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In a well lite, but dank underground room you find yourself, with several other odd people. This underground room is part of a larger complex hidden beneath St. Paul's Cathedral. You were told to come here for a vitally important task. Just when you are about to leave, a tall thin man enters the room wearing a deerstalker hat and matching cloak.
Hello everyone, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sherlock Holmes, investigator. I have been chosen to gather you all here to discuss a matter of grave importance. The Queen has decided that there needs to be a special team created to spearhead investigations into the abnormal. He pauses and looks over his audience with a very stern gaze. Befor I go any further, you must know that this organization is secret, so secret infact that its exsistence will only be known to myself, those in this room, and the Queen herself. If any of you are not interested, now is the time to leave.
A young man in a slightly worn suit gives a smooth grin. "If it's discretion you're looking for, it's always been my business to keep secrets. But what kind of abnormal are you talking about?"
The young woman of Indian descent is dressed in fine clothing for the clandestine meeting. She smiles and nods politely to the others assembled. In only slightly accented English she addresses Holmes, "You must be most skilled to have learned of my 'gifts' Mr. Holmes. I will assume that is why I have been asked here?" She smiles and continues, "I believe I will remain, thank you."
Looking to the others she bows her her head slightly, "I am Rohara, a devotee of Durga, within the Hindi religion of India."
Move Action:
Free Action:
Miscellaneous Actions:
Swift Action:
Initiative: +2 Perception: +9
Current AC: 12 (10 Flat-footed / 12 Touch)
Current HP: 8/8 remaining
Current in Hand: n/a
Conditions in effect: n/a
Spells (0-level, DC 14, at will) Detect Magic, Light, Create Water; (1st level, DC 15, 2+1) bless, sanctuary, comprehend languages (d)
Abilities: Channel Energy 5 of 5 uses remaining; Inspiring Word 7 of 7 uses remaining; Lore Keeper (at will, touch attack)
Yes, I do have my skills, though I would say they pale when compared to yours my dear. There is many abnormal activities on this planet that are not yet explained. You all have abnormal or practical abilities that could be used to unravel the mystery. Sherlock shifts his gaze to the remaining members waiting for their responses befor he continues with any details.
A gaunt man sitting with his left ankle draped over his right knee stops checking the time and gracelessly crams his pocket watch back into his waistcoat pocket as he rises from his seat. He wipes his hand on his thigh and outstretches it to the investigator.
"M-Mr. Holmes, it's a great, fantastic pleasure to meet you!" he sputters out with a smile. "I've read your letters on analytical chemistry submitted to the scientific journal and found them most profound, indeed. Yes. Remarkable. Of course it would be redundant to introduce myself to you seeing as you already know who I am," he says looking to Sherlock, "but for those of you who are unaware: my name is Sebastian Feist, visionary and advocator of both ancient and emerging technologies." With his last statement he places his hands at the wings of his black double breasted topcoat and rolls off the balls of his feet, ending with a slight bow.
"Any of us who have been following the post for the last several weeks would no doubt agree to the peculiar happenings in our dear city. It would be a marvelous honor to assist you in finding the source, sir.
”Hi everyone. I’m Nimue. I’m 19, and I’m from a wealthy family who moved to Wales because London was making my Mother poorly of health.” This very short, pale, young woman waves to everyone. She is holding a soft leather casing of something that is about 3’ long and very thin, keeping it close to her at all times, gently rubbing her cheek against it at times. She wears a heavy explorer’s cloak of expensive make over a very fashionable ladies tunic with trousers, and soft leather boots that reach her knees.
“But: Abnormal? You haven’t answered this young man’s question, you see – exactly what kind of abnormal? And, when I met you and you secreted me away from my family for a moment and asked me to work for you, I’m pretty sure you never said ‘abnormal.’” Nimue pouts for a second, like a young girl used to getting her own way far too easily.
”’Unusual’ is what I think you said,” she says slowly. “I thought I’d be hunting the unusual – I thought the albino deers seen near Cardigan, that rare eagle in the Scottish Highlands (you know the one: really big, eats sheeps), the wild boars around York. Later, with your reputation as I knew it, I thought like maybe we would hunt for the one-armed killer of Oxford.
“Now you say ‘abnormal’ and I’m worried, and I'm thinking like ‘the Beast of Dartmoor,’ or ‘the Ghost of Uther Pendragon’ that stalks Glastonbury, or the Caves of Reading from which noone ever returns, or the Walking Stones of Cardigan, or the Forest of Fynallwyrrfallow." She shudders noticably. "And, and, and now I'm like wishing you are kidding, but you stand there looking deadly serious.
“What do you mean by ‘abnormal’?” She stamps her foot as she finishes her speech for dramatic effect.
Christof had foregone the chairs, choosing to stand near the side of the room. A young man, clean shaven and with blonde hair just long enough to rest on his shoulders. He is obviously well off, wearing a fine suit underneath his long coat.
"I'll be honest with you, Mr Sherlock. I have never been much one for subterfuge, its not truly in my blood. However, Direct Service of the Queen? I can pledge myself to that. You can consider my skills and training at your disposal."
Turning to the room, "My full name and title is Sir Christof De Castro, but you may all call me simply, Chris."
Thank you Mr. Feist, though I consider myself but an amatuer when compared to yourself. Nimue, I am sorry if you feel I decieved you, but for keeping secrecy I could not give you a full disclosure at the time. So we have Chris's answer, what say you Alaisdair ?
I will assume Alasidair will want to remain, you can give an introduction later.
Abnormal,yes, there is not really a better way to discribe some of these events. Receantly there has been an increase in sightings of a strange individual known as the Doctor He pauses and looks for reactions in the crowd when he says the name.
This is not a Doctor in the normal sense, though it does seem he has some degree of scientific ability, he is not a physician. The Queen has dubed him a knight, but also an enemy.The Doctor has been involved in many attempts to invade this country. The invaders though are not what you would expect. I am talking about other-worldly invaders or to put it bluntly aliens. This Doctor can apparently change his appearance, though always that of a white male.
Should you encounter this Doctor you are to detain him, or if it comes to it kill him.
If you are up to it, there has been a very recent incident involving this Doctor I need you to investigate and get to the bottom of. I am to serve as your go-between for Her Majesty and Scottland Yard should you require any assistance. There was a disturbance in the Theatre district that resulted in many deaths, we have detained two witnesses. A professor Litefoot, and the owner of a theater Mr Henery Jago. Some strange devices were also confiscated, but the constable in charge was poisioned and the devices were stolen. Professor Litefoot thinks the poision used was scorpion venom, used by the Tongue of the Black Scorpions. They have had involvment with the Doctor in the theatre district.
You are to question the witnesses, and attempt to relocate and aquire these three devices. One is what appears to be a large chinese puzzle box, some refered to it as the "time cabinet". One looks like a portable shower with electronic mesh lining the inside, a witness called it the "Talons of Weng Chiang" who is a deity of Chinese myth. The last and probably strangest device is a ventriloquist doll who was part of the recently departed L'Shen Chen's magical act. Reports suggest this is not an ordinary doll. Any questions?
"Surely this isn't serious. I..." Jeffrey starts to chuckle, and then gets a look of shock and concern. "No. You are serious, aren't you?" He sinks into his chair. "This is a lot to take in."
Sebastian returns to his chair and plops back into with a light thud and a contemplated look washes over his pale face. "If the alien can alter forms, how is it we would be able to identify him were we to happen upon him?" he asks as his hands fumble around to open his watch. He checks the time and pockets his jewelry and begins rolling his long fingers over the arm of his throne. "I would surely enjoy getting my hands on the devices in question. What-where- I mean, who are the Tongue of the Black Scorpions? No! I mean is the Tongue of the Black Scorpions? He asks urgently as he again rises from his chair and clasps his hands together.
A tall, wiry Scot remains in the back, nodding as Holmes speaks. He continues to nod as the others introduce themselves, largely lost in his own thoughts. Finally, he sighs loudly, and says in a thick brogue "Aye, there are things that I dinnae ken happening about. I have seen some of it with my own eyes. I am Alasdair Cinàed, chymyst and chirurgeon, and I wonder, Mr. Holmes, if it was records of my expulsion those years ago that led to me being here. Nae, dinnae answer tha', it matters little. I have always yearned for a sight behind the veil, Mr. Holmes. I willnae go."
Alasdair listens quietly to the information, and then asks somewhat bruskly, "I dinnae ken why the Queen would knight a man and name him an enemy of the Realm... Surely something else be afoot?"
Sherlock smiles at Sebastian, Good questions. The Doctor typically does not hide his identity, he will probably proclaim himself with something like " I am THE Doctor", this does not mean I want you to arrest everyone that claims to be a doctor, but this individual will have a strangness about him and access to technology beyond what we have today. Also notice the emphasis I put on the word THE. In almost every instance recorded, he has insisted he is THE Doctor, as if suggesting he is the genuine article. This might be a way to seperate him from some others. The other major piece of evidence is a strange blue box with some sort of light fixed to the top that reads "Police Box" has been reported with sightings of this Doctor.
Now to your second question. The Tongue of the Black Scorpion is a reglious and political organization from China that has gone rogue. It employs assassins skilled in martial arts to do its bidding. Some of the locals will refer to them as Ninjas, more then likely they are referring to a Black Scorpion member. According to our witnesses in custody, the Doctor aided in bringing down two of the leaders of the organization, Magnus Kreel and L'Shen Chen. Since then a new leader has emerged calling himself Weng Chiang. He is said to favor exotic red robes. Their last known base of operations was a large estate just north of the theatre district. It is currently under watch by the local constables.
Sherlock turns to Alasdir Aye, it is strange. The Doctor is a strange man, honestly I am not sure his intentions are entirely malevolent, but the Queen does not trust him.
Rohara nods to the others as they introduce themselves. As Sherlock Holmes continues she takes out a notebook and pencil out of her rucksack and begins taking notes.
"Mr. Homles, if we are to be a secret force under an organization at the of bidding of Her Majesty, what kind of authority does that give us exactly?" she asks looking up from the page she is writing on.
"Knighted, then deemed a threat to the Crown... that would be an interesting tale I am sure," the woman comments before she asks, "Should we locate any suspects and need privacy where would we conduct such an investigation? Or find the boxes, where would we return them too?"
Nimue has begun to absently twirl an arrow in her hand.
”I believe that I need to speak to these two witnesses before anything else. Then I can like ‘ground myself’ in the situation, and start from there.” She is talking softly and gently – with her eyes staring into the distance, Nimue is slowly feeling her way through the information.
“Mister Homles, are the witnesses near here? When can we see them?”
The brief girl stands, slinging her backpack from her feet over her shoulder. She has a look of anticipation upon her face.
Sherlock looks at Rohara Your authority will be absolute when it comes to preventing such people to gain a foothold in our country. You can use any means nessesary to protect this country.Publicly we will deny your exsistance, privatly you have our utmost support. You will be given papers with her majestys royal seal, should you get caught abuseing them publicly it will be said they are forgeries or that you stole them. With these papers you should have the freedom to demand almost any support required from local police.
He glances at Nimue acknowledgeing her as well The witnesses are being held by the London police force at the momment. They are expecting you, I have told them you are all part of Scottland Yard on special assignment. You may question the witnesses there, or take them somewhere else, I leave this up to you. I will not dictate to you how something is to be done, just what needs to be done. The Queen trusts you , so I trust you.
If there are no more questions, I will be on my way. Once you have secured the devices, cover them and bring them here. This is to be your base of operations codename: Torchwood.
Giving a nod to the man as he made his quick exit, Christof tries to process all the information that Sherlock just given them.
Knowledge Local: Any ideas on the theatre? The Manor? the two people we are to question?
Knowledge Religion: Anything I have heard about this Church of the Black Scorpion?
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Sebastian claps his hands together and smiles to the group, "Well uhhh Torchwood, let us make haste to these witnesses. If we come across this Doctor. This, THE Doctor then we shall make sure to apprehend this Enemy-yet-hero of the Queen and state, if only to question him on how he came to be in his peculiar political position."
“Torchwood. Torchwood. I think I like the sound of that. It sounds kind of strong and brave, don’t you reckon?
"And this The Doctor. I wonder if he is handsome…? Er, but, what I mean is, err, I wonder what he will look like. If he can, you know, like change shape and all that, whilst you're looking at him.”
The young girl steps in line behind Sebastian, ready to question the London Police and the 'witnesses.'
"Why, do you think, would the police like 'detain' these witnesses? I thought you only 'detain' people when they've done something wrong...?"
Alasdair takes in a sharp breath at Nimue's suggestion about the shapechanging, "Dae we ken 'at thes bonny doctor isnae already here? If he can change shape, couldnae he hae come as any o' us tae infiltrate th' crew?"
He starts to eye his companions with a bit of suspicion before his own thoughts stop him, Aye, cannie, lad. Ye micht nae want tae start thes when yoo're nae e'en sure 'at yoo're fully human yerself.
He stops suddenly, a nervous flush turning his fair skin pink, and tries to change the subject, "If th' witnesses saw somethin', 'at micht be a conversation we're better tae hae awa' frae curious ears. It wouldnae dae fur us tae expose oorselves on our first mission."
As Rohara takes her notes she is about to write the name Torchwood, when she thinks better of it. She then looks up at Holmes, "Good day to you you Mr. Holmes."
She then begins to put her notebook away as she looks to the others, "I recall hearing of this Tongue of the Black Scorpion. They are radicals who worship the eastern god of Wng Chiang. They seem to attach themselves to those who claim to be the avatar of their god. They fight in a martial arts style using many means of deception and poisons in the process. We should be careful, should we encounter them."
She stands, "A moment of your time, and I can change into something more suitable for the work ahead of us. Perhaps we might discuss what each of us brings to our group. If we are to work with one another, we should know where are strengths are."
The woman smiles and disappears momentarily and returns within a few minutes dressed in an altered salwar kameez, so that she might wear light chain shirt and carry a tight array of items for protection. She also carriers her rucksack over her arm and it sits at her side.
"You might be aware of those who might bring others back from sickness or perhaps heal grave wounds, part of my gifts can do just that. I have been granted powers that others would deem miracles in this modern day. I do try not to draw attention to these gifts, as I would not wished to be used for malicious ends." She says... She holds up a lantern she has and as a demonstration recites a few brief words and instantly a light springs forth from within. She displays it to the others to show that it is not a flame... "A simple orison, I know."
"Besides these gifts, I have some knowledge of religious rites of many faiths, and have some skill at negotiation." she adds.
Alasdair pats his assorted pockets and pouches, adjusts the mail under his coat, and says, "I hae all 'at I need tae be ready wi' me... more or less."
He pauses for a moment to figure out the best way to try to explain his skills, and then says, "I am scholar o' th' things beyond thes warld... Ah hae studied th' tales o' th' auld ones, especially th' sidhe an' other magic beasties... coz I lairned 'at there be truth at the base o' those legends. I am a scientist, an' chirurgeon, able tae tend wounds an' wi' knowledge o' anatomy....an' 'atween playin' in th' highlands, sneakin' intae libraries, an' investigatin' odd happenings in Auld Reekie, I hae some experience in nae bein' seen."
He pauses again and flushes a little, If she demonstrated her abilities, then you should admit to yours.
"An' I am a chymist.. I have unlocked some o'th' secrets o magic an' th' auld ways... I ken th' power of the elements of th' warld, an' ken hae tae mix them tae great effect."
"I believe I was remiss in my introduction. Jeffrey Gardiner is my name, although I have gone by several others. I don't know much about all this hocus-pocus, but I expect I'm here for my more mundane abilities. Sometimes it takes a criminal to catch one."
"Well then. It would seem that a connection to the supernatural is the lynchpin to the majority of our presence here today. Unless any of you are already familiar with the work I've done in the states with the wonderful Mr. Nikola Tesla?" Sebastian pauses and looks to everyone in turn. The enthusiasm in his voice falls a step as he discerns that no one has.
"Uh, well I too have been experimenting with the "secrets o magic" as our associate here so colorfully put it." he gives a slight bow to Alasdair. "Observe!
Sebastian waves his hands and begins drawing small circles in the air with the middle finger of his right hand. The draw string on the curtain blinds he is focused on makes a few twitches and then springs upward defying gravity. It slithers like a snake as it explores the limits of it's movement then coils itself together and ties itself into six perfectly proportioned knots and slinks listlessly back to it's limp hanging position.
Nimue stands there a moment open-mouthed, staring at the Light and the dancing rope.
"Wow. Totally, just Wow. I've heard all the kid's stories about people that can do that, like Merlin and Tim the Enchanter, but I never thought I would see it. Wow."
Suddenly realising that she had spoken aloud and everyone is looking at her expectantly, this slight girl straightens herself. She lowers her head, and as she speaks her eyes glisten a little and she wipes her cheeks one or twice.
[b]"I could try to be like all Romantic about it and claim that I have the blood of Robin Hood flowing through my veins, but the truth lies closer to this:
"As the second daughter of a minor noble I was expected to sit and like make needlework, or maybe knit, and I was pretty good at it, but it bored me silly. So, yeah, I like made lots of 'mistakes' with it. Soon enough they all like didn't want me sewing at all, yeah? So I stayed out of the way enough to be forgotten.
"I followed my older brothers because they put up with me a little- they would play with and wrestle their little sister sometimes, or teach me archery, until they like discovered the other girls in the village. I had to learn to use their bows. Because no one would get me one, and I eventually grew strong enough to like use them. I took their bows without their knowing and shot like all day long. I reckon I could shoot a mouse out of a raven's beak without like hurting the bird, and I can take down a stag before he even like knows I'm there. That's what I'm good at, yeah?"
"To the Police Station, then?"
"Yes. Absolutely. Of course, to the station to see what kind of outlandish information we can coax from these witnesses." Sebasian turns on his heel to face Sherlock one more time. "Mr. Holmes I assume we are to rendezvous here when we need to process and assign whatever our findings?"
Christof watches as Sherlock Holmes leaves, taking a secret passageway of which he hoped there weren't too many of in this place. He listens intently to all the members in the room, particularly the odd Mr. Feist.
"So, how should we proceed? This Professor Litefoot named the "Tongue of the Black Scorpion" by name, according to our mentor. I find this odd, especially his knowledge of their workings and what specific poisons they favour."
He turns to Alasdair, surveying him for a moment before continuing, "You mentioned you are a Chemist? Would you know anything of the poison supposedly used? Trying to confirm the hearsay we have just been informed about, you understand."
"Lets us go then." the woman agrees with the others.
She looks to Christof and comments, "I might be able to identify the posion, although I do not practice alchemy. I do have some skill in aiding those ill from such maladies. Given the time, come morning, I can gain the ability to detect poisons, if you think that would help?"
Alasdair nods, "I am nae expert on poisons, but I can perf'rm an analysis on any poison sample we fin'... an' I dae hae mair than a passin' knowledge o' physiology tae gang wi' 'at. So lang as I hae somethin' tae wark from, an' preferably a lab tae wark wi', I should be able tae dae it."
He pauses for a moment, clearly in awe of the spellcasters, adding, "Althoogh, unlike thems, onie magic I hae come frae mah bottles, sae I be far less help in sensin' poisons magically, or onie other sort a' bonny spell-makin'.... though it be raither fascinatin'."
He shakes his head to clear his mind, and adds (after taking a breath),
"Aye, let's fin' it whit we can frae these witnesses. Still, I think we're best tae gab tae them somewhaur mair secluded an' wi' less folk fa can overhear us than at the Yard".
A constable stands outside the station in a state of unusual alertness. Who goes there? Halt! No admitance into the station at this time with out proper authorization The constable exclaimes holding a signal whistle in one hand and his truncheon in the other.
The trip over was extremely unsettling, being unable to shake the feeling of being watched, so Christof was already in a heightened state when they arrived. He now wore his armour over the suit, an elegant breastplate set with fine detailing and a pauldron on his left shoulder carved to look like a stern lion's face. On his hip, he had now buckled a gigantic German style zweihander, resting one hand on its handle to keep it from the ground.
He stopped at the Constable, "Scotland Yard Business, Good Sir. We shall need immediate entry." With that, he thurst the papers at the man.
Oh good, I'll be glad to be done with this buisness.You may all enter. Please don't mind the Sergeant he has had a very bad week.
"Yes, uhh, duly noted. T-thank you dear sir." Sebastian tells the guard with a hurried smile. With his wrists crossed he clutches his bag to his chest as he enters the station house, visibly offset by the rakes and prostitutes and other natural inhabitants of the holding pen. He leans over Jeffrey's shoulder as the rogue passes by, "Regarding your previous statement, it may serve better to say 'It takes a criminal mind to understand a criminal.' I wouldn't want to be associated with the likes of this crowd, the university frowns heavily upon it."
"Thank you Constable... ?" she says with a charming smile, wanting to get the young man's name. "We shall do what we can to deal with this matter with all haste."
Looking to Alasdair as they pass by the sentry, "As long as we can have the room to ourselves, I believe that will suffice. Unless the situation changes of course."
Initiative: +2 Perception: +9
Current AC: 12 (10 Flat-footed / 12 Touch)
Current HP: 8/8 remaining
Current in Hand: n/a
Conditions in effect: n/a
Spells (0-level, DC 14, at will) Detect Magic, Light, Create Water; (1st level, DC 15, 2+1) bless, sanctuary, comprehend languages (d)
Abilities: Channel Energy 5 of 5 uses remaining; Inspiring Word 7 of 7 uses remaining; Lore Keeper (at will, touch attack)
Alasdair? No, someone who like talks normal. Alasdair is so random.
”Sir Chris. Lady Rohara. I just wanna ask talk to a constable here quickly. I catch up with y’all real soon, ‘kay?”
”Excuse me, officer,” says Nimue to an idle constable inside the station. ”Can you like give me a rundown on what things are normally like in the Theatre district?” She is perhaps a bit blunt, and she thinks she is being polite, though she comes across quite charming on this occassion.
She nods to Nimue, "Very well. Join us when you are ready." The woman moves forword hoping to catch another officer to find out where the witnesses are being held.
A gruff looking man is sitting at a desk just inside the station, he looks up from his paper work, a bit startled. What the devil is it now? Did the circus get attacked too?
”Thank you, good sir, Constable Sir. That sounds most horrid indeed. I’d best be off then, catch up with my friends. Thanks.”
Nimue will make haste to rejoin her friends.
"Yes, uhh, duly noted. T-thank you dear sir." Sebastian tells the guard with a hurried smile. With his wrists crossed he clutches his bag to his chest as he enters the station house, visibly offset by the rakes and prostitutes and other natural inhabitants of the holding pen. He leans over Jeffrey's shoulder as the rogue passes by, "Regarding your previous statement, it may serve better to say 'It takes a criminal mind to understand a criminal.' I wouldn't want to be associated with the likes of this crowd, the university frowns heavily upon it."
Jeffrey winks conspiratorially and says, "If you only rub elbows with half the population, you miss half the fun."
When the sergeant addresses them, Jeffrey responds with a winning smile, "We need to speak with certain parties who have been detained. These papers should explain everything." He motions to have them shown to the sergeant.
Ignoring the comment from the peace officer, for now, the woman approaches the desk, "Good evening, Sergeant. We would like to question Professor Litefoot and Mr Jago, please." The woman produces her writ for the man to examine and smiles as she continues her request, "Separately and privately, please."
Finally catching up with the group, Nimue speaks quietly to the group,
”I’ve just leaned something that’s totally interesting to our case.”
She steps back into the corner of the room, motioning the others to follow her, though deliberately catching Rohara Acharya’s eye.
“Doesn’t that just give you the shivers?!”
The small girl shakes from head to toe at her own story, then seems to be staring at her feet to hide her flushing cheeks. She is not sure if she has overstepped her place.
As far as I am concerned you can spend all night with these two nutters. Just please when you are done get them out of my sight, I am a busy man I have no time for ghosts and science fiction. The Sergeant escorts you to a quiet cell where the two men are being held.
You can talk to one of them here, I can let you use my office to speak with the other one seperate, uh your highness? I am sorry if I have been overly short with you, they did not tell me your rank. Are you Indian royalty Mum?