GM Niles Rippers Campaign

Game Master nilesr

The Russian nods in thanks to the postal clerk and turns to leave. "Well done, Gospozha Lawson! We are then gathering others and going to East Anglia?"

The Butler blinks at Tristan and says Why Sir. Master Watts is doing his Natural History with the Gypsies in Norfolk. He has been at his Hunstanton home for some months now.

Mei remains nearby, idle in Tristan's conversation.

Sorry for my lack of posting, just hadn't seen much space to add any input.

"Well, that certainly seems like it, yes. We might as well meet them back at the Lodge, since I'd imagine they'll be headed back fairly shortly as well." Victoria gives a small wave to the clerk as they leave as a sign of thanks, pushing the door open and heading out towards the Lodge. "I wonder what 'Mr. Rose' is doing out there anyway... I've never done much traveling, I can't say I know a lot about that area."

Rasheed turns to Tristan and whispers "Tis strange... indeed it is. Perhaps we had the wrong address? Or maybe... maybe there is more to this than I initially suspected."

I will wait until Tristan acts before further action. He's the fancy talker, after all

"Is north of London, I think. Lord Colborne will be knowing." Andrej walks so as to keep closer to the road than Victoria, and takes care to allow her to go first when the two must go single file. This etiquette is most vexing. So much to remember!

"Oh!" Tristan exclaims it slowly, as if sudden understanding. "I see. Natural History, of course, the Gypsies, what, hope he makes it back with his wits about him, eh?" He chuckles and taps his cane. "In that case, could you perhaps inform me as to the whereabouts of his home at Hunstanton? That is, unless you're the secret writer the whole time, old boy?" He winks and chuckles.

I'm sure I do not understand what you mean M'lord. says, sounding deferential. The Butler then gives Tristan the address in Hunstanton where Theodore Watts is staying.

Anything else or are you heading back to the Lodge? You have a few leads you could follow still (Investigate Theodore Watts absence, what work is he doing in Norfolk, ask around about the letter that was sent from the Strand (someone received it...)

"Well, I suppose this is another lead to follow. I do wonder what happened to that letter. It had to have gone somewhere and I'm getting a sneaking suspicion that there's something unnatural at work here."

Waiting on you guys

I believe Andrej and Victoria are heading back to the Lodge, no idea what everyone else is doing.

I'm sticking with Tristan on whatever he's investigating. He just hasn't had much time to do that recently.

I believe Andrej and Victoria are heading back to the Lodge, no idea what everyone else is doing.

My understanding as well.

I actually thought we were on our way back to the lodge as well

Gah, sorry, I meant to post. I had a busy weekend and missed getting back to this.

Tristan blinks and gives a conspiratorial grin. "Come now, man. I have it on good word that a post I sent through the Strand to this address was received here, looking for the writer of some fine stories. I'm not one to share any notorieties, of course, but my interest is more than piqued. Surely you know something about that?"

Presumably this would call for another Persuasion check, and unless he draws us in with new and exciting details (doubtful), I'm fine with heading back to the Lodge after his reply.

Persuasion: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Wild: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The Butler shifts his eyes and says I. This is highly irregular sir. I cannot speak more on it. Please.

You needed a Raise to get him to talk, however Tristan is sure there's more to the story than what's being said here. Perhaps there is some other way to see who might be getting Post at the residence?

Back at the Lodge, the Rippers are apprised that there's a new issue of the Strand Magazine hitting shelves on the 15th. Word is this issue will have a new ALgernon Rose story.

"Lord Colborne, do you think you can get copy of magazine before it goes to public? Perhaps there is being more dangerous information, and it would be helpful to prepare before too many others know."

Tristan nods at Andrej's suggestion. "It's a possibility. I for one should like to get to the bottom of things even sooner, however... that manservant knew more than he let on, I'm certain. I do loathe the prospect of committing a crime in the name of justice, but perhaps some clandestine investigation of the residence would give us finer knowledge of things. Of course, learning of what this Mister Watts is doing in Norfolk could be equally enlightening, what."

The old man muses over their options, not certain of what plan to set in motion just yet.

How long would it take to get up to Hunstanton by train? If we could do that within a day or two, it might be worth it to split the party (oh no!) yet again and check both leads at the same time.

According to Google Maps, it's about 120 miles from the center of London to Hunstanton. Modern trains do it in 3 hours, albeit with a couple of stops/train changes.

"We could perhaps do both, can we not? Try and obtain an early copy of The Strand and while we wait for the post we continue our investigation on foot."

Andrej nods. "We are able to do two things at once, da!"

Modern trains travel a good deal faster than trains did at the turn of the 20th century. It's more like a 8 hour ride to Norfolk from London. And then an hour or so by coach, its an entire day of travel really.

So it would probably take two to three days to go check on things. Might still be worth it.

It's currently the 11th according to our timeline, so we should be able to do both.

Tristan elects to head up the party going to Norfolk/Hunstanton, in search of the mysterious Mister Watts. Ajax voices his volunteering to join that party.

Rasheed follows Tristan with personal and professional interest.

Carl sticks with the group headed out as well, curious to see where the trip takes them.

"Before departure, Lord Colborne, can you try to get copy of magazine?"

Mei and Victoria?

"I can wait here and stake out the house, see what happens with the letter... y'know, if it arrives at all. They said they'd get a reply soon, so I'd imagine we can stake the place out and take another train, meet up with you in Hunstanton. I could also wait and see if I can get a copy of the magazine when it comes out, it'll probably be easier to find it here in London." Victoria paces, arms folded across her chest, her face twisted up as she thinks. "It's up to you all as to how long I stay, but I'd prefer not t'be the only one. That doesn't seem like a good plan, just in case things turn sour."

"I will stay with you, Gospozha Lawson." The Russian chuckles. "After all, I am wanting to find out what happens in next story installment!"

Ok, so Tristan, Rasheed and Carl are heading to Norfolk while Victoria, Andrej and Mei stay in London.

Victoria and whomever wishes to engage in a stakeout. Go ahead and roll
Notice
Stealth
Streetwise and count the number of successes you get in total. (an 8 is 2 successes etc.)

Tristan and the travelers (I've been kinda handwaving traveling cost, but this seems important since you guys are at a loss with what to spend your monthly stipend on!)

I'll post a recap after Victoria et al. make their rolls. It takes a day to get to Hunstanton so that's when they'll be doing the stakeout.

Notice check: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Stealth check: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Streetwise check, untrained: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
Wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Notice check ace: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Stealth check ace: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Streetwise check ace: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Streetwise check ace: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Notice result 9, Stealth result 11, Streetwise result 9, so 2 successes for the latter.

Andrej accompanies Victoria to the house, nattily dressed and trying to look like he's not too out of place.

Victoria travels with Andrej to the house, keeping watch over the house as surreptitiously as she can manage.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Stealth: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Stealth; Ace: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Streetwise: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

That's four total for me.

Sounds like I'll be spending at least a couple of pounds, then. If other folks want to ride 1st but don't feel like paying that much I can help cover it. Tristan's glad to have company!

Ack, I shoulda volunteered to go with Tristan while I still had the chance... this'll be rough.

Notice: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
Notice Wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Stealth: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
Stealth wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Streetwise: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
Streetwise wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

Notice ace: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Ladies and gentlemen... look upon my worst rolls in the entire game. Snake eyes on stealth. I'm sorry.

Mei expertly shows off how she's only read books about stealthy sleuths, and never having put it into practice. Needless to say she fails spectacularly.

GM N, did you want total successes across all three skills, or just for Streetwise? If the former, Andrej had 6. The dice module was good to me.

If Tristan wants to cover out expenses, I won't say no.

Yes, total successes for all 3, I just edited that line of text incorrectly. Victoria has 4, Andrej has 6, Mei has...well lets just pretend she didn't tag along.

Victoria and Andrej hang about in the Chelsea District, speaking with the working folk that keep the wealthy district in order and watching the home of Master Watts-Dunton. It seems to both Victoria and Andrej that someone else is living at the home. Packages and post come and go. No one on the street knows who lives there in Master Watt's absence, and the rumors range from the banal (his mother) to the illicit (a lover).

Tristan and the others take the train (if Tristan wishes to foot the entire bill its £7.77 for first class tickets and rooms) and the trip is uneventful. Upon checking into the single hotel in Hunstanton, the proprietor asks

Can I help you with something M'lord? once more the man assumes(correctly) that Tristan is a Lord, and (incorrectly) that Carl and Rasheed are his servants.

Thanks for that small mercy. I didn't wanna ruin everything like this, though I still feel awful about it.

"Yes, I'm hoping you might." Tristan smiles as he hands over the payment for the rooms. "I was hoping that my companions and I might have accommodations, and lovely as your home is, we aren't here purely on holiday. I'm looking for an old chap of mine, one Master Theodore Watts. I went to visit him back home and found he'd taken off for the country without informing me, blasted unthoughtful of him, you know, but that's old Teddy, isn't it?" Tristan chortles as though bantering with an old friend. "Heard he was up here studying natural history, with some rambling folk I believe, not the kind of thing I'd expect but then what can you do, we're all getting older, now, aren't we, not the young men we used to be, and you know how things go as you age, interests wax and wane as the moon, and sooner or later your bound to be interested in a wandering historian or two, what?"

Probably having thoroughly confused the poor man, Tristan claps his hands and leans forward. "Have you seen hide or hair of Master Watts? It really is important that I find him."

The innkeeper smiles Of course M'lord. Master Watts is a known fella around these parts. He comes in here from time to time to enjoy a pint. He's been with them Gypsies near a month now. Writing down all their stories and whatnot, says he's gonna publish em. Why anyone would care is beyond me.

The Innkeep knows the general direction and location of the Romani camp if you feel like traveling there in the morning.

"Gypsy stories can be quite fascinating," Carl adds absently. "I'm sure that people will be interested in them for the entertainment value if nothing else."

"Something's not right here," Victoria says, skulking in the alleyway with Andrej. "Someone's livin' in that house, and apparently it ain't Master Watts. Tristan didn't have much luck with the butler, though... we might have to try something different." Victoria sighs, crossing her arms and staring at the house. "How do you feel 'bout breakin' into a nobleman's house? I'm feelin' alright about it, personally."

"It is breaking in I have not problems with. Being caught is other story." He shrugs. "So we do not get caught."

"Ah, indeed Mister Jung! I stayed for a week with a romani family when I was travelling through the north of France." says Rasheed at Carl's comment "Their folklore and myths are rich and extense, specially considering they share it from elders to children around their campfires."

Rasheed leans closer and adds "And let me tell you: there's no stew as homemade gypsy stew. Delightful and dense enough you can eat one bowl and walk all day without feeling any hunger."

"I'm certain indeed that they have their audience," Tristan agrees, staying somewhat moderate to keep up appearances. "My thanks, good fellow. We'll be off in the morning, I expect, and I'll recommend this establishment to anyone I know who happens to be up this way."

Heading there in the morning sounds good to me.

@Rasheed, Carl and Tristan Ok, lets resolve that trip after Victoria and Andrej decide what they are going to do. I'm trying not to let us get too screwed up timeline wise. FYI right now we are at the end of business Tuesday July 12 1892

"Alright, not getting caught. Seems a decent plan t'me, we'll just have to play it safe. Why don't we head back to the Lodge for now, come back here once it's dark and we've got some cloud cover? That ought'ta suit us better, and we can try and grab anything we might need to make our way inside. Sound good to you?"

I'm saying we break in later in the night, perhaps around midnight or later? Just see what we can find out, then leave.

"Da, is plan. This does not seem like neighborhood where many people go about after dark, so we must have good reason for being here. Late delivery? Perhaps we are also asking other Rippers for tips."

Ok. If you are Breaking and Entering we will treat that as a Dramatic Task. It's Stealth, Agility and Streetwise rolls at-2.