The Bell Tolls Slowly in the Dark (Inactive)

Game Master Oblivion's Scion

A Gothic Pathfinder game set in Victorian London.

Defense Bonus to AC Chart


1 to 50 of 400 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | next > last >>

lost soul

The tolling of Big Ben can be heard echoing through the lamp-lit streets as you walk along the side of the Thames...

Please dot in for ease of access


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

John looks up at the ringing tower in the distance before him, then down at the golden pocket watch he’s drawn from his waistcoat.

hmm... I hadn’t realized I’d walked this far, I suppose I’d better head for home soon... no sense turning back now though, a little farther and I can turn west and stroll by Buckingham on the way home...

His mind made up, the handsome barrister slips his timepiece back into his waistcoat pocket and looks around. He observes the other figures moving in the lamplight and wonders what has brought them each there that evening, and if any of them has any idea whatsoever how fleeting their lives truly are. Pushing back the dark memories that threaten to encroach on his conscious mind, he taps his stylish cane on stones beneath his feet several times and picks up his pace ever so slightly.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

The tolling of Big Ben can be heard echoing through the lamp-lit streets as you walk along the side of the Thames. Cast from a lamp in your home or the hearth of a tavern the amber light would have been comforting, but instead the hue flickered unsettlingly against the fog and smoke filled air. You could see an occasional shadow of another passerby, but rarely their distinct form. Even the Thames below, though within the reach of the light, was obscured. The city was always filled so, whether the river fog of morn and eve, the smoke of industry, or the pair intertwined, rarely did you have a clear view. If left one feeling alone as they walked even its crowded streets.

Jakob Jones:
Your night had wrapped up earlier than usual at the Horn of Plenty, as had the last several. Business was getting slower again, people were scared. 'Damn fearmongering will get the best of business. It was true that two of the ladybirds that worked the street had gone missing, but they could have been locked up or simply run off. What were their names? Bridgette and Aislyn, right. And that one bloke had been found dead, spiked on a lamplighter's pole. Wealthy businessman they had said, presumably in the area chasing a nasty taste, and ran into the wrong gang. But it couldn't be Bloody Jack. He’d taken so much from you. He wasn't back... right?' The thoughts chased through your mind as you wandered.

John Billings Bryant, Esquire:
The last few days it had grown increasingly hard to concentrate on your work. It never 'spoke' to you per say, but the thoughts that thing had been letting slip into your mind had been increasing in both their frequency and their disturbing nature. Most times it left you feeling just a bit off, though it could swell to the point of overwhelming nausea and exhaustion. It had eased the night before, and you had sought comfort with Madame Rineaux's lasses. Nessa, a Welsh girl whom you had grown a bit fond of, had apparently stepped away for a time, so you had settled with another. Sadly, the evening out had done little to restore your spirits, and by this morn, the thoughts were once again lingering in the shadows. You had hoped the cool air beside the river might offer some respite, but thus far it had been no salve for your torment.

Lucia Wriothesly:
Your mind was awash with questions as you walked along the side of the Thames. ’Why hadn’t he been to the mission for so long? Where could he have gone? Had he seemed distracted on his last visit? Was he in some trouble?’ None of it made sense. Doctor Pearson was a kindly young man, a graduate of King’s College who worked at the London Hospital in Whitechapel. He also volunteered a day weekly at the mission, citing his duty to the fellow man. He was shy and a bit awkward, but earnest of heart and skilled at his craft, and your heart had developed a respected fondness for the gentle healer. When he had not come the week prior, neither you your Reverend Barre paid a second thought - he was a busy man after all, things come up. But now two weeks had passed, and their had been neither word nor sign of him. You had late this afternoon attempted to locate him at the London Hospital, but had been dismissed by orderlies when attempting to enter. Wandering home frustrated, you considered your next step in locating your colleague.

Peter Caffrey:
It had been two weeks since you’d reached London. You’d settled into a room in a boarding house run by one Widow Bowen, a fellow Irishwoman your aunt had befriended in her early days in the city. The room was simple but clean, and the other tenants were of a respectable nature. The East End was a rough, poor area, filled with a diverse range of immigrants. That included many Irish, so you felt at home. At least, as much as you ever did. The whispers in your mind had fallen dormant in the days after you’d arrived, leaving you with little direction now that you were here. You had taken to wandering the city’s streets, hoping something would provoke your mind, or that other thing, but it was strangely silent. You had been about to turn back toward the boarding house when you felt a pull - not physical, but in your thoughts. And so you’d continued on, and as you did, you felt a sense of foreboding growing in your chest.

Lady Scarlet Grey:
By all accounts the dinner this evening had been a splendid affair at Galveton House, home of the Marshall family. The matriarch of the family no doubt was hoping for a positive union between her eldest son, Reginald, and yourself. He was a fine enough man, tall and regal, with an officer’s presence, a bearing trained by his father and polished in his early years of service to the queen. Now a partner in their family’s shipping business, he would be a catch for most young ladies. But like most men, he wanted his young lady to be a prim, proper, subservient provider of offspring. They likely took your distracted nature that night as a lack of interest in the union. But in truth it was the strange note you had found just before leaving for the dinner, that had fallen from an old book in the library. It was penned in your father’s hand, you were sure of it. And it was dated less than two weeks before his passing.

William Westford:
For years the details of your father’s brutal act have haunted your dreams. You’ve learned to cope with it, and start each day anew, even if the dark cloud of his spectre hangs over your mind. Yet the past week had seen the dreams become more vivid, and more memorable come the morning. The eerie chill that caught your breath this morn had been especially unsettling as you stared at your father’s medicine bag, dusty on the shelf where you kept it, and you felt compelled to head out to the East End this night. You had always kept an ear to the events of the area since your discovery, and rumors had reached you recently of disappearances and murder. Determined to hunt for whatever evil it was, you had come out, blade hung at the ready, determined to face the demons of your past.

As your footsteps lead you on to a bridge crossing the Thames, you hear a disturbing thud followed by a sickly cry from the fog before you. Something inside you stirs, and despite the fear of the unknown, you feel compelled to hustle forward. The amber-glowing fog gives way to a strange sight - a lone man, clad in a disheveled and torn suit, with dirt or suit smears upon him. As he moves about in the flickering light, the features of his face are shadowed, though his right ear appears darkened and wet, and a pool for some dark fluid spreads on the ground nearby. He unsteadily sways and stumbles on his feet, yet also jerks about in an almost feverish manner, while a terrified rasp escapes his lips.

As the scope of the situation clears to you, you realize the two of you are not alone - a few other Londoners have wandered upon the scene, and each of you notices the other with a wary eye.


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Previously:
Of the most common of questions that evening was, "Are you unwell?" With civility, Scarlet had tried to hide her discomfort that evening. Despite her best efforts, her mind wandered ceaselessly. For those observing her, the question of her health would arise; even among less known acquaintances. With all the kindness and grace she could muster, she would deny such inquiries that she was unwell and for a brief moment she would again become engaging. Over time, however, she once again would slip away in thought to the note.

With no time to spare that evening, she had placed the note in her purse and awaited the moment she could read it fully again in peace.

The evening was quit at long last, and with thankful goodbyes, she denies her carriage home to opt for a short walk along the Thames. After a brief warning for her safety, the manservant will carry on his way back home via carriage and states he will send someone back her way to check on her. For the moment, however, she is without companion. Alone she walks in the foggy night. At long last, she comes to a stop under the flickering light of the lamps on the bridge. There, Scarlet lingers to reread the note. Her heart seems to beat faster in her chest as memories rekindle in her that had been put to rest after so many years.

The lights above her flicker, wavering her ability to reread the note as the bells ring in the distance. At the sound of a thud and a cry nearby, her arms bristle with goosebumps and a sudden chill rises up the length of her spine.

Clutching her umbrella, she tucks away the note into her bag and moves hurriedly across the bridge to see who it was who cried out. Such sounds at night were seldom positive events. The fog obscured everything, if not the night itself, but upon seeing the odd glow of the disheveled man, she pauses.

"Excuse me, sir. Are you well?" she asks with concern in her tone as her mind analyzes the situation. It is at that moment, she can see the figures of other Londoners approaching in like manner. There Scarlet stood in an elegant light blue and white dress with a stunning set of jewelry about her neck. In one hand, a matching light blue and white umbrella for the rain that may fall that evening, and in the other, a small clutch. It is clear that she was previously at an engagement.


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

Lost in thought, Jakob walks along with his hands in his vest pockets. But it's not long before his thoughts are interrupted as he hears a strange cry and quickly moves in an attempt to discover the source of that sound. Noticing the stranger coming out of the fog, he begins to study the man through narrowed eyes but before he can truly make anything out, his attention is quickly diverted towards the the woman calling out.

He then looks back to the stranger and realizes something is terribly wrong. Jakob quickly moves to help, hoping to catch him before he falls. "Whoa there, guv, you've been through hell and you're gonna need a doctor. Here, let me help you. Let's find you a far better place than this to get you rested up so I can work to find you a doctor, okay?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Barring any objections from the man, Jakob proceeds to place the man's arm around his neck while he places his own arm around the stranger's waist.

Once secure, he happens to notice a few other bystanders in addition to the woman who called out; and even though his gut tells him to keep walking and hope they all just let him be, he realizes this man's life may hang in the balance. "Don't suppose any of you lot would be a doctor, would you?" he asks. "Because that would be fantastically brilliant right about now."


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

John watches the rather rough-and-tumble looking stranger attempt to calm the injured man as his own eyes adjust to the hazy glow of the fog. As they do, he notices one of his acquaintances amongst the other observers. Keeping his attention on the two men, he circles around next to the young noblewoman and politely offers, ”Good evening, Lady Grey. I surmise this fellow isn’t with you... you didn’t happen to see what happened to him did you?

When the burly stranger asks about being a doctor, he answers, ”I’m afraid not, my good man, but, uh, sir, you truly ought to listen to your friend and calm down a bit... he’s trying to help you after all.” I can’t fail the check to aid another on diplomacy, so I’ll add +2 to Jakob’s check.

something feels wrong here... but I can’t hardly ask him about it with all these other people around... I could look at his memories, but somehow I think that might go poorly right now... perhaps whatever darkness was lurking in the shadows has been startled off by the crowd of people...


Femail Human Bard 2 I HP 24 I AC 18 I Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +6 I Perecption +6 (INIT +2) I

Lucia's thoughts have taken her far from home, and she is slower to react than some of the others in helping this stranger. She drops a curtsey to the assembled gathering: she is, unusually for her these days, attired in a manner suited to her upbringing rather than her current occupation. She had hoped that dressing formally would gain her better admittance to the Hospital - sadly this was not the case.

She drags her mind back once again to the present. "Sirs, I am no physician, but I have acquired some small skill in those arts. Perhaps if you can calm him, I might examine his injuries?"

While she waits to see how the man responds to the overtures of peace put to him, she tries to use some of her 'Art' (as she has come to call it). It is not easily relied upon, but some small fragment of what that evil night left her with has remained in her, and occasionally proves useful.

She greatly hopes that now is such a time.

Dice rolls/ooc:

Using Perception as an Occult Skill unlock to Read Aura

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

DC is 15 +HD to read Alignment and Health auras.
DC is 20 +HD to read Emotion and Magic auras


M NG Occultist 3 l HP 23/23 l AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l CMB +6, CMD 19 l F +5, R +5, W +5 l Init +3 l Per +7, SM +7 l Land 30ft l Focus 9/9
spells:
Knacks: Mage Hand, Mending, Resistance; 1st (4/day): Alarm, Enlarge Person, Lead Blades
Spoiler:
Acro +6, Appraise +8, C: Alchemy +8, Dis Dev +9, Disguise +4, Arcana +9, Engineering +8, History+8, Nature +8, Occult +10, Planes +9, Religion +9, Percep +7, P: Teacher +5, Sense Motive +7, Sleight o Hand +7, Spellcraft +8, UMD +11

The thick fog comforts William. He strolls the city streets, refamiliarizing himself with the flow of London town. This place has seen so much death and pain, it is a wonder I am not assaulted by the dark merely by touching the streets.

Westminster Bridge is strangely quiet aside from the clack of William's cane on the cobbles, but the oddity does not register until it is broken by a man's screams. William dashes forward on instinct, pulling the blade halfway out of his cane before noticing the scene is not one of immediate danger.

He takes in the others around the bleeding fellow and quickly slides his blade back home in its disguised sheath and approaches slowly. He dealt with enough of his student's scrapes, bruises, and broken bones to know the basics of seeing to a wound, but there seems too much blood for him to be a great help. Nonetheless, he offers his help.

"Woah, there. Let us see to that wound before you hurt yourself further."

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 vs DC10 Aid Another (Heal)


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Another man emerges from the thick London fog, at first lost in his own thoughts.

This city...this city has yet to reveal who or what has beckoned me here.

A tall top hat made of felt rests atop shoulder-length black hair that is growing grey-streaked. His clothes are plain style and material intended for a lot of walking. A stout wooden walking stick, fairly tight knee breeches, an off-white linen shirt, knitted wool stockings, a dark grey cloak, and heavy shoes complete the man's ensemble. His dark brown eyes are attentive and quickly fixate on the scene before him, absorbing a great deal of information with a quick gaze.

By God, this is surely no natural wound!

"What has happened to this man?"

Peter Caffrey continues to gaze.

Rolls/OOC:

Perception to spot oddities: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Sense Motive to assess behaviour: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Spellcraft to detect magical auras over three rounds (if possible): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Are there any relevant knowledges that I should be rolling against?


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2
Lucia Wriothesly wrote:


She drags her mind back once again to the present. "Sirs, I am no physician, but I have acquired some small skill in those arts. Perhaps if you can calm him, I might examine his injuries?"

While she waits to see how the man responds to the overtures of peace put to him, she tries to use some of her 'Art' (as she has come to call it). It is not easily relied upon, but some small fragment of what that evil night left her with has remained in her, and occasionally proves useful.

She greatly hopes that now is such a time.

Nodding, he looks to the injured man and explains. "If you can understand me, guvnor, these people are going to try and help you. I've got you, okay? I'm just going to need you to remain as calm as can be and we're gonna do what we can to get you fixed up." He then looks back to the woman and shrugs, hoping that was enough to convince him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Peter Caffrey wrote:


"What has happened to this man?"

Peter Caffrey continues to gaze.

Jakob looks to the injured man and then back to the gentleman. "Your guess is as good as mine, mate. I can't really tell due to the darkness but it looks like he's been cut pretty bad near the ear... especially if that pool of blood over there," he gives a nod in said direction, "is any indication. If one of you lot could maybe get a wrap around his head just to stop the bleeding, maybe that'll suffice until we can find him a doctor. We've got to get that wound patched up or he's going to bleed out."


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

No time to stare! I shall help.

Peter walks up to the large man and the injured man as a gentleman nears - The look of a doctor.

Peter moves back a little to give the doctor space, but not before muttering something beneath his breath.

Spellcraft DC 15:

Peter cast Stabilise on the injured man.


The wounded man lurches and spins in her direction as Lady Grey asks to his well being. As he does, he flails his arms, stumbling back toward the side of the bridge. He is clearly in a stateof panic when Jakob steps forward, offering aid and reaching out his arms. Though quite large and imposing, the man's voice is smooth and calming and the injured victim seems to calm a bit. He is about to respond when the chorus of voices picks up around him, as each newcomer in term offers to aid in the situation. Overwhelmed, he flashes his head back and forth between the two ends of the bridge, backing further up to the rail.

Drawing in closer, the man's face is made clear to you all for the first time. What you had thought before were shadows cast by the lamplight are in fact tracks of blood, partially dried on his cheeks below the empty sockets that once held his eyes. The true horror of his situation revealed, his frantic movements is voices call to him from all directions begin to make some sense.

Suddenly, in a sing song, broken voice, he cries out, "EYYEEESS!! There are eyes everywhere! They see all you do... see all you think... they see your sins... they see... your soul...."

Lucia:

Read Aura states that it requires 10 minutes of concentration and allows you to check for one of the four types of auras, but not all at once. So you could begin the process, but it would take quite a while before you get an aura.

Peter:

Though dirty and badly torn, the man's clothes look to have gained that state recently and appear to be of high quality craftsmanship. The man is in a clearly panicked state, and may well be beyond the scope of reasoning.
[ooc]Regarding [b]Spellcraft[/i], spending 3 rounds to detect and identify magical auras requires the casting of Detect Magic, which you could do after you cast Stablize, if you so choose.


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

Jakob's eyes go wide and his face goes pale as he just now notices the true horror of what has transpired. "Bloody hell ... his eyes are gone." The big man is then caught staring dumbfounded at the horrific sight. So much blood. So much. I must stop it! I've got to stop it! "NO!!! This cannot be...! NO!!!" Jakob's breathing starts to come rapidly. The world around him seems to slow to a crawl and the only sound he hears is the sound of a faint heartbeat. He shakes his head in an effort to get rid of it before looking down at his hands and seeing visions of blood... a lot of blood. He then shuts his eyes tightly to block it out and then concentrates hard in an effort to calm himself while he absentmindedly wipes his hands off on his pants. Okay, Jakob, you've got to breathe. Just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. That's it. Do not forget your purpose, Jakob. Do not forget.

As his breathing returns to normal, he opens his eyes back up. "We've no time," he states plainly. "If we don't find this fellow a doctor soon...," he stops as he looks back to the gravely wounded gentleman, knowing everyone present is well aware of his fate if he doesn't get some type of medical treatment soon. He also realizes that even if he does find this man help, odds are his fate is already sealed.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 To see if he's aware of any doctors nearby. That is, of course, barring the fact that one of the other "bystanders"(that would be you folks) ;) don't actually have any capability of healing or at the very least stopping this dude from bleeding to death.


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Poor Scarlet, already traumatized by the note previously in her hand, now sees a man wounded. She gasps in shock and recoils a bit as he stumbles. "I think I startled him. Yes, and now that man over there has startled him. Is he blind? Head wound? Cannot see?" Her realizations ease her worry enough not to be paralyzed by fear and she eases the subconscious grab of her dress as she was ready to run.

As John comes over:
"No, Mr. Bryant, I do not know him," she states in a very quiet way that yet still seemed to carry further in the fog and silent night than during daylight hours and clear weather.

She is mostly quiet while when Jacob asks if there is a doctor, supporting Scarlet's thoughts. William moves over, as does Lucia. Bravely Scarlet will scootch forward herself, but just close enough to see the man better. If Scarlet were not so flustered, she would return the curtsey of Lucia's, but alas, she is too focused.

Now in better sight of the man, she gasps and turns her head from his sight toward John. Should he have followed her, she would bury her face into his shoulder in fear and disgust. If not, she would cover her face while her stomach turns in repulsion. As the initial shock fades though, she returns to see him--a man in need.

Heal (To determine how near-death): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Assuming it's obvious he isn't gushing blood out of his eyes anymore.
"I think he has lost too much blood. It looks as though whatever you have done, sir, has stopped it."

Unknowingly, to her, she assumes it was William who did something, but it was a combination of him and Peter all along. In as sweet of a voice that she could muster, she moves over to the man's side with the others.

"Might we inquire after your name, sir?"
Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Self roll vs Sickened Condition--FAILED
The man would be able to detect the scent of orange peel and lavender emitting from her skin as she loops her arm in with his. The closer she gets to his empty eyes though, the worse she feels. However, she displays great bravery for a woman in such a situation.


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

"...the eyes..." John mutters quite unintentionally as dark images dance just out of reach of his waking mind.

When Scarlet starts forward, he moves with her, not wishing her to expose herself to any potential danger alone. He places a comforting hand on her back as she turns into him, and rests it there until she turns away. He remains stoic, outwardly, as the color drains from his face and his mind races.

eyes everywhere, yes... more eyes than can be counted... great unblinking, uncaring eyes... but the uncountable eyes in the void care nothing about sins or souls... has he glimpsed what lies beyond or merely some temporal terror, a dark denizen of this world, perhaps, that brings judgment on sinners... what, I wonder, were his sins... and what of his eyes... where they stolen by this creature or did he tear them out himself in the vain hope of being rid of its memory...

"Check his fingernails," he the well-dressed man suggests flatly, "is there blood or skin beneath his fingernails?"

what could you possibly have seen...

As John stares at the raving man and ponders what eyes he might have seen, he feels the stranger's memory coming into view, but he hesitates.

when this happened at Quiet Meadows it caused the other patients pain, in his condition it could prove deadly... of course, that may be a forgone conclusion at this point, and even if it isn't it may be better than the alternative... what manner of life would an eyeless madman lead, being spoon fed lukewarm soup day in and day out in a dank sanitarium while visions of this night ceaselessly haunt what little remains of your mind... to die now would be a mercy... and the only hope of knowing what he truly saw...

The barrister frowns as he looks on the broken man with pity. Though still conflicted, he allows his mind to press forward, invading the other man's memories and searching for the events that left him in this state.

Using brain drain on him. If he fails a DC 16 Will save he takes 3d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) = 4 damage and I can look through his memories for 5 rounds (success negates both).


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peter cannot help but gasp at the sight of the man's empty sockets.

"What manner of sight makes a man tear out his own eyes? Or what manner of man would do such a thing?", Peter mutters.

Steeling himself, Peter keeps trying to work out what exactly has happened.

The fingernails is a good notion!, Peter thinks, hearing a well-dressed fellow.

Peter does indeed gently but firmly grasp one hand of the injured man and looks - both at fingernails and empty eye sockets.

Rolls/OOC:

Heal to examine: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25


Femail Human Bard 2 I HP 24 I AC 18 I Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +6 I Perecption +6 (INIT +2) I

I'd forgotten it takes 10 minutes! I'll abandon that idea as there isn't time.

Lucia can't help but gasp in horror as the true situation becomes clear and the man's empty, gaping eye sockets seem to stare right at her.

But she has a duty here. And it's not as if she hasn't seen blood or injuries before: one thing her work in the East London mission has done is burn away any middle-class squeamishness.

Swallowing hard, she forces herself to step forward and try and help the others in administering what aid they can. Thankfully, her native good sense backed by an iron will, prevail and she keeps her head clear.

"This injury needs more help than we can provide here. The best we can do is stanch the wound and get him to a hospital."

Dice rolls:

Heal, Aid Another: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14


Jakob (knowledge, local):
You know a few surgeons and barbers up around Whitechapel and the greater East End who could offer some aid, and their is the London Hospital up there as well, you are pretty sure that Guy's Hospital is closer, perhaps a bit less than a mile away. There does stand another option, the Tower of London, at the far end of the bridge, but you are uncertain how the Tower guard would react to you arriving in the middle of the night with a horrifically wounded man.

Scarlet (heal, examine):
The man's skin has become pale, suggesting a major loss of blood. The wounds inflicted by the removal of his eyes are not immediately fresh and the blood on his cheeks is mostly dry. The condition of the wounds though, along with the blow to the side of his head, leave the man in a dire circumstance. The sight is disgusting, and you feel your stomach turning, but he man's plight tugs at you, and you maintain your composure.

Peter (heal, examine):
With Jakob's reassuring words helping to calm the man, Peter is able to get in close and take his hands as the barrister suggested, checking them for any signs of what could have transpired. Though there is blood on his fingers, it does not look to specifically be beneath his nails. Nor is there organic matter that would suggest he removed his own eyeballs, leaving you with the question: who did this to him?

As Jakob calms the man and Peter examines his hands, the young lady Lucia reaches in pulling a kerchief from her clutch and working to afix it to the fresh wound on the man's head. As she does, the man suddenly jerks up as though looking into the night sky and lets out an ear piercing shriek. As he does, blood leaks out of his ears, and he collapses forward onto Peter, unconscious.

A few moments later, a bell rings on the north side of the bridge, followed by the twill of a whistle.

John:

will save (dc 16): 1d20 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 3 = 15 failed
Reaching out uncertainly with your mind, you hear the haunting whispers begin to pick up in the back of your thoughts even as your body feels cold, as though from a hollow chill emenating from the inside of your stomach. Despite this unease, you feel the man's mind begin to peel back to reveal its secrets to you. As a rush of thoughts push into your mind, you feel assailed, and struggle to both maintain your own sanity and sort through the deluge for some clue as to what happened to this man.

give me a Will save to manage his broken psyche, and a separate d20 roll for his knowledge check to access his memories


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Taking in a deep breath, she composes herself.

"Oh...Surely he didn't do this to himself?" she answers toward Peter.

When the man screams out, Scarlet's eyes go wide in similar terror. It is hard to explain a brain hemorrhage when you don't know internal anatomy well and just external remedies and wound care. She did know about blood transfusions from reading Joseph Lister's booklet on them and having treated numerous knife wounds among the poor in her community service.

"That would be the authorities," she offers in suggestion to the twill of the whistle, but as she observes him, she isn't sure he will have the time for discussion.
You may want to stabilize him again, Peter
"He is going pale!" she states in a more frantic voice of worry now that blood is gushing from him. "I have a collection of medicines and surgical tools from my father's days in the wars in his study." A healing kit. "It is at my home nearby on Old Queen Street. A loss of one of his humors, Blood, means he will surely die if we don't replace it. I have the proper equipment..."

She isn't sure what the men will decide and so she will step aside to let them make the decision. If they do want to head to her home, she would lead them further along the bridge, if not, she will listen to their decision, but in her heart, she wants to save the man.


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

John’s stoic visage cracks, slightly, a bit of fear showing itself as the man screeches and collapses. He turns from the scene to gather his thoughts for a moment...

behind the scenes:
Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

My will save is different for mind-affecting effects than for other things. Since most Will saves are against mind-affecting effects, I’ll use that as my default. If/when ever I need to make a will save that isn’t against a mind-affecting effect, please let me know so I can use the other bonus. Also, one of the limitations of brain drain is that it’s painfully vague about how it works for just looking at memories without trying to make a knowledge check. I’m assuming he probably has no idea what the thing was (aka probably doesn’t even have whatever knowledge would identify it), I’m just trying to catch a glimpse of what happened. I also don’t know what his bonus (or penalties) on the knowledge check would be. I’ll drop a naked d20 roll below for you to modify as necessary, but in the future when I use the ability feel free to roll whatever is needed yourself and just let me know what I see/learn.

knowledge?: 1d20 ⇒ 6


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Trying not to be too alarmed by the second round of screaming.

"On examination, this man had this done to him. Hold him, I am going to try to calm him down!"

Peter passes the man to whomever steps up to it, then starts speaking softly and gesturing...

Spellcraft DC 16:

Cure Light Wounds on the man.

HP restored: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

Currently he's actually unconscious, Peter.

Jakob immediately moves to grab the man when he passes out. "No need to calm him, mate, he's out. So unless you can do something to stop this man's bleeding, I say we follow the lady," he motions toward Scarlet, "to her house. Either that or we can take our chances with the Tower of London just at the end of the bridge. Not exactly sure what kind of reception we'd receive showing up at this hour and with a man who's half dead but it'll be worth it if it saves his life."

Scarlet's house? Or Tower of London? I mention the Tower because it comes across as pretty close to us relatively. But having said that I'm game for either. Matters little to me. I'm with Scarlet, I just want to save this dude(if at all possible). Whichever it is, Jakob will carry him to either/or.


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

I'm for whatever. If the GM has something planned toward the Tower of London, I'm great with that way. There may be a greater appeal heading in that direction if the healing services would be better? I just had prepped a healing kit at home in case such an event happened in my inventory. Either way, it doesn't really matter as he was just healed. Whether he's recovered from his trauma to come out of his unconsciousness is another matter.


Femail Human Bard 2 I HP 24 I AC 18 I Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +6 I Perecption +6 (INIT +2) I

Lucia shakes her head. "I doubt that the guards at the Tower have any capability for dealing with something this severe. Doubtless they would simply call a doctor from the local hospital, which would take time. Surely it would be faster simply to take him to a doctor directly."

She looks around, trying to get her bearings to the nearest place of healing.

Know local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Ugh. Dice are just loving me right now


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

"Well there's a few doctors around Whitechapel and the greater East End that could help, along with the London Hospital as well. Guy's Hospital is a bit closer than all of those but we're still talking nearly a mile. I'm not sure he has that long." He then turns to Scarlet, "How far is your home from here, miss?"


John:

The man's mind is awash with pain, panic, and confusion. Slipping between one thought than another, you catch glimpses of his recent memories - a festhall, music, drinking, flirtatious women; a dark hallway, the scent of jasmine burning, the sounds of amorous acts; a sharp pain in your neck, vision going black; eyes, hundreds of eyes, staring back at you from the darkness. Most of it is jumbled, but one image comes through clearly - on the jacket of another man in the festhall is a silver lapel pin in the shape of a clenched fist within an intertwined triangle and circle.

Given the graphic nature of this man's injuries, based on your legal knowledge you theorize that the constabulary would have little patience for a few strangers showing up in the night carrying such a man, especially with no details as to how his condition came to be. They would be likely to charge you for the crimes committed against him.

Knowledge (history or local), DC 15:

While the Tower has a storied history, it currently serves as the base of operations for the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the military branch charged with sourcing and supplying the artillery, gunpowder, equipment, small arms and ammunition used by the Empire's military forces. It maintains a sizeable garrison and ample resources on site.

Knowledge (history or local), DC 20:

Though the Ordnance Corps' largest store houses now recide elsewhere, the Tower itself still serves as the armory and stock depot for those forces of Her Majesty's army that serve to protect both London and the Queen herself. Any suspicious activity, especially in the dead of night, will likely draw a considerable military response.

Perception, DC 18:

Amidst the dim light and the peel of the watch whistle, you notice the Irishman working to bandage some of the man's wounds also appears to be making strange gestures with his hands and muttering something in a foreign tongue.

If you speak Irish, Gaelic, Welsh, or Manx Some of the words you recognize, while others make no sense. He is clearly speaking a language related to Irish or one of its offshoots, though it shows substantial deviation.

If passed Perception, then Spellcraft, DC 16 OR Knowledge (arcana or occult), DC 21:

To the untrained eye, little else could be seen, but in the flickering amber hue tossed by the gaslights, you note a subtle white-green light pass from the Irishman's fingers into the fallen man's wounds, and the gash on his head seems to slow slightly. In addition, a little bit of color makes its way back into his flesh. Nearly beyond belief, you are almost certain the man used some form of magic to mend the wound.

Lucia:

In the moment, your might takes you to the very same establishment you had visited this earlier evening - the London Hospital in Whitechapel - which the burly man had already mentioned, and which stands about a mile and a half away to the northeast. 'What has happened to Doctor Pearson,' you wonder, even now...

As you stand about the man hastely discussing your next course of action, he suddenly gasps for breath in Jakob's arms, and his head instinctively snaps back and forth trying to look about, though his eyes are still clearly missing. "My eyes, what have you done to my eyes?!" he wails in panic.


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
"Lucia, you know my home is close. Perhaps we can tend to him there and I can send a carriage to hurry the doctor along to us?" Looking to Jakob, she answers, "I live just a block or so away over the bridge. It is down a street that offshoots from this one, sir."
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Part of her was glad that the man had passed out. Surely his wailing was going to invoke quite a response, but as he is healed, her eyes go wide at what oddness she sees. Surely it was a trick of the light, but then he wakes. A suspicious look falls on her face toward Peter, but it is one of study rather than accusation or judgment. Her attention is focused mostly on the healed man, but she stores away what strange words were said and attempts to categorize them in her mind.

Linguistics (General Interpretation): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Good sir, have some fight in you. My name is Scarlet Grey. You were walking on the bridge alone in this state and a number of us came to your aid. We are here now and will make sure you're safe. Please stay calm now."

Diplomacy (Improve Relations): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

As a mother calming her child, she runs her hands gently through his hair, avoiding any blood that may have initially hardened up in it. She shushes him in Jakob's arms and is thankful such a strong man is there to hold him as she would not have been able.

If they are agreed, she would lead the way by heading that direction and asking them to follow.

"Come, right this way."

If nothing bars them, she will head further across the bridge and down the street; hopefully intercepting the manservant who was supposed to come back for her to make sure she arrived safely.


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"Lady Grey," John says in a hushed voice, "I fear that may be a grave mistake..."

Looking around at the motley group gathered around the wounded man he quietly but sternly warns, "I am a barrister and, while I would never dream of disparaging the city's fine constabulary, I must confess that many of them are more zealous than they are astute. If we are found with this man, even if trying to aid him, it's very likely we would be charged with the violence committed against him."

"If you are fully committed to helping him, you should slip away with him in the fog, post haste. However, his constitution seems hale and the bleeding looks to have stopped now... my professional advice is that we leave him here for the approaching constables to discover and deliver to a doctor. Perhaps we might all meet somewhere more comfortable to discuss how else we might help the poor soul, without danger of arrest and incarceration?"


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Rolls/OOC:

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Peter chimes in, seemingly not noticing Lady Grey's gaze.

"The Royal Army Ordnance Corps are encamped in the Tower. With a great deal of explosives. I think we had best be elsewhere and remain there. Let us slip away, as the man suggested."


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Jakob is taken slightly aback at the man's recovery but doesn't give it another thought and remains true to the task at hand. He turns his attention to the man who calls himself a barrister. "No disrespect, guvnor, but I'm just a bartender and I leave NO ONE behind. And that bloke is right," he motions over at Peter, "the Tower isn't going to do us any good."

He then attempts to calm the wounded man. "Look, guv, we're here to help you. We're going to need you to calm down, okay? Please at least try. I know you're scared and confused and everything else. Trust me, I know. But I'm going to pick you up and carry you to a safe place where we can get you some help, okay?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Whether or not the man agrees to it, Jakob picks him up and places him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He then says to Scarlet, "Grey was it? Lead the way, luv, I'm right behind you."


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Although she likes and respects John, she prefers his second option of slipping away in the fog with the man as it appeals to her Christian generosity rather than abandoning the man there. The Metropolitan Police were not unreasonable but she does consider John's words. At Jakob's response, she is resolved and will nod to him. She makes the decision to lead the way despite objections. There is no way she can really run or "slip away" in such an outfit, but she hustles as quickly as she can while looking back apologetically to John with a look of worry on her face. In her mind, she knows he was just trying to protect her well-guarded reputation. Neither did the others need to follow her and make themselves accomplices in potential blame, but she lets them decide.

"Thank you for carrying him, Mr...?" she asks a pleading question to inquire after Jakob's name.

An actual picture of that street painted in 1830s. Likely cobbled by our time period

Her home, to where they head, is a large two-story manor has extensive grounds on the backend of it. All around the property, over the many years it had been in her family, the street had become more populous and now elegant townhomes surrounded her more elaborate home. Down the entry lane are their family stables and the grounds, as well as the entrance to the home, whose left-most edge hugs Queen Street; or Old Queen street as it is known.


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

"Very well," John answers with a frown, "anyone with blood on them should follow them, quickly, and stick to the shadows; use the fog to try to avoid being spotted at all. I'll see if I can't buy you a moment."

"With your permission, Lady Grey, anyone else who would like to see this through, and isn't bloodied can meet me at the corner of Abingdon and I will lead you to the Lady's estate."

Assuming the Lady consents...
The well dressed barrister strolls towards the oncoming constables and calls out, "I beg your pardon, my good man--or good men, as it were--but what is the meaning of all this clamour?"

diplomacy (to try to get them to stop and talk to me for a moment): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21


Femail Human Bard 2 I HP 24 I AC 18 I Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +6 I Perecption +6 (INIT +2) I

Oh, are we splitting the party? That sounds like the sort of thing to do in a gothic adventure :)

Lucy is grateful for Scarlet's quick taking command of the situation. Aware that the man's blood is on her, and with no real means to wash it off, she gives John a nod of assent at his proposal to buy them some time. She follows Scarlet and the others back to her home. As she looks around, she does her best to repress the twinge of envy that she feels at seeing the comfortable surroundings of the sort she grew up with. She shakes her head. She has lost that, and it was entirely her own doing. She has none to reproach but herself. And besides, she does good work at the mission. They need her there.

Once they have arrived and settled the man down, she rolls up the sleeves of her dress. "Very well. Let us see what can be done for him. But we should probably call a doctor immediately."


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

"I think my accent would do you no favours with the peelers, so I shall await you at the corner."

Peter does exactly that.

***************

Once arrived at the house, Peter looks about.

"This...this rings a bell! It looks a great deal like the house my cousin Abigail works in, for one Lady Grey."


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2

@Lucia: Lol! NEVER. SPLIT. THE PARTY! Oh man that's classic. I love it. :)

Scarlet Grey wrote:
"Thank you for carrying him, Mr...?" she asks a pleading question to inquire after Jakob's name.

Nodding, "Not a problem. And it's Jakob... Jakob Jones."

Once they reach the manor, Jakob spends a moment taking in the view before they enter. "Nice place you got here," he comments as they make their way inside. Following Scarlet, he lays the man down where instructed. Breathing a sigh of relief, he wipes a bit of sweat from his forehead. "Okay, if you need any help with him, you can count on me. Whatever you need."

Lucia Wriothesly wrote:
Once they have arrived and settled the man down, she rolls up the sleeves of her dress. "Very well. Let us see what can be done for him. But we should probably call a doctor immediately."

Jakob turns his attention to Lucia as she speaks. "You know, I could do that. I could go fetch a doctor. Or should we possibly wait 'til morning? If we could just keep him stable tonight, on the morrow we could then get that doctor. But I'll do whatever is deemed of greater importance. Just say the word and I'll make it happen," he states firmly.


Scarlet leads Jakob carrying the wounded man, William, and Lucia hastily southward off the bridge then west a short distance before crossing another bridge, ultimately leading up to her family's residence. For his part, the panicked man's initial resistance and outcries faded with the soft words of Lady Gray and the strangest strangely comforting tone of the large man hefting him into his shoulder. The man drifted back into unconsciousness, though it seemed from pure exhaustion rather than directly his injuries. How he had stabilized while bleeding out and screaming on the bridge remained a mystery in your heads.

Peter slipped off separately from the group to await the barrister at the corner of Abington. Still new to the city, it took you some time to find the location, but a force or presence seemed to be helping you along and reaching the corner where you await the arrival of Mr Bryant.

---------------------

John walks northward on the bridge, toward both the direction of the Tower and the source of the shrill whistle. Emerging from the fog before you comes two peelers accompanied by six of Her Majesty's royal army. Before they can even get a word out, you take command of the scenario, offering your bewildered reaction to their arrival. Seeing a man of such stature and eloquence, they are brought to pause and turn to face you.
[B]"Oi, sir, we heard the cry of a wounded man, and sent out officers to investigate. Given the proximity to the tower, you can understand the soldiers presence. Have you seen anything?"[b]

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

”Why, with all this fog I couldn’t even see her majesty’s men until just now,” John answers straightening his waistcoat.

”I was out for my evening constitutional, when the din arose. I heard something like a scream or screech. I heard a bell ringing. And, I heard a whistle, which I presume, now, was one of you. Frankly, I fear, the whole affair has rather upset my digestion.” The barrister takes a deep breath and exhales slowly before finally adding, ”goodness me, has it robbed me of my wits as well? I shall be quite alright, my good men, please don’t let me keep you from your investigation.”

As the soldiers and peelers hurry off, John walks briskly away.
Let me know if you need another check at all, although I don't believe I actually lied at all.

Once safely detached from the authorities, he retrieves the Irishmen and leads the way towards Lady Grey's estate. "Mar a luaigh an bhean, is mise mo dheirfiúr Bryant," the handsome man says softly as they walk, "an bhféadfainn a fhiafraí cé tú féin?"

Irish:
"As the lady mentioned, I'm mister Bryant. Might I ask who you are?"

***at the manor***
John quietly observes the groups efforts and waits to see what plan emerges.

what have I gotten myself into...


M NG Occultist 3 l HP 23/23 l AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l CMB +6, CMD 19 l F +5, R +5, W +5 l Init +3 l Per +7, SM +7 l Land 30ft l Focus 9/9
spells:
Knacks: Mage Hand, Mending, Resistance; 1st (4/day): Alarm, Enlarge Person, Lead Blades
Spoiler:
Acro +6, Appraise +8, C: Alchemy +8, Dis Dev +9, Disguise +4, Arcana +9, Engineering +8, History+8, Nature +8, Occult +10, Planes +9, Religion +9, Percep +7, P: Teacher +5, Sense Motive +7, Sleight o Hand +7, Spellcraft +8, UMD +11

The manor reminds William of his own residence and he hesitates at the entry. How many horrors, great and small, lie in wait for him there? As many as his own home holds, or new and more terrifying events from another "respectable" family?

No matter, in the end he resolves to see the injured man to safety and see to the reason for his grievous injuries. "Quite an estate, milady; I fear this pageantry means I should recognize your name, but alas I have been absent from the city these past few years. Whereabouts would you like us to deposit this fellow for treatment?"


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peter's interest is piqued by Mister Byrant's command of his native tongue.

He replies:

"Peadar Is ainm dom - 'Peter'. Lig dúinn labhairt taobh istigh."

Irish:

"Peadar is my name - 'Peter'. Let us speak more inside."


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

She responds to Jakob, "You are well met, Mr. Jones."

As they reach her manor, a sigh of relief escapes her. Now, where to put him. "Such a disaster...What will mother think of me? And heaven forbid should my uncle hear of it...but surely the servants will not keep their silence. We must involve the police as soon as possible."

"This way, Mr. Jones," she will answer both to him and William Westford.
To William, she addresses his compliments, "Thank you, sir, I am sorry we have not had the pleasure to meet each other until now. I would like to greet you all in proper fashion when all this unsavory business has passed us."

She brings them in through the main hall as there is no hiding such an event. She will lead the group to a couch inside the great room and will place a sheet from the cupboard under where the man's head will be to keep things clean.

"There...set him here."

She stands in full regalia now, not looking as hurried as she had a moment ago and seems calmer.

"Thank you. I know we could wait until morning, but my family's reputation is on the line. I would prefer to send for the doctor right now. We have nothing to hide."

Surely the sound of her entering and the patter of footsteps from the others will bring the servants, but Scarlet stands there on guard to make sure they don't see the horrific event and to warn them about what had happened before they stumble onto the horror. If they do come, she will want them to take the carriage and retrieve the doctor.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Apologies, I got busy with work and had read your post beforehand Peter, and then spaced it after!

Before entering her home
"Oh! You are Abigail's relation...um, Mr. Caffrey," she replies with as excitable a smile as one can muster in such a situation. "She still remains here, although not my governess anymore. I am Scarlet Grey." she says, introducing herself to him directly.


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

Peter arrived with me, several minutes after you got home (so that conversation would be inside after the other things you posted).


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peter looks at Scarlet with appraising eyes, meshing what he has been told of her with what he has recently seen.

"I am indeed! A pleasure to meet the fine Lady Grey in person, if in strange circumstances!", Peter replies with a smile, offering his hand.


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2
Scarlet Grey wrote:

She responds to Jakob, "You are well met, Mr. Jones."

"This way, Mr. Jones," she will answer both to him and William Westford.
To William, she addresses his compliments, "Thank you, sir, I am sorry we have not had the pleasure to meet each other until now. I would like to greet you all in proper fashion when all this unsavory business has passed us."

She brings them in through the main hall as there is no hiding such an event. She will lead the group to a couch inside the great room and will place a sheet from the cupboard under where the man's head will be to keep things clean.

"There...set him here."

She stands in full regalia now, not looking as hurried as she had a moment ago and seems calmer.

"Thank you. I know we could wait until morning, but my family's reputation is on the line. I would prefer to send for the doctor right now. We have nothing to hide."

Jakob gives a slight grin at the sound of 'Mr'. "Jakob is fine. Or Jake. There are a few who call me that. No real need for all the pleasantries. Unless it's just more comfortable for you, then, whatever works for you," he tells her kindly. "Anyway, I'll send for that doctor right away. I think I know one that's close by."

@Raven: Of all the doctors that Jakob learned from his knowledge check, which one would be closest to Scarlet's house?

UNLESS, of course, Scarlet's going to send her people to fetch one. I'm good with whatever.


Elf Female Deductionist/L.Magus LVL 10 INACTIVE

Scarlet's Prayer/Thoughts:
"I wish father was here, or my uncle. A respectable lady should not have to see such things, nor should any of your creatures, Lord. Father would have helped and sorted all of this out for me and would have been heart hurt that I had seen any of what I've seen. Uncle wouldn't have stood for this if he were here. He'd say I was in far too much of a hurry to involve myself... far too much for an unmarried woman whose virtue is still her treasure. He thinks I'm in too much of a hurry to approve of anyone I meet and he would not want these people of unknown origin here. I am not in a rage to approve of everyone I meet, but the standard to which these here have cared for their brother in Christ shows good judgment. I am not ashamed to know them. Mr. Jones and this other man show good character. Mr. Jones I am not sure of, but this other...he seems more a man of high standing. Mr. Jones seems to be a kind, caring sort of man though. I hope that truly is his character."
John, Peter, and Lucia she already had been introduced formally; Peter through letter and not so much in person. Peter himself seemed so much more difficult to understand with his Irish accent than his cousin, but with her lifelong training by Abigail, she understood him well.

"Truly strange indeed."

Being the hostess, she gladly accepts the hand of Peter, in particular, because he is a long-standing person of friendly origin. Normally women did not shake hands unless they were the hostess, but this being her house, and her inviting them in, it is her job to ensure them to be comfortable.

"I think I hear the servants coming, Jakob. I will have them send for my manservant to quickly fetch a horse and carriage to bring the doctor. Please, rest yourself. You have just carried this poor man. Help yourself to some fine brandy or scotch."

There, on a table near the couch, is a small collection of glasses and spirits of various types he can peruse through if he wishes.

Scarlet's orders for the staff:
Going down the line in military precision, she will give orders to each staff member
Fetch Fetch Raj from the stables and tell him to ride to the doctor's posthaste and bring him here. Assure him that I am well, but that a Londoner is injured in our home.
Fetch me my wound kit from my father's study.
Have Maisy (head cook) prepare something small for a number of guests who have arrived.
Bring me hot water and linens.
In Arabic, she would ask Anbar Ibrahim to tell her mother there are guests of unknown origins in their home and to come to greet them if she is well enough and not retired for the evening.

Being the hostess, she will now go about making sure that people, under her roof, know each other. While they may not be formally formed acquaintances, at least while in her home, they can act well known to each other for her sake.
Just saving time on this bit, she would introduce each to one another while the servants are busy.


John:
The officer at the head of the group seems to become overwhelmed by the sight of a man of stature having a near meltdown in front of him. Stammering with his words, and likely concerned of being accused of accosting you in some manner, he is quick to close the interaction. "Now, now, good sir, no harm has come to ye. I suppose it would be best if you be moving along, perhaps back home to get some rest. Goodday sir." And the guards hurry on their way.

there was some bending of truths and avoidance of questions, but given his Nat 1 on Sense Motive, he has no chance

As you all take stock of your arrival in Lady Grey's estate, the terror and gloom of the street take a new form in the parlor of the manor. The unconscious form lying on the couch is indeed a man of some status, though the clothes are damaged and smeared with both mud and blood, they reflect both affluence and a modern if conservative style. He is a bit short of six feet, of a slim build, with fair skin. His dark hair showed flecks of gray and slight thinning at the temple, and the thick moustache he bore matched as well. His coat lying open, you also notice a broken chain hanging limply from his vest pocket.

Gathering your thoughts, a staggered footfall is heard from beyond the room. As Lady Gray steps toward the door, a graying, respectable looking (if not properly dressed) man enters the parlor, a lamp in one hand and a slim, jet cane in the other. "Oh, Lady Grey, my heavens, I heard the door opened and assumed it was you returning, but I did not presume you'd be accompanied by so many guests. What can I bri -" his words cut off as he catches a glimpse of the scene beyond. But rather then the shock and disgust of someone of society, his face takes on the grim countenance of one who has seen more than their fair share of death.

Scarlet:
Reginald Gelding had been a junior officer of low birth under your father in the middle years of his military career. In one conflict he had been severely wounded, and your father risked himself to bring him to safety. The doctors managed to mend his leg, though with a significant limp. He went on to serve your father as an aide de camp before his retirement, then transitioned well into the role of butler of the household. He has a keen mind and is devoted to the Grey family, and has assisted your uncle from fumbling the family's money too much. As is the custom of the time, you and your mother refer to him as Gelding, though the other household staff add the appropriate "Mr." before that.

As Lady Grey speaks swiftly with him, he looks at her concerned and serious, then replies simply, "Understood, all will be done m'lady." With a quick, military turn he approaches the wall and pulls a few ropes. Several bells of different tones can be heard ringing in the distance. In a short passage of time, a few people come in and out of the foyer beyond the room, speaking with Lady Grey and the (presumed) head of the household staff. The mix is an odd one, including an Indian man dressed for the evening's weather, a petite woman of swarthy skin, possibly of Arabian descent, and a woman, about Lady Grey's age, with fiery red hair.

Peter:

Through the doorway, you recognize the last as your cousin, though she has obviously aged since you last saw her.

Jakob From Tower Bridge, Whitechapel and the East End are to the northeast. Lady Grey's manor is west from there, leaving your known resources that much further away. Given the upscale location (her residence is a quarter mile from the Palace at Westminster - the seat of Parliament), there are undoubtedly doctors nearby.


Femail Human Bard 2 I HP 24 I AC 18 I Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +6 I Perecption +6 (INIT +2) I

Lucia looks around as strangers arrive, trying to see whether she recognises any of them (or more importantly, whether they are likely to recognise her) from her former days.

Know nobility: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

She then busies herself with trying to do what she can for the injured man, which probably isn't much. The conversation around her seems to mute to a faint buzz as she focuses her attention, drawing on whatever-it-is within her that gives her some abilities she didn't use to have.

So much evil came out of that night. It would be nice to have some good to balance against it.

Assuming I have an hour, which I probably do with everything else going on, am going to use Faith Healing occult skill unlock

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

I obviously can't return his sight, but I can suspend the affliction (madness, mania, whatever it is) and return him to some lucidity so he can answer questions when he is awake again


male, tiefling, alchemist/wizard 3 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 (t13, ff12) | CMD 15 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | initiative +3 | active effects: --

John looks around at the motley crew assembled in the foyer of Lady Grey's manor.

she's beginning to make introductions... do I dare refrain from passing out cards... they've all heard my name already, and I myself told them I'm a barrister... the cards would provide some physical evidence of our having met if any of them get drawn into an investigation, but I suppose that's no more concrete in proving I was here for this particular incident than their knowing my name, occupation, and description... I suppose, for good or ill, I'm thoroughly ensconced in this business now...

As Lady Grey makes introductions, Mister Bryant passes out his handsome, embossed calling cards to each of the others. Afterwards he turns to Scarlet and asks, "the doctor your man went to fetch... he's someone you can count on for discretion, yes? I don't have to tell you what it could do to your name to have rumors circulate about a man in this state being found in your home..."


Male Human Druid (VMC Monk, Urban Druid) 3 | HP: 20/20 | AC: 15 (15 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: +2, CMD: 12 | F +6, R +3, W +8, -2 vs evil spells | Init: +4 | Per +8, SM +10 | Speed 30ft | Spells: Orisons: 4, 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peter will gladly shake hands and introduce himself to the others.

They seem the sort to want to help. Which I can certainly understand!

Then, he catches sight of his cousin.

"Abigail!", he exclaims, turning to face her.


Stats:
Hp's 34/34; AC 15/13touch/11ff; Int: +2; Fort:+7/Ref:+6/Will:+4; CMB: +7(+8 trip); CMD: 19(20 trip)
Human Brawler 3rd
Skills:
Acro: +9/Ath: +9/Bluff: +2/Craft(Brew): +6/Dipl: +10/Disg: +2/Esc. Art: +2/Int: +9/Know(local): +4/Perc: +8/Prof(Barkeep): +8/Ride: +2/Sen. Mot.: +6/Stealth: +2/Surv: +2
Scarlet Grey wrote:
"I think I hear the servants coming, Jakob. I will have them send for my manservant to quickly fetch a horse and carriage to bring the doctor. Please, rest yourself. You have just carried this poor man. Help yourself to some fine brandy or scotch."

Nodding, "Thanks, luv. I could use a drink right about now." Jakob then makes his way over to the table and looks for the bottle of scotch before taking it, removing the stopper, and pouring himself a half a glass worth. Replacing the stopper, he sets the bottle back down and takes his glass. He then gives the drink a light swirl before nosing it proper and taking a drink.

One would gather he's a man of little means based on how he is clothed. He possesses a somewhat deep voice, black hair - that he keeps shaved down pretty much militaristic like - and blue eyes.

As Scarlet works to introduce everyone, Jakob complies by introducing himself to each.

John Billings Bryant wrote:
As Lady Grey makes introductions, Mister Bryant passes out his handsome, embossed calling cards to each of the others. Afterwards he turns to Scarlet and asks, "the doctor your man went to fetch... he's someone you can count on for discretion, yes? I don't have to tell you what it could do to your name to have rumors circulate about a man in this state being found in your home..."

Accepting the card, he takes a gander at it. "Nice card," he comments, genuinely impressed. "This must've cost you a pretty pence or two, hey? Anyway, name's Jakob. Jakob Jones. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Barrister," he says with a wry grin and a wink as the gentleman then takes his leave to attend other matters.

Peter Caffrey wrote:

Peter will gladly shake hands and introduce himself to the others.

They seem the sort to want to help. Which I can certainly understand!

Then, he catches sight of his cousin.

"Abigail!", he exclaims, turning to face her.

He nods in greeting, introducing himself as well before this one's attention is quickly caught by another.

Lucia Wriothesly wrote:

Lucia looks around as strangers arrive, trying to see whether she recognises any of them (or more importantly, whether they are likely to recognise her) from her former days.

She then busies herself with trying to do what she can for the injured man, which probably isn't much. The conversation around her seems to mute to a faint buzz as she focuses her attention, drawing on whatever-it-is within her that gives her some abilities she didn't use to have.

So much evil came out of that night. It would be nice to have some good to balance against it.

As Scarlet manages to tear this woman away from whatever she was doing, Jakob notices her attention appears to be elsewhere. "Ummm, are you alright, luv? I mean, outside of the obvious, it seems you might be searching for something... or something? You know what, forget I said anything. I tend to take my work home with me sometimes and I forget where I'm at. How's this: if you need a drink - and if Miss Scarlet has no objections - I could pour you whatever you like. Just say the word," he says, grinning. "Sorry to have slowed you down. I'll let you get back to whatever it is you were doing. But if you're ever in need of an ear, know that I've got two," he says, nodding and giving a wink.

He then makes his acquaintance with William. "A pleasure, guvnor." He nods. "You know I heard you mention you've been away from the city for several years. Travel a lot? I've always wanted to travel. Just never have been able to manage," he explains, his eyes dart off to the side in thought for a moment before he returns his attention back to William while taking another drink.

1 to 50 of 400 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / The Foggy Streets of London All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.