E. Evelyn 'Doc' Long, PhD's page

Thanks for sticking in there GA, and thanks for the game!

Doc nods, "As you wish... but if you need us, send word." He heaves the third chest onto his back and lugs it out, staggering beneath the load.

"Look at what you've already seen. Have you ever seen a man jump out of a tree that high without injury? Do you think a normal man can eat an entire horse? This demon moves body-to-body, its not clear who or what it was in before Blake. It may have possessed a bear when it killed Jasper. We may never know."

Doc's mind reaches out to the hunter, willing him to internalize his next statement. Casting Sow Thoughts

"It's clear that Blake is as much a victim of this creature as you and Jasper. Telling anyone about the demon or that you saw a man eat a whole horse... will get you locked up. Better to just keep it all to yourself."

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 to lie
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 to persuade others

STAND: Cast Sow Thoughts

Doc smiles - not really trusting the man but trying to reassure him - and then pulls out the hunter's gag. "Better? Now, what happened and what did you see? What did the demon possessing Blake say?" Long asks the question in such a way to frame the narrative and get Calvert to start questioning his own facts.

Long sighs and walks over to Calvert. "Stop squirming. We saved your life. Now, we need to chat with you about what happened here. If you're good, I'll take the gag out. But until I know you are calm and not going run around like a headless chicken, you stay tied up. Are you going to behave?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 to persuade others
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"It would seem to be over." Doc says cautiously.

Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 Right roll to determine if Blake's in the clear?

"We do have another potential problem..." He throws a glance through the tent wall, toward where the bound hunter waits. "Not sure how reasonable he's going to be about nearly being sacrificed and separating Blake's actions from the demon's."

Doc continues his chant...

Chant - rnd 2

Doc steps in, still invisible, and begins the incantation to separate demon from man.

FREE: 5' step to get out of anyone's way coming through the flap
MOVE: Chant

Chant - Rnd 1

Doc vanishes from sight as well and sneaks along a few feet (he imagines) behind the elven huntresses. He stops as soon as he sees Blake.

What's the play, Racine? Try to jump and bind him? I could try to hit him with Hold Person to make the capture easier. But given the demon possession, it might have a reduced chance of working.

I'll catch up and post asap.

Hey folks, sorry for going radio silent. I was on the road (for work) outside the country and my computer chose to slag its hard-drive. My employer decided that I didn't need a replacement laptop until I got home.

If you've decided to drop/replace me - I totally understand. It was my fault for not making more effort to get a message out. Just let me know if I'm in or out. If I'm still in - I'll try to catch up and post immediately. It will likely be tomorrow since I am jet-lagged all to hell.

Doc is noticed and approached by Blake, "You know, Lily and I met at a party like this back during my first year at the university up north... I'm not the same young man that I was when we met... But I guess a man your age - and in your line of work - understands what that's like. I guess if we let that get to us, turn into the darkness, we become monsters... So'd Lily tell you folks anything about my time abroad?"

Doc considers Blake as well as the fire they are sharing. "Few mature people - mostly the ignorant, I think - can afford to be the same as they were in their youth. And war, in whatever form it greets you, casts a long shadow over the soul." He pokes at the fire then tosses another log on top, watching the flurry of sparks race skyward with a smile. "I try to do the right thing but sometimes monstrous enemies require questionable acts. When I'm held to account I hope, on balance, I've saved more lives than I've ended." He takes a sip of his own drink, and changes the subject. "Truth be told, Lily hasn't told me much about your service, but she may have shared more with Racine. So. feel free to fill me in. I'd love to know what you studied at the university, What your military experience was like. And if you were to go back to the university now, what would you study?"

Doc finds a drink and the least trafficked bonfire as his perch. From there he observes, more than participates, in the party itself.

Doc nods, "Are there any local constables on the case?"

Sorry, I dropped off the radar there. I had to go on an emergency business trip, got caught in the Delta Airlines debacle, and came back with the flu... so I'm just now feeling human again.

Doc wanders aimlessly around the shop, looking for anything of interest.

Healing is what you need when you don't have faith in your Awesomeness Shield. :)

I'm OK with playing on as is. If it gets problematic, we can change course.

Blake gives Long a gentle handshake and pours him a cup of coffee, "You look good for your age, Doctor Long, especially considering what Lilian has told me about your work. I know how you feel some days, though; I'm not as young as I used to be."

Doc offers a smile, "Please just call me 'Doc'. I'm not ready for a rocking chair quite yet... but I definitely have days like that. It isn't the years, so much as the mileage."

"What say we all saddle up and head into town together, leave Blake here to rest, and catch up some more on the ride?"

Long nods deferentially. "Certainly. I'm a bit rusty at riding but it should be fun."

All leveled up!

Long meanders up the driveway, taking in the local scenery as he arrives. "You've picked a beautiful locale, Lily. And, as always, seeing you is the highlight." He gives his old friend a kiss on the hand before offering Blake a firm handshake. "Nice to meet you, Blake. I dread whatever your wife may have said about me... but she likely referred to me as 'Doc'. At your service. And if you have more coffee, I'd love a cup. I'll need all the help I can get to keep up with you youngsters."

Doc looks to the others for confirmation. "I don't think we have a plan yet. It's going to take some time to figure out how to pursue this matter or even if it's possible."

He pats Cass' knee, making sure he has her attention. "I'd like you to consider something seriously - your future. You are doing a good job taking care of yourself here... but I think we can offer you a better option. My largest headache is balancing my work at the University with my 'outside interests'. In short, I need an assistant who can keep me on schedule, run interference with the administration, and compensate for my periodic absences - scheduling substitutes and so forth. I'd like you to take the job."

"I'm fairly certain the pay is better than whatever you earn now. Housing is less expensive and you'd receive a stipend, I believe. And you'd be a shoe-in for admittance to the University at a reduced tuition. I'm fairly certain I can get you into the program of your choice, so you could study any subject you like. A degree would open many door for you. Of course, you'd have to move to the University which will be a change and a new adventure. At your age, I know the world centers around your friends... but consider the offer, at least. Perhaps, you could visit the campus and see what it has to offer before you make a decision? It would be a great relief to me to have an assistant I can trust who understands my outside obligations... and I guarantee I won't be underfoot or looking over your shoulder."

"I really can't explain it. There are some paralytic poisons that are said to mirror death. But there is no way to know what he used on Antonio and doubtless it is out of his system by now." He half-lies.

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 to lie

Doc makes a show of medically examining the young woman's eyes and mouth. "We're not sure exactly what he drugged you with but - judging from your eyes and the opacity of your mucus membranes - it must have been a combination of a knock-out drug and a powerful hallucinogen. No wonder you were seeing things. Just rest and drink plenty of water. That should flush the drugs from your system in a day or so."

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

"I... think this would be better discussed later. For the moment, Cass has her boyfriend back and everyone else is alive and well."

Sorry for the silence. Work had some surprises for me last week.

Doc's marked silence since the battle was only briefly broken when he thanked the elf from the morgue. Other than that, he only gasps and winces periodically from the bruises to his back. Nothing wipes the concerned frown from his face, not even Antonio's 'miraculous' (and unholy) return. Every so often, he is caught looking closely at Caedus or Frank.

From his spot behind the loose-skinned potion-slinger, Doc waits for Frank to press his attack before launching his own assault. He hammers the alchemist's mind with psychic screams then draws his rapier and drives it at the man's back.

STAND: Cast Mind Thrust II
FREE: 1 Hero Point for STAND action
STAND: Stabby Town

Doc slowly and cautiously sneaks down and behind Von Steffan trying to avoid standing in any obvious avenues of attack. Then, he waits.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 20 = 41 w/ Vanish

I'll strike just before Vanish ends or as soon as anyone else strikes - whichever comes first.

I'm assuming the stair is blocked by walls on both sides, i.e. - there is no space to go over the railing and drop down directly to the floor. Otherwise. I'll use my grapple and silk rope to do that.

Long glares coldly at the bouncer, considering the practical wisdom (and pleasure) of putting a bullet into his lying eye socket. He stands up and holsters his gun. "Do you know why we shot you? Because it was the kindest death we offer. If you cross us again - ever - you will die badly. Now, grab your compatriot and leave. I'd suggest you get as far from here as you can." With that, he gives the bouncer a feral smile and slowly fades to invisibility. "Remember what I said."

He makes sure the thugs are heading for the door before he slinks down the stairs.

Cast Vanish

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 20 = 34 w/ Vanish

Doc doesn't quite point his gun at the talkative thug. "Where is the other way down? I'd be surprised if the trapdoor is the only option."

How far is the drop to the floor below?

Doc looks around the room, hunting for a more worthy (and likely skulking) target than the three thugs. Finding a suitable victim, he smoothly draws the long-barreled pistol from his cross-belly holster and aims for the man's head before firing.

This is my hit list in order: BBEG, any lurking target, head bouncer from the bar, nearest thug.

MOVE: Step in to the room and draw Gladys
STAND: Boom

Doc growls "Moron..." as Frank does his flying-bull-in-china-shop act. He races to the door nearby, muttering over his tools as he quickly works the lock. "Do I have time to check for traps? No, because Cap'n Hormones only has one brain and it isn't near his skull."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 3 = 27 MW Tools + Phrenic Push

"I agree with Racine. It's time for you to find shelter elsewhere because it's about to rain."

Doc casts Mage Armor.

Yeah, we are meeting up with Team 2 that was presumably heading to the club for a little visit.

That's pretty much what I expected unless the cops managed to close the case early. I figure if they do find Tony's family and they are typically unobservant people, the conclusion will be that the old man got Tony's ID somehow since this clearly can't the Tony they know. So young Tony will become a missing person's case and the old man will become an unclaimed pauper... which hopefully we can claim for a good samaritan burial. Really, questioning the corpse is a back-up if finding out about the BBEG through other means fails. So I'm good with how this has worked out.

While he's got a few minutes, Long gives the body a more careful examination.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Just dotting i's and crossing t's.

I was planning to cast Grave Words. But having Tony start babbling might not work in this area. If we can get the body for burial, I think someone mentioned they could learn Speak with Dead - which would be more useful but less 'atmospheric'. :)

"I certainly hope you can help me. Although I'm not sure if I can claim a body... that's sort of my problem. Let me explain. I was at a party last night around the corner, and a nice old fella named Tony - Antonio - up and died, natural causes it seems. The police investigated, of course, and took him away. Well, I didn't really know him but he seemed a bit down on his luck, and no one at the party seemed to know the old boy - so no 'next of kin' as far as I know. Being a bit older myself, I know what it's like to have fewer days ahead than behind. So I thought I'd do for Tony what I hope someone will do for me someday - give a proper burial." Doc pauses briefly, letting the awkwardness of his explanation set in. "So I guess I was wondering if that's possible at all or did the police find a next of kin for Tony?

Doc frowns. "Let me handle the morgue, alone. This isn't about what the morticians can tell us. I want to get the body for a proper burial, for Cass' sake, and to ask Tony some questions. I'll be more credible doing the former bit on my own. Also, Von Steffan might be as curious about the investigation as we are... he might be keeping tabs on things here. If so, it would be better for him to think only one old man is asking nosy questions. Don't you agree? If I get lucky, you can help me pick up the body later."

I'd be up for police too, I have a short time in the force by background. However, I'd bet gold against copper that they archived it as natural causes.

I hope so. I plan on trying to play good Samaritan and getting the body released for a 'proper burial' as we 'old guys' gotta look out for each other. :) Getting some more info from the cops about the club, etc. would just be icing on the cake.

In any case, splitting the party right now might not be the best idea, we all have skills that may be needed: diplomacy, intelligence, brawn, skills...

I think it depends on how much we split the party. Getting the corpse is purely social skills, researching building ownership is probably raw Int and some social. Neither seems fraught with peril to me. And having 6 people rolling up on the police station trying to lay claim to a corpse is highly suspicious. That is, at best, a two person job. Staking out Timmy or doing a daylight raid on the club - those would definitely benefit from more hands.

Given the slow nature of PbP, I'm inclined to split our forces a bit just so we can keep things moving at a nice pace... but that's just my preference. If we want to stick as a single group no matter what - OK.

~ Outside ~

Doc strokes his beard absentmindedly, trying to recall any experts he might know in the city who could be trusted for a discreet analysis.

"Knowing more about the drug used would be very helpful. It could give us a point of origin for our 'foreign gent', some idea of what sort of energy is being stolen at the club, and whether his inclinations are mystical or alchemical. Personally, I'd like to know whether we can expect bombs or spells in a face-off."

"So it seems we have several lines of investigation: public records on building ownership, possible B&E, staking out our goat here in case a wolf comes to eat him... and I'd like to visit the constabulary to check on their progress. So, who is up for which task?"

I'm inclined to split the party for the record-tracking and police visit. I think the whole team should be involved in the B&E in case there is trouble. Watching Timmy - meh - not sure how many folks want to handle that. If it is purely watching and Timmy is on his own if the foreign gent or bouncer comes to call - we wouldn't need the whole team. I volunteer for the police visit.

Know: Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Do I know any local occultists who might be able to ID the chemicals used and their origin?

DOH! Ninja'd by Racine!

Doc continues up the stairs, his voice filled with contempt. "Keep telling yourself that, son. Someday you might actually believe it."

Despite Cass' feelings, Doc mulls the distinct benefits of killing Timmy right now. Unless the foreign gent was sure the Piggies were under his thumb AND he was certain the murder at the club couldn't be tied to him... it would make sense for him to 'clean house' starting with Timmy and company. And Timmy would spill his guts at the first hint of trouble which could endanger their investigation.

Although Doc's execution method would likely be preferable since it would likely be ascribed to a natural cause - an aneurysm, stroke, or something of that ilk... he just didn't have the heart to steal the kill from Racine. And Cass clearly wouldn't appreciate the wisdom of it.

So Doc sighs and nods his acquiescence to Cass' wishes before heading upstairs. "Just remember, Cass, these 'friends' of Tony's were told he'd be handled and didn't even warn him. And no one is dumb enough to think 'handled' means warned off. Friends don't come any worse than that."

Doc doesn't move. "Just a couple more questions, Timothy. Do you think any of the other Pig Kings might know more about what Tony was doing? If so, where might we find them?"

Unfortunately, I don't have knowledge of Medicine, Alchemy, or the like.

Doc makes a staying gesture. "Stop it, Timothy. You're not going to beat us... so just calm down. If you want to play the tough guy - be the strong, silent type and refuse to talk. But I'm still going to ask you some questions. The sooner I get through my questions, the sooner we'll leave. You don't know this man's name. Fine. I believe that." He then asks the rest of his questions slowly, giving Timmy time to think of answers, whether he says them or not. "What do you think Tony did that got him killed? What do you know about the bouncer - a name, a hangout? Has he let anything slip about his boss? You don't seems the fearful type... so what about this old guy scares you?"

Doc tries to stun the ranting putz with a blast of mental energy.

Cast Daze
RANGE: 25' + 5'/2 levels; 1 creature w/ 4HD or less
DURATION: 1 rnd
EFFECT: Will vs DC:15 or target dazed (unable to act, drop anything in hand) for 1 rnd.

Am I picking up any additional information with Detect Thoughts?

"Left knee is my vote, Racine... But it's early in the morning and Timmy clearly hasn't thought last night through. Tony didn't die by accident, did he? It seems that someone you're in business with saw him as a loose end. You, your ma, and the rest of the PKs might be the next loose ends that get 'tied off'."

Intimidate (AA): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Even an idiot is occasionally blessed with luck. Doc redoubles his efforts to penetrate Timmy's thick skull.

STAND: Cast Detect Thoughts (Take 2)

Will DC:17 or I get his surface thoughts

Doc stands near the steps and stares at Timmy, attempting to pull the secrets from his mind as his allies question the drug-dealer.

STAND: Cast Detect Thoughts

Will DC:17 or his surface thoughts are mine! mwa ha ha ha!

Doc can only shake his head at the impetuousness of youth. How about knocking?

He follows Racine around the back.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Doc offers Racine a slice of toast, a butter knife, and a small smile. "I recommend the Elderflower jam - really quite tasty."