at you.

Chester

The man groans as you handcuff him and replies "Why d'you think? To stick in interfering nobodies like you and that damned librarian!"

((As you are handcuffing the thief, make a Listen check.))

[Dustfinger]

What were we interfering with, if you don't mind me asking?

Spoiler

Show

(1d20+2)[3]

[Diakos]

Rhowan

Rhowan lovers his gun, and suspiciouly eyes Valerie, whilst apporaching Mr. Goldsmiths' unmoving figure, trying to ascess his state of health.
((Treat injury? just in case: (1d20+6)[17]))
"I'll be expecting a explanation, but first let's see to mister Goldsmith, mister?... Never got your name if i recall"

[Penril]

Chester

"Well, for one thing, you're interfering with my aquisition of that book." a voice by your ear says. "Stealing from thieves is so much easier than robbing the vault yourself, after all. Stand." the voice commands and you feel the hard press of a gun in your back.

Rhowan

Unfortunately, Mr Goldsmith is very dead, though there are no apartant wounds on his body. The other man introduces himself as "Last, Felix Last. I was a journalist for the Telegraph untill last week. This is my ... friend, Valerie Williams, she used to be a coroner for the police not too long ago, well seems like a lifetime really. I'd better explain the situation ...

“It all started about a month ago. I was working with Mr Crane, you know, the private detective, on a case regarding some missing children. Valerie was Crane’s new assistant, though I’ve no idea why. Anyway, we got a lead that the poor children may be being held in an old, abandoned abattoir in Cheapside. When we went to investigate, we saw some things, terrible things." Felix pauses and swallows hard. You can tell that this event had damaged him emotionally in some way "The place was ... haunted I’m sure of that. While we were in there, Valerie got trapped inside an old meat freezer for. We tried to get the door open, but some malevolent force was against us. All the while we could here her screaming and then, we heard nothing. When we got the door open we found her just curled up on the floor, not saying a word. To this day I don’t know what she saw and quite frankly, I don’t think I want to know. We got her back to Crane’s place a spent a week looking after her, but she didn’t get any better so we took her to hospital and they took her in. When I went to visit her a few days later, she was talking again and she said that the … I don’t know, the souls of all these poor kids were talking to her! Don’t ask me why I believed her, but if you’d all I’ve seen these past months, you’d be hard pushed to disbelieve. There are stranger things in this world than you think, my friend. Stranger than this, awaiting in the dark places, looking for ways in … Anyway, over my next few visits Valerie was saying that she needed to find the culprits, that she was being followed by someone in the hospital and that she had been visited by some strange men. I explained to her that Crane and I had caught Luke Richards, the man we thought was behind the kidnappings and found the children but …” he looks away “We were too late. But Valerie was insistent and believed that if the spirits talking to her found the true man behind this, she will be free.

“So I did some research on the situation. It turns out that there are some cases, similar to Valerie’s that have been recorded. Even better, there is a Professor up in Liverpool who has published a paper on what he calls “Restoring the Psyche” a way of rebuilding the mental holes that are left after a trauma such as this and cases of recovering schizophrenics. I also found that Mr Goldsmith was using Luke to kidnap the children, but it was he that performed the … atrocities. That was four hours ago after I managed to get an interview with Richards. When I went to the hospital to inform Valerie, she had escaped. Someone must have told her before I could and now … well it’s too late. But not too late to help Valerie, I want to travel up to Liverpool and see if this Professor can help her.

“There’s a problem though, Crane warned be about it, but I didn’t believe him until I say it for myself. My understanding of it is that there’s a group of people that seem to have a very particular interest in anything … out of the ordinary, if you get my meaning. Over the past few weeks, the people I have spoken to about this stuff have mentioned that they have been followed and some people have even disappeared, like Jacob. I’m convinced that I’m being watched too and I can’t take care of Valerie and what my back at the same time. I know this is asking a lot, but I can pay. Fifty pounds, just to escort Valerie and me to Liverpool and back, if need be. Valerie seems to trust you and that’s good enough for me. I can’t do this alone, but if you want out, I’ll understand.”

[roninkelt]

Artur

altho bitterly disappointed by the notes about looting, he will write down anything relevant about the location and try to dig up more info about the pagan sect that was using it.

During a break in the research, he'll remark to the Curator "Cursed enlisted men, stealing anything not nailed down! Some Prussian discipline would do them good." and make some small talk with the man. If he has time, Artur would like to find out what his area of interest is and chat with him about it.


Research - (1d20+8)[28]
Gather Info - (1d20+3)[9]

OOC: sorry for the delay in posting - I'm working 80+ hour weeks for the next month or so. I'll be doing my best to keep up, but hope you understand.

What is the difference between Research, Gather Info and Investigate? Seems to me to be much overlap.

[Dustfinger]

Chester

Okay, let's be rational here. I don't know who you are. You can both just walk away and i''ll never be able to identify either of you.

Chester stands up like the man told him too. But keeps his hand firmly gripped on his gun. He slowly starts to turn around as unthreatening as possible.

[Machiavelli]

After staring blankly at the letter for several moments, Miller comes to his senses and stows the letter in his jacket pocket while he heads for the door. He ponders for a few seconds on where to go for confirmation of this new development and decides that he should forgo any more stressful activities for the evening. He then sets out for a stroll, hoping the rain has subsided.

[Machiavelli]

After staring blankly at the letter for several moments, Miller comes to his senses and stows the letter in his jacket pocket while he heads for the door. He ponders for a few seconds on where to go for confirmation of this new development and decides that he should forgo any more stressful activities for the evening. He then sets out for a stroll, hoping the rain has subsided.

[Penril]

((Artur, I'll post up your findings later today. You rolled very well ))

Chester

The gun presses harder as you try to turn and you catch a glimpse of a pale face with sharp features. "Don't move or it will be your last. I've no problems in killing you for that book, oh, and you can drop the weapon as well." You can hear the voice very close to your ear. It is a voice of pure malevolence, confidence and chilling evil. This man's hair must be longer than normal as you feel thick, rain-clumped strands against your head and freezing water running down the neck of your coat. You sense a movement from the man at your feet; he seems to be preparing to make a run for it when an opportunity arises.

James

Unfortunately, the rain is persisting. Thick, heavy thunderclouds hang over the city streets, keeping the majority of people indoors. The street is empty as you step out into the wet and the only signs of life are in the occasional gas-lit lamps in the windows of the buildings. The city seems to be all yours, as though you were the only one in it.

[Dustfinger]

Chester

Chester places his gun slowly on the ground.

Then he says with a slight chuckle.

It's times like this I wonder why I dont have a backup weapon. But sir, it would be a bad idea to kill me, just grab the book and leave, then you can't be wanted for murder. Only theft, obstructing justice, thretening an officer of the law, and conspiracy to commit murder.

Spoiler

Show

Bluff/Intimidate whichever applies.(1d20)[1]

((I can't open my sheet at the moment, so applie whatever bonus you see fit.))

[Diakos]

Rhowan

Finally relaxing somewhat, Rhowan puts the gun in his belt and takes a deep breath.
"Fifty pounds... that is a fine offer, and i doubt I'll get my lease renewed here."
Rhowan seems lost in thought for a moment.
"I do however hope that whatever happened here was an one time only event, I'd hate to wake up one the way and find it happening again, or much less not wake up at all."
Returning to deep thought again Rhowan makes a sharp intake of air as if realizing something.
"Before we depart, there is the issue of what to do with Mr. Goldsmiths' body, it might give a bad impression for someone to find him dead and me having left town on short notice."
Rhowan looks over the body again.
"Whilst nothing'd suggest foul play it'd still seem a bit suspicious"

[Penril]

Chester

"Smart move. You there!" the voice says to the prone figure "The book if you please, sir. Unless you want holes in you."

The man grunts and pulls himself up awkwardly, slipping his arms under his feet as he does so that he can pull the book from inside his coat. Now in a crouch, with his hands in front of him, you realise that the fool is about to do a runner. Sure enough, as he is about to start, he shoves back hard as he rises, throwing the pair of you off balance and makes a break up the road. Your ears ring with the explosion of the gun going off, but there is no searing hot kiss of lead joining it.

((Make a Balance check and declare your actions for the round. DC is 10 to stay on your feet, bad guy has succeeded. The other man is 30ft ahead of you, making for a alleyway further up the street. You and your assailant are very close together.))

Rhowan

"Good point," replies Felix, scratching his head. "well, I sent the police all the evidence I had on Goldsmith, which is enough to put him away for sure, so the police will be here tomorrow, without a doubt. I wanted to make sure Goldsmith went away, but I needed enough time to find Valerie and keep her away in case, well, you know. I know, we could make it look like suicide! Have you any rat poison? That stuff'll work even though he's dead. Fake a confession and Bob's your uncle. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours, though I'll need to get my writing tools." he pauses "Look, I know how hard it can be on some people to deal with death. If you don't want to do this, I'll clear this up and you just wait down stairs. I know it's a strange thing to be doing, but I don't see many other choices."

[Diakos]

Rhowan

Rhowan shrugs a bit
"Death doesn't bother me much, a part of life so to speak.
Rhowan looks to the body again
Though the thought of disturbing the dead is a bit unsettling, however Mr. Goldsmith has already done enough harm to the living, if you find a spot for him, I'll look for the poison"
As Rhowan goes to find the poison, he realizes something and goes to his apartment where he finds a pen and writes a note himself:

*Dear Mr. Goldsmith, I am sorry i was unable to tell you in person, but i hope you'll read it as soon as you return.
I'm forced to leave for a extended period of time as my sister in Newcastle has fallen very ill,
and I wish to spend some time with her should her health turn to the worse.
I've left the front key in the top drawer of my worktable.
I know it is a terrible bother but I've little choice, and so have left a note informing customers coming for pickups,
to knock at your door.
The names of customers and prices of the repairs are on a list in the worktable as well.
I hope to return within a week, or at the least before the next payment of lease.

Regards - Rhowan Delvin*

Satisfied with the sounding of the note, Rhowan quickly goes back upstairs and looks though Mr. Goldsmiths' closets for the poison.

[Dustfinger]

Chester

I believe we should have a truce for a moment.

Chester says as he goes to pick up his gun to fire on the running man.

Spoiler

Show

Balance (1d20-1)[9]
Firing at runner obviously.

[Dustfinger]

Spoiler

Show

To hit, whenever i get the chance to get up and fire.(1d20)[17]

[Penril]

Rhowan

You find some rat poison under the sink and pass Felix on the stairs as he heads out to get his "writing materials" and he asks you to keep an eye on Valerie. As he headed out the door, you get the feeling that he is familiar with the arts of forgery.

Chester

You get tangled in the legs of the other man and fall to the ground. You land heavily on your side with a splash, but manage to fire off a shot from your gun from the floor. You note with grim satisfaction that your shot was on target and the man lurches to one side. In spite taking the bullet the man carries on heroically and reaches the alleyway and disappears around the corner in a wake of rain-diluted blood. Only now do you notice that the other man has vanished.

((roll damage))

Jonathan

As you reach the door to the outside world, you hear the sound of two gun shots! Peering cautiously around the door, you can see a tall man dressed in a long, dark overcoat. His dark hair is quite long and hangs in matted, thick clumps. At his feet, you see the detective you saw from the window, firing a gun up the street at someone you can't see from here. The tall man suddenly bends double and the rain on his back and hair begins to steam. In a moment, he appears to be as transparent as the steam whisping around him and he vanishes from sight.

((Make a Sanity check for the evaporating man))

[Dustfinger]

Chester

*So now i've struck blood as the culprit ran away. Do I wait here to explain everything to the cops, or do I continue the chase? I've never been much of a waiting kind of guy*

Chester pulls himself up off of the ground and grabs the broken knife and gun and places them in his jacket. He then sprints towards the alleyway with his own gun drawn.

Okay, he yells loudly.

Now we need to get your hand and the bullet hole checked out at the hospital. Also, i'd apreciate those handcuffs back.

Spoiler

Show

Damage(2d6)[10]
Spot check (1d20+1)[11]
To hit, if the chance arises (1d20)[17]
Also, if that shot hits, Damage (2d6)[12]

[Penril]

Artur

The cult which used to inhabit the cave system was a radical sect of Sufist Muslims, known as the Shadhiliyya. The cult is recorded to have been practicing Sihr Magic, which is forbidden in the Sunni and Shia sects of Egypt, who ruled the area at the time. Even today, there is an 80% Sunni and Shia population of Egyptian Muslims. The cult's historys date back to an innocent Sufist school of the same name, which taught the traditional path of Sufism. While all Muslims believe that they are on the pathway to God and will become close to God in Paradise - after death and the "Final Judgment" - Sufis believe as well that it is possible to become close to God and to experience this closeness; while one is alive. The chief aim of all Sufis then is to let go of all notions of duality, including a conception of an individual self, and to realize the Divine unity. A usually peaceful and contemplative practice, the Shadhiliyya School was fairly popular in Cairo at its peak, untill a previously unknown Shaykh named Ahmad Khallikan became the leader of the school. Under his tuteage, the school changed to value the worth of "Barakah", a divine blessing from Allah, reserved only for the most pious of Musilms and allows for great feats of magic. Within a year, many of the students who were deemed unworthy were thrown out or worse and the school began secret rituals to explore the nature of true existence and the nature of Allah himself.

Many of the rituals required barbaric sacfice, but the over zealous students, safe in the knowledge that they are truely worthy, went out into the city to kill and kidnap. It wasn't long before the city interefervened. The school was attacked following failed talks and was burned down, though some say this was an accident. The hated follows of the school performed their black magic before the cityfolk and walked through the fire unscathed.

Ahmad Khallikan and many of his followers survived the attack on the school and fled the city. After wandering the desert for several weeks after invoking the rite known as Khalwa, the school, now considered a cult, retreated into the cave system in question to continue their evil work in "removing the veil of the holy" - a quote from an Islamic leader on the subject, which sums up the view that most orthodox Muslims have of the cult, which suggests the perversion of all that is sacred and a dissatisfaction with reason in place of faith.

The cult crops up in various sources very few hundred years, linked to sacking of ancient temples and replics, various kidnapping in areas across the arab world, which suggests that cells of the cult have spread since the 8th century. The most modern reference to the cult comes from the Great War and what a number of Italian soldiers had found the caves ...

((Would you like to know more? Research roll on the military records, with no bonus as the reports are not kept here))

Chester

The thief staggers into the alleyway towards a large refuse bin. His fingers feel the exit wound of the shot and the warm blood flowing out of it. He'll be lucky to live through the night. He leans with his back against the bin for a moment to gain a brief respite for his worn out limbs. However, at the sound of a cry and running footsteps over the drumming of the rain, the thief groans and hauls himself along the alley. Suddenly, an icy wind chills his already cold back and his rooted in terror. By his trembling shoulder, he hears a voice whispering softly in his ear. "Y-yes ..." the man stutters in reply. Then he gasps, there is a slight pain in his neck and his collar is soaked with warm, red blood "N-nothing ..." his whispers as he sinks to the ground, blood mixing the rain. The figure neatly collects the book as the man folds slowly and neatly to the ground and begins to vanish again.

You charge around the corner and the figure turns and smiles a thin, evil smile as he begins to disappear in the steam. Your gunshot hits the figure and his grin is replaced by a look of shock! He clutches at the wound in his shoulder and hunches over, but vanishes nonetheless.

[Lepre_Khan]

Mr. Langston

Disturbed by thedisappearing man, and more than a little frightened by the gun play, Jonathan did what any English gentleman would do when confronted by deadly and mysterious forces. That is to say, he tossed off a quick prayer to the Omnipotence and then ran to the front desk at the library,

"Quickly! Did you call the police? There's some sort of fight going on out there, guns are involved."

[Lepre_Khan]

Spoiler

Show

Woops! Forgot to make a sanity czech.

(1d100)[10]

[Penril]

(( (1d4)[2] Sanity loss))

The woman on the front desk nods franticly and grabs for the phone with shaking hands.

[roninkelt]

Artur

ooc: All hell is breaking loose and Artur is digging around in musty old tomes. Color me happy. :)

[roll=Research]1d20+4[roll]

"Fascinating!" Artur has lost track of time, relentlessly following every thread that has information on his intended target. Perhaps they didn't actually find all the artifacts in the cave complex, only that which was easy to find.

[roninkelt]

damn die roller

Research - (1d20+4)[14]