Omens
‘That’s How it always begins. Very small.’
October 5th: News Item: Five suspected Triad members of the Wo Shing Wo were found dead in alley early this morning. The five members were identified by police as senior members in the organization. Police are not confirming rumours that this might be the start of a new turf war with another gang in the city.
October 16th: People in the para-community have been noticing a shift in the weather. The equinox is past and sensitive people or people in the fae community have been noticing the Hounds of Winter roving through the alleys of the city. Several people have been taken away for questioning. None of those people will discuss what the Hounds are looking for.
October 28nd: News Item: Florence Blackbird writes her fourth piece on the series of recent disappearance of prostitutes from the streets of Toronto. The police state that many of Miss Blackbird’s disappearances are women that have relocated to more lucrative markets in the states like Nevada.
October 29th: News Item: Florence Blackbird’s final piece in the series is not printed in the morning paper. The paper instead has an apology that Miss Blackbird failed to deliver her copy by the deadline.
October 29th: The Royal Ontario Museum is hosting a two week special on Medieval Torture. Tonight is the opening of the display with many of the city’s alumni attending the galla. All major donators to the Museum have been invited to attend with Professor Hanz Gunthur of the Smithsonian Museum giving a talk on ‘Vlad the Impaler: Psychotic Torturer or Despotic Leader’. It is a Halloween themed talk with dinner to proceed and a costumed masque to follow.
---------------
Please use your aspects to develop a reason that you might attend the dinner, talk, and masque. If you need help then let me know and I will likely suggest a couple of ideas to you.
Though he'd rather be reading the latest articles concerning psycholinguistics or perhaps brewing a potion, Conan slowly put on his tuxedo for the galla. There were too many philanthropists who donated to the University of Toronto for him not to go. Psycholinguistics wasn't exactly a large or popular field, and the Dean had made clear to him that in these troubled economic times everyone needed to be at this sort of public gathering lest the donors' ever-shrinking attention span forget about psycholinguistics completely.
He was glad, as he slowly tied the purple bow-tie, that Masque, or no masque, at least he could still wear a tux. It was just a question of what theme would best incorporate both a tux and the Dean's goal of continued public presence. And Professor Gunther was well-respected. He might even be interesting even if he would have to be somewhat sensationalist given who the audience was tonight.
Conan slowly pulled on his pristine white gloves. At least the weather was turning colder. He hated the heat, hated sweating, hated the slovenly and downright discourteous dress that characterized warm, sunny weather. He was far more at home in the rain, or even snow. What prostitute wouldn't want to trade cold Toronto for warmer, richer, Nevada?
Conan tucked a perfect white rose into his lapel pocket and gave himself a once-over in the mirror.
He was ready to go.
Danny fidgeted as they stood in line at the entrance to the Museum. He wasn't used to wearing a tux. He tugged at his necktie for the dozenth time as they moved forward. When he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflecting pool he stopped. There was a reason that the basic design of the tuxedo had not changed for almost 200 years. It made a guy look good. And the two girls on either side of him were pretty good too.
Min and Lin were twins, and dressed almost identically in evening gowns made of some magical, clingy material that made every girl who wore it look like a supermodel. Danny thought it was working. Min, the oldest (by two minutes), was wearing a black dress with a conservative neckline that plunged to reveal a bare back under her shawl. Lin was wearing the same dress, except it was red. And it looked like she had it on backwards. Danny grinned.
Min was, usually, the more serious and studious of the two. She had actually come tonight to see the exhibits for pete's sake! And for the lecture. The guest speaker was some big-wig from the American Smithsonian. Danny was her date. Lin, the self-declared 'wild child', was here for the dinner and dancing. In other words, the party. Danny was her date too. He shook his head slightly, causing his blond curls to bounce as he tried to determine, for the hundredth time, if someone above loved him or hated him. It wasn't bad enough to try dating two girls at the same time. Oh no. HE had to date TWINS. And not just any twins, their father was a 'suspected' member of the dangerous criminal organization TRIAD. ('Suspected' meaning that the police knew darn well, but couldn't prove anything. Yet.) But he hadn't discovered all that until later, after he had met the girls in school and they had all become friends. Then good friends, then, whatever they were now.
The girl's father was one of the museum's supporters, and one of the hosts for tonight’s party. The girl's had not only both invited him, but had provided the tux to boot! He had to admit, it was nice being the guy standing in the line to enter a shindig for a change, and not one of the poor saps stuck playing the musical welcome wagon out in the cold. He gave an involuntary shiver in sympathy for the small band wailing their hearts out in the cold for people who did their best to ignore their existence.
He turned his attention back to the twins as they moved up again. The girls were chatting about some reporter's story not being printed in today's paper, and the rumors about it being a city government cover-up. Danny just nodded and let the girls talk. He had his own worries. The reports of the Hounds of Winter being seen in the city had the local supernatural community on edge. And they were looking for someone to complain too. Or blame it on. Heck, Danny had never even heard of 'Hounds of Winter' until a few weeks ago, when he had the dubious honor of being practically forced to accept the position of 'Summer's Envoy to Winter', (Toronto branch). No one had even bothered to tell him what was expected of him. But that hadn't prevented the supernatural community from finding out about the new local rep, and finding him to demand that he tell them what he was going to do about the Hounds! After the first physical assault, Danny firmly told anyone who approached him about the subject that he was SUMMER'S envoy. If they wanted someone to do something about the Hounds, they could bloody well go and bother WINTER'S envoy!
How did end up in these messes?!?
Danny blinked in surprise as he realized that while he had been brooding, they had reached the entrance. He received another surprise when the girls both kissed him at the same time, one on each cheek. Danny knew that had been primarily for the benefit of their father, standing not five feet away welcoming the guests to the event. But he didn't care, he couldn't help himself. He grinned in spite of himself as the girls handed the invitations to the oriental young man glaring holes in Danny, then gave their father a welcome kiss before hooking their arms in Danny's and dragging him forward.
Oh yeah, for once it was gonna be a good night!
Pernilla was riding in the back of the company limousine on her way to a social gala at the Royal Ontario Museum. While comfortable enough, the armor she was wearing for her costume, it was chafing in several places. The armor was the genuine thing if someone was to take any real notice. Even the weapons were real enough. It was that time of year, Hallows' Eve, when wearing and carrying such things did not make her stand out. Perhaps it was nice for a change.
Pernilla was asked by her mentor Bergen Hall, to attend this event and represent Monoc Securities. Over the years they had dealings with the Museum and even returned some minor items of First Nations origin.
She had contact an acquaintance, David Monroe, and asked if she wanted to be her date for the event. She had not heard back from him so did not know whether the retired police officer would make it or not.
As the car pulled up to the doors she was lost in thought considering what she had been hearing from her contacts of late. Several strange events. Did it mean anything? "I suppose time will tell"
The man who was holding the door open looked to the woman, "Ma'am?"
"Sorry, lost in thought." Pernilla moved out of the car and took up the blade and sheathed it at her side and then slung the axe in bladric on her back. "Do I look the part of warrior woman?" she asked with a smirk.
The driver looked her over and shrugged slightly but said nothing.
Invitation in hand, she made for the front door. And before entering she quickly glanced about for David Monroe.
The Toronto cold offended David Monroe in way that only a Texan could understand. The chill bit into him like a foreign invader. Fortunately, his costume kept him mostly warm. Monroe wore a long brown duster and thick cattle-wrangling gloves over blue jeans, boots, and a light brown shirt. Completing the costume were a bright sheriff's badge on the duster and an old Colt revolver on his hip. He hoped that no one would think it was real, even though the cylinder was filled with silver bullets. He had a backup set of ammunition (one set of cold iron, one set of lead) in his pocket and his dagger strapped to the inside of his left wrist. Along with his brown hair beginning to show distinguished gray, he looked the part of an American sheriff from the Wild West.
Monroe wasn't sure what Monoc wanted him here for. They were, as usual, secretive to the point of putting him in danger. While he was sure they were okay with that, he was not really wild about it. It was a little passive-aggressive, but he didn't respond to Pernilla's invitation just to get back at them a little.
He liked Pernilla, although he found her extremely strange. She had saved his life back in New Orleans during Katrina, something he definitely would not forget. Monroe knew where her loyalties were, though: Monoc Securities. Tough and gorgeous did not outweigh that. David knew he would always keep her at an arm's length, although he surely did enjoy her company.
He walked up to Pernilla, dressed up in a set of armor that looked authentic, and offered her his arm. He emphasized his Texan accent as he spoke to her. "Howdy, ma'am. You look like you need some company tonight." In a quieter voice (with his normal accent), he asked her, "Y'all were a little short on details about tonight. What's goin' on?"
He glanced around, intent on figuring out why he was here. He quickly analyzes his surroundings, using years of training and instinct. It would take a civilian a minute or more to seek out the details, but it takes him hardly more than a moment. In a flash, he has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the partygoers. Now all he has to do is Connect the Dots.
Was something going on? The hair on the back of his neck felt strange.
Conan slowly scanned the area, trying to locate what was causing the strange feeling.
Was something going on? The hair on the back of his neck felt strange.
Conan slowly scanned the area, trying to locate what was causing the strange feeling.
You get the tingly sensation that something is in the air tonight. It could be going into a museum filled with relics of antiquity or it could be something else.
Being 'At Home with Dead Stuff' allows you to get the feeling that there are corpses nearby.
Collect 1 Fate Point for 'Torn Between Worlds' and 1 Fate Point for 'Being at Home with Dead Things'
He glanced around, intent on figuring out why he was here. He quickly analyzes his surroundings, using years of training and instinct. It would take a civilian a minute or more to seek...
Okay, your roll is good and you will be able to detect the reactions of people in the crowd. I just have to wait till the other people make their rolls to tell you what you notice.
What you do notice is that some people are looking around as if they are expecting trouble but right now you don't know what kind of trouble. You have no Lore or Senses that detect the Supernatural; so, you will have to rely on watching others for clues.
You may add 1 Fate Point to your total for 'Stormy Partnership with Monoc Securities'
Lore
Alertness 1
Alertness 2
Supernatural Senses [–2]Able to sense the threads of fate, able to tell when someone is fated to die, or track down a creature she is fated to confront. There may be other things she can determine as well.
Conan resisted the urge to so much as think a curse, though the hair on the back of his neck stood straight up. He did not need this. What he needed to do was return home and find a way to finagle his investments to add to his library. Or maybe, given Chinatown, upgrade his wards. Or prepare a safe house. He did not need to ruin his already precarious standing with the Dean by sneaking around the ROM and ditching this glorified fundraiser.
No. He would be a good little boy tonight, wear his little costume, toe the line... and potentially let that pile of corpses grow.
But he didn't have a clue what was going on. Snoopy people who don't know what they're getting into tend to go the way of Hime, he thought.
Was there anyone here who was clued in? Going to be hard to find people he knew without being obvious. Looked like it was time to schmooze. He hated schmoozing.
He walked up to Pernilla, dressed up in a set of armor that looked authentic, and offered her his arm. He emphasized his Texan accent as he spoke to her. "Howdy, ma'am. You look like you need some company tonight." In a quieter voice (with his normal accent), he asked her, "Y'all were a little short on details about tonight. What's goin' on?"
"Good evening David. She took the man's offered arm, "Thank you for coming. This," she motions to the Museum and assembled people, "Is supposed to be some social event. I was asked to attend for the folk you are not too fond of," She smiled at him knowing his distrust of Monoc, "And needed a date. I really did not need any drama right now and knew you were both in town and would have my back if needed. I hope you don't mind?"
Monroe offered a smile. "Course not, Miss Tharaldson. Glad to be of a helpin' sort tonight. I reckon your back's a good thing to have." His accent and flirtations became more and more exaggerated to go with his costume, then drops nearly to a whisper as he leans in.
The woman nods to the man and with a smile, "Why thank you, Sheriff" Pernilla becomes more alert as she looks for those noticeable things that are out of place and just might give someone or something away. Her hand on reflex drops to the hilt of the blade at her hip.
Lore 4d3-5
Alertness 14d3-6
Alertness 24d3-6** spoiler omitted **
I asked for three rolls to cover all the relevant abilities.
You approach the museum and get a sense of things stirring the air and charging it with etheric energy. You are not sure what is the focus of the energy but you can sense that there is something moving in the area.
What is worse is that you can smell the scent of Troll in the area. You're not sure where they are but you are fairly sure they are close by.
With these thoughts in your mind it is not hard to see that fate lines are shifting more than normal over the crowd. Several of these people may face injury or death in the next few hours. You can not localize the sense to any specific individuals as it is still too far in the future and there are too many variables but it is coming.
Death is coming to the ROM.
I'm going to hold off on pointing people out. There are people clued in but I want to wait for people to do their first posts before answering this question.
Looking around the woman curses in one of her Nordic tongues and then looks to David "Sheriff... there be some some varmints in town... Nasty ones at that." She looks the man in the eyes to show how serious she is at the moment, "These good folk are in danger."
After several moments to let the news settle and prepare her mind she comments with a motion into the Museum, "Shall we?"
"Yes, ma'am." He continues to focus on the party, looking for suspicious behavior.
Danny's smile flickered briefly as the girls dragged him bodily into the museum. He used to get strange feelings when he was younger, and now that he knew his heritage, he realized that he was sensitive to things that most mortals weren't even aware existed outside of movies and books. Danny had started calling it his 'Spidey-sense', just to get under the skin of the couple of magickers he had met.
Danny let the girls drag him along, they hadn't even noticed his sudden distraction in their enthusiasm, as he looked around trying to spot what was bothering him.
4d3-7
4d3-8
You are entering a museum with many relics of distant heritage present. It is hardly a wonder that you get a small charge off of them or is it the pair of Triad daughters draped on your arms. Course, it could the eyes of their father or his followers that has your nerves a bit on edge this night.
Nathanial was going to go to that lecture, that much was certain. His lack of invitation would be no barrier. It would be somewhat risky, crashing the Museum's party, but the lecture by Professor Gunther would make it worthwhile. It would make a good break from his other research, at the least.
The costume was the easiest part. He already owned the suit, and the rest of the outfit was easy enough to buy. Black cloth to use as a shroud, a skull mask and red paint were all he really needed. If he was going to crash a masquerade, why go as anything but the most famous literary party crasher?
If he had any doubts, it was far too late to express them now. He was already entering the museum, his knife held securely beneath his jacket. He approached the ticket taker and began searching his pockets. "Damn, I must have left my invitation back home. Too far away to run back and get back here before the presentation. Would you mind if I just went in?"
If he had any doubts, it was far too late to express them now. He was already entering the museum, his knife held securely beneath his jacket. He approached the ticket taker and began searching his pockets. "Damn, I must have left my invitation back home. Too far away to run back and get back here before the presentation. Would you mind if I just went in?"
4d3-6
You walk up and are asked to show your invitation. You initially try to bluff your way though with the typical discussion of how you left your invitation on the dresser while putting on the costume.
Unfortunately, the Chinese or Korean working security is not buying it. You think that you're going to have to buy your way in when a person taps you on the shoulder and says to the security guard.
'My appologies. Ling is it? He's with the band.'
You look over and see that there are four other people dressed in similar red costumes with white masques.
The man speaking is dressed similar to a grim reaper but has gone for a whitish grey shroud instead of the traditional blackish shroud.
Glad that he's getting in at all, Nathanial tries his best not to eye his benefactor suspiciously. He should be able to recognize his companion's costumes, shouldn't he?
Glad that he's getting in at all, Nathanial tries his best not to eye his benefactor suspiciously. He should be able to recognize his companion's costumes, shouldn't he?
4d3 - 3
You move with the band into the museum. Long training and exposure has heightened your senses of the paranormal to extremely high levels. You quickly recognize that something is odd with the other band members.
The heavy cloaks may hide it from most people but you recognize the movement is more of a hopping movement then the normal walking of human feet.
If that wasn't bad enough, you are sure that you sense the tell tale energies of the Nevernever stirring. You are sure that you detect small people walking in the shadows here. Are they here on a mission or simply drawn by all the lights and costumes?
Finally, if all this was not enough to set a person's teeth on edge, you cast your eye on some of the display cases where the various medieval items of torture are located. You've seen relics before and are well aware of the echoes attached to them. These items have deep echoes of pain from the many lives that once suffered under their touch.
I couldn't be a more perfect day for the apocalypse. It is a good thing you're ready.
** spoiler omitted **He glanced around, intent on figuring out why he was here. He quickly analyzes his surroundings, using years of training and instinct. It would take a civilian a minute or more to seek...
Your training in investigations includes assessing witnesses at a crime scene. You can look at people and know if they are guilty or innocent. It is harder here with the costumes and masks but body language doesn't lie.
People like Pernellia are clearly getting psyched up like fighters preparing to enter a boxing ring. You can't tell what is the trouble but the way some of the people's heads are turning to the left and right and the way that they are maneuvering their bodies says they are getting ready for something.
It doesn't make much sense to you as the only things you can see and detect are the normal security for the museum along with some details that are here because of various high profile figures in the crowd.
It would be insane for some gunmen to make a move in this area.
Then again, Pernellia doesn't just see the regular threats, she sees threats that most regular people don't see. If she is being bothered by something then something big and ugly is headed this way.
** spoiler omitted **
It is going to take a while to circulate and notice who seems to be 'clued in' but you are fairly sure that the woman dressed in that fairly real armour with a Texan Marshal beside her seems to be looking around.
She could be some sort of body guard detail working under cover but she's dressed with some pretty authentic weapons instead of the normal stage pieces while hiding a glock under the shirt.
(making your business, my business)
Working in the kitchen and on the floor of the Gala event; a large man with redish hair and a chef's apron and hat is among the large team of servers and chefs keeping the guests happy with drinks food. The celebrity chefs take all the questions and shake hands; i am a background souse chef and make sure things flow and troubleshoot any food issues; help unload trucks; make sure enough carts are available; and have a supply of food and my knives to prepare anything the chefs may need if any food runs out or becomes very popular. I talk to the janitor and other staff and security and make sure they get some snacks and try to get a vibe from them, count them and the band in case anyone dissappears or changes, talk to each one to get a print of them in my memory; if they are nervous or relaxed; that sort of thing; with all the dissappearances lately; am on the prowl poking my nose in. When talking to guests; due to the Food Network and chefs becoming celebrities; I will talk about the appetizers; can give a demonstration of skills like cutting vegetables; making fancy hor de hourves like carrrot and radish flowers and so on, with a crowd this large some enthusiests are likely to want to talk about carving a turkey or some such.
Working in the kitchen and on the floor of the Gala event; a large man with redish hair and a chef's apron and hat is among the large team of servers and chefs keeping the guests happy with drinks food. The celebrity chefs take all the questions and shake hands; i am a background souse chef and make sure things flow and troubleshoot any food issues; help unload trucks; make sure enough carts are available; and have a supply of food and my knives to prepare anything the chefs may need if any food runs out or becomes very popular. I talk to the janitor and other staff and security and make sure they get some snacks and try to get a vibe from them; if they are nervous or relaxed; that sort of thing
Okay, so far everything is going well with the planning and execution of the wine and cheese reception. Things are busy in the kitchen as the staff is finishing the preparations on the first of three courses to be served during the meal.
One of the chefs hired for the night is a specialist in edible insects. He has instructed the staff in the preparation of some various spiders and grasshoppers that will be prepared and served as the appetizer for the meal in keeping with the Halloween theme of spooky surprises.
The second course is to be a pasta course but the stuffing of some of the pasta is a fruit base pomegranate and blood orange.
The main course is going to be a fictional Jabberwocky which the chef will 'kill' and serve to the guests. It is really a mixture of beef and goose that have been cooked up with a 'hide' of feathers and alligator skin that one of the people in the museum 'stitched' together along with a bit of pyrotechnics.
The planned desert is selection of cookies and tarts that are in various Halloween shapes along with coffee and tea.
There is also a paid bar service for people wanting more than a glass of wine with their meal.
Alertness ( I didnt think the +4 for initiative was applicable; add if it is)
in the kitchen; will make sure we have enough pots with water boiling for the pasta; make sure the ovens are hot to temp.
in shipping; make sure the crew and supplies are stored in the order that we will need them count the boxes of oranges and the like; look some of each to make sure no surprizes.
get my assistants; for a gala this big; probably have two; to start peeling he pomagranites and the oranges; saving any juices for the chef as he may wish to use it for mock "blood". This late in preparation; am thinking I have all the onions salad whatnot chopped for everyone and would be just keeping everyone happy.
On the floor;
view the crowd and check/clean the salad bar; make sure the bar has enough cocktail thinks like green onion, carrot and radish for their Bloody Mary's.
Will take a look at the the museaum items; you never know, so if a fight happens; maybe I can use a spear or something on display if it looks battle worthy. Will be carrying my two 8" knives and 3 4" knived on a tray covered by a towel; as I will need these in various places to prep things and on a will make people not get alarmed.
Danny shakes his head. He must be getting paranoid. Well, ok, 'Daddy's' assistant was giving him 'the glare', but he was used to that by now. He extracted his arms from the twins grip and laid them across the girls bare shoulders.
"Ok, we'll go to the exhibit Min, but can we please snag an orduerve first? I'm starving!" Danny interjected into the girls chatter.
"Men!" Min snorted, looking at her sister.
"Always thinking with their stomachs!" Lin nodded in agreement.
As one the twins elbowed him in the sides. Danny whoofed in (mostly) mock injury, and steered the girls towards the nearest waiter with a big silver tray,...
-------------
Min was fascinated by the exhibits, but Lin simply rolled her eyes at her sisters 'oohs' and 'ahs'.
"How can you even tell what this stuff is? Lin complained. "These cards don't tell you anything!"
Danny stepped up before Min could regale her sister with her knowledge of medieval instruments of persuasion.
"Oh that's easy Lin! What we have here is a selection of medieval paperweights. Suitable for home or office use!" He explained, tapping a case of assorted thumbscrews.
"And this little baby was invented by the furniture industry in an attempt to standardize the size of beds!" He explained, moving to indicate a torture rack. "The man who invented this also created the add slogan, 'One Size Fits All'!" Danny grinned.
"And THIS, is an at-home, do-it-yourself acupuncture device!" Danny declares, moving over to rap his knuckles on an Iron Maiden. "This was the first model made for easy out-of-the-way storage in a convenient corner when not in use!"
Danny moved around the exhibit hall in a similar vein, eliciting giggles from the twins and a few chuckles from the younger attendees, and more than few rolled eyes and disapproving frowns from the older ones. Danny simply smiled and continued playing the impromptu tour guide. After all, .
Barely giving a glance to the impromptu tour, Conan worked his way over to the armor-wearing gun bunny and her Marshal escort. Another time, the irreverent explanation would have been a welcome diversion from this farce of a fundraiser. The young man might even have made a good student, if Conan could have interested him in psycholinguistics.
He had hoped to find Aximeus or Nathaniel here; he had worked with them in the past, but even though I Watch out for my Friends, Conan couldn't see them anywhere. Conan also kept an eye out at the weapon exhibit. If anything went down, well, he wasn't a professional, but he could handle some of these weapons, a little, at least.
I let out a deep snarl looking at the stuff, a grimace on my face; having a flashback to WWII and the Nazi death camps and things I saw; and in Korean conflict; with all the impaled bodies; and in Veitnam; and in Somalia, Angola and Haiti, and Iraq and other places and the destruction and hatred and torture there; conscious of so many deaths; so much war and stuggle and pestilance and waste. Lost for a few moments in my thoughts, I stand still looking; afterwards; a bit sheepish, I try to cover and continue with my work.
If anyone asks; will explain I am a vet and thing such as these make me...uncomfortable.
<is it ok if my character speaks French and Italian?, I figure French with his time in the French Foreign Legion, and Italian from birth. Would use it in Italian campaign during WWII and much of the Middle east and Africa speak French as many were French colonies and territories. I dont know the rules for it; but French might come in handy here in Canada; and most of the world other than those from the U.S. speak at least another language.>
<Dr. Carding might notice me standing there not moving looking at the stuff and notice I am in sort of a trance and what it means; a not moving chef blankly staring might draw a bit of notice as unusual>
Barely giving a glance to the impromptu tour, Conan worked his way over to the armor-wearing gun bunny and her Marshal escort. Another time, the irreverent explanation would have been a welcome diversion from this farce of a fundraiser. The young man might even have made a good student, if Conan could have interested him in psycholinguistics.
He had hoped to find Aximeus or Nathaniel here; he had worked with them in the past, but even though I Watch out for my Friends, Conan couldn't see them anywhere. Conan also kept an eye out at the weapon exhibit. If anything went down, well, he wasn't a professional, but he could handle some of these weapons, a little, at least.
Monroe walks through the exhibits, arm in arm with Pernilla. He keeps her close in order to whisper to her, pointing out the body language that he sees. Hopefully, between his expertise in non-verbal communication and her supernatural knowledge, they can figure what is going on. He whispers to her, "You know, this could be avoided if only your bosses would trust us with the details rather than just putting us in place and hoping for the best. Last time they did this to me, I only survived because of my Southern charm."
Monroe inspects the torture exhibit that a young man is making a running commentary about. He files away the details of the young man and the two young Asian women with him, but generally disregards him because of his relaxed body language. Monroe also notices one of the kitchen staff paying unusual attention to the torture pieces and notes the emotional discomfort he is radiating through his body language. You never know when such a piece of information will come in handy.
While he isn't an expert on the exhibit's subject matter (and he wonders what sick mind would be), he does have a knack for noticing minor details and their meaning. If something is out of place, he's likely to notice it.
While he isn't an expert on the exhibit's subject matter (and he wonders what sick mind would be), he does have a knack for noticing minor details and their meaning. 4d3-3 If something is out of place, he's likely to notice it.
It is clear to someone with your training and background that someone has taken considerable effort with security on the glass and items inside the glass to make sure people 'Please don't touch the Exhibits'.
It would take a well run operation to get even some of the smaller pieces out of the museum. A smash and grab operation might work but you'd have to be pretty limited in what you were taking.
Looking at the items on display as being mostly made of poor quality iron and wood, you'd find it hard for anyone to bother when likely a room away the museum was displaying bits of gold from Egyptian and Aztec collections.
If there is trouble then it likely will be elsewhere in the museum while most of the people's focus is on the dinner and galla.
Nathanial continues to follow the band, even though he should be fleeing the scene as fast as possible. The band was something not quite human, the exhibits have attracted fey attention, and the exhibits themselves resonate with death and pain too fiercely to even think of looking at them under the Sight. Things were going to go south soon, one way or another.
He needed to get away from the band soon, that much was certain. But he had to know what they were before that. Knowledge is power, and he needs all the power he can get for tonight.
She looks over the exhibit in only a cursory manner and looks to her date at his comment. "I was sent as a representative, Monoc has had dealings with the Royal Ontario Museum before. I do not believe that what is happening here is their doing. Not when there are trolls are involved."
She continues to look over the crowd and stops at seeing a young man with two Asian women, "Is that not that Danny fellow? From New Orleans, when we first ran into one another. I remember hearing that he was in town a few months ago."
Monroe eyes the youth again. "Y'know, you're right. I haven't seen him since the hurricane. That's a tad unusual, he don't look like he got any older since Oh-Five. I never caught his name with all the excitement of shifters tryin' to kill me. I guess Monoc's been keepin' tabs on him, yeah?" Monroe decides to keep a closer eye on the young man.
"So how exactly are there trolls involved in this? Should be easy enough to spot, right?"
4d3 - 3
It is hard to tell what they are since they are wearing costumes that hide their physical appearance.
Their lack of responsiveness when you try to talk to them and the smell of rotting meat does make you think they are some sort of corpses which would mean they are some sort of undead.
Now, the lack of a regular walking gate combined with the possibility that these are corpses would lead you to suspect that they are Jiang Shi or Chinese Zombies. (A Superb level of Lore helps you know these things)
They are said to be attracted to breathing. Likely the reason the zombies aren't attacking you now is that you're wearing a mask that covers your mouth.
She looks over the exhibit in only a cursory manner and looks to her date at his comment. "I was sent as a representative, Monoc has had dealings with the Royal Ontario Museum before. I do not believe that what is happening here is their doing. Not when there are trolls are involved."
She continues to look over the crowd and stops at seeing a young man with two Asian women, "Is that not that Danny fellow? From New Orleans, when we first ran into one another. I remember hearing that he was in town a few months ago."
While you are speaking a man dressed in a Joker costume comes over to you and Monroe.
"So how exactly are there trolls involved in this? Should be easy enough to spot, right?"
** spoiler omitted **
The more valuable pieces are in the rooms dedicated to those collections. There are the standard museum signs pointing to where the various 'periods' of antiquity can be found. Each of these 'periods' has a collection with cases, fact cards, and suggested route for touring the exhibits.
It looks like a fair amount of budget goes into securing items throughout the museum. You would similarly guess there is some security for where items that are not on display are held.
The cases with examples of items of restraint and torture are in the special 'guest' exhibit where the museum routinely displays a feature attraction. It is essentially to large rooms with some wall divisions to break up the space and encourage people to wander through the area.
The area that is the lobby has been reset for the gala. Folding tables and stack-able chairs have been set up for the dinner on the one side. Lights featuring various shapes of ghosts and witches spin around the room.
People when they come in to the lobby after going through security first are received by waiters and waitresses with various plates of themed food items. The feature drink is a Bloody Mary though Sparkling wine with Raspberries is the alternative drink. People wanting something stronger can purchase a drink from the paid bar service.
After the initial shock of people entering hits the food service and we resupply; I will step out to the alley for a smoke break; chat with the others. Have my box of cigarettes rolled up in sleeve like in the 50's and have one on my ear that I smoke; lite my blue tip match from the bottom of the plate in my heavy leather shoes (there is an iron bar in the arch for strength and support and a skid plate on the heal to keep it from wearing, not to common nowadays, but can still get them as I wear shoes that are leather and stitched rather than glued.)
While out there will keep an eye out and small chat with the others; probably a few other food service and a security guy or so out there; typically a small group; if there is; will take a tray of snacks for us out there. Of course, I am a Malboro man; hehe when I dont roll my own. Will check out other peoples prefered brands in idle curiousity, maybe poke fun at their brands; is good idle talk to start a converstation no matter what country your in; see if anyone is smoking anything exotic.
While you are speaking a man dressed in a Joker costume comes over to you and Monroe.
Pernilla starts to answer her Sheriff for the evening, "I am not sure, but..." when she looks to the man dressed as the Joker, "Good evening, is there something we can do for you?"
She gazes over the man with her Supernatural Senses... (Assuming that we are fated to meet?)
While you are speaking a man dressed in a Joker costume comes over to you and Monroe.Pernilla starts to answer her Sheriff for the evening, "I am not sure, but..." when she looks to the man dressed as the Joker, "Good evening, is there something we can do for you?"
She gazes over the man with her Supernatural Senses... (Assuming that we are fated to meet?)
While out there will keep an eye out and small chat with the others; probably a few other food service and a security guy or so out there; typically a small group; if there is; will take a tray of snacks for us out there. Of course, I am a Malboro man; hehe when I dont roll my own. Will check out other peoples prefered brands in idle curiousity, maybe poke fun at their brands; is good idle talk to start a converstation no matter what country your in; see if anyone is smoking anything exotic.
Some of the people helping with the delivery are exceptionally tall and wide compared to the usual crews that make the deliveries. They are certainly more the type you would associate with moving pianos instead of delivering cases of oranges or 50 lb bags of potatoes.
There size makes the work go much faster than normal with most of the people easily carrying in twice or more load then an average person with a dolly would bring in.
They seem to appreciate the chance for snacks and a smoke along with the people taking a break from the kitchen.
They are led by the typically smaller 'boss' person type with a clip board and a cigar.
Nod to one of the guys; they grow them big up here in Canada; must be the milk; (see what response I get) Is everyone the son of a Lumberjack?
While you are speaking a man dressed in a Joker costume comes over to you and Monroe.Pernilla starts to answer her Sheriff for the evening, "I am not sure, but..." when she looks to the man dressed as the Joker, "Good evening, is there something we can do for you?"
She gazes over the man with her Supernatural Senses... (Assuming that we are fated to meet?)
If she isn't much for manners, at least we won't waste any time on social pleasantries, either, thought Conan. Still, I need something to go on to know how much to trust them.
Conan made a little flourish with his cane as he bowed to the lady and her escort. "Doctor Carding at your service, both of you. " Conan listened intently to their speech. Very often choice of words betrayed a great deal more of a person's thoughts than most realized.
"And I very much hope you may be of assistance. The two of you are somewhat overdressed for a simple academic lecture or masque. I propose a trade of information."
Your knowledge of linguistics won't show much beyond they aren't from Ontario, Canada. The marshal may be from the United States but he could be acting; so, it really is hard to tell. The woman has some sort of accent in her voice so she could from some place like Quebec or New Brunswick were English wasn't taught as a first language or from some more European country.
You can't pin down regions of exposure with the sample that you have to work with and surrounding noise.
Your sense of Lore is that the man is mortal but the woman is not mortal. You're not sure what she is but she isn't fae or someone belonging to one of the Courts. That makes her more of an oddity then the average folk.
Nod to one of the guys; "They grow them big up here in Canada. Must be the milk" (see what response I get) "Is everyone the son of a Lumberjack?"
The large fellows smile and nod goofily.
The man with the cigar takes it out of his mouth and says, "Don't mind them. They're my cousin's kids. They grow them big but not very smart. Good for doing pick-up work but not the swiftest on the uptake if you know what I'm saying. Still, they work hard and that's more than can be said of most in this business."