Masks of Nyarlathotep (Inactive)

Game Master Aubster

Spencer arrives back at the room's window just as it seems the others are deciding to leave--down the fire escape. Panting, he shakes his head. "Well then... let's... get a wiggle on, boys." He leans on the window frame, catches his breath, and gestures to the room. "Unless you wanna be the fall guys for those Blood Tongue fellows."

If Father Murphy doesn't take his pistol back, Hank will flick the safety on and shove it in whichever pocket will best hold it.

Hank follows Spencer out the window.

Right behind ya, Inky!

Now that the important question of retreat has been settled and it no longer matters whose fingers have been where, Fr. Murphy gladly recovers his pistole from Hank and returns it to the back of his pants as he follows the rest out the fire escape.

At Spencer's shout, Jake followed him down the fire escape in useless pursuit.

At the decision to leave the scene, he nodded.
"At the risk of getting a big head boys, the paparazzi would be swarming if they knew my name was involved. We couldn't do anything one of 'em glued to your kiester."

After they escape down the fire escape, Jake fumbled for a cigarette, his hands shaking badly.
"My god, what they did to him! What on earth was he into now?"

As the last one of you safely reach the ground, you see a paddy wagon full of New York's finest disappear around the corner and hear it screech to a stop at the front entrance of the hotel. In the deep shadows of the alley you are likely safe from discovery for a few minutes. Of course, your cars are parked in the front of hotel which is swarming with policeman.

As everyone seems eager to enter the room, Kwan steps to the door, and sees the mangled corpse. He has a feeling that his simple janitor's life is about to come to an end. "Oh"! "This not good"! "I'll never get the blood out of those sheets".

Does Kwan Ho follow the "murderers" out the window or will he stay and wait for the police?

Kwan Ho can't believe his luck. He finally found a place where he could "disappear"... and not this happens. Surely his face will be plastered on the newspapers... This just would not do.

"Let us go our own ways and meet up somewhere later". "I must gather my things, and thank Geng Ki for the chance to work in this fine establishment". "It sickens this humble one to see what has happened to your friend".

Kwan Ho will go gather his meager belongings, and meet up with the rest of the gang where they suggest.

If it's OK, I'd like for Kwan Ho to have a fine Katana that he stole from his former slave master. He does not feel he is worthy enough to use this fine weapon at this time, but hopes for the day when he might be... and use it to extract his revenge.

It'd be a shame to lose my .45 -- it's in the trunk of the Winton. And leaving both cars parked there will surely lead the police quicker to us than otherwise. I think we need to get the cars.

Hank thinks a moment.

What say we emerge from the alley in the midst of a loud argument about a contract dispute to throw off the police? Then we get in our cars and drive away in different directions. Hopefully they'll be too distracted by the argument to question our presence overmuch.

Regarding Kwan Ho: I thought you were an NPC. I thought it was a little odd that the GM was asking "himself" whether Kwan Ho would join us or not. I guess I missed you on the recruitment thread. Sorry!

Hank recalls the odd conversation with the even more odd oriental (1) housekeeper.

(1) Using the parlance of the time, as I understand it, although it's considered insulting today. If anyone objects, I'll gladly update.

Uh, sure you can join us at Grand Central Terminal in one hour, Mr. ...Ho, is it? or Kwan? But you need to stay here for now to tell the police the truth about us -- that we arrived too late to have committed this horrible act, and that we chased the murderers out the window. Got that?

Fr. Murphy nods his head at Hank's plan. "And when asked if we saw anyone, we can say we, honestly, saw three gentlemen hurridly pile into a car and drive away, and provide the license plate. It seems the best plan so far.
" Spencer, if you wouldn't mind, my parish is a few blocks from here. I'd like stop there and get some things. It seems the Lord has called me on a humanitarian trip to Africa in the near future."

"Of course. Are we ready?" Let's just hope the bulls don't smell the hooch on our breath...

"Grand Central Terminal? To go where? We need to know what we're doing before we go off half-cocked to Africa and that means we need to do some digging around.

Jackson may be dead and we found a few scraps of information, but that was all we got. I didn't see any of his notes or research. Maybe his killers stole them, and maybe not. They might be with his editor at Prospero House and that might mean he is in danger too. We certainly can't go hauling off to Africa without seeing to him - plus, he just might have information on Jackson's plans."

Take it easy, Guthrie. I didn't know where we would be in an hour, and simply chose a well-known location to meet Mr. Kwan where we may get lost in the crowd if need be. I have a gut feeling he has an important part to play in this somehow. And I have no intention of gallivanting off anywhere unprepared.

He glances at the rest.

Are we ready, gentlemen? If they stop us for questions, stick together so we can create the story together.

Hank begins walking toward the cars, talking animatedly behind him.

For God's sake, man, if you don't have the money, just admit it! I don't run a charity service. What the hell were you thinking? Do you take me for a rube? Do I look like someone who takes promises in payment? I have expenses, I'll have you know. Not that you would understand that.

Kwan Ho can't believe his luck. He finally found a place where he could "disappear"... and not this happens. Surely his face will be plastered on the newspapers... This just would not do.

"Let us go our own ways and meet up somewhere later". "I must gather my things, and thank Geng Ki for the chance to work in this fine establishment". "It sickens this humble one to see what has happened to your friend".

Kwan Ho will go gather his meager belongings, and meet up with the rest of the gang where they suggest.

If it's OK, I'd like for Kwan Ho to have a fine Katana that he stole from his former slave master. He does not feel he is worthy enough to use this fine weapon at this time, but hopes for the day when he might be... and use it to extract his revenge.

That's fine to have a Katana. Just curious though as to how will Kwan carry it through the city without drawing attention?

It'd be a shame to lose my .45 -- it's in the trunk of the Winton. And leaving both cars parked there will surely lead the police quicker to us than otherwise. I think we need to get the cars.

Hank thinks a moment.

What say we emerge from the alley in the midst of a loud argument about a contract dispute to throw off the police? Then we get in our cars and drive away in different directions. Hopefully they'll be too distracted by the argument to question our presence overmuch.

Regarding Kwan Ho: I thought you were an NPC. I thought it was a little odd that the GM was asking "himself" whether Kwan Ho would join us or not. I guess I missed you on the recruitment thread. Sorry!

Hank recalls the odd conversation with the even more odd oriental (1) housekeeper.

(1) Using the parlance of the time, as I understand it, although it's considered insulting today. If anyone objects, I'll gladly update.

Uh, sure you can join us at Grand Central Terminal in one hour, Mr. ...Ho, is it? or Kwan? But you need to stay here for now to tell the police the truth about us -- that we arrived too late to have committed this horrible act, and that we chased the murderers out the window. Got that?

As the band of plucky investigators leave the alley to return to the main street and retrieve their automobiles, you see the front of the hotel swarming with police, firemen and an ambulance crew. Official vehicles are parked in such a way that the block in front of the hotel is closed to through traffic.

Your loud argument draws the attention of a patrolman that had been wondering around trying to look busy. He walks over to intercept the group as you approach your cars.

Hold on a minute you lot! This is a crime scene...there is a whole room of murdered men upstairs so you can't just drive away. Who are you and what are you doing?

This is a perfect time to try out the persuasion skill. In addition, this is a great time to try out the aid others roll. For the persuasion skill, if you are not trained in it, then you will roll a d4 at -2 and a wild dice at d6-2. If trained, then you roll your trained skill score and a wild dice as normal. Just a reminder, your movie star is not only trained (d8) but has the charisma edge so he gets a +2 on his roll. To sum up, if you try it untrained you roll a d4 and a d6 die and are -2 on each roll. Jake would roll a d8 and a d6 and be at +2. To aid others, make a skill roll as outlined above and if you succeed, then the investigator making the 'official' roll gets to add +1 to his roll.

Just to make clear, the above is just a suggestion, you are perfectly able to choose another approach such as fight, run, intimidate, surrender, etc.

Jake, it's time to put those acting skills to work.

Hank attempts to set the stage for the more persuasive members of the group.

Officer, this man is in breach of contract. I demand you arrest him immediately.

Aid Another, Persuasion: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Well, that was helpful, wasn't it?

It'd be a shame to lose my .45 -- it's in the trunk of the Winton. And leaving both cars parked there will surely lead the police quicker to us than otherwise. I think we need to get the cars.

Hank thinks a moment.

What say we emerge from the alley in the midst of a loud argument about a contract dispute to throw off the police? Then we get in our cars and drive away in different directions. Hopefully they'll be too distracted by the argument to question our presence overmuch.

Regarding Kwan Ho: I thought you were an NPC. I thought it was a little odd that the GM was asking "himself" whether Kwan Ho would join us or not. I guess I missed you on the recruitment thread. Sorry!

Hank recalls the odd conversation with the even more odd oriental (1) housekeeper.

(1) Using the parlance of the time, as I understand it, although it's considered insulting today. If anyone objects, I'll gladly update.

Uh, sure you can join us at Grand Central Terminal in one hour, Mr. ...Ho, is it? or Kwan? But you need to stay here for now to tell the police the truth about us -- that we arrived too late to have committed this horrible act, and that we chased the murderers out the window. Got that?

Kwan nods his head rapidly at the verbal tirade, then as soon as the others depart he runs to his room, and gathers his meager belongings. A small leather satchel, ant his battered guitar case,with the false bottom containing his prized possession. He then goes out the servants exit, after leaving a note of thanks, and makes his way to the meeting point. I must not be caught.

Hank "The Stank" Harrison wrote:

It'd be a shame to lose my .45 -- it's in the trunk of the Winton. And leaving both cars parked there will surely lead the police quicker to us than otherwise. I think we need to get the cars.

Hank thinks a moment.

What say we emerge from the alley in the midst of a loud argument about a contract dispute to throw off the police? Then we get in our cars and drive away in different directions. Hopefully they'll be too distracted by the argument to question our presence overmuch.

Regarding Kwan Ho: I thought you were an NPC. I thought it was a little odd that the GM was asking "himself" whether Kwan Ho would join us or not. I guess I missed you on the recruitment thread. Sorry!

Hank recalls the odd conversation with the even more odd oriental (1) housekeeper.

(1) Using the parlance of the time, as I understand it, although it's considered insulting today. If anyone objects, I'll gladly update.

Uh, sure you can join us at Grand Central Terminal in one hour, Mr. ...Ho, is it? or Kwan? But you need to stay here for now to tell the police the truth about us -- that we arrived too late to have committed this horrible act, and that we chased the murderers out the window. Got that?

Kwan nods his head rapidly at the verbal tirade, then as soon as the others depart he runs to his room, and gathers his meager belongings. A small leather satchel, ant his battered guitar case,with the false bottom containing his prized possession. He then goes out the servants exit, after leaving a note of thanks, and makes his way to the meeting point. I must not be caught.

Please check to see if you slip away from the hotel unseen using your stealth skill. Don't forget you get +2 on your stealth check for your thief edge.

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Stealth
1d6 ⇒ 6 WD Total of 13
1d6 ⇒ 6 XC
1d6 ⇒ 1 XD2

Kwan Ho moves like the east wind itself as he flows out the entrance of the hotel taking advantage of the gathering nighttime gloom and that attention is concentrated on the front entrance of the hotel. His passage is so quiet, that the alley denizens (one old tomcat and quite a few brown rats) don't notice as he moves past.

Father Murphy nods his head sagely and deferentially says to Jake "Mr. Westfield. As your, ah, Spiritual Advisor, it is, ah, the Lord's will that you, ah, do not listen to this LYING HEATHEN!" and he points dramatically at Hank.

Persuasion to assist Jake: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 4

And, just for the record, Father Murphy is _not_ lying. He is the Spiritual Advisor to all peoples, and Hank is currently lying right now. He can't really be held responsible if the circumstances disallow exact interpretation. *w-i-nk* =)

Jake is jolted out of his shock at Hanks horrible acting.
"What? Oh! Hello Officer, I apologize at the intrusion."
He grinned and took off his hat and stuck his hand out.
"I'm Jake Westfield. I," he gestures belatedly at his companions, "And my entourage here were supposed to meet a writer here, but I suppose we'll have to wait. Ah, just what happened here, if I'm not stepping on any police toes?"

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

How many twos can we roll? Let's find out!

Jake is jolted out of his shock at Hanks horrible acting.

"What? Oh! Hello Officer, I apologize at the intrusion."
He grinned and took off his hat and stuck his hand out.
"I'm Jake Westfield. I," he gestures belatedly at his companions, "And my entourage here were supposed to meet a writer here, but I suppose we'll have to wait. Ah, just what happened here, if I'm not stepping on any police toes?"

[dice=Persuasion]1d8+2
[dice=Wild]1d6+2

How many twos can we roll? Let's find out!

The policeman looked at the group with a hand on the butt of his pistol as they approach. However, once he gets a better look at Jake he does a doubletake and breaks into a big smile. Oh my goodness, Jake Westfield! I can't believe that I'm talking to Jake Westfield! Wait til the boys down at the precinct hear about this. I'll get the sarge to move his car so you can get out, he says with enthusiasm. Looking at the rest of you as he pulls out a notebook he continues if you're with Mr. Westfield, I'm sure that you're alright and you're free to go...but I do need your names and addresses for our records. He holds his pen ready to record your names.

Spencer follows the others, and while the "planned"--if you could call it that--story quickly falls apart before very long, he clears his throat and decides to work with both as well as he can.

"Hank, listen, now's not the time to get into it, so quit beating your gums and we'll talk about it later, huh?" He turns to the police and Westfield. "And Jake, if there's something going on with the police, let them handle it! I'm sure they can do a fine job of keeping us all safe and sound, and we'll talk about the script and the contract"--here he shoots the pilot and priest a look, hoping to sell it--"later on, when things aren't so busy. Best regards, officers--you're doing our city proud." Spencer gives the men his smile and breezes forward, trying to sweep the others in the air of confidence that comes from a lifetime of getting your way without much trouble, coupled with Spencer's genuinely good nature.

After a couple steps, though, he clicks his tongue and turns. "Our names? Well, I'm Spencer Collin, you might have heard of me? And I did see some odd fellows driving off as we were getting here. Looked to be in quite a hurry. In a black Hudson, and I think the license plate was... yes, NYL Seven, that was it. Best of luck in your investigation, boys!" He gives the policemen a small wave and continues walking toward his car.

And edited out the Persuasion rolls, since we already got through by the time I finished this.

Guthrie Wilson gives his name and the name of his agent for any inquiries the police might make.

As they, eventually, move away from the encounter with the policeman, he turns to Spenser, "Here we are, working hard to make money on the written word, and a policeman only has stars in his eyes. Kind of puts life in a harsh perspective."

Jake nods sagely.
"Of course officer. This is the hotel I'm staying at, but I will be out and about this whole week. Here is my card, with my office contact information. They can get ahold of me if my hotel cannot."
He waived at Spencer.
"All right! I'm coming! Anyway, good luck to you officer!" He waived graciously as he left.

Assuming that Hank and Father Murphy also give their names and addresses (if not just say so)...

The gang follows the directions of the helpful patrolman and, when the Sergeant pulls his squad car forward, make their way carefully through the barricades and out into the NYC evening. After a couple of quick stops, they arrive at the Grand Central Terminal building and find a quiet table of the back of The Coffee Cup, an all night diner, to discuss what to do next...

Father Murphy sets down the pack they retrieved and speaks up. "Gentlemen, I have a plan."

He catches the attention of the waitress and orders a round of coffees.

"Oh? You mean what should we do now? Well, before we order tickets to Africa, I wouldn't mind spending an hour's time in the library. We have a location, in general, so if we could do a modicum of reading so that we have something more than -no- idea about where we're going, I'd feel much better.

The coffee arrives, and he drenches his in cream, but just a whisp of sugar.

"I mean, Lord knows that I'm not even entirely sure what language they speak. And if we at least got a tourist's phrase book we might be quite to the good for it! I bet most of us could do that while one of us goes and books the flight."

Can more than one person assist a roll? If we all go to the library, can (almost) everyone assist at the Investigation roll?

Right you are, Father. But before we leave the continent, I think we'd better check out what Jackson was inquiring about in Harvard's library. If someone can loan me $500 to get my plane out of hock, I can be up there and back in a few hours, with a passenger along to help with the research.

Lighting a Pall Mall absent-mindedly, Hank looks expectantly at the others, perhaps too expectantly.

Father Murphy sets down the pack they retrieved and speaks up. "Gentlemen, I have a plan."

He catches the attention of the waitress and orders a round of coffees.

"Oh? You mean what should we do now? Well, before we order tickets to Africa, I wouldn't mind spending an hour's time in the library. We have a location, in general, so if we could do a modicum of reading so that we have something more than -no- idea about where we're going, I'd feel much better.

The coffee arrives, and he drenches his in cream, but just a whisp of sugar.

"I mean, Lord knows that I'm not even entirely sure what language they speak. And if we at least got a tourist's phrase book we might be quite to the good for it! I bet most of us could do that while one of us goes and books the flight."

Can more than one person assist a roll? If we all go to the library, can (almost) everyone assist at the Investigation roll?

The 'official' rules require that the helper is also trained in that role, however, to me that doesn't make sense when it comes to skills like Investigation so a house rule is that for skills that can be attempted untrained anyone can try to assist but they do so at -2 to their roll

Wilson excuses himself to seek out a phone, whether a pay phone or courtesy phone. He asks the operator to see If she can ring up Prospero House. He tries to connect with Jonah Kensington.

Connor stares nonplussed at Hank a moment, his coffee held frozen in his hand. Finally he regains himself and continues. "Um, yes, well, while I'm sure that library would be of great help, I think, with an eye to getting going sometime soon, the local library a few blocks from here should be quite sufficient. They have an excellent foreign-languages section, and we should be able to get enough guidebooks to get us headed in the right direction. If that sounds like a good next step, do we have any volunteers to arrange plane tickets? Or the means to get Mr. Harrison's plane out of 'hock'?"

To get an idea of money in today's rates, take any amount in 1920 and add a zero.

...

And then add another zero. =)

I have a modest Investigation roll, and can help there.

As his coffee grew colder, Jake thought deeply about what Jackson might have been into.
"Yes Hank, I must confess I too am curious as to what Jackson might have been looking for in the Harvard Library.
"I don't think he had any family we could ask. Does anyone know who his book publisher was? I know some well off writers have agents, might he have had one? If he discussed his new works with them, they might be helpful."
At the mention of impound fees, Jake grinned at Hank.
"Well, I might be able to help with that. Will you need a check, or cash?"

Wilson excuses himself to seek out a phone, whether a pay phone or courtesy phone. He asks the operator to see If she can ring up Prospero House. He tries to connect with Jonah Kensington.

The operator is able to ring you through to Prospero House and to your surprise, considering the lateness of the evening, the phone is answered on the first rang. Kensington speaking says the voice on the other end of the line. Introducing yourself, you ask about Jackson Elias. After a pause, Kensington suggests that you come by his office at 9 AM tomorrow morning to speak in person. He seems quite eager to talk about the murder.

You know the following information that is common in literary and journalism circles...

Jonah Kensington
Kensington owns and is chief editor for Prospero House, a publisher of books having occult or fantastic themes, fiction and non-fiction alike. The offices of Prospero House are located on Lexington Avenue near 35th Street. This modest concern does not aim for best-sellers but rather for books which deserve to be published because they will interest select readers for generations to come.

Spencer nods at Guthrie's assessment of the times, and goes with him to the phone. He raises his eyebrows at the overheard eagerness of Kensington. "Sounds like the big cheese there might know something. Think he's wrapped up in all this, Dick?"

Spencer walks back to the table and sits down to drink his coffee. He nods to Jake's questions. "Jack mainly published with Prospero House, Dick here and I just got off the phone with Jonah Kensington, the chief editor and owner. Seemed pretty interested in talking tomorrow, said to swing by for nine. I for one intend to speak with him, although you fellows might want to get cracking on the library end of things."

He sips his drink and gives a small smile at the actor's offer to help with getting Hank's plane. "You're the Darb, Sheik. And I could help out a little, myself, if you need, Fly Boy."

As the group finilizes their plans Kwan finally shows up. Since he had several bus transfers and a long walk, it tool him a long time. "I humbly apologize for my late arrival". "What is it that you wish Kwan to do to help"?

Well, that was unexpectedly generous.

Hank gapes dumbfounded at Jake and Spencer's casual offer to solve all of his problems at a stroke. He shakes Jake's hand excitedly.

Why, thank you, Jake! Thank you very much. You won't regret it, I promise. And I'll pay you back just as soon as I can, you can count on that.

He glances at his pocketwatch.

They'll be quite pleased to get a payment from me.

He looks momentarily nonplussed, as if he never thought this far ahead.

So I guess I'm off to Harvard. With any luck, we'll make it just before the library closes. I have room for a passenger -- who wants to see what Jackson was inquiring about so intently up there?

@Fr. Murphy, you were right the first time. Hank's debt is about $6750 in today's dollars. So, it's a very generous offer, especially for someone you just met, but not life changing.

Hank is now carrying his .45 in a shoulder holster under his jacket.

Like a kid on Christmas morning (or an over-haired extra on a 70's sitcom) Connor raises his hand and goes "Oh! Oh! Me! Me! I wanna go!" After a moment he regains composure and says,"Mm. Yes. Quite. I should greatly appreciate a chance to peruse the storied halls of so vast a depository."

Right. We're off then. Shall we meet back here in a few hours? Come on, Friar, I hope you're not afraid of heights.

Assuming no objections, Hank and Father Murphy dash off to retrieve Bessie and fly her up to Cambridge as quickly as they can.

Please make sure that what I've got below is correct

Day 2
Group 1 - traveling by plane to Harvard to visit Miriam Atwright to follow-up on the book that Jackson Elias had been looking for
Hank
Father Murphy

Group 2 - meeting with Jonah Kensington (Jackson's publisher)
Spencer
Guthrie
Jake?
Kwan?

If correct...

Hank is almost giddy with delight at the prospect of rescuing his beloved plane from impound. Paying the bill with money lent to him by Jake and Spencer he is able to arrange for a fresh load of fuel and does a quick check of the engines. The weather forecast for Boston is a bit iffy with strong winds from the West and the possibility of sleet and freezing rain off and on all day. Visibility will go from fair to poor depending of the weather conditions at a particular point.

Once aloft, Hank does a quick check of the compass as well as the position of the sun and turns his plane north towards Boston. The weather cooperates for the first 30 minutes of the flight but then worsens...Hank please make a pilot skill check

Group 2 converges on Prospero House for their meeting at the arranged time and prepares to enter the building...All please make a notice roll...not aid another, each of you have a chance to independently to roll

Hank struggles with the joystick as the crosswinds grow stronger and more dangerous.

Come on, Bessie, hang on in there. Your old bones are strong, they are.

Pilot: 1d6 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 4

He yells back to Father Murphy,

We'll have to set down soon. We can't take much more of this.

Hank struggles with the joystick as the crosswinds grow stronger and more dangerous.

Come on, Bessie, hang on in there. Your old bones are strong, they are.

[dice=Pilot]d6;d6

He yells back to Father Murphy,

We'll have to set down soon. We can't take much more of this.

Just as it looks like the weather is going to be too rough for Old Bessie you break through a cloud bank and see the beautiful sight of Boston Harbor and Jeffrey Field below you.

Jeffrey Field

You bring Bessie in for almost a picture perfect landing. As you taxi over to one of the few hangars the storm that you had outraced to Boston descends in all of its fury upon you. Airport workers rush out to tie Bessie down to hardpoints before she is flipped over by the howling winds.

As Hank deals with Bessie, Father Murphy arranges for a cab to pick them up and to take them to Harvard Library. The driver slowly makes his way through the city as the rain turns to sleet...Ayuh, gonna be a real blower they say...N'Easter heading our way...hope you gents didn't plan to fly out o' here today...weatherman says up to 20 inches of snow.

Even as the first flakes fall, the taxi drops you off in front of the library.

What questions do you want to ask Ms. Atwright and what kind of information do you want to look up from the books. You don't need a skill roll to have Ms. Atwright answer questions but you will need an investigation roll to find information from the books.

1d4 ⇒ 3 Notice
1d6 ⇒ 4 WD

Kwan still is having trouble following the rapid speech of the Americans, but he catches enough of what is said to not be too noticeable.

Group 2____________
Notice: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

As Spencer drives over to Prospero House with the others the next morning, he looks back to their new acquaintance. "So, Mister... Ho, was it?" Assuming Kwan introduced himself. "You're a real Chinaman, eh? Can't say I've ever met one of your people. You like New York, America?"

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1

When they pull up to the building, Spencer's too busy taking off his driving gear and speaking to Kwan to pay much attention to details.

Notice: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Guthrie climbs out of Spencer's car and gets a look around. He's a little worried that there may be trouble about, but he hopes that the call last night at least warned Kensington that dire enemies of Jackson were about.

Questions to ask of Ms. Atwright:
* What was the book requested by Mr. Elias?
* Why is the book not available?
* What other books might hold the answer(s)? May we borrow them for a few days?
* Did Mr. Elias mention what he was investigating?
* How well did you know Mr. Elias and when did you last see him?
* Have you ever met a real-life flying ace before?

Investigate (untrained): 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 21d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Hank vaguely recalls seeing a thing called a "book" prior to today, but is generally unaware of the interior features of such a thing, apparently.

@Jake: You Aced your Notice. I think you still get to re-roll it, just -2 from the total.

As Hank jots down the questions for Ms. Atwright, Connor concurs that he seems to have covered all the bases, and adds that her memory might be jogged with some mention of Kenya, since that seems to be the epicenter of the connundrum. But there may be more to add once they have a bit more information.
As they approach the building, Fr. Murphy takes the list of questions from Hank and politely suggests, "Perhaps I might take the lead in conversing with the lady? I have picked up a sort of way with people."

Persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 1
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 6 +1d6 ⇒ 1 =7. Oh! If only someone could give me a +1, we could get a Raise! Whosoever might be brave and resourceful enough for that? If only there was a real live flying ace to help! (Possibly in his Slopwith Camel).

Ms. Atwright's letter mentioned that it could be found in "other volumes". If it comes to light what those other volumes are, and what could be found in them, Conner dives in.

Investigation: 1d10 ⇒ 1
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Apparently the RNG still hates me...but only on the actual skill test.

1d4 Notice

1d6 WD

Kwan still is having trouble following the rapid speech of the Americans, but he catches enough of what is said to not be too noticeable.

Both Kwan and Guthrie notice something odd about the two black men in cheap brown suits running the newsstand across the street. They don't appear to be interested in selling copies of newspapers but instead seem to be focused on watching the comings and goings from the Prospero House. As the four of you climb the steps to enter the offices of the publisher, one of them exits the newsstand and hurries away down the block.

Questions to ask of Ms. Atwright:

* What was the book requested by Mr. Elias?
* Why is the book not available?
* What other books might hold the answer(s)? May we borrow them for a few days?
* Did Mr. Elias mention what he was investigating?
* How well did you know Mr. Elias and when did you last see him?
* Have you ever met a real-life flying ace before?

[dice=Investigate (untrained)]d4-2;d6-2

Hank vaguely recalls seeing a thing called a "book" prior to today, but is generally unaware of the interior features of such a thing, apparently.

Ms. Atwright is a middle-aged woman with a shy, quiet demeanor. She was a fan of Jackson Elias' previous works and was stunned to hear about his murder. She's happy to help in anyway she can.

Elias requested a book called Africa's Dark Secrets.

The book mysteriously disappeared from the library shelves a several months before Jackson requested it. By mysteriously, I mean that one day is simply vanished. Besides the book disappearing, the other really odd thing was there was a, hmmm, unspeakable odor in that section of the library that day.

Unfortunately, he did not mention what he was investigating or why he wanted the book. No, I never met him but had corresponded with him a few times through the years. I was a fan of his works.

A real ace? Really? How wonderful...thank you for your service.

@Jake: You Aced your Notice. I think you still get to re-roll it, just -2 from the total.

As Hank jots down the questions for Ms. Atwright, Connor concurs that he seems to have covered all the bases, and adds that her memory might be jogged with some mention of Kenya, since that seems to be the epicenter of the connundrum. But there may be more to add once they have a bit more information.
As they approach the building, Fr. Murphy takes the list of questions from Hank and politely suggests, "Perhaps I might take the lead in conversing with the lady? I have picked up a sort of way with people."

[dice=Persuasion]1d4
[dice=wild die]1d6 +1d6 =7. Oh! If only someone could give me a +1, we could get a Raise! Whosoever might be brave and resourceful enough for that? If only there was a real live flying ace to help! (Possibly in his Slopwith Camel).

Ms. Atwright's letter mentioned that it could be found in "other volumes". If it comes to light what those other volumes are, and what could be found in them, Conner dives in.

[dice=Investigation]1d10
[dice=wild die]1d6

Apparently the RNG still hates me...but only on the actual skill test.

The Harvard Library has many interesting volumes on secret cults and their foul practices. One reference that is mentioned several times is a quite old manuscript known as the G'harne Fragments. When asked about it the Harvard librarians disclose that only one intact copy is known to exist which is located at the Penhew Foundation in London.