It takes a few minutes and not a few sips to phrase his follow-up, "I do not want to be appear indelicate, but we currently reside in the subterranean lair of a man of no small reputation that many would describe as dubious. Should we enter into a mutual arrangement, how would we know that we were not being party to necromany? It appears that there are many that find it very important to track your movements."
Synxol piratical side also chimes in, "What remuneration would you be offering for working in your employ?"
Frankenstein smiles and says " Cautious, I am no Necromancer, I might have created a hybrid Golem, that I lost control due to something that had wormed it's way into the spells. I offer knowledge, money for those of you who require it, and the thrill of seeing the real world." Looking at Jack and Assisi he says " If you two wish something as your reward for thwarting those that had come into the manor. I swear by my power that I mean no ill will towards the world, neither do I wish control over dead bodies, or the dead in general.
Captain Ayisha, fills her glass with wine, and manages to fill Assisi's glass without him knowing, still keeping an eye on Frankenstein and Synxol. The day has been long and Jack your head ache has been muted due to the food and scotch. Frankenstein seems to be an honest enough person, sure he might have done somethings that were dubious in nature... at best, he doesn't give the vibe that he bares the three of you ill will.
"I have been paid to report on your position, which remains my intent, as I am a man of my word. It also provides me access to those who may have opinions as to your character. Should the admission of same not create an impasse, and the information gleaned not be too deleterious, then I would happily agree to your terms doctor."
Synxol slides to his feet, a tad unsteadily considering the state of his blood alcohol level, and offers his hand in agreement of the terms.
"Please forward any information you might have to my Jennsen, and I will look into it in short order. For now I would take my leave, this has been quite a bit more excitement than I am used to."
Assisi had not known that "deleterious" was a word in English, sister to Italian's "deleterio", but there you have it.
He is wondering about the reward when Synxol provides a delay. So Assisi responds to Frankenstein, "I too would like a little time to consider your offer, if it please you. Until now I had not considered what I wanted, really. Before we go, you mentioned true priests of faith - I had the impression you were referring to something different than our Catholic priests? If so, what can you tell me of them? Where can they be found?"
Watching the conversation, Jack continued to enjoy a bit more of the smattering of snacks that had been conjured out of nothingness. The aged scotch had beat his headache back far enough so that his head wasn't pounding. Tapping the vial that Maggie had given him, safe within his vest pocket, Jack briefly wonders what is in the vile tasting concoction, before turning his attention back to the others.
Mulling over Doctor Frankenstein's offer of payment, and the other things to a lesser degree, Jack has a few moments where he thinks about saying "No." Had he not a goodly number of people relying on his aid, the big Scot might have. The more practical side of his brain reminded him that the good Doctor had to be extremely wealthy. 'The advantage of living extra long and having magic,' Jack thinks to himself with a slight grin.
"Well, I be a happy man at the sound of payment. Got's me a few things to be taking care of back in Whitechapel," Jack smile has a certain quality that can only be described as rogue-like. Taking a sip from his scotch, Jack enjoys the heat working it's way down to his belly, when he makes a sour face. "Ah, bloody hell. I bet Desmond will be whining about how he'll need an extra pig for his troubles," Jack says, mostly to himself. "Bloody boggle has the heart of a rogue. I think I'll sweat him over getting his scaly tail handed to him," He looks over at the Captain.
"How the hell you knock Desmond out anyway? No offense captain, but I would have put money on the boggle," the big Scot asks the pirate.
" Excellent, now to your question Assisi, a priest of True Faith well you need to only look in a mirror." Frankenstein smiles " My recommendation would be study more books of faith. You might have noticed a fair number of issues with sects of the Vatican, but you still believe in god, keeping an open mind. Other then that, I'd say you will find you your answer in time, I would say that Jack might know other Catholic's around the city." He finishes while sipping his glass, still looking over the table at the three of you.
Cpatain Ayisha, smiles at your question Jack, the smile isn't one of mirth in fact it reminds you of a predator: " A girl needs a few secrets, I didn't spend years on the ocean not learning about what is out there and how to deal with threats."
Taking it as a positive sign that the doctor had not thrown a conniption fit of epic proportions the young lord bids fair thee well to Captain Ayisha and Doctor Frankenstein. He reminds them of how to contact his valet, and then moves off to help the Boggle return to its lair.
As the three of you return to where the boggle was 'resting' after it fell down the tree of pain. You see no boggle aroung, a trail of blood where it seemed to leave under it's own power.
In fact the rest of your walk back is uneventful. The lift ride back to the surface of the manor revels much cleaning and repairs have been completed. In fact you would say that there is no evidence of the attack only a few hours ago.
"I will take my leave of you gentlemen and ask that we meet in a week. I have missives to send, and research to undertake. Your payment will be provided by my valet, and you are welcome to remain in the lodging I provided."
Synxol takes his leave, immediately moving to report on the doctor's whereabouts and do some research into the man, magic, and those the doctor wishes the group would track down.
At the end of the meeting, Jack tells Frankenstein the easiest mundane way to get a hold of the big Scot. He lists several places where a Red Cap will be working. He does mention that the message taker will need a pound, or someone might be robbed. Jack grins good naturedly when mentions that.
On the way out of the tunnel system, Jack was pleased to see that Desmond had recovered enough to hide himself. The thought of trying to move the boggle was not a pleasant one.
Jack nods to Synxol, when the young lord speaks up.
"Sounds good. If ya be needing me, get word to one of me Red Caps. Brother, I'll get ya to your lodgings and arrange someone to keep an eye on ya," the big Scot says, looking into the dark night sky. "I still have a bit o work to do myself," his grins turns predatory.
Assisi is somewhat relieved to be heading to somewhere with, he hopes, some stability. He first says his goodbyes to the Doctor and to the pretty Captain, and then to the young Lord Synxol. These are with smiles and handshakes, as he has been taught.
It has been a most unexpected ride, and if one had earlier predicted the events of the day to him he would 1) not have believed it, and 2) if believed, have dreaded it immensely. However, having passed it only marginally scathed, he realizes with a good deal of surprise that he enjoyed it in some fashion. That in itself makes him question his own sanity, as if there had not been a plethora of reasons for the same doubt occurring throughout the day. He shrugs and looks at Jack.
"I thank you Jack. Without you I fear I might tonight take to drinking, or the ladies, or worse. I think I need to go and unscramble the events of my day, a day probably most typical for a man of your... occupation. But not for me. I do hope the apartments are warm, for I wish to curl up with a book - whether that is the doctor's fantastical work I am unsure. Perhaps I'll take another peek once I have recovered somewhat. Let us away from this place urgently!"
The events of the day have been very strange for normal folk although the three of you feel that you have been forged by your life events. Allowing you to adapt and survive what happened to you this night, and the strange things that exist in the 'dark'.
You know that some time will pass before you give Doctor Frankenstein, the man whom you thought was a man that you had to fight. Still, you do feel that this is only the beginning of more strange events, at least for the rest of the evening and the day should be a 'normal' day.
Ooc: level up time, for completing this chapter of meeting Doctor Frankenstein:
Jack laughed when Assisi mentions this being a normal night.
"The fighting be pretty normal for me. The monsters, no, not so much. A lot of what happened tonight made me want to run, screaming into the night," the big man chuckles. "Yeah, the apartment be in a nice enough spot. Ye shouldn't be having an issue, plus I'll have someone keeping an eye out for ya."
"Still, a good meal would be hitting the spot. How about a trip to Maggie's," Jack says with a grin.
Assisi smiles, not realizing how hungry he had been. "Yes, of course. Her food is the best around, is it? I had been warned about English food you know; no offence, but it was not I who gave the warning."
"Not all of the English food be horrible," Jack laughed. "Only most of it."
A few minutes pass in silence before Jack turns to look at Assisi.
"I did have question for ya. Is what we encountered talked about in a great deal of books? I was getting then feeling that tonight be a rare thing," says the big Scot.
The carriage ride back to the block of Maggie's seems to happen in an insistent, you attribute that to the day that you just had. Maggie's tavern seems to feel the same, however you find yourself looking at the patrons of the establishment harder then usual. Perhaps it could be the events of this night have thrown a shadow on your usual haunts, then again, no trouble ever happens in Maggie's tavern.
Assisi finds Jack's question most interesting, or rather, the answer that now rests upon his tongue. "Books, yes, but almost exclusively in books telling old Fairy tales about boggles and magicians, and thought to be works of fiction -- fabrications from someone's imagination. It makes one wonder what other stories are true."
Synxol retires after a hot toddy, drowning in brandy, feeling the importance of rising early (mid-afternoon for him) to start his research.
He had much to learn.
Thinking about Assisi's answer, Jack is silent thorough several mouthfuls of his meal
Setting his chopsticks against the plate, he takes a drink from his cup of some dark looking liquid.
"Given how many fairy tales be about, that be a scary thought," Jack says. A few more moments pass before he follows up with. "I be wondering we not be seeing the weird all the time. It be like something keeps your eyes from really noticing what be real. I'm sure there bean answer. One iI be betting our new friend knows the answer to." Jack grins briefly.
Lacking any real knowledge of the supernatural, Jack steers the conversation towards any question Assisi might have about the city that the Scot had a chance of answering. A bit after the meal, he makes sure the Brother gets to his apartment, and arranges for a couple of Red Caps to keeps their eyes on Assisi.
Finally, late in the night, Jack returns to his current hiding hole. As he takes of his coat to settle down, he winces, straining the spot that had been chewed on. Tossing his coat onto a chair, he rubs the wound. After checking the wound to make sure it wasn't to bad, Jack looks over his new sword for a little bit before getting ready to sleep for a bit.
Grabbing the small green vial from his vest, the big Scot looks at it in the candle light. Pulling the hit of cork out, Jack almost gags at the smell. 'Whatever this stuff was, the smell could gag a rat,' he thinks staring at the greenish colored liquid.
Holding his breathe, Jack drinks the vial down, thinking it was a bit odd that it didn't taste nearly as bad as it smelled. Blowing out candle, the big Scot quickly falls asleep.
Jack: The tonic has it's intended effect, the headache fades faster then what you expect, right before you drift off, you feel the skin itching where you where chewed on. The feeling is the same where skin has been regrowing, the tonic is strong enough to pull you into sleep before you are able to investigate the sensation.
Your find yourself standing over your own body, seeing the rise and fall of your chest, reaching out to touch your chest, you see that your 'hands' are glowing with a haze of blue lights and is translucent. glancing down at your 'body' you see your normal everyday attire is also translucent.
" Finally boy, you've started to grow into your power, that is why you've been having the pain in your thick Scot's melon." A familiar voice says from behind you, turning around you see a young woman's body glowing with a golden aura. The word springs to your mind, and in that moment even with you never using that term before, fits.
The woman is of Chinese Descent, dressed in silks, of what era you have no bloody clue. They look old though alas it would be hard to get much detail as her inner light hides many of her features, and details of her clothing. Seeing your confusion over her and the whole ordeal she smiles, in that smile you see Maggie. The smile is almost her trade mark the microflash that tells much and little.
" Little Jackie, finally grown into Jack the Big Scot. I'm glad that you are finally able to 'see' me in the astral plane. Yes that is what this vision is about, I'm finally able to start teaching you more about what your 'abilities' can do."
Assis: Your apartment is furnish quite nicely, more then what you would expect from a lousy neighborhood in the edge of Whitechapel. the furnishings are made of quality and tell a tale of lasting a number of years, an indoor pluming system lies in another room, a kitchen, along with a scullery maid lie in wait, Another small room holds a bed for said maid/housekeeper, when you unlocked the door she came out from her room and dressed in her uniform, as if waiting for you to arrive. She curtsied, and quickly helped you out of your coat, hanging it up on a hook near the door.
" Anything else that sir needs before bed?" She asks
Synxol: The rest of the evening is quite, the only thing that draws your attention is a new book that arrived while you were out, looking at the cover, the words shift until you understand what you were looking at: Your Tome.
Ooc: Sorry for a slow posting weekend from me.
Synxol retrieves a hot beverage, lights a few candles and delves into the tome.
Jack looks at Maggie's form, then his own body lying bless fully asleep. His him was whirling like the wheel of a cab as he attempts to assimilate what he had just learned. The rapidly shrinking part of his mind that tried to reject the supernatural made a few pathetic noises before falling silent.
"Well, um, I.., really don't know what to say. I be thrilled I not be going completely mad, " the big Scot grins. "I be honored to be taught, but of course, I be having a book load of questions. First what be this power you speak of. Is it like magic or something different?"
Synxol: The time starts you on your path of learning the basics of how to use magic. First and foremost how to get your mind attuned to tapping into the forces around you.
The theory of the spell formula seems familiar to you, as if you are remembering something that you had learned long ago. With a bit of a start, you realize that some extra knowledge must have came from the book that you had read much earlier today. That fact brings more questions as well as answers, after a while you can no longer make heads or tails of the rest of the book. The problem is that more time to understand the previous chapter might be the key.
Ooc: more to post when I get a chance.
Assisi: The door to your bedroom lies on the second story of this apartment and after a brief thought of spending time with more books, as enjoyable as that thought is; the day has been a long one. The bed's siren call is too much, after changing, you find that the mattress is quite comfortable after all the time spent traveling in the last few months.
Your dream is an odd one, you see yourself back at the monastery tending a garden which was enjoyable until you see more and more barren spots. With a cry of distress, you keep tending to the barren spots whispering to the ground itself, coaxing the earth to help grow.
The dream shifts before you are able to see the results of your renewed efforts and find yourself in the library, searching for a book that keeps moving to a different shelf when you get closer to it.
" Brother Assisi, the answer is not in the book. The book merely starts you on your path, the important thing is to keep seeking the answer, and He will help guide you. You always have a choice in the matter, as you have his greatest things, love and choice." A voice says behind you with a hint of musical note on the words.
As your turn around to see who could be there in a dusty library a feather with a silver glow floats across your eyes. With a jolt, you find yourself awake, holding that feather still glowing softly.
[Sorry for my late post. I've been really busy on the weekend and this week. Assisi is leveled as an Acolyte.]
Assisi smiles at the maid, as much from surprise as pleasure, though it is good to see a pretty face. He thinks about the Captain, too.
Who is paying for this? I suppose that is what the Doctor wishes to know.
Heavy eyelids pry him from his thoughts of reading, and sleep comes quickly. The dreams he has are strange, as strange as the day was. They are trying to tell him something.
Finally he wakes quickly, and sees the feather in his hand. He sits up in shock, looking around. How? He looks closely at the feather wondering about the light it sheds, and then places it on the table next to his bed. My bed, he thinks.
He puts his head back down and tries to sleep some more, not sure if he should or should not wish for another feather.
Synxol: even with the new information that dwelled in the Time, you know that some of the workings of magic lie in Cambridge. Even with your wealth and status it would take some time to get access to more of restricted books. Sleep threatens to drag you down, further study would have to wait.
Claws dig deep into his flesh, dragging the young nobleman into a deep slumber, but not before Synxol had started the process of gaining access to the rare tomes that lie within Cambridge, and arranging for Assisi and Jack to receive their full payments for their previous good works.
Jack: Maggie let's out a snort and says " Well now some call it magic I suppose instead of what it is. Psionic's are the power of the mind, tapping into the energy or even as it has been thought as Chi. Everyone has a different view on what to call it, two people with the same strength could have completely different powers. I can only show you the path, only you can choose the what effects of the mind that you can manifest into the real world."
Maggie passes a small bowl filled with rice and once you consume it, knowledge of Psionics and lessons on how to use your mind to change how 'reality' is effected.
ooc: Jack gain one extra Psi points, and another first level power.
Assisi: The rest of your sleep is restful and on the morning the feather is still sitting on your nightstand and is still glowing slightly. The feather is four inches long and perhaps two inches wide, it reminds you of a hawk feather.
As Jack began to eat the rice, knowledge of the fine art of manipulating ones mental energies begin to grow within his mind. So much more than he could even begin to understand floods his sponge like mental pathways.
"Whoa" was all that passed the stunned Scot's lips. A few moments pass as he tries to make heads or tails of what he had begun to learn. Jack realizes that he hadn't even scratched the surface of what Maggie had shown him. The bowl of "rice" had been a libraries (or more) worth of knowledge waiting to be unlocked.
Looking at Maggie, Jack smiles as his teacher.
"Is this how I learned to speak and read Chinese so fluently?" Jack asks.
Jack: " No that was all on your own now, this night grows short so I will leave you to dream.". With those words normal sleep returns to you.
Synxol: It takes a few days before you can get access to Cambridge's restricted books. Jennsen arranges the final amount of funding to the other two partners in crime.
You end up owing a favor to the head professer, showing up at a fund raiser at the end of the month. In the few days of waiting for access to Cambridge, you spend your time reading some of your grandfather's notes with a deeper understanding of his thoughts and work.
Jack: The first thing that comes to your mind is the boggles price, how much did it just go up with the arse beat down.
Assisi: Normally you spend your time in study however, an interruption by the name of Captain Ayisha who comes knocking on your door towards that evening.
Assisi spends the next few days recovering from his ordeal. Healing his wounds, which were not insignificant. He has figured out something miraculous: he is able to heal his wounds using the Divine favour of God. He knows deep inside himself it has nothing to do with the church; it is a direct relationship between God and himself. He is sure he can heal others as well, and is curious to try it, though he doesn't wish injuries upon anyone.
(full HP)
His recovery is mental too, as he saw a lot of things he previously didn't believe in.
After a few days thus, Assisi is very calm again. He sits in his comfy clothes, sipping Cappucino and reading the news. When the Penny maid tells him there is a caller, he gives her a genuine smile and nods. He quickly becomes presentable and then goes to see who it is; and is happily surprised when he finds Captain Ayisha in the waiting area.
"Captain Ayisha! What a welcome and pleasant surprise! I see you have met Penelope, sorry, Penny, she keeps on insisting I say... How are you doing today?"
With a week of research and revelry behind him Synxol arranges to meet the others at a posh and overly trendy restaurant. Feeling foolish he has his valet offer the owner a sufficient amount to close to their private party, thus guaranteeing as much anonymity as he can.
Feeling more refreshed from a night of rest than he had in a long time, Jack goes through his morning rituals, while his mind rolls over what he had learned. 'First stop be to Maggie's for a spot of breakfast and to make sure I not be mad as a hatter,' the big Scot thinks to himself while shaving.
Having finished his morning routine, including going through a series of stretches, Jack notices something curious. While he is stretching out and warming up his muscles, Jack finds himself slipping into a meditative state, almost reflexively. It seems that the workout he had been provided was the stepping stone to syncing up his mind and body.
The walk to Maggie's was more or less uneventful, he nods upon entering and sits down at the bar. His eyes had swept over the patrons, seeing if anything other than human was takingttheir breakfast at the inn. More from a sense of curiosity than really expecting trouble.
Assisi: Captain Ayisha takes you out in London and to a number of locations that normally you avoided. A number of seedy locations, to a few member's only type for lack of a better word: clubs. A loverly time is had but it does pass by in a bit of a blur, after an almost enchanting night she leaves you in the morning with a message informing you that she had a charter job for India.
Jack: Maggie's tavern is busy this morning, a number of elves are eating with a small group a humans, chatter is low and the patrons are more focused on their meals. Maggie nods at you having your order waiting for your arrival, chats for a bit in Mandarin about a number of new 'magic'.
Jack and Assisi the rest of your week passes by without any incidents, As you have received payment for locating the Doctor and Jack finds a deed stuffed in his mail slot. The deed is for a house in your territory that you could start to get fixed up, a note from Doctor Frankenstein saying that he had no need for it anymore.
Jennsen the valet knocks on your door on Friday with a message that lord Synxol requests your presence at the Crying Siren in today for lunch for buisness purposes. Jennsen informs you that brother Assisi is joining you as well, a carriage is waiting for taking to the club.
Synxol, the owner has no problem with you renting out the club, allowing for your luncheon today.
Assisi hurries out to the carriage, not wanting to keep Jack waiting. He quickly climbs inside, and Jack can see that he is wearing that same brown suit he was wearing earlier. Thankfully, it has been cleaned thoroughly, but it is not the right clothing for a luncheon such as this. Assisi knows, sort of, that his attire is not completely appropriate, but he didn't have anything else, and Penny was not overly helpful in describing what he should go out and buy.
"Hello, Mr. Jack. How have you been? I have been doing fine, just fine. Remember the Captain? Of course you do... I think she has a fancy for me. We spent a lovely evening together just before she embarked for India. Ah, sad, yes, but I do look forward to the day she returns."
He smiles, remembering that evening out, and that night. The next morning Penny had been as frosty as an Icelandic glacier, though Assisi had expected her to explode like one too. She had not, thankfully, and their working relationship had re-warmed through the week.
"So, do we believe this affair to be strictly for pleasure, or might there be some business to attend to in it?"
Synxol: the manager of thiz establishment has the classic signs of old breeding, perhaps not noble birth but some of the hallmarks of classic Britain bloodlines.
His name is Winston Yorke and is dressed rather posh for the location in the upper London ward. Although hr does seem to have an otherworldly feel to him, as if somewhere on the family bloodlines, someone had an affair with something other then human.
Jack and Assisi: Jennsen doesn't say much yo confirm your suspicions about the luncheon if it would be business or pleasure.
Nodding to Assisi when he enters the carriage, Jack grins at the Brother. The big Scot is dressed in his normal black and red suit. The well worn clothing looks like it might have been cleaned fairly recently.
"Been doing well Brother, just the usual activities. Well, to be fair, it has been a good week. The good Doc dropped off a deed to a place he be owning, so that's been a very pleasant surprise," Jack pauses for a moment, looking out of a window. "Oh, and Desmond be back to his usual charming self. I wouldn't be bringing your new girlfriend for a visit anytime soon," the smiling Jack teases the Brother.
"Being that it's Synxol, I be guessing this be more pleasure related than business, but ya never know," he winks at the blank faced elf.
Synxol looks to be half in the bag by the time that the others work their way across the establishment's threshold. It had been a difficult time as of late, with many disturbing things having been revealed to him, things he had failed to drink away over the last week, so his new plan was to walk around with equal parts alcohol and blood running through his veins.
He muses over what he had learned in his research.
Assisi relaxes in the carriage, looking at the elf. He had not looked closely before, but this new world laid before him has intrigued him as well as scaring the s~*$ out of him.
"Desmond will not be coming today, I expect?" he asks of Jack. "In any case, not to worry, as the Captain will not be here."
Rolling up to the party venue, he looks around, impressed at his surroundings. Assisi does his best to exhibit grace while disembarking from the cab.
As they enter the establishment, Assisi greets the somewhat inebriated Synxol, or Lord Baelstrad, rather, with a warm hug, Italian style, and says, "If you're drinking to forget, my friend, remember: in vino veritas!"
The big Scot laughs awhen Assisi had mentioned Desmond coming to a posh resturaunt. Or any restaurant, for that matter.
"Sorry Brother, Desmond be otherwise occupied at the moment. Although, I'm sure he be cursing the fact he missed lord Synxol's inviatation," Jack says after a good laugh. "Sorry, I be picturing Desmond wearing a bowtie, sitting at a table with a fork and knife in his clawed mitts."
Upon entering and being escorted to the young lord, with barely a raised eyebrow from the staff, they spot Synxol. Walking up to the lord, he sees that Synxol had all ready celebrating without them.
"Don't it be a bit on the rude side to be drinking before year guests arrive?" Jack asks with a chuckle.
A number of servants or employees can be found waiting on your orders for lunch, which is a classic British cuisine for well to members of the British court.... or at least a high enough bribe.
The establishment is known for being rented out for private affairs where they ensure that nothing is over heard or repeated.
Assisi lets the servants seat him, and then is happy to indulge in a little red vino.
"Nice to see you again, Synxol. I hope you don't mind it too much if I call you that? How has your week been going?"
OOC: J, what has Synxol learned with his week of research?
Ooc: a + 2 to knowledge checks on arcanina, and eventually access to more spells in Cambridge.
So in game terms more on magical theory and a hint of a wizard group.
Synxol: while your research provided more about the hidden world, you can't help but wonder if this information was correct. You do find some clues that Athens Greece might be due for a ship ride.
[Spolier= after lunch]
Jennsen walks up to your table and whispers in your ear " Sir I regret to interrupt your scheduled luncheon, however a message from your friend has arrived" he hands you a sealed envelope.
[/spoiler]
Enjoying a fine meal, Jack leans back in his chair slightly, sipping his glass of wine. He was finding himself rating it against Maggie's cooking, and shakes his head with a slight grin at the thought.
Listening to the Brother and young Lord talk, Jack keeps more of an eye on their surroundings. The big Scot was lost a few minutes in while listening to the two talk, so he turns a majority of his attention outward.
Although Jack wasn't particularly sure why Synxol had invited them to lunch, he was afraid to take up the lord generosity. The Scotsman briefly wonders if Synxol had business to discuss, or if the lordling was bored and wanted some company.